US bombers fly near Spratly Islands — report

From the Philippine Star (Jun 5): US bombers fly near Spratly Islands — report
                 

In this July 10, 2010 photo, a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft from the 20th Bomb Squadron out of Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana flies over the Hawaiian operating area during the Rim of the Pacific exercise. Two B-52s reportedly flew within the vicinity of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.  US Air Force/Staff Sgt. Kamaile O. Long

Two nuclear-capable US bombers flew near the Spratly Islands a day after US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis accused China of "intimidation and coercion" in the South China Sea.

American news channel CNN reported that two B-52 strategic bombers of the US Air Force flew within 20 miles from the islands, according to a US defense official. The Spratly Islands are also being claimed by the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

The US Pacific Air Forces, however, has denied that the bombers flew within the vicinity of China's man-made islands in the region.

The Pentagon said the bombers were conducting a "routine training mission" as they flew from the Andersen Air Force Base in Guam to a naval facility on Diego Garcia atoll in the British Indian Ocean Territory, CNN reported.

Lt. Col. Chris Logan, spokesperson of the Pentagon, said that the aircraft were part of the US Pacific Command's "continuous bomber presence" operations "intended to maintain the readiness of US forces."

"US Pacific Command's CBP missions, which have been routinely employed since March 2004, are flown in accordance with international law," Logan said.

In a security and defense summit over the weekend, Mattis called out China for its expanding militarization of man-made islands in the South China Sea.

The Pentagon chief pointed out that Beijing's militarization of the disputed features in the contested waterway includes deployment of anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles, electronic jammers and the landing of bomber aircraft on Woody Island.

"Despite China's claims to the contrary, the placement of these weapons systems is tied directly to military use for the purposes of intimidation and coercion," Mattis said during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

The Pentagon is reportedly weighing a more assertive freedom of navigation operations near China's bases in the South China Sea, according to Reuters.

This may involve longer patrols with larger numbers of ships or closer surveillance of Beijing's outposts in the area.

The Pentagon refused to comment on its future operations in the region but Logan said the US "will continue to work with our friends, partners and allies to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific."

A few weeks ago, the two US Navy ships sailed within 12 nautical miles of the Paracel Islands, pushing China to send their own warships and confront the American warships.

USS Antietam and USS Higgins reportedly passed within the vicinity of four islands, including Woody Island, where Beijing recently landed an H-6K bomber.

China accused the US of violating their sovereignty and undermining strategic mutual trust between the two countries.

"The Chinese army is determined to strengthen the preparations for sea and air combat readiness, raise the level of defense, defend national sovereignty and security, and maintain the determination of regional peace and stability," Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian said.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/06/05/1821837/us-bombers-fly-near-spratly-islands-report

 

Police commandos to undergo urban warfare training programs

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 5): Police commandos to undergo urban warfare training programs

Police commandos will be undergoing various urban counter-terrorism trainings as part of the lessons learned during the Marawi City siege last year.


A PNP Special Action Force troop stand in attention while waitng for the arrival of PNP chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Albayalde troops the line during the 35th anniversary of the PNP Special Action Force at Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City, June 5,2018.(Czar Dancel/MANILA BULLETIN)

Director Noli Talino, commander of the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said the training programs on urban warfare is essential for government law enforcement units like the police commandos as they are the ones who are expected to respond on such a high level of threat.

“The SAF is continuously enhancing its capability to match up with the present situations after the Marawi siege. SAF is constrained to conduct more specialized training courses in urban warfare,” said Talino in his speech during the 35th SAF anniversary.

SAF is the most elite unit of the PNP. Its personnel is well-trained and well-equipped since its mandate is to do counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism.

During the Marawi City siege, however, the fighting was mostly done by the Armed Forces but a number of SAF personnel were also deployed and saw action against the Maute Group. At least two SAF commandos died in driving out the Maute Group following five months of fighting.

Talino said there is a need to conduct more trainings in anticipation of another attack in urban areas in the future.

It was recalled that several security experts have warned that local terror group sympathetic to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) might attack another city in Mindanao.

Recently, a handful of surviving members of Maute Group were also arrested in Metro Manila.

Currently, Talino said there are two SAF battalions currently undergoing training on Urban Counter Revolutionary Warfare Course.

“We have two ongoing UCRWC, one in Subic which is the 2nd SAF Special Action Battalion and another one in Zamboanga City, the 5th Special Action Battalion,” said Talino.

SAF was created in the early 1980s by then Philippine Constabulary General Fidel Ramos to respond to various threats.

From a mere battalion size elite force, SAF is expected to be composed of 13 battalions next year following the order of President Duterte to create five more battalions of SAF commandos.

“The recruitment is ongoing. The first batch will be undergoing commando training this month. They will all be well-equipped,” said PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde who used to be a SAF commando during his early years in the police service.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/06/05/police-commandos-to-undergo-urban-warfare-training-programs/

Beijing says not scared, will come back harder after US B-52s reportedly flew over the South China Sea

From the Business Insider (Jun 6): Beijing says not scared, will come back harder after US B-52s reportedly flew over the South China Sea

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. — A member of the 916th Air Refueling Wing off-loads fuel to a B-52 over the Pacific near Guam. USAF

• China said it isn't scared of the US military after US Air Force B-52s reportedly flew near disputed islands in the South China Sea.
• The United States and China have frequently sparred about who is really militarizing the South China Sea, where China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines all have competing claims.
• Last month, China's air force landed bombers on disputed islands and reefs in the South China Sea as part of a training exercise, triggering concern in Vietnam and the Philippines.

BEIJING (Reuters) - No military ship or aircraft can scare China away from its resolve to protect its territory, China's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday after two U.S. Air Force B-52 bombers were reported to have flown near disputed islands in the South China Sea.

CNN reported that the two aircraft flew within the vicinity of the Spratly Islands, where China has reclaimed land and built runways and other facilities on disputed reefs and small islands.

The United States was willing to work with China on a "results-oriented" relationship, but its actions in the South China Sea were coercive and the Pentagon would "compete vigorously" if needed, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Saturday.

The United States and China have frequently sparred about who is really militarizing the South China Sea, where China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines all have competing claims.

Speaking at a daily news briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she hoped the United States could clarify whether it thought sending "this type of offensive weapon" to the South China Sea counted as militarization.

The United States should stop hyping up the issue of militarization and provoking trouble, she said.

"Running amuck is risky," Hua said.

"China won't be scared by any so-called military ship or aircraft, and we will only even more staunchly all necessary steps to defend the country's sovereignty and security, to protect the peace and stability of the South China Sea region."

Last month, China's air force landed bombers on disputed islands and reefs in the South China Sea as part of a training exercise, triggering concern in Vietnam and the Philippines.

Satellite photographs taken on May 12 showed China appeared to have deployed truck-mounted surface-to-air missiles or anti-ship cruise missiles at Woody Island in the disputed sea.

http://www.businessinsider.com/beijing-says-not-scared-after-b-52s-reportedly-fly-over-south-china-sea-2018-6

Marines get protective gears from US

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 7): Marines get protective gears from US

In support of the country’s counterterrorism effort, the United States military has turned over some US$43.4 million (P178 million) worth of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the Philippine Marine Special Operations Group (MARSOG).




Members of the Philippine Marine Corps conduct inventory of the 525 sets of Personal Protective Equipment provided by the U.S. military. (US Embassy / MANILA BULLETIN)
In a statement, the United States Embassy in Manila said the 525 sets of ballistic vests, lightweight ballistic plates, tactical ballistic helmets, and accessories were provided through the Counterterrorism Train and Equip Program.

The equipment will provide increased protection for Philippine Marines personnel conducting counterterrorism operations, as well as operations against transnational threats, specifically in the southern Philippines.

The force protection equipment delivered last May 31 will fill critical equipment gaps for Marine Operators within MARSOG, a key Counterterrorism and Special Operations unit within the Philippine Marine Corps.

As a longstanding ally of the Philippines, the Embassy said the US government continues to provide support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through both grant assistance and expedited sales of arms and munitions to assist both long-term AFP modernization goals and urgent counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief requirements.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/06/06/marines-get-protective-gears-from-us/

Gov’t forces in NCR conduct joint law enforcement ops resulting in arrest of suspected communist

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 5): Gov’t forces in NCR conduct joint law enforcement ops resulting in arrest of suspected communist

Government forces in Metro Manila successfully conducted a joint law enforcement operation that resulted in the arrest of a suspected communist in Quezon City on Saturday.

The suspect was identified as Juan Alexander Reyes who was nabbed at Capellan Street, Barangay Katipunan, Quezon City on June 2.

The operations was participated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Joint Task Force-NCR (JTF-NCR) and other AFP units, Regional Intelligence Division-NCR Police Office (RID-NCR), and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-NCR (CIDG-NCR).

Reyes was arrested by virtue of arrest warrant that was issued by the 10th Judicial Region, Regional Trial Court Branch 34, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte in violation of Presidential Decree 1613 (Arson).

Further, the troops were able to recover from Reyes’s possession one Cal .38 revolver with six ammunitions and bomb components.

Reyes alias Bob is the secretary of Countryside Support Committee of the National Government Employees Bureau, National Organizational Department (CSSC, NGEB, NOD). Allegedly he is in charge of facilitating recruits and their exposures from mass organizations until their deployment in different regional committees.

Currently, Reyes is in the custody of CIDG-NCR prior to the inquest proceedings to be conducted at the Quezon City Prosecutors Office.

The AFP assured that the rights of the arrested individual will be observed as we, in the government, adheres to human rights (HR) and the rule of law.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/06/05/govt-forces-in-ncr-conduct-joint-law-enforcement-ops-resulting-in-arrest-of-suspected-communist/

Malaysian-led Monitoring Team Probes Deadly Clash in Southern Philippines

From BenarNews (Jun 5): Malaysian-led Monitoring Team Probes Deadly Clash in Southern Philippines



Armed members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) escort civilians aboard a dump truck in Tangkal, a town in the southern Philippine province of Lanao del Norte, May 28, 2018. Richel V. Umel/BenarNews

A Malaysian-led contingent has been sent to help investigate an anti-drug operation that led to nine Muslim rebels being killed last month in the southern Philippines during a gun battle that occurred as negotiations for a promised self-rule region hurdled Congress, officials said Tuesday.

The international monitoring mission, led by Malaysian Army Maj. Gen. Mohd Nazir bin Haji Mami, is tasked with determining what occurred on May 25 between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and an elite anti-drug team in Matalam, a town in Cotabato province, officials said.

“For us, there was no coordination on the part of police and military. Their investigation is ongoing and we hope it will resolve the problem,” Mohammad Ameen, a senior MILF leader, told BenarNews, referring to the international team.
“I guarantee it was not drug related as what police were saying,” he said.

On Tuesday, the Malaysian commander appealed on both parties to remain calm while the investigation was going on, so as not to complicate negotiations for a proposed Muslim autonomous region, the centerpiece of a peace deal signed by Manila and the rebels in 2014.

“We will make sure that our investigation on the alleged shootout between the nine MILF members and the police shall be comprehensive,” he told a local radio station in Cotabato city.

Malaysia brokered the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and Muslim rebels on the southern island of Mindanao. Malaysian participation has evolved to include monitoring of an interim ceasefire pact forged by the two parties about two decades ago.

Representatives from Libya, Brunei, and Japan are also included in the Malaysian-led mission, which also monitors the humanitarian, rehabilitation and development aspects of the peace process. The peacekeeping contingent also ensures the protection of civilians in areas where the MILF operated.

On May 25, members of an elite police team, backed by soldiers, were on a mission to arrest two notorious drug pushers in the village of Kilada when men inside a home engaged them in firefight, officials said.

Nine people inside the home were killed and police said they recovered several high-powered firearms, including sniper rifles and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher. No drugs were found, according to investigators.

The MILF said those killed belonged to an elite jungle fighting force under its Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) wing, which has been helping the army go against pro-Islamic State groups in the south.

But while they filed a “strong protest” against their counterparts, MILF officials said they were confident the incident would not directly affect the expected passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in Congress.

The BBL spells out the proposed autonomous region in the south, its scope and powers. Its passage is expected to bring peace Mindanao, the country’s mineral-rich southern third where many areas remain mired in poverty because of the insurgency.

The 12,000-member MILF dropped its bid for self-rule to settle for an expanded autonomy when it signed a peace deal with Manila four years ago.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives last week passed their respective versions of the law, but the lawmakers have come under criticism for allegedly watering down certain provisions.

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to sign the bill into law by the time he delivers his State of the Nation address before a joint Congress in July.

The proposed law, partly seen by BenarNews, shows that much of the powers that the MILF had been pushing for, including those concerning land management, public utilities and basic regulatory powers, such as those related to the rights of indigenous groups, have been stripped.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/philippines-militants-06052018114608.html

DND: PH military has no reserve ammo for use in emergencies

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 5): DND: PH military has no reserve ammo for use in emergencies

Unknown to many, government forces had gone out of ammunition while fighting insurgencies in Marawi last year and when it waged a total war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2000.

Assistant Secretary Manuel Felino Ramos of the Department of National Defense’s Installation and Self Reliance Posture revealed this during a Senate hearing on Tuesday on a bill, establishing a Special Defense Economic Zone in Camp General Antonio Luna, in Bataan.

“I think we have no wherewithal to use our ammunition. We have no ready reserve ammunition for our troops in case of emergency… so we are always dictated by the importation or ammunition supply (from) other countries just like what happened (in) Marawi and other insurgencies that we had since the total war in (2000),” Ramos said, responding to Senator Sherwin Gatchalian’s queries.

When Gatchalian, who was presiding over the hearing as chairman of the Senate committee on economic affairs, asked if there was an instance the military had problems sourcing bullets, the defense official said: “Yes sir in total war in (2000) and the Marawi, Sir. And the bombs we did in Marawi, Sir.”

Ramos refused to elaborate, citing “some security implications.”

Gatchalian went on anyway and asked: “So there was an instance during the Marawi that we could not, no one, we can’t source bullets?”

“Yes sir but we found some allies to supply us, sir,” Ramos added.

The official also answered yes when asked about the possibility that there would be a scarcity of ammunition in the future and that no other countries would send help to the Philippines.

“There is, just like what happened in our helicopters. They gave some conditions before Canada will supply us helicopters,” Ramos said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/997693/dnd-ph-military-has-no-reserve-ammo-for-use-in-emergencies

Share anti-pirate intel, Lorenzana asks Singapore

From the Manila Standard (Jun 5): Share anti-pirate intel, Lorenzana asks Singapore

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has urged Singaporean authorities to replicate its intelligence fusion in the straits of Marawi City and Tawi-Tawi to bar terrorist elements and other transnational criminals using the sea lanes to commit terrorism in the Philippines.

This developed as the House of Representatives recommended for Senate action a bill providing protection to children caught in the midst of armed conflict.

House Bill 7442, authored by former Speaker and Quezon City Rep. Feliciano Belmonte Jr., was approved on final reading by a 232-7 vote during the last session day of the first regular session of the 17th Congress.

In discussions with Singaporean Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen in Singapore, Lorenzana said he had asked his counterpart to duplicate the intelligence expertise his country has shared with Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, which eventually stopped the rampant pirate attacks in the Malacca Strait.

“I have talked to Minister Eng if we can replicate in the strait in Marawi and Tawi-Tawi, and maybe if we could just replicate just a part of that intelligence fusion so that we can improve in monitoring people coming out from Sabah going to the Philippines,” he said.

With Singapore having advanced signal communications and cybersecurity, Lorenzana said pirates preying on international merchant ships passing in the Malacca Strait diminished.

“In fact, they (Singapore) were the ones who set up the intelligence fusion in Malacca strait to the shipping and they were able to stop piracy,” Lorenzana said.

In Congress, Belmonte welcomed the passage of his bill, otherwise known as the proposed “Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act,” which covers all children involved in, affected by, or displaced by armed conflict.

The bill defines “child” as a person below 18 years of age or even older but is unable to fully take care or protect himself from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination; and unable to act with discernment because of his physical or mental disability or condition.

Among others, the bill provides measures, structures, and activities that not only ensure prevention and response to abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence affecting children but also include the promotion of their development and psycho-social well-being.

The bill declares children as “zones of peace” and as such they are accorded certain rights in situations of armed conflict, including the following: the right to life, survival and development; the right of special respect and protection against any form of abuse, neglect, exploitation and violation, especially in the context of armed conflict; and the right to be treated as victims.

In filing the bill, Belmonte said “children in situations of armed conflict have the right to be treated with special respect and to be protected from any form of direct or indiscriminate attacks and acts of violence; the right to be protected from extra-judicial killings, maiming, torture, abduction and rape; and the right not to be interned or confined in camp.”

“Moreover, they have the right to be protected from recruitment any armed groups and from participation in armed conflict in whatever manner,” Belmonte, a lawyer, said.

Reports have said terrorist elements from Malaysia and Indonesia have been using the Malacca Strait to seek refuge, go undetected by authorities in Mindanao, and perpetuate terror acts in the Philippines like the Marawi City siege.

Dozens of Indonesian and Malaysian terrorists have been killed in a separate encounter with military troops in various parts in Mindanao, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Sulu.

At present, Lorenzana said they are acquiring sophisticated equipment including wide-range coverage Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) in an attempt to monitor the movement of suspected terrorist and high-profile criminals in the country.

He said the gesture is part of the AFP’s modernization program which would improve intelligence capabilities of the military.

“In line with that, we are acquiring some technical capabilities. We are looking at facial recognition software so that we can easily look to track down the bad guys,” Lorenzana said.

The AFP has recently acquired a mini UAV called “Scaneagle” from the United States which was used to detect the movement of terrorists battling security forces in Marawi City siege that pinned to death

Isnilon Hapilon, the Abu Sayyaf Group chieftain and Islamic State Emir in Southeast Asia.

Aside from the capability of drones, Lorenzana underscored the importance of human intelligence in detecting locations, particularly in remote villages and ridges where enemies of the state sought cover.

“We still need human intelligence people who go down and see things on the ground in their own eyes and feel what happening on the ground, so they can report to higher orders,” Lorenzana pointed out.

http://manilastandard.net/news/national/267379/share-anti-pirate-intel-lorenzana-asks-singapore.html

Landmine blast mars Masbate school opening

From the Philippine Star (Jun 6): Landmine blast mars Masbate school opening

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — Suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels detonated a landmine near a public school in Barangay San Vicente, Dimasalang, Masbate on Monday.

Senior Inspector Arnel Bongcaras, Dimasalang police chief, said personnel of the Masbate Public Safety Company were patroling the barangay plaza around 100 meters away from the school when the landmine exploded.

Nobody was reported wounded among civilians and police officers, but authorities ordered the suspension of classes.

An investigation is ongoing.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/06/06/1821911/landmine-blast-mars-masbate-school-opening

WATCH: PNP Special Action Force celebrates 35 years of service

From Rappler (Jun 6): WATCH: PNP Special Action Force celebrates 35 years of service



The Special Action Force remains one of the most prestigious units of the Philippine National Police   

SERVICE. Members of the PNP Special Action Force from war-torn Marawi City get a hero's welcome from the public as they arrive at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. File photo by Ben Nabong/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – The Special Action Force (SAF), the elite unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP), celebrated 35 years of service on Tuesday, June 5.

With two former police chiefs gracing the event, and the current police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde as guest of honor, the SAF paid tribute to their members, past and present, at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

The unit held a brief program comprised of speeches and a parade to showcase equipment acquired over the years.

Established in 1983 by former president Fidel Ramos, the SAF has gone far.

Back then, the SAF was just a small unit of the now-defunct Philippine Constabulary (PC), created to battle New People's Army (NPA) rebels and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

As the years went by, their responsibilities extended to counterterrorism and major rescue operations, also leading them to face high-profile cases and controversies.

Now, 35 years later, the SAF remains to be called the "tagaligtas" (saviors) of the PNP.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/204182-pnp-special-action-force-35th-year-celebration-video

Army says village cleared of rebels

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Jun 6): Army says village cleared of rebels

AN ARMY official said the area where soldiers and New People's Army (NPA) rebels clashed in Sitio Camansi, Banglay, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental has been cleared since Saturday, June 2.

This means that military operations in the area has ceased and evacuees can now safely go home, 4th Infantry Division (4ID) spokesperson 1st Lieutenant Tere Ingente said.




Some 38 families or 161 individuals evacuated to the Provincial Capitol last Sunday, a day after the area was declared cleared by the military.

Ingente maintained that the evacuees, who first evacuated to a basketball court in Barangay Lumbo of the same town, were already well taken cared of.

"We are saddened that the evacuees came all the way to CDO from Barangay Lumbo Basketball Court in Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental. Before the encounter happened last May 27, they have already evacuated. They received aid from the Municipal Disaster Risk and Reduction Office that includes: rice, canned goods, meat, mats and blankets during the time they were in Lumbo," she said.

She urged the evacuees to go home and not allow themselves to "be used by organizations as propaganda to advance their own self-serving agenda".

She said the public should look into who funded the evacuation and who provided the vehicles to transfer the evacuees from Lagonglong, which is 70 kilometers away from Cagayan de Oro.

One of the evacuees' concerns is the construction of a military detachment in their area, but Ingente disclosed that this initiative is supported by the local government unit in their Lantad Valley Complex project.

The project aims to make Balingasag, Lagonglong, and Gingoog City-- all in the Lantad Valley Complex stretch, insurgency-free areas.

"The detachment is 1 to 2 kilometers away from the community, and what is prohibited is building a detachment only 500 meters away from a community. The local government is also aware of the detachment construction and is part of the government's development plan for security purposes," she added.

Some tribal leaders even wrote a request to 4ID to build a military detachment in their areas so that Indigenous People (IP) soldiers can be assigned in the detachment.

"These 38 families is only maybe 1/8 of the whole Sitio Camansi population, they do not represent the whole community," Ingente said.

The evacuees claim they left their community because gun battles between soldiers and the NPA have been continuing since May 27.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1746655/Cagayan-De-Oro/Local-News/Army-says-village-cleared-of-rebels

New 6th ID commander, Maguindanao gov't to step up cooperation for peace

From the Philippine Star (Jun 6): New 6th ID commander, Maguindanao gov't to step up cooperation for peace

Gen. Cirilito Sobejana paid Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu an official visit Tuesday, his first as commander of the 6th Infantry Division.

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines — The new chief of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division was admitted member of the Maguindanao peace council to ensure cohesion in addressing religious extremism plaguing parts of the province.

The Maguindanao provincial government has current socio-economic, health and education programs meant to weaken the influence of local militant blocs fomenting hatred to the police, the military and to non-Muslims.

Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, who assumed commander of 6th ID only last May 26, and the chairman of the Maguindanao provincial peace and order council, Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, met in Buluan town Tuesday and discussed how they can cooperate in addressing peace and security issues via diplomatic interventions.

It was Sobejana’s first official visit to the office of Mangudadatu in Buluan, capital town of Maguindanao, located in the second district of the province.

Mangudadatu said after their meeting that he will let Sobejana sit as member of the PPOC, a multi-sectoral group focused on solving domestic peace and security problems.

“The 6th ID is keen on securing the surrender of more militants out there. We in the PPOC support that initiative. We are ready to provide humanitarian assistance to Islamic State-inspired militants wishing to return to the fold of law,” said Mangudadatu, presiding chairperson of the PPOC.

The 6th ID had worked out the surrender last month of 11 members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, just three weeks after four bombers from the same group yielded to the division and pledged allegiance to the government.

The BIFF, which uses the black Islamic State flag, has small groups holding out in isolated areas in Maguindanao.

Sobejana said he will sustain the backchannel efforts, meant to hasten the return of violent religious extremists to mainstream society, that were pioneered by his predecessors, Generals Arnel Dela Vega and Carlito Galvez Jr.

Galvez, now chief of the Armed Forces, and Dela Vega, who got to the helm of the Western Mindanao Command in May, had both served as commander of the 6th ID.

They both embarked on local programs complementing Malacañang’s peace process with Moro sectors as they served as 6th ID commander one after another.

“I’m grateful to the office of the provincial governor of Maguindanao for the cordial reception extended to me during my first official visit there,” Sobejana said via text message Wednesday.

Sobejana and Mangudadatu have also agreed to cooperate in resolving amicably vendetta clan feuds involving local clans to complement the normalization agenda of the peace efforts of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and President Rodrigo Duterte.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/06/06/1822120/new-6th-id-commander-maguindanao-govt-step-cooperation-peace

1 dead, 12 hurt in encounters with NPA in Cordillera

From Rappler (Jun 6): 1 dead, 12 hurt in encounters with NPA in Cordillera

Members of New People's Army launch June offensive in Northern Luzon

GRIEF. Police Regional Office-Cordillera Regional Director, Police Superintendent Rolando Zambale Nana with the father of slain SAF PO2 Henry Dion. Photo by Frank Cimatu/Rappler

BAGUIO, Philippines – The New People's Army launched a June offensive in Northern Luzon with two encounters in Isabela and Mountain Province, resulting in one death and 12 injuries on the government side.

In the morning of Tuesday, June 5, members of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 and Mountain Province Provincial Mobile Force Company had an encounter with an undetermined number of NPA guerrillas at Mt. Sipitan, Brgy Aguid, Sagada, Mt. Province.

The encounter resulted in the killing of PO2 Henry Dion, and wounding Police Superintendent Joseph B. Cayat, PO3 Wilfred Manacnis, PO1 Aldrin C. Bocalan, PO1 Clarence D. Abuan, PO1 Antolin D. Potpoten, PO1 Xander M. Depnag, PO1 Jake B Paat, PO1 Yasser L. Guzman and PO2 Regie Palome.

Earlier on June 4, Monday, 6 members of the Philippine Army under the 86th Infantry Battalion were wounded in a 20-minute clash with NPA guerrillas in Echague, Isabela.

The army personnel were conducting focused military operation when they had an encounter in Barangay Mabbayad with about 20 NPA guerrillas.

No casualty were reported among insurgents but Police Regional Office-Cordillera Regional Director, Police Superintendent Rolando Zambale Nana directed all cops to coordinate with the heads of government hospitals and private clinics within the immediate and nearby areas of Sagada and Bontoc and check on any person with gunshot wounds and to block all possible exit point within their area of responsibility.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/204279-encounters-with-npa-cordillera

7 soldiers from Eastmincom receive award for gallantry

From Politiko Mindanao (Jun 5): 7 soldiers from Eastmincom receive award for gallantry



Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. has conferred awards to seven officers and enlisted personnel in Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) for their bravery.

Galvez visited Eastmincom in Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City Monday, June 4.

First Lt. Francis Hernaez of 66th Infantry Battalion was given with Gold Cross Medal for his gallantry in action during an encounter against the New People’s Army (NPA) in New Bataan, Compostela Valley Province on January 20.

Capt. Nilo Ramones Jr., 1Lt. Joesepher Ansay, and SSg. Forferio Barotas received the Silver Cross Medal Award “for acts of heroism not involving directly with the threat group but involving risk of life which led to the capture of NPA terrorists,” Eastmincom said.

Galvez also awarded the Military Merit Medal to three personnel for their combat accomplishments.

1Lt. Jayson Pariñas was awarded for his meritorious act during a firefight with the NPA in Kitaotao, Bukidnon on May 10; Cpl. Mescach Aynaga, for his individual act of gallantry when his group encountered the rebels on December 2, 2017 at Lake Sebu, South Cotabato during a combat patrol; and Cpl. Nurhan Palias, for his act of gallantry during the encounter in Montevista, Compostela Valley Province.
http://mindanao.politics.com.ph/7-soldiers-from-eastmincom-receive-award-for-gallantry/

Soldier killed, 2 others wounded in Quezon ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 5): Soldier killed, 2 others wounded in Quezon ambush

CAMP GEN. CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal - A soldier was killed while two others were wounded in an ambush by New Peoples Army (NPA) terrorist group in Barangay Silang, Lopez, Quezon at about 8:30 p.m. Monday.

Colonel Elias H. Escarcha, Commander of the 201st Infantry Brigade said Tuesday the slain and wounded soldiers, were aboard a military truck on their way to fetch fellow troopers of 85th Infantry Battalion, who conducted a community civic action in a remote village, when ambushed along a village road.

Escarcha identified the slain soldier as Corporal Nilo R. Julian, who died while on the way to St. Jude Hospital, and the wounded soldiers as Sergeant Victor Bartocillo and Pfc Jonathan Baylar, both sustained injuries when the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) used by the NPA terrorists exploded and damaged the military vehicle along the village road.

The wounded soldiers are now in stable condition.

According to Escarcha, fire fight ensued from the ambuscade incident for about 30 minutes between the military troops and the communist terrorist group, until the military reinforcement came.

He said that another clash occurred as the reinforcing troops engaged the state enemies to a firefight , forcing the terrorist group to withdraw from the battle site along Barangay Cogorin, also in Lopez town an hour later.

No one was hurt from the government site during the second gunbattle while an undetermined number of casualties on the scampering enemies were reported based on the traces of bloodstains along the escape path.

Major General Rhoderick M. Parayno, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) condemned the NPA atrocities.

Parayno said that the NPAs utilization of IEDs is a clear violation of Republic Act 9851, an act penalizing crimes against International Humanitarian Law.

He also dismissed claims by the NPA terrorist group of territorial control as there is no provision in the Constitution that provides the NPAs jurisdiction over a portion of the Philippine territory.

“The national territory belongs to the people, and the government as the people’s legitimate representative has the sole authority over it,” he expounded.

Parayno said the presence of the soldiers in the barangays is to conduct Community Support Program (CSP) in order to sustain the delivery of the government’s basic services to the people.

“It is a multi-sector endeavor of the Local Government Units (LGUs), the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philppines), PNP (Philippine National Police), Non- Government Organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders in order to uplift the living condition of the people in the remote villages,” he said.

The 2ID Commander has expressed condolences to the bereaved family of the slain soldier.

“Rest assured that his heroism and sacrifices will not be in vain. We will pursue them(NPAs)”, he vowed.

The PNP Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) also arrived at the ambush site to investigate and recovered an unexploded IED, detonating chords and personal belongings of the communist terrorists.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037587

Zamboanga City to purchase drone for security, disaster management

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 5): Zamboanga City to purchase drone for security, disaster management

ZAMBOANGA CITY--The City Council passed a resolution on Tuesday allocating an initial amount of PHP500,000 to purchase a military-type of drone for the use of the local government.

The resolution was approved during the regular session following a dialogue with Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, the head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO).

Apolinario said the drone will be used for disaster risk reduction management, security, and traffic management.

He said they need a military-type of drone as it is bigger and equipped with the latest technology. It has also longer hours flying time.

Another resolution, authored by Councilor Benjamin Guingona IV, was approved authorizing the CDRRMO to source out additional funds to be able to purchase a military-type drone.

Apolinario said his office needs at least PHP1 million to purchase one unit of such type of equipment.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037597

Cop killed, 9 others wounded in Sagada clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 5): Cop killed, 9 others wounded in Sagada clash

A policeman was killed while nine other cops were wounded during an encounteer with members of the New People Army (NPA) in Sagada, Mountain Province before noon on Tuesday, according to the Police Regional Office-Cordillera (PROCOR).

PROCOR Director Chief Supt. Rolando Nana identified the fatality as Police Officer (PO2) 2 Henry Dion.

The wounded were identified as Supt. Joseph Cayat, PO3 Wilfred Manacnis, PO2 Regie Palome, and PO1s Aldrin Bocalan, Clarence Abuan, Antolin Potpoten, Xander Depnag, Jake Paat, and Yasser Guzman. They were brought to the medical facility for treatment.

Nana said that personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 and Mountain Province Provincial Mobile Force Company were conducting peacekeeping operations when they chanced upon undetermined number of terrorist rebels at Mt. Sipitan, Barangay Aguid in Sagada town.

The area is considered by the local resident as “Peace Zone”.

The police were conducting operations to prevent the reported extortion and other criminal activities by members of the armed group when the incident happened.

Nana directed all police commanders to coordinate with the heads of government hospitals and private clinics within the immediate and nearby areas of Sagada and Bontoc and check on any person with gunshot wound and to block all possible exit points within their area of responsibility.

PROCOR strongly condemned the criminal acts of the terrorists against the police officers who were conducting routine peacekeeping efforts in Sagada.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037631

Davao mayor lauds arrest of NPA leader

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6): Davao mayor lauds arrest of NPA leader

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Tuesday lauded the military for the successful operation leading to the apprehension of Elizalde Caṅete alias Ka Jinggoy, the top leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Davao Region and some parts of Bukidnon.

“I am very happy with the result of the operation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) we can really see the outcome of their hard work to apprehend the big personalities in the rebel group. I’d like to congratulate them on this success,” the mayor said on Tuesday.

Duterte-Carpio said that the apprehension of Caṅete was a big step in achieving justice for all atrocities involving the rebel leader in the city.

She also asked for the people’s support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to continue giving their trust and confidence to the men in uniform to achieve just and lasting peace in the city.

“I’d like to solicit the support of the public in all the programs and projects of the city government of Davao, AFP, Philippine National Police and the barangays because these institutions represent the government which the people should support,” the mayor said.

The mayor added that the city will support the filing of charges against Caṅete to give justice to those people who were affected by the action of the NPA leader.

“The city will help in the filing of charges against him,” she said. “The City Prosecutor’s Office will file charges against them.”

It can be recalled that Larry Buenafe, a fish vendor was killed after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded after the rebels burned the Lapanday Box Plant in Mandug last year.

The mayor called on the NPA and asked for justice for the death of Buenafe.

On May 29, Caṅete was turned over to Davao City Police Office (DCPO) after he was arrested in a hospital in Bukidnon.

Caṅete replaced Leoncio Pitao who was killed in an encounter with the 10th Infantry Division in 2015.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037618

Army battalion of 500 men deployed to Negros Island

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6): Army battalion of 500 men deployed to Negros Island



DEPLOYED. Brigadier General Dinoh Dolina, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, leads the send-off of the 94th Infantry Battalion troops to Negros Island on Wednesday (June 6, 2018). (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army, 3rd Infantry Division)

BACOLOD CITY -- The Philippine Army deployed the newly-activated 94th Infantry Battalion to Negros Island on Wednesday to augment the existing three battalions in the island’s two provinces.

This was announced by the 3rd Infantry Division in an emailed statement on the same day.

Brigadier General Dinoh Dolina, commander of the 3rd ID, led the send-off ceremony and closing program of the 94th IB’s organizational training in rites held at the division’s headquarters at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz.

The 94th IB, composed of 500 troops led by Lieutenant Colonel Carlo Ferrer, will be the fourth battalion under the 303rd Infantry Brigade, covering the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.

The battalion was activated by Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito Bautista, chief of the Philippine Army, during the 44th founding anniversary of the 3rd ID last May 10.

Before their deployment to Negros, the soldiers underwent organizational training designed for counter-insurgency operations and other trainings to enhance their combat competency.

Dolina told the troops to continue adhering to the international humanitarian law, human rights and rule of law in serving and securing the Negrenses.

“Always put the people’s welfare at the center of your duties,” he added.

The three other battalions in Negros include the 62nd IB and the 15th IB based in Sagay City and Cauayan town, both in Negros Occidental, respectively and the 79th IB in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037750

Army bolsters coordination with MILF, stakeholders in war on drugs

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6): Army bolsters coordination with MILF, stakeholders in war on drugs

INTER-AGENCY MEETING VS. DRUGS. Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, Army’s 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central commander, talks with other stakeholders in the campaign against illegal drugs. (Photo by 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao--To ensure effective implementation of ceasefire mechanism and successful campaign against illegal drugs in Central Mindanao region, officials of the Army-led Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) met Tuesday with partner agencies and Moro rebel ceasefire panel members.

Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), hosted the gathering held at this camp in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

In attendance were officials from the police in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and in Region 12, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-ARMM) and PDEA-12, Army brigade and battalion commanders as well as Moro Islamic Liberation Front Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (MILF-CCCH).

Sobejana, also chief of JTFC, said the joint conference was aimed at reviewing and revisiting the mandates of relevant government agencies in the campaign against illegal drugs, issues on coordinating and actual conduct of anti-drug operation.

It also aims to formulate measures to minimize, through proper inter-agency coordination, problems encountered in previous operations in affected communities within Central Mindanao.

Among the consensus was the need to observe coordination with the MILF-CCCH whenever law enforcement operations are to be conducted in recognized MILF camps.

Butch Malang, MILF-CCCH chair, assured that his group will fully cooperate with government law enforcers in the campaign against illegal drug personalities in MILF identified communities.

“The MILF leadership does not tolerate the use of illegal drugs as this is generally forbidden in Islam,” Malang pointed out. Sobejana presented his desire for peaceful communities as gatekeepers of peace in the region.

“We are the guards of the gates of change and we have to start the change within us,” Sobejana said. Internal cleansing among the Army ranks is ongoing through drug tests and other means, he said.

Sobejana stressed the need for proper and effective inter-agency coordination, collaboration, and cooperation with the PNP and PDEA as the lead agencies in all drug operations and to address capability gaps to accomplish the mission without casualties as much as possible.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037679

Army recruits to train as peace builders

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6): Army recruits to train as peace builders



PEACE BUILDERS. Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, Army's 6th Infantray Division chief, speaks before 285 recruits of the military unit who are currently training, not only as good soldiers, but peace builders as well. (Photo by 6ID)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao--The military here said Wednesday that the latest Army recruits who will undergo a six-month basic military training will also be trained as peacemakers to help protect people of various faiths.

Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, the commander of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), said the 285 candidate soldiers, 29 of whom are women, will have special lectures on peace advocacy in complex communities they are going to serve in Central Mindanao.

The second batch of candidate soldiers had started their rigid military training at the Division Training School in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Sobejana said the candidate-soldiers will be trained about insights on peacebuilding to prepare them to engaged in areas where Muslim-Christian and Lumad settlers co-exist.

Sobejana, himself a peace advocate, said outside military duties, the soldiers of the 6ID are trained peace-builders as well, giving primacy on the peace process between the government and Moro rebels.

The 6ID covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and parts of North Cotabato and Lanao del Sur.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037670

Solons now keen to modernize military: DND chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6): Solons now keen to modernize military: DND chief

With the reported militarization in the South China Sea, members of the legislative have grown more receptive to increase the budget for the military's modernization program.

This was disclosed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in an interview aired Tuesday by the ABS-CBN News Channel.

The latter took place in Singapore on the sidelines of the 17th Shangri-La Dialogue on June 1-3.

"Now, I am hearing (that) some different tune from some congressmen and senators. Normally our (defense) budget is just one percent of the Gross Domestic Product. Now, I heard one congressman saying that it would be increased to 2 percent. That's well and good," he stressed.

This is in response to questions on whether the DND chief sees a sense of urgency from the country's political leaders following reports of continued military build-up in the South China Sea.

"Some senators, we have heard, (are) saying they shall allocate sufficient funds for the Armed Forces to modernize their aircraft, their ships and the people, buy newer equipment than we have now. I think the perception of those in our Congress is changing also in the light of what’s happening in South China Sea," Lorenzana said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037649

Marawi siege forced PH military to reacquire lost fighting skills

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6): Marawi siege forced PH military to reacquire lost fighting skills



The five-month battle to retake Marawi City from the clutches of Maute-ISIS Group terrorists showed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has to relearn its former skills like fighting in urban terrain.

This was disclosed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in interview aired Tuesday by the ABS-CBN News Channel.

The interview took place in Singapore on the sidelines of the 17th Shangri-La Dialogue on June 1-3.

"(Previous) lessons we learned in urban area (fighting), which was a skill we used to have but lost along the way because we don't use it (to train) people on what we call the military operations in urbanized terrain, we never use it, so we stop teaching people until Marawi has come so now we have to reacquire that skill plus the necessary equipment that goes with it," Lorenzana lamented.

A total of 168 soldiers and police officers were killed in the bloody fighting, which started May 23, 2017 and ended on October of that year.

An estimated 1,000 Maute-ISIS Group terrorists, including then ISIS emir in Southeast Asia, Isnilon Hapilon, and Maute co-founder, Omar Maute, were killed in the government offensive.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037653

PH Navy flotilla for RIMPAC leaves Cebu Wednesday

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6): PH Navy flotilla for RIMPAC leaves Cebu Wednesday



The two-ship flotilla of the Philippine Navy, bound for the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) naval exercises off Hawaii, left Cebu along with the Malaysian frigate KD Lekiu Wednesday morning.

The Navy contingent, now called Naval Task Force RIMPAC, is composed of the 7,000-gross-ton strategic sealift vessel BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), the 3,000-gross-ton frigate BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), and an AgustaWestland AW-109 utility helicopter, along with 700 sailors and marines.

It is commanded by Capt. Ernesto Baldovino while Commodore Toribio Adaci will serve as mission head.

"The Philippine Navy is actively participating in RIMPAC for the very first time through sending contingents and its largest ship, a frigate and modern naval helicopter. This will also be an opportunity for the Navy to build and enhance relationship with other navies participating in the exercise through cultural exchanges, sports and similar activities and also engaging the sizeable Filipino community in Hawaii," Navy spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said in a statement.

"The vigorous support from the government and its stakeholders through the modernization program, provided the Philippine Navy with the capability to participate in RIMPAC 2018 further fulfilling its diplomatic role in keeping peace and stability in the region," Lincuna added.

The Filipino ships and the Malaysian craft will link up with the Indonesian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and Royal Australian Navy for the ASEAN++ Group Sail on their way to RIMPAC 2018.

Lincuna noted that this is the first time the Philippine Navy would deploy naval and air assets to RIMPAC.

RIMPAC 2018 is scheduled on June 27 to August 2.

The Philippine Navy ships left Pier 13, Manila South Harbor for Cebu last June 1 and arrived there Sunday while the KD Lekiu docked there a day later.

Some 30 navies are expected to join this year's RIMPAC.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037684

US provides PH marines with new personal protective equipment

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 8): US provides PH marines with new personal protective equipment



The United States military has provided new Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the Philippine Marine Special Operations Group (MARSOG) and Inshore Boat Battalion valued at about PHP178 million, the US embassy in Manila announced Wednesday.

The 525 sets of ballistic vests, lightweight ballistic plates, tactical ballistic helmets, and accessories were given through Washington's Counterterrorism Train and Equip Program in Taguig City last May 31.

The equipment will provide increased protection for personnel conducting counterterrorism operations, as well as operations against transnational threats, specifically in the southern Philippines.

According to the embassy, these force protection equipment delivery will fill critical equipment gaps for Marine Operators within MARSOG, a key Counterterrorism and Special Operations unit within the Philippine Marine Corps.

Washington, as Manila's long-standing ally, stressed commitment to provide support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through both grant assistance and the expedited sale of arms and munitions to assist both the long-term AFP modernization goals and urgent counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief requirements.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037755