NDF/Sison-ILPS: ILPS condemns Duterte for slander and intimidation

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Apr 5, 2019): ILPS condemns Duterte for slander and intimidation

Prof. Jose Maria Sison
Chairperson
International League of Peoples’ Struggle

April 6, 2019

The International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS), which I represent as Chairperson of the International Coordinating Committee (ICC), hereby condemns in the strongest terms the attempt of the notorious Duterte regime to slander the ILPS and misrepresent it as the international network and International Department of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) for the purpose of intimidating the legal and patriotic and progressive organizations of Filipinos in the Philippines and abroad.

Contrary to the false claim of the Duterte regime, the ILPS is a broad alliance of hundreds of anti-imperialist and democratic mass organizations in scores of countries from all continents. The ICC, its supreme leading organ, is elected by the International Assembly and is restricted by the ILPS Charter from having more than three members from the same country, thus preempting control of the ILPS by any single country or organization.

The Duterte regime’s attack on the ILPS is an extension of the anticommunist witch hunt, state terrorism and fascisation being carried out by the regime in the Philippines. It is meant to attain certain malicious objectives, such as the following:

1. To red-tag and intimidate the ILPS and also to vainly reinforce its previous red tagging of legal patriotic and even religious organizations that are critical of the gross and systematic violations of human rights being perpetrated by Duterte.
2. To mislead world public opinion and deflect attention from the complaints on human rights violations already submitted to the International Criminal Court by aggrieved victims and survivors of human rights violations, who cannot obtain justice from Philippine courts which are now under the draconian control of the tyrant Duterte.
3. To blame the legal patriotic and progressive organizations and even religious organizations for supposedly causing the self-generated notoriety of the tyrannical, murderous and corrupt Duterte regime.

In the first place, the Duterte regime must be aware of its own crimes. Since he became president, Duterte no less has been publicly inciting and ordering the police to frame up and kill suspected drug users and peddlers in the thousands and assuring his armed minions of presidential protection and rewards in cash and promotions. Thus, more than 30,000 people have been extrajudicially killed in the fake war on illegal drugs undertaken by Duterte to monopolize the illegal drug trade.

The international and human rights agencies and organizations have been factual and truthful in their reporting of the mass murders and other human rights violations. Thus, Duterte is the subject of complaints to the International Criminal Court in The Hague by aggrieved Filipinos who cannot seek justice from the Philippines state because of Duterte’s unbridled brutality and tight grip on the judicial system.

Those being red-tagged by the Duterte regime include highly and widely respected Philippine organizations, like the IBON Research Foundation, GABRIELA, Alliance of Concerned Teachers, KARAPATAN, and the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), and religious formations like the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines and the Iglesia Independiente Filipina (Philippine Independent Church).

The Duterte regime is maliciously spreading the big lie that its criminal ill repute or notoriety is because of the advocacy and social activism of the aforesaid organizations in support of the poor, exploited, and oppressed people and that these are merely CPP “front” or dummy organizations, which are used for raising funds abroad.

On their own account, the CPP and New People’s Army have time and again asserted and manifested their political, organizational and financial self-reliance because they enjoy the vigorous participation and abundant support of the people in the revolutionary struggle for national liberation, democracy, social justice, and all-round development.

Acting as the psywar agent of the Duterte regime, AFP Major General Parlade has gone to several countries in Europe and Southeast Asia to red-tag and slander the ILPS as a conduit of foreign funds for the CPP and revolutionary movement. He has done so at a time that the AFP is applying the brutal methods of Oplan Tokhang in Oplan Kapayapaan and escalating the selective and mass murders of people suspected of being linked to the New People’s Army.

Previously, it was another Duterte running dog, PNP General Albayalde who red-tagged the patriotic and progressive organizations on the outright lie that I identified them as CPP “front” organizations by maliciously misrepresenting a 1987 video, in which I sharply differentiated the forces of the armed revolutionary movement from the legal patriotic and progressive forces that had directly brought down the Marcos fascist dictatorship in 1986. ###

https://www.ndfp.org/ilps-condemns-duterte-for-slander-and-intimidation/

NDF/Sison: Quick response to Duterte’s threats to suspend writ of habeas corpus and declare revolutionary war

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Apr 5, 2019): Quick response to Duterte’s threats to suspend writ of habeas corpus and declare revolutionary war

By Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant

April 5, 2019

Duterte cannot engage in a revolutionary war because he is a counterrevolutionary agent of foreign monopoly capitalists, big compradors and big landlords. He is a bureaucrat capitalist of the worst kind.

He should not misappropriate and besmirch the noble calling of revolutionary. He is a tyrant, traitor, plunderer and mass murderer hell-bent on imposing a fascist dictatorship on the Filipino people through charter change to a bogus kind of federalism.

He is already engaged in de facto martial law nationwide and in the de facto suspension of the writ of habeas corpus. He is increasingly engaged in mass intimidation, mass arrests and mass murders.The people are therefore already rising up against his reign of greed and terror.

If he formally proclaims the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus or even martial law nationwide, he will only succeed in further enraging the people and inciting them to wage all forms of revolutionary resistance. The real revolutionary war is against his ongoing counterrevolutionary war.

https://www.ndfp.org/quick-response-to-dutertes-threats-to-suspend-writ-of-habeas-corpus-and-declare-revolutionary-war/

MILF: MILF to remain neutral in 2019 polls

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Apr 5, 2019): MILF to remain neutral in 2019 polls

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao interim chief minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim (in white polo) in one of his sorties in Maguindanao. (Photo courtesy of Bangsamoro Media Group)

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will remain neutral in the 2019 national and local elections but would allow its members to vote according to their conscience.

“The MILF, as an organization, will remain neutral, but will not stop its members from voting,” Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) said in a radio interview here Wednesday.

The chief minister explained that the MILF is already a partner of the government but its organizational policy remains.

“Such policy prohibits the organization from issuing statements in support or against a particular candidate in the local and national positions,” he said.

The MILF is also not campaigning for or against any political party but will not prevent its members from joining the elections.

Ebrahim, also the chair of MILF central committee, said the MILF will soon issue guidelines on how to choose leaders and the qualifications they must possess.

The chief minister said the MILF will let its members choose their candidates for national and local positions, adding the organization may only provide guidelines on how to choose the right leaders running for office. (PNA)

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1773/milf-to-remain-neutral-in-2019-polls

Editorial: 35 years of the annual Balikatan Exercise

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 5, 2019): Editorial: 35 years of the annual Balikatan Exercise


The annual Balikatan exercise between Philippine and American armed forces began last Monday. It is the 35th time the exercise is being held, with 4,000 Philippine and 3,500 American troops joined this year by 50 members of the Australian Defense Force.

Five years after the Philippines achieved independence from American colonial rule in 1946, the two countries signed a Mutual Defense Treaty in 1951. Balikatan began in 1985 to enhance the two nations’ military organizations’ close relations through joint exercises. In 1992, the US closed down its bases in the Philippines, but the two countries signed a Visiting Forces Agreement in 1998 governing the conduct and protection of American troops visiting the Philippines and of Philippine troops visiting the US.

Balikatan has become the cornerstone of Philippine-American military relations, with Australia participating in the annual activity since 2014. This year’s exercise includes the usual land, amphibious, and aviation operations, along with humanitarian and civic assistance activities – the building of classrooms and clinics, health consultations, and holding of feeding programs for children.

At the opening ceremony Monday at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Brig. Gen. Christopher McPhillips, exercise director for the US side, said Balikatan has become one of the premier military training exercises in the Pacific and has helped maintain regional stability. The Philippine exercise director, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, said Balikatan enhances the ability of the two militaries to meet any crisis that may threaten the security of the nation.

In the last two years, threats to national and regional security have come largely from Islamic jihadist efforts to establish a Southeast Asian center for the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria). Now that ISIS forces have been forced out of Syria, they might step up their efforts for an ISIS caliphate in this part of the world.

The South China Sea also has its potential conflict areas, with the US especially concerned that it should remain free and open to all shipping and air travel under the principle of freedom of navigation. For a while there was great hope that the nuclear threat from North Korea was over, but the recent Trump-Kim summit in Hanoi, Vietnam, failed to reach any final peace agreement.

It is in this atmosphere of uncertainty that the 35th Balikatan Exercise was launched last Monday. As in the past, it will serve to update the participating military forces on the latest in weaponry and operational practices.

Even more important, it should serve to reassure our two nations that we continue to share a common concern for security in our part of the world and a resolve to strive together in the face of challenges.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/04/05/35-years-of-the-annual-balikatan-exercise/?fbclid=IwAR0tA1-f2XwPqa6j7AuBb-VKBkuz14PCsmZuOzn0hQRkBxne9StGX7YF2TY

WESTMINCOM: Scout rangers engage Abu Sayyaf fighters in Sulu

From the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Apr 5, 2019): Scout rangers engage Abu Sayyaf fighters in Sulu

Amid combat operations, troops of the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion encountered 50 Abu Sayyaf Group members under Hajan Sawadjaan in Sitio Atol, Barangay Latih, Patikul, Sulu at 6:50am today (April 5).

A heavy firefight ensued which resulted in the wounding of 13 rangers and the deaths of three others, while casualties on the enemy side are yet to be determined.

Firefight continues as of this report.

http://www.westmincom.com/scout-rangers-engage-abu-sayyaf-fighters-in-sulu/

WESTMINCOM: PCG commandant visits WestMinCom troops in Zambo City

From the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Apr 5, 2019): PCG commandant visits WestMinCom troops in Zambo City

Soldiers and non-uniformed personnel of the Western Mindanao Command welcomed Admiral Elson Hermogino, Philippine Coast Guard Commandant, during his visit in Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City at 9am today, April 5.

Admiral Hermonio paid a courtesy call to Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, WestMinCom Commander, at Laong Laan this morning.



http://www.westmincom.com/pcg-commandant-visits-westmincom-troops-in-zambo-city/

WESTMINCOM: PH Army General visits WestMinCom

From the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Apr 5, 2019): PH Army General visits WestMinCom

Brigadier General Ramon Evan T. Ruiz, the new Commander of the 55th Engineering Brigade (55EBde) paid a courtesy call to WestMinCom Chief Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega at the Headquarters, Western Mindanao Command 8:30 am today (April 5).



BGen Ruiz was welcomed with a traditional military honors by the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees of the command.



He was then received by LtGen Dela Vega and his staff at the Laong Laan Hall of the Command.

Prior to his current designation, BGen Ruiz was the commander of the 53rd EBde whereby he was replaced by Colonel Joselyn R. Bandarlipe, the 1st female officer to lead a Philippine Army Brigade.

http://www.westmincom.com/ph-army-general-visits-westmincom/

WESTMINCOM: 4 Sayyafs slain, 11 more wounded in Sulu clash

From the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Apr 5, 2019): 4 Sayyafs slain, 11 more wounded in Sulu clash

Four Abu Sayyaf militants died and 11 more incurred wounds in the combat operations of the military in Sulu today, April 5.

Troops of the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion, on clearing operations, discovered an encampment of the Abu Sayyaf in Sitio Atol, Barangay Latih, Patikul at 11am today.

Said camp has 37 fighting positions believed to have been occupied by 80 Abu Sayyaf militants under Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.

Troops from 21st and 41st Infantry Battalions established blockade and traced possible withdrawal routes of the enemy.

Meanwhile, three soldiers died and 22 more incurred wounds.

Nine of the wounded were evacuated to Camp Navarro General Hospital for further medical attention, while 13 incurred slight wounds and are currently recuperating at Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Bus-bus, Jolo.

Eight of those who incurred slight wounds were discharged from the hospital today.

Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command chief, condoled with the families of soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

“We shall never forget the gallantry, sacrifice, and selfless service of our fallen comrades, who fought hard to bring security and development in Sulu. In our continuing campaign to quell terrorism, we shall always be guided by our sincerity, integrity, and fervor,” he added.

“Your armed forces remain resilient in confronting security challenges in Sulu, and we commit to intensify our tactical operations to hunt and crush terrorists in the area of operations.”

“As true servants and protectors, your WestMinCom troops continue to secure the area and work with the Suluanons to bring the coveted peace in the province,” added Dela Vega.

http://www.westmincom.com/4-sayyafs-slain-11-more-wounded-in-sulu-clash/

WESTMINCOM: Troops rescue 2 Indon victims, neutralize 3 Sayyafs in Sulu

From the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Apr 5, 2019): Troops rescue 2 Indon victims, neutralize 3 Sayyafs in Sulu


Military troops rescued two Indonesian hostages following a gunfight that neutralized three Abu Sayyaf militants in the seawaters off Simisa Island in Banguingui, Sulu this afternoon, April 5.

Troops from the Philippine Marine Ready Fleet Sulu rescued Indonesian captives Heri Ardiansyah and Hariadin after engaging three Abu Sayyaf militants under Najir Arik at 5:45pm today.

Hariadin, however, died due to drowning.

The Joint Task Force Sulu said the engaged militants and the captives tried to swim across the channel towards Bangalao Island to escape from the pursuing troops when they were spotted by the roving sea patrols.

Troops pursue Abu Sayyaf militants trapped on Simisa Island.

The 10-minute gun battle further resulted in the deaths of three Abu Sayyaf militants and the seizure of several high-powered firearms, including two M14 rifles, two M16 rifles, and an M203 Grenade Launcher.

The two captives will be brought to the headquarters of the Western Mindanao Command in Camp Navarro, this city.

Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, WestMinCom chief, said, “Marine troops constrict Abu Sayyaf’s movement with the all-out offensives launched to pound terrorists on said island.”

http://www.westmincom.com/troops-rescue-2-indon-victims-neutralize-3-sayyafs-in-sulu/

‘Funding Reds may turn into transnational crime’

From the Manila Times (Apr 6, 2019): ‘Funding Reds may turn into transnational crime’

The Armed Forces of the Philippines warned homeland security officials in Asia-Pacific countries that the “funding schemes” perpetrated by groups linked to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) could become a “transnational crime problem.”

Maj. Gen. Antonio Parlade, the military’s deputy chief of staff for civil-military operations, sought the cooperation of various nations to fight the “wide international network” of the organizations “infiltrated” by the CPP.

In his speech at the Milipol Asia-Pacific 2019 conference held in Singapore on Thursday, Parlade said some groups have been “masking themselves” as humanitarian nongovernment organizations “to secure funds from international donors — which are used to conduct terrorist activities.”

According to him, the CPP established an international network composed of 252 organizations based in 39 countries. It also set up 16 chapters across the world through the International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS) headed by CPP founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison.

“We foresee that this problem, if not checked, can turn out to be a hybrid scheme that can be a transnational crime problem,” Parlade said.

“The purpose of this presentation is to make you aware that there is such a thing and because of how intricate these international funding is being done, it may not be in our radar,” he added.

Parlade named some Philippine-based organizations that are supposedly connected with the ILPS.

These groups include IBON Foundation, Gabriela, Alliance of Concerned Teachers, Karapatan and National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers.

These organizations, the official said, were found to be conducting “international solidarity missions where they publish inaccurate to portray a tyrant and oppressive Philippine government.”

“At the same time, they lobby funds from foreign institutions claiming that they will be used for projects to solve the fabricated issues, but will rather be used to fund terrorist activities,” Parlade claimed.

Earlier this year, a contingent from the Philippine government went to Belgium to inform officials there that some groups being funded by the European Union were using the money to conduct activities linked to the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the CPP.

Belgian Ambassador to the Philippines Michael Goffin said Brussels is investigating the matter.

https://www.manilatimes.net/funding-reds-may-turn-into-transnational-crime/536093/

Insinuation that NUPL is tied to CPP-NPA puts lawyers, judges in danger —Olalia

From GMA News (Apr 6, 2019): Insinuation that NUPL is tied to CPP-NPA puts lawyers, judges in danger —Olalia

National Union of Peoples' Lawyers president Edre Olalia on Friday said the insinuation seemingly made by a military official that the group has ties to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army puts many lives in danger.
"Such reckless claims, on top of the public labelling and villification of our members, has put the judges, prosecutors, public defenders, law professors, government lawyers, law students & paralegals who belong to our voluntary pro bono organization in even more danger," Olalia said in a statement posted on Facebook.

Olalia made the statement in reaction to remarks by Armed Forces of the Philippines Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Antonio Parlade on Friday against human rights organization Karapatan, which is allied with NUPL.
"Dont blame governmnt for your being tagged as RED. You have always been RED by the way you respond to situations. Your name is all over the RED websites. Joma's face turns red, everytime we mention the CPP revolutionary websites, the ILPS websites, the ILPS of which Joma is also Chair. Its because he feels guilty for dragging you into this RED network. Unfortunately he cannot take it off the web, as your red finger prints are all over already, everytime there is a captured CPP NPA, everytime a red child warrior is captured. So did we red-tag you?" Parlade said in a statement.

Parlade also said Karapatan has given the UN fake reports about the extrajudicial killings (EJK) in the country. 

"By the way our challenge stays. Prove us wrong with our documents, here in the country you have been trying to destroy all those years, with your fake advocacy. Dont bring the matter to UN, which you have deceived with your fake reports? Do you know that they were unable to explain the 27,000 killed "allegedly" from police drug war? By the way that figure of killed in EJK was already raised by Joma to 30,000 in a span of 1 month, since we went to UN to ask where those killings happened so the govt can respond. Can anybody explain where the additional 3,000 were killed in the past 30 days?" he said.

Parlade also accused Karapatan of giving fake reports on killings of bakwit (evacuees) and indigenous peoples "in order to ask them for donations through the Rural Missionaries, Solidagro, Viva Salud, Kiyo, and many more foreign NGOs."
"Same foreign NGOs support ACT, ALCADEV communist school, Salugpungan school for Child Warriors, Gabriela, ANAKPAWIS etc. So what's the common denominator here? If they all celebrate the CPP NPA anniversary in the streets and tempodary rebel resting places, what should we call you? Pink Panthers?" he said.

"To Ibon and Karapatan, RMP sisters, lets all face the challenge, this time without hiding under the robes. And please remember, the governmnt are the real Human Rights defenders. We will protect you should you decide to come out, as we have always protected you, even as you accuse us of threatening activists. Many of your collegaues have already spoken against you. None of you were harassed, unless you believe your lies again," Parlade added.

"Just take the challenge. Dont evade the govt by bringing the matter abroad to justify your actions to your donors who are about to cancel your funding," he said.

'Crossed the line'

Olalia said Parlade has crossed the line.

"You have crossed the line way too far. It is not only absolutely baseless in fact, it does not legally hold water at all," he said.

Parlade's "wild, malicious & actionable allegation," Olalia added, "is at war with the universal principle that the cause or case of the client, whoever or whatever they may be, should not be ascribed or imputed to the lawyer as a professional. Absent any credible, competent and admissible evidence to even remotely give a semblance of veracity to this unabashedly fascist claim, we shall hale you to court. And you better match our best lawyers money cannot buy with your best lawyers money can buy."

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/690428/insinuation-that-nupl-is-tied-to-cpp-npa-puts-lawyers-judges-in-danger-olalia/story/

MILF joins probe of Lanao Sur incident

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 6, 2019): MILF joins probe of Lanao Sur incident

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is set to conduct its own inquiry of Thursday’s encounter in Madamba, Lanao del Sur that claimed the lives of four MILF members and wounded eight police personnel.

“There was no prior coordination by the police with the MILF in the area, so there was this encounter,” Von Al-Haq, spokesperson of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, said over a local radio station on Saturday.

He said the site of the encounter is part of an MILF area in Madamba.

Four MILF members were killed while eight policemen were injured in running gun battles that began at 1 a.m. Thursday and waned at 8 p.m. on the same day.

A police team was armed with arrest warrants issued by a local court to get murder suspects Usop Malubay, Abdulaziz Macalatas Abombay, Zanodin Macalatas Ameril, Alican Macabuntal alias Makig Usman, and Usman Barating Macabuntal in Barangay Ilian of Madamba town when the firefight erupted.

Col. Madzgani Mukaram, director of the Lanao del Sur provincial police, said his men carried out the operation as there was no known MILF zone in Madamba.

“We reviewed our list of MILF sites in the province but there was no mention of any MILF-acknowledged area in Madamba,” Mukaram said.

Brig. Gen. Graciano Mijares, police director for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, has ordered all police units in Lanao del Sur to remain on alert status following the Madamba incident.

The MILF has sent a team of emissaries to the Lanao area to clear matters with the government-MILF coordinating peace panels.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066648

MILF slams police over Lanao Sur clash

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 5, 2019): MILF slams police over Lanao Sur clash

Former Moro rebel group files protest, says PNP violated ceasefire terms in encounter that killed 4 of its fighters

SHATTERED CALM The seaside town of Madamba, Lanao del Sur, became a brief battleground between government forces and MILF fighters after policemen tried to arrest suspects in a murder case.

DAVAO CITY—The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Friday filed a protest against the police for allegedly violating a ceasefire agreement in the deadly clash in Madamba, Lanao del Sur province, that left four Moro fighters dead.

This developed as Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. described the incident as “an isolated case,” but appealed to government security forces to be prudent in conducting law enforcement operations in the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to avoid jeopardizing the peace process in the South.

Butch Malang, chair of the MILF panel in the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), told the Inquirer that police did not inform his group about their operation at Barangay Ilian.

“There was no coordination with the CCCH and clearly this is a violation of the ceasefire agreement. The clashes could have been prevented if there was coordination,” Malang said in a phone interview.

According to him, the village is an MILF-populated community.

Warrants of arrest
A police team was serving warrants of arrest early on Thursday against several suspects in the murder of a village official when the clash occured at Ilian.

Police claimed the suspects resisted arrest and that the ensuing firefight resulted in the killing of four men, whom the MILF later identified as members of its Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF).

Eight soldiers who joined the police team were wounded and one policeman remained missing as of Friday morning.

Malang said the CCCH was working to locate the missing policeman.

Von Al Haq, spokesperson for the BIAF, said the government troops involved in the operation should have coordinated with the CCCH to prevent the clash.

The government and the MILF, he explained, have not signed an “exit agreement” despite the creation of the BARMM, meaning all mechanisms under the peace process have not been dissolved.

Order to stand down

Al Haq said the MILF had ordered its fighters in Madamba and neighboring towns to stand down.

“[We ordered them] not to be swayed by their emotions [and to] totally observe and respect all peace mechanisms with the sole intent of protecting the gains of the peace process,” he said.

Galvez said the military, the police and local officials were planning to hold a dialogue with the MILF’s 102nd Base Command to normalize the situation.

“They should bear in mind the supremacy of the peace process and the safety of the operating troops should always prevail, and consider the strategic implications of their tactical actions,” Galvez told the Inquirer in a text message.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1103760/milf-slams-police-over-lanao-sur-clash

8 wounded cops in Lanao del Sur clash with MILF get PNP medal

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 5, 2019): 8 wounded cops in Lanao del Sur clash with MILF get PNP medal

PRO-ARMM director Brig. Gen. Graciano Mijares confers the PNP Wounded Personnel Medal to a policeman injured in a clash with members of the MILF in Lanao del Sur on Thursday, April 4, 2019. Photo from PRO-ARMM

The eight police officers injured during a clash with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Madamba, Lanao del Sur have been awarded the Wounded Personnel Medal by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Brig. Gen. Graciano Mijares, director of the Police Regional Office in Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (PRO-ARMM), awarded the medals on Thursday at the Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City, where the police officers are recuperating from their injuries.

The PRO-ARMM said Friday the medals were awarded to the police officers “in recognition of their outstanding gallantry” during the April 4 operation that left four murder suspects dead.

READ: 4 dead, 8 hurt, one missing as police, MILF clash in Lanao del Sur



PRO-ARMM director Brig. Gen. Graciano Mijares confers the PNP Wounded Personnel Medal to a policeman injured in a clash with members of the MILF in Lanao del Sur on Thursday, April 4, 2019. Photo from PRO-ARMM

Those given the medals were Captains Glen Lyca Gevero and Mark Harry A. Boglosa; Senior Master Sergeant Marlon P. Panitan; Staff Sergeants Magno O. Olete and Nino O Cadano; Corporals Ronald T Rosco and Omar Masakal; and Patrolman Arnel A. Montallana.

During his visit to the hospital, Mijares also provided cash assistance to the wounded personnel.

Authorities are still searching for Corporal Gilbert Males, who reportedly went missing during the intense gunfight, according to police.

Mijares had also ordered all police officers in the region to be on heightened alert, initiate appropriate security measures to prevent similar incidents, and guarantee the safety of locals in remote villages.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1103492/8-wounded-cops-in-lanao-del-sur-clash-with-milf-get-pnp-medal

Isulan bomber identified thru CCTV footage – police

From MindaNews (Apr 5, 2019): Isulan bomber identified thru CCTV footage – police

The Philippine National Police on Thursday said a suspect in Wednesday’s bombing in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat has been identified through the CCTV footage of the restaurant where the improvised explosive device went off, wounding at least 18 persons.

Apparently to avoid recognition, the CCTV footage shows the suspect – wearing a face mask, a cap and jacket – entering Carlitos Restaurant carrying what looked like a small white grocery bag at around 1:53 p.m., and immediately blended with the crowd.

Brig. Gen. Eliseo Rasco, police commander of Region 12, said the suspect pretended to be a customer buying lechon manok (roasted chicken).

The suspect moved around inside the restaurant presumably looking for a seat then entered the comfort room.

At 1:56 p.m., the suspect left the restaurant carrying a blue grocery supposedly containing the lechon manok but the CCTV footage shows the white grocery bag was gone.

A waiter even went after him outside to give him the white grocery bag, not knowing it contained a bomb.

The suspect left the bomb at the split-type airconditioning unit outside the restaurant but near the roasting area.

Unknown to the guard, the suspect managed to place the plastic bag containing the explosive inside the restaurant by pushing it inside using his feet.

The suspect left at 1:59 p.m., six minutes after he first entered the premises of the restaurant.

At 3:04 p.m., an hour and five minutes after the suspect left, the bomb went off.

Rasco noted that the bomb, placed in a ketchup container with small nails, was cellphone-detonated.

He said this is the signature bomb of the Dawla Islamiya extortion group under the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF-Torayfie group).

Extortion is believed to have been the motive behind the bombing after the restaurant owner admitted having received a letter extorting P50,000 cash.

The owner reported this to the police, then tightened security measures in the restaurant for days. But still, the bomber slipped past the establishment’s security.

The suspects even reportedly called the restaurant to check if they received their “gift” after the explosion took place.

Police said they are now conducting through investigation to identify the suspects behind the blast.

Rasco thanked the waiter for his alertness in bringing out the plastic bag containing the bomb as he ran after the leaving suspect. If not for his action, more would have been injured or even killed because there were many people inside as it was graduation day for some schools.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/04/isulan-bomber-identified-thru-cctv-footage-police/

7 dead, 22 hurt in Sulu clash

From  Tempo (Apr 5, 2019): 7 dead, 22 hurt in Sulu clash

Four Abu Sayyaf Group militants and three Scout Rangers were killed while nine local terrorists and 13 other soldiers were also wounded in an encounter between the government troops and the ASG in Patikul, Sulu yesterday.

Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo Jr., commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu, said troops from the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion were on combat operations when they clashed with about 80 ASG members under Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan in Sitio Atol, Barangay Latih, Patikul, Sulu, at about 6:50 a.m.

Pabayo said the fierce encounter lasted for about 30 minutes after which the enemy withdrew towards the forested areas of Mount Dahu in Patikul.

According to Pabayo, four Abu Sayyaf terrorists were killed while nine others were wounded in the encounter.

Unfortunately, three Scout Rangers died and 13 others were wounded in the firefight.

Pabayo said those who were wounded were immediately evacuated to the Kuta Heneral Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu via UH-1H Helicopters. “Most of the wounded suffered slight injury due to shrapnel wounds and are now in stable condition,” Pabayo said.

The JTF commander said they have poured more troops in the area to pursue the fleeing bandits. “The recent armed engagement with the Abu Sayyaf Group is a result of good intelligence provided by the local populace who are tired of the atrocities being done by the ASG in their localities,” he added.

Pabayo thanked the Tausug people for the continuing support to the military in their quest for a peaceful and progressive Sulu province.

“With the people of Sulu now on our side, our fighting soldiers are very much motivated to finish off the terrorists the soonest possible time,” Pabayo said.

http://tempo.com.ph/2019/04/05/7-dead-22-hurt-in-sulu-clash/

Sayyaf Indon hostage dies, compatriot rescued by Filipino troops

From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 6, 2019): Sayyaf Indon hostage dies, compatriot rescued by Filipino troops

An Indonesian hostage by the pro-ISIS group Abu Sayyaf had died while his compatriot was rescued by Filipino soldiers during a firefight with militants on Simisa Island, about 30 nautical miles from the southern province of Sulu, officials said Saturday.

Officials said the 45-year Hariadin drowned while escaping from the fighting and his companion Heri Ardiansyah, 19, was recovered by soldiers. The duo along with Malaysian fisherman Jari Abdullah, 24, were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf in December off Sabah and brought them to the forested island where security forces had been pursuing them since last month.

Abdullah was also recovered by soldiers on April 4 on the island following a firefight between security forces and militants.

“Troops from the Philippine Marine Ready Fleet Sulu rescued Indonesian captives Heri Ardiansyah and Hariadin after engaging three Abu Sayyaf militants under Najir Arik. Hariadin, however, died due to drowning.”

“The Joint Task Force Sulu said the engaged militants and the captives tried to swim across the channel towards Bangalao Island to escape from the pursuing troops when they were spotted by the roving sea patrols,” the Western Mindanao Command said.

It said 3 militants were killed by soldiers in the fighting and recovered their bodies and four automatic rifles and a grenade launcher. “The 10-minute gun battle further resulted in the deaths of three Abu Sayyaf militants and the seizure of several high-powered firearms, including two M14 rifles, two M16 rifles, and an M203 Grenade Launcher,” the military said.

The rescued Indonesian fisherman and the body of Hariadin were brought to the Western Mindanao Command headquarters in Zamboanga City. Security forces continue with the hunt for militants under Najir Arik on Simisa, according to Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, the regional military commander. “Marine troops constrict Abu Sayyaf’s movement with the all-out offensives launched to pound terrorists on the island,” he said.

While the hunt for militants continue on the island, fierce fighting on Sulu’s Patikul town had killed 3 soldiers and wounded over a dozen more on Friday after the army clashed with at least 50 militants led by Hajan Sawadjaan.
The operation is still on going in the town’s hinterlands where the Abu Sayyaf fighters broke into smaller groups. The town is a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/sayyaf-indon-hostage-dies-compatriot-rescued-by-filipino-troops/

NPA spreading fake news, Army says

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 5, 2019): NPA spreading fake news, Army says

The lies and deceptions with the spread of fake news by the New People’s Army alarmed residents and forced them to evacuate from their homes in the hinterland sitios of Brgy. Quiintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, a ranking military official yesterday said.

Lt. Col. Egberto Dacoscos, 62nd Infantry Battalion commander, cited reports being propagated that the military will conduct an air strike in Brgy. Quintin Remo because of heavy casualties in an alleged ambush carried out by the NPA, among others.

All of these are part of their recycled propaganda to create fear and panic among the populace and to gain local and foreign attention, Dacoscos said, adding that the communist rebels usually capitalize on the issue of Internal Displaced Persons to discredit the government.

The more 2,700 individuals who evacuated from the different areas of Quintin Remo returned to their homes Tuesday, a day after the running gunbattle between rebels and Army soldiers, who were in pursuit of NPA members responsible for the death of Moises Padilla Councilor Jolomar Hilario on Sunday.

In a dialog with residents of Brgy. Inolingan, Moises Padilla, on Tuesday, which was also attended by Romeo Baldevarona, provincial head of the Commission on Human Rights in Negros Occidental, Dacoscos explained that the encounter took place after his troops managed to catch up with NPA members, who killed Hilario at his residence.

“This is part of our duty to ensure the safety and security of the people so that the terrorist group will not coerce them,” he said.

Baldevarona said that the brutal killing of Hilario has caused so much trauma and pain to his family members, especially those who witnessed the incident.

“This is a clear violation of human rights, International Humanitarian Law and rule of law”, he said.

Four of the 11 suspected NPA members arrested by the police in Brgy. Sebucawan, Isabela, were positively identified as among those involved in the killing of Hilario, Moises Padilla police chief Capt. Junji Liba said.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/April/05/topstory7.htm

2 rebels killed

From the Mindanao Times (Apr 6, 2019): 2 rebels killed

Two suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter with government troopers in Digos City, Davao del Sur at 7:15 a.m. yesterday.Identities of the two casualties are still unknown.

Capt. Jerry Lamosao, the spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division, said a section of Bravo Company and Scout Platoon of the 39th Infantry Battalion were conducted operation in Sitio Lanan, Barangay Goma, Digos City when they encountered undetermined number of rebels, said to be under Guerilla Front 51, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Lamosao said the soldiers patrolled the area upon receiving a report that rebels were sighted at the vicinity conducting extortion in the barangays.

The firefight lasted for 45 minutes. The rebels withdrew to the south direction and soldiers were able to recover a high powered firearm from the site of the fighting. There was no casualty on the government side.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/04/06/2-rebels-killed/

7 dead, 27 wounded in new Sulu fighting

From MindaNews (Apr 5, 2019): 7 dead, 27 wounded in new Sulu fighting

Fresh fighting erupted in Sulu Friday morning, resulting in the killing of three soldiers and four militants. A total of 22 combatants from both sides were also wounded in the firefight in the municipality of Patikul.

Patikul, Sulu.

Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, spokesperson of the Armed Forces’ Western Mindanao Command, said government troops were pursuing Abu Sayyaf leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, alleged mastermind of the Jan. 27 bombing of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo that left at least 20 dead and a hundred wounded.

Besana said Scout Rangers were dispatched to Sitio Atol, Barangay Latih in Patikul after information was verified that Sawadjaan and 80 of his men were in the village.

“Unfortunately the militants have prepared against this kind of incursion,” Besana said.

Three soldiers were killed immediately after the militants fired M203 rifle grenades at the advancing troops, he said.

Thirteen soldiers were also wounded in the fighting as the militants took advantage of the dense vegetation around the village, Besana added.

He described the battle as “close quarters with combatants only 50 to 80 meters apart.”

Besana said Army units fought hard to catch up with the Scout Rangers for reinforcement, firing 81mm mortars against the positions of the militants.

He said they have recovered four bodies of the militants and intercepts on the radio revealed that at least 14 members of Sawadjaan group were wounded.

The fighting came a day after Malaysian kidnap victim Jari Abdullah, 34, was shot by his captors during a firefight in Simisa Island in Sulu.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/04/7-dead-27-wounded-in-new-sulu-fighting/

Abu Sayyaf and Philippine troops clashed, Malaysian hostage shot

From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 5, 2019): Abu Sayyaf and Philippine troops clashed, Malaysian hostage shot

Malaysian hostage by the Abu Sayyaf was shot and wounded following a firefight between pro-ISIS militants and Filipino soldiers on Simisa Island off the southern province of Sulu.

Soldiers recovered the 24-year old Jari bin Abdullah on Simisa Island where security forces had engaged Abu Sayyaf fighters under Najir Arik in sporadic clashes since last month.

A Philippine military photo shows Malaysian national Jari bin Abdullah who was shot on April 4, 2019 following a clash between Abu Sayyaf and security forces on Simisa Island off Sulu province in southern Philippines.

Abdullah was recovered on Thursday afternoon, but the Western Mindanao Command only reported this the next day. In a conflicting report, it claimed Abdullah was retrieved by Marines who were pursuing the Abu Sayyaf gunmen, but the military also said that the hostage was shot by his captors while escaping. It was unclear whether soldiers saw the militants shooting Abdullah.

“Troops from the Philippine Marine Ready Force Sulu retrieved Jari Bin Abdullah near the Abu Sayyaf’s route of withdrawal, fifteen minutes after troops engaged the militants under Najir Arik on Simisa Island,” the Western Mindanao Command said in a statement.

And added: “The Joint Task Force Sulu, under Brigadier General Divino Rey Pabayo, Jr., said Abdullah managed to escape, but he was shot by his captors before he was secured by the troops.”

It also quoted Pabayo as saying: “The act of shooting the kidnap victim is indicative of the Abu Sayyaf’s hopelessness and desperateness as the militants are now surrounded by our pursuing troops. The Armed Forces of the Philippines in Sulu is now more motivated to hunt down these terrorists.”

The military said Abdullah was airlifted by a helicopter to a military hospital in the capital town of Jolo on the mainland of Sulu.

Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said the Abu Sayyaf is still holding several hostages on the forested island and that soldiers were deployed in Simisa to rescue the captives. “Marine troops continue their pursuit and offensives to run down militants and rescue captives on the island. Troops maximize combat and intelligence build-up to track down and close in on evading terrorists, delivering deliberate operations to ensure the safety of kidnap victims on Simisa Island,” he said.

The Abu Sayyaf has previously threatened to execute Abdullah along with two other Indonesian fishermen Heri Ardiansyah, 19, and Hariadin, 45, if their governments or employer fail to pay ransoms running into millions of pesos.

The captors also phoned Abdullah’s wife, Nadin Junianti, in February telling her that no Malaysian authorities or negotiators have contacted them to secure her husband’s release.

The gunmen said that her husband would face difficulties if there was no contact from Malaysia. They also asked her for telephone contacts of Malaysian journalists. The woman has repeatedly appealed to Malaysian authorities to help secure her husband’s release. She said it was the second time the kidnap group had contacted her.

The militants are believed to be holding nearly a dozen captives, mostly foreigners. Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Omar Mammah said authorities were working with their Philippine counterparts to secure the release of the hostages who were kidnapped at sea off Sandakan in Sabah on December 5, 2018.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/abu-sayyaf-and-philippine-troops-clashed-malaysian-hostage-shot/

Fresh fighting in Sulu leaves 16 army casualties

From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 5, 2019): Fresh fighting in Sulu leaves 16 army casualties

SULU – Fresh fighting between pro-ISIS militants and government troops erupted Friday in the southern Filipino province of Sulu, leaving at least 16 casualties on the military side.

The military’s Western Mindanao Command said soldiers from the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion engaged in ferocious battle with about 50 Abu Sayyaf gunmen under notorious commander Hajan Sawadjaan in Patikul town’s Latih village.

“Heavy firefight ensued which resulted in the wounding of 13 rangers and the deaths of 3 others, while casualties on the enemy side are yet to be determined. Firefight continues as of this report,” it said in a bulletin.

No other details were made available by the military, but security forces had been battling Abu Sayyaf militants in various towns in the province where the gunmen had been holding several hostages, mostly foreigners kidnapped for ransom off Sabah in Malaysia.

The last fighting came a day after a Malaysian hostage Jari bin Abdullah, 24, was shot during clashes between soldiers and militants on Simisa Island off Banguingui town about 5, 100 kilometers away from Patikul.

Marine soldiers recovered Abdullah and he was brought to a military base in Sulu’s capital town of Jolo, but his condition remains unknown. The Abu Sayyaf previously threatened to execute Abdullah along with two other Indonesian fishermen Heri Ardiansyah, 19, and Hariadin, 45, if their governments or employer fail to pay ransoms running into millions of pesos.

The militants are believed to be holding nearly a dozen captives, mostly foreigners. Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Omar Mammah said authorities were working with their Philippine counterparts to secure the release of the hostages who were kidnapped at sea off Sandakan in Sabah on December 5, 2018.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/fresh-fighting-in-sulu-leaves-16-army-casualties/

Institutionalizing EO 70: 4ID conducts peace, devt forum

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2019): Institutionalizing EO 70: 4ID conducts peace, devt forum



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City --The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division Philippine Army conducted a forum relative to the operationalization and institutionalization of Executive Order (EO) no. 70.

The activity aims to discuss the two significant local peace and development initiatives, which are being spearheaded by the Regional Development Council and Regional Peace and Order Council of Region X and CARAGA.

Formulated with the active support and participation of the Philippine Army units in Caraga and Region 10, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police, Balay Mindanao, local chief executives and other stakeholders, these initiatives, also known as the Peace and Development Zones (PDZs) in Caraga, and the Convergence Areas for Peace and Development (CAPDev) in Region X, were thoroughly discussed at the headquarters of 4th ID, Philippine Army, Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City last March 29, 2019.

The forum successfully apprised the attendees on the very important factors of these initiatives as these relates to 4th IDs’ campaign in its area of responsibility.

It was attended by officers, key enlisted personnel and civilian employees from 4ID headed by its commander Major General Franco Nemesio M Gacal AFP, who was also one of the speakers together with National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region X Director Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño, and Cagayan de Oro City Administrator Teodoro A Sabuga-a Jr.

Sabuga-a presented a briefing on the importance of Executive Order (EO) 70 in addressing insurgency and other forms of conflict anchoring his lecture on "The Lantad Experience" wherein the administrator shared his personal experience and further went into details how the army, local government units (LGUs), IP leaders and the community worked hand-in-hand to address peace and order concerns and brought the much needed development in Lantad.

“We will address the root causes of insurgency since this is one of the main concerns of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) Region X. We must win the hearts and minds of the people to finally deliver peace and development programs in the conflict affected communities. Our urgent task is to bring the services closer to the people,” he said.

In the same manner, Director Cariño thoroughly presented information brief about the PDZs in CARAGA and the CAPDev in Region X wherein she cited the importance of the peace and development efforts of all concerned government agencies.

She pointed out the importance of utilizing existing mechanisms and the need to integrate the delivery of identified government services so that interventions are focused in priority areas of convergence.

Priority are the Conflict Affected Areas (CONAAs) and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAS) which were jointly identified by the secretariat of RDC in partnership and in consultation with the 4th Infantry Division, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine National Police (PNP), DILG, Balay Mindanao and other stakeholders.

Further, Cariño ensured that they will facilitate the funding requirements for the urgent priority programs and projects (PAPs) in FY 2020 for focused areas of intervention by specifying in the FY 2020 Northern Mindanao Regional Budget Guidelines the prioritization of focused areas of intervention in the identification of PAPs and allocation of budgets.

Finally, Major General Gacal also presented a briefing on the “Journey Towards Hope and Transformation” and shared with the participants the initiatives and best practices of 402nd Infantry Brigade that significantly contributed to its mission accomplishment and their significant impact in the socio-economic development in CARAGA region.

MGen Gacal emphasized the specific roles of the security sector and the LGUs and National Government Agencies (NGAs) in terms of security and developmental interventions.

Gacal said, “We are very much thankful on the time, effort and expertise shared by our speakers. Experts say that where development ends, insurgency begins. In Region X and CARAGA, we are about to make that generalization completely irrelevant, because the entire apparatus of government is passionately working together to address the root causes of socials issues that enable an insurgency to gain traction. Together, we shall transform conflict affected areas into conflict resilient communities.”

The activity was conducted on a date where the NPA was supposed to celebrate their futile armed struggle but failed to do so because of disintegration of members and non-support of the people while the government is talking and working for peace and development. (4ID/PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1020590

Manhunt on vs. gunmen in murder of off-duty soldier

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2019): Manhunt on vs. gunmen in murder of off-duty soldier

Police and military authorities have launched a manhunt for two men on board a motorbike, who shot dead an off-duty soldier in Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao Thursday.

Citing a report from the Sultan Kudarat municipal police, Col. Ronald Briones, Maguindanao police director, identified the slain soldier as Private Ellemar Bayquin, 25, of Sitio Tenorio, Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

“The Sultan Kudarat police and the Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion have joined forces in hunting down the murderers,” Briones said.

Bayquin, a member of the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion, was on his way to Pikit, North Cotabato - where his unit is located - when he was ambushed by the riding-in-tandem gunmen in Barangay Rebuken, Sultan Kudarat at about 5 p.m.

The suspect was unarmed and donning civilian clothes at the time of the incident. His relatives said he has no known enemy.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066554

Lanao Sur cops on heightened alert after clash with MILF

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2019): Lanao Sur cops on heightened alert after clash with MILF

CAMP S. K. PENDATUN, Maguindanao -- Police authorities in Lanao del Sur remained on heightened alert following what authorities described as an “unfortunate” incident in Madamba town on Thursday.

In that incident, five persons, including four members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) facing criminal charges, were killed. The clash also resulted in the wounding of eight police officers, while a police officer went missing.

Brig. Gen. Graciano Mijares, police director of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), ordered all police units in the province to raise the alert status, establish more checkpoints, and take steps to de-escalate the Madamba incident.

At 1 a.m. on April 4, policemen serving arrest warrants for murder against four MILF members were fired upon by the suspects in Barangay Ilian, Madamba, Mijares said.

The suspects were identified as Usop Malubay Abdulaziz; Abdulaziz Macalatas Abombay; Zanodin Moro Macalatas Ameril; Alican Macabuntal alias Makig Usman; and Usman Barating Macabuntal.

Mijares said the incident resulted in a fierce gun battle that lasted several hours, leading to the death of four MILF fighters and a still unidentified person. Police recovered high-powered firearms from slain wanted persons.

“That time, no casualty was reported on the side of the law enforcers headed by Police Lt. Col. Edgar Batoon,” Mijares said.

However, as soon as the police completed the mission and were about to leave Madamba, heavily-armed relatives of the slain suspects arrived and opened fire on the police officers, triggering another gun battle.

Eight police officers were injured and one was reported missing, later identified as Police Cpl. Gilbert Males.

The wounded police officers were rushed to the Amai Pakpak Hospital in Marawi City where Mijares awarded them with wounded personnel medals.

Mirajes admitted that civilians were caught in the crossfire and sustained wounds. They were identified as Rohaida Padilla, 32 and her son Azis Amladin, 12.

An update said the missing police officer was alive and managed to get in touch with his superiors.

A rescue mission is in progress as of Friday morning.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066550

Troops told to 'relentlessly' pursue ASG bandits in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2019): Troops told to 'relentlessly' pursue ASG bandits in Sulu

Government troops pursuing the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Sulu province should "relentlessly" hunt down the terrorist group and ultimately defeat them.

This was the directive given by Brig. Gen. Generoso Ponio, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) deputy commander for operations, as he set foot on the battlegrounds last Tuesday to check the ongoing offensives and conditions of the operations troops in Sulu.

“I enjoin you to remain committed and resilient to defeat the adversary. Bear in mind that, as soldiers, we must perform our sworn duty with dedication, courage, and integrity,” Ponio told the troops.

“Let us defeat the Abu Sayyaf and continue to secure the area against all those who spoil peace in Sulu,” he added.

During his visit, Ponio inspected the weapons seized by the military in separate clashes against the ASG bandits.

Among the weapons he inspected were a mortar tube, two M-16 Armalite rifles, and a handheld radio transceiver seized by the troops of the Army’s 6th Special Forces Battalion following a clash in Barangay Bakong, Patikul on March 26.

Accompanied by Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo, Jr., Joint Task Force Sulu commander, Ponio also visited marine troops on Simisa Island, Banguingui town, and inspected four firearms seized by the troops following the spate of clashes with the ASG bandits.

The task force launched massive offensives against the ASG bandits on Simisa Island since January 1.

The series of offensives in the island resulted in the death of six ASG bandits and the recovery of four high-powered firearms -- an R4 rifle, an M1 Carbine rifle, an M16A1 rifle, and a caliber .45 pistol.

Ponio also visited the tactical command post of the Army’s 1102nd Infantry Brigade in Bud Datu, Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu.

He was given operational updates by military officers during his visit to Bud Datu.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066498

Marine troops rescue Malaysian fisherman in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2019): Marine troops rescue Malaysian fisherman in Sulu

Philippine Marine troops have successfully rescued a Malaysian fisherman kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits more than four months ago in Pegasus Reef Kinabatangan, Malaysia.

The Joint Task Force Sulu said that Jari Abdullah, 34, was rescued around 4:25 p.m. Thursday following a firefight in Barangay Bahkaan in Banguingui, Sulu.

The Philippine Marine Ready Force-Sulu troopers retrieved Abdullah near the ASG bandits' withdrawal route 15 minutes after the firefight against the terrorist group under Najir Arik.
Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo Jr., Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said Abdullah managed to escape but was wounded after his captors shot him "before he was secured by the troops”.

The troops immediately airlifted Abdullah to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Hospital in Barangay Bus-bus, Jolo for medical attention.

Pabayo said there were no casualties on the government side.

“This latest tactical gain of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Sulu was made possible through the continued support of the peace-loving Tausug communities,” Pabayo said.

“The act of shooting the kidnap victim is indicative of the Abu Sayyaf’s hopelessness and desperateness as the bandits are now surrounded by our pursuing troops. The AFP in Sulu is now more motivated to hunt down these terrorists,” Pabayo said.

Abdullah was seized on December 6, 2018 along with two Indonesian fishermen from their boat while fishing at Pegasus Reef Kinabatangan, Malaysia.

The other Indonesians were identified as Heri Ardiansyah, 19, and Hariadin, 45. There was no report about their whereabouts.

“Marine troops continue their pursuit and offensives to run down militants and rescue captives on said island,” said Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief.

“Troops maximize combat and intelligence buildup to track down and close in on evading terrorists, delivering deliberate operations to ensure the safety of kidnap victims on Simisa Island,” dela Vega added.

The Sulu-based ASG bandits are still holding captive close to 10 people, including foreigners, seized in separate occasions.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066591

2 killed as Army, NPA clash in Davao del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2019): 2 killed as Army, NPA clash in Davao del Sur

Two communist New People’s Army (NPA) guerillas were killed during a 45-minute firefight with the Philippine Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion in a remote village in Digos City on Thursday.

Capt. Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of the Army's 10th Infantry Division, said the bodies of the fatalities have yet to be identified.

The soldiers also recovered one high-powered firearm at the encounter site. No casualty was recorded on the government side, Lamosao said.

Lamosao said the firefight ensued after personnel of Bravo Company and Scout Platoon of 39th IB were sent to the area upon receiving information that armed men were seen at the vicinity of Sitio Lanan, Barangay Goma.

He said the troops encountered an undetermined number of insurgents believed under Guerilla Front 51, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).

Lamosao said the residents in the area suspected the armed men were planning to conduct extortion and recruitment activities.

"As always, the determination of the troops and the support of the populace will definitely bear the fruit of success as it prevents NPA's atrocious plan," said Brigadier General Mario G Lacurom, Officer-in-Charge of the 10th ID.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066612

3 Russian naval ships to visit PH April 8-12

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2019): 3 Russian naval ships to visit PH April 8-12

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Thursday announced that three Russian Navy vessels will be paying a five-day goodwill visit to Manila next week.

Navy spokesperson, Capt. Jonathan Zata, said the visiting Russian vessels are the Admiral Tributs, Vinogradov and Irkut.

Admiral Tributs and Vinogradov are classified by the Russian Navy as "large, anti-submarine ships" while the Irkut is called a "large sea tanker".

Zata said the ships will be docking at Pier 15, Manila South Harbor at about 9 a.m. on Monday.

"The PN will render customary welcome ceremony upon arrival of the vessels," he said in a statement.

Earlier, PN flag-officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, said Russian and Filipino naval cooperation is expected to get a much-needed boost as both nations are set to sign a naval cooperation agreement this July.

He added that the initial agreement is already finalized and that they will forward it to the Department of National Defense (DND) for approval.

Once the DND gives its approval, Empedrad said they will go to Russia to sign the agreement, which is expected to strengthen the relationship of the two countries.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066555

Report suspicious-looking individuals to authorities: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2019): Report suspicious-looking individuals to authorities: AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) urged the public to report all suspicious-looking individuals to authorities.

"On the part of the AFP, the CSAFP (Chief-of-Staff, AFP) is again calling out for the support of the local populace for the timely sharing of information to the security sector whenever they notice unusual incidents or strangers in their locality. Counter-terrorism is everybody's concern," military public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato, said in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Friday.

This comes in the wake of the explosion that hit a restaurant in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat which injured about 18 people on Wednesday.

Earlier, Joint Task Force Central, under Major Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, said that security procedures will be adjusted following the explosion.

This will be done in coordination with the police and the local government unit.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066575

Blame Joma for 'Red tag', AFP tells Karapatan

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2019): Blame Joma for 'Red tag', AFP tells Karapatan

Militant group, Karapatan, should blame Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder, Jose Maria "Joma" Sison, instead of the government, for their red-tagging.

"To Karapatan -- don't blame (the) government for your being tagged as 'Red'. You have always been Red by the way you respond to situations. Your name is all over the Red websites. Joma's face turns red every time we mention the CPP revolutionary websites, the ILPS (International League of Peoples Struggles') websites, the ILPS of which Joma is also chair," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military operations, Major Gen. Antonio Parlade, told reporters Friday.

Parlade made the statement after Karapatan scored the government for identifying them as one of the front organizations of the CPP-New People's Army (NPA), which is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union (EU).

"It's because he feels guilty for dragging you into this Red network. Unfortunately, he cannot take it off the web, as your red fingerprints are all over already, every time there is a captured CPP-NPA, every time a Red child warrior is captured. So did we Red-tag you?" Parlade said.

He also challenged the group to dispute government allegations by presenting concrete pieces of evidence, such as documents.

"By the way, our challenge stays. Prove us wrong with your documents, here in the country you have been trying to destroy all those years, with your fake advocacy. Don't bring the matter to UN (United Nations), which you have deceived with your fake reports. Do you know that they were unable to explain the 27,000 killed 'allegedly' from the police drug war? By the way, that figure of killed in EJK (extra-judicial killing) was already raised by Joma to 30,000 in a span of one month, since we went to UN to ask where those killings happened so the government can respond. Can anybody explain where the additional 3,000 were killed in the past 30 days?" Parlade added.

He also scored the group anew for duping EU and Belgium for donations through the fabrication of reports claiming that the government is behind the killing of "Bakwit" (evacuees) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs).

"What about EU and Belgium which you have duped, again with your fake reports of Bakwit and IP killings, in order to ask them for donations through the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP), Solidagro, Viva Salud, Kiyo, and many more foreign NGOs (non-government organizations)? Same foreign NGOs support ACT, ALCADEV communist school, Salugpungan School for Child Warriors, Gabriela, ANAKPAWIS, etc. So what's the common denominator here? If they all celebrate the CPP-NPA anniversary in the streets and temporary rebel resting places, what should we call you? Pink Panthers?" he said.

ACT stands for Alliance of Concerned Teachers while ALCADEV is Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development.

The government, he said, is ready to provide protection to those who will come forward to corroborate claims against communist-front organizations.

"To Ibon and Karapatan, RMP sisters, let's all face the challenge, this time without hiding under the robes. And please remember, the government (is) the real human rights defenders. We will protect you should you decide to come out, as we have always protected you, even as you accuse us of threatening activists. Many of your colleagues have already spoken against you. None of you were harassed, unless you believe your lies again. Just take the challenge," Parlade said.

“Don't evade the government by bringing the matter abroad to justify your actions to your donors who are about to cancel your funding,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066585

No security threat so far in MM for Holy Week: NCRPO

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2019): No security threat so far in MM for Holy Week: NCRPO



The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said it has yet to detect security threats in Metro Manila for the Holy Week.

“So far, we have not received information on threats but we remain alert for the Holy Week, especially in places of convergence, like churches for those doing Visita Iglesia. We will deploy police assistance desk in churches here in Metro Manila as part of our preparations," NCRPO head, Major Gen. Guillermo Eleazar told reporters on the sidelines of the simulation exercise conducted by the Manila Police District’s Special Weapons and Tactics Teams (SWAT) and other rescue units at the Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church area in Intramuros in Manila on Thursday.

The activity included bomb explosion and active shooting scenarios aimed at testing the preparedness of the police and to ensure public safety.

“We want to be sure that our men are all capable and doing the right thing on the ground and adhering to the protocols in responding to bombing incidents. We also want to see the possible lapses and areas that need improvement, including the functionality of all the equipment and vehicles needed, in order for us to gauge the success of what we intend to do during the crisis situation,” he said, adding that the simulation exercise was part of preparations for the Holy Week, summer vacation, and elections.

Eleazar said the value of time in responding to an incident is precious, noting that responders must always remember the proper procedure and protocols set, to prevent more casualties.

“By doing these exercises, we review what to do because in the real scenario, it's really difficult if we are not prepared. We have a contingency plan in case of these events but more importantly, the simulation exercise is a test of whether we are able to observe protocols and we are able to determine lapses or areas of improvement,” he told the personnel involved in exercise.

The NCRPO chief said that they will still conduct simulation exercises not only in churches but also in other establishments.

Meanwhile, Eleazar said they will go on full alert during the Holy Week in anticipation of the exodus of travelers.

A total of 11,600 policemen will be deployed to secure vital installations, bus terminals, jeepney stops, airports and seaports, churches and other pilgrimage sites, and even residential areas to ensure a peaceful observance of the Holy Week.

He said particular emphasis will be placed on securing bus terminals, seaports and airports, adding that aside from the deployment of uniformed personnel and K9 units, assistance desks will also be set up in these facilities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066588

WWII Bataan fighting recalled

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2019): WWII Bataan fighting recalled
On this day, April 5, 1942, four days prior to the fall of Bataan, Filipino and American forces established a “hasty defense line” amidst a hail of Japanese artillery fire and despite being exhausted due to hunger and lack of sleep.

This is contained in the book “150 Days of Hell” authored by retired Constabulary Col. Jose V. Agdamag, Jr., who fought in Bataan in the Second World War, and assisted by his son, retired Navy Capt. Vicente M. Agdamag.

The elder Agdamag described in his diary the heroism of the Filipino and American forces in defending Bataan, although they were outnumbered and outgunned during the wave of offensives launched by the Japanese.

The Japanese used warplanes and artillery to the hilt against the joint Filipino and American forces, who made their last stand in Bataan before they surrendered on April 9, 1942.

Col. Adamag said that “On 5 April 1942, Day 119 of the invasion, “we established hasty defense line. At this time, the morale of my men was low. Food was scarce. Food was served only once a day. Boiled rice (lugaw) with salt was the food for the day”.

He said that for the past three days, the Japanese forces sustained their offensive.

“In the morning, at around 0700-1000, they (Japanese) conducted preparatory fires for effect….hitting front line troops,” Agdamag recalled.

He said that for one hour, there was a lull in the artillery bombardment, only to continue at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“The Japanese had selected targets like concentration of troops on the first defensive line, our own artillery pieces in our rear areas and our communication system,” Adamag added.

Filipino and American defenders tried in vain to ward off the attack, but the Japanese offensive was so intense that “every day, we were retreating a minimum distance of 300 meters from our original defensive line,” he wrote.

Adamag said the book "150 Days in Hell" is a "stunning presentation of the experiences of my father and the more than 100,000 Filipino and American personnel in the Philippines during the war. It was a sad and gruesome experience. I hope it will never again happen on our treasured soil.”

After Bataan fell, thousands of Filipinos and Americans were held prisoners of war and were forced to walk in the infamous “Death March” from Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga, a distance of over 100 kilometers without food and water, and those who could not walk were bayoneted to death.

The book is a must read for all Filipinos and Americans to remember the ultimate sacrifice and patriotism of the brave soldiers of the two nations in defense of freedom and democracy.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066608