WESTMINCOM: Peace advocates converge to analyze peace situation in Mindanao

Posted the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 29, 2022): Peace advocates converge to analyze peace situation in Mindanao

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – June 29, 2022

Officials from different government and non-government organizations convened to discuss the current peace and order situation in the Mindanao region. The Interreligious Solidarity for Peace (ISP) through the Peace Advocates Zamboanga, Inc. (PAZ) and Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance, Inc. (ZABIDA) facilitated the conduct of the forum which was held at the Grand Astoria Hotel, Mayor Jaldon St., this city on Tuesday afternoon, June 28, 2022.

The activity entitled “Peace and Security Forum” is a continuing platform developed for multi-sector engagement and conversation for the analysis of peace and order situations and the gathering of recommendations and feedback from the network of peace advocates in the region.

 
Col. Wendell Basat, the Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Civil-Military Operations of the Western Mindanao Command presented the regional updates and local initiatives of the command in addressing the current threats and trends that affect the peace and security in the City of Zamboanga and the entire region. Other presenters include the representatives from the Philippine National Police Regional Office 9 (PNP RO9), the religious sector, and the local government of Zamboanga.

 
Present during the activity were the local government and barangay officials and the representatives from the religious sector, youth sector, and non-government organizations.

 
Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said that the power of unity and collaboration is the best defense against terrorism. “Let us altogether continue to trek the path towards lasting peace and prosperity here in Mindanao,” he added.

 
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https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/photos/pcb.332134822454738/332134542454766/

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WESTMINCOM: Improvised explosive device carrier neutralized in Basilan

Posted the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 30, 2022): Improvised explosive device carrier neutralized in Basilan

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – June 30, 2022

A suspected Improvised Explosive Device/Anti-Personnel Mine (IED/APM) carrier was neutralized by military troops in Basilan on Wednesday evening, June 29, 2022. Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, Commander of Joint Task Force Basilan identified the neutralized personality as Adil Akarab., a lawless element and armed terrorist group member (LLE/ATG).

 
Based on the report from the ground, troops from the Dagao Patrol Base who were conducting checkpoint operations reported that a riding in tandem carrying a suspected IED/APM did not stop for inspection and immediately fled towards the direction of Lamitan City.

While conducting a hot pursuit operation, troops of the 18th Infantry Battalion encountered the two suspected IED/APM carriers in Barangay Sabong, the same city which resulted in the death of Akarab and the recovery of a suspected IED/APM placed in a yellow sack and a disassembled M16 rifle placed in a white sack.

 
The other suspect who happened to be the driver of the motorcycle managed to escape in the direction of Barangay Baas, Lamitan City. Operating troops immediately cordoned the encounter site and coordinated with Lamitan PNP and the 39th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team for further investigation and proper disposition.

 
“I commend the troops of JTF Basilan for the neutralization of the IED carrier and for foiling the bomb plot of our adversaries. I urge everyone to always remain calm and vigilant, and immediately report to the authorities any suspicious activity in your vicinity,” Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said.

 
#SupportOurTroops
#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamAFP
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https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/photos/pcb.333200229014864/333199822348238/

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WESTMINCOM: Sayyaf neutralized; war materials seized in Sulu encounter

Posted the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 30, 2022): Sayyaf neutralized; war materials seized in Sulu encounter

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – June 30, 2022

An Abu Sayyaf Group member was killed in an encounter with the government forces in Sulu on Thursday, June 30, 2022.

Troops of Joint Task Force Sulu conducted strike operation targeting an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member in Barangay Lumbaan Mahaba, Parang, Sulu at 2 a.m., same day. This resulted in a short firefight that led to the death of the target identified as Gan Salahudin, an ASG member under sub-leader Apah Salah.

While clearing the encounter site, troops recovered the enemy cadaver, one 5.56mm M16 rifle, and one M203 Grenade Launcher. After the documentation, the dead body of the slain ASG member was handed over to his relatives.

 
Meanwhile, operating troops of Joint Task Force Sulu encountered undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf Group in Barangay Buanza, Indanan, Sulu. Firefight is still ongoing as of press time.

 
“The military is doing its best to convince all the remnants of the Abu Sayyaf Group to return to the folds of the law. But we also remain tough if they refuse to end the conflict peacefully. We will exhaust all our available resources to hunt and pound all those who plan to create disturbance in the peaceful communities and victimize innocent civilians in our area of operation,” Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said.

 
#SupportOurTroops
#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamAFP
#TeamWestMinCom
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https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/photos/pcb.333201315681422/333201115681442/

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WESTMINCOM: CRSAFP Chief pays farewell visit to WestMinCom

Posted the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 30, 2022): CRSAFP Chief pays farewell visit to WestMinCom

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – June 30, 2022

Maj. Gen. Manuel Sequitin, Commander of the Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, paid his farewell visit to the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City on June 30, 2022.

 
Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Deputy Commander for External Operations, represented WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr. during the exit call of Maj. Gen. Sequitin at the WestMinCom Headquarters in Camp Navarro, Calarian, this city at 10 a.m.

 
Maj. Gen. Sequitin expressed his gratitude to the WestMinCom family for the warm welcome during his last visit to the command as an active military officer. Brig. Gen. Rojas lauded the valuable contributions of the CRSAFP to the WestMinCom during the stint of Maj. Gen. Sequitin as the commander of the aforesaid unit.

 
During his visit, Maj. Gen. Sequitin was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Merlyn Sequitin and Maj. Andrew Linao, the Commander of the 4th Civil Relations Group.

 
Maj. Gen. Sequitin is the 41st Commander of CRSAFP. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Makatao” Class of 1989. He is set to avail of his compulsory retirement this coming August.

 
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https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/photos/pcb.333202449014642/333201955681358/

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Gov’t soldier slain in clash with NPA rebels in Apayao

 From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 1, 2022): Gov’t soldier slain in clash with NPA rebels in Apayao (By: Villamor Visaya Jr.)

A 24-year-old Army soldier was killed in a firefight on Thursday, June 30, between New People’s Army rebels and government soldiers in Apayao province, the military said Friday.

Killed was Army Private Kobee Wackisan, a member of the 52nd Division Reconnaissance Company and a native of Tanudan town in Kalinga province, Army Capt. Rigor Pamittan, 5th Infantry Division spokesperson, told the Inquirer.

The gun battle took place in the mountains of Conner town and lasted for 30 minutes. The 14-member communist rebels later withdrew.

Pamittan said the rebels were believed to be members of the NPA guerrilla front operating in the Apayao-Abra areas.

Major General Laurence Mina, 5th Infantry Division commander, condoled with the family of Wackisan, “who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of service and in protecting the people of Apayao against the atrocities of the (communist rebels).” INQ

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1620232/govt-soldier-slain-in-clash-with-npa-rebels-in-apayao

PNP-CIDG nabs barangay captain over ‘ties’ to gun-for-hire group

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 1, 2022): PNP-CIDG nabs barangay captain over ‘ties’ to gun-for-hire group (By Martin Sadongdong)

A barangay captain in Barira, Maguindanao was arrested by the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on Thursday, June 30, for allegedly being a member of a gun-for-hire group.

File photo

Usop Sanggakala Aron, 53, incumbent captain of Brgy. Ruminimbang in Barira town, was collared at his house in the same area by joint elements of the PNP-CIDG and Special Action Force (SAF) around 12 noon under Oplan Paglalansag-Omega / Salikop.

According to CIDG, the suspect was served with a search warrant issued for allegedly violating Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

“Usop Sanggakala Aron is a member and is providing armaments and harboring the Tating Sarip CG [criminal group],” the PNP-CIDG said in a statement.

The Tating Sarip group is allegedly an unlisted criminal group under the supervision of the Dawlah Islamiyah which is involved in gun-for-hire. Gun-running, and extortion activities in Parang and Barira towns of Maguindanao.

The CIDG said they confiscated from Aron’s possession four caliber M16 rifles, an M14 rifle, an M16 rifle with an attached M203 grenade launcher, a customized M16 rifle, a caliber .38 pistol, and over 1,000 rounds of live ammunition and magazines.

Aron was brought to the CIDG regional field unit office in BARMM for documentation and proper disposition.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/07/01/pnp-cidg-nabs-barangay-captain-over-ties-to-gun-for-hire-group/

2 Abu Sayyaf men killed in separate clashes

From the Manila Times (Jul 2, 2022): 2 Abu Sayyaf men killed in separate clashes (By Al Jacinto)

Two Abu Sayyaf terrorists were killed in separate clashes in southern Philippines, a hotbed of Muslim insurgency in the country, officials said Friday.

Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., chief of Western Mindanao Command, said soldiers swooped down at dawn Thursday on an Abu Sayyaf target in Lumbaan Mahaba, a village in the town of Parang, Sulu, and killed Gan Salahudin.

He said troops recovered Salahudin's weapons — an M16 automatic rifle and an M203 grenade launcher.

"Troops of Joint Task Force Sulu conducted a strike operation targeting an Abu Sayyaf Group member. This resulted in a short firefight that led to the death of the target identified as Gan Salahudin," Rosario said, adding the body of the slain terrorist was handed over to his family.

Rosario said another group of soldiers also clashed with Abu Sayyaf gunmen in Buanza village in Indanan town, but there were no immediate reports of casualties.

REAE: 3 soldiers wounded in Sulu clash

"The military is doing its best to convince all the remnants of the Abu Sayyaf Group to return to the folds of the law. But we also remain tough if they refuse to end the conflict peacefully. We will exhaust all our available resources to hunt and pound all those who plan to create disturbance in the peaceful communities and victimize innocent civilians in our area of operation," he said.

The official also reported that another terrorist, Adil Akarab, was slain in a running gun battle with soldiers in Lamitan City in Basilan province on Wednesday. He said infantrymen recovered an improvised explosive device (IED) and a dismantled rifle Akarab was transporting along with another companion who managed to escape.

The duo was on a motorcycle when they evaded a military roadblock, but troops pursued them and a gun fight ensued.

"I commend the troops of Joint Task Force Basilan for the neutralization of the IED carrier and for foiling the bomb plot of our adversaries. I urge everyone to always remain calm and vigilant, and immediately report to the authorities any suspicious activity in your vicinity," Rosario said.

READ: MILF attacks Army in Maguindanao

Just two weeks ago, an IED went off outside the Lamitan City Hall. Police said it was investigating the motive of the bombing and who was behind the explosion which damaged a water pipe and portion of a wall surrounding the government building.

There was no report of casualties from the blast. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the bombing, but the Abu Sayyaf, a pro-ISIS terrorist group, is actively operating in Basilan, one of five provinces under the restive Muslim autonomous region.

The blast occurred just a day after a pair of Abu Sayyaf fighters Jusrad Hudjata, 37, and Ahmad Pahalawan, 32, surrendered to the military in Basilan. They also yielded two rifles, said Lt. Col. Cyril Santander, commander of the 18 Infantry Battalion.

Since January, a total of 17 terrorists had surrendered to authorities and mostly were provided government aid as part of a program to lure Abu Sayyaf members to surrender peacefully.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/07/02/news/regions/2-abu-sayyaf-men-killed-in-separate-clashes/1849481

Abu Sayyaf bandit killed in clash

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jul 1. 2022): Abu Sayyaf bandit killed in clash

ZAMBOANGA. Army elite troops killed an Abu Sayyaf bandit involved in illegal drug trade in a clash Thursday, June 30, in Lumbaan Mahaba village, Parang, Sulu. A photo handout shows the firearms and ammunition the troops recovered from the slain Abu Sayyaf bandit after the clash. (SunStar Zamboanga)

AN ABU Sayyaf bandit involved in illegal drug trade was killed in a clash with Army elite forces in a remote village in Sulu, the military reported Friday, July 1, 2022.

Brigadier General Eugenio Boquio, commander of the 1101st Infantry Brigade, said Gan Salahudin was killed in “strike” operations launched Thursday, June 30, by the 2nd Special Forces Battalion (2SFBn) in Lumbaan Mahaba village, Parang, Sulu.

Boquio said that Salahudin was actively involved in illegal drug trade in Parang town and was closely affiliated with the notorious Alganil Dawadil drug syndicate, though he has distanced himself from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) since January 2020.

“He was on a lie-low status since January of 2020, seeking refuge from his wife’s relatives who are in the area in order to evade pursuing government forces,” Boquio said.

He said Salahudin is a follower of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Apah Salah, whose son the troops have earlier neutralized in security operation.

The troops at the clash site recovered an M-16 Armalite rifle, one M-203 Grenade Launcher, ammunition and assorted illegal drug paraphernalia.

“Again, we ask our brothers, who are still trying to pursue their twisted ideologies, to surrender to the government forces and avail of the life-changing programs that the government has prepared for them. There is no better time to do it but now.” said Lieutenant Colonel Benito Ramos, Jr., 2SFBn commander, said.

Ramos said the strike operations were launched after months of intensive civil military and intelligence operations in Lumbaan Mahaba, Parang.

He said instrumental to the success of the strike operation was the continued involvement and cooperation of former Abu Sayyaf members, militiamen and the constituents of Parang.

 
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1933650/zamboanga/local-news/abu-sayyaf-bandit-killed-in-clash

ASG member-cum-drug pusher killed in gunfight with troops in Sulu

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 1. 2022): ASG member-cum-drug pusher killed in gunfight with troops in Sulu (By Liza Abubakar-Jocson)

THE body of Abu Sayyaf member and suspected drug pusher Gan Salahuddin is sprawled on the ground after an encounter with the military in Sulu Wednesday, June 29. (Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command photo)ZAMBOANGA CITY – A notorious Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member allegedly involved in the illegal drugs trade was killed in a shootout with government troops in Barangay Lumbaan Mahaba, Parang, Sulu Wednesday, June 29.

Gan Salahudin, alias “Gan,” was gunned down by the 4th Special Forces Company, 2nd Special Forces Battalion under the 1101st Infantry Brigade.

Gan’s father is ASG sub-leader Apah Salah. The suspect sought refuge in homes owned by his wife’s relatives to evade pursuing government forces.

The neutralized bandit was reportedly involved in the illegal drugs trade and affiliated with the notorious Alganil Dawadil Drug Syndicate.

Soldiers recovered an assault rifle, a grenade launcher, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia from the suspect.

Lt. Col. Benito Ramos Jr., 2nd Special Forces Battalion commander, has called on remaining bandits to surrender to the government. “There is no better time to do it than now,” said Ramos.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/07/01/asg-member-cum-drug-pusher-killed-in-gunfight-with-troops-in-sulu/

CPP/CIO: Ka Concha conviction shows continuing persecution of peace consultants

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 1, 2022): Ka Concha conviction shows continuing persecution of peace consultants

Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

July 01, 2022

The Communist Party of the Philippines condemns the conviction by the reactionary courts against National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace consultant Concha Araneta. Araneta, who represents the Panay region, participated in peace negotiations in 2016.

According to news reports, Araneta’s conviction was promulgated last June 28 by the Regional Trial Court in Taguig. She was supposedly found guilty of murder in a case in Aklan province that happened on September 18, 1975, close to 50 years ago, that was revived and pursued only to legally harass Araneta.

The conviction against Araneta was promulgated without legal representation by her lawyer, who could no longer effectively perform his work after she was forced to go underground in the face of threats to her life by military and police forces.

Without basis, Araneta was “designated as terrorist” by the Duterte government in April last year. She has been the subject of constant state repression. A month after her “designation,” police forces extrajudicially killed her husband, Reynaldo Bocala and his companion, in their residence in Pavia, Iloilo.

The conviction of Araneta is part of the continuing persecution through lawfare against Ka Concha and other NDFP peace consultants to prevent them from performing their tasks in promoting the people’s aspirations for national freedom, genuine democracy and social justice as basis for a just and lasting peace.

Since peace negotiations were treacherously terminated by the Duterte regime in 2017, at least ten NDFP personnel designated as peace consultants were murdered including Randall Echanis, Pedro Codaste, Julius Giron, Eugenia Magpantay, Jorge Madlos, Menardo Villanueva and others. At least 14 peace consultants have been arrested since, 12 of whom remain imprisoned on the basis of trumped up charges.

https://cpp.ph/statements/ka-concha-conviction-shows-continuing-persecution-of-peace-consultants/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Inagurasyon ng ilehitimong pangulo, sinalubong ng protesta

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda articles posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 1, 2022): Inagurasyon ng ilehitimong pangulo, sinalubong ng protesta (Inauguration of illegitimate president, met with protest)

July 01, 2022

Para sa mga progresibo, walang dahilan para magdiwang at magbunyi sa araw ng inagurasyon ni Ferdinand Marcos Jr noong Hunyo 30. Nagprotesta ang mga progresibong grupo sa Plaza Miranda sa Quiapo, Maynila kung saan inihayag nila ang kanilang pagtatakwil sa rehimeng Marcos II, laban sa pambabaluktot ng kasaysayan at para sa hustisya sa nakaparaming biktima ng batas militar ng kanyang ama. Dala rin nila ang mga isyu ng mamamayan tulad ng dagdag na sahod, at pagbaba ng presyo ng bilihin at langis.

Ani Satur Ocampo, isa sa mga beterano sa pakikibaka laban sa batas militar ni Marcos Sr., “pangunahing may pananagutan dito (sa panunumbalik sa poder ng mga Marcos) ay si President Duterte na siyang naghawan ng landas…Lahat ng aksyon natin para pigilan ang kanyang (Marcos Jr) pag-upo ay binalewala ng COMELEC at ng Supreme Court.”

Ilehitimo rin para sa grupong CARMMA (Campaign Against The Return of the Marcoses and Martial Law) ang inagurasyon kay Marcos Jr. Anila, nanalo ang pamilyang Marcos sa pamamagitan ng pandaraya at pambabaluktot ng kasaysayan.

Kinundena ng mga nagprotesta ang pagpapabango ni Marcos Jr. sa mga kasalanan at krimen ng kanyang pamilya, anila “tila iniwasan ni Marcos Jr. na mabanggit ang pasistang diktadura ni Marcos Sr. kung saan ito pinakanakilala.”

Ayon naman kay Renato Reyes Jr., secretary general ng Bayan, ang inagurasyon ni Marcos Jr ay kulminasyon ng tatlong dekadang pagpupumilit ng mga Marcos para makabalik sa poder. Pero hindi nila mababago ang makasaysayang katotohanan ng dinambong na yaman ng kanilang pamilya, laganap ang paglabag sa karapatang-tao at tumindi ang kahirapan nang ipatupad ang batas militar.

Pinuna rin ng mga aktibista ang kawalan ng plano ni Marcos Jr para ibaba ang presyo ng langis at bilihin, lumikha ng trabaho at itaas ang sahod at muling buhayin ang agrikultura.

Ani Tina Palabay ng Karapatan, simula pa lamang ito ng matagalang pakikibaka ng mamamayang Pilipino.

Sa Bantayog ng Bayani, sa Quezon City nagkaroon din ng pagtitipon ang mga kaanak at mga aktibista sa panahon ng batas militar. Dito nanumpa sila na ipagpapatuloy ang paglaban sa kasinungalingan ng mga Marcos at para sa kapakanan ng bayan.

Samantala, tatlong kabataan naman ang iligal na inaresto matapos magladlad ng tarpolin sa isang tulay malapit sa upisina ng Commission on Human Rights sa Quezon City. Agad din silang pinakawalan ng mga pulis.

Sa Bicol, pinangunahan ng Anakbayan-Naga ang martsa mula sa Panganiban Drive Naga City tungong Plaza Oragon upang itakwil ang inagurasyon ni Marcos Jr. Anila, ilehitimo ang kanyang pagkapanalo dahil nakamit ito sa pamamagitan ng pandaraya at pambabastos sa demokrasya ng bansa. Dumalo sa programa ang mga aktibista mula sa iba’t ibang distrito sa Camarines Sur.

Nagkaroon din ng programa sa harap ng kapitolyo ng Cebu kung saan inihayag ng iba’t ibang organisasyon ang kanilang pagkasuklam sa rehimeng Marcos II. Anila, dapat na itakwil ang ilehitimong rehimeng Marcos-Duterte.

Sa ibayong dagat, pinangunahan ng Never Forget Contingent ang daan-daang nagprotesta sa Times Square, New York City. Sigaw ng kanilang hanay, “Itakwil ang rehimeng Marcos-Duterte! Ipagpatuloy ang pakikibaka para sa tunay na demokrasya!”

Nagtipon naman ang 150 migranteng Pilipino sa California para magpahayag din ng kanilang pagtakwil sa bagong rehimen.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/inagurasyon-ng-ilehitimong-pangulo-sinalubong-ng-protesta/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Revolutionary movement will fight and outlast Marcos Jr, CPP says

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda articles posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 1, 2022): Revolutionary movement will fight and outlast Marcos Jr, CPP says

July 01, 2022

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) yesterday blasted Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s inauguration and ascension as chief of the reactionary government and declared that the New People’s Army (NPA) and the entire revolutionary movement are ready to face his illegitimate regime and will certainly outlast him.

After having frustrated Rodrido Duterte and the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) declared aim of crushing the Party and the armed revolution, the CPP is now ready to face the relentless attacks and intensified fascist offensives of the AFP under the Marcos II regime, it said in a statement issued yesterday.

CPP Chief Information Officer Marco Valbuena said that the Party has tasked all commands and units of the NPA to assess and take stock of their strength and the enemy’s situation in order to fight the illegitimate regime head on.

“They must strive to maintain constant initiative by ensuring a sufficiently wide area of operation for shifting, concentration and dispersal, high level of military discipline, quick guerrilla movements to avoid and evade enemy encirclement, maintaining a balance between expansion and consolidation and between building horizontal and vertical forces,” CPP said.

The CPP pointed out that the NPA must strive to gain more points of initiative for mounting timely and tactical offensives with one hundred percent certain victory.

Based on published news reports and statements, there have been more than 80 armed incidents involving NPA units and military, police, and paramilitary forces and agents since the start of the year. Majority of these were on the initiative of NPA units. At least 61 enemy forces and agents were killed in these incidents, while the NPA suffered 18 casualties.

The CPP said that the forces of the armed revolution stand on a moral highground, especially under the illegitimate regime of Marcos Jr and heightening restrictions and continuing attacks against people’s democratic rights. “The brutal fascist attacks of Marcos’ military and police forces against the peasant masses are rousing them to fight back and wage armed resistance,” it added.

“With full determination, the Party and the NPA are certain to accumulate even greater strength in the coming years under the Marcos II regime in order to defend the Filipino people and advance their national democratic cause,” the CPP concluded. (CPP Information Bureau)

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/revolutionary-movement-will-fight-and-outlast-marcos-jr-cpp-says/

Kalinaw News: 4ID neutralizes 4 CTG Leaders, 14 others, yields 13 firearms

From Kalinaw News (Jul 1, 2022): 4ID neutralizes 4 CTG Leaders, 14 others, yields 13 firearms

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, has neutralized four (4) high-ranking CTG leaders and 14 members for the month of June 2022.

The surrendered CTG elements are Sarwin Ellonor Villamor and his wife Jesel Bato Salahay. Both operate in the hinterlands of Agusan Del Norte and Agusan Del Sur. They turned themselves to the 65th Infantry Battalion at Mahaba, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte on June 17, 2022, bringing along with them one (1) cal. 45 pistol and ammunition.

On the other hand, a pregnant CTG member Charmaine Ravelo Coquilla, also surrendered to 36IB on June 14, 2022, in Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte. She wants her incoming child to live a peaceful life. Her partner, Dexter Umba, also a CTG member, was killed in an encounter on April 14, 2022.

Meanwhile, on June 9, another CTG member, Raymart Untua, surrendered to the 3rd Special Forces Battalion based in Lianga, Surigao del Sur, while on June 10, another CTG member, Zeth Melloria, surrendered to 30th Infantry Battalion in Bacuag, Surigao del Norte. Untua revealed an arms cache that led to the recovery of two (2) 5.56mm Rifles and one (1) M203 40mm Grenade Launcher.

Its hardship and resentment against the CTG’s false promises that forced the two (2) Militia ng Bayan members to surrender to 65IB. They also revealed an arms cache that contained two (2) M16 Rifles with magazines and several ammunition at the hinterlands of Brgy. Tagbongabong, Remedios T. Romualdez, Agusan Del Norte on June 8, 2022. It can be recalled that eleven (11) remnants of a CTG splinter group operating in Bukidnon, peacefully surrendered with their seven (7) firearms, to the 1st Special Forces Battalion on June 6, 2022, in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

In a statement, 4ID Commander MGen Wilbur C Mamawag, stated that the whole JTF Diamond will continue to accept surrenderers, to give them a second chance at life. Since January 2022, there had been 110 surrenderers yielding 76 firearms, totaling to 2, 321 the number of surrendered CTGs in the AO, with a significant number already enrolled in the E-CLIP program since 2016. “We reiterate our call for the CTG remnants to lay down their arms. They should go back to their families, avail of government programs such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), and lead peaceful lives,” Maj. Gen. Mamawag added.

kAL

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/4id-neutralizes-4-ctg-leaders-14-others-yields-13-firearms/

Kalinaw News: Sayyaf neutralized; war materials seized in Sulu encounter

 From Kalinaw News (Jul 1, 2022): Sayyaf neutralized; war materials seized in Sulu encounter

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – June 30, 2022

An Abu Sayyaf Group member was killed in an encounter with the government forces in Sulu on Thursday, June 30, 2022.

Troops of Joint Task Force Sulu conducted strike operation targeting an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member in Barangay Lumbaan Mahaba, Parang, Sulu at 2 a.m., same day. This resulted in a short firefight that led to the death of the target identified as Gan Salahudin, an ASG member under sub-leader Apah Salah.

While clearing the encounter site, troops recovered the enemy cadaver, one 5.56mm M16 rifle, and one M203 Grenade Launcher. After the documentation, the dead body of the slain ASG member was handed over to his relatives.

Meanwhile, operating troops of Joint Task Force Sulu encountered an undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf Group in Barangay Buanza, Indanan, Sulu. The firefight is still ongoing as of press time.

“The military is doing its best to convince all the remnants of the Abu Sayyaf Group to return to the folds of the law. But we also remain tough if they refuse to end the conflict peacefully. We will exhaust all our available resources to hunt and pound all those who plan to create disturbance in the peaceful communities and victimize innocent civilians in our area of operation,” Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said.



[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/sayyaf-neutralized-war-materials-seized-in-sulu-encounter/

Kalinaw News: Improvised explosive device carrier neutralized in Basilan

From Kalinaw News (Jul 1, 2022): Improvised explosive device carrier neutralized in Basilan

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – June 30, 2022

A suspected Improvised Explosive Device/Anti-Personnel Mine (IED/APM) carrier was neutralized by military troops in Basilan on Wednesday evening, June 29, 2022. Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, Commander of Joint Task Force Basilan identified the neutralized personality as Adil Akarab., a lawless element and armed terrorist group member (LLE/ATG).

Based on the report from the ground, troops from the Dagao Patrol Base who were conducting checkpoint operations reported that a riding in tandem carrying a suspected IED/APM did not stop for inspection and immediately fled towards the direction of Lamitan City.

While conducting a hot pursuit operation, troops of the 18th Infantry Battalion encountered the two suspected IED/APM carriers in Barangay Sabong, the same city which resulted in the death of Akarab and the recovery of a suspected IED/APM placed in a yellow sack and a disassembled M16 rifle placed in a white sack.

The other suspect who happened to be the driver of the motorcycle managed to escape in the direction of Barangay Baas, Lamitan City. Operating troops immediately cordoned the encounter site and coordinated with Lamitan PNP and the 39th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team for further investigation and proper disposition.

“I commend the troops of JTF Basilan for the neutralization of the IED carrier and for foiling the bomb plot of our adversaries. I urge everyone to always remain calm and vigilant, and immediately report to the authorities any suspicious activity in your vicinity,” Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/improvised-explosive-device-carrier-neutralized-in-basilan/

Kalinaw News: Government provides sustainable programs for Former Rebels in Cotabato

From Kalinaw News (Jul 1, 2022): Government provides sustainable programs for Former Rebels in Cotabato

MAKILALA, COTABATO – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in coordination with the 39th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army and the Local Government Unit of Cotabato, spearheaded the Turnover Ceremony of Livelihood Starter Kits to 40 Former Rebels in the said municipality on June 29, 2022.

The activity aimed to sustain the initial interventions given to FRs after they were successfully mainstreamed to their respective communities. This will also help them cope with the new life given to them to become responsive and interactive to the needs and interests of the communities they are part of.

As he talked to the beneficiaries, Congressman Rudy Caoagdan inspired them to be good and to have a genuine transition of becoming good citizens of the country. He said, “Let us always be thankful to the government as it looks for the betterment of every Filipino and may this program help convince others to surrender and become responsible residents of their communities.”

Government’s sustainment program is essential to ensure that the FRs will become progressive and productive citizens of the their communities which will further prevent them from returning to armed struggle.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/government-provides-sustainable-programs-for-former-rebels-in-cotabato/

Gov’t troops, rebels clash in Lambunao

From Panay News (Jul 1, 2022): Gov’t troops, rebels clash in Lambunao (By Ruby P. Silubrico)

Troops of the Philippine Army’s 82nd Infantry (Bantay Laya) Battalion and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels clashed in Sitio Barangbang, Barangay Cabatangan, Lambunao, Iloilo.

The soldiers were in the barangay in response to tips from residents about the presence of armed men in their community.

The short encounter happened at around 3:20 p.m. on June 28. The exchange of fire lasted for some five minutes.

According to Captain Kim Apitong, spokesperson of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), there were around eight rebels and they were like members of the NPA Central Front, Komiteng-Rehiyon Panay.

There were no casualties or injuries on the government side. It was unclear if there were such on the rebels who retreated deep into the mountains.

This was the second encounter between government troops and rebels in a week. Soldiers were able to recover one M203 grenade launcher, 22 ammunition for M16 rifle, a backpack, a kilo of rice, rice pot, five pairs black sandals, four empty plastic containers, subversive documents, and personal belongings.

“The Army’s 3ID strengthened its intensive and persistent Focused Military Operations (FMO) to deter rebels from launching atrocities,” Apitong said.

On June 21, personnel of the 61st Infantry Battalion and the NPA’s Sibat Platoon, Komiting Rehiyon Panay had an encounter in Barangay Danao, Leon town.

The exchange of fire erupted at around 3:30 p.m. There were seven armed insurgents.

There were no casualties.

Major General Benedict Arevalo, 3ID commander, said the cooperation and support of the local populace to the Army preventing the rebels’ extortion activities and atrocities.

https://www.panaynews.net/govt-troops-rebels-clash-in-lambunao/

Military bares gains In fight against Reds

From the Mindanao Times (Jul 1, 2022): Military bares gains In fight against Reds (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

THE 10th Infantry Division presented on Tuesday the gains that it has achieved in the fight against the communist armed conflict in the Davao Region during Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support (PLEDS) Cluster meeting held at Balunto Hall, Camp General Manuel T Yan Senior in Mawab, Davao De Oro.

Major General Nolasco A. Mempin, division commander and PLEDS chair, only one guerilla front remained out of the 15 guerilla fronts and six Pulang Bagani commands at the start of the administration of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte in 2016.

PLEDS is part of the Regional Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC).

The presentation also showed that since the implementation of Executive Order Number 70 in 2018, the division recorded 367 armed encounters; 1,567 firearms seized and recovered, 1,614 rebels were either captured or killed or surrendered, 48 of them were leaders, and 322 barangays were cleared.

This prompted the government to declare the city and the five provinces free from the influence of the communist group.

“From being the AFP’s national priority area six (6) years ago due to the heavy density of enemy presence and activity here in Region 11, we have now become a center of excellence in combating insurgency,” Mempin said.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2022/07/01/military-bares-gains-in-fight-against-reds/

Rebel killed in gunbattle

 From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 2, 2022): Rebel killed in gunbattle (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

A suspected member of the New People’s Army died yesterday in an encounter with Army soldiers and policemen in Sitio Tamusi, Brgy. Talalak, Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental.

A joint operation of the Army’s 11th Infantry Battalion, 705th Regional Mobile Force Company and the Santa Catalina police led to the death of an unidentified rebel, whose cadaver was left behind by his fleeing comrades.

A report from the 11th Infantry Battalion said that a K9 assault rifle with a magazine containing 20 ammunition, two magazines of M16 rifle and a .45 caliber pistol with11 ammunition, two Baofeng VHF radios and a backpack containing subversive documents were recovered from the encounter site.

No casualty was reported on the government side after the gunbattle that lasted about eight minutes.

Pursuit operations are ongoing as of press time.

https://visayandailystar.com/rebel-killed-in-gunbattle/

Dispatches from Paradise: Journeys across Tawi-Tawi and Sulu

Posted to MindaNews (Jun 29, 2022):  Dispatches from Paradise: Journeys across Tawi-Tawi and Sulu (By NAGUIB G. SINARIMBO)

(Bangsamoro Local Governments Minister Naguib Sinarimbo managed to find time to write down notes on the inaugural Philippine Airlines’ Cotabato to Tawi-Tawi flight on June 9 and the return flight from Tawi-Tawi to Cotabato on June 13. Between June 9 and 13, he visited several towns in Tawi-tawi and Sulu for groundbreaking rites of projects such as construction of town halls and a reformation center, as well as inspection of desalination projects. The Cotabato-Tawi-Tawi-Cotabato flight is twice weekly, on Mondays and Thursdays)

We joined the inaugural direct flight of the Philippine Airlines from Cotabato City to Tawi-Tawi on Thursday, June 9 and took the opportunity to break ground and inspect several projects in the island municipalities of Tawi-Tawi and Sulu.

Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim (center), Mindanao Development Authority chair Milabel Sunga-Acosta (to the right of Ebrahim), Minister of Transportation and Communications Dickson Hermoso (left), and PAL Express Officer-in-Charge Rabbi Vincent Ang (2nd from right) just before the inaugural flight from Cotabato to Tawi-Tawi early morning Thursday (9 June 2022). MindaNews photo by BONG S. SARMIENTO

This trip has been very productive and in between we took advantage to enjoy the natural beauty that the island provinces offer.

Upon arrival in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi’s capital town, we immediately proceeded for the groundbreaking rites of the New Government Center of Bongao.

During this ceremony, we handed over to Mayor Jimuel Que half of the 25 million pesos commitment that we made to him when we held our Management Committee meeting in Bongao last year.

From Bongao, we went to Simunul to break ground for another project — the Simunul Port Terminal and Tourism Center.

 

How the Simunul Seaport and Tourism Center will look like when construction is completed. Photo courtesy of MILG

This project is a partnership between our ministry, the Province of Tawi- Tawi and the municipality of Simunul. We also handed to the provincial government half of the 50-million-peso budget for this project.

Our hope is that these projects will enhance further the capacity of the local government units (LGUs) in this new tourism destination — Tawi-Tawi — and its beautiful people.

We spent the night in the beautiful island municipality of South Ubin, Tawi-Tawi on our way to Sulu.

South Ubian lies at the boundary between Tawi-Tawi and Sulu. We reached the shores of the island of Tabawan at dusk and we needed to transfer to a smaller boat as the water was shallow and there is no pier in this island.

Mayor Hadzri Matba generously treated us to an evening of cultural presentation and of course sumptuous dinner.

 

Cultural presentation over sumptuous dinner at South Ubian in Tawi-Tawi. Photo courtesy of MILG

In the morning of June 10, we broke ground for the construction of the South Ubian Municipal Hall. It was raining but it never dampened our spirit.

We also took the opportunity to check on our desalination project for this town.

The whole municipality of South Ubian, including Tabawan, one of the major island settlements of South Ubian is surrounded by water but has no potable water supply.

Total adventure

More than the natural beauty of this place, it is also the hospitality and the generosity of the people here that are truly captivating. We are already looking forward to visiting this island again even before we can leave.

The journey to the next island, the municipality of Lugus was a total adventure.

Our journey continued on to the island municipality of Lugus in Sulu. To get to Lugus, we needed to cross the Siasi channel, a body of water that separates the group of islands in the province of Sulu and the cluster of islands of the province of Tawi-Tawi. This is also where the Celebes Sea meets the Sulu Sea. The old folks in South Ubian were telling us that any newcomer to the islands will always be greeted with a rough sea by the channel.

It was raining when we left just before noontime the island of Tabawan on our way to Lugus. True enough, the sea was rough and I was concerned, though I maintained a stoic face, because some of us do not even know how to swim.

Engr Bob, our Project Management and Development Division Chief, was monitoring our progress through an app on his mobile phone and was complaining that the direction of the speedboat was towards Pangutaran and not Lugus.

Our expert speedboat navigator nonetheless persisted and we were all showered with seawater as the boat battled the waves. In the end, we were all relieved when the operator gradually moved towards the right and we saw the island municipality of Lugus. These expert sea navigators are a master of their craft.

In Lugus, we were greeted by the smiling Mayor Hadar Hajiri who ushered us into his house which also serves as the temporary municipal hall of Lugus.

 

Lugus Mayor Hadar Hajiri receives Bangsamoro Interior and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo at his temporary office – actually his bedroom in his house in Lugus, Sulu — on 10 June 2022. A divider made of capiz shells inside the room separates the public side (the office) from the private side (the bed). Hajiri’s house serves as the town hall since it does not have a municipal building. But it will not be for long as the groundbreaking for the town hall on June 11 marks the start of its construction. MindaNews photos by BONG S. SARMIENTO

When asked by the accompanying journalists in our team why he has a bed in his office, he jokingly said that he has been hosting this municipality in his house for a long time.

A lunch of some of the most exotic seafood in the island concluded our brief meeting.

Lack of potable water

We immediately proceeded to the groundbreaking of our Municipal Hall building for this island municipality. We also handed over to the LGU half of the budget of this 25-million-peso project. It was here last year when we committed to give this municipality its permanent municipal hall. We also signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the desalination machine for this municipality.

It was in this island municipality, too, where I first saw the difficulty of lack of potable water in the islands.

As we were docking here last year, I saw a boatload of people with plastic containers and I asked the mayor where those people were headed. He told me they were bound for Siasi to fetch drinking water.

Imagine crossing that channel every day to fetch water! It was then that I made a resolve to provide solution to this urgent problem of our people in the islands.

I am glad we are fulfilling that promise now.

From Lugus, we proceeded to Jolo, the capital town of the province of Sulu.

We approached the ancient port of Jolo from the east. From the sea, you immediately realize the strategic location of the port as the water is calm because of the protection from the waves provided by the cluster of islands of the municipality of Panglima Tahil.

As we gazed upon the horizon to our right, you cannot help but marvel at the natural beauty of this place with two imposing structures that lend its presence with immediacy of our vision – one is man-made and the other natural.

 

Sunday in Jolo A Sunday morning scene at the Jolo wharf is framed by Sulu’s Grand Masjid Tulay (left) and the mountain, Bud Tumantangis, on 26 June 2022. MindaNews photo by GAMSON JR MAWALLIL QUIJANO

The masjid Tulay towers above the skyline of Jolo with its minarets appearing to shoot above the sky as if to transmit all the silent prayers of its people to where we all believe the answers lie.

Bud Tumantangis majestically guards the town as if to warn and remind every invader that it has fought and defeated them all throughout the generations. Old photos of this town dating back to pre-Spanish times including its trading days with China and the rest of the world framed my view of the present Jolo. There is no escaping it. It was a powerful capital and a prosperous trading post for centuries before colonization.

As we traveled inside the narrow streets of Jolo on our way to Indanan, you realize it has lost its glory and grandeur. It pains me.

Public markets, reformation center

In Indanan, we were greeted by Member of Parliament Tong Jikiri, son of the famous Moro National Liberation Front warrior Yusop Jikiri who served as Governor of Sulu from 2001 to 2004 and representative of its first congressional district from 2007 to 2010.

I was still soaking wet from the rain as well as the splash of the seawater during our travel from South Ubian to Lugus. The aroma of Kahawa Sug and the unique taste of it awakened all my senses. We truly are in Sululand now with its “coffee for the brave” or Kahawa Sug invading our taste bud.

We broke ground immediately for the construction of our Public Market for the municipality of Indanan which is a town adjoining the capital town of Jolo. We also released half of the 25-million-peso funds to the LGU for this project. Our hope is that this project would help in the economic recovery of the town and spur economic activities. It is among the many small steps that we will undertake to bring back the glorious past of this province.

As it was dusk, we immediately left for Patikul.

From Indanan, we proceeded to Patikul to break ground for the construction of a first ever Reformation Center for “rebel returnees,” in particular former Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members in the province of Sulu.

The future reformation center for former rebels joining mainstream society in Patikul, Sulu. Courtesy of MILG

Patikul, and in particular, Barangay Langhub, where the center will be built, is a known ASG stronghold just a few years ago. In fact, while we were leaving Cotabato, our Team was still debating whether it was a good idea to put the Reformation Center in this area. I trusted the military and our locals here. And so even if it was already getting dark, we proceeded with the program just the same.

Brig. Gen. Benjamin Batara, Jr. of the 1103 Brigade and his officers as well as the LGU of Patikul under Mayor Kabir Hayudini joined us in this event. The location was in the interior and given that it rained that day, the path leading to the site was slippery.

 

Brig. Gen. Benjamin Batara, commander of the 1103rd Infantry Brigade and the Bangsamoro’s Local Governments Minister Naguib Sinarimbo sign the memorandum of agreement for the construction of a reformatory center in Barangay Langhub, Patikul, Sulu on Friday, 10 June 2022. MindaNews photo by BONG SARMIENTO

The Reformation Center will serve as the halfway house for these rebels who have decided to rejoin mainstream society. It is a complement to our Project Tugon and will serve as the venue for their skills development training as well as reorientation. This will be a safe space that will prepare them to rejoin our society and become productive members of our community. This was a project specifically requested by the Western Mindanao Command chief, Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr. when he paid a courtesy visit on the Bangsamoro Chief Minister (Ahod Balawag Ebrahim is oftentimes still referred to as Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, by his nom de guerre in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front – ed) last year. It is a partnership between our ministry, the LGU and our security sector.

Traveling at night: Peace taking root

We left Patikul when it was already dark and proceeded to the other end of the Sulu main island, Luuk.

Just very recently, no one dared to traverse this road at night, but here we are on a journey to the far end of Sulu and enjoying the serenity of the surroundings.

Peace, indeed, is taking root in this once troubled paradise.

Congressman Munir Arbison hosted us for a couple of days in Luuk, the emerging center of the 2nd District of Sulu.

Luuk is located in the southern tip of the main island of Sulu. We travelled at night from Indanan to Luuk and what we immediately noticed is that the roads in the second district of Sulu are well paved and are already four lanes with solar lights in the middle. Luuk both has a seaport and a small airport. A hotel is also being built here.

We broke ground the following morning (June 11) for the construction of barangay halls and a Municipal Police Station for this municipality.

We proceeded to Omar town for groundbreaking of the public market and from there proceeded to Panglima Tahil town where we inspected the desalination machine while another team inspected two desalination machines in Pangutaran town.

 

Residents fetch drinking water from a desalination machine in Hadji Panglima Tahil, Sulu on June 11, 2022. MindaNews photo by FERDINANDH CABRERA

We inspected two completed barangay halls in barangays Takut Takut and Chinese Pier in Jolo and proceeded to Panglima Estino at 9 p.m. on our way back to Luuk.

At Panglima Estino, we inspected the construction of the public market there.

Project inspection and groundbreaking

For two days, Luuk became our staging point for our travels around the municipalities of Sulu both for project inspection and groundbreaking.

Cong Arbison also generously lent us his airplane to fly us from Sulu back to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. We were also treated to great food and unparalleled hospitality.

We are truly grateful for the good Congressman and the great people of this province. We cannot thank you enough.

We left Luuk for Bongao on June 12 while another team inspected our municipal police station in Panamao, Sulu.

Back in Tawi-Tawi, we inspected the ongoing construction of the municipal buildings in Tandubas and Sapa-Sapa.

 

The PAL Express PR 2487 flight upon arriving at the Sanga-sanga Airport in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi on Thursday (9 June 2022). MindaNews photo by FERDINANDH CABRERA

On June 13, before flying back to Cotabato City from Bongao, we inspected the ongoing construction of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) provincial office in Bongao.

As the airplane took off from Sanga Sanga airport, I glanced back at the receding view of the Bongao peak before our vista was enveloped by the unending blue sea. This sea, for most of us, has been the great divide that separated the mainland BARMM from its island provinces of Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, and Basilan. We have just breached this divide.

 
https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2022/06/dispatches-from-paradise-journeys-across-tawi-tawi-and-sulu/

2 Sayyafs killed in South

 From the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 1, 2022): 2 Sayyafs killed in South

Two Abu Sayyaf terrorists were killed in separate clashes in southern Philippines, a hotbed of Muslim insurgency in the country, officials said Friday.

Army Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., chief of Western Mindanao Command, said soldiers swooped down at dawn Thursday on an Abu Sayyaf target in Lumbaan Mahaba, a village in the town of Parang and killed Gan Salahudin.

He said troops recovered Salahudin’s weapons – an M16 automatic rifle and an M203 grenade launcher. “Troops of Joint Task Force Sulu conducted a strike operation targeting an Abu Sayyaf group member. This resulted in a short firefight that led to the death of the target identified as Gan Salahudin,” Rosario said, adding the body of the slain terrorist was handed over to his family.

Rosario said another group of soldiers also clashed with Abu Sayyaf gunmen in Buanza village in Indanan town, but there were no immediate reports of casualties.

“The military is doing its best to convince all the remnants of the Abu Sayyaf group to return to the folds of the law. But we also remain tough if they refuse to end the conflict peacefully. We will exhaust all our available resources to hunt and pound all those who plan to create disturbance in the peaceful communities and victimize innocent civilians in our area of operation,” he said.

The official also reported that another terrorist, Adil Akarab, was slain in a running gun battle with soldiers in Lamitan City in Basilan province on Wednesday. He said infantrymen recovered an improvised explosive and a dismantled rifle Akarab was transporting along with another companion who managed to escape.

The duo was on a motorcycle when they evaded a military roadblock, but troops pursued them and a gun fight ensued.

“I commend the troops of Joint Task Force Basilan for the neutralization of the IED carrier and for foiling the bomb plot of our adversaries. I urge everyone to always remain calm and vigilant, and immediately report to the authorities any suspicious activity in your vicinity,” Rosario said.

Just two weeks ago, an improvised explosive went off outside the Lamitan City Hall. Police said it was investigating the motive of the bombing and who was behind the explosion which damaged a water pipe and portion of a wall surrounding the government building.

There was no report of casualties from the blast. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the bombing, but the Abu Sayyaf, a pro-ISIS terrorist group, is actively operating in Basilan, one of five provinces under the restive Muslim autonomous region.

The blast occurred just a day after a pair of Abu Sayyaf fighters Jusrad Hudjata, 37; and Ahmad Pahalawan, 32, surrendered to the military in Basilan. They also yielded two rifles, according to Lt. Col. Cyril Santander, commander of the 18th Infantry Battalion.

Since January, a total of 17 terrorists had surrendered to authorities and mostly were provided government aid as part of a program to lure Abu Sayyaf members to surrender peacefully.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2022/07/2-sayyafs-killed-in-south.html

PBBM wants to elevate PH-China bilateral ties to 'higher level'

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 1, 2022): PBBM wants to elevate PH-China bilateral ties to 'higher level' (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (Screengrab from RTVM)

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has sought to bring the Philippines' bilateral ties with China "to a higher level."

Marcos made the commitment during his meeting with Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan at the National Museum of Fine Arts in the City of Manila on Thursday.

Marcos, based on a statement released by China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, considered China as "the most powerful partner of the Philippines."

Marcos said the Philippines' "good-neighborly friendship" with China is in the fundamental interests of both peoples, Xinhua said.

"The new Philippine government attaches utmost importance to the relations with China, and is willing to deepen its participation in the joint construction of the Belt and Road, join hands with China in coping with regional challenges, and elevate the bilateral ties to a higher level," said Marcos, as quoted by Xinhua.

Wang likewise told Marcos that he and his family have made "great contributions to enhancing the China-Philippines friendship.

He also expressed China's willingness to work with the Philippines under Marcos' leadership.

Wang said, "the Chinese side has always given priority to the Philippines in its neighborhood diplomacy, and is ready to work with the new Philippine government in carrying on their friendship, boosting mutual trust and deepening cooperation so as to usher in a new 'golden age' in bilateral ties."

On the issue of South China Sea disputes between the two countries, Wang stressed the need for the parties to "properly resolve differences and jointly safeguard peace and tranquility" in the contested waters.

He also said the two countries should uphold international equality and justice, and jointly promote peace and development in Asia, as well as the well-being of humanity.

"The Chinese vice president said that both sides should develop bilateral relations under the guidance of the two heads of state, who will steer the course of the development of bilateral ties," according to the statement.

In a separate statement, Xinhua said Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to Marcos.

Xi, in his congratulatory message, vowed to continue the good relations with the Philippines under the Marcos administration.

"Xi said he is ready to work with Marcos to chart the course for the development of bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term respective, and continue to write a great chapter of the China-Philippines friendship and cooperation for the new era, so as to benefit the two countries and their people," Xinhua said.

Radio Television Malacañang released a short video clip of Wang's courtesy call on Marcos.

Malacañang has yet to provide specifics of the meeting between Marcos and Wang, one of the foreign dignitaries who attended the former's inauguration as the 17th Philippine president.

Apart from Wang, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Don Pramudwinai, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, Australian Governor General David Hurley, and United States Second Gentleman Douglas Craig Emhoff also paid a visit to Marcos at the National Museum of Fine Arts.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177971

Marcos-Hurley meeting reinforces long standing PH-Australia ties

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 1, 2022): Marcos-Hurley meeting reinforces long standing PH-Australia ties (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

BILATERAL MEET. Australia’s Governor-General David Hurley meets with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (June 30, 2022). This is the first face-to-face meeting between the new chief executive and a foreign head of state. (Photo courtesy of Australian Embassy in Manila)

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received on Thursday Australia's Governor-General David Hurley for a bilateral meeting at Malacañan Palace after his inauguration.

This was the first face-to-face meeting between the new chief executive and a foreign head of state.

The Governor-General is also the highest-level dignitary to attend Marcos' inauguration at the National Museum on June 30, reflecting the importance Australia places on its long-standing relations with the Philippines.

“I am delighted to be in the Philippines, one of Australia’s closest neighbors, to see the work our countries are doing to elevate our bilateral partnership towards a Strategic Partnership. Our enduring friendship is anchored by our values of mateship and bayanihan,” Hurley said.

During their meeting, the heads of state discussed the expanding cooperation between Australia and the Philippines in defense, development, trade and people-to-people links.

The Australian Embassy in Manila said the leaders also reiterated the two countries’ commitment to peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177968

PH Army's primary research unit gets new head (Bio Data)

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 1, 2022): PH Army's primary research unit gets new head (By Priam Nepomuceno)

NEW 'DATA MANAGER'. Lt. Col. Angelo Guzman (left) assumes office as the new chief of the Philippine Army's (PA) Operations Research Center (ORC) in a turnover ceremony in Fort Bonifacio on Thursday (June 30, 2022). Guzman replaced Col. Harold Cabunoc (right) of the Army's Officer Candidate School, Training and Doctrine Command. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

Lt. Col. Angelo Guzman was named as the new chief of the Philippine Army's (PA) Operations Research Center (ORC), the unit in charge of the service's research initiatives.

Guzman took over the helm of the office in a turnover ceremony headed by PA acting chief-of-staff and concurrent Inspector General, Maj. Gen. Roy M. Gallido at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio on Thursday.

“Let us do our best in fulfilling our main goal of transforming our organization into a modern and more responsive Army. I also enjoin the officers, NCOs (non-commissioned officers) and civilian human resources of Team ORC to support your new chief as you have supported Col. Cabunoc,” Gallido said.

Guzman replaced Col. Harold Cabunoc, who has been serving as ORC head since June 2020.

The ORC is mandated to document data and information crucial in performing and sustaining Army operations through research, data management, and handbook production.

Guzman served as commanding officer of the 94th Infantry Battalion of the 3rd Infantry Division before being named as ORC chief.

He also held key posts such as executive officer of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division; public information officer of the Officer Candidate School and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command; and chief of the 9th Division public affairs office. Guzman is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1999.

He holds a Master in Public Management Major in Development and Security from the Development Academy of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Cabunoc will serve as commandant of the Officer Candidate School, Training and Doctrine Command.

Cabunoc also held key posts such as executive officer of the PA’s Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff; commanding officer of the 33rd Infantry Battalion, 6th Infantry Division in 2017; and executive officer of the Civil-Military Operations Battalion, 9th Infantry Division in 2011.

He was also sent to the United Nations Mission in Sudan for various foreign military assignments in 2008. Cabunoc was also designated as the Army Chief Public Affairs and the AFP Public Affairs Office Chief in 2011 and 2014, respectively.

He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and Master of Military and Defence Studies from Australian National University.

He is a member of PMA “Bantay Laya” Class of 1994.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177978