Ka Ry, a former rebel turned military officer, shares how he started to be an active partner for peace upon joining the Philippine Army. He sought help from the 25th Infantry Battalion and upon graduating, he was at the top of his class.
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Former rebel graduates at the top his class in the Philippine Army
Posted to the Task Force Balik Loob Facebook Page (Jul 24, 2019): Former rebel graduates at the top his class in the Philippine Army
OPAPP: GPH Implementing Panel makes historic visit to MILF’s Camp Rajamuda
From the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Website (Jul 25, 2019): GPH Implementing Panel makes historic visit to MILF’s Camp Rajamuda
CAMP RAJAMUDA, PIKIT, NORTH COTABATO (July 25, 2019) – Government of the Philippines (GPH) Implementing Panel members arrived at this Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camp Tuesday, 19 years after the Estrada Administration’s all-out-war against the MILF.
The historic visit marks the first time the GPH panel has set foot on the camp, which was considered one of the major strongholds of the MILF when it was still waging an armed struggle against the national government.
The visit is part of ongoing preparations for the decommissioning of MILF combatants and the transformation of their camps into show windows of peace and development under the Normalization Track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
The GPH panel was led by its chair Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Executive Director Gloria Mercado, and was joined by OPAPP Assistant Secretary Acel Papa and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Minister of Transportation and Communication Dickson Hermoso.
Touching base with communities
According to Mercado, the panel’s visit aims to inform those residing in the six government-acknowledged MILF camps on developments in the Normalization process, as well as for the panel members to see for themselves the situation in these communities.
“We would like to see the ‘spatial realities’ in these MILF camps. We need to understand that each of these camps has a life of its own,” she explained.
Mercado said the panel was directed by no less than Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. to conduct the camp visits. Similar visits have been made to camps Bilal and Bushra in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, and to Abubakar in Maguindanao.
She related that during their visit to Camp Abubakar, the panel members witnessed the major role being played by women in the community, particularly how they are making a positive impact on the lives of residents there.
“Seeing these realities on the ground, there are a lot of policy enhancements that can be done by OPAPP in collaboration with its partners that can help further capacitate these women-leaders,” Mercado said.
Lessons of the past
For his part, Hermoso underscored the importance of looking back and learning from the lessons of the past. He recalled the all-out-war in 2000 wherein Camp Rajamuda became the site of intense gun battles between government troops and MILF fighters.
“The current generation should not forget the struggles of their forebears. This (CAB) is the result of 17 years of negotiations [between the government and MILF]. Let us not waste this opportunity,” Hermoso said.
According to Hermoso, who heads the Joint Peace and Security Committee, 200 Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPSTs) shall be created to ensure the security of residents within the MILF camps when the decommissioning process begins.
He said the JPSTs will shall be composed of soldiers, policemen and members of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF). This teams will serve until the new transition Bangsamoro government ends its term in 2022.
“The war has ended. This is no longer an armed struggle. The President said that there should be convergence. No one should be left behind,” Hermoso said.
Social healing
Meanwhile, Papa, who heads the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation component of the Normalization Track, explained the TJR will address human rights violations, legitimate grievances, historical injustices, and marginalization committed against the Bangsamoro people.
While noting that the implementation of the TJR “is very broad,” Papa said the passage of an amnesty bill in Congress has been proposed as an administration priority legislation.
She said the history of the Bangsamoro people, particularly their struggles, should be “memorialized.”
“The youth should not forget the lessons of the past so that there will no longer be a repeat [of what happened].”
Sustaining the gains of peace
At the same event, Jack Abas, commander of the MILF-BIAF Eastern Mindanao Front and now a member of the BARMM Parliament, underscored the importance of the GPH panel’s visit to the camp, saying that “it is in connection to our aspiration for peace.”
Abas said through its visit, the panel would like to “introduce” the CAB’s Normalization Track to residents in the camp “so that they can get our (people) opinion and there will be no misunderstanding” between both sides.
“It is important that at this point that we can implement [the Normalization process]. This is our obligation. This peace is for our people,” the grizzled MILF commander said.
Abas also lauded the various ceasefire mechanisms on the ground that have helped resolve peace and security issues and prevented the outbreak of conflict in the area. “There are no more skirmishes. We (MILF) now have very good coordination with the AFP.”
Securing communities
In the meantime, General Afred Rosario, commander of the AFP’s 6th Infantry Division, assured the MILF that the military’s primary purpose is to ensure the security of residents in communities where they are stationed.
“The soldiers deployed here are for your safety. They are not to go after you but to secure you,” Rosario said.
He also stressed that the AFP fully supports the Bangsamoro peace process, saying, “We are here to support the Bangsamoro Organic Law and the BARMM.”
Dialogue is key
In his closing remarks, Director Wilben Mayor, OPAPP spokesperson, said that key concerns in the community can be resolved through constant dialogue.
“Let us all be open so that we shall be able to surface these issues and find solutions,” Mayor said.
“The government is here not to provide perfect solutions. But we believe that these efforts will all lead to building long-lasting peace in the country,” he concluded.
Decommissioning process
Around 12,000 or 30 percent of the MILF combatants will be decommissioned during the second phase of the decommissioning process which is scheduled to begin on September 7, 2019.
The decommissioning process is part of the Normalization track’s goal of putting MILF fighters and their weapons beyond use, and enabling them to achieve their desired quality of life through sustainable livelihood and political participation in a peaceful and deliberative society.
The Normalization Phase has four main components, which include: security, socio-economic development, confidence-building measures, and transitional justice and reconciliation.
Under the plan, 30% of the MILF combatants and weapons are expected to be decommissioned this year. At least 35% will undergo the same process next year, while the remaining fighters will be decommissioned by 2022 in time for the signing of the Exit Agreement under the CAB. ###
https://peace.gov.ph/2019/07/gph-implementing-panel-historic-visit-camp-rajamuda/
CAMP RAJAMUDA, PIKIT, NORTH COTABATO (July 25, 2019) – Government of the Philippines (GPH) Implementing Panel members arrived at this Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camp Tuesday, 19 years after the Estrada Administration’s all-out-war against the MILF.
The historic visit marks the first time the GPH panel has set foot on the camp, which was considered one of the major strongholds of the MILF when it was still waging an armed struggle against the national government.
The visit is part of ongoing preparations for the decommissioning of MILF combatants and the transformation of their camps into show windows of peace and development under the Normalization Track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
The GPH panel was led by its chair Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Executive Director Gloria Mercado, and was joined by OPAPP Assistant Secretary Acel Papa and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Minister of Transportation and Communication Dickson Hermoso.
Touching base with communities
According to Mercado, the panel’s visit aims to inform those residing in the six government-acknowledged MILF camps on developments in the Normalization process, as well as for the panel members to see for themselves the situation in these communities.
“We would like to see the ‘spatial realities’ in these MILF camps. We need to understand that each of these camps has a life of its own,” she explained.
Mercado said the panel was directed by no less than Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. to conduct the camp visits. Similar visits have been made to camps Bilal and Bushra in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, and to Abubakar in Maguindanao.
She related that during their visit to Camp Abubakar, the panel members witnessed the major role being played by women in the community, particularly how they are making a positive impact on the lives of residents there.
“Seeing these realities on the ground, there are a lot of policy enhancements that can be done by OPAPP in collaboration with its partners that can help further capacitate these women-leaders,” Mercado said.
Lessons of the past
For his part, Hermoso underscored the importance of looking back and learning from the lessons of the past. He recalled the all-out-war in 2000 wherein Camp Rajamuda became the site of intense gun battles between government troops and MILF fighters.
“The current generation should not forget the struggles of their forebears. This (CAB) is the result of 17 years of negotiations [between the government and MILF]. Let us not waste this opportunity,” Hermoso said.
According to Hermoso, who heads the Joint Peace and Security Committee, 200 Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPSTs) shall be created to ensure the security of residents within the MILF camps when the decommissioning process begins.
He said the JPSTs will shall be composed of soldiers, policemen and members of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF). This teams will serve until the new transition Bangsamoro government ends its term in 2022.
“The war has ended. This is no longer an armed struggle. The President said that there should be convergence. No one should be left behind,” Hermoso said.
Social healing
Meanwhile, Papa, who heads the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation component of the Normalization Track, explained the TJR will address human rights violations, legitimate grievances, historical injustices, and marginalization committed against the Bangsamoro people.
While noting that the implementation of the TJR “is very broad,” Papa said the passage of an amnesty bill in Congress has been proposed as an administration priority legislation.
She said the history of the Bangsamoro people, particularly their struggles, should be “memorialized.”
“The youth should not forget the lessons of the past so that there will no longer be a repeat [of what happened].”
Sustaining the gains of peace
At the same event, Jack Abas, commander of the MILF-BIAF Eastern Mindanao Front and now a member of the BARMM Parliament, underscored the importance of the GPH panel’s visit to the camp, saying that “it is in connection to our aspiration for peace.”
Abas said through its visit, the panel would like to “introduce” the CAB’s Normalization Track to residents in the camp “so that they can get our (people) opinion and there will be no misunderstanding” between both sides.
“It is important that at this point that we can implement [the Normalization process]. This is our obligation. This peace is for our people,” the grizzled MILF commander said.
Abas also lauded the various ceasefire mechanisms on the ground that have helped resolve peace and security issues and prevented the outbreak of conflict in the area. “There are no more skirmishes. We (MILF) now have very good coordination with the AFP.”
Securing communities
In the meantime, General Afred Rosario, commander of the AFP’s 6th Infantry Division, assured the MILF that the military’s primary purpose is to ensure the security of residents in communities where they are stationed.
“The soldiers deployed here are for your safety. They are not to go after you but to secure you,” Rosario said.
He also stressed that the AFP fully supports the Bangsamoro peace process, saying, “We are here to support the Bangsamoro Organic Law and the BARMM.”
Dialogue is key
In his closing remarks, Director Wilben Mayor, OPAPP spokesperson, said that key concerns in the community can be resolved through constant dialogue.
“Let us all be open so that we shall be able to surface these issues and find solutions,” Mayor said.
“The government is here not to provide perfect solutions. But we believe that these efforts will all lead to building long-lasting peace in the country,” he concluded.
Decommissioning process
Around 12,000 or 30 percent of the MILF combatants will be decommissioned during the second phase of the decommissioning process which is scheduled to begin on September 7, 2019.
The decommissioning process is part of the Normalization track’s goal of putting MILF fighters and their weapons beyond use, and enabling them to achieve their desired quality of life through sustainable livelihood and political participation in a peaceful and deliberative society.
The Normalization Phase has four main components, which include: security, socio-economic development, confidence-building measures, and transitional justice and reconciliation.
Under the plan, 30% of the MILF combatants and weapons are expected to be decommissioned this year. At least 35% will undergo the same process next year, while the remaining fighters will be decommissioned by 2022 in time for the signing of the Exit Agreement under the CAB. ###
https://peace.gov.ph/2019/07/gph-implementing-panel-historic-visit-camp-rajamuda/
OPAPP: Gov’t, RPA/ABB sign peace deal annex, condemn NPA atrocities
From the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Website (Jul 25, 2019): Gov’t, RPA/ABB sign peace deal annex, condemn NPA atrocities
CAMP AGUINALDO, QUEZON CITY JULY 25, 2019 — In the face of continued armed threats coming from former comrades, members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade-Tabara Paduano Group (RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG) or KAPATIRAN have reaffirmed their unequivocal commitment to peace.
In another unprecedented move, the former rebel group became a signatory to the Clarificatory Implementing Document (CID) of the landmark peace agreement forged between the Philippine Government and KAPATIRAN in 2000.
The CID serves as the final and absolute settlement of the 2000 peace deal which ended years of armed conflict between the government and the revolutionary organization.
The document was signed by Department of National Defense Undersecretary for Operations Cesar Yano, chair of the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee, and KAPATIRAN representative Veronica Tabara, or “Ka Inca” on July 19, 2019.
Both parties agreed that it is crucial for the RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG to transform itself into a productive and unarmed socio-political civilian organization.
At the event, Yano emphasized the government’s desire to fulfill its commitments as outlined in the CID.
“Asahan ninyo na paninindigan namin ang aming mga pangako, at gagawin ang aming sinumpaang tungkulin upang pangasiwaan ang prosesong ito na mapanatili ang kapayapaan at kaunlaran para sa ating bansa,” he said.
(Count on us to keep our promises, and do our sworn duty to manage this process of peacekeeping and nation-building, he said.)
DIFFICULT ROAD TO PEACE
Speaking on behalf of KAPATIRAN, Tabara acknowledged the group’s long and arduous journey towards peace.
“Di naging madali, at masalimuot para sa amin ang pagtahak sa landas ng kapayapaan. Dugo at buhay ang ibinuwis ng mga kasapi nang tumiwalag ang RPM-P/RPA/ABB mula sa marahas, mali at kriminal na pamumuno ng CPP-NPA. Nagpunyagi ito sa abot ng makakaya upang maituwid ang maling nagawa ng pinanggalingang kaliwang pamunuan,” she said.
(It wasn’t easy, it was arduous for us to take the path of peace. Blood and human lives were sacrificed by our members when we broke away from the brutal, incorrect and criminal leadership of the CPP-NPA. These efforts flourished as much as we could in order to correct the wrongdoings of the leftist leadership where we came from.)
In May of this year, three KAPATIRAN members were gunned down in a resettlement area in Barangay Locotan, Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental by around 30 CPP-NPA cadres.
The victims were starting to make their transition to mainstream society with the help of the national government when they were felled by hitmen’s’ bullets.
Two other prominent KAPATIRAN personalities were also assassinated by the rebel group: Romulo Kintanar on Jan. 23, 2003, and Arturo Tabara on Sept. 26, 2004.
THE WORK IS FAR FROM OVER
In his remarks, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. called on partner government agencies and other stakeholders to be agents of change and development, following the signing of the CID.
“You have the means in your hands to change the lives of others for the better. Tulungan po natin na makapag-bagong buhay ang ating mga kapatid. I ask you to use this power so that we will be able to achieve our collective vision: for genuine peace and sustainable development to take root and bear fruit in our beloved communities,” he said.
(You have the means in your hands to change the lives of others for the better. Let us help our brothers and sisters to start over. I ask you to use this power so that we will be able to achieve our collective vision: for genuine peace and sustainable development to take root and bear fruit in our beloved communities.)
The CID has five components: Disposition of Arms and Forces (DAF) and Security Arrangements; Social and Economic Reintegration of the RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG/KAPATIRAN; Release of the remaining Alleged Political Offenders; Transformation of the RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG into a civilian organization engaging in socio-economic and political activities; and Community Peace Dividends.
Under the CID, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), together with partner agencies, will implement a three-year Normalization Plan from 2019-2021.
This plan aims to help transform members of RPM-P/RPA-ABB-TPG into productive members of society, as well as develop their areas into peaceful, progressive and resilient communities.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte had earlier approved funding for the said plan worth PhP 560.8 million.
For her part, OPAPP Executive Director Gloria Jumamil-Mercado highlighted the national government’s determined efforts to push forward the peace process with the RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG/Kapatiran
“This coming together demonstrates the government’s continuing effort to deliver on its commitments to those who have embraced the way of peace, particularly the RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG/Kapatiran,” she said.
Meanwhile, Galvez challenged members of the KAPATIRAN to sustain the gains of the landmark peace agreement.
“You can now play a more proactive role in uplifting the lives of your people and making your respective communities resilient against natural and man-made threats. There will definitely be a lot of challenges along the way, but we’ve already seen your unwavering commitment to peace,” he said.
“We have patiently waited for more than 19 years. I would like to assure you that the National Government will always be by your side each step of the way,” Galvez added.
Also present during the signing were Congressman Stephen Paduano of Abang Lingkod Party List, local chief executives from Regions 6 and 7, as well as representatives from OPAPP, Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, Department of National Defense, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, National Housing Authority, and National Economic Development Authority.
A LONG TIME COMING
In 1999, former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada issued Executive Order No. 115, “Providing for the Mechanics and Operational Structure for the Localization of Peace Efforts to address the Communist Insurgency.”
This led to the signing of the 2000 peace deal between the GPH and RPM-P/RPA/ABB.
Under former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the GPH and the RPM-P/RPA/ABB signed a clarificatory document in 2002, followed by EO 117, which established the JEMC.
The implementation of the CID is part of the Duterte administration’s promise to honor all signed peace agreement with different rebel groups.
“My administration is committed to implement all signed peace agreements in step with constitutional and legal reforms,” the President said in his inaugural speech. ###
https://peace.gov.ph/2019/07/govt-rpa-abb-sign-peace-deal-annex-condemn-npa-atrocities/
In another unprecedented move, the former rebel group became a signatory to the Clarificatory Implementing Document (CID) of the landmark peace agreement forged between the Philippine Government and KAPATIRAN in 2000.
The CID serves as the final and absolute settlement of the 2000 peace deal which ended years of armed conflict between the government and the revolutionary organization.
The document was signed by Department of National Defense Undersecretary for Operations Cesar Yano, chair of the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee, and KAPATIRAN representative Veronica Tabara, or “Ka Inca” on July 19, 2019.
Both parties agreed that it is crucial for the RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG to transform itself into a productive and unarmed socio-political civilian organization.
At the event, Yano emphasized the government’s desire to fulfill its commitments as outlined in the CID.
“Asahan ninyo na paninindigan namin ang aming mga pangako, at gagawin ang aming sinumpaang tungkulin upang pangasiwaan ang prosesong ito na mapanatili ang kapayapaan at kaunlaran para sa ating bansa,” he said.
(Count on us to keep our promises, and do our sworn duty to manage this process of peacekeeping and nation-building, he said.)
DIFFICULT ROAD TO PEACE
Speaking on behalf of KAPATIRAN, Tabara acknowledged the group’s long and arduous journey towards peace.
“Di naging madali, at masalimuot para sa amin ang pagtahak sa landas ng kapayapaan. Dugo at buhay ang ibinuwis ng mga kasapi nang tumiwalag ang RPM-P/RPA/ABB mula sa marahas, mali at kriminal na pamumuno ng CPP-NPA. Nagpunyagi ito sa abot ng makakaya upang maituwid ang maling nagawa ng pinanggalingang kaliwang pamunuan,” she said.
(It wasn’t easy, it was arduous for us to take the path of peace. Blood and human lives were sacrificed by our members when we broke away from the brutal, incorrect and criminal leadership of the CPP-NPA. These efforts flourished as much as we could in order to correct the wrongdoings of the leftist leadership where we came from.)
In May of this year, three KAPATIRAN members were gunned down in a resettlement area in Barangay Locotan, Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental by around 30 CPP-NPA cadres.
The victims were starting to make their transition to mainstream society with the help of the national government when they were felled by hitmen’s’ bullets.
Two other prominent KAPATIRAN personalities were also assassinated by the rebel group: Romulo Kintanar on Jan. 23, 2003, and Arturo Tabara on Sept. 26, 2004.
THE WORK IS FAR FROM OVER
In his remarks, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. called on partner government agencies and other stakeholders to be agents of change and development, following the signing of the CID.
“You have the means in your hands to change the lives of others for the better. Tulungan po natin na makapag-bagong buhay ang ating mga kapatid. I ask you to use this power so that we will be able to achieve our collective vision: for genuine peace and sustainable development to take root and bear fruit in our beloved communities,” he said.
(You have the means in your hands to change the lives of others for the better. Let us help our brothers and sisters to start over. I ask you to use this power so that we will be able to achieve our collective vision: for genuine peace and sustainable development to take root and bear fruit in our beloved communities.)
The CID has five components: Disposition of Arms and Forces (DAF) and Security Arrangements; Social and Economic Reintegration of the RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG/KAPATIRAN; Release of the remaining Alleged Political Offenders; Transformation of the RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG into a civilian organization engaging in socio-economic and political activities; and Community Peace Dividends.
Under the CID, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), together with partner agencies, will implement a three-year Normalization Plan from 2019-2021.
This plan aims to help transform members of RPM-P/RPA-ABB-TPG into productive members of society, as well as develop their areas into peaceful, progressive and resilient communities.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte had earlier approved funding for the said plan worth PhP 560.8 million.
For her part, OPAPP Executive Director Gloria Jumamil-Mercado highlighted the national government’s determined efforts to push forward the peace process with the RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG/Kapatiran
“This coming together demonstrates the government’s continuing effort to deliver on its commitments to those who have embraced the way of peace, particularly the RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG/Kapatiran,” she said.
Meanwhile, Galvez challenged members of the KAPATIRAN to sustain the gains of the landmark peace agreement.
“You can now play a more proactive role in uplifting the lives of your people and making your respective communities resilient against natural and man-made threats. There will definitely be a lot of challenges along the way, but we’ve already seen your unwavering commitment to peace,” he said.
“We have patiently waited for more than 19 years. I would like to assure you that the National Government will always be by your side each step of the way,” Galvez added.
Also present during the signing were Congressman Stephen Paduano of Abang Lingkod Party List, local chief executives from Regions 6 and 7, as well as representatives from OPAPP, Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, Department of National Defense, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, National Housing Authority, and National Economic Development Authority.
A LONG TIME COMING
In 1999, former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada issued Executive Order No. 115, “Providing for the Mechanics and Operational Structure for the Localization of Peace Efforts to address the Communist Insurgency.”
This led to the signing of the 2000 peace deal between the GPH and RPM-P/RPA/ABB.
Under former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the GPH and the RPM-P/RPA/ABB signed a clarificatory document in 2002, followed by EO 117, which established the JEMC.
The implementation of the CID is part of the Duterte administration’s promise to honor all signed peace agreement with different rebel groups.
“My administration is committed to implement all signed peace agreements in step with constitutional and legal reforms,” the President said in his inaugural speech. ###
https://peace.gov.ph/2019/07/govt-rpa-abb-sign-peace-deal-annex-condemn-npa-atrocities/
MILF: Army. OPAPP, and GPH Implementing Panel jointly conduct info drive in former MILF Camp Rajamuda
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Jul 24, 2019): Army. OPAPP, and GPH Implementing Panel jointly conduct info drive in former MILF Camp Rajamuda
CAMP CONVERSION DRIVE. Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Undersecretary Gloria Jumalil-Mercado speaks during the information drive inside former Camp Rajah Muda of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Pikit, North Cotabato on Tuesday (July 23, 2019). The MILF camp is being transformed into a peaceful and productive community. (Photo courtesy of 602nd Infantry Brigade)
Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao– The Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade (602nd IBde), the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and Government Peace Implementing Panel jointly conducted Tuesday an information drive inside the former Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Camp Rajah Muda in Pikit, North Cotabato, said a report posted today on PNA’s official website.
Rajah Muda is one of the six (6) MILF major camps under the government's "Camp Transformation and Normalization" program that seeks to transform the former rebel strongholds into peaceful and developed communities.
OPAPP Undersecretary Gloria Jumamil-Mercado, retired Brig. Gen. Dickson Hermoso, a member of the government peace implementing panel, and 602nd IBde commander Brig. Gen. Alfredo del Rosario Jr, were on hand to led the activity
The assembly sought to provide former MILF fighters the basic details on the implementation of socio-economic programs, confidence-building and amnesty, decommissioning of MILF combatants and creation of Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPST) to secure their communities until 2022, said the report by PNA.
Under the government's socioeconomic program, MILF members and their families will undergo processing to receive social protection (including health insurance), livelihood and educational assistance, and other development packages as part of the program.
"We are currently at the implementation (stage) on what has been agreed during the negotiation part of this peace process," Jumamil-Mercado said in a statement Tuesday.
“We had finished the negotiations part and our challenge now is the timely implementation of the agreement set forth," she added.
Hermoso, who has been appointed recently as Minister of Transportation in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), said the decommissioning process of about 40,000 MILF fighters will be done in three batches.
Under the agreement, Hermoso said, 12,000 combatants will be decommissioned this year, 14,000 by 2020, and the remaining 14,000 by 2021.
He also said that 200 JPSTs would be organized with each team composed of seven soldiers, eight police officers, and 15 MILF members.
JPST members will be trained starting July 27 inside the Army’s Camp Lucero in Carmen, North Cotabato.
"Now, we are with implementing panel after completing all the negotiations. We have no more discussions about the BOL but rather is the time to implement what has been agreed," said MILF field commander Jack Abas, who is also a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.
"We aspire for peace, and that peace is for all of us. This activity is to introduce the peace agreement for everyone to understand. This peace is for our people," Abas added.
Rosario vowed the military will continue to implement the guidance of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as reiterated during his recent State of the Nation Address for them to fully support the peace process and ensure peace and order in the communities.
"We are now hand in hand in this peace process far from the 90's back then when we battle against each other,” said Rosario, who described the implementation of the peace process with the MILF as “historic”.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1857/army--opapp--and-gph-implementing-panel-jointly-conduct-info-drive-in-former-milf-camp-rajamuda
CAMP CONVERSION DRIVE. Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Undersecretary Gloria Jumalil-Mercado speaks during the information drive inside former Camp Rajah Muda of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Pikit, North Cotabato on Tuesday (July 23, 2019). The MILF camp is being transformed into a peaceful and productive community. (Photo courtesy of 602nd Infantry Brigade)
Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao– The Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade (602nd IBde), the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and Government Peace Implementing Panel jointly conducted Tuesday an information drive inside the former Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Camp Rajah Muda in Pikit, North Cotabato, said a report posted today on PNA’s official website.
Rajah Muda is one of the six (6) MILF major camps under the government's "Camp Transformation and Normalization" program that seeks to transform the former rebel strongholds into peaceful and developed communities.
OPAPP Undersecretary Gloria Jumamil-Mercado, retired Brig. Gen. Dickson Hermoso, a member of the government peace implementing panel, and 602nd IBde commander Brig. Gen. Alfredo del Rosario Jr, were on hand to led the activity
The assembly sought to provide former MILF fighters the basic details on the implementation of socio-economic programs, confidence-building and amnesty, decommissioning of MILF combatants and creation of Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPST) to secure their communities until 2022, said the report by PNA.
Under the government's socioeconomic program, MILF members and their families will undergo processing to receive social protection (including health insurance), livelihood and educational assistance, and other development packages as part of the program.
"We are currently at the implementation (stage) on what has been agreed during the negotiation part of this peace process," Jumamil-Mercado said in a statement Tuesday.
“We had finished the negotiations part and our challenge now is the timely implementation of the agreement set forth," she added.
Hermoso, who has been appointed recently as Minister of Transportation in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), said the decommissioning process of about 40,000 MILF fighters will be done in three batches.
Under the agreement, Hermoso said, 12,000 combatants will be decommissioned this year, 14,000 by 2020, and the remaining 14,000 by 2021.
He also said that 200 JPSTs would be organized with each team composed of seven soldiers, eight police officers, and 15 MILF members.
JPST members will be trained starting July 27 inside the Army’s Camp Lucero in Carmen, North Cotabato.
"Now, we are with implementing panel after completing all the negotiations. We have no more discussions about the BOL but rather is the time to implement what has been agreed," said MILF field commander Jack Abas, who is also a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.
"We aspire for peace, and that peace is for all of us. This activity is to introduce the peace agreement for everyone to understand. This peace is for our people," Abas added.
Rosario vowed the military will continue to implement the guidance of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as reiterated during his recent State of the Nation Address for them to fully support the peace process and ensure peace and order in the communities.
"We are now hand in hand in this peace process far from the 90's back then when we battle against each other,” said Rosario, who described the implementation of the peace process with the MILF as “historic”.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1857/army--opapp--and-gph-implementing-panel-jointly-conduct-info-drive-in-former-milf-camp-rajamuda
No suspects yet on Negros Oriental lawyer’s killing
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 24, 2019): No suspects yet on Negros Oriental lawyer’s killing
Investigators of the Guihulngan police in Negros Oriental have yet to identify the suspects in the killing of lawyer Anthony Trinidad.
Lt. Col. Bonifacio Tecson, Guihulngan Police Chief, said during a phone interview that they did not have witnesses.
He said they went over the cases handled by the lawyer for leads.
Tecson divulged that the lawyer had received threats for several months.
“ … The usual threats in the form of a letter. He was tagged as a supporter of the NPA (New People’s Army),” he said.
Tecson said Trinidad earlier told them that he was part of a list of NPA supporters who were going to be killed.
“He was on that list. And so he requested for police escorts from us. We usually gave him escorts every time he had hearings here,” he said.
Trinidad, 53, was driving his white SUV Subaru when the assailants aboard a motorcycle shot Trinidad and his wife Novie Marie.
The couple was rushed to the Guihulngan District Hospital, but Trinidad was declared dead on arrival.
Investigators of the Guihulngan police in Negros Oriental have yet to identify the suspects in the killing of lawyer Anthony Trinidad.
Lt. Col. Bonifacio Tecson, Guihulngan Police Chief, said during a phone interview that they did not have witnesses.
He said they went over the cases handled by the lawyer for leads.
Tecson divulged that the lawyer had received threats for several months.
“ … The usual threats in the form of a letter. He was tagged as a supporter of the NPA (New People’s Army),” he said.
Tecson said Trinidad earlier told them that he was part of a list of NPA supporters who were going to be killed.
“He was on that list. And so he requested for police escorts from us. We usually gave him escorts every time he had hearings here,” he said.
Trinidad, 53, was driving his white SUV Subaru when the assailants aboard a motorcycle shot Trinidad and his wife Novie Marie.
The couple was rushed to the Guihulngan District Hospital, but Trinidad was declared dead on arrival.
Rebels attack Bukidnon farm
From Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Jul 24, 2019): Rebels attack Bukidnon farm
ANOTHER farm equipment was burned by suspected communist rebels in Sitio Carmen, Butong in Quezon, Bukidnon, over the weekend, the military said.
In a statement, the Army's 88th Infantry Battalion said around six armed men who allegedly identified themselves as members of the New People's Army (NPA) razed a tractor owned by Davao Agriculture Venture Company Inc. (Davco) that was used in the pineapple plantation.
The military said the company's two security guards were not able to react after the suspects, believed to be members of Guerilla Front 6, disarmed them.
After the incident, an emergency meeting was held at the Multipurpose building of the 88IB, which was participated by officials of the town, police, and company representatives.
Based on the meeting, the Quezon police were tasked to conduct an investigation and will submit a report to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR)-Northern Mindanao.
Authorities will ask the CHR-Northern Mindanao to probe the incident and determine if the actions of the NPA violates the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and other Crimes Against Humanity (RA 9851).
The local government will also organize a monitoring team to look into the violation under the IHL that fits to be filed against the NPA.
Lieutenant Colonel Franklin Fabic, 88IB commander, has denounced the atrocities allegedly perpetrated by the Maoist Guerillas.
"Innocent civilians may have lost their job because of this incident," Fabic said.
"This is the second time they burned the equipment of Davco in Quezon. It can be recalled that they also burned the company's two sprayer trucks and three dump trucks last October 8, 2017 at the adjacent barangay," he added.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1815743
ANOTHER farm equipment was burned by suspected communist rebels in Sitio Carmen, Butong in Quezon, Bukidnon, over the weekend, the military said.
In a statement, the Army's 88th Infantry Battalion said around six armed men who allegedly identified themselves as members of the New People's Army (NPA) razed a tractor owned by Davao Agriculture Venture Company Inc. (Davco) that was used in the pineapple plantation.
The military said the company's two security guards were not able to react after the suspects, believed to be members of Guerilla Front 6, disarmed them.
After the incident, an emergency meeting was held at the Multipurpose building of the 88IB, which was participated by officials of the town, police, and company representatives.
Based on the meeting, the Quezon police were tasked to conduct an investigation and will submit a report to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR)-Northern Mindanao.
Authorities will ask the CHR-Northern Mindanao to probe the incident and determine if the actions of the NPA violates the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and other Crimes Against Humanity (RA 9851).
The local government will also organize a monitoring team to look into the violation under the IHL that fits to be filed against the NPA.
Lieutenant Colonel Franklin Fabic, 88IB commander, has denounced the atrocities allegedly perpetrated by the Maoist Guerillas.
"Innocent civilians may have lost their job because of this incident," Fabic said.
"This is the second time they burned the equipment of Davco in Quezon. It can be recalled that they also burned the company's two sprayer trucks and three dump trucks last October 8, 2017 at the adjacent barangay," he added.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1815743
DepEd to Salungpongan parents: Move your kids to public schools
From the Mindanao Times (Jul 25, 2019): DepEd to Salungpongan parents: Move your kids to public schools
The Department of Education XI urged the parents of the students of Salugpongan Ta Tanu Igkanogon learning center to enroll their children in public schools instead.
Last July 12, the DepEd XI ordered the suspension of 55 schools operated by the Salugpongan Ta’ Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Centers in the region following claims that the schools were being used by communists to indoctrinate the children.
Speaking in yesterday’s AFP-PNP press briefing held at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Jenielito Atillo, the DepEd XI spokesperson said that they have monitored some parents who transferred their children to public schools.
However, he admitted that the number is not that high. He said the desire to be helped should emanate from the parents themselves. The public schools, meanwhile, are always ready to accept them even if they register late because classes have already started.
Atillo said they will even forego the credentials as long as the children will continue their education.
Meanwhile, he said the suspension order is still in effect. They are waiting on the DepEd evaluators whether or not the suspension will be lifted or the Salugpongan will be totally closed down. However, he said they already received the response from the organizers of the school.
“I cannot tell you the response,” he said, adding that they are looking at each issue that was raised by National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon who alleged that the schools are breeding ground for recruitment into the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army.
“After that, we will have a decision,” he said. “If our position will not be acceptable, they have all the remedies under the existing laws to contest the decision up to the level of the secretary (DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones).”
Although they have no timeline yet, he said they are speeding up the process because of the number of children who will be affected. He said they even extended the deadline from the original five days to 10 days for the Salugpongan administrators to respond to the show cause order.
“We would like to commend Salugpongan Ta Tanu Igkanogon learning center for really responding to the legal demands of the department,” Atillo said.
The organization has submitted its reply on the deadline date last July 22.
Meanwhile, Salugpongan officials said they have always complied with all the necessary papers required from them by the DepEd. They are also making sure that they possess the permit to operate. The group said that Esperon is just red-tagging them to justify the closure order.
“Education is an issue that directly concerns the public. We appeal to the public to support the Lumad children and their right to education and to oppose the injustice depriving them of this right,” it added.
The Department of Education XI urged the parents of the students of Salugpongan Ta Tanu Igkanogon learning center to enroll their children in public schools instead.
Last July 12, the DepEd XI ordered the suspension of 55 schools operated by the Salugpongan Ta’ Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Centers in the region following claims that the schools were being used by communists to indoctrinate the children.
Speaking in yesterday’s AFP-PNP press briefing held at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Jenielito Atillo, the DepEd XI spokesperson said that they have monitored some parents who transferred their children to public schools.
However, he admitted that the number is not that high. He said the desire to be helped should emanate from the parents themselves. The public schools, meanwhile, are always ready to accept them even if they register late because classes have already started.
Atillo said they will even forego the credentials as long as the children will continue their education.
Meanwhile, he said the suspension order is still in effect. They are waiting on the DepEd evaluators whether or not the suspension will be lifted or the Salugpongan will be totally closed down. However, he said they already received the response from the organizers of the school.
“I cannot tell you the response,” he said, adding that they are looking at each issue that was raised by National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon who alleged that the schools are breeding ground for recruitment into the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army.
“After that, we will have a decision,” he said. “If our position will not be acceptable, they have all the remedies under the existing laws to contest the decision up to the level of the secretary (DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones).”
Although they have no timeline yet, he said they are speeding up the process because of the number of children who will be affected. He said they even extended the deadline from the original five days to 10 days for the Salugpongan administrators to respond to the show cause order.
“We would like to commend Salugpongan Ta Tanu Igkanogon learning center for really responding to the legal demands of the department,” Atillo said.
The organization has submitted its reply on the deadline date last July 22.
Meanwhile, Salugpongan officials said they have always complied with all the necessary papers required from them by the DepEd. They are also making sure that they possess the permit to operate. The group said that Esperon is just red-tagging them to justify the closure order.
“Education is an issue that directly concerns the public. We appeal to the public to support the Lumad children and their right to education and to oppose the injustice depriving them of this right,” it added.
Army support not meant to ‘militarize’ villages
From Panay News (Jul 25, 2019): Army support not meant to ‘militarize’ villages
Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade Civil Military Operation officer Captain Ruel Llanes (first on the right) says on Wednesday (July 24) the deployment of the Community Support Program (CSP) teams is not meant to “militarize” villages. Instead, the CSP teams hear the issues and concerns of residents and facilitate the entry of government services, he said. PNA
ILOILO City – The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) on Wednesday clarified that its community support team deployment is not meant to “militarize” villages.
Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara, commander of the 61 Infantry Brigade, said the teams underwent preparations before they were deployed in their respective areas in a press conference at Camp Delgado here.
He assured that the massive “pulong-pulong” or talks in the community facilitated by the Community Support Program teams are under the supervision of the 301st Infantry Brigade (IB). The 61st IB is under the operational jurisdiction of the 301st IB.
“There is no such thing as militarization. If there is Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army issue with us is militarization,” said Captain Ruel Llanes Civil-Military Operation officer of the 301st Infantry Brigade.
Llanes said the CSP teams are meant to hear the sentiments and issues being faced by the people in the villages.
He assured that entering the houses of the people in the village to hear their issues are being done with the permission of the homeowners.
“We do not persist if we do not have their permission,” he said.
The CSP teams are also very mobile and are prohibited to live in the houses of the people in the village unless they were given permission.
Llanes said they are always within the vicinity of the village and can “camp in an area in the barangay given the permission of the village chief.”
https://www.panaynews.net/army-support-not-meant-to-militarize-villages/
ILOILO City – The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) on Wednesday clarified that its community support team deployment is not meant to “militarize” villages.
Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara, commander of the 61 Infantry Brigade, said the teams underwent preparations before they were deployed in their respective areas in a press conference at Camp Delgado here.
He assured that the massive “pulong-pulong” or talks in the community facilitated by the Community Support Program teams are under the supervision of the 301st Infantry Brigade (IB). The 61st IB is under the operational jurisdiction of the 301st IB.
“There is no such thing as militarization. If there is Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army issue with us is militarization,” said Captain Ruel Llanes Civil-Military Operation officer of the 301st Infantry Brigade.
Llanes said the CSP teams are meant to hear the sentiments and issues being faced by the people in the villages.
He assured that entering the houses of the people in the village to hear their issues are being done with the permission of the homeowners.
“We do not persist if we do not have their permission,” he said.
The CSP teams are also very mobile and are prohibited to live in the houses of the people in the village unless they were given permission.
Llanes said they are always within the vicinity of the village and can “camp in an area in the barangay given the permission of the village chief.”
https://www.panaynews.net/army-support-not-meant-to-militarize-villages/
ACLED Regional Overview – Asia (24 July 2019)
Posted to the Relief Web (Jul 24, 2019): ACLED Regional Overview – Asia (24 July 2019)
REPORT from Armed Conflict Location and Events Dataset
Published on 24 Jul 2019 —View Original
Download PDF (362.71 KB)
The key trends in Asia last week included: challenges against the Afghan government by the Taliban in strategic districts and cities; fighting between state forces and domestic armed groups in Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Myanmar; election violence in India and Pakistan; and communal violence and tensions in Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and Sri Lanka.
In Afghanistan, intense fighting continued between the Taliban and government forces. The Taliban claimed to overtake 41 security posts in Qalat and Shah Joy districts of southern Zabul province. The critical highway connecting the nation’s capital, Kabul, and the former capital of the Taliban, Kandahar, runs through these districts. Controlling checkpoints and land in these areas will facilitate the movement of people and resources for the Taliban as they continue to contest the central government. Taliban fighters also staged attacks in some of Afghanistan’s major cities, including suicide bombings in Kandahar and Kabul, following a recent claim by the group’s spokesman that they are targeting cities more often as retaliation for the government’s violence against civilians (New York Times, 19 July 2019).
Additionally, Taliban infiltrators opened fire on local policemen, Afghan soldiers, and/or American soldiers last week as well. These are only the tenth and eleventh times such attacks have been reported in 2019. The militants’ ability to infiltrate and target states forces from within remains a vulnerability for the military and police as they continue their efforts to stabilize the country and rout out different armed groups. These events may be indicative of additional pressure on Afghanistan’s armed services, who already struggle in the face of low salaries and high fatality rates, with estimates of around two dozen servicemen deaths each day (New York Times, 6 June 2018; BBC, 25 January 2019).
In Pakistan, reports of violence perpetrated by domestic armed groups subsided last week, amidst a crackdown by security forces on proscribed groups — and in particular on groups suspected of financing militant activities. In Punjab province, security forces arrested Hafiz Saeed, the leader of Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) – a front group of the banned militant outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). This move is seen as an effort to meet the October deadline set by international financial watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to improve Pakistan’s efforts against terror financing (Express Tribune, 17 July 2019). Meanwhile, in India, organised violence picked up again in Jammu & Kashmir state last week following a lull in the number of reported events the week prior.
Two separate explosions set-off by suspected separatists injured seven Thai rangers in Narathiwat province in Thailand, a decline in separatist violence from the previous week. In the first clash recorded since May this year, a military officer was killed in Indonesia during fighting between the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) and Indonesian military in Papua province. In the Philippines, state forces clashed with Abu Sayyaf and the New People’s Army (NPA) last week. Fighting between state forces and the NPA was particularly deadly with nine fatalities stemming from the clashes.
While reports of fatalities from drug-related violence decreased in the Philippines last week, a protest against the ongoing ‘War on Drugs’ was held in Laguna province. The protest came before President Duterte’s State of the Nation speech and was meant to highlight government policies that have adversely affected the poor (Bulatlat, 19 July 2019).
In Myanmar, deadly fighting continued between the Myanmar military and Arakan Army (AA) across northern Rakhine state and southern Chin state. As the 2020 elections approach, a number of rallies encouraged by the National League for Democracy (NLD) were held supporting amendments to the 2008 military-drafted constitution; opposing rallies against such amendments were also held by nationalist and military-backed groups. As well, notably, students protested on the campus of Yangon University during the visit of State Councilor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, calling for the release of students detained for participating in a march on the anniversary of the July 7, 1962 student protests and the subsequent crackdown.
Elections continue to lead to political violence in South Asia. In Pakistan, as during previous elections, the use of violence and intimidation tactics against Provincial Assembly elections candidates has been reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Allegations were labelled against candidates of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i- Insaf (PTI) for targeting rival candidates — and in particular those fielded by the Awami National Party (ANP). In India, a fresh wave of violence between supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) was reported in West Bengal state. The state has been the sight of continuously high levels of political violence since the general elections in April and May earlier this year.
Meanwhile, communal violence fueled by resource conflicts as well as identity politics continues to be reported across India. In Sri Lanka, communal tensions between the Tamil and Sinhalese community heightened last week following the destruction of a Hindu temple at Kanniya town in Trincomalee to make way for a Buddhist vihara (temple or monastery). Protests by hundreds of Tamils were met with police force as well as violence by Sinhalese traders. A land dispute led to a deadly clash between two communal groups in Indonesia; four farmers were reportedly killed. In Malaysia, land issues also led to a clash between several Temiar Orang Asli people who had established a blockade in Perak state to prevent logging in the area and police who destroyed the blockade.
https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/acled-regional-overview-asia-24-july-2019
Published on 24 Jul 2019 —View Original
Download PDF (362.71 KB)The key trends in Asia last week included: challenges against the Afghan government by the Taliban in strategic districts and cities; fighting between state forces and domestic armed groups in Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Myanmar; election violence in India and Pakistan; and communal violence and tensions in Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and Sri Lanka.
In Afghanistan, intense fighting continued between the Taliban and government forces. The Taliban claimed to overtake 41 security posts in Qalat and Shah Joy districts of southern Zabul province. The critical highway connecting the nation’s capital, Kabul, and the former capital of the Taliban, Kandahar, runs through these districts. Controlling checkpoints and land in these areas will facilitate the movement of people and resources for the Taliban as they continue to contest the central government. Taliban fighters also staged attacks in some of Afghanistan’s major cities, including suicide bombings in Kandahar and Kabul, following a recent claim by the group’s spokesman that they are targeting cities more often as retaliation for the government’s violence against civilians (New York Times, 19 July 2019).
Additionally, Taliban infiltrators opened fire on local policemen, Afghan soldiers, and/or American soldiers last week as well. These are only the tenth and eleventh times such attacks have been reported in 2019. The militants’ ability to infiltrate and target states forces from within remains a vulnerability for the military and police as they continue their efforts to stabilize the country and rout out different armed groups. These events may be indicative of additional pressure on Afghanistan’s armed services, who already struggle in the face of low salaries and high fatality rates, with estimates of around two dozen servicemen deaths each day (New York Times, 6 June 2018; BBC, 25 January 2019).
In Pakistan, reports of violence perpetrated by domestic armed groups subsided last week, amidst a crackdown by security forces on proscribed groups — and in particular on groups suspected of financing militant activities. In Punjab province, security forces arrested Hafiz Saeed, the leader of Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) – a front group of the banned militant outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). This move is seen as an effort to meet the October deadline set by international financial watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to improve Pakistan’s efforts against terror financing (Express Tribune, 17 July 2019). Meanwhile, in India, organised violence picked up again in Jammu & Kashmir state last week following a lull in the number of reported events the week prior.
Two separate explosions set-off by suspected separatists injured seven Thai rangers in Narathiwat province in Thailand, a decline in separatist violence from the previous week. In the first clash recorded since May this year, a military officer was killed in Indonesia during fighting between the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) and Indonesian military in Papua province. In the Philippines, state forces clashed with Abu Sayyaf and the New People’s Army (NPA) last week. Fighting between state forces and the NPA was particularly deadly with nine fatalities stemming from the clashes.
While reports of fatalities from drug-related violence decreased in the Philippines last week, a protest against the ongoing ‘War on Drugs’ was held in Laguna province. The protest came before President Duterte’s State of the Nation speech and was meant to highlight government policies that have adversely affected the poor (Bulatlat, 19 July 2019).
In Myanmar, deadly fighting continued between the Myanmar military and Arakan Army (AA) across northern Rakhine state and southern Chin state. As the 2020 elections approach, a number of rallies encouraged by the National League for Democracy (NLD) were held supporting amendments to the 2008 military-drafted constitution; opposing rallies against such amendments were also held by nationalist and military-backed groups. As well, notably, students protested on the campus of Yangon University during the visit of State Councilor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, calling for the release of students detained for participating in a march on the anniversary of the July 7, 1962 student protests and the subsequent crackdown.
Elections continue to lead to political violence in South Asia. In Pakistan, as during previous elections, the use of violence and intimidation tactics against Provincial Assembly elections candidates has been reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Allegations were labelled against candidates of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i- Insaf (PTI) for targeting rival candidates — and in particular those fielded by the Awami National Party (ANP). In India, a fresh wave of violence between supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) was reported in West Bengal state. The state has been the sight of continuously high levels of political violence since the general elections in April and May earlier this year.
Meanwhile, communal violence fueled by resource conflicts as well as identity politics continues to be reported across India. In Sri Lanka, communal tensions between the Tamil and Sinhalese community heightened last week following the destruction of a Hindu temple at Kanniya town in Trincomalee to make way for a Buddhist vihara (temple or monastery). Protests by hundreds of Tamils were met with police force as well as violence by Sinhalese traders. A land dispute led to a deadly clash between two communal groups in Indonesia; four farmers were reportedly killed. In Malaysia, land issues also led to a clash between several Temiar Orang Asli people who had established a blockade in Perak state to prevent logging in the area and police who destroyed the blockade.
https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/acled-regional-overview-asia-24-july-2019
School principal, 2 others killed as spate of violence grips Negros city
From ABS-CBN (Jul 25, 2019): School principal, 2 others killed as spate of violence grips Negros city
GUIHULNGAN, Negros Oriental - Armed men shot and killed a school principal, his sibling, and a barangay chairman in two separate incidents inside their homes in this city before dawn Thursday, just 2 days after the killing of a lawyer tagged as a rebel supporter.
Unidentified gunmen repeatedly shot school principal Arthur Bayawa, 55, and his sister Ardale, a 49-year-old employee of the Department of Education, inside their home in Barangay Hibaiyo at around 1 a.m.
Less than an hour later, armed men also stormed the house of Barangay Buenavista Chairman Romeo Alipan, 64, and shot him several times.
Alipan and the Bayawa siblings were all declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
The military and police both consider Guilhulngan as a stronghold of the communist New People's Army.
Last Tuesday, lawyer Anthony Trinidad was killed while his wife was wounded by motorcycle-riding assailants in the city. An Inquirer report said Trinidad had been receiving death threats after being tagged as a supporter of the rebel group.
The Trinidad family said the shooting happened in broad daylight along the national highway of Guihulngan City.
"We are still at a loss on the motives behind this dastardly act because our brother was such a kind-hearted, soft-spoken person who was willing to go out of his way to help people in need," the statement read.
"We do not want to speculate on the motives behind his death nor who the perpetrators are. We leave it to authorities to do their job. We are appealing to the government to please help us seek justice for our brother and get the perpetrators behind jail the soonest possible time."
A farmer and a paramilitary member, meanwhile, were allegedly killed in separate instances by the NPA in March, prompting some 200 residents to protest the attack, according to a report by the state-run Philippine Information Agency.
The city's deputy police chief, Capt. Porferio Gabuya, Jr., was also killed in a December 2018 gun attack, which investigators said may have been orchestrated by the NPA or a drug ring.
The NPA has claimed responsibility for the killing of 4 policemen last week in the neighboring town of Ayungon.
Duterte offers P1.3-million bounty for Negros cops killers
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/25/19/school-principal-2-others-killed-as-spate-of-violence-grips-negros-city
GUIHULNGAN, Negros Oriental - Armed men shot and killed a school principal, his sibling, and a barangay chairman in two separate incidents inside their homes in this city before dawn Thursday, just 2 days after the killing of a lawyer tagged as a rebel supporter.
Unidentified gunmen repeatedly shot school principal Arthur Bayawa, 55, and his sister Ardale, a 49-year-old employee of the Department of Education, inside their home in Barangay Hibaiyo at around 1 a.m.
Less than an hour later, armed men also stormed the house of Barangay Buenavista Chairman Romeo Alipan, 64, and shot him several times.
Alipan and the Bayawa siblings were all declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
The military and police both consider Guilhulngan as a stronghold of the communist New People's Army.
Last Tuesday, lawyer Anthony Trinidad was killed while his wife was wounded by motorcycle-riding assailants in the city. An Inquirer report said Trinidad had been receiving death threats after being tagged as a supporter of the rebel group.
The Trinidad family said the shooting happened in broad daylight along the national highway of Guihulngan City.
"We are still at a loss on the motives behind this dastardly act because our brother was such a kind-hearted, soft-spoken person who was willing to go out of his way to help people in need," the statement read.
"We do not want to speculate on the motives behind his death nor who the perpetrators are. We leave it to authorities to do their job. We are appealing to the government to please help us seek justice for our brother and get the perpetrators behind jail the soonest possible time."
A farmer and a paramilitary member, meanwhile, were allegedly killed in separate instances by the NPA in March, prompting some 200 residents to protest the attack, according to a report by the state-run Philippine Information Agency.
The city's deputy police chief, Capt. Porferio Gabuya, Jr., was also killed in a December 2018 gun attack, which investigators said may have been orchestrated by the NPA or a drug ring.
The NPA has claimed responsibility for the killing of 4 policemen last week in the neighboring town of Ayungon.
Duterte offers P1.3-million bounty for Negros cops killers
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/25/19/school-principal-2-others-killed-as-spate-of-violence-grips-negros-city
2 NPA fighters yield to Army in Agusan del Sur
From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 25, 2019): 2 NPA fighters yield to Army in Agusan del Sur
CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City –Two Communist New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla front fighters voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion (26th IB) in Barangay Zamora, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.
New People’s Army (MANILA BULLETIN)
1st Lt. Percival J. Carido, Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer of the 26th IB said “Ka Junjie,” team commander, and “Ka Johnyfer,” gunner, both of Abe Squad 1, Platoon 1 of Regional Guerrilla Unit (RRGU) of the CPP-NPA North Central Mindanao Region (NCMR) voluntarily surrendered to the field unit on Sunday and were officially presented yesterday to the command group of the 26th IB led by its Battalion commander Lt. Col. Romeo C. Jimenea.
“Ka Junjie” and his men used to operate in the province of Bukidnon and boundary of Agusan del Sur, 1st Lt. Carido said.
“After a hard time looking for a chance to escape from their comrades, Ka Junjie and Ka Johnyfer, finally found a chance to bolt their group last weekend and voluntarily surrendered to our field unit Sunday afternoon,” the 26th IB CMO officer said.
”Tired, hungry, and demoralized, they decided to surrender,” the 26th IB CMO officer added.
“We will make sure that they will become beneficiaries of Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to help them start anew and we just hope that more of their comrades will follow their lead and choose to live a peaceful and productive life,” Lt. Col. Jimenea said.
E-CLIP is a program of the government for members of the NPA who will return to the folds of the law. The program includes financial assistance, free housing, and free education. A reintegration process will also take place which will prepare them in their return to the community and live peacefully together with their families.
CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City –Two Communist New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla front fighters voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion (26th IB) in Barangay Zamora, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.
New People’s Army (MANILA BULLETIN)
1st Lt. Percival J. Carido, Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer of the 26th IB said “Ka Junjie,” team commander, and “Ka Johnyfer,” gunner, both of Abe Squad 1, Platoon 1 of Regional Guerrilla Unit (RRGU) of the CPP-NPA North Central Mindanao Region (NCMR) voluntarily surrendered to the field unit on Sunday and were officially presented yesterday to the command group of the 26th IB led by its Battalion commander Lt. Col. Romeo C. Jimenea.
“Ka Junjie” and his men used to operate in the province of Bukidnon and boundary of Agusan del Sur, 1st Lt. Carido said.
“After a hard time looking for a chance to escape from their comrades, Ka Junjie and Ka Johnyfer, finally found a chance to bolt their group last weekend and voluntarily surrendered to our field unit Sunday afternoon,” the 26th IB CMO officer said.
”Tired, hungry, and demoralized, they decided to surrender,” the 26th IB CMO officer added.
“We will make sure that they will become beneficiaries of Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to help them start anew and we just hope that more of their comrades will follow their lead and choose to live a peaceful and productive life,” Lt. Col. Jimenea said.
E-CLIP is a program of the government for members of the NPA who will return to the folds of the law. The program includes financial assistance, free housing, and free education. A reintegration process will also take place which will prepare them in their return to the community and live peacefully together with their families.
Woman killed, 2 wounded in Army assault against BIFF
From MindaNews (Jul 25, 2019): Woman killed, 2 wounded in Army assault against BIFF
An Army air strike against alleged members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) hit a house in a village in Pikit, Cotabato, killing a woman and wounding her husband and their grandson on Thursday dawn.
Killed was Misba Masla, of sitio Butelin, Brgy. Kabasalan in Pikit. Her husband, Ali, and grandson Edwin, a grade fiv pupil, were seriously injured and were brought to the Cruzado Medical Clinic in Pikit for treatment.
Major Homer Estolas, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, said in a phone interview that the air and ground assaults targeted the Abu Toraife Group of Dawlah Islamiyah Mindanao, an alleged sub-group of the BIFF.
Abu Misry Mama, spokesperson of BIFF denied that the group of Toraife was in the area. He said the Army strikes hit civilian homes.
“How could they say in public that they are protecting civilians when in fact, very obvious, that they bombed the house of an old woman?” he said in a phone interview.
Estolas, for his part, said they will investigate the incident.
“This is a division-wide proactive operation in Maguindanao and North Cotabato to halt the manufacturing of bomb making facilities of BIFF who are posing threat of bomb attacks,” said BGen Alfredo Rosario of the 602nd Infantry Brigade in North Cotabato.
He said one unidentified follower of Eds Grapil of BIFF was killed.
https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/07/woman-killed-2-wounded-in-army-assault-against-biff/
An Army air strike against alleged members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) hit a house in a village in Pikit, Cotabato, killing a woman and wounding her husband and their grandson on Thursday dawn.
Killed was Misba Masla, of sitio Butelin, Brgy. Kabasalan in Pikit. Her husband, Ali, and grandson Edwin, a grade fiv pupil, were seriously injured and were brought to the Cruzado Medical Clinic in Pikit for treatment.
Major Homer Estolas, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, said in a phone interview that the air and ground assaults targeted the Abu Toraife Group of Dawlah Islamiyah Mindanao, an alleged sub-group of the BIFF.
Abu Misry Mama, spokesperson of BIFF denied that the group of Toraife was in the area. He said the Army strikes hit civilian homes.
“How could they say in public that they are protecting civilians when in fact, very obvious, that they bombed the house of an old woman?” he said in a phone interview.
Estolas, for his part, said they will investigate the incident.
“This is a division-wide proactive operation in Maguindanao and North Cotabato to halt the manufacturing of bomb making facilities of BIFF who are posing threat of bomb attacks,” said BGen Alfredo Rosario of the 602nd Infantry Brigade in North Cotabato.
He said one unidentified follower of Eds Grapil of BIFF was killed.
https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/07/woman-killed-2-wounded-in-army-assault-against-biff/
Lorenzana bares nationalities of 7 foreign terrorists in Mindanao
From GMA News (Jul 25, 2019): Lorenzana bares nationalities of 7 foreign terrorists in Mindanao
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Thursday bared the nationalities of the foreign terrorists who were reported to have been embedded with local terror groups in Western Mindanao.
“I think the nationalities are Egyptian, Malaysian, Indonesian saka Singaporean so... we have the names of couple but we are not going to give it out yet,” Lorenzana told reporters.
According to Lorenzana, the foreign terrorists are with the group of Abu Sayyaf leader Sawadjaan, who was earlier reported to be the ISIS emir in the Philippines.
Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) commander Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana had confirmed that seven foreign terrorists are training members of local terror groups in Sulu, Basilan and Maguindanao.
Sobejana also said that 42 other foreigners suspected of being terrorists are on the military's watch list and are being monitored.
Meanwhile, Lorenzana was also asked about reports that there are more or less 100 foreign terrorists who are in the country.
Lorenzana admitted that the military has received reports on that, however, he noted that these suspected terrorists were not located.
“The only confirmed one is about the seven foreign fighters. The others, ‘yung 100 na ‘yan, we receive that before, ‘di pa namin alam ‘yung nationalities. The report said they are in Central Mindanao but hard as we may in trying to find where they are, we cannot find them,” Lorenzana said.
“We consider those as information, we cannot confirm... we do not know if really they are there,” he added.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/702319/lorenzana-bares-nationalities-of-7-foreign-terrorists-in-mindanao/story/
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Thursday bared the nationalities of the foreign terrorists who were reported to have been embedded with local terror groups in Western Mindanao.
“I think the nationalities are Egyptian, Malaysian, Indonesian saka Singaporean so... we have the names of couple but we are not going to give it out yet,” Lorenzana told reporters.
According to Lorenzana, the foreign terrorists are with the group of Abu Sayyaf leader Sawadjaan, who was earlier reported to be the ISIS emir in the Philippines.
Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) commander Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana had confirmed that seven foreign terrorists are training members of local terror groups in Sulu, Basilan and Maguindanao.
Sobejana also said that 42 other foreigners suspected of being terrorists are on the military's watch list and are being monitored.
Meanwhile, Lorenzana was also asked about reports that there are more or less 100 foreign terrorists who are in the country.
Lorenzana admitted that the military has received reports on that, however, he noted that these suspected terrorists were not located.
“The only confirmed one is about the seven foreign fighters. The others, ‘yung 100 na ‘yan, we receive that before, ‘di pa namin alam ‘yung nationalities. The report said they are in Central Mindanao but hard as we may in trying to find where they are, we cannot find them,” Lorenzana said.
“We consider those as information, we cannot confirm... we do not know if really they are there,” he added.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/702319/lorenzana-bares-nationalities-of-7-foreign-terrorists-in-mindanao/story/
Envoy cites link between terrorists, crime groups in Philippines
From the Philippine Star (Jul 25, 2019): Envoy cites link between terrorists, crime groups in Philippines
The link between terrorism and organized crime is well established in the Philippines.
At the UN Security Council Debate on the Linkages between International Terrorism and Organized Crime, Charge d’Affaires Kira Azucena of the Philippines’ Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York said “a comprehensive approach is needed to curtail the activities of organized crime, which has been a source of financing for terrorists.”
Azucena said the Abu Sayyaf, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Maute Group and Ansar al Khalifa have all declared allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) to fund their operations through drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, arms smuggling and other criminal endeavors.
The said groups initially cooperated with criminal organizations, but have since developed their own criminal networks which operate under the false rubric of freedom struggles, covering themselves with the mantle of victims of human rights and of religious conscience violations whenever the state moves against them to protect its citizens, Azucena said.
“Money is the main driver of the linkage. Thus, it is essential that the sources of finances are identified and curtailed and that the financial flow is tracked,” Azucena said.
Militants allied with the IS, including the Maute and Abu Sayyaf, attacked and laid siege to Marawi City in 2017.
President Duterte, during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last Monday, implied the selling of illegal drugs had fueled the siege of Marawi.
He said drug money had killed and wounded many soldiers and policemen during the five-month battle to liberate Marawi from the Maute group and the Abu Sayyaf.
The Maute and Abu Sayyaf had pledged their allegiance to the IS and attacked Marawi in what authorities said was part of a campaign to establish a Southeast Asian caliphate for the Islamic State.
Foreign jihadists had been “embedded” among local terror groups to embark on the most vicious of Islamic insurgencies in Mindanao, including suicide attacks.
Officials said the increasing number of suicide bombings in the past 12 months is an indication of the escalation of militancy driven by the influence of the IS in Southeast Asia.
Suicide attacks have been used extremely rarely, with foreign fighters blamed for the few that have been carried out.
Experts said suicide attacks indicate a higher level of commitment to the militant cause.
Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said reports that an Indonesian couple was behind last January’s twin bombings of a cathedral in Jolo, Sulu that killed 20 people was a confirmation of its findings.
Arevalo said the AFP shared intelligence information with their Indonesian counterparts during the investigation of the incident.
The couple’s alleged role in the Jolo bombing highlights the links between militants across Southeast Asia. Authorities are concerned about Indonesian, Malaysian and Filipinos who joined IS in Syria and Iraq returning home and carrying out attacks in Southeast Asia.
The Indonesians’ involvement in the cathedral attack was initially suspected from the interrogations of five militants caught by authorities in the Philippines after the bombings who described their accents and habits, Indonesia’s National Police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo said.
The link between terrorism and organized crime is well established in the Philippines.
At the UN Security Council Debate on the Linkages between International Terrorism and Organized Crime, Charge d’Affaires Kira Azucena of the Philippines’ Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York said “a comprehensive approach is needed to curtail the activities of organized crime, which has been a source of financing for terrorists.”
Azucena said the Abu Sayyaf, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Maute Group and Ansar al Khalifa have all declared allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) to fund their operations through drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, arms smuggling and other criminal endeavors.
The said groups initially cooperated with criminal organizations, but have since developed their own criminal networks which operate under the false rubric of freedom struggles, covering themselves with the mantle of victims of human rights and of religious conscience violations whenever the state moves against them to protect its citizens, Azucena said.
“Money is the main driver of the linkage. Thus, it is essential that the sources of finances are identified and curtailed and that the financial flow is tracked,” Azucena said.
Militants allied with the IS, including the Maute and Abu Sayyaf, attacked and laid siege to Marawi City in 2017.
President Duterte, during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last Monday, implied the selling of illegal drugs had fueled the siege of Marawi.
He said drug money had killed and wounded many soldiers and policemen during the five-month battle to liberate Marawi from the Maute group and the Abu Sayyaf.
The Maute and Abu Sayyaf had pledged their allegiance to the IS and attacked Marawi in what authorities said was part of a campaign to establish a Southeast Asian caliphate for the Islamic State.
Foreign jihadists had been “embedded” among local terror groups to embark on the most vicious of Islamic insurgencies in Mindanao, including suicide attacks.
Officials said the increasing number of suicide bombings in the past 12 months is an indication of the escalation of militancy driven by the influence of the IS in Southeast Asia.
Suicide attacks have been used extremely rarely, with foreign fighters blamed for the few that have been carried out.
Experts said suicide attacks indicate a higher level of commitment to the militant cause.
Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said reports that an Indonesian couple was behind last January’s twin bombings of a cathedral in Jolo, Sulu that killed 20 people was a confirmation of its findings.
Arevalo said the AFP shared intelligence information with their Indonesian counterparts during the investigation of the incident.
The couple’s alleged role in the Jolo bombing highlights the links between militants across Southeast Asia. Authorities are concerned about Indonesian, Malaysian and Filipinos who joined IS in Syria and Iraq returning home and carrying out attacks in Southeast Asia.
The Indonesians’ involvement in the cathedral attack was initially suspected from the interrogations of five militants caught by authorities in the Philippines after the bombings who described their accents and habits, Indonesia’s National Police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo said.
NBI nabs 2 alleged Abu Sayyaf men
From the Philippine Star (Jul 25, 2019): NBI nabs 2 alleged Abu Sayyaf men
MANILA, Philippines — After 17 years in hiding, two suspected members of the bandit group Abu Sayyaf were arrested recently by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Metro Manila for their alleged role in a 2002 kidnapping case.
Anwar Sabarul Mohotoh and Julmain Maomar Timbao were apprehended in Quiapo, Manila, and Culiat, Quezon City on July 12 and 17, respectively.
Eric Distor, NBI deputy director for intelligence services, said Mohotoh and Timbao were among the 13 alleged Abu Sayyaf terrorists arrested by the NBI since February.
The Pasig City regional trial court has issued warrants for the arrest of the suspects for the kidnapping of six Jehovah’s Witness members. The suspects beheaded two of the victims.
Mohotoh posed as a pedicab driver and Timbao opened a food stall in their efforts to hide from authorities by integrating with the community, Distor said.
Mohotoh, said to be a nephew of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, had planned to stage bombings in Metro Manila and to extort business establishments, according to NBI counterterrorism division chief Raoul Mangerra.
Timbao, a bomb-making expert, is reportedly a member of the Abu Sayyaf Urban Terrorist Group-Special Operations Unit and a trusted man of Hapilon.
He reportedly accompanied Hapilon’s son and Abu Sayyaf spokesman Abu Sabaya to and from Marawi.
Authorities have yet to establish if Timbao was involved in the 2017 Marawi siege staged by the Maute group, Mangerra said.
The suspects will be transferred to the custody of the Bureau of Jail and Management and Penology at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/07/25/1937593/nbi-nabs-2-alleged-abu-sayyaf-men
MANILA, Philippines — After 17 years in hiding, two suspected members of the bandit group Abu Sayyaf were arrested recently by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Metro Manila for their alleged role in a 2002 kidnapping case.
Anwar Sabarul Mohotoh and Julmain Maomar Timbao were apprehended in Quiapo, Manila, and Culiat, Quezon City on July 12 and 17, respectively.
Eric Distor, NBI deputy director for intelligence services, said Mohotoh and Timbao were among the 13 alleged Abu Sayyaf terrorists arrested by the NBI since February.
The Pasig City regional trial court has issued warrants for the arrest of the suspects for the kidnapping of six Jehovah’s Witness members. The suspects beheaded two of the victims.
Mohotoh posed as a pedicab driver and Timbao opened a food stall in their efforts to hide from authorities by integrating with the community, Distor said.
Mohotoh, said to be a nephew of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, had planned to stage bombings in Metro Manila and to extort business establishments, according to NBI counterterrorism division chief Raoul Mangerra.
Timbao, a bomb-making expert, is reportedly a member of the Abu Sayyaf Urban Terrorist Group-Special Operations Unit and a trusted man of Hapilon.
He reportedly accompanied Hapilon’s son and Abu Sayyaf spokesman Abu Sabaya to and from Marawi.
Authorities have yet to establish if Timbao was involved in the 2017 Marawi siege staged by the Maute group, Mangerra said.
The suspects will be transferred to the custody of the Bureau of Jail and Management and Penology at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/07/25/1937593/nbi-nabs-2-alleged-abu-sayyaf-men
NBI nabs Abu Sayyaf members with Metro Manila attack plan
From GMA News (Jul 25, 2019): NBI nabs Abu Sayyaf members with Metro Manila attack plan
The agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested Abu Sayyaf members, who allegedly plan to stage an attack in Metro Manila, according to a report on Unang Hirit.
Anwar Sabarul Mohotoh was arrested in Quiapo, Manila.
The NBI said Mohotoh is the nephew of slain Abu Sayaff leader Isnilon Hapilon and a member of the Abu Sayyaf-Quiapo Cell.
The agents then arrested a certain "Julmain" in Culiat, Quezon City, who has pending cases of kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom in connection with the kidnapping of a member of the Jehovah's Witness in 2002.
Both suspects declined to issue a statement.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/702294/nbi-nab-abu-sayyaf-members-with-metro-manila-attack-plan/story/
The agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested Abu Sayyaf members, who allegedly plan to stage an attack in Metro Manila, according to a report on Unang Hirit.
Anwar Sabarul Mohotoh was arrested in Quiapo, Manila.
The NBI said Mohotoh is the nephew of slain Abu Sayaff leader Isnilon Hapilon and a member of the Abu Sayyaf-Quiapo Cell.
The agents then arrested a certain "Julmain" in Culiat, Quezon City, who has pending cases of kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom in connection with the kidnapping of a member of the Jehovah's Witness in 2002.
Both suspects declined to issue a statement.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/702294/nbi-nab-abu-sayyaf-members-with-metro-manila-attack-plan/story/
Zamboanga City bomber captured!
From the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 24, 2019): Zamboanga City bomber captured!
Security forces captured Wednesday an Abu Sayyaf bomber tagged as behind a deadly attack in Zamboanga City in January 2015 and also linked by the military to an ISIS suicide bombing in Lamitan City in July last year.
Army Capt. Clint Antipala, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said soldiers and police commandos raided an Abu Sayyaf hideout in Zamboanga Sibugay’s Naga town and captured Isnaji Hasim.
Military photos released to The Zamboanga Post show Abu Sayyaf bomber Isnaji Hasim, tagged as behind January 2015 deadly car bombing in Zamboanga City; and has been linked by the military to ISIS suicide bombing in Lamitan City in Basilan in July 2018.
Hasim is a henchman of notorious Abu Sayyaf leader Puruji Indama in Basilan province, but it was not immediately known whether he and his pro-ISIS group are planning an attack.
“We still do not know whether they are up to something or planning an attack, but interrogation is going on,” Antipala told The Times by phone from his headquarters in Labangan town in Zamboanga del Sur province.
Antipala said the bomber was tracked down in the village of Bangkaw-Bangkaw after a long and careful intelligence operation and information passed to authorities by former militants and civilians.
Abu Katheer al Maghribi. (Amaq News Agency)
Hasim and another Abu Sayyaf bomber Hashim Saripa also facilitated the suicide bombing at a military checkpoint in Basilan’s Lamitan City by Moroccan ISIS soldier Abu Katheer al Maghribi on July 31, 2018.
Philippine authorities said 11 people were killed when a car bomb exploded at a security checkpoint after government militias stopped a suspicious vehicle the bomber was driving in the village, about 2 kilometers away from downtown Lamitan.
The powerful explosion obliterated the vehicle and left a huge crater and among those killed were a woman and a child; and the militia commander whose unit was under the supervision of the Philippine Army. Five soldiers and several civilians were also wounded in the explosion. The Moroccan bomber came from a nearby town and heading to downtown Lamitan when his vehicle was stopped at the checkpoint.
Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, commander of the 44th Infantry Battalion, who captured the bomber, said Hasim was behind the January 2015 car bombing outside a bus terminal in Guiwan village in Zamboanga City that killed 2 people and wounded nearly five dozens more.
He said they seized an automatic rifle, a hand grenade and an improvised explosive device, including blasting caps and other bomb paraphernalia from Hasim’s hideout.
Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the division commander and head of the anti-terror task force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces), praised the terrorist’s capture and lauded the units involved in the operation and those who provided intelligence that resulted in the arrest of Hasim.
“Trust, confidence and support of civilians, stakeholders and local government units to our troops resulted in a successful law enforcement operation,” he said. (Zamboanga Post)
Security forces captured Wednesday an Abu Sayyaf bomber tagged as behind a deadly attack in Zamboanga City in January 2015 and also linked by the military to an ISIS suicide bombing in Lamitan City in July last year.
Army Capt. Clint Antipala, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said soldiers and police commandos raided an Abu Sayyaf hideout in Zamboanga Sibugay’s Naga town and captured Isnaji Hasim.
Military photos released to The Zamboanga Post show Abu Sayyaf bomber Isnaji Hasim, tagged as behind January 2015 deadly car bombing in Zamboanga City; and has been linked by the military to ISIS suicide bombing in Lamitan City in Basilan in July 2018.
Hasim is a henchman of notorious Abu Sayyaf leader Puruji Indama in Basilan province, but it was not immediately known whether he and his pro-ISIS group are planning an attack.
“We still do not know whether they are up to something or planning an attack, but interrogation is going on,” Antipala told The Times by phone from his headquarters in Labangan town in Zamboanga del Sur province.
Antipala said the bomber was tracked down in the village of Bangkaw-Bangkaw after a long and careful intelligence operation and information passed to authorities by former militants and civilians.
Abu Katheer al Maghribi. (Amaq News Agency)
Hasim and another Abu Sayyaf bomber Hashim Saripa also facilitated the suicide bombing at a military checkpoint in Basilan’s Lamitan City by Moroccan ISIS soldier Abu Katheer al Maghribi on July 31, 2018.
Philippine authorities said 11 people were killed when a car bomb exploded at a security checkpoint after government militias stopped a suspicious vehicle the bomber was driving in the village, about 2 kilometers away from downtown Lamitan.
The powerful explosion obliterated the vehicle and left a huge crater and among those killed were a woman and a child; and the militia commander whose unit was under the supervision of the Philippine Army. Five soldiers and several civilians were also wounded in the explosion. The Moroccan bomber came from a nearby town and heading to downtown Lamitan when his vehicle was stopped at the checkpoint.
Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, commander of the 44th Infantry Battalion, who captured the bomber, said Hasim was behind the January 2015 car bombing outside a bus terminal in Guiwan village in Zamboanga City that killed 2 people and wounded nearly five dozens more.
He said they seized an automatic rifle, a hand grenade and an improvised explosive device, including blasting caps and other bomb paraphernalia from Hasim’s hideout.
Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the division commander and head of the anti-terror task force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces), praised the terrorist’s capture and lauded the units involved in the operation and those who provided intelligence that resulted in the arrest of Hasim.
“Trust, confidence and support of civilians, stakeholders and local government units to our troops resulted in a successful law enforcement operation,” he said. (Zamboanga Post)
Rebel returnees want quiet life
From the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 24, 2019): Rebel returnees want quiet life
FORMER MEMBERS of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) on Wednesday said they wanted to live a quiet life.
Alias “Aguila”, 51, from Calinog; and alias “Baby”, 33, of Tubungan, Iloilo surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion on July 19.
“I want to be at peace, to live peacefully,” Aguila said in the vernacular during a press conference at Camp Delgado here.
Aguila served as a team leader of the CPP-NPA’s Special Partisan Unit (SPARU), Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay and had served the rebel movement for about 30 years.
“I was swayed by their (rebel) propaganda,” he said, adding that what he experienced in the movement was contrary to what he expected.
Aguila was involved in “agaw-armas” activities of the rebels in Panay area, noting he was in charge in snatching firearms from police officers.
The CPP-NPA has promised to provide his salary in exchange for his services but “I have not received any money,” he said.
“I said that if that if that is the situation, it is of no use and it is better to leave the mountains,” he said.
Meanwhile, “Baby” echoed Aguila’s sentiments, saying being rebels is not a peaceful one “because we have enemies.”
Baby served as a political guide and medical officer of Squad 2, Suyak Platoon, Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay and had served the rebel movement for five years.
“I organized people in my area,” she said, adding that she also part of the rebel recruitment.
Unlike Aguila, Baby was not promised with salary but she joined the CPP-NPA because of the “their propaganda against the government.”
Aguila yielded Colt Rifle with serial number 9014574; a cap magazine of 5.56 mm; five rounds of live ammunition of 5.56mm, and a vintage rifle with 10 rounds of 7.62 ammunitions while Baby yielded US Springfield 30 caliber rifle; 18 rounds of live ammunitions of 30 caliber; a 38 caliber pistol; six rounds of live ammunition; three rounds of empty shell of 40mm, and subversive documents with high intelligence value.
In the same press conference, Lt. Col Joel Benedict Batara, commander of the Philippine Army’s 61st IB, said the surrender of the two will encourage the surrender of more CPP-NPA.
“They are just waiting for the right timing,” Batara said.
He said the local government unit has also helped in the surrender of the rebels, especially the anti-insurgency efforts in the village level.
Batara noted that the two NPA officers’ surrender is a manifestation that the CPP-NPA is a “dying bogus” organization.
“They are masking themselves as freedom fighters, as peace advocates and human right protectors but they are first to violate human rights,” he said.
Since the implementation of the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) in 2016, the number of CPP-NPA who surrendered in Panay island has already reached 137.
Batara said both Aguila and Baby will receive PHP15, 000 immediate assistance; PHP50, 000 livelihood assistance and firearm remunerations for their surrendered firearms.
Of the total number, 21 has surrendered in 2016; three in 2017; 66 in 2018; and 47 in 2019.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (By Gail Momblan)
https://mindanaoexaminer.com/rebel-returnees-want-quiet-life/
FORMER MEMBERS of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) on Wednesday said they wanted to live a quiet life.
Alias “Aguila”, 51, from Calinog; and alias “Baby”, 33, of Tubungan, Iloilo surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion on July 19.
“I want to be at peace, to live peacefully,” Aguila said in the vernacular during a press conference at Camp Delgado here.
Aguila served as a team leader of the CPP-NPA’s Special Partisan Unit (SPARU), Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay and had served the rebel movement for about 30 years.
“I was swayed by their (rebel) propaganda,” he said, adding that what he experienced in the movement was contrary to what he expected.
Aguila was involved in “agaw-armas” activities of the rebels in Panay area, noting he was in charge in snatching firearms from police officers.
The CPP-NPA has promised to provide his salary in exchange for his services but “I have not received any money,” he said.
“I said that if that if that is the situation, it is of no use and it is better to leave the mountains,” he said.
Meanwhile, “Baby” echoed Aguila’s sentiments, saying being rebels is not a peaceful one “because we have enemies.”
Baby served as a political guide and medical officer of Squad 2, Suyak Platoon, Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay and had served the rebel movement for five years.
“I organized people in my area,” she said, adding that she also part of the rebel recruitment.
Unlike Aguila, Baby was not promised with salary but she joined the CPP-NPA because of the “their propaganda against the government.”
Aguila yielded Colt Rifle with serial number 9014574; a cap magazine of 5.56 mm; five rounds of live ammunition of 5.56mm, and a vintage rifle with 10 rounds of 7.62 ammunitions while Baby yielded US Springfield 30 caliber rifle; 18 rounds of live ammunitions of 30 caliber; a 38 caliber pistol; six rounds of live ammunition; three rounds of empty shell of 40mm, and subversive documents with high intelligence value.
In the same press conference, Lt. Col Joel Benedict Batara, commander of the Philippine Army’s 61st IB, said the surrender of the two will encourage the surrender of more CPP-NPA.
“They are just waiting for the right timing,” Batara said.
He said the local government unit has also helped in the surrender of the rebels, especially the anti-insurgency efforts in the village level.
Batara noted that the two NPA officers’ surrender is a manifestation that the CPP-NPA is a “dying bogus” organization.
“They are masking themselves as freedom fighters, as peace advocates and human right protectors but they are first to violate human rights,” he said.
Since the implementation of the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) in 2016, the number of CPP-NPA who surrendered in Panay island has already reached 137.
Batara said both Aguila and Baby will receive PHP15, 000 immediate assistance; PHP50, 000 livelihood assistance and firearm remunerations for their surrendered firearms.
Of the total number, 21 has surrendered in 2016; three in 2017; 66 in 2018; and 47 in 2019.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (By Gail Momblan)
https://mindanaoexaminer.com/rebel-returnees-want-quiet-life/
33 ex-rebels in S. Cotabato get P2 M aid, firearm pay
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 24, 2019): 33 ex-rebels in S. Cotabato get P2 M aid, firearm pay
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Thirty-three former rebels (FR) in South Cotabato received P1.977 million in financial assistance and firearm remuneration from the government recently.
South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. and 27th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. James Brisal Otida led the distribution of checks to the FRs in a ceremony at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall on July 17. It was attended by the members of the provincial E-CLIP committee.
Of the 33 FRs, 21 received P15,000 cash from the Provincial Government of South Cotabato.
“These are rebel returnees who surrendered from 2008 until 2011, when the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) was not yet in effect. They appealed to the provincial government to be considered as recipients of the reintegration assistance, thus, the P15,000 financial assistance belatedly given to them,” Haide Agustin, provincial social welfare and dvelopment officer, explained.
Data from the PSWDO also indicated that of the 33 FRs, 12 were enroled under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and received immediate cash assistance, livelihood and reintegration financial aid and firearm remuneration from the Department of the Interior and Local Government with amounts ranging from P30,000 to as much as P558,000.
One beneficiary, a former squad leader, received P472,000 firearm remuneration, P65,000 livelihood and immediate assistance and P21,000 reintegration assistance. He told local media that during his surrender, he brought with him two M-16s and three other assorted high-powered firearms.
Another FR got P517,000, including P431,000 as remuneration of the high-powered firearms he surrendered to authorities.
In his message to the former combatants, Gov. Tamayo emphasized the government is working hard to address the concerns of its people for basic services.
“Tell your former comrades, there is no more reason to fight because the government provides all that you need and deserve,” Tamayo told the FRs. Earlier, he pointed out that the government has already made provisions for free education and health care and distributed lands to the landless, proof that the government is delivering its promise to provide needed services.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Severino Samgal, president of the association former rebels in South Cotabato, thanked the Provincial Government of South Cotabato and the DILG for the support to the returnees.
He assured Gov. Tamayo and the other officials in attendance that the FRs in South Cotabato are committed to their pledge to remain loyal to the government. At present, their association has 137 FR members, Samgal added.
E-CLIP is a complete package of assistance to rebel returnees.
Under the E-CLIP program, FRs are not only assured of immediate financial assistance, livelihood assistance, and remuneration for firearms surrendered but can also benefit from temporary shelter while their enrolment to the program is being processed, PhilHealth enrolment, medical assistance from the Department of Health, housing assistance from the National Housing Authority, legal assistance and many other aids. (DED/PIA 12).
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Thirty-three former rebels (FR) in South Cotabato received P1.977 million in financial assistance and firearm remuneration from the government recently.
South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. and 27th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. James Brisal Otida led the distribution of checks to the FRs in a ceremony at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall on July 17. It was attended by the members of the provincial E-CLIP committee.
Of the 33 FRs, 21 received P15,000 cash from the Provincial Government of South Cotabato.
“These are rebel returnees who surrendered from 2008 until 2011, when the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) was not yet in effect. They appealed to the provincial government to be considered as recipients of the reintegration assistance, thus, the P15,000 financial assistance belatedly given to them,” Haide Agustin, provincial social welfare and dvelopment officer, explained.
Data from the PSWDO also indicated that of the 33 FRs, 12 were enroled under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and received immediate cash assistance, livelihood and reintegration financial aid and firearm remuneration from the Department of the Interior and Local Government with amounts ranging from P30,000 to as much as P558,000.
One beneficiary, a former squad leader, received P472,000 firearm remuneration, P65,000 livelihood and immediate assistance and P21,000 reintegration assistance. He told local media that during his surrender, he brought with him two M-16s and three other assorted high-powered firearms.
Another FR got P517,000, including P431,000 as remuneration of the high-powered firearms he surrendered to authorities.
In his message to the former combatants, Gov. Tamayo emphasized the government is working hard to address the concerns of its people for basic services.
“Tell your former comrades, there is no more reason to fight because the government provides all that you need and deserve,” Tamayo told the FRs. Earlier, he pointed out that the government has already made provisions for free education and health care and distributed lands to the landless, proof that the government is delivering its promise to provide needed services.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Severino Samgal, president of the association former rebels in South Cotabato, thanked the Provincial Government of South Cotabato and the DILG for the support to the returnees.
He assured Gov. Tamayo and the other officials in attendance that the FRs in South Cotabato are committed to their pledge to remain loyal to the government. At present, their association has 137 FR members, Samgal added.
E-CLIP is a complete package of assistance to rebel returnees.
Under the E-CLIP program, FRs are not only assured of immediate financial assistance, livelihood assistance, and remuneration for firearms surrendered but can also benefit from temporary shelter while their enrolment to the program is being processed, PhilHealth enrolment, medical assistance from the Department of Health, housing assistance from the National Housing Authority, legal assistance and many other aids. (DED/PIA 12).
Army, PNP intensify campaign vs CPP-NPA thru social media
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 24, 2019): Army, PNP intensify campaign vs CPP-NPA thru social media
“This would really help us in effectively reaching out to the public and communicate to them the truth and facts. We could not afford being fooled by the lies and propaganda of the CPP-NPA terrorists,” said Quilang.
Police Corporal Laarni Mabilog of Butuan City Police Office, expressed that with the said training, she became more confident and her morale is boosted along with her colleagues, as she discovered several techniques in the production of IEC materials, which their office could use in their different programs and advocacies.
“We should only be disseminating accurate information to the public, as they have the right to know the truth, which was emphasized particularly in this training. I have gained additional knowledge on how I could effectively communicate to the grassroots, and developed my skills in the use of social media,” shared Mabilog.
Meanwhile, 402nd Brigade commander Col. Maurito Licudine, commended the efforts of all the participants and encourages them to use and apply their gained knowledge in their daily work, and become more effective communicators as they constantly coordinate in various communities. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025002
BUTUAN CITY - With strong determination, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army have joined forces thru the enhancement training to intensify the campaign of the government against the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) terrorists in Caraga region.
Thru the creation of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials in social media, the two agencies wanted to keep the public abreast of and be armed with the right information and strategies in order to combat the CPP-NPA’s lies and propaganda against the government.
In the recently conducted Journalism Training by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga to the personnel of the 402nd Brigade, Philippine Army and PNP Caraga regional office 13 in Butuan City, they have shown their abilities and creativity in coming up with the best concept and content for the infographics and social media cards that they would share to the netizens.
For 1Lt. Wilfredo Quilang, commanding officer of Bravo Company, 30th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, he has gained additional knowledge on how to better write a news story and feature news; and learned to produce effective infographics and social media messaging as their weapon online against terrorism.
Thru the creation of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials in social media, the two agencies wanted to keep the public abreast of and be armed with the right information and strategies in order to combat the CPP-NPA’s lies and propaganda against the government.
In the recently conducted Journalism Training by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga to the personnel of the 402nd Brigade, Philippine Army and PNP Caraga regional office 13 in Butuan City, they have shown their abilities and creativity in coming up with the best concept and content for the infographics and social media cards that they would share to the netizens.
For 1Lt. Wilfredo Quilang, commanding officer of Bravo Company, 30th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, he has gained additional knowledge on how to better write a news story and feature news; and learned to produce effective infographics and social media messaging as their weapon online against terrorism.
“This would really help us in effectively reaching out to the public and communicate to them the truth and facts. We could not afford being fooled by the lies and propaganda of the CPP-NPA terrorists,” said Quilang.
Police Corporal Laarni Mabilog of Butuan City Police Office, expressed that with the said training, she became more confident and her morale is boosted along with her colleagues, as she discovered several techniques in the production of IEC materials, which their office could use in their different programs and advocacies.
“We should only be disseminating accurate information to the public, as they have the right to know the truth, which was emphasized particularly in this training. I have gained additional knowledge on how I could effectively communicate to the grassroots, and developed my skills in the use of social media,” shared Mabilog.
Meanwhile, 402nd Brigade commander Col. Maurito Licudine, commended the efforts of all the participants and encourages them to use and apply their gained knowledge in their daily work, and become more effective communicators as they constantly coordinate in various communities. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025002
Tagalog News: Dating NPA lider, may malaking tiwala sa administrasyong Duterte
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 24, 2019): Tagalog News: Dating NPA lider, may malaking tiwala sa administrasyong Duterte
PAGADIAN CITY - - Isang dating lider ng New Peoples’ Army na nagbalik loob sa gobyerno ang nagpatotoong ang pag resolba sa insurgency ay hindi nakukuha sa giyera, kundi sa pakikipag dayalogo.
Si alyas Jackie ay labing limang taong naging aktibong kasapi ng NPA at minsan na ring naging lider ng grupo. Ayon sa kanya, kumalas sya sa grupo dahil naramdaman n’yang walang patutunguhan ang kanilang pinaglalaban na akala nya noong una ay para sa tunay na pagbabago.
Aniya, sa administrasyong Duterte lamang niya naramdaman ang sinseridad na matulungan ang mga kagaya n’yang rebel returnee at ngayon isa na syang aktibong partner ng gobyerno laban sa insurgency. Kasalukuyang presidente sya ng Peace Incorporated-Western Mindanao , isang national organization ng mga FRs o former rebels.
Aniya, patuloy nilang tinatamasa ang tamis ng tulong mula sa gobyerno gaya ng mga skills training hatid ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) at scholarship benefits ng Department of Education (DepEd).
Panawagan nya sa mga dating kasamahan na magbagong buhay na at magbalik loob sa mainstream government dahil aniya nandito na ang tunay na pagbabago sa administrasyon ni Pangulong Duterte.
Ayon kay alias Jackie “dili masulbad ang insurgency pinaagi sa gubat, kundi sa panag sabut-sabut. Kung unsa man ang hinaing nato, E.O. 70 na ang tubag.” (Hindi malulutas ang insurgency sa pamamagitan ng digmaan, kundi sa pakikipag dayalogo. Kung ano man ang ating hinaing, EO 70 na ang sagot).
Nakapaloob sa EO 70 ang pagtuon sa pinakaugat na dahilan ng insurhensya sa pamamagitan ng convergence at pagsasaayos ng paghahatid ng mga pangunahing serbisyo at social development packages ng gobyerno, pag facilitate sa societal inclusivity at ang pagtiyak sa aktibong partisipasyon ng lahat ng sektor ng lipunan.
Nakasaad din sa EO 70 ang paglikha ng National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) na pinangungunahan ni mismong Presidente Rodrigo Roa Duterte. (ALT/JPA-PIA9/Zamboanga del Sur)
PAGADIAN CITY - - Isang dating lider ng New Peoples’ Army na nagbalik loob sa gobyerno ang nagpatotoong ang pag resolba sa insurgency ay hindi nakukuha sa giyera, kundi sa pakikipag dayalogo.
Si alyas Jackie ay labing limang taong naging aktibong kasapi ng NPA at minsan na ring naging lider ng grupo. Ayon sa kanya, kumalas sya sa grupo dahil naramdaman n’yang walang patutunguhan ang kanilang pinaglalaban na akala nya noong una ay para sa tunay na pagbabago.
Aniya, sa administrasyong Duterte lamang niya naramdaman ang sinseridad na matulungan ang mga kagaya n’yang rebel returnee at ngayon isa na syang aktibong partner ng gobyerno laban sa insurgency. Kasalukuyang presidente sya ng Peace Incorporated-Western Mindanao , isang national organization ng mga FRs o former rebels.
Aniya, patuloy nilang tinatamasa ang tamis ng tulong mula sa gobyerno gaya ng mga skills training hatid ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) at scholarship benefits ng Department of Education (DepEd).
Panawagan nya sa mga dating kasamahan na magbagong buhay na at magbalik loob sa mainstream government dahil aniya nandito na ang tunay na pagbabago sa administrasyon ni Pangulong Duterte.
Ayon kay alias Jackie “dili masulbad ang insurgency pinaagi sa gubat, kundi sa panag sabut-sabut. Kung unsa man ang hinaing nato, E.O. 70 na ang tubag.” (Hindi malulutas ang insurgency sa pamamagitan ng digmaan, kundi sa pakikipag dayalogo. Kung ano man ang ating hinaing, EO 70 na ang sagot).
Nakapaloob sa EO 70 ang pagtuon sa pinakaugat na dahilan ng insurhensya sa pamamagitan ng convergence at pagsasaayos ng paghahatid ng mga pangunahing serbisyo at social development packages ng gobyerno, pag facilitate sa societal inclusivity at ang pagtiyak sa aktibong partisipasyon ng lahat ng sektor ng lipunan.
Nakasaad din sa EO 70 ang paglikha ng National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) na pinangungunahan ni mismong Presidente Rodrigo Roa Duterte. (ALT/JPA-PIA9/Zamboanga del Sur)
Army, PNP arrest Abu Sayyaf bomber in Zambo Sibugay
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 24, 2019): Army, PNP arrest Abu Sayyaf bomber in Zambo Sibugay
CAMP SANG-AN, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur--One Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bomber was arrested in a joint law enforcement operation by the Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion and PNP in Brgy Bangkaw-bangkaw, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay province at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2019.
“Based on the revelation of ASG surrenderees, Isnaji Hasim is operating under Furiji Indama, a Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf leader. He is also a close associate of Hashim Saripa, one of those responsible for bombing a military checkpoint in Lamitan, Basilan on July 31, 2018 where at least 10 died and 9 others were wounded,” said Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, 44th Infantry battalion commander.
“He was also involved in the Jan 23, 2015 Guiwan Bus Terminal bombing in Zamboanga City that also resulted to two deaths and 52 injured,” Templonuevo added.
The bomber yielded one caliber .30 BAR rifle, one grenade, improvised explosive, blasting caps and other bomb paraphernalia.
“Our appreciation to the concerned civilian who tipped the troops that led to the arrest of Hasim,” said Brig Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan, 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, who has operational jurisdiction over Zamboanga Sibugay.
“This is an evidence that even the locals denounce the presence of terrorist groups in their communities. 102nd Infantry Brigade will continue to hunt down the remaining terrorists who are planning to conduct atrocities in the area,” Gaerlan added.
For his part, Major General Roberto Ancan, 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, lauded the troops and the concerned civilian for the successful arrest of the ASG bomber.
“Trust, confidence and support of civilians, stakeholders and local government units to our troops will result into a successful law enforcement operation,” Ancan added.
“Rest assured that we will work doubly hard in order to sustain our gains in peace and development efforts in this part of Western Mindanao,” Ancan concluded. (ALT-PIA9/Zamboanga Sibugay/1ID Press Release)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025032
CAMP SANG-AN, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur--One Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bomber was arrested in a joint law enforcement operation by the Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion and PNP in Brgy Bangkaw-bangkaw, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay province at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, 2019.
“Based on the revelation of ASG surrenderees, Isnaji Hasim is operating under Furiji Indama, a Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf leader. He is also a close associate of Hashim Saripa, one of those responsible for bombing a military checkpoint in Lamitan, Basilan on July 31, 2018 where at least 10 died and 9 others were wounded,” said Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, 44th Infantry battalion commander.
“He was also involved in the Jan 23, 2015 Guiwan Bus Terminal bombing in Zamboanga City that also resulted to two deaths and 52 injured,” Templonuevo added.
The bomber yielded one caliber .30 BAR rifle, one grenade, improvised explosive, blasting caps and other bomb paraphernalia.
“Our appreciation to the concerned civilian who tipped the troops that led to the arrest of Hasim,” said Brig Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan, 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, who has operational jurisdiction over Zamboanga Sibugay.
“This is an evidence that even the locals denounce the presence of terrorist groups in their communities. 102nd Infantry Brigade will continue to hunt down the remaining terrorists who are planning to conduct atrocities in the area,” Gaerlan added.
For his part, Major General Roberto Ancan, 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, lauded the troops and the concerned civilian for the successful arrest of the ASG bomber.
“Trust, confidence and support of civilians, stakeholders and local government units to our troops will result into a successful law enforcement operation,” Ancan added.
“Rest assured that we will work doubly hard in order to sustain our gains in peace and development efforts in this part of Western Mindanao,” Ancan concluded. (ALT-PIA9/Zamboanga Sibugay/1ID Press Release)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025032
AFP to hold fun run on Aug. 4 for soldiers’ kids
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 24, 2019): AFP to hold fun run on Aug. 4 for soldiers’ kids
The Armed Forces of the Philippines Educational Benefit System Office (AFPEBSO) will hold a fun run dubbed as "RACE with the General's Daughter" in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on August 4.
Assembly time is between 4:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. while the event will officially start at 6 a.m.
Expected attendees to the fun run are AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., and the cast of ABS-CBN's drama series "The General's Daughter".
In an interview Tuesday, Capt. Joy Dave T. Gabuelo, AFPEBSO general manager, said the event is part of their resource generation program and is in partnership with the television series and Aldenver Marketing.
He said the television show was selected because it mirrors the life and struggles of a military family and soldier's love for duty.
Apart from raising funds to support AFPEBSO grantees, the fun run also aims to renew the sense of nationalism and solidify family relationship.
"RACE with the General's Daughter" running categories are subdivided into the "10KM Warrior" for seasoned runners at PHP800, "5KM Trooper" for beginners for PHP700, "5KM Flight" to be accomplished by group for PHP500 per individual, "3KM Candidate Soldier" designed for young runners 15 years old and below for PHP450 and "800 Buddies" which are for kids eight years old and below for PHP400.
Interested runners can register online at https://myrunti.me/register#/race-with-the-generals-daughter.
While participants who want to register on-site can do so at the AFPEBSO Office at Gate 6 of Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City while those interested to register in malls can do so at Garmin branches in SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, Glorietta 5 and SM Aura, BGC, Taguig City.
All proceeds from the registration fee will go to the education of AFPEBSO beneficiaries.
AFPEBSO is the morale and welfare unit of the military mandated to provide educational assistance to dependents of military personnel especially those who were killed-in-action (KIA).
AFPEBSO was founded in the year 2000 and has produced around 4,000 graduates and professionals.
The main source of funding of the office comes from the Republic Act 6963 or the Firearms and Licensing Fees, in which 30 percent is allotted for the education of soldiers’ orphans.
To sustain the different programs offered, the AFPEBSO partners with different schools, organizations, and institutions nationwide. To date, the office has 292 stakeholders from different sectors.
As of May 2019, the office is serving a total of 3,447 grantees nationwide, 2,490 of whom are dependents of KIA troopers. The AFPEBSO’s mantra is “Leaving No Soldier’s Orphan Behind”.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075871
The Armed Forces of the Philippines Educational Benefit System Office (AFPEBSO) will hold a fun run dubbed as "RACE with the General's Daughter" in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on August 4.
Assembly time is between 4:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. while the event will officially start at 6 a.m.
Expected attendees to the fun run are AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., and the cast of ABS-CBN's drama series "The General's Daughter".
In an interview Tuesday, Capt. Joy Dave T. Gabuelo, AFPEBSO general manager, said the event is part of their resource generation program and is in partnership with the television series and Aldenver Marketing.
He said the television show was selected because it mirrors the life and struggles of a military family and soldier's love for duty.
Apart from raising funds to support AFPEBSO grantees, the fun run also aims to renew the sense of nationalism and solidify family relationship.
"RACE with the General's Daughter" running categories are subdivided into the "10KM Warrior" for seasoned runners at PHP800, "5KM Trooper" for beginners for PHP700, "5KM Flight" to be accomplished by group for PHP500 per individual, "3KM Candidate Soldier" designed for young runners 15 years old and below for PHP450 and "800 Buddies" which are for kids eight years old and below for PHP400.
Interested runners can register online at https://myrunti.me/register#/race-with-the-generals-daughter.
While participants who want to register on-site can do so at the AFPEBSO Office at Gate 6 of Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City while those interested to register in malls can do so at Garmin branches in SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, Glorietta 5 and SM Aura, BGC, Taguig City.
All proceeds from the registration fee will go to the education of AFPEBSO beneficiaries.
AFPEBSO is the morale and welfare unit of the military mandated to provide educational assistance to dependents of military personnel especially those who were killed-in-action (KIA).
AFPEBSO was founded in the year 2000 and has produced around 4,000 graduates and professionals.
The main source of funding of the office comes from the Republic Act 6963 or the Firearms and Licensing Fees, in which 30 percent is allotted for the education of soldiers’ orphans.
To sustain the different programs offered, the AFPEBSO partners with different schools, organizations, and institutions nationwide. To date, the office has 292 stakeholders from different sectors.
As of May 2019, the office is serving a total of 3,447 grantees nationwide, 2,490 of whom are dependents of KIA troopers. The AFPEBSO’s mantra is “Leaving No Soldier’s Orphan Behind”.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075871
OP asks for Ambassador Kim's extension: envoy
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 24, 2019): OP asks for Ambassador Kim's extension: envoy
Outgoing US Ambassador Sung Kim (PNA file photo)
With outgoing United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim having a "very good rapport" with the Duterte administration, the Office of the President had initially sought for his extension as Washington's representative to Manila, a ranking official said Tuesday.
"Ambassador Kim, no doubt about it, he has a very good rapport with President (Rodrigo) Duterte and with all our Cabinet," Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez said.
"He really was sincerely liked, in fact, Secretary (Salvador) Medialdea asked me, I think sometime mid-June, he was telling me, 'Baka puwede natin pa-extend (Maybe we can ask for him to extend), I said we'll find out,'" he said.
Romualdez relayed the request to the State Department which said it cannot guarantee the appeal would be granted.
"I called up the State Department, they said 'We'll see but that would be difficult,' until 'yon na nga, they had no choice but wala na e, na-nominate na (he's been nominated)," he said.
On July 11, the White House finally announced that Kim was nominated as the next US Ambassador to Jakarta.
"It would be very hard to withdraw… Of course, we can always say we don't accept (anyone) except Kim, because Japan did that before with Mike Mansfield, he was ambassador to Japan for nine years, anyone they asked to replace, Japan turned down because they like Ambassador Mansfield, but you know that's something that we won't do of course,” Romualdez said.
The envoy said Kim is expected to leave Manila by end of October 2019 or the early part of November.
As to who will be the next US Ambassador to the Philippines, Romualdez said "we'll know within the next two months".
"There are career diplomats... and President (Donald) Trump likes to appoint sometimes supporters, political appointees, so let's see," he said.
News circulated on social media that Mina Chang would replace Kim.
Romualdez said the speculation sparked and "spread like a wildfire" when people found out Chang would visit Manila for the 8th Bilateral Strategic Dialogue as the deputy assistant secretary at the State Department Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations.
"She was supposed to come here for the Bilateral Strategic Dialogue and then when people found out she was coming, they said she should be the ambassador, then it spread like wildfire," he said.
"Actually, the Americans were so shocked with what happened in social media here, even Ms. Mina Chang herself was so shocked. I said 'You're an instant star in the Philippines. That's why they canceled her coming here because it will distract from the BSD, it will be about Mina Chang," he added.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075882
Outgoing US Ambassador Sung Kim (PNA file photo)
With outgoing United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim having a "very good rapport" with the Duterte administration, the Office of the President had initially sought for his extension as Washington's representative to Manila, a ranking official said Tuesday.
"Ambassador Kim, no doubt about it, he has a very good rapport with President (Rodrigo) Duterte and with all our Cabinet," Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez said.
"He really was sincerely liked, in fact, Secretary (Salvador) Medialdea asked me, I think sometime mid-June, he was telling me, 'Baka puwede natin pa-extend (Maybe we can ask for him to extend), I said we'll find out,'" he said.
Romualdez relayed the request to the State Department which said it cannot guarantee the appeal would be granted.
"I called up the State Department, they said 'We'll see but that would be difficult,' until 'yon na nga, they had no choice but wala na e, na-nominate na (he's been nominated)," he said.
On July 11, the White House finally announced that Kim was nominated as the next US Ambassador to Jakarta.
"It would be very hard to withdraw… Of course, we can always say we don't accept (anyone) except Kim, because Japan did that before with Mike Mansfield, he was ambassador to Japan for nine years, anyone they asked to replace, Japan turned down because they like Ambassador Mansfield, but you know that's something that we won't do of course,” Romualdez said.
The envoy said Kim is expected to leave Manila by end of October 2019 or the early part of November.
As to who will be the next US Ambassador to the Philippines, Romualdez said "we'll know within the next two months".
"There are career diplomats... and President (Donald) Trump likes to appoint sometimes supporters, political appointees, so let's see," he said.
News circulated on social media that Mina Chang would replace Kim.
Romualdez said the speculation sparked and "spread like a wildfire" when people found out Chang would visit Manila for the 8th Bilateral Strategic Dialogue as the deputy assistant secretary at the State Department Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations.
"She was supposed to come here for the Bilateral Strategic Dialogue and then when people found out she was coming, they said she should be the ambassador, then it spread like wildfire," he said.
"Actually, the Americans were so shocked with what happened in social media here, even Ms. Mina Chang herself was so shocked. I said 'You're an instant star in the Philippines. That's why they canceled her coming here because it will distract from the BSD, it will be about Mina Chang," he added.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075882
2 CPP-NPA leaders nabbed in QC
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 24, 2019): 2 CPP-NPA leaders nabbed in QC
Authorities arrested on Tuesday a couple who are members of the central committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) after the latter prevented lawmen from arresting their companion in Quezon City, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said on Wednesday.
In a press conference held at Quezon City Police District (QCPD) headquarters in Camp Karingal, NCRPO chief, Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, identified the couple as Alexander Birondo, 67, and Winona Marie Birondo, both residents of Block 5 Lot 5 Strauss St., North Olympus Subdivision in Barangay Kaligayahan.
Alexander is a staff of the communist movement's National Education Commission, while Winona Marie is secretary of its National Propaganda Commission.
The suspects were arrested around 5:30 a.m. at an apartment in Barangay Mariblo after they blocked the operation of the District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) to serve an arrest warrant against Rolando Caballero alias Jet.
During the operation, the couple interfered, assaulted and physically prevented the police officers from arresting Caballero, who is wanted for murder.
Esquivel said the Birondo couple was brought to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU).
During booking procedures, it was found out that they had previous cases of violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and violation of Sec. 3 of PD No. 1866 as amended by RA 9516 (Unlawful Manufacture, Sales, Acquisition, Disposition, Importation or Possession of an Explosive or Incendiary Device) issued by Executive Judge Editha G. Mina-Aguba of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 100.
Further investigation revealed that they were arrested on March 4, 2015, along with CPP/NPA Central Committee member Ruben Saluta but were released to participate as consultants of the NDF on the failed peace talks in Oslo, Norway.
In December 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered their arrest after the cancellation of their temporary bail.
The Quezon City RTC, however, dismissed the case against them.
The suspects were brought for inquest before the office of the Assistant City Prosecutor.
Resolution of the case is still pending waiting for approval of the chief prosecutor.
At around 10 p.m. Tuesday, policemen and soldiers also served search warrants issued by Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert at the safe house of the arrested couple after validated information that they are keeping firearms, explosives and ammunition in the said place.
Recovered during the search were one caliber .45 pistol (STI with serial number 426161), one magazine with seven live ammunition, one inside holster, one MK2 hand grenade, one rifle grenade 40-mm high explosive, and one roll detonating cord.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075914
Authorities arrested on Tuesday a couple who are members of the central committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) after the latter prevented lawmen from arresting their companion in Quezon City, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said on Wednesday.
In a press conference held at Quezon City Police District (QCPD) headquarters in Camp Karingal, NCRPO chief, Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, identified the couple as Alexander Birondo, 67, and Winona Marie Birondo, both residents of Block 5 Lot 5 Strauss St., North Olympus Subdivision in Barangay Kaligayahan.
Alexander is a staff of the communist movement's National Education Commission, while Winona Marie is secretary of its National Propaganda Commission.
The suspects were arrested around 5:30 a.m. at an apartment in Barangay Mariblo after they blocked the operation of the District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) to serve an arrest warrant against Rolando Caballero alias Jet.
During the operation, the couple interfered, assaulted and physically prevented the police officers from arresting Caballero, who is wanted for murder.
Esquivel said the Birondo couple was brought to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU).
During booking procedures, it was found out that they had previous cases of violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and violation of Sec. 3 of PD No. 1866 as amended by RA 9516 (Unlawful Manufacture, Sales, Acquisition, Disposition, Importation or Possession of an Explosive or Incendiary Device) issued by Executive Judge Editha G. Mina-Aguba of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 100.
Further investigation revealed that they were arrested on March 4, 2015, along with CPP/NPA Central Committee member Ruben Saluta but were released to participate as consultants of the NDF on the failed peace talks in Oslo, Norway.
In December 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered their arrest after the cancellation of their temporary bail.
The Quezon City RTC, however, dismissed the case against them.
The suspects were brought for inquest before the office of the Assistant City Prosecutor.
Resolution of the case is still pending waiting for approval of the chief prosecutor.
At around 10 p.m. Tuesday, policemen and soldiers also served search warrants issued by Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert at the safe house of the arrested couple after validated information that they are keeping firearms, explosives and ammunition in the said place.
Recovered during the search were one caliber .45 pistol (STI with serial number 426161), one magazine with seven live ammunition, one inside holster, one MK2 hand grenade, one rifle grenade 40-mm high explosive, and one roll detonating cord.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075914
AFP data helpful in unmasking Indon terror couple in Jolo blast
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 24, 2019): AFP data helpful in unmasking Indon terror couple in Jolo blast
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) provided the Indonesia National Police with vital information which allowed it to confirm that an Indonesian couple carried out the suicide bombing at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu last January 27.
This as the Indonesia National Police on Tuesday identified the couple as Rullie Rian Zeke and his wife, Ulfah Handayani Saleh, as the perpetrators behind the attack.
"The media report quoting Indonesian authorities that the perpetrators in the Mount Carmel Cathedral explosion in Jolo, Sulu was an Indonesian couple comes as a confirmation of our own findings in the thorough investigation we conducted," AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a statement forwarded to reporters Wednesday.
He added the AFP shared notes and provided vital information with the Indonesian police.
"Those data which were based from our own inquiry and intelligence contributed to their deliberations that led to this confirmation," Arevalo said.
The AFP spokesperson said this development highlights the importance of cooperation and information-sharing between and among countries in the region particularly Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines.
"Not only on matters with relevance to the military, but also those that impact on the police to bolster our security postures," he added.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomed this announcement from its Indonesian counterpart.
"As the investigation being conducted by the PNP continues, this development is expected to hasten the probe by further narrowing possibilities for DNA matching with kin of the identified alleged Indonesian suspects," PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a statement.
"On several occasions, both PNP and INP have coordinated respective law enforcement actions on investigation of transnational crimes and terrorist-related incidents in Indonesia and the Philippines," he added.
At least 23 people were killed while more than a hundred were wounded in the twin blasts that rocked the church while a mass was being celebrated.
The woman reportedly was the one who detonated the first improvised explosive device (IED) inside the church while the man detonated the second IED at the church entrance seconds later.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075891
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) provided the Indonesia National Police with vital information which allowed it to confirm that an Indonesian couple carried out the suicide bombing at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu last January 27.
This as the Indonesia National Police on Tuesday identified the couple as Rullie Rian Zeke and his wife, Ulfah Handayani Saleh, as the perpetrators behind the attack.
"The media report quoting Indonesian authorities that the perpetrators in the Mount Carmel Cathedral explosion in Jolo, Sulu was an Indonesian couple comes as a confirmation of our own findings in the thorough investigation we conducted," AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a statement forwarded to reporters Wednesday.
He added the AFP shared notes and provided vital information with the Indonesian police.
"Those data which were based from our own inquiry and intelligence contributed to their deliberations that led to this confirmation," Arevalo said.
The AFP spokesperson said this development highlights the importance of cooperation and information-sharing between and among countries in the region particularly Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines.
"Not only on matters with relevance to the military, but also those that impact on the police to bolster our security postures," he added.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomed this announcement from its Indonesian counterpart.
"As the investigation being conducted by the PNP continues, this development is expected to hasten the probe by further narrowing possibilities for DNA matching with kin of the identified alleged Indonesian suspects," PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a statement.
"On several occasions, both PNP and INP have coordinated respective law enforcement actions on investigation of transnational crimes and terrorist-related incidents in Indonesia and the Philippines," he added.
At least 23 people were killed while more than a hundred were wounded in the twin blasts that rocked the church while a mass was being celebrated.
The woman reportedly was the one who detonated the first improvised explosive device (IED) inside the church while the man detonated the second IED at the church entrance seconds later.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075891
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