MILF: Jack Abas: Yes Vote will Prevail in Bangsamoro Homeland

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Sep 16): Jack Abas: Yes Vote will Prevail in Bangsamoro Homeland



CAMP RAJAHMUDA, Pikit, North Cotabato ------ Jack Abas, Commander of Eastern Mindanao Front, Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF), said “Yes vote will prevail in Bangsamoro Homeland.”
“The fact that I see many registrants have already filled out the COMELEC registration forms indicate the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) will be ratified by the Moro people, and the presence of our Christian brothers who have also registered here show their support to the upcoming plebiscite for the ratification of OLBARMM on January 21, 2019.”

Abas added that those who were not accommodated in this special registration can register with the COMELEC in their respective municipality.

Esmael A. Abdula, President of Kalilintad Peacebuilding Institute (KPI) stressed the need to support by all means the ratification of BOL during the plebiscite to achieve lasting peace, justice, and development in the Bangsamoro Homeland.”

Abdula encouraged the community leaders and members of United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) to conduct series of advocacy on the BOL and the importance of ratifying the law.

Despite some problems encountered during the 3-day special satellite voter registration at Camp Rajahmuda, it can be concluded that it was a success.

The objective of 3-day special satellite voter registration is to give chance to residents and BIAF members in the Bangsamoro to participate in the ratification of the OLBARMM OR R.A. Act. No. 11054 set for January 21, 2019.



Dr. Masako Ishii (right) from Rikkyo University,Tokyo Japan Interviewed Jack Abas (left), front Commander of Eastern Mindanao, (BIAF-MILF), about the BOL plebiscite .

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1497/jack_abas__yes_vote_will_prevail_in_bangsamoro_homeland

MILF: MILF Leaders Register during Special Satellite Registration for Bangsamoro Plebiscite

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Sep 16): MILF Leaders Register during Special Satellite Registration for Bangsamoro Plebiscite



Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao- Leaders of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) led by MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, and Sammy Al Mansoor, Chief of Staff of Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) registered for the first time as voters during the Special Satellite Registration conducted by the COMELEC in selected venues in Maguindanao, Cotabato City, North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Lanao Del Norte, Sulu, Basilan from September 11-13, 2018.



Al Haj Murad, and other Moro front’s leaders registered at Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Tuesday, and Wednesday, September 11, and September 12, respectively.

Almansoor registered a day earlier also in Camp Darapanan.

“I feel very happy now that I could now participate in the country’s political exercises, particularly in the Bangsamoro plebiscite early next year,” Macacua told Philippine News Agency (PNA)in an interview.

Meanwhile. Mohagher Iqbal, Chair of the MILF Peace Implementing Panel, and BTC Commissioner Ebrahim Ali registered at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center, ORG Compound, Cotabato City on September 11.

The purpose of the special registration is to make the plebiscite for the ratification of R. A. No. 11054 or OLBARMM slated on January 21st even more successful by giving a chance to MILF members, and the Bangsamoro people to participate in the political exercise.

COMELEC Spokesperson James Jimenez told the Philippine News Agency Wednesday that the special voters’ list up was going on smoothly.

“So far, so good,” he said as quoted by PNA.

As of this writing, there were no complete list or total number of registered voters from all venues identified by COMELEC during the 3-day registration.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1498/milf-leaders-register-during-special-satellite-registration-for-bangsamoro-plebiscite

CPP: Duterte projecting power amid diminishing strength

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 13): Duterte projecting power amid diminishing strength
      

Communist Party of the Philippines

September 13, 2018

Duterte went on live television last Tuesday to project power and control. However, his failure to address the outstanding economic issues, his relentless fascism, bloodthirst, dictatorial ambitions and anti-people policies only fuel the people’s resistance and heighten their desire to kick him out of power.

The Party has called on the broad masses of the Filipino people to unite and struggle to oust Duterte’s fascist regime. In less than a year, a broad united front has arisen with a wide range of patriotic and democratic forces marching together to demand an end to Duterte’s tyranny, fascism, corruption and puppetry.

However, Duterte’s claim of a conspiracy between the CPP, Trillanes, the Liberal Party and other forces is a figment of his imagination. In desperation, he has gone the extent of risking charges of treason by claiming a “foreign country” provided him recorded conversations proving such a conspiracy.

In fact, he is only raising the spectre of an ouster conspiracy to justify even more tyrannical measures to clamp down against all forces ranged against his rule. The threat of a Duterte crackdown or nationwide martial law remains palpable. Duterte is increasingly desperate to exercise tyranny as his power becomes increasingly tenuous.

Duterte continues to be fixated with persecuting and seeking to silence his critics and political rivals. His latest obsession is to nullify Senator Trillanes’ amnesty and cause his imprisonment. This follows the recent attempt to cause the arrest of four leaders of Makabayan, the ouster of Lourdes Sereno as Supreme Court chief justice, the terrorist proscription case against more than 600 activists and progressive leaders, the incarceration of Sen. Leila de Lima and so on.

However he desires it, Duterte cannot summarily effect Trillanes’ arrest over fears of causing further dissension in the military and further emboldening the political opposition. There are disagreements even within his cabinet. Deep discord within the ruling clique, as well as within the armed forces and police, are quickly emerging over conflicts in government contracts, business favors as well as protection of criminal operations.

Duterte rules over an increasingly bankrupt government presiding over a crisis-ridden economy. It remains afloat only by imposing more and more taxes and borrowing more money. The fiscal deficit is rising sharply. The country’s trade deficit has risen sharply this year and has reached records high. The balance of payment deficit continues to rise while the value of the Philippine peso has dropped to its lowest levels in nearly a decade and a half.

Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program, with his cronies and dummies cornering most of the contracts, is leading the country deeper into debt. He shamelessly begs for loans from various countries to finance his weapons-buying binge.

Duterte’s political power has weakened considerably primarily because he has caused the Filipino people grave economic hardships. He has become further isolated from the people after having made them carry the burden of the US-dictated TRAIN taxes, soaring prices of basic necessities and overall worsening state of poverty.

The people are suffering from the accumulated effect of close to four decades of trade and investment liberalization, privatization and deregulation. The toiling masses suffer from widespread unemployment and low wages. Duterte provides the people with mere band-aid solutions such as cash subsidies or price controls but insists on the policies which cut deep wounds against the broad masses.

The broad masses are growing ever restless under the dark clouds of the economy. The demand of the downtrodden masses for wage increases, land, jobs, social subsidies and other immediate relief from the crisis are driving them to mount strikes, occupy land and launch various forms of protest.

Duterte continues to rouse resistance over his campaign of mass murder and violations of human rights. He continues to use the “war against drugs” smokescreen to justify the killings of street peddlers and users as a way of hurting the operations of drug syndicates which rival those under his protection, including that of his own son and associates.

Police and military abuse of power run rampant under Mindanao martial law and Oplan Kapayapaan in Duterte’s drive to suppress rural unrest, silence the demand of the peasants for land reform and drive away the national minority peoples from their ancestral land to pave the way for the entry of big foreign mining companies and plantations. Duterte is inciting the people to fight back and take up arms.

As Duterte grows isolated, politically weak and physically impaired, he is becoming ever more zealous in his drive to impose a fascist dictatorship. He will, however, be met with much fiercer resistance by the Filipino people who are even more determined to end his fascist and rotten rule.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2018/09/13/duterte-projecting-power-amid-diminishing-strength/

CPP/NDF: NDFP Panel welcomes House Resolution 1803 on resumption of peace talks

NDF Negotiating Panel propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 13): NDFP Panel welcomes House Resolution 1803 on resumption of peace talks

Fidel V. Agcaoili | Chairperson | NDFP Negotiating Panel

September 13, 2018

    
The Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) welcomes the passing of House Resolution 1803 by the House Special Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity on September 12, 2018 that urged President Duterte to resume the peace talks.

The resolution is a positive move by the committee members and contributes to calls of various other sectors and groups to continue the peace negotiations. We hope this welcome move by the House Special Committee can encourage President Duterte to go back to the negotiating table and work towards a just and lasting peace.

When Duterte unilaterally terminated the peace talks in November 2017, there were already significant advancements in the negotiations in the form of tentative agreements on the sections of agrarian reform and rural development and national industrialization and economic development of the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER); coordinated unilateral ceasefire; and, amnesty of all political prisoners listed by the NDFP.

These agreements had been formulated and initialed by representatives of the GRP and NDFP during the monthly informal or back channel talks from March to June 2018 and were subject to finalization in the aborted fifth round of formal talks on June 28, 2018.

The NDFP is always open to resumption of peace negotiations in accordance with all signed agreements such as The Hague Joint Declaration, the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantee (JASIG), and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), without preconditions.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2018/09/13/ndfp-panel-welcomes-house-resolution-1803-on-resumption-of-peace-talks/

CPP: Revolutionary forces to assist masses amid ravage of typhoon Ompong

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 15): Revolutionary forces to assist masses amid ravage of typhoon Ompong

Communist Party of the Philippines

September 15, 2018           

Units of the New People’s Army (NPA) and all revolutionary forces in North and Central Luzon, as well as in Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon, are geared to carry out rescue, relief and rehabilitation work for millions of people whose homes and livelihood were ravaged by strong winds and rains brought about by typhoon Ompong.

Over the next few days, local commands of the NPA can concentrate primarily in civic action amid the disaster even as they remain vigilant over the relentless offensive operations of the AFP.

The Party urges the Filipino people and international humanitarian agencies to unite and extend all possible help to address the welfare of the people. It urges all democratic sectors to establish Serve the People brigades to help collect and distribute relief assistance.

The broad masses of workers, peasants, minority people, fisherfolk and other basic sectors suffer the most from the damage wrought by typhoon Ompong. There is urgent need to mobilize them to carry out collective effort from the devastation and facilitate the entry and equitable distribution of all financial and material assistance.

As in the past, the people will be burdened by rampant corruption and inefficiencies in the Philippine reactionary government whose agencies always fail to squarely address their conditions.

Their clamor for wage increases, land distribution, cancellation of debt, agricultural subsidies, free irrigation and livelihood assistance and economic relief demand immediate attention and resolution.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2018/09/15/revolutionary-forces-to-assist-masses-amid-ravage-of-typhoon-ompong/

DWDD: HONORING HEROES | Filipino WWII Veterans receive US Congressional Gold Medal Award

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 15): HONORING HEROES  |  Filipino WWII Veterans receive US Congressional Gold Medal Award

 

US EMBASSY, Manila (DWDD) – After more than seven decades, Filipino World War II Veterans based in the Philippines finally received their long-awaited recognition from the United States government through the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) on September 13, 2018 at the US Embassy in Manila. The CGM is the highest civilian honor conferred by the United States Congress for an individual’s distinguished achievements and contributions for the US.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Yong Kim presented the awards to the first 13 recipients. He was assisted by Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Administrator, LtGen. Ernesto G. Carolina AFP (RET).

The 13 initial CMG awardees served in different military areas during the war, notably, Central Luzon, Cebu and Negros. Despite being young and inexperienced, they responded to the call of the US government to serve in the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE). Today, they are in their 90s and most are already sick or bed-ridden. The oldest among the awardees is 100-year-old TSGT Sixto A Navidad who served as part of the naval defense against the Japanese until the surrender in Bataan.

 

Col Paterno V Villoria, who served the Luzon Guerilla Army Forces, Nueva Ecija Military Area in the 1940’s, delivered a speech in response to their recognition on behalf of all the awardees. In a report from PVAO Public Affairs Office, Col. Villoria was quoted saying that “the Congressional Gold Medal represents not only the bravery and heroism of most Filipinos who fought during the war, but more importantly, recognizing their sacrifices and dedicated service to preserve freedom not only for our country, but for the rest of humanity.”

In 2016, Secretary Lorenzana who was then the Head of the Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) in Washington D.C., was part of the Filipino Veterans Recognition (FilVetRep) group that strongly lobbied for the passage of the conferment of the US CGM to Filipino World War II Veterans. The prestigious US CGM award is bestowed by the US Congress collectively for all 260,000 Filipino war veterans. In his testimonial, he highlighted the significance of the recognition of Filipino veterans in the alliance between the US and the Philippine governments, and conveyed his appreciation for the mass recognition of Filipino war veterans who rendered honorable and loyal military service for the Philippine and American flags. He also expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to this 70-year aspiration.

 

The breakthrough recognition was granted when President Barrack Obama signed the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) Act on December 16, 2016. Philippine Consulates General and Filipino communities in the United States, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) and the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetRep) headed by Gen. Tony Taguba also lobbied for the enactment of the law.

Under Section 3 of the law, Filipino Veterans of World War II is defined as: 1.) Any individual who served honorably at any time during the period beginning July 26, 1941, and ending on December 31, 1946; 2.) In an active-duty status under the command of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East; and 3.) (a) Within the Philippine Commonwealth Army, the Philippine Scouts, the Philippine Constabulary, Recognized Guerrilla units, the New Philippine Scouts, the First Filipino Infantry Regiment, the Second Filipino Infantry Battalion (Separate), or the First Reconnaissance Battalion or (b) commanding or serving in a unit described in the former as a United States military officer or enlisted soldier.

The FILVETREP Eligibility Committee examines and confirms applications for eligibility of Filipino Veterans of WWII.





 





PVAO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/09/15/honoring-heroes-filipino-wwii-veterans-receive-us-congressional-gold-medal-award/

DWDD: HADR | NOLCOM mitigates onslaught of TY Ompong

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 15): HADR  |  NOLCOM mitigates onslaught of TY Ompong

CAMP SERVILLANO AQUINO, Tarlac City (DWDD) – As Typhoon Ompong made its landfall in Baggao, Cagayan, today September 15, 2018, at 1:40 in the early morning. Continuous rainfall and strong gusts of wind are currently being felt in the areas of Northern and Central Luzon.

Northern Luzon Command’s (NOLCOM) Disaster Response Task Groups (DRTGs) are simultaneously doing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Operations (HADRO) throughout the areas of NOLCOM’s area of responsibility.

The Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) provided manpower assistance by hauling rice from San Juan La Union to San Fernando, La Union last Sept 13, 2018. Meanwhile, the Tactical Operations Wings Northern Luzon (TOWNOL) are already prepositioned in Region 2 to support any sustainment operations on HADR that needs utilization of their aerial conveyance.

Moreover, the 48th Infantry Battalion (48IB) distributed relief goods in Nueva Ecija, 503rd Infantry Brigade (DRTG CAR) and 501st Brigade in Kalinga while the 48th Infantry Battalion is closely monitoring the barangays along the river of Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija.

All Joint Task Force units are directed to collocate all Tactical Operations Centers (TOC) with the different Offices of the Civil Defense (OCD) for faster coordination and response during the typhoon. The Disaster Response team are currently on high alert for any possible rescue operations needed in their areas.

In addition, Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines alerted their partner in Northern and Central Luzon, the Regional Emergency Assistance Communication Team (REACT) Philippines regarding the conduct of NOLCOM’s HADRO and their role in the communications aspect in achieving the overall success of each operation.

NOLCOM is currently doing its best efforts in maintaining control and contact with all its Disaster Response Task Units to achieve coordinated action in response to mitigate the onslaught of typhoon Ompong.

48th Infantry Battalion distribution of goods



503rd Infantry Brigade (DRTG CAR) relief goods preparations



48th Infantry Battalion monitoring along Brgy Sinasajan Penaranda river



NOLCOM / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/09/15/83602/

DWDD: ENCOUNTER | TG Panther engaged 100 ASG in Patikul, Sulu

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 15): ENCOUNTER  |  TG Panther engaged 100 ASG in Patikul, Sulu

 

PATIKUL, Sulu (DWDD) – The Task Group Panther under Lieutenant Colonel Samuel G Yunque with Scout Ranger Class 205-18 under Captain Michael B Asistores while on test mission encountered more or less 100 fully armed members of the Abu Sayyaf Terrorist Group under senior leader Radullan Sahiron and sub-leaders Hajan Sawadjaan and Idang Susukan in the vicinity of Barangay Bakong, Patikul, Sulu.

According to reports reaching the AFP Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM), the firefight lasted for one hour and thirty minutes (1hr30min). After which, the enemy withdrew towards the northeast direction.

The encounter resulted in 17 Wounded-in-Action (WIA- 16 AFP; 1-PNP (slight/shrapnel wounds all ambulatory) on the government side while the ASG sustained on 7 killed (Body count); the recovery of 1-M16 rifle and assorted war materiel and personal belongings.

Troops employed 60/81mm mortar. Adjacent units were positioned to conduct blocking force against withdrawing enemy.

An MD-520MG helicopter provided air support and air evacuation (1 WP, 8 HE and 61rds Caliber.50). The wounded soldiers were immediately brought to the Kampo Hen Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for proper medical treatment together with the cadaver of the 7 killed ASG members for forensic and proper disposition.

Relatives of the slain ASG members have not yet claimed their remains as of this writing. AES / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/09/15/encounter-tg-panther-engaged-100-asg-in-patikul-sulu/

Abu Sayyaf frees 3 Indonesian hostages in Sulu

From GMA News (Sep 16): Abu Sayyaf frees 3 Indonesian hostages in Sulu

Three Indonesian nationals abducted by the Abu Sayyaf in Sabah, Malaysia, in 2017 have been released, according to Benjie Liwanag's report on Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday.

The three were released in Barangay Buanza in Indanan, Sulu, to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and to former Sulu governor Abdusakur Tan.

The Indonesians, who were not identified in the report, were later on turned over to the Joint Task Force Sulu. They underwent medical examination at Camp Bautista Hospital and will undergo debriefing procedures.

Philippine authorities are now coordinating with Indonesian officials regarding the release of the three.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/667927/abu-sayyaf-frees-3-indonesian-hostages-in-sulu/story/

Feuding Sulu families reconcile

From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 15): Feuding Sulu families reconcile

Two warring families in the southern Filipino province of Sulu have agreed to peacefully settle their conflicts and putting a stop to bitter fighting that had claimed lives from both sides.

The reconciliation was initiated by the town’s mayor, Samier Tan, and witnessed Governor Toto Tan and municipal and police and military officials.











Provincial government photos show the reconciliation between two warring families in Sulu province. Maimbung Mayor Samier Tan initiated the peace talks that resulted in the accord. Governor Toto Tan witnessed the ceremony held at the municipal hall.

The feuding clans are from Karawan village in Indanan represented by Astian Alawaddin, Moy Najaf, Mustapha Alawaddin, Najar Jalaide and Persing Hayudini, and Laud Kulasi in Maimbung town represented by Salbi Sarri, Sarri Salli, Jamil Kairan, Gulam Mustali, Silud Sarri, Suharto Sawadjaan and Isdam Hajan.

Followers from both sides also witnessed the reconciliation held at the municipal hall. Former Governor Sakur Tan, an influential philanthropist and political leader, was also present during the ceremony and spoke to the leaders of both families and urged them to foster unity and camaraderie between their ranks.

“It is now time to make Sulu a place where peace and prosperity are the norms that define our communities,” he said.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/41428-2/

No CIA destab effort vs. Duterte: US envoy

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15): No CIA destab effort vs. Duterte: US envoy



There is no effort by the United States to undermine the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, a diplomat of the United States said on Friday.

In a media roundtable discussion with reporters from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao during the culmination of the 10th US Embassy Seminar for Regional Media on Human Rights Reporting in Pasay City, US Ambassador Sung Kim assured that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has no plot to assassinate President Duterte.

“I can assure you with great confidence and conviction that there is actually no effort in the US government, including the CIA, to come up with some effort to undermine President Duterte’s administration,” Kim said.

In fact, he said, the two countries' military cooperation has never been stronger, pointing out the US initiative to work closely with government forces in combatting human trafficking, piracy, and terrorism.

“We have a very strong cooperation with all the security agencies and it will continue,” the US envoy added.

The President's recent statement hinting at US interference with the country's internal affairs, Kim said, will not affect the military cooperation and bilateral relations between the two countries.

Duterte earlier claimed that the CIA wanted him dead, as he also alleged that other countries like Russia, China, Israel, and Indonesia are monitoring him.

The Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines said they have no information on the alleged CIA plot against the President.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1047987

2 cargo planes, 10 choppers to assist in relief missions: Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15): 2 cargo planes, 10 choppers to assist in relief missions: Lorenzana



A Philippine Air Force C-130 'Hercules' cargo aircraft. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Saturday (September 15, 2018) two Lockheed C-130 'Hercules' cargo aircraft and 10 helicopters are ready for Typhoon Ompong relief and rescue efforts. (Photo by Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Saturday two Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft and 10 helicopters will be deployed for Typhoon Ompong relief and rescue efforts, particularly in Cagayan Valley, once the weather clears.

Lorenzana made the statement during a 9 a.m. press briefing presided by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque that was held at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Building in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The defense chief said the two C-130s can airlift relief goods while the 10 helicopters can reach Cagayan Valley’s mountainous area to fulfill rescue missions.

He said these air assets are on standby at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City and could fly anytime once the weather improves.

Lorenzana also said troops are available in Cagayan and other affected provinces for rescue missions.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the typhoon made landfall at Baggao, Cagayan at about 1:40 a.m. Saturday.

All available military transport assets, he said, can be used by the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the transport of relief goods and other items to communities needing help in the affected provinces.

He added that they are still waiting for damage reports caused by "Ompong" from the Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and Ilocos regions.

"Base sa sinabi ng PAGASA kanina, malakas pa din ang bagyo dyan kaya yun atin mga members ng NDRRMC ay hindi pa makapag-gala at makapag-assess ng damage. In fact, yun atin mga kasundaluhan ay handang tumulong sa mga nangangailangan ng tulong," (Based on what PAGASA reported earlier, the typhoon is still being felt in these areas, preventing our NDRRMC members to go around and to assess the damage. In fact, our soldiers are ready to extend help,” Lorenzana said.

Northern Luzon Command head, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat, is in Tuguegarao, Cagayan managing efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines related to "Ompong", along with the NDRRMC and Office of Civil Defense.

"Siguro maghintay pa tayo ng ilang oras at hintayin natin humupa yun hangin para makapag-gala yun atin mga NDRRMC upang ma-assess yun damage na ginawa ng Typhoon Ompong (Perhaps, we still need a few hours for the strong winds to cease for our NDRRMC members to go around and assess the damage brought about by ‘Ompong’),” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1048078

Govt troops rescue wounded NPA rebel

From the Manila Times (Sep 15): Govt troops rescue wounded NPA rebel

Government troops belonging to 28th Infantry Battalion (28th IB) on Friday rescued a wounded member of the communist New People’s Army (NPA), the Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) reported on Saturday.

Jason Languhan, of Santa Cruz town in Davao del Sur province, was rescued around 9 a.m. on September 14, a day after two armed clashes ensued between the 28th IB and the communist rebels in Sitio Sigang, Barangay Maragtas, Lupon, Davao Oriental.

The wounded rebel was rescued in the vicinity of Barangay Maragtas after his companions abandoned him as they fled.

The rebel was lying inside a banana plantation when found by the rescuing troops and community members, the EMC report said.

Languhan was immediately airlifted to Camp Panacan Station Hospital in Davao City for initial treatment.

 He was later brought to the Southern Philippines Medical Center, also in Davao City, for further medical intervention, the EMC said.

https://www.manilatimes.net/govt-troops-rescue-wounded-npa-rebel/441960/

NPA ready to help Ompong victims —CPP

From GMA News (Sep 15): NPA ready to help Ompong victims —CPP

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Saturday said units of the New People's Army (NPA) in North and Central Luzon are ready to carry out rescue, relief and rehabilitation work for victims affected by Typhoon Ompong.

In a statement, the CPP said local commands of the NPA are set to concentrate primarily in civic action over the next few days "even as they remain vigilant over the relentless offensive operations of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines)."

The CPP also urged all democratic sectors to establish "serve the people" brigades to help collect and distribute relief assistance.

"The Party urges the Filipino people and international humanitarian agencies to unite and extend all possible help to address the welfare of the people," their statement read.

According to the CPP, those who suffer the most from the damage wrought by typhoon Ompong are the masses of workers, peasants, minority people, fisherfolk and other basic sectors .

It highlighted the urgent need to "mobilize" them in order to "carry out collective effort from the devastation and facilitate the entry and equitable distribution of all financial and material assistance."

The CPP expressed fear that those in need may be burdened by the "rampant corruption" and "inefficiencies" in the government.

"As in the past, the people will be burdened by rampant corruption and inefficiencies in the Philippine reactionary government whose agencies always fail to squarely address their conditions," their statement said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/667889/npa-ready-to-help-ompong-victims-cpp/story/

Were 7 killed in Sulu encounter Abu Sayyaf or not?

From Rappler (Sep 15): Were 7 killed in Sulu encounter Abu Sayyaf or not?

Soldiers say it was an encounter, while a Moro rights group says it was a summary execution



Seven alleged members of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf were killed in an encounter on Friday, September 14, according to a report of Joint Task Force Sulu headed by Brigadier General Divino Rey Pabayo.

The number of dead was based on a body count, according to a press statement from Lieutenant Colonel Gerry Besana, public affairs officer of the Western Mindanao Command.

Six others were reported injured, including ASG Senior Leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, who was said to be seriously hit in his stomach and lower extremities.

Miliary says they're terrorists: The same report said troops belonging to Task Group Panther led by Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Yunque, together with a group of scout rangers led by Captain Michael Asistores, got into an encounter with “more or less 100 fully armed” ASG members under senior leader Radullan Sahiron and sub leaders Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan and Idang Susukan in Barangay Bakong, Patikul, Sulu.

The group was conducting focused military operations when they encountered the alleged ASG, resulting in a firefight at around 1:30 pm Friday.

The statement said 17 soldiers were “slightly wounded” due to shrapnel.

Were they just civilians? According to Moro rights group Suara Bangsamoro, however, the alleged Abu Sayyaf combatants were actually civilians from a Tausug community.

"The seven victims of summary execution are from Barangay Tambang in Patikul, Sulu. They were all in their youth and were staying with their families in the evacuation camp in the coastal village of Igasan," Suara Bangsamoro national chairperson Jerome Aladdin Aba told Rappler in a text message.

Aba added that the combatants were merely gathering fruits and had been permitted by the military to go on their expedition outside the evacuation quarters.

Citing interviews executed by local Suara Bangsamoro members, Aba said the 7 were first captured alive by soldiers at around 12 noon on Friday and were dropped off lifeless at a police station at around 4 pm.

Suara Bangsamoro is already keeping names of the alleged Abu Sayyaf members they believe to be innocent youth. They declined permission to publish the list as the names are still being validated.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/212088-killed-in-sulu-encounter-abu-sayyaf-or-not

7 ASG members slain; sub-leader, 17 soldiers wounded in Sulu clash

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 15): 7 ASG members slain; sub-leader, 17 soldiers wounded in Sulu clash

Seven suspected members of the terror Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed while their sub-leader and 17 soldiers on the part of the government forces were wounded in an armed encounter in Patikul, Sulu on Friday, the military confirmed Saturday.

Troops of the Task Group Panther, led by Lt. Col. Samuel Yunque, and a group of scout rangers, headed by Capt. Michael Asistores, were conducting focused military operations in Barangay Bakong, Patikul, Sulu when they encountered about 100 suspected ASG terrorists, said Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WESMINCOM) commander.

Dela Vega said the encounter happened around 1:30 p.m. Friday when the armed men suddenly opened fire at the operating troops. The soldiers managed to take cover and fired back.

The group was found out to be under ASG senior leader Radullan Sahiron and sub-leaders Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan and Idang Susukan, Dela Vega added.

Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo, head of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu, said seven ASG terrorists were killed during the firefight and six others were wounded, including ASG sub-leader Sawadjaan.

“[He] was seriously hit in [the] stomach and lower extremities,” Pabayo said.

“More casualties on the enemy side are yet to be determined based on the blood stains spotted in the encounter site,” he added.

Meanwhile, the JTF Sulu head said 17 soldiers were “slightly” wounded and they were rushed to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu for treatment.

The bodies of the slain suspects were also brought to the hospital for forensic examination and proper disposition, Pabayo disclosed.

Soldiers recovered at the encounter site an M-16 rifle, four 5.56 mm magazines, a bandolier, a cellular phone, assorted ammunition, war supplies and apparatus.

Dela Vega assured that all sorts of assistance will be provided to the wounded soldiers.

“Our prayers are with them for their speedy recovery,” he said.

Dela Vega added that more troops were deployed to go after the fleeing bandits.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/09/15/7-asg-members-slain-sub-leader-17-soldiers-wounded-in-sulu-clash/