From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 3): 264 candidate soldiers graduate from 6th ID training school
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- A total of 264 soldiers have completed their military training at the 6th Infantry Division (ID) Training School in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, and will be deployed to at least three Army divisions in Mindanao, the military said Friday.
Trained under the Candidate Soldier Course “Siklab” Class 536-2018, the new set of soldiers will be deployed to the areas of operation of the 6th ID, 10th ID, and 4th ID, all in Mindanao. Of the total number of graduates, five will be deployed to Cagayan de Oro (4th ID) while nine will be stationed in Mawab, Compostela Valley (10th ID). The other 250 new soldiers will be fielded in the 6th ID’s area of responsibility in Central Mindanao.
Capt. Arvin John Encinas, the Army’s 6th ID spokesperson, said the new breed of soldiers underwent four months of training divided into three modules, namely: Transformation, Basic Squad Training, and Application of Knowledge in accordance with the Army Transformation Roadmap.
In addition, Encinas said the latest batch of soldiers also underwent training on combat skills enhancement, explosive ordnance reconnaissance agent, disaster response and rescue, water search and rescue, and air to ground operations, among others.
Candidate Soldier (CS) Wenfer Parreno topped this batch’s graduates with a general average of 95 percent in academic and non-academic subjects. He was followed by CS Kelvin Clyde Regidor and CS Crislyn B. Monterde with 94.77 percent and 94.76 percent, respectively.
In his message, Col. Jovencio Gonzalez, chief of the division governance and strategy management office, reminded the new soldiers to share whatever they learned from their training to fellow soldiers in their new field assignments with good attitude, skills, and knowledge.
“The more you sweat in training, the lesser you bleed in battle,” Gonzales added.
Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the Army’s 6th ID commander, congratulated the 264 new soldiers for completing the rigorous training that honed and equipped them with skills and knowledge for future missions as enlisted personnel of the Philippine Army.
The new soldiers consist of 29 females and 235 males coming from various parts of Mindanao.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1043620
Saturday, August 4, 2018
3 soldiers, rebels killed in Masbate clash
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 3): 3 soldiers, rebels killed in Masbate clash
Army and police forces are hunting down suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA), who killed at least three Philippine Army (PA) soldiers in a clash on Friday morning in a remote village in Cawayan town in Masbate, a police report said.
The identities of the slain soldiers were not yet available as of press time, according to Police Chief Inspector Maria Luisa Calubaquib, spokesperson for the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bicol.
A report said an undetermined number of rebels were also killed in the firefight.
Calubaquib, quoting the report, said a group of Army soldiers were on patrol operations when they were reportedly waylaid by an undetermined number of NPA rebels around 8:30 a.m. Friday in Barangay (village) Mactan, Cawayan town.
The government troops were able to retaliate and engaged the NPA rebels in a fierce gun battle, resulting in deaths on both sides.
Calubaquib said the soldiers are members of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion operating in Masbate province.
Police units in adjacent towns have set up checkpoints in strategic locations where the NPA rebels and their wounded companions might pass through.
Police and military operatives were directed to check hospitals and clinic to verify if there are patients admitted due to gunshot wounds.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1043688
Army and police forces are hunting down suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA), who killed at least three Philippine Army (PA) soldiers in a clash on Friday morning in a remote village in Cawayan town in Masbate, a police report said.
The identities of the slain soldiers were not yet available as of press time, according to Police Chief Inspector Maria Luisa Calubaquib, spokesperson for the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bicol.
A report said an undetermined number of rebels were also killed in the firefight.
Calubaquib, quoting the report, said a group of Army soldiers were on patrol operations when they were reportedly waylaid by an undetermined number of NPA rebels around 8:30 a.m. Friday in Barangay (village) Mactan, Cawayan town.
The government troops were able to retaliate and engaged the NPA rebels in a fierce gun battle, resulting in deaths on both sides.
Calubaquib said the soldiers are members of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion operating in Masbate province.
Police units in adjacent towns have set up checkpoints in strategic locations where the NPA rebels and their wounded companions might pass through.
Police and military operatives were directed to check hospitals and clinic to verify if there are patients admitted due to gunshot wounds.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1043688
Troops, Sayyaf bandits clash in Sulu
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4): Troops, Sayyaf bandits clash in Sulu
Government troops recovered a firearm with ammunition abandoned by Abu Sayyaf bandits following a firefight in the province of Sulu, the military said Saturday.
Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the clash occurred in Barangay Angilan, Omar, Sulu on Friday.
Dela Vega said the clash erupted as the troops from the 2nd Special Forces Battalion under the Joint Task Force Sulu chanced upon a group of Abu Sayyaf bandits while conducting reconnaissance in Barangay Angilan.
He said the troops overpowered the bandits, who fled southeast. No one was wounded among the troops, while the military has yet to determine if there were casualties on the enemy side.
The troops also recovered an M16A1 “Baby Armalite” with 19 rounds of ammunition during the clearing operation at the clash site.
“The Joint Task Force Sulu continues to intensify its campaign against the Abu Sayyaf with support from the local government and the populace,” dela Vega said.
“The command is right now at an advantage since the local government units, the Moro National Liberation Front, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the traditional leaders are helping government troops in fighting terrorism,” the military official added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1043761
Government troops recovered a firearm with ammunition abandoned by Abu Sayyaf bandits following a firefight in the province of Sulu, the military said Saturday.
Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the clash occurred in Barangay Angilan, Omar, Sulu on Friday.
Dela Vega said the clash erupted as the troops from the 2nd Special Forces Battalion under the Joint Task Force Sulu chanced upon a group of Abu Sayyaf bandits while conducting reconnaissance in Barangay Angilan.
He said the troops overpowered the bandits, who fled southeast. No one was wounded among the troops, while the military has yet to determine if there were casualties on the enemy side.
The troops also recovered an M16A1 “Baby Armalite” with 19 rounds of ammunition during the clearing operation at the clash site.
“The Joint Task Force Sulu continues to intensify its campaign against the Abu Sayyaf with support from the local government and the populace,” dela Vega said.
“The command is right now at an advantage since the local government units, the Moro National Liberation Front, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the traditional leaders are helping government troops in fighting terrorism,” the military official added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1043761
No proof Basilan blast handiwork of suicide bomber: AFP spox
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 3): No proof Basilan blast handiwork of suicide bomber: AFP spox
There is still no evidence indicating that the Tuesday blast in Lamitan City, Basilan that killed 10 persons and wounded seven others was the work of a suicide bomber, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said Friday.
"Gusto ko pong linawin na sa ngayon po e wala naman po tayong indication na nagsasabi na this is a matter of suicide bombing (I would like to make it clear for now that there is no indication that the Basilan blast was a suicide bombing)," Arevalo said in a radio interview.
He said many factors could have contributed to the explosion, including the possibility that the still unidentified driver of the intercepted van transporting the improvised explosive device (IED) could have panicked after seeing the soldiers at the checkpoint.
The AFP spokesperson added that the military also believes that the van driver, who was among the 10 persons killed in the blast, was not the bomber but only a courier of the IEDs.
Intelligence reports showed that the Abu Sayyaf Group is planning to deploy the explosives in populated areas in Lamitan City.
Arevalo said it is also possible that a companion of the courier, who acted as a "sweeper", could have detonated the IEDs upon seeing the courier was intercepted by soldiers at the checkpoint.
Another explanation, he said, is that the cellphones of the responding soldiers and militiamen could have set off the IEDs as they were preparing to inspect the vehicle and the driver.
Meanwhile, Arevalo urged the public not to speculate on the matter, adding that an investigation is ongoing as of this time.
Also killed in the explosion were a soldier, four militiamen and four civilians, who were dependents of militia.
The van exploded while the troops were about to inspect the vehicle at a checkpoint in the boundary of Barangays Bulanting, Colonia and Maganda in Lamitan City.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1043646
There is still no evidence indicating that the Tuesday blast in Lamitan City, Basilan that killed 10 persons and wounded seven others was the work of a suicide bomber, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said Friday.
"Gusto ko pong linawin na sa ngayon po e wala naman po tayong indication na nagsasabi na this is a matter of suicide bombing (I would like to make it clear for now that there is no indication that the Basilan blast was a suicide bombing)," Arevalo said in a radio interview.
He said many factors could have contributed to the explosion, including the possibility that the still unidentified driver of the intercepted van transporting the improvised explosive device (IED) could have panicked after seeing the soldiers at the checkpoint.
The AFP spokesperson added that the military also believes that the van driver, who was among the 10 persons killed in the blast, was not the bomber but only a courier of the IEDs.
Intelligence reports showed that the Abu Sayyaf Group is planning to deploy the explosives in populated areas in Lamitan City.
Arevalo said it is also possible that a companion of the courier, who acted as a "sweeper", could have detonated the IEDs upon seeing the courier was intercepted by soldiers at the checkpoint.
Another explanation, he said, is that the cellphones of the responding soldiers and militiamen could have set off the IEDs as they were preparing to inspect the vehicle and the driver.
Meanwhile, Arevalo urged the public not to speculate on the matter, adding that an investigation is ongoing as of this time.
Also killed in the explosion were a soldier, four militiamen and four civilians, who were dependents of militia.
The van exploded while the troops were about to inspect the vehicle at a checkpoint in the boundary of Barangays Bulanting, Colonia and Maganda in Lamitan City.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1043646
Navy prepares to help rescue Pinoys kidnapped in Libya
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4): Navy prepares to help rescue Pinoys kidnapped in Libya
The Philippine Navy (PN) said Saturday it is already preparing the appropriate support in response to the kidnapping of three overseas Filipino workers and a South Korean national in Libya on July 6.
"Pursuant to the directive of the Commander-in-Chief, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the Philippine Navy, composed of Fleet-Marine component, is planning for the appropriate force package as response to the kidnapping of three Filipinos along with one South Korean national in Libya," Navy spokesperson Commander, Jonathan Zata, said in a statement.
The Navy initially directed its liaison officer, Capt. Donn Miraflor, who is attached to the Combined Maritime Forces based in Bahrain, to coordinate with Charge d’Affaires Boy Melicor in Tripoli, Libya.
"Based on the preliminary information he gathered this morning, the Libyan authorities have been exerting all efforts for the past month to ascertain the identity of the perpetrators and for the recovery of the kidnapped nationals," Zata said.
Duterte earlier said he is considering the deployment of a Navy frigate in response to the kidnapping of the Filipino workers. The same was done by the South Korean government.
"As your PN completes the facts on the ground, it is also preparing for the deployment of a Naval Task Group to assist the Department of Foreign Affairs in the situation in Libya," Zata added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1043768
The Philippine Navy (PN) said Saturday it is already preparing the appropriate support in response to the kidnapping of three overseas Filipino workers and a South Korean national in Libya on July 6.
"Pursuant to the directive of the Commander-in-Chief, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the Philippine Navy, composed of Fleet-Marine component, is planning for the appropriate force package as response to the kidnapping of three Filipinos along with one South Korean national in Libya," Navy spokesperson Commander, Jonathan Zata, said in a statement.
The Navy initially directed its liaison officer, Capt. Donn Miraflor, who is attached to the Combined Maritime Forces based in Bahrain, to coordinate with Charge d’Affaires Boy Melicor in Tripoli, Libya.
"Based on the preliminary information he gathered this morning, the Libyan authorities have been exerting all efforts for the past month to ascertain the identity of the perpetrators and for the recovery of the kidnapped nationals," Zata said.
Duterte earlier said he is considering the deployment of a Navy frigate in response to the kidnapping of the Filipino workers. The same was done by the South Korean government.
"As your PN completes the facts on the ground, it is also preparing for the deployment of a Naval Task Group to assist the Department of Foreign Affairs in the situation in Libya," Zata added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1043768
AFP vows to tap all resources to crush terrorism
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4): AFP vows to tap all resources to crush terrorism
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday vowed to use all its available resources against terrorists.
"(Whether they are) foreigner(s) or Filipinos, if they pose (a) threat to our people, if they endanger the lives of our people (and) security of (our) people, the AFP will use all its resources in order to crush and defeat them because terrorism has no place in our country," AFP spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said in a radio interview Friday.
Arevalo made the remark in the wake of reports claiming that the driver of the van that exploded at a military checkpoint in Basilan province last Tuesday was a Moroccan national.
He said an investigation is still ongoing regarding Tuesday's incident.
Arevalo said authorities have yet to identify the driver of the van that was loaded with improvised explosives devices (IEDs), which exploded near a military checkpoint in Lamitan City, Basilan, killing himself and nine others and wounding seven more people.
The van exploded while troops were about to inspect the vehicle at a checkpoint in the boundaries of Barangays Bulanting, Colonia and Maganda in Lamitan City.
"Sana po dahan-dahan tayo sa pag-jump into conclusions sapagkat ‘yang pong nagsasabi na yan po ay foreigner, ‘yan ay Morrocan, wala po kasi makapagsabi eh kung sino talaga ito dahil yung mismong nag-iisang driver at passenger nitong sasakyan namatay po siya nung pagsabog ng bomba (Let’s all be careful in jumping into conclusions because all those claiming that the person was a foreigner, a Moroccan in particular, nobody could tell because the driver died when the IED exploded)," Arevalo said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1043749
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday vowed to use all its available resources against terrorists.
"(Whether they are) foreigner(s) or Filipinos, if they pose (a) threat to our people, if they endanger the lives of our people (and) security of (our) people, the AFP will use all its resources in order to crush and defeat them because terrorism has no place in our country," AFP spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said in a radio interview Friday.
Arevalo made the remark in the wake of reports claiming that the driver of the van that exploded at a military checkpoint in Basilan province last Tuesday was a Moroccan national.
He said an investigation is still ongoing regarding Tuesday's incident.
Arevalo said authorities have yet to identify the driver of the van that was loaded with improvised explosives devices (IEDs), which exploded near a military checkpoint in Lamitan City, Basilan, killing himself and nine others and wounding seven more people.
The van exploded while troops were about to inspect the vehicle at a checkpoint in the boundaries of Barangays Bulanting, Colonia and Maganda in Lamitan City.
"Sana po dahan-dahan tayo sa pag-jump into conclusions sapagkat ‘yang pong nagsasabi na yan po ay foreigner, ‘yan ay Morrocan, wala po kasi makapagsabi eh kung sino talaga ito dahil yung mismong nag-iisang driver at passenger nitong sasakyan namatay po siya nung pagsabog ng bomba (Let’s all be careful in jumping into conclusions because all those claiming that the person was a foreigner, a Moroccan in particular, nobody could tell because the driver died when the IED exploded)," Arevalo said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1043749
NPA lashes at ‘military harassment’ in DavOr
From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 4): NPA lashes at ‘military harassment’ in DavOr
The New People’s Army (NPA) has accused the military anew of forcing the evacuation of scores of lumad and peasant families in Tarragona, Davao Oriental.
(Czar Dancel / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
In a statement sent to The Manila Bulletin, Friday, the NPA Compostela Valley (Comval) Davao East Coast Sub-regional Operations Command Southern Mindanao accused the military of forcing families from the countryside to either flee their homes or “surrender” as NPA sympathizers.
“In the three days that Red fighters launched tactical offensives against US-Duterte’s armed forces around the region, and safely released a prisoner of war in Davao City, AFP troops added yet another crime against the people in forcing almost 200 hundred lumad and peasant families to flee their homes and livelihood and surrender as NPA members or sympathizers in Tarragona, Davao Oriental,” Roel Agustin, spokesperson, said.
Agustin said that the military operations in Tarragona have led to the evacuation of homes following operations by the 67th Infantry Battalion.
Among these was the food blockade against farmers transporting their goods starting July.
The food blockade, according to the NPA, followed an encounter between rebels and personnel suspected to be protecting the drug trade in Davao Oriental.
The NPA said that last July, its forces flagged down a vehicle at around 4 p.m., July 26, but, instead of stopping, the occupants fired a volley of gunshots and managed to escape.
“After several minutes, the armed passengers alighted the vehicle and scampered away. Red fighters were able to seize a Glock 9mm pistol, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, several handgun magazines and other military and personal possessions from the abandoned vehicle,” the NPA spokesman said.
At least two of the men they encountered, believed to be policemen, were severely wounded during the firefight, the statement said.
Immediately after the incident, July 27, the 67th IB forced 135 families in the three sitios of Barangay Tomoaong to leave their homes.
The evacuees are currently taking shelter in the barangay gymnasium while others have gone to relatives residing in nearby towns.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/04/npa-lashes-at-military-harassment-in-davor/
The New People’s Army (NPA) has accused the military anew of forcing the evacuation of scores of lumad and peasant families in Tarragona, Davao Oriental.
(Czar Dancel / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
In a statement sent to The Manila Bulletin, Friday, the NPA Compostela Valley (Comval) Davao East Coast Sub-regional Operations Command Southern Mindanao accused the military of forcing families from the countryside to either flee their homes or “surrender” as NPA sympathizers.
“In the three days that Red fighters launched tactical offensives against US-Duterte’s armed forces around the region, and safely released a prisoner of war in Davao City, AFP troops added yet another crime against the people in forcing almost 200 hundred lumad and peasant families to flee their homes and livelihood and surrender as NPA members or sympathizers in Tarragona, Davao Oriental,” Roel Agustin, spokesperson, said.
Agustin said that the military operations in Tarragona have led to the evacuation of homes following operations by the 67th Infantry Battalion.
Among these was the food blockade against farmers transporting their goods starting July.
The food blockade, according to the NPA, followed an encounter between rebels and personnel suspected to be protecting the drug trade in Davao Oriental.
The NPA said that last July, its forces flagged down a vehicle at around 4 p.m., July 26, but, instead of stopping, the occupants fired a volley of gunshots and managed to escape.
“After several minutes, the armed passengers alighted the vehicle and scampered away. Red fighters were able to seize a Glock 9mm pistol, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, several handgun magazines and other military and personal possessions from the abandoned vehicle,” the NPA spokesman said.
At least two of the men they encountered, believed to be policemen, were severely wounded during the firefight, the statement said.
Immediately after the incident, July 27, the 67th IB forced 135 families in the three sitios of Barangay Tomoaong to leave their homes.
The evacuees are currently taking shelter in the barangay gymnasium while others have gone to relatives residing in nearby towns.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/04/npa-lashes-at-military-harassment-in-davor/
Bangsamoro peace process, violent extremism tackled
From the Sun Star-Davao (Aug 3): Bangsamoro peace process, violent extremism tackled
THE Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (Opapp) in partnership with The Mindanao Institute on Journalism (MIJ) and MindaNews conducted a media forum on the Bangsamoro Organic Peace Process and Violent Extremism at the Linmarr apartell, Davao City yesterday.
MIJ training officer Amalia Cabusao said in her message that the forum aims to equip journalists with correct information on the phenomenon of violent extremism and about the Bangsamoro peace process.
The media forum was a whole day event with four sessions. The first session tackled the Peace and Development Agenda of the Duterte Administration and update regarding the peace process. Next session was about the Understanding the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
Nabil Tan, chair of the Government Peace Implementing Panel for the Bangsamoro Peace Accords undersecretary, said that they have already peace agreements with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
Tan said the purpose of BOL under the law, “is to establish a political entity, provide for its basic structure of government in recognition of the justness and legitimacy of the cause of the Bangsamoro people and their aspiration to chart their political future through a democratic process that will secure their identity and posterity and allow for meaningful self-governance.”
Commissioner of the Bangsamoro Tranisition Commission Jose Lorena, Jr., meanwhile, explained that the BOL creates a Better – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (B-Armm) for it calls a comprehensive political solution for the entire Armm.
Lorena also underscored that the Muslim community would now have an equal footing and benefits now that the BOL was signed into by President Rodrigo Duterte.
There were sessions regarding the history of Marawi City and violent extremism was cited as the cause of the siege.
MIJ chair H. Marcos Mordeno said journalists tend to only look at the basic news and not look deeper on the war. He added that even media was not able to answer the question of The Islamic State (Isis) existence in the Philippines.
Mansoor Limba of the Alqalam Institute and Ateneo De Davao University, for his part, discussed the Radicalization and Violent Extremism in the Mindanao Context.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1756247/Davao/Local-News/Bangsamoro-peace-process-violent-extremism-tackled
THE Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (Opapp) in partnership with The Mindanao Institute on Journalism (MIJ) and MindaNews conducted a media forum on the Bangsamoro Organic Peace Process and Violent Extremism at the Linmarr apartell, Davao City yesterday.
MIJ training officer Amalia Cabusao said in her message that the forum aims to equip journalists with correct information on the phenomenon of violent extremism and about the Bangsamoro peace process.
The media forum was a whole day event with four sessions. The first session tackled the Peace and Development Agenda of the Duterte Administration and update regarding the peace process. Next session was about the Understanding the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
Nabil Tan, chair of the Government Peace Implementing Panel for the Bangsamoro Peace Accords undersecretary, said that they have already peace agreements with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
Tan said the purpose of BOL under the law, “is to establish a political entity, provide for its basic structure of government in recognition of the justness and legitimacy of the cause of the Bangsamoro people and their aspiration to chart their political future through a democratic process that will secure their identity and posterity and allow for meaningful self-governance.”
Commissioner of the Bangsamoro Tranisition Commission Jose Lorena, Jr., meanwhile, explained that the BOL creates a Better – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (B-Armm) for it calls a comprehensive political solution for the entire Armm.
Lorena also underscored that the Muslim community would now have an equal footing and benefits now that the BOL was signed into by President Rodrigo Duterte.
There were sessions regarding the history of Marawi City and violent extremism was cited as the cause of the siege.
MIJ chair H. Marcos Mordeno said journalists tend to only look at the basic news and not look deeper on the war. He added that even media was not able to answer the question of The Islamic State (Isis) existence in the Philippines.
Mansoor Limba of the Alqalam Institute and Ateneo De Davao University, for his part, discussed the Radicalization and Violent Extremism in the Mindanao Context.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1756247/Davao/Local-News/Bangsamoro-peace-process-violent-extremism-tackled
Bangsamoro gov’t should include 2 MNLF factions – Abbas
From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 3): Bangsamoro gov’t should include 2 MNLF factions – Abbas
Dr. Firdausi Ismail Abbas, member of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) and Sultan of Lanao, said last Wednesday that Nur Misuari’s faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) must be given participation in the provisional Bangsamoro government.
Dr. Firdausi Ismail Abbas (Alvin Veri / MANILA BULLETIN)
President Duterte is expected to appoint members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), which will be the interim government until 2022, to be led by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Abbas, foreign affairs vice chairperson of Yusop Jikiri’s faction of the MNLF, said he is proposing an inclusive BTA that is not dominated by any single group to ensure democracy.
His proposal includes giving the MNLF 20 percent of the seats in the BTA – 10 percent of which will go to Jikiri’s group while the other 10 percent to Misuari’s faction.
“We still consider them (Misuari’s faction) part of the MNLF,” said Abbas, adding that this is despite the fact that Misuari had refused to join in hammering out the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.
Earlier, Duterte expressed willingness to listen to Misauri’s sentiments to the point of offering “a separate autonomy.” But for Abbas, this is “not feasible and not advisable.”
“It would be an encroachment of the territory which has already been outlined for the Bangsamoro autonomous government… And if it is to accommodate Nur Misuari then it would mean getting Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi,” he explained.
Nevertheless, Abbas, who handles BTC’s committee on administration of justice, agrees that the law can still be amended.
Dr. Firdausi Ismail Abbas, member of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) and Sultan of Lanao, said last Wednesday that Nur Misuari’s faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) must be given participation in the provisional Bangsamoro government.
Dr. Firdausi Ismail Abbas (Alvin Veri / MANILA BULLETIN)
President Duterte is expected to appoint members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), which will be the interim government until 2022, to be led by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Abbas, foreign affairs vice chairperson of Yusop Jikiri’s faction of the MNLF, said he is proposing an inclusive BTA that is not dominated by any single group to ensure democracy.
His proposal includes giving the MNLF 20 percent of the seats in the BTA – 10 percent of which will go to Jikiri’s group while the other 10 percent to Misuari’s faction.
“We still consider them (Misuari’s faction) part of the MNLF,” said Abbas, adding that this is despite the fact that Misuari had refused to join in hammering out the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.
Earlier, Duterte expressed willingness to listen to Misauri’s sentiments to the point of offering “a separate autonomy.” But for Abbas, this is “not feasible and not advisable.”
“It would be an encroachment of the territory which has already been outlined for the Bangsamoro autonomous government… And if it is to accommodate Nur Misuari then it would mean getting Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi,” he explained.
Nevertheless, Abbas, who handles BTC’s committee on administration of justice, agrees that the law can still be amended.
Three militiamen slain, four hurt in clash with Reds
From The Gulf Today (Aug 3): Three militiamen slain, four hurt in clash with Reds
The military on Friday reported that two militiamen were slain while four others, including a junior officer, were wounded in an encounter with members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) on the island province of Masbate in the Visayas in Central Philippines.
Captain Joash Pramis, an Army division spokesman, said the clash occurred in a remote “barangay” (village) in the town of Cawayan, Masbate on Friday morning, more than 24 hours after a powerful explosion rocked the port of the province’s capital city of Masbate late on Wednesday night.
Pramis said initial investigation showed the officer and his militiamen were on security patrol when they were ambushed by heavily-armed NPA insurgents that resulted in a 20-minute heavy gunbattle.
Pramis said they alerted all hospitals in Masbate to be on the lookout for wounded persons being brought to them following reports that the rebels also suffered heavy casualties before they withdrew.
The NPA is the armed component of the Communist Party of the Philippines that has been waging a Maoist-style insurgency against the government for 50 years, considered the longest in Asia and the Pacific.
The Masbate clash was the latest in the increasing number of encounters between government security forces and the Maoists since President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte recently formally ended peace talks with them.
http://gulftoday.ae/portal/fdf09f9d-8128-41aa-b534-6554f89c7099.aspx
The military on Friday reported that two militiamen were slain while four others, including a junior officer, were wounded in an encounter with members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) on the island province of Masbate in the Visayas in Central Philippines.
Captain Joash Pramis, an Army division spokesman, said the clash occurred in a remote “barangay” (village) in the town of Cawayan, Masbate on Friday morning, more than 24 hours after a powerful explosion rocked the port of the province’s capital city of Masbate late on Wednesday night.
Pramis said initial investigation showed the officer and his militiamen were on security patrol when they were ambushed by heavily-armed NPA insurgents that resulted in a 20-minute heavy gunbattle.
Pramis said they alerted all hospitals in Masbate to be on the lookout for wounded persons being brought to them following reports that the rebels also suffered heavy casualties before they withdrew.
The NPA is the armed component of the Communist Party of the Philippines that has been waging a Maoist-style insurgency against the government for 50 years, considered the longest in Asia and the Pacific.
The Masbate clash was the latest in the increasing number of encounters between government security forces and the Maoists since President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte recently formally ended peace talks with them.
http://gulftoday.ae/portal/fdf09f9d-8128-41aa-b534-6554f89c7099.aspx
3 soldiers killed in clash with NPA
From Rappler (Aug 3): 3 soldiers killed in clash with NPA
The Philippine National Police in Bicol says there were also casualties on the communist rebels' side during the Friday morning encounter in Cawayan town, Masbate
Three soldiers were killed in an encounter with the New People's Army (NPA) in Cawayan town, Masbate, on Friday, August 3.
Senior Inspector Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Philippine National Police-Bicol spokesperson, said the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion was on a regular patrol when it was ambushed in Barangay Mactan in Cawayan town by an undetermined number of communist rebels round 8:30 am on Friday.
The Philippine National Police in Bicol says there were also casualties on the communist rebels' side during the Friday morning encounter in Cawayan town, Masbate
Three soldiers were killed in an encounter with the New People's Army (NPA) in Cawayan town, Masbate, on Friday, August 3.
Senior Inspector Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Philippine National Police-Bicol spokesperson, said the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion was on a regular patrol when it was ambushed in Barangay Mactan in Cawayan town by an undetermined number of communist rebels round 8:30 am on Friday.
Calubaquib said that PNP-Bicol did not have the identities of the 3 soldiers who were killed in the clash.
"Our government troops were able to retaliate and repulse against the New People’s Army in a fierce gun battle early morning of Friday where an undetermined number of communist guerrillas were killed according to the report reaching our office,” she said.
Duterte: Joma is arrogant
From Tempo (Aug 3): Duterte: Joma is arrogant
President Duterte has slammed communist leader Jose Maria Sison’s arrogance, saying if he refuses to talk peace with the government, then so be it.
The President said he has tried to talk peace with the communists but criticized Sison for pompous stance against the proposed negotiations in the country.
“I said I will talk to the enemies of the state, I tried with Sison. P***** i** sobrang yabang naman ng … Ayoko hindi ko na pi-nansin,” the President said during a recent assembly with top security officials in Pasay City.
“Ayaw mo? Eh di huwag. Sino ka ba?” Duterte added.
The President recently compared communist rebels with robots for following a “bankrupt ideology.”
Duterte instead urged the rebels to surrender rather than fight the government for another 50 years. He promised to provide the rebels with jobs and housing benefits if they return to the fold of law.
The President recently laid down some conditions prior to the resumption of the peace talks with the communist rebels, including holding the negotiations in the country instead of abroad. The communist rebels must also agree to a ceasefire and stop collecting revolutionary taxes for the revival of the talks.
Sison, founding chair of the Communist Party of the Philippines, however has rejected the President’s fresh demand to resume the peace negotiations in the country, saying it was risky for the rebel negotiators. He reportedly said they would rather talk peace to the country’s next leader and join the ouster moves against Duterte.
After the talks with the communist leaders bogged down, the government decided to hold localized peace talks with the rebels instead.
http://tempo.com.ph/2018/08/03/duterte-joma-is-arrogant/
President Duterte has slammed communist leader Jose Maria Sison’s arrogance, saying if he refuses to talk peace with the government, then so be it.
The President said he has tried to talk peace with the communists but criticized Sison for pompous stance against the proposed negotiations in the country.
“I said I will talk to the enemies of the state, I tried with Sison. P***** i** sobrang yabang naman ng … Ayoko hindi ko na pi-nansin,” the President said during a recent assembly with top security officials in Pasay City.
“Ayaw mo? Eh di huwag. Sino ka ba?” Duterte added.
The President recently compared communist rebels with robots for following a “bankrupt ideology.”
Duterte instead urged the rebels to surrender rather than fight the government for another 50 years. He promised to provide the rebels with jobs and housing benefits if they return to the fold of law.
The President recently laid down some conditions prior to the resumption of the peace talks with the communist rebels, including holding the negotiations in the country instead of abroad. The communist rebels must also agree to a ceasefire and stop collecting revolutionary taxes for the revival of the talks.
Sison, founding chair of the Communist Party of the Philippines, however has rejected the President’s fresh demand to resume the peace negotiations in the country, saying it was risky for the rebel negotiators. He reportedly said they would rather talk peace to the country’s next leader and join the ouster moves against Duterte.
After the talks with the communist leaders bogged down, the government decided to hold localized peace talks with the rebels instead.
http://tempo.com.ph/2018/08/03/duterte-joma-is-arrogant/
AFP-WesCom rescues 28 passengers from sinking fishing boat
From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 3): AFP-WesCom rescues 28 passengers from sinking fishing boat
Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Command (AFP-WesCom) rescued 28 passengers from a sinking fishing boat in waters about 35 miles northeast of El Nido town, Palawan on Thursday.
(Photo courtesy of Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Command via Facebook / MANILA BULLETIN)
Capt. Cherryl Tindog, the spokesperson of the AFP-WesCom, said that upon receipt of distress call at around 8 a.m., the Joint Task Force Malampaya immediately deployed Navy vessel BRP Nestor Reinoso (PC 380) skippered by Cdr. Roldydin Cris A. Sergio to conduct search and rescue (SAR).
The SAR Team located the boat named Athan Uno at about 2 miles southeast of Alcon Production platform. By the time the rescuers arrived, it was half-submerged and being towed by another motor banca, however, both boats were being struck by strong waves.
According to its boat captain, they intended to proceed to West Philippine Sea to conduct fishing but they were struck by the strong waves, so they decided to stay and anchored near the AP platform.
Tindog said that upon arrival of PC 380 in the area, the 28 passengers were rescued and transferred to PC 380.
The said Navy vessel arrived around 9 p.m. the same day at El Nido Pier. The passengers were then turned over to El Nido Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/03/afp-wescom-rescues-28-passengers-from-sinking-fishing-boat/
Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Command (AFP-WesCom) rescued 28 passengers from a sinking fishing boat in waters about 35 miles northeast of El Nido town, Palawan on Thursday.
(Photo courtesy of Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Command via Facebook / MANILA BULLETIN)
Capt. Cherryl Tindog, the spokesperson of the AFP-WesCom, said that upon receipt of distress call at around 8 a.m., the Joint Task Force Malampaya immediately deployed Navy vessel BRP Nestor Reinoso (PC 380) skippered by Cdr. Roldydin Cris A. Sergio to conduct search and rescue (SAR).
The SAR Team located the boat named Athan Uno at about 2 miles southeast of Alcon Production platform. By the time the rescuers arrived, it was half-submerged and being towed by another motor banca, however, both boats were being struck by strong waves.
According to its boat captain, they intended to proceed to West Philippine Sea to conduct fishing but they were struck by the strong waves, so they decided to stay and anchored near the AP platform.
Tindog said that upon arrival of PC 380 in the area, the 28 passengers were rescued and transferred to PC 380.
The said Navy vessel arrived around 9 p.m. the same day at El Nido Pier. The passengers were then turned over to El Nido Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/03/afp-wescom-rescues-28-passengers-from-sinking-fishing-boat/
264 candidate soldiers in Mindanao graduate
From Tempo (Aug 4): 264 candidate soldiers in Mindanao graduate
Two-hundred sixty-four soldiers have completed their military training at the 6th Infantry Division Training School in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
They will be deployed to at least three Army divisions in Mindanao, the military said yesterday.
Trained under the Candidate Soldier Course “Siklab” Class 536-2018, the new set of soldiers will be deployed to the areas of operation of the 6th ID, 10th ID, and 4th ID.
Five will be deployed to Cagayan de Oro or the 4th ID while nine will be stationed in Mawab, Compostela Valley or the 10th ID. The other 250 new soldiers will be fielded in the 6th ID’s area of responsibility in Central Mindanao.
Capt. Arvin John Encinas, Army 6th ID spokesperson, said the new breed of soldiers underwent four months of training divided into three modules – Transformation, Basic Squad Training, and Application of Knowledge in accordance with the Army Transformation Roadmap.
In addition, Encinas said the latest batch of soldiers also underwent training on combat skills enhancement, explosive ordnance reconnaissance agent, disaster response and rescue, water search and rescue, and air to ground operations, among others.
Candidate Soldier Wenfer Parreno topped this batch’s graduates with a general average of 95 percent in academic and non-academic subjects. He was followed by CS Kelvin Clyde Regidor and CS Crislyn B. Monterde with 94.77 percent and 94.76 percent, respectively.
Col. Jovencio Gonzalez, chief of the division governance and strategy management office, reminded the new soldiers to share whatever they learned from their training to fellow soldiers in their new field assignments with good attitude, skills, and knowledge. “The more you sweat in training, the lesser you bleed in battle,” Gonzales added.
http://tempo.com.ph/2018/08/04/264-candidate-soldiers-in-mindanao-graduate/
Two-hundred sixty-four soldiers have completed their military training at the 6th Infantry Division Training School in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
They will be deployed to at least three Army divisions in Mindanao, the military said yesterday.
Trained under the Candidate Soldier Course “Siklab” Class 536-2018, the new set of soldiers will be deployed to the areas of operation of the 6th ID, 10th ID, and 4th ID.
Five will be deployed to Cagayan de Oro or the 4th ID while nine will be stationed in Mawab, Compostela Valley or the 10th ID. The other 250 new soldiers will be fielded in the 6th ID’s area of responsibility in Central Mindanao.
Capt. Arvin John Encinas, Army 6th ID spokesperson, said the new breed of soldiers underwent four months of training divided into three modules – Transformation, Basic Squad Training, and Application of Knowledge in accordance with the Army Transformation Roadmap.
In addition, Encinas said the latest batch of soldiers also underwent training on combat skills enhancement, explosive ordnance reconnaissance agent, disaster response and rescue, water search and rescue, and air to ground operations, among others.
Candidate Soldier Wenfer Parreno topped this batch’s graduates with a general average of 95 percent in academic and non-academic subjects. He was followed by CS Kelvin Clyde Regidor and CS Crislyn B. Monterde with 94.77 percent and 94.76 percent, respectively.
Col. Jovencio Gonzalez, chief of the division governance and strategy management office, reminded the new soldiers to share whatever they learned from their training to fellow soldiers in their new field assignments with good attitude, skills, and knowledge. “The more you sweat in training, the lesser you bleed in battle,” Gonzales added.
http://tempo.com.ph/2018/08/04/264-candidate-soldiers-in-mindanao-graduate/
Soldiers recover high-powered firearm, ammo after ASG encounter
From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 4): Soldiers recover high-powered firearm, ammo after ASG encounter
Soldiers, engaged in an armed confrontation with undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) gunmen in Sulu on Friday, recovered a high-powered firearm and ammunitions as the military intensify its campaign against the terrorists group in the province.
(Pixabay / MANILA BULLETIN)
Armed Forces of the Philippines – Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WesMinCom) spokesman Army Lt. Col. Gerry M Besana said today soldiers of the 6th Special Forces Company, 2nd Special Forces Battalion under the Joint Task Force Sulu were conducting a Special Reconnaissance Direct Action patrol and chanced upon a group of ASG in the vicinity of Barangay Angilan, Omar, Sulu on Friday morning.
Exchange of sporadic gun fires immediately ensued for a few minutes before the enemies withdrew toward southeast direction of the village, Besana said.
No casualty was reported on the government side while on the enemy side it is yet to be determined, according to him.
Besana added that during the clearing operation, troops recovered one M16A1 and one short magazine with 19 rounds of ammunitions.
“The Joint Task Force Sulu continues to intensify its campaign against the Abu Sayyaf with the support from the local government and the populace,” Besana said.
“The Command is right now at an advantage since the local government unit, the Moro National Liberation Front, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the traditional leaders are helping government troops in fighting terrorism,” he said.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/04/soldiers-recover-high-powered-firearm-ammo-after-asg-encounter/
Soldiers, engaged in an armed confrontation with undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) gunmen in Sulu on Friday, recovered a high-powered firearm and ammunitions as the military intensify its campaign against the terrorists group in the province.
(Pixabay / MANILA BULLETIN)
Armed Forces of the Philippines – Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WesMinCom) spokesman Army Lt. Col. Gerry M Besana said today soldiers of the 6th Special Forces Company, 2nd Special Forces Battalion under the Joint Task Force Sulu were conducting a Special Reconnaissance Direct Action patrol and chanced upon a group of ASG in the vicinity of Barangay Angilan, Omar, Sulu on Friday morning.
Exchange of sporadic gun fires immediately ensued for a few minutes before the enemies withdrew toward southeast direction of the village, Besana said.
No casualty was reported on the government side while on the enemy side it is yet to be determined, according to him.
Besana added that during the clearing operation, troops recovered one M16A1 and one short magazine with 19 rounds of ammunitions.
“The Joint Task Force Sulu continues to intensify its campaign against the Abu Sayyaf with the support from the local government and the populace,” Besana said.
“The Command is right now at an advantage since the local government unit, the Moro National Liberation Front, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the traditional leaders are helping government troops in fighting terrorism,” he said.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/04/soldiers-recover-high-powered-firearm-ammo-after-asg-encounter/
Another Abu Sayyaf car bomb? AFP probes reports, seeks public vigilance
ABS-CBN (Aug 3): Another Abu Sayyaf car bomb? AFP probes reports, seeks public vigilance
The site of the blast that killed 10 people in Lamitan, Basilan. ABS-CBN News
ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday said it is looking into reports that the Abu Sayyaf group has deployed a "second van" that contains explosives similar to the one that went off in Lamitan, Basilan earlier this week, killing 10 people.
The military refused to give further details but said operations are now on-going against "persons of interest" to quell another possible attack.
Islamic State claims Basilan blast that killed 10
"All possibilities, all indicators that would suggest and would relay, lahat tinitingnan natin 'yan just to ensure na hindi na mauulit (we are looking at all of that just to ensure that it won't happen again)," Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega said.
The bomb that exploded and killed 10 people in Lamitan is easy to manufacture as it makes use of materials that can be bought in hardware stores, Dela Vega said.
"Kung may (if there is a) suspicious amount, large volume of these components are being purchased over the counter sa (at the) hardware store, they are not prevented from selling, but they must inform the security sectors," he said.
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Mujiv Hataman said while there are some Abu Sayyaf members who have surrendered, the terrorist group still maintains some bomb experts.
"May mga tao pa sila. 'Yung mga sumuko na nagsasabi na mayroon na-train na nandiyan pa (They still have people. Those who surrendered said that those who have been trained are still there)," Hataman said.
Zamboanga City Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said the city has doubled security measures especially with information of another possible bombing.
"Checkpoints are also going to be targets of terrorists as what happened in [the] detachment in (Barangay) Colonia. What we intend to do is to also have stringent measures as buffer because we want to protect the lives of civilians and our troops," she said.
Aside from the usual security check, ID’s are now required at checkpoints especially those entering Zamboanga City.
Department of the Interior and Local Government Officer-in-Charge Eduardo Año said another terrorist attempt may be prevented if the community will be more vigilant of movements in their territories.
"Tulad 'yung van na 'yun, kung vigilant 'yung ating mga tao sa community, nung pinipinturahan pa lang 'yun dapat nai-report na 'yan. 'Yung mayroon naglo-load ng anumang bagay sa loob, na-report na sana 'yan," he said.
(Like that van [that exploded], if people in the community were vigilant, when it was painted, that should have already been reported. At the time they were loading something inside the van, that should have already been reported.)
Año said initial information showed the bomber may have been targeting the Nutrition Month event in Lamitan City where some 4,000 students were expected to participate.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/03/18/another-abu-sayyaf-car-bomb-afp-probes-reports-seeks-public-vigilance
The site of the blast that killed 10 people in Lamitan, Basilan. ABS-CBN News
ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday said it is looking into reports that the Abu Sayyaf group has deployed a "second van" that contains explosives similar to the one that went off in Lamitan, Basilan earlier this week, killing 10 people.
The military refused to give further details but said operations are now on-going against "persons of interest" to quell another possible attack.
Islamic State claims Basilan blast that killed 10
"All possibilities, all indicators that would suggest and would relay, lahat tinitingnan natin 'yan just to ensure na hindi na mauulit (we are looking at all of that just to ensure that it won't happen again)," Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega said.
The bomb that exploded and killed 10 people in Lamitan is easy to manufacture as it makes use of materials that can be bought in hardware stores, Dela Vega said.
"Kung may (if there is a) suspicious amount, large volume of these components are being purchased over the counter sa (at the) hardware store, they are not prevented from selling, but they must inform the security sectors," he said.
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Mujiv Hataman said while there are some Abu Sayyaf members who have surrendered, the terrorist group still maintains some bomb experts.
"May mga tao pa sila. 'Yung mga sumuko na nagsasabi na mayroon na-train na nandiyan pa (They still have people. Those who surrendered said that those who have been trained are still there)," Hataman said.
Zamboanga City Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said the city has doubled security measures especially with information of another possible bombing.
"Checkpoints are also going to be targets of terrorists as what happened in [the] detachment in (Barangay) Colonia. What we intend to do is to also have stringent measures as buffer because we want to protect the lives of civilians and our troops," she said.
Aside from the usual security check, ID’s are now required at checkpoints especially those entering Zamboanga City.
Department of the Interior and Local Government Officer-in-Charge Eduardo Año said another terrorist attempt may be prevented if the community will be more vigilant of movements in their territories.
"Tulad 'yung van na 'yun, kung vigilant 'yung ating mga tao sa community, nung pinipinturahan pa lang 'yun dapat nai-report na 'yan. 'Yung mayroon naglo-load ng anumang bagay sa loob, na-report na sana 'yan," he said.
(Like that van [that exploded], if people in the community were vigilant, when it was painted, that should have already been reported. At the time they were loading something inside the van, that should have already been reported.)
Año said initial information showed the bomber may have been targeting the Nutrition Month event in Lamitan City where some 4,000 students were expected to participate.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/03/18/another-abu-sayyaf-car-bomb-afp-probes-reports-seeks-public-vigilance
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