Child dies in MILF ‘infighting’ in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): Child dies in MILF ‘infighting’ in Maguindanao



A three-year-old child was killed by stray bullets when two Moro armed group leaders traded shots over land dispute in the town of Ampatuan in Maguindanao, the Army here said.

Lt. Colonel Gerry Besana, spokesperson of the Army-led anti-crime Task Force Central, said the conflict erupted Friday afternoon and was still going on as of Sunday evening involving leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“Land dispute and territorial conflict,” Besana said when asked what triggered the hostilities that also sent several residents fleeing to safer grounds.

Killed due to stray bullets was Asraf Maguindap, 3, of Barangay Buluan, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

Initial Army report showed that the warring groups belonged to two base commands of the MILF operating in Ampatuan and neighboring Datu Abdulla Sangki, also in Maguindanao.

“The group of Commanders Mauti Sangki and Yacob Sangki is fighting against the group of Datu Itim Ampatuan of the MILF 106th base command,” Besana said.

Aside from territorial conflict, the warring groups are also competing over control of strategic areas near the Delinanas Cavendish banana firm situated in the boundary of Ampatuan-Abdulla Sangki towns.

Accordingly, the group of Sangki is reportedly being supported by Mama Simpal of the IS-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Besana said four members of the warring groups were reportedly killed during the sporadic skirmishes. He added that the conflict had died down Monday after the MILF leadership sent emissaries to pacify the warring leaders.

Abu Amir, speaking for a faction of the BIFF, said his group was not involved in the conflict. He described the hostilities as “infighting” between MILF leaders who wanted to control large part of the banana plantation for “revenue.”

The skirmishes erupted days after Abdula Sangki town Mayor Miriam Mangudadatu ordered the temporary closure of Delinanas banana firm due to security concern and other issues, including non-compliance of business permit requirements and alleged non-payments of rentals of lands used as banana plantation area.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025705

Military hunt BIFF bombers in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): Military hunt BIFF bombers in Maguindanao



Troops belonging to the Army' 57th Infantry Battalion (IB) are hunting down two members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) responsible for setting off a roadside bomb Sunday, injuring five soldiers, including a junior Army officer, in Datu Unsay town in this province.

Capt. Arvin John Encinas, Army 6th Infantry Division (ID) spokesperson, identified those injured in the 5:30 a.m. roadside explosion as 1Lt. Jano Cyril C. Reyes, team leader, and his subordinates identified only as PFCs Maguncia, Purol, and Crispo, and Pvt Ramirez, all of the 57th IB.

The victims were on board a KM-150 military vehicle on their way to Cotabato City when the BIFF set off the explosive they planted at the side of the Meta Bridge in the area.

Encinas said 57th IB troops are now hot on the trail of Maro Butuan and a certain “Dats,” both under BIFF Commander Kadaffy Abdulatif, whom intelligence sources said were the last ones seen at the bridge prior to the blast.

In an interview over a local radio station, Abu Missry Mama, BIFF spokesperson, admitted that it was their members who planted the bomb at the approach of the bridge.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025652

2 more NPA rebels yield in Sarangani

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): 2 more NPA rebels yield in Sarangani

Two more alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered over the weekend to government troops in Sarangani Province.

1Lt. Daryl Cansancio, Alpha company commander of the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion (IB), said Monday the rebels yielded to their community support team on Saturday evening at sitio Akbual, Barangay Upper Suyan in Malapatan town.

He only identified the returnees as alias Joshua, who was listed as a squad leader of the NPA’s Front 71, of Barangay Pag-asa in Alabel town and alias Margas of Barangay Upper Suyan.

The two, who joined the NPA two years ago, surrendered an M-16 Armalite rifle and an AK47 rifle, he said.

Cansancio said the rebels decided to surrender following a series of negotiations led by troops under its community support program.

“They mainly surrendered due to the difficult situation in the mountains as a result of the intensified military operations,” he said in a radio interview.

He said the two were also disillusioned with their cause, especially in terms of the treatment of fellow indigenous peoples or lumads.

Since last month, at least nine NPA rebels under the Front 71 have surrendered to troops in parts of Sarangani Province.

On Thursday last week, three rebels yielded to the 73IB in Barangay Pag-asa, Alabel town following an encounter in the outskirts of Malapatan.

They were identiied as alias Mateo of Poblacion in Alabel, alias Levi of Olutanga Island in Zamboanga Sibugay and alias Junie of Sitio Kidalagan, Barangay Datu Danwata, Malita town in Davao Occidental.
The three surrendered two M16 rifles and an AK47 rifle.

Cansancio said they are currently processing the necessary documents to facilitate the enrolment of the returnees into the Comprehensive Local Integration Program or CLIP and the release of immediate assistance from the provincial government of Sarangani.

CLIP reintegrates former rebels into the social mainstream and uplifts their socio-economic conditions to enable them to become active partners in the local development.

The program also seeks to contribute towards the achievement of the goal of permanent peaceful closure of all armed conflicts with non-state armed groups.

He said the returnees will receive livelihood assistance and additional cash benefits for the surrendered firearms.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025673

No tinkering with FAP contract: DND chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): No tinkering with FAP contract: DND chief



No modification was made on the contract of the Frigate Acquisition Project (FAP), Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said during the Senate hearing on the project Monday.

Lorenzana clarified that they did not change anything in the contract, saying they merely reviewed it.

This includes the Term of Reference (TOR) and makers' list of the FAP component, Lorenzana said.

The defense chief added that all he did was to award the notice of award and FAP contract as all initial works had been completed by the previous DND administration.

The FAP project was initiated during the time of President Benigno Aquino III.

The notice of award was given to Hyundai Heavy Industries in August 2016 while the contract was signed in October that year.

The PHP18-billion project, inclusive of the Combat Management System (CMS) is the subject of an investigation by the Senate committee on national defense and security and the Congressional Oversight Committee on the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act, to determine whether the acquisition of the combat ships "promotes the goals of the modernization program and complies with pertinent laws".

The acquisition of the two frigates would provide the Philippine Navy with modern and capable warships to protect the country’s vast maritime territories.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025661

Ex-Navy head denies pushing for Thales Tacticos

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): Ex-Navy head denies pushing for Thales Tacticos



Former Philippine Navy (PN) flag officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado, on Monday denied pushing for Thales Tacticos to supply two missile-guided frigates for the Navy’s Combat Management System (CMS).

"As regards the issue of insisting on Thales Tacticos as the combat management system of the Philippine Navy frigate, I vehemently deny these allegations," Mercado said.

The former PN chief also cleared Special Assistant to the President Christopher "Bong" Go from alleged interference in the frigate deal, stressing that the latter never approached him to inquire about the matter.

"Neither did he make any form of communication to influence my decision making as the end-user and flag officer command of the PN," he added.

The Frigate Acquisition Project (FAP) is a key piece of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program as it seeks to provide the country with two warships that have the capability to deal with air, surface and sub-surface threats.

The warships will have a CMS which is said to be “the brain of a naval combat vessel”, a computer and software system package that integrates all the sensors and weapons systems of the ship into a single system to assure “knowledge superiority” over potential enemies, shorten decision-making cycles, and execute rapid and accurate weapon engagement, especially during combat or security operations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025653

PN can go for Thales Tacticos but at higher cost: Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): PN can go for Thales Tacticos but at higher cost: Lorenzana



The Philippine Navy (PN) can always go for Thales Tacticos as the supplier of the combat management system of the two missiles-armed frigates but it has to spend more money for the brand.

This was stressed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during the Senate hearing on the Frigate Acquisition Project (FAP) Monday.

But at this point, the DND cannot provide additional funds just to acquire combat management systems manufactured by Thales Tacticos.

Thales Tacticos is used by at least 23 navies while Hanwha is being utilized by two naval forces.

Earlier, Lorenzana said that using the abovementioned brand will hike the FAP cost to an additional USD14 million or USD7 million each for the two frigates being acquired from Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).

The FAP has a contract of PHP18 billion, including its weapon systems and munitions.

Also, he said that Hanwha, the manufacturer preferred by HHI, can meet the specifications set by PN.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025686

PNP files raps vs ISIS 'commander'

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): PNP files raps vs ISIS 'commander'



The Philippine National Police (PNP) filed criminal charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday against an Egyptian national tagged by authorities as a "commander" of international terrorist group Islamic State.

Fehmi Lassqued and his Filipina live-in partner Anabel Salipada were brought to the DOJ for inquest proceedings as they were charged with illegal possession of explosive devices and firearms filed by Regional Police Intelligence Operations Unit (RPIOU) of the National Capital Region Police Office.

The charge sheet signed by Supt. Carlito Narag Jr., RPIOU chief, sought the indictment of the suspects for violations of Republic Act 10591 and RA 9516, laws on illegal possession of firearms and explosives, respectively.

The two were arrested in Ermita, Manila on Friday by joint operatives of PNP and Philippine Army.

They were arrested pursuant to a search warrant issued by the Makati City Regional Trial Court.

It cited as evidence the explosive devices seized from the couple during their arrest, including four pipes, two batteries, three capacitors, two integrated circuits, three battery clips and 11 resistors and also the .45-caliber pistol and ammunitions recovered from them.

During the inquest proceeding, Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter Ong said the two met their lawyer from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) and decided to execute a waiver to their arbitrary detention and proceed with the preliminary investigation.

Ong set the preliminary investigation on Feb. 28 for submission of counter affidavit of the respondents.

“They decided to execute a waiver and to submit their counter-affidavit next week Wednesday (February 28),” Ong said.

Lassqued was presented to the public by PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa earlier in the day.

Dela Rosa earlier said Lassqued was an ISIS commander and recruiter for the international terrorist group who entered the country in July 2016 using a forged Tunisian passport.

But Lassqued denied the allegations and said he was “forced to say” that he was an ISIS member.

“The police put for me many weapons. I don’t know what it is and they say to me you just say this is yours and forced me to do that,” he said.

But he admitted that his passport was indeed fake but he clarified he has no plans or motive to do anything bad to the Philippines.

Lassqued has been staying in the Philippines since July 2016 and has been traveling in and out of the country using a fake Tunisian passport when he is actually an Egyptian national.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025694

Legarda: Bong Go clearly has nothing to do with frigate deal

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): Legarda: Bong Go clearly has nothing to do with frigate deal

Senator Loren Legarda on Monday said that it was very clear that Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go did not intervene in the controversial Frigate Acquisition Project (FAP) of the Philippine Navy and his appearance in the Senate is just a waste of time.

“Mr. Chairman, with all due respect, I think we are wasting the time of Sec. Bong Go sitting here because it’s very clear, wala naman siyang kinalaman dito (He is involved in this matter.),” she said during the Senate investigation into the PHP 18-billion warship deal by the Committee on National Defense and Security.

“I am not pre-judging it. All I’m saying is that … I am calling a spade a spade,” Legarda said.

The FAP is one of the key pieces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program, as it seeks to provide the country with the capability to deal with air, surface and sub-surface threats.

The PHP18-billion warship deal, including the weapon systems and munitions, was initiated in June 2013 and was practically completed during the time President Benigno S. Aquino III.

The contract, won by Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd (HHI), was signed only on September 2016 after President Rodrigo Duterte came into power.

However, the project was stalled in its final stages due to a contract dispute between the Navy and HHI arose over the choice of who should provide the critical combat management system (CMS) to be installed on the frigates.

Go’s name was dragged into the controversy after being accused by opposition lawmakers of “intervening” in the selection process.

This was after the Philippine Daily Inquirer and online news outlet Rappler claimed that Go allegedly gave Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana a white paper endorsing one of the contending suppliers for the CMS.

Lorenzana attached a note to the unsigned document saying it came from Go and asked then Navy chief Ronald Mercado “to go over it and prepare a report/rebuttal” to be submitted to the President.

Go denied giving the document to Lorenzana, which the latter confirmed.

All key players in the project also denied that Go intervened in the project

Legarda virtually debunked the allegations against the Palace official and defended the note issued by Lorenzana.

“I’ve done my homework, I’ve read all documents and all I see is this handwritten message and it’s a pro forma request of Secretary Lorenzana to look into it,” she said.

“Don’t we all do that: ‘can you look into it, give me complete staff work?’ Right? So we are wasting the time of people who should be working on other matters,” Legarda stressed.

She added that while she fully supports the FAP and the AFP’s modernization program, authorities involved in the process must not be disparaged just because they are doing their jobs.

“I support the Navy and its acquisition of hardware, the AFP modernization program and the faithful implementation of the Procurement Act, but also respecting the jobs and tasks of people and not casting aspersion on those who are simply doing their job in government,” Legarda said.

Nevertheless, Legarda said that the investigation should still continue to look into the bigger picture: to let everybody understand where the taxpayer’s money go and to highlight the importance of acquiring the frigates in protecting the country’s sovereignty.

The investigation, initiated by opposition lawmakers in the Senate through Resolution No. 584, seeks to determine whether the acquisition of the combat ships "promotes the goals of the modernization program and complies with pertinent laws."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025749

CMS to be acquired for frigates compliant to Navy specifications

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): CMS to be acquired for frigates compliant to Navy specifications

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Monday assured the public that the combat management system (CMS), being acquired for the two frigates contracted by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), is compliant to all the specifications set by the Navy.

"No, we are not settling for a less capable system, compliant system (Hanwha CMS), yan ang (that is the) term sa (in) procurement," Lorenzana noted.

Lorenzana made this statement shortly after Monday's Senate hearing where the Navy's Frigate Acquisition Project (FAP) was tackled and the reasons why HHI opted to pick Hanwha over Thales Tacticos, the manufacturer preferred by former PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado.

And while acknowledging that Thales Tacticos is a good CMS brand, the DND chief said the Hanwha CMS being selected to fit the Navy's first two missile-firing capable frigates is equally capable.

"We are not buying a lesser product. We are buying an equally capable product to be put into our ship(s)," he added.

Also, Lorenzana emphasized that Mercado's relief last December was brought about by the latter's refusal to comply with two of his memorandums on the CMS and pronouncements that he will have the project cancelled if Thales Tacticos was not selected to supply the above-mentioned equipment.

"(The reason for his relief as FOIC was) dahil dalawang beses na memo ko hindi n’ya sinusunod tapos, sa mga conference niya (sinasabi) na pag hindi (na)tuloy ang (Thales) Tacticos, ika-cancel niya ang FAP (The reason for his relief as FOIC was he disobeyed my memos twice and he says in his conferences that he will have the FAP cancelled if Thales Tacticos will not be selected)," the DND chief pointed out.

Also, Lorenzana said that it was Mercado who had the specification "Tactical Data Link 16" or the ability to transmit and receive data from various platforms in a bid to justify the preference for the Thales Tacticos CMS.

"Hindi ko alam may motivation siningit nila nung tapos na technical specifications nung Link 16, baka (para) ma-disqualify ang Hanhwa (I didn't know there was this motivation that they have inserted when the technical specifications of Link 16 were done. Maybe, it's for Hanhwa's disqualification)," he added.

The DND chief added that this specification was not present in the original specifications. Also, Lorenzana said he has no objections to acquiring the Thales Tacticos CMS provided that adequate funds are allotted for it.

The FAP has a contract of PHP18 billion including the weapon systems and munitions. Earlier, the DND chief said that using the Thales Tacticos CMS will shoot the price of the frigates by USD7 million per ship or USD14 million for the two vessels.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025747

Maritime operation stepped up as seajacking is foiled in Basilan

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 18): Maritime operation stepped up as seajacking is foiled in Basilan

Maritime units in Zamboanga City area stepped up their pursuit operations to scour the waters off Basilan island following a seajacking attempt on a Philippine vessel that lost propulsion late Friday evening.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom) received a distress call from the Presidential Management Staff and other agencies of government seeking assistance over an attempt to seajack marine vessel Kudos, a Philippine flagged cargo vessel in the vicinity of Coco and Sibago islands in Basilan at past 10 pm.

Immediately, WestMinCom activated the Anti-Kidnaping Joint Task Force under Rear Admiral Rene Medina, Commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao, who at once deployed for maritime interdiction five Navy vessels with elements towards the targeted area.

In the same manner, the Phil Coast Guard under Capt. Ronnie Gil Gavan, the commander of the Coast Guard Southwestern District, dispatched two of its water crafts as augmentation.



Basilan Map (Photo courtesy of Google maps | Manila Bulletin)


“We immediately alerted all units and deployed our assets to thwart the attack on MV Kudos on Sibago,” Medina said.

Deployments were also swiftly done through lateral coordination of the Anti-Piracy Task Force Command. Meanwhile, two aircraft were dispatched by the PAF to conduct aerial survey and patrol.

“Sensing that the crew of their target vessel could have sent distress call to government security forces, the pirates scampered away before the former swoop down on them”, Medina said.

At about 11:25 pm Friday, (February 16), the troops, with coast guard personnel, already established radio contact with the crew of MV Kudos.

Navy troops aboard fast crafts promptly conducted maritime interdiction and counter action operations at the reported location of the incident.

With proper coordination, Coast Guard personnel boarded MV Kudos upon reaching the vessel’s location for initial investigation and provided medical assistance and first aid to some of its crew members who suffered minor bruises from broken objects when they were fired upon by the armed group.

No one among the crew of MV Kudos was abducted.

At midnight, MV Kudos and all its crew members were declared safe and were escorted by MMRV 4402 and the navy ship PC386 going to Zamboanga City anchorage area.

“We were pleased that the crew did not lose their presence of mind. Their raw courage enabled them to pour hot water to the pirates who were already attempting to climb the vessel,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“Their action was also instrumental in foiling the seajacking attempt.”

At 2:41 a.m. Saturday, the vessel arrived at the Zamboanga port. All other Coast Guard and Navy vessels and units are still in the vicinity conducting maritime patrol and pursuit operations.

“The recent incident manifest that our response system works and proves effective in thwarting sea-jacking attempts as long as it is reported to the authorities early,” Galvez said.

“My commendations to our Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force units for their forthright and swift response to save people in danger.”

“This only shows that with coordination and planning, we will be able to disrupt, deter, or prevent, and possibly interdict terrorists and criminal elements that sow fear among our vessels and seafarers,” he added.

Galvez said Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard units will continue their joint maritime patrol and pursuit operations to ensure that the culprits involved in the foiled attempt will be neutralized; and the incidence of piracy and other high crimes at sea will be minimized if not totally eradicated,” he added.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/18/maritime-operation-stepped-up-as-seajacking-is-foiled-in-basilan/

AFP deploys add’l combat Army battalion to crush NPA terrorists

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 18): AFP deploys add’l combat Army battalion to crush NPA terrorists

Camp Bancasi, Butuan City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines has deployed additional combat maneuvering Army Brigade to crush the remaining New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists in Northeastern Mindanao or Caraga region and Northern Mindanao region.


(MANILA BULLETIN)
The new combat maneuvering brigade that was pulled out from Daraga, Albay arrived at the headquarters of the Army’s Northeastern and Northern Mindanao 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4th ID) in Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City on Thursday.

Before deploying the 901st Infantry Brigade (901st Brigade) to the areas of responsibility (AOR) of the 4th ID, the command group and its personnel of the 901st Brigade will be briefed to their area of assignment by the officials of the tactical and command center of the 4th ID.

They will be joining the other combat maneuvering battalions in crushing the NPA terrorists in the two regions in Mindanao, said 4th ID spokesperson 1Lt. Tere Ingente.

Late last year, the 88th Infantry Battalion (newly organized combat maneuvering battalion) and 65th Infantry Battalion that came from Marawi City were also deployed in the region to augment the 4th ID combat troops.

By not elaborating further due to tactical movement, the 4th ID spokesperson said some new combat maneuvering troops might be under the operational control of the new 901st Brigade as realignment of jurisdictional areas is still ongoing.

“All these new combat units will be under the command of 4th ID,” added Lt. Ingente, in a phone interview with the Manila Bulletin early Saturday evening.

Military intelligence sources said an estimated 900 to 1,000 NPA terrorists are still hiding in the Mount Ilong-Ilong and nearby mountains down to Diwata ranges in Caraga region and Calabugao Valley, Mount Kalatungan and Mount Kitanglad in northern Mindanao region.

Field unit commanders in the region claimed that the government’s all-out war against the NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), is already winning, with the recent arrest of two high-ranking CPP-NPA officials and the continuous surrender of their armed regulars, supporters and sympathizers while defeating other guerilla fighters in the recent skirmishes in different highland and far-flung areas in the two regions in Mindanao.

The livelihood, peace and development program of the government also led to the surrender of the NPAs, Brig. Gen. Franco Nemesio M. Gacal, commanding general of the Army’s 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade claimed recently.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/18/afp-deploys-addl-combat-army-battalion-to-crush-npa-terrorists/

Abu Sayyaf member in Basilan surrenders, turns over high-powered firearm

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 19): Abu Sayyaf member in Basilan surrenders, turns over high-powered firearm

As troops of the Joint Task Forces under Western Mindanao sustain the operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group, another bandit surrendered to the soldiers of the 74th Infantry Battalion of the Joint Task Force Basilan on Friday afternoon.



Basilan (Credits: Google Maps / MANILA BULLETIN file photo)

Ligoda Tanjal, a regular member of the ASG under Abu Sayyaf subleader Nurhasan Jamiri alias Abu Bekkat and is listed No. 18 in the AFP’s Periodic Status report, surrendered to Lt. Col. Templo, battalion commander of the 74IB at Barangay Banah, Tipo-tipo, Basilan at about 3 p.m..

Tanial turned over upon his surrender one M16A1 rifle, one rifle scope and a magazine with ammunition.

“We immediately have Tanial undergo the usual process for surrenderers that includes custodial debriefing and medical checkup,” said Brig. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force Basilan.

“He said he surrendered because he wanted to have a new life away from banditry and danger. He also said that he was encouraged to lay down arms after learning that his former companions are already undergoing rehabilitation and reintegration program,” he added.

Tanial is the 10th Abu Sayyaf to surrender in Basilan province since the year started. It brings the number of surrenderers to 20 in the different JTFs of WestMinCom for this year alone and 178 since January 2017.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/19/abu-sayyaf-member-in-basilan-surrenders-turns-over-high-powered-firearm/

Philippine security forces nab Egyptian ISIS 'commander'

From the Straits Times (Feb 19): Philippine security forces nab Egyptian ISIS 'commander'



Fehmi Lassqued, allegedly a negotiator and commander of ISIS in Syria, was arrested in Manila with his companion Anabel Moncera Salipada.PHOTO: AFP

Philippine security forces have arrested an Egyptian who is believed to be a unit commander of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Fehmi Lassqued was nabbed over the weekend with his Filipina girlfriend Anabel Salipada in Manila's Ermita district, Director-General Ronald dela Rosa, the police chief, said at a news briefing on Monday (Feb 19).

Salipada, 32, is from Tupi town in Maguindanao province, a hotbed of Muslim insurgency in the war-torn southern island of Mindanao.

Firearms and materials for making pipe bombs were seized.

Mr De la Rosa said Lassqued was a "commander" and "government negotiator" of ISIS in Syria.

Lassqued has been staying in the Philippines since July 2016 and has been travelling "in and out of Manila" throughout his stay using a fake Tunisian passport.

Lassqued told reporters he "was ISIS before", but was whisked away before he could give a full explanation.

Lassqued is the second ISIS-linked foreigner to be arrested this year.

Last month security forces nabbed suspected terrorist Abdelkhakim Labidi Adib, 20, from Spain, in Basilan province, stronghold of the small but brutal Abu Sayyaf group in Mindanao.

Labidi Adib was described as an Abu Sayyaf "sympathiser" and a "campaigner" for an ISIS province in the Philippines.







     nikko dizon‏ @NikkoDizonINQ 12h12 hours ago
Happening now: PNP-AFP present Egyptian national Fehmi Lassqued, Filipina companion allegedly members of ISIS. 

Director Oscar Albayalde said ISIS has already found "safe havens" across metropolitan Manila. "Here in Metro Manila, there are several Muslim enclaves where they can hide," he told reporters.

Mr Albayalde said police are monitoring known ISIS sympathisers in Manila.

Metro Manila is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, serving as home to over 13 million Filipinos.

In November 2016, security forces defused a powerful bomb found inside a rubbish bin near the United States embassy in Manila.

The bomb had the same "signature" as the one that exploded in September that same year at a popular night market in Davao, home city of President Rodrigo Duterte, which was blamed on Maute. The attack left 15 dead.

Metro Manila suffered its worst terrorist attack in December 2000, when militants detonated bombs in five locations across the region, including at an MRT station, killing 22 in total.

http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/philippines-arrests-suspected-isis-leader-in-manila

Malaysian militant linked to Abu Sayyaf abductions

From the Straits Times (Feb 19): Malaysian militant linked to Abu Sayyaf abductions

 

Amin Bacho (pictured), who escaped the Philippines military recapture of the ISIS­ occupied Marawi city last year, was in hiding in Jolo island with Abu Sayyaf commander Hatib Hajab Sawadjan.PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

Wanted Malaysian militant Amin Bacho is among the 40 remaining Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) gunmen who have consolidated with the Abu Sayyaf group in Jolo island where they are believed to be abducting locals to fund their network in the east coast of Sabah.

According to intelligence sources, the Tawau-born Amin, who escaped the Philippines military recapture of the ISIS ­occupied Marawi city last year, was in hiding in Jolo island with his father-in-law, Abu Sayyaf commander Hatib Hajab Sawadjan.

The group has terrorised Sabah's east coast with numerous kidnappings in the past decade.

On Thursday (Feb 14), the Ajang Ajang group, a sub-group of the Abu Sayyaf, had abducted Enrico Nee, a Department of Public Works and Highways engineer, in Jolo island and handed him to Sawadjan, who is in control of 70 gunmen.

"So far, they (the militants) have carried out local kidnappings in Jolo itself but they are likely to look beyond soon," the sources said.

The intelligence sources said the group was eyeing shipping vessels and fishing boats at sea borders between southern Philippines and east coast of Sabah as targets.

The sources said that it also planned to carry out raids in Sabah waters but it could not slip through the high level of alert put in place by Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom).

The sources in Jolo said that Amin, who is wanted in Malaysia for his involvement with Darul Islam Sabah, has also teamed up with Owayda @ Abu Dar, one of the key figures in the May 2017 Marawi City siege led by slain Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon who teamed up with the Maute brothers.

However, intelligence sources are divided over their intention with some suspecting that they plan to carry out a siege of Jolo town in their bid to create an Islamic state following their defeat in Marawi city.

http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysian-militant-linked-to-abu-sayyaf-abductions

Abu Sayyaf sniper surrenders to military in Basilan

From GMA News (Feb 19): Abu Sayyaf sniper surrenders to military in Basilan

An Abu Sayyaf sniper has surrendered to the military in Al-Barka, Basilan.

The military identified the bandit as Ligod Tanjal alias Coy-coy under Abu Sayyaf leader Nurhassan Jamiri.

It said Tanjal also turned over his M16A1 rifle with scope to the Bravo Company of the Army's 74th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Macalang on Saturday.

The Army said Tanjal is included in the Armed Forces of the Philippines' watchlist.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/643843/abu-sayyaf-sniper-surrenders-to-military-in-basilan/story/

Bombs, live ammo found in Surigao del Sur

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 18): Bombs, live ammo found in Surigao del Sur

POTENTIAL DANGER – Pipe bombs are stacked over each other as a huge cache of explosives and ammunition is discovered by the 16th Special Forces Company in the mountainous area of Sitio Tingtingon, Barangay Bitaugan in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, Friday. (Photo courtesy of 402nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division)

Camp Bancasi, Butuan City – Military troops found a large cache of bombs and live ammunition in a far-flung area in Surigao del Sur that was described as enough to blow up government facilities and inflict substantial casualties to civilian communities and patrolling soldiers, according to First Lt.Tere Ingente, regional Army spokesperson of the Northeastern and Northern Mindanao Fourth Infantry Division (4th ID), on Sunday.

Ingente said the location of the arms cache in Sitio Tingtingon, Barangay Bitaugan in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur was pinpointed by former New People’s Army (NPA) members, who recently surrendered to the government, as well as local residents.

Troops from the 16th Special Forces Company (16th SFCoy), operational control (Opcon) unit of the Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade went to the area on Friday, and found the cache with 34 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and 635 assorted live ammunition, the 4th ID spokesperson said.

“The people of San Miguel just saved their own lives by tipping us off with the exact location of the IEDs and ammunitions, and it shows that they are concerned about their security,” Ingente noted.

The recovered items were immediately brought to the headquarters of the 16th SF Coy for further inventory of the other seized war materials, she added.

This developed as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has deployed additional troops to the Army Brigade with the objective of crush the remaining NPA terrorists in Northeastern Mindanao or Caraga region and Northern Mindanao region.

The new brigade, which was pulled out from Daraga, Albay, arrived at the headquarters of the Army’s Northeastern and Northern Mindanao 4th ID in Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City on Thursday.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/18/bombs-live-ammo-found-in-surigao-del-sur/

SPECIAL REPORT//Govt to crack down on CPP/NPA supporters

From the Manila Times (Feb 19): SPECIAL REPORT//Govt to crack down on CPP/NPA supporters

GOVERNMENT officials who are funding the New People’s Army (NPA) will be arrested once the court officially declares the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) as a terrorist organization, The Manila Times learned recently.

Aside from those who serve as “fronts” of the CPP-NPA, national and local politicians such as governors, mayors, vice mayors, and barangay (village) captains will be included in the crackdown, well-placed military sources told The Times.

The sources said military officials have drafted lists containing the names of government officials who have been supporting the communist rebels by giving them money, firearms and ammunition.



TERRORISTS? Members of the New People’s Army stand at attention during training exercises in their camp in southern Luzon. PHOTO BY RENE DILAN

One source said officials, particularly village chiefs from the tri-boundary areas of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Cagayan Valley, are on the list.

The source said all villages within the tri-boundary areas were either “affected” by the NPA or were hotbeds of insurgency.

Governors, mayors and vice mayors in some areas in Northern Luzon are also on the list, according to the source.

The military is gathering evidence, as well as witnesses, to prove that these officials were directly giving financial and armor support to the rebels.

“We are following the legal procedures and we are awaiting the declaration of the court. They might be arrested once the court issued its decision [that the CPP-NPA are terrorist organizations],” the source said.

He said the lists are updated on a regular basis based on the information gathered from NPA rebels who surrendered and from recovered subversive documents.

Aside from CAR and the Cagayan Valley region, some provinces in Central Luzon including Nueva Ecija and Bulacan are affected by the communist insurgency but these areas are “under control” by the military.

The source said the amount of funds being sent to the rebels is not less than P5 million.

“One million pesos is just a small amount for such transactions. The amount is not less than P5 million since we are talking about a big amount of money here,” he added.

He said some officials send their monetary support to the rebel group through banks. A representative of the NPA would withdraw the money by using ATMs.

“There are also instances when the NPA and the officials transact (business) through couriers coming from both sides,” the source added.

Sometimes, the official himself will hand the monetary support to the rebels if that official’s area is near the NPA lair, the source said.

But the sources said government authorities will move to arrest CPP/NPA supporters once they have gathered ample evidence to prove that these government officials have been giving support to communist rebels.

“Once a warrant has been released, that’s the time that we can arrest them for supporting terrorism,” one source said.

Last week, the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID) said Interior Secretary Eduardo Año had asked the military to prepare a list of local officials who are supporting the rebels.

To be continued

http://www.manilatimes.net/govt-crack-cpp-npa-supporters/381245/

SAF outnumbered, suffers 6 wounded in clash with rebels

From The Standard (Feb 19): SAF outnumbered, suffers 6 wounded in clash with rebels

SIX members of the Philippine National Police- Special Action Force were wounded while two other commandos were reported missing after they were ambushed by suspected communist rebels in the hinterlands of Antipolo City early Sunday morning.

Initial reports reaching the office of Chief Supt. Ma-o Aplasca, Southern Tagalog police chief, said the police commandos, all members of the 33rd Special Action Company, were traversing the vicinity of the public cemetery in Sitio San Josef, San Jose village, when they were attacked by the armed men around 6:30 a.m.

It was reported that the SAF troopers were overwhelmed by the volleys fired by the rebels, but they managed to fire back although outnumbered.

A team of SAF reinforcements arrived at the ambush site and traded shots with the rebels that lasted for an hour, after which the rebels withdrew.

The responding SAF troopers took their comrades to the Rizal Provincial Hospital System in Padilla, Antipolo City, where the medical condition of the four wounded SAF commandos were still to be determined.

It was reported that five other SAF troopers “cannot be located” after the firefight, but SAF spokesman Jonalyn Malnat said the supposed missing SAF personnel were all accounted for eight hours after the incident.

“They were all accounted for due to the immediate reinforcement of our troops,” Malnat said.

However, the authorities said two SAF members were still missing.

The incident was the first since Communist Party of the Philippines’ founding chairman, Jose Maria Sison, threatened to kill one soldier a day even and warned of more attacks against the military and the police.

President Rodrigo Duterte replied by saying he had ordered the military to kill five communist rebels a day.

http://thestandard.com.ph/news/top-stories/259043/saf-outnumbered-suffers-6-wounded-in-clash-with-rebels.html

Policemen ambushed in Metro Manila’s eastern outskirts

From the Gulf News (Feb 18): Policemen ambushed in Metro Manila’s eastern outskirts

Suspected New Peoples’ Army members open fire on Special Action Force in San Jose village



Antipolo is located just more than 11 km away from Manila. While reports of NPA presence in the area is not unusual, the ambush is the first time in years that such an action was carried out so close to the capital.

A two-vehicle convoy carrying police commandos were ambushed early morning Sunday in a remote area in Antipolo City, officials said.

Members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) were travelling along an isolated area in the village of San Jose, when suspected New Peoples’ Army (NPA) opened fire on them, riddling two police cars with gunfire and injuring six police commandos.

A report by the Manila Bulletin quoted Senior Inspector Cherrylyn Agtarap as saying the ambush occurred at around 6am on Sunday.

Antipolo is located just more than 11 km away from Manila. While reports of NPA presence in the area is not unusual, the ambush is the first time in years that such an action was carried out so close to the capital.

The village of San Jose is an area not frequented by people.

The report said the policemen were taken to the Rizal Provincial Hospital and Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center in Marikina City for treatment.

According to an Antipolo City resident, there had been increased military and police presence in the city since the ambush took place.

“Police commandos in motorcycles with rifles are going around the areas in the city,” a resident said.

There had been a noticeable increase in insurgent presence in areas in the Philippines after President Rodrigo Duterte offered peace negotiations with them last year.

“The NPA was able to consolidate its forces and conduct atrocities since they took advantage of the peace negotiations last year,” a security official who asked for anonymity told Gulf News in an interview.

The Duterte administration had restarted peace negotiations in 2016 with the insurgents as part of his campaign promise, however, frequent attacks go businesses and military and police convoys, prompted the President to scuttle the peace process.

The Central government in Manila had been fighting the communist insurgents led by the NPA and the Communist Party of the Philippines for 50 years already.

http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/philippines/policemen-ambushed-in-metro-manila-s-eastern-outskirts-1.2175321

Five soldiers wounded in ambush in southern Philippines

From Xinhua (Feb 18): Five soldiers wounded in ambush in southern Philippines

A junior army officer and four soldiers were wounded on Sunday in an attack in the southern Philippines, a military spokesman said.

Capt. Arvin Encinas said the troops were aboard a military truck on an "administrative mission" when attacked around 7:30 a.m. in Meta village in Datu Unsay town in Maguindanao province.

He said an improvised explosive device went off as the truck approached a bridge.

"They were mobile and as soon as they reached the bridge in barangay meta, they were hit by IED explosion. There was no firefight, it's merely an IED explosion aimed at our troops," Encinas said.

The military blamed the attack on Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a group of about 300 militants that also pledged allegiance to the Islamic State extremists.

Encinas said the attack was a revenge to the ongoing military offensive against the BIFF that started in August last year.

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-02/18/c_136983635.htm

3-year-old child killed by stray bullet from clash in Maguindanao

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 19): 3-year-old child killed by stray bullet from clash in Maguindanao



 AMPATUAN, Maguindanao — A 3-year-old child was killed on being hit by stray bullets as two Moro rebel factions clashed over a land dispute here, the Army said Monday.

Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, the spokesperson of the Army-led anti-crime Task Force Central, said the on-and-off clashes started Friday afternoon continued until Sunday evening.

The child was identified as Asraf Maguindap, a resident of Barangay Buluan.

According to Besana, the dispute involved two factions of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) – one faction under commanders Mauti Sangki and Yacob Sangki and the other coming from the 106th Base Command of the MILF under Datu Itim Ampatuan.
Besana said four members of the warring groups were also reportedly killed during the sporadic skirmishes.

“Land dispute and territorial conflict,” Besana said when asked what triggered the hostilities, which also sent several residents fleeing to safer ground.

Besana said the group led by the Sangkis was reportedly being supported by Mama Simpal of the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

He said the MILF leadership had already stepped in and brought the warring groups to a ceasefire on Monday.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/969872/milf-clashes-gerry-besana-asraf-maguindap

Suspected terrorist, Filipina girlfriend arrested in Malate, Manila by AFP, PNP joint team

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 19): Suspected terrorist, Filipina girlfriend arrested in Malate, Manila by AFP, PNP joint team

A suspected foreign ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria) leader and his alleged Filipina girlfriend were arrested in a joint counter-terrorism operation conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Manila over the weekend.

Fehmi Lassqued alias John Rasheed Lassqued, an Egyptian national according to the PNP, 33, and Anabel Moncera Salipada, 32, of Upi, Maguindanao were presented yesterday by PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa and Brigadier General Bienvenido Datuin Jr, commander of AFP-Civil Relations Service (CRS), at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.



Fehmi Lassqued a.k.a. John Rasheed Lassqued, a suspected member of the Islamic Terrorist group ISIS, is guarded by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, as he was presented to the media at the PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame, February 19 2018. Lassoued, together with his female companion identified as Anabel Moncera Salipada of Upi Maguinadanao, was arrested by the PNP-AFP counter-terrorism operation in Malate, Manila. (Mark BAlmores)
According to Dela Rosa, Lassoued served as a former negotiator between the ISIS leadership and local government officials in Syria and Turkey, and a former ISIS commander in the Syrian-Turkish border. He now serves as an active ISIS recruiter of prospected Filipino terrorist fighters.

Dela Rosa said Lassoued and Salipada were arrested at Room 409 of Casa Blanca Apartment located on M. Adriatico, Malate, Manila by the virtue of a search warrant issued by a local court. Assorted firearms, ammunition, components for improvised explosive device (IED) and a black ISIS flag were seized from the two suspects.

“We received an information from our foreign counterparts about him, then we did a case buildup and it turned out the information was positive. We applied the search warrant,” Dela Rosa told reporters.

The possibility that Lassoued has already made contact with interested Filipino terrorists was considered by Dela Rosa, however, he couldn’t determine yet the exact number of his recruits.

“He entered the country mid July 2016 via Iran using a fake Tunisian passport. Ever since, he’s been in and out of Manila,” Dela Rosa told reporters.

“If he can recruit via the Internet, how much more if he is already here, he has physical contact with possible recruits. Most likely, anybody can be recruited, those idealist children,” he added.

The two suspects were detained at the PNP Camp Crame in Quezon City

Foreign trips

It was learned that Lassoued made five foreign outings since he arrived in the country including three trips to and from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and two trips to and from Istanbul, Turkey. The trips were recorded from July 26, 2016 to November 9, 2017.

Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office director Oscar Albayalde said that Lassoued might have been offering financial assistance to prospected recruits to entice them into joining the ISIS.

“One factor is finance. Apparently, he can sneak in money into the country. We have yet to determine how much money is involved,” he said.

He also stated that Lassoued might have recruited via social media networks and personal visits in conflict-afflicted areas in the country. Aside from foreign trips, authorities are now searching for the places the suspect visited in the Philippines.

Albayalde also said there were indications that Lassoued was planning a terror attack because authorities also confiscated drawings of maps of unidentifiable places from him.

“There are indications (of possible terror plot) because we found some drawings, maps. We will conduct our final tactical interrogation and only then we will know other details,” Albayalde said.

Filipina terrorist?

According to authorities, Salipada denied any involvement into the alleged terrorist activities of Lassoued but intelligence operatives have already conducted further investigation on her.

Albayalde said Salipada might have been used as a cover for the terrorist acts of Lassoued.

“For cover, not necessarily she knew what she was doing but usually, if you want to remain in a specific place for a long time, you will look for a partner, or wife to make your stay legal,” he explained.

‘Still safe’

Although the suspected ISIS leader has infiltrated Manila, Dela Rosa assured that the public is still safe and security remains on high alert.

“We are continuously conducting close coordination with airport authorities. It is a good thing that this terrorist was arrested, that means we’re still safe,” Dela Rosa said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/19/suspected-terrorist-filipina-girlfriend-arrested-in-malate-manila-by-afp-pnp-joint-team/