Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Alleged NPA leader, another rebel slain in Camarines Sur clash

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 3, 2022): Alleged NPA leader, another rebel slain in Camarines Sur clash (By: Ma. April Mier-Manjares)


Camarines Sur map

A suspected New People’s Army (NPA) leader and another unidentified rebel were killed on Tuesday, August 2, in a clash with the police and the military in Iriga City in Camarines Sur, a report from Philippine Army said Wednesday, August 3.

Major John Paul Belleza, public affairs chief of the Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry Division, said
one of the fatalities was identified as Danilo Bodino, aka “Aryong,” “Elsie” and “Billy,” commander of a platoon of Larangan 1 of Komiteng Probinsya 5 of the Bicol Regional Party Committee.


Belleza said concerned citizens tipped off the military of the presence of armed men in Barangay (village) San Vicente.

The Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion and the Iriga City police conducted a combat operation that resulted in a brief firefight with at least five NPA rebels at around 12:30 a.m.

Recovered from the clash scene were an M16 rifle, a laptop, cellphones and other subversive documents.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1640389/alleged-npa-leader-another-rebel-slain-in-camarines-sur-clash

Indonesian gov’t awards PH military officials, officers for rescue of locals from ASG

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 3, 2022): Indonesian gov’t awards PH military officials, officers for rescue of locals from ASG (By Joseph Pedrajas)

The Indonesian government has awarded its highly-regarded token of service to two of the Philippines’ former highest military officials for the successful rescue of three Indonesian fishermen abducted by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in 2019.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, through Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Agus Widjojo, bestowed on former Department of National Defense (DND) chief retired Maj. Gen. Delfin Lorenzana and former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff retired Gen. Cirilito Sobejana the Medal of Peace at its embassy in Manila on Wednesday, August 3.


Noel Pabalate/MANILA BULLETIN

Noel Pabalate/MANILA BULLETIN

Meanwhile, Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto awarded the Medal of Dharma Defense to at least 50 Filipino soldiers who were directly involved in the mission.

“The award from the government of Indonesia is a manifestation of the success of effective defense and security cooperation and the good relations between the two countries,” Widjojo said in his remark.

Noel Pabalate/MANILA BULLETIN

The Medal of Peace or Medali Perdamaian is being given by the Indonesian Head of State to any high-level individual who has greatly contributed in promoting peace, brotherhood, diplomacy and friendship, according to Indonesian Law No. 20 of 2009.

While the Medal of Dharma Defense or Medali Dharma Pertahanan is given by Indonesia’s Minister of Defense to foreign individuals “who are instrumental in enhancing the bilateral cooperation and smooth conduct of activities related to defense and security.”

Lorenzana, in an interview with reporters, said the award he received “is a good thing… because it is a recognition of efforts put by some other people to help each other.”

Three Indonesian fishers were abducted by ASG while fishing in the waters of Tambisan Island in Sabah, Malaysia in 2019 during the time of Lorenza and Sobejana.

Two of the victims were rescued on Dec. 22, 2019 while the other was rescued on Jan. 15, 2020 in a mission that led to the death of one personnel, who was also posthomously awarded, and the wounding of two personnel.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/03/indonesian-govt-awards-ph-military-officials-officers-for-rescue-of-locals-from-asg/

5 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Aug 3, 2022): 5 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender



ZAMBOANGA. Five Abu Sayyaf bandits surrendered Monday, August 1, to the government as military offensive continue against them in the province of Sulu. A photo handout shows one of the five Abu Sayyaf surrenderers handing over a rifle to Major General Ignatius Patrimonio, Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu commander (3rd from right). (SunStar Zamboanga)

FIVE Abu Sayyaf bandits have voluntarily surrendered to authorities as military offensive continue against them in the province of Sulu, officials said Wednesday, August 3, 2022.

Major General Ignatius Patrimonio, Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu commander, said that
four of the five Abu Sayyaf surrenderers was a follower of senior bandit leader Radullan Sahiron while the other four were followers of bandit sub-leader Sibih Pisih.

They turned over two Garand rifles and three caliber .45 pistols when they surrendered Monday, August 1, to the Talipao Municipal Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (MTF-Elac), Sulu’s version of the national government’s Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-Elcac).


Patrimonio said Amah Andin revealed that he decided to surrender due to the hardship with the group of Sahiron as they often move from one place to another to evade the pursuing government forces and wanted to be with his family as well realizing they have useless cause.

Patrimonio said that Andin also disclosed that the Abu Sayyaf bandits can no longer consolidate and no longer have the support of the community that prompted him to go back to the folds of the law.

He said the other four Abu Sayyaf surrenderers have similar reasons why they decided to surrender to live peaceful lives.

Talipao Mayor Nivocadnezar Tulawie said the five Abu Sayyaf surrenderers will receive benefits under the Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) as they return to their normal lives

The LSIP is a joint program of the Sulu provincial government and JTF-Sulu through its MTF-Elac. Incorporated with the "Return, Reform and Reintegrate" stages, the ASG returnees will be able to live a normal life with their families as they return to the mainstream of society.
 
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1936811/zamboanga/local-news/5-abu-sayyaf-bandits-surrender

CPP/CIO: Denounce Biden for remote assassination in Afghanistan

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 3, 2022): Denounce Biden for remote assassination in Afghanistan

Marco Valbuena
Chief Information Officer
Communist Party of the Philippines

August 03, 2022

People around the world must denounce US President Biden for conducting an unlawful assassination by remote control against a supposed “terrorist” target in Kabul City, in brazen violation of the national sovereignty of Afghanistan, and in outright disregard of the international laws of war.

Together with the US Central Intelligence Agency, Biden himself oversaw the operation and pushed the kill button to launch Hellfire missiles from US military drones. Biden justifies the murder by identifying the target as “the most wanted terrorist” and describing the killing as an “act of justice.”

Biden could not cite any imminent threat posed by the target, and merely harped on accusations unproven in court. In carrying out the killing, Biden high-handedly acted as the judge and executioner.

The targeted killing was carried out on the territory of a non-belligerent country. By carrying out the assassination in Afghanistan, which US forces left in 2020 after two decades of failed occupation, Biden displayed utter contempt for the sovereignty of another nations.

Biden’s targeted killing is not much different from the killings personally ordered by Donald Trump, including the 2020 assassination of Iraqi general Qassem Soleimani while on Iraqi soil, as well as the numerous killings against civilians perpetrated by the US in different countries since Obama launched the use of armed drones.

https://cpp.ph/statements/denounce-biden-for-remote-assassination-in-afghanistan/

CPP/NPA-Negros Island ROC: Panginto kag Pagpanghalit: Tinalawan nga Pamaagi sang 303rd Brigade

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 3, 2022): Panginto kag Pagpanghalit: Tinalawan nga Pamaagi sang 303rd Brigade (Gold and Resentment: The 303rd Brigade's Method Was Beaten)

Juanito Magbanua
Spokesperson
Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)
New People's Army

August 03, 2022



Para hinabunan ang kapaslawan sang militar sa ila dalagkuan nga operasyon nga laban kusog batalyon agud wasakon ang rebolusyonaryo nga pwersa, nagahimo ini sang mga pagpanghalit sa hanay sang pumuluyo pareho sang makasiligni nga pagpamatay, iligal nga pag-aresto, abduction, tortyur, pagpamahug ilabina sa ila mga gina-alegar nga pamilya sang mga rebolusyonaryo, pagpangawat sa mga kasapatan kag pagguba sa palangabuhi-an sang mga mangunguma. Nangin patakaran na sang mga pwersa sang estado nga ideklara nga engkwentro ang ila mga “crime scene,” pasibangdan nga katapu sang NPA ang ila mga biktima kag butang-butangan pa sang mataas nga ranggo, kag tanuman sang armas.

Sini lang nga bulan sang Hulyo, apat ka peke nga engkwentro sa norte kag sentral nga bahin sang Negros ang ginpabugal sang berdugo nga 303rd Brigade commander BGen. Inocencio Pasaporte: una sang Hulyo 6, 2022, apat ka katapu sang NPA ang nagamasakit sang trangkaso ang nadakop sang tropa sang 94th IB sa Sityo Calunakon, Barangay Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental. Matapos nga madakop, gindala sila sa Sityo Amiles kag didto gin-masaker nga wala na sang ikasarang mag-away o hors de combat. Ginpaggwa sang militar nga lihitimo nga engkwentro nga naglawig lang sa tatlo ka minuto.

Ikaduha, sa pareho nga petsa, ginpa-arakan sang 40 ka elemento sang 79th IB ang mga residente sang Sitio Banwa Minatay, Barangay Marcelo, Calatrava, Negros Occidental. Ginpa-arakan man ang kalasangan kag ang balay nga lapit sini. Napilasan ang isa ka bata, na-trauma ang eloy kag iban nga myembro sang pamilya, kag iligal nga gin-aresto base sa planted nga ebidensya ang isa ka sibilyan.

Ikatulo, Hulyo 20, 2022, samtang nagapahuway ang lima ka mangunguma sa isa ka kamalig sa Sityo Catuptop, Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, ginpa-arakan ini sang luthang sang mga katapu sang 62nd IB. Sa sini nga insidente, napatay si Pompeo Landisa, residente sang sini nga lugar. Simple lang nga pahayag sang militar nga isa ka engkwentro ang natabu kag ang napatay isa ka NPA. Si Pompeo Landisa isa ka mangunguma kag tumandok sang sini nga lugar, halos tanan nga pumuluyo sa ila sityo nakakilala sa iya kag klaro nga isa siya ka sibilyan.

Ikaapat, Hulyo 26, 2022, nagakatulog pa sang mga alas singko sang kaagahon sang ginpa-arakan sang mga katapu sang 62nd IB ang isa ka balay sa Sityo Banderahan, Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. Napatay sa sini nga pagmasaker sanday Christina Jacolbe nga nagabusong sang lima ka bulan, ang iya anak nga si Everly Kee Jacolbe, 16 anyos kag Rodan Montero. Si Christina isa ka anay maestra sa Day Care kag target nga patyon sang militar halin pa sa ginlunsar ang Oplan Sauron 1 sa syudad sang Guihulngan kag iban nga banwa sang Negros Oriental.

Magluwas sa pagpamatay sang mga sibilyan kag wala sang inogbato, madata man ang iligal nga pagpang-aresto sang mga sibilyan pareho sang mag-asawa nga Gerald Ganti kag Dalen Alipo-on sang syudad sang Himamaylan, ang gina-aligar nga pagkadakop sang isa ka most wanted sa Central Visayas nga si Charlie Saliganan sa Sta. Catalina,Negros Oriental nga ginbasibangdan nga katapo sang NPA, kag ang iligal nga pag-aresto kay Ramonito Mahinay sang Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental. May ara man tuyo nga pag-kidnap sang mga kabataan sang Debagyo kag Mijares nga gina-aligar kabataan sang NPA agud pwersahon ang ginikanan nga magsurender.

Ini nga mga panghitabo nagapamatuod nga kahalitan ang dala sa kontrarebolusyonaryo nga kampanya sang 3rd ID sa isla sang Negros. Gina-igo ang mga inosente nga sibilyan ukon ang mga kaupod nga wala na sa ikasarang nga magbato. Isa ini ka tinalawan nga pamaagi nga ginakangil-aran sang pumuluyo.

Ang asud-asud nga himo-himo nga “fake encounter” sang pasista nga AFP nagapamatu-od nga ang rehimen US-Marcos Jr isa lang ka pagpadayon sa pag-atake kag pagpamahog sa pumuluyo kag sa ila mga kinamatarung sa tunga sang grabe nga krisis sosyo-ekonomiko. Pareho lang nga ginatulod ang pumuluyo nga makigbahin sa armadong paghimakas para sa matuod nga kahilwayan.

Nagadalum na ang lulubngan sang mala-kolonyal kag mala-pyudal nga sistema nga ginakutkot sang rehimen US-Marcos Jr. Ang pumuluyo ang mangin makahulusga sa katapusan sang rehimen upod ang ila matuod nga hangaway.###

https://cpp.ph/statements/panginto-kag-pagpanghalit-tinalawan-nga-pamaagi-sang-303rd-brigade/

Kalinaw News: General Centino visits his first unit assignment in New Bataan, Davao De Oro

From Kalinaw News (Aug 3, 2022): General Centino visits his first unit assignment in New Bataan, Davao De Oro



MAWAB, Davao De Oro – Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Andres C Centino visited the home of the 66th Infantry “KABALIKAT” Battalion at Brgy. Cabinuangan, New Bataan in Davao De Oro on Wednesday, August 2, 2022, as part of his exit visit to various ground units of the Philippine Army.

66th Infantry Battalion is the first unit of Gen Centino wherein he served as a platoon leader and subsequently as acting commanding officer of Charlie Company from August 1, 1988, until February 15, 1991.

On board the S70i Blackhawk helicopter, Gen Centino and his party were received by 10th Infantry “Agila” Division Commander Major General Nolasco A Mempin upon their arrival in New Bataan.

In his message during the talk to troops, Gen Centino reminded the soldiers to sustain the positive gains of the unit and to abide by its oath which is to serve the people and secure the land.

Afterwards, Major General Mempin handed over a memento to Gen Centino that shows the road towards an insurgency-free 10ID area of responsibility.









[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/general-centino-visits-his-first-unit-assignment-in-new-bataan-davao-de-oro/

Former MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu joins group seeking new BARMM leaders

From Rappler (Aug 3, 2022): Former MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu joins group seeking new BARMM leaders (By ROMMEL REBOLLIDO)



The terms of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority members were not extended under the law, says Eid Kabalu, erstwhile spokesman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front

One of the most prominent leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) before it signed a peace agreement with the government is now joining calls for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to appoint a new set of interim leaders for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Eid Kabalu was practically the face of the MILF at the height of its struggle for Bangsamoro self-determination until he severed his ties with the then-secessionist group, three years before it forged a peace deal with the government.

He resigned from the MILF and stopped serving as its spokesman in 2011, ahead of a move for his expulsion for supposedly seeking local political support so he would be named acting governor of the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Instead, then-president Benigno Aquino III named Mujiv Hataman, now Basilan representative.

On Wednesday, August 3, Kabalu openly declared his support for a group that calls itself the MILF-Salamat wing.

The group, named after the late MILF founder Hashim Salamat and led by expelled member and former commander Abdulfatah Delna, earlier asked Marcos to replace Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) interim officials with members of the Salamat wing.


Delna said MILF chairman and BARMM Interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim supported the presidential bid of Marcos’ strongest election opponent, then-vice president Leni Robredo.

Kabalu, now the political affairs chief of Delna’s group, said the BTA members’ terms of office expired on June 30, the day Marcos assumed the presidency.

“It would be for the best interest of the Mindanao peace process if the President already appointed new BTA members,” Kabalu said.

Marcos has been silent about the fate of Ebrahim and other interim BTA members although Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez’s first memorandum on June 30 declared vacant the government positions being held by appointed officials.

BARMM’s caretakers said Rodriguez’s memo did not apply to them.

“While the BTA was extended by law, it doesn’t include the terms of its members,” said Kabalu, who last served as a political affairs officer of BARMM Interim Parliament Member Midpantao Midtimbang.

Midtimbang terminated Kabalu’s services when he learned that the former MILF spokesman was the political affairs head of Delna’s group.


Ebrahim called on members of the MILF to abide by the collective decision and policy of the MILF Central Committee on the list of people recommended as BARMM caretakers.

The list includes Ebrahim as interim chief minister of the special Mindanao region.

Ebrahim said he received information from MalacaƱang that Marcos would make an announcement about the BARMM and BTA after he is done with the appointment of key officials of the national government.

He said it was clear in the Bangsamoro Organic Law that until the President appoints BTA members, the current interim officials of the BARMM would continue serving as the region’s caretakers.

Ebrahim earlier called Delna and his group “peace spoilers.”

But Kabalu said Ebrahim’s group should not see the MILF-Salamat wing as an enemy but as an ally that has been “trying to air grievances on certain policies of the MILF, as part of the democratic process.”

https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/former-milf-spokesperson-eid-kabalu-joins-group-seeking-new-barmm-leaders/

New PNP chief to address peace and order concerns 'with care'

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 3, 2022): New PNP chief to address peace and order concerns 'with care' (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



NEW PNP CHIEF. New Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin delivers his acceptance speech as he took the helm of the police force at the PNP headquarters at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Wednesday (Aug. 3, 2022). He will serve the 28th PNP chief until April 24, 2023 when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56. (PNP photo)

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin on Wednesday vowed to address peace and order concerns with compassion, as he took over the helm of the police force.

“I launched my peace and security framework entitled MKK=K, the abbreviations stand for Malaskit, Kaayusan Kapayapaan and Kaunlaran wherein the combination of care, order and peace shall equate to progress. As I take the helm of the PNP today, I want to employ the same aspiration to the entire organization. The malasakit program aspires to address the external and internal issues of the organization,”
he said in his speech at the PNP headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

The 55-year-old police general will lead the 227,000 strong force of police personnel who shall continue to ensure the unhampered delivery of the organization’s mandate for the safety and protection of the citizens.

Azurin said the MKK=K shall be supplemented by Kasimbayanan program which stands for Kapulisan, Simbahan at Pamayanan wherein regardless of religious affiliation, volunteer church leaders shall help the police nurture relations with the community, bridging the gap between the two.


He said he also seeks to organize the community as peace advocates to ensure that every citizen is law-abiding through the help of different church-based organizations.

The PNP personnel, he said, shall also receive counseling through the squad's weekly interactive meeting program or SWIM to become better servants and protectors of each community.

During SWIM, he said PNP personnel are accompanied by life coaches from the religious sector as they read the Bible verses and relate it to their work and personal experience.

He reminded the law enforcers of their fundamental jobs to prevent crime through operations, preempt crime through intelligence, solve crime through investigations, and organize and mobilize the community through PCR (police community precinct).

“Your PNP shall enhance the training of its personnel as part of their career advancement, development, and competency refresher. This is to ensure quality police assistance,” Azurin said.

He said he will continue to partner with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and various clusters of Executive Order No. 70 that created the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) to achieve a lasting peace throughout the country.

The PNP, he added, shall ensure that all barangay development programs shall reach its completion by providing security to its implementers.

Azurin said he would also continue the Internal Cleanliness Policy implemented by his predecessor.

“We began our internal cleansing program of preventive, punitive and restorative efforts. Subsequently, the dismissal, suspension and demotion of PNP personnel found guilty of administrative charges has declined over the years. However, to further cleanse our ranks of misfits and undesirables, we need to level up our counterintelligence," Azurin said.

Azurin is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Makatao" Class of 1989.

He will serve as the 28th PNP Chief and the first under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He will serve until April 24, 2023 when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

He replaced officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr..

"To our most esteemed OIC, Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., bok I have much to thank and admire you for giving me the opportunity to continue the programs that you have initiated in the PNP which are highly relevant and consistent with the wisdom and the intent of the strategic direction set in the PNP Patrol Plan 2030 roadmap," Azurin said.

Meanwhile, Danao urged the police force to continue providing genuine services and support all the plans and programs of his successor.

“I hope you will continue to support General Azurin in the same way you have supported me,” Danao said. “I hope that my professionalism and devotion to duty as a police officer will serve to inspire all of you who will eventually inherit the mantle of leadership of the police force. This means a firm commitment to law enforcement and a strong resolve to serve the nation and our people,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180571

Indonesia fetes PH military for rescue of 3 kidnapped nat'ls

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 3, 2022): Indonesia fetes PH military for rescue of 3 kidnapped nat'ls (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)



FILIPINO AWARDEES. Indonesia awards 52 Filipino Philippine military personnel and officials for the rescue of three Indonesian fishermen who were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf Group in 2019 in a ceremony held in Makati on Wednesday (Aug. 8, 2022). Among the awardees are former Defense chief Delfin Lorenzana and former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. (Ret.) Cirilito Sobejana. (PNA photo)

The Indonesian government on Wednesday awarded 52 Filipino nationals for the rescue of three Indonesian fishermen who were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf Group in 2019.

Former Defense chief Delfin Lorenzana and former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of Staff Gen. (Ret.) Cirilito Sobejana received the "Medali Perdamaian" or the Medal of Peace.

Fifty members of the Western Mindanao Command who were directly involved in the rescue mission, meanwhile, were given the Medal of Dharma Defense.

Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Agus Widjojo said Lorenzana and Sobejana are the first Filipino nationals to receive the Medal of Peace -- a token of service awarded by Indonesian President Joko Widodo to those who "contributed greatly to advancing peace".

Sobejana, at the time of the incident, was the commander of the Western Mindanao Command.


"I have always believed in the capabilities and professionalism of the Philippine soldiers under the leadership of their commanding officers in ensuring favorable results," Widjojo said during the awarding ceremony in Makati.

"It is their sense of commitment to uphold the righteous and condemn the lawlessness that made Indonesia decide to grant them two of Indonesia’s tokens of honor: the Medal of Peace and the Dharma Medal of Defense," he added.

The three Indonesians were kidnapped while fishing in the waters of Tambisan Island in Lahad Datu, Sabah on Sept. 23, 2019.

Two of them were rescued on Dec. 22, 2019 while the remaining one was freed on Jan. 15, 2020.

During the mission, Sgt. Romnick Estacio of the Philippine Navy Marine died and two others sustained gunshot wounds.

Estacio was posthumously awarded along with the 49 AFP officers.

'Effective security cooperation'

Widjojo said the award shows the "success of effective defense and security cooperation" between the two nations.

Lorenzana, on the other hand, cited the trilateral cooperation between the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia, which he said greatly contributed to the progress in curbing the kidnappings in Sulu Sea.

"(The actions taken by the Philippines) and the trilateral cooperation among the three countries proved to be very effective, that for a while, there were no kidnappings in the Sulu Sea... But sometime in 2019, the (Abu Sayyaf) kidnapped three Indonesian nationals and tried to bring them to Sulu," he shared.

"Our theory proved correct that the kidnappers need the islands to successfully bring their hostages to Sulu," he added.

He said they discovered Abu Sayyaf's "elaborate operations" using the islands in Sulu Sea to initially hide their hostages, moving them from island to island, until they reach Sulu.

Widjojo, for his part, hoped the two nations could further strengthen this area of cooperation as terrorism and other kinds of transnational crimes remain an ever-present threat.

"It could take the form of joint patrolling, intelligence sharing, enhancing capacity and learning of best practices. It can take many forms but the purpose is so that when we come together to conduct a joint mission, we are already familiar with the other," he told reporters.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180577

6ID lady soldiers lead peace ops in Central Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 3, 2022): 6ID lady soldiers lead peace ops in Central Mindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)



PEACE ADVOCATES. A female soldier under the Army’s 6th Infantry Division’s Task Group Bangis hands over a relief pack to a resident during a peace mission at Barangay Kablacan in Maasim, Sarangani province on Tuesday (August 2, 2022). The battalion-size unit (inset) is taking the lead role in the 6ID’s peacekeeping operations in Central Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Task Group Bangis (TGB), the newly formed peacekeeping unit of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID), has fielded female soldiers in the forefront of their peace missions in Central Mindanao.

Lt. Col. Michael Angelo Candole, the TGB commander, said the female soldiers will regularly accompany the Army in their humanitarian endeavors in the far-flung areas.

“These female soldiers are to provide support to the local government and other agencies, not limited to our outreach programs and medical missions,” Candole said in a statement Wednesday.

A platoon of women TGB soldiers participated Tuesday in a medical and outreach program conducted in Barangay Kablacan in Maasim, Sarangani province.


They participated in the medical consultation, operation “tuli” (circumcision), delivery of medicines and vitamins, hygiene awareness for teenagers, kids’ recreational activities, feeding program, operation “gupit” (haircut), minor operations, and relief goods distribution.

At least 100 beneficiaries, mostly indigents, benefited from the program carried out by joint Army, police, and local government unit (LGU) personnel.

“Deploying our female troops in these efforts is not only the right thing to do but also a smart move to win the hearts and minds of our local people, especially those at the grassroots level,” said Lt. Colonel Anhouvic Atilano, the Army's 38th Infantry Battalion commander who organized the outreach.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180526

Joint effort lead to surrender of 10 NPA rebels in Agusan Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 3, 2022): Joint effort lead to surrender of 10 NPA rebels in Agusan Sur (By Alexander Lopez)



BACK TO MAINSTREAM. The Army's 26th Infantry Battalion welcomes the surrender of 10 New People’s Army rebels Tuesday (August 2, 2022) in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur. The surrender was made possible through the efforts of the different stakeholders in the province under the local task force to end the local communist armed conflict. (Photo courtesy of 26IB)

At least 10 communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Agusan del Sur surrendered to the Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion (26IB) following a collaborative effort among government and civic organizations.

In a statement Wednesday, 26IB said
the surrender of eight NPA regulars and two rebel militiamen in Talacogon town Tuesday was made possible through the unit’s focused military operations and the efforts of the different sectors in the province.

The joint effort that led to the surrender, 26IB said, was undertaken by local government officials and leaders of the Indigenous People under the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).

It said
the surrenderers, who belonged to the NPA's North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, handed over two M16 rifles, an AK47 rifle, a Carbine rifle, two Garand rifles, two KG9 rifles, a shotgun, and an Uzi submachine gun.


Among those who surrendered was a certain Jerwin, a squad leader, who told military authorities that he can no longer endure the “hardships” within the rebel movement. He also wanted to return to his family.

“For many years, the NPA has brought chaos in our communities and into our lives,” Jerwin was quoted as saying by 26IB.

He added: “We decided to go back to the fold of the law for us to live freely, peacefully, and productively with our families.”

Lt. Col. Sandy Majarocon, 26IB commander, said that by turning themselves in, the 10 former rebels “realized the deceptions of the terrorist NPA movement.”

Majarocon said the surrender was a big blow to the NPA movement in the province, particularly in the areas of operation of the 26IB.

“I call on the remaining NPA rebels in the area to surrender and avail of the services of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government,” Majarocon said.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The National Democratic Front was formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180527

Tired of a life on the run, NPA rebel from Sorsogon yields after 10 years in Cordillera

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 3, 2022): Tired of a life on the run, NPA rebel from Sorsogon yields after 10 years in Cordillera (By Comanda Rizaldy C.)


A NEW People’s Army rebel got tired of dodging soldiers in the Cordillera and surrendered to the government last month in Benguet for a better life.

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A member of the Kilusang Makabayan under the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the government last July 18 after more than 10 years of being on the run in the mountains of Cordillera.

Benguet Gov. Melchor Diclas formally accepted the 30-year-old surrenderer from Barcelona, Sorsogon when Police Col. Reynaldo Pasiwen, Benguet police provincial director, presented him Tuesday, August 2, at the provincial capitol here, to be given government financial assistance.

According to Pasiwen, the surrenderer, alias “Agape” and “Aklay,” is a member of Kilusang Makabayan-Mandaluyong Chapter and was recruited by militant youth group Anakbayan at the age of 20 and became the chairman of Kilusang Makabayan.

He joined the NPA in 2013 and was deployed to Mountain Province until 2020.

He became a supply officer under the Leonardo Pacsi Command of the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Command operating in the areas of Barangay Gueday, Dandanak, and Mainit in Besao and Sagada, Mountain Province and nearby areas.

He yielded his gun, a homemade M14 rifle with one magazine and five bullets.

His voluntary surrender was the result of the diligence of the Benguet police in conducting intelligence driven operations related to the implementation of the “Dumanon Makitongtong” program.

He will be given financial assistance under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) after the necessary documents are processed.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/03/tired-of-a-life-on-the-run-npa-rebel-from-sorsogon-yields-after-10-years-in-cordillera/

Peace monitor: Weapons proliferate in Mindanao despite decommissioning process

From BenarNews (Jul 29, 2022): Peace monitor: Weapons proliferate in Mindanao despite decommissioning process (By Jojo RiƱoza and Jeoffrey Maitem)


Francisco Lara Jr., a senior peace and conflict adviser for International Alert Philippines (center), discusses violence in the southern Philippines during a news conference in Makati city, Metro Manila, July 28, 2022. The group’s country director, Nikki Philline de la Rosa (right), and consultant Judy Gulane flank Lara.  Jojo RiƱoza/BenarNews

Efforts to remove and destroy firearms belonging to former Muslim separatist guerrillas – as required by a 2014 peace deal – have failed to make the southern Philippines much safer from gun violence, a conflict monitoring group is reporting.

There has been no proper accounting for the number of weapons that members of the former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) guerrilla group have turned over and that have been decommissioned, analysts with International Alert Philippines said in presenting findings from their research over the last decade.

Many weapons are still circulating among militants and civilians in the south, they said.

“The reason why there is a proliferation of guns is because people in the Bangsamoro feel less protected,” Professor Francisco Lara Jr., the group’s senior conflict and peace adviser, said during a Thursday news conference announcing the release of the group’s new book, “Conflict’s Long Game: A Decade of Violence in the Bangsamoro.”

“Their security is more fragile than for anyone else in the region.”

International Alert said the government accepted the figure given to it by MILF officials that 14,000 guns had been decommissioned, but the number could not be verified. The leaders of the former armed separatist group control the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, as part of the 2014 peace deal with Manila, by which the MILF agreed to turn over and decommission weapons belonging to their fighters.

Officials with the MILF did not immediately respond to BenarNews requests for comment on Friday.

Lara noted that a 2016 report estimated there were “more than 50,000 loose weapons in the Bangsamoro region.”

He said that unless all unlicensed firearms are accounted for, violence, regardless of the perpetrators, would continue. Destroying weapons once owned by former rebels would not solve the problem because the country’s existing laws enable citizens to own weapons and to carry them outside their homes under special circumstances.

“If we are granting every Filipino the right to carry licensed firearms outside their homes, the MILF can say, why can’t we do the same,” he said. “Why not just register their weapons and let’s forget decommissioning. It really is hard in a culture where weapons are an insurance for protection of their security, it is very difficult to remove that.”

On Friday, gun violence claimed another victim in the southern Philippines. The father of a doctor suspected of killing a former mayor and two others during a graduation ceremony at a Metro Manila university last weekend was himself fatally shot by gunmen on a motorcycle.

According to Lara, while the 12,000-member MILF, the country’s largest former separatist group, held many weapons, thousands were in the hands of smaller militant groups with ties to the Islamic State, criminal groups and civilians who arm themselves for protection.

‘Ordinary people who just want to protect themselves’

Businessman Basilio Lozano Miro, who runs a car rental service in southern Cotabato city, said it was normal for residents to own weapons – whether licensed or unlicensed.

“In the place where I live in Cotabato, about 80 percent of the households here own firearms. And these are ordinary people who just want to protect themselves,” said Miro, who never leaves home without his licensed gun and whose adult son was taught from a young age to properly load and shoot.

“Why would I disarm myself when criminals and militants themselves are armed?”

Razul Intalan, a 53-year-old former MILF member, said he had to decommission his weapon, but that did not mean he would go without protection.

“Part of the money they gave to me I had set aside so I could buy a new gun from the black market,” he told BenarNews, as he tended a small community variety store that he runs in a former rebel enclave.

He is too old to be accepted in the military or police force, but never too old to protect himself from enemies, he said.

Decommissioning delays

The COVID-19 pandemic, which led to lockdowns on large parts of the Philippine archipelago, along with the election of a new president, delayed the decommissioning process involving the former MILF fighters and their weapons. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the country’s new president, has not named a deputy to deal with the process.

“We have raised the point of facilitating rather than delaying the decommissioning process because the level of weaponry is still high and it’s getting higher,” Lara said.

Despite those concerns, Lara said the peace process was on the right track and moving “toward a soft spot” in terms of an overall decline in violence.

“The violence is declining in the Bangsamoro. The issue we are raising is, will this be sustainable?” he asked.
 

Philippine police secure the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, Metro Manila, after a gunman killed three people, July 24, 2022. [Aaron Favila/AP]

Fatal shooting

Meanwhile on Friday, gunmen on a motorcycle fatally shot retired police officer Roland Yumol outside his home in Lamitan, a city on southern Basilan Island. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead upon arrival.

Lt. Col. Tadzhabel Managola, the new Lamitan city police chief, said investigators were trying to determine the motive for killing Yumol and to identify the gunmen.

“Our investigation continues to establish a possible motive in the gun attack,” Managola told local journalists in Basilan.

Residents said it could have been a vendetta over the killing of former Lamitan city Mayor Rosita Furigay.

Police arrested Yumol’s son, Chao Tiao Yumol, alleging he shot and killed Furigay along with an aide and a security guard at the Ateneo de Manila University campus in Quezon city on July 24. Furigay’s daughter, who was to graduate from law school that day, was injured.

The younger Yumol had a long-running feud with Furigay, who closed his clinic three years ago because he allegedly was operating it without a license, according to authorities. Police said he was arrested within hours of the shooting, adding that officers seized a gun previously owned by a military officer who reported it missing years ago.

“That weapon included a silencer, so that gives you an indication about what sorts of problems beleaguer the region when it comes to weapons,” Lara said, citing the police report.

Philippine National Police did not link the two shootings.

“So far, it is speculative to assume its direct relation to the shooting incident that happened last Sunday at the Ateneo de Manila University,” Brig. Gen. Roderick Alba, the public information office chief, said in a statement, according to the state-run Philippine News Agency.

[Froilan Gallardo and Richel V. Umel in Iligan city, and a correspondent in Zamboanga, Philippines, contributed to this report.]

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/weapons-proliferate-07292022151306.html

BARMM braces for terror attacks

From the Manila Times (Jul 29, 2022): BARMM braces for terror attacks (By Franz R. Sumangil)

AUTHORITIES in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are on high alert against two local terror groups after nine bombmakers were slain in clashes with government troops since January this year.

About a hundred members of outlawed groups Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) have also surrendered in separate occasions since November 2021 with the help of the Army's 6th Infantry Division (6ID) and the BARMM's Police Regional Office.

Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong, commander of the 6ID, on Wednesday said they have intensified their intelligence efforts to secure the surrender of more hardcore BIFF and DI members.


"It's better for them to come out now and return to mainstream society before it is too late," Capulong also said.

Last week, three members of the BIFF were killed for attempting to seize a detachment camp of the Army's 33rd Infantry Battalion in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao.

READ: 3 NPA rebels killed in Sultan Kudarat clash

The 30 government troops in the detachment successfully fended off the rebels who numbered 80, forcing them to retreat with three dead and seven wounded comrades after an eight-hour gunfight.

Local officials had told reporters the attack was meant to disprove public perception that the BIFF and the DI have been weakened by the deaths of 16 senior leaders and nine bombmakers from both sides in clashes with units of the 6ID in the past 18 months.

Capulong said officials of their units in the adjoining North Cotabato, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces are trying their best to reach out, with the help of local executives, to hardcore BIFF and DI members to convince them to avail of the division's local reconciliation program for religious extremists.

"We are trying to let them realize that it is better to thrive in peace with their families than become frequent targets of government anti-terror operations," he added.

READ: Military, police move to quake-hit areas for search, rescue operations

Capulong and the police director of the Bangsamoro region, BGen. Arthur Cabalona, also on Wednesday separately said their units in Maguindanao and in parts of Lanao del Sur are guarding tightly against possible attacks by the allies of BIFF and DI.

"This time we have the support of local government units in restraining them from moving around," he said.

READ: 5 BIFF members yield in North Cotabato town

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/07/29/news/regions/barmm-braces-for-terror-attacks/1852682

Police ready to tackle security threats in Sabah, especially Abu Sayyaf: IGP

Posted to the Sun Daily (Aug 2, 2022): Police ready to tackle security threats in Sabah, especially Abu Sayyaf: IGP


Inspector-Genereal of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani. BERNAMAPIX

LAHAD DATU: The police are always ready to tackle security threats in Sabah, especially the Abu Sayyaf group, by implementing various preventive measures, Inspector-Genereal of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said.

Likening the threats to existing diseases, he said the police and other security teams were always prepared, and had even arrested five Filipinos believed to be members of Abu Sayyaf in the first seven moths of this year.

He said to face such threats, 3,475 General Operations Force (GOF) and 900 marine police personnel have been stationed in the east coast of Sabah.

“However, in almost two years, there have been no threats, but that doesn’t mean the threats are gone, it doesn’t mean they aren’t looking for an opportunity to commit crime, and it certainly doesn’t mean we can relax and ease security related controls in the east coast of Sabah.

“We are always prepared and continue to boost our capabilities to combat security threats,” he said after closing the Sabah GOF Tiger Platoon Brigade Series 1/2022 that involved two senior officers and 84 personnel here today.

Acryl Sani also said that besides prevention, the police are also intensifying security controls in Sabah, including considering the need for two additional GOF battalions in the state.

“We have five GOF (battalions) in Sabah currently and we are working on adding two more battalions to assist in managing areas to handle any possible security incidents.

“This includes restructuring the GOF with the assistance of strength between platoons and brigades will be balanced to create two additional battalions in Sabah, besides seeing to the need for high-tech equipment for the Tiger Platoon and the marine police,” he said.

According to him, the government will always do whatever it can to strengthen security in Sabah.

Meanwhile, to improve skills in the police force, he would officially request that the Sabah government turn Pulau Tabawan here into an area specifically for skill training to strengthen techniques that will be used when faced with security situations.

“Based on a briefing by Internal Security and Public Order Department director Hasil taklimat ringkas Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali and Sabah police commissioner Datuk Idris Abdullah, Pulau Tabawan is a suitable area to be used for practical training,” he added.

On the Sulu group, Acryl Sani said the police are focused on parties that are trying to take opportunity of the situation to conduct criminal activities and to disrupt public order.

“For direct demands, we leave it to the government to settle it through legal means,” he said. - Bernama

https://www.thesundaily.my/local/police-ready-to-tackle-security-threats-in-sabah-especially-abu-sayyaf-igp-MA9534358

Sulu watch on despite Abu losses

 From the Manila Times (Aug 1, 2022): Sulu watch on despite Abu losses (By Francis Earl Cueto)



PNP chief LtGen. Vicente Danao Jr.. Photo from Philippine National Police

DESPITE violent extremists surrendering or returning to the government, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday said there will be no let-up in its campaign and it will continue to monitor the peace and order situation in Sulu in southern Mindanao.

The PNP Officer in Charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. made the statement after some 100 former rebels surrendered on Saturday.


Danao expressed belief that while the road to lasting peace is a journey, they are not giving up hope that such would be realized.

"Their surrender is a milestone but we prepare ourselves to make things work for them. We want to avoid a similar situation when other recruits will be persuaded to join the rebels," he said in a statement on Sunday.


Danao said the former rebels will not regret making their choice to go back to the folds of the law.

READ: Ex-NPA rebels get livelihood grants

"We must make sure that they feel that the government is capable of helping them survive and thrive in life. The PNP has this innate task to keep them away from harm, so with the rest of our countrymen," he said.

At present, the PNP is coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcers to track movements of rebel and terror groups operating in in Sulu and other identified "red" zones.

Priority is given to areas where there is an intense need to deploy more personnel because of escalated violence there.

"Meanwhile, the PNP also continues to implement programs and outreach activities in far-flung areas to move basic services closer to them," Danao said.

READ: Bong Go seeks end to communist insurgency

The former violent extremists gave up to authorities in a formal ceremony held at the Sulu provincial gymnasium on Saturday.

A total of 22 firearms, both long and short, were also turned over during the event.

This achievement in the campaign against criminality and terrorism was attended by Danao, Interior Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. and Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan.

"This is a collaborative effort among law enforcers, government agencies and other stakeholders sharing a common goal to end violence in communities toward nation-building," Danao said.

READ: Former rebels receive help from govt

The holistic approach to convince rebels and terrorists to go back to the folds of the law, he added, has an important component of assisting them in this fresh chapter of their lives.

"Proper coordination was done among government agencies and non-government organizations that pledged help for the rebel returnees," Danao said.

Food packs and monetary aid were given to those who surrendered.

READ: NTF-Elcac offers amnesty to insurgents

The surrenderers will also be monitored to track progress in their way of living.

"More than just being law enforcers, the PNP stands to ultimately promote lasting peace. An active government that is willing to listen to the people is the key to unlocking the barrier so the citizens can appreciate the programs and services that they ought to receive," Danao said.

The surrenderers came from the municipalities of Indanan, Omar, Maimbong, Panamao, Talipao and Patikul.

They will be enrolled in the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) to receive financial and livelihood assistance.

Under the E-Clip grant, qualified beneficiaries are entitled to guaranteed safety and security; cash assistance such as P50,000 livelihood aid; P15,000 for mobilization expenses; and firearms remuneration amounting to the value of turned-in weapons.

The E-Clip is a flagship program of the Duterte administration that aims to help members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front and Militia ng Bayan to restore allegiance to the Philippine government.

It was expanded in 2020 to include former violent extremists as beneficiaries.

"Sattar," 41, one of the surrenderers who has been an Abu Sayyaf combatant for over 10 years, bared during the ceremony that they were forced to take up arms because of their circumstances in life, particularly the lack of opportunities.

"We were forced to fight the government because of our situation in life. But now, the government is showing sincerity in helping us, so we want to return and start over again," he said in the vernacular.

Abalos said the government, through programs such as the E-Clip, is aiming to address the roots of the country's problem on terrorism.

"We will make sure na uunlad ang agrikultura at turismo ng (that agriculture and tourism will progress in) Sulu. We will make sure that our children will live in a good, better and brighter future," he added.

The former rebels also received food packs from the Bangsamoro government's Ministry of Social Services and Development and cash assistance worth P222,000 from private stakeholders.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/08/01/news/regions/sulu-watch-on-despite-abu-losses/1852975

2022/76 “Piracy and the Pandemic: Maritime Crime in Southeast Asia, 2020-22”

Posted to ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institue (Aug 2, 2022): 2022/76 “Piracy and the Pandemic: Maritime Crime in Southeast Asia, 2020-22” (By Ian Storey)


At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 there were concerns that maritime crime in Southeast Asia would surge due to an expected global economic slump. In this picture, vessels are seen anchored along the southern straits of Singapore on 21 September 2021. Photo: ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 there were concerns that maritime crime in Southeast Asia would surge due to an expected global economic slump.Although incidents of piracy and sea robbery (PSR) in the region did increase in 2020 the numbers were much lower than during previous spikes. In 2021 the frequency of attacks declined to pre-pandemic levels.The worst PSR black spot in Southeast Asia was the Singapore Strait where the number of attacks has increased significantly since late 2019.The implementation of counter-PSR measures by regional states, both individually and collectively, ensured that the problem was largely contained during the pandemic.The 2021 trend lines have continued into 2022: the Singapore Strait continues to be a PSR black spot, while the number of attacks has declined in almost every other part of the region.In the second half of 2022, PSR incidents may experience a moderate increase due to economic problems caused by the Russia-Ukraine War.

[Ian Storey is Senior Fellow at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute and co-editor of Contemporary Southeast Asia.]

ISEAS Perspective 2022/76, 2 August 2022

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INTRODUCTION

Piracy and sea robbery (PSR) is a perennial problem in Southeast Asia.[1] The geography of the region is characterised by large maritime spaces, sprawling archipelagos, and porous and contested sea boundaries. Regional navies, coast guards and other civilian maritime law enforcement agencies have limited resources to conduct patrols and monitor illegal activities in their countries’ territorial seas, large exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and expansive archipelagic waters. Inter-state cooperation to address the problem is sometimes constrained by sensitivities over sovereignty. Southeast Asia’s sea lanes, maritime choke points and harbours are among the busiest in the world, providing seaborne criminals with a target-rich environment. Corruption within the armed forces, civilian law enforcement agencies and port authorities exacerbates the problem. Poor socio-economic conditions in coastal communities often lead locals to turn to crime to make ends meet, especially during economic downturns.

Over the past two decades, however, Southeast Asian governments have enacted measures to improve security and crack down on crime in their ports, territorial waters and EEZs. And despite sensitivities over sovereignty and disputed maritime zones, regional states have established effective minilateral and multilateral initiatives to increase practical cooperation at sea and share information. As a result, PSR incidents in Southeast Asia have dropped dramatically, though the problem flares up periodically.

Historically, PSR incidents in Southeast Asia climbed during economic recessions, including during the 1997-1998 Asian Financial Crisis and the 2008-2009 Global Financial Crisis. Consequently, at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, there were concerns that maritime crime in Southeast Asia would experience another surge. As countries closed their borders to contain the spread of the virus, ships were forced to ride at anchor outside ports and anchorages across the region, providing tempting targets for sea robbers. The contraction of commercial activities raised the prospect of economic hardship in coastal communities. And as governments were forced to divert financial resources to tackle the spread of the virus, the budgets for navies and coast guards were threatened with cuts.

Although PSR incidents experienced an uptick in 2020, they did not reach the same levels as previous spikes, and in 2021 fell to pre-pandemic levels. This article examines the PSR statistics over the past two years and attempts to explain why Southeast Asia did not see a tsunami of maritime crime during the pandemic. It concludes by offering an assessment of the situation in 2022.

PIRACY AND SEA ROBBERY DURING THE PANDEMIC

Several organisations collect and publicly disseminate statistics on PSR incidents in Southeast Asia. The two most well-known are the International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre (IMB-PRC) in Kuala Lumpur, and the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia’s Information Sharing Centre (ReCAAP-ISC) in Singapore. The IMB-PRC is a non-governmental organisation set up in 1992 and funded by private companies in the maritime sector.[2] ReCAAP is an intergovernmental agreement signed by 14 countries in 2004 but which now has 21 contracting parties, including the United States and several European countries.[3] ReCAAP established the ISC in 2006 to facilitate information exchange and operational cooperation among the contracting parties. A third source of PSR statistics is the Information Fusion Centre (IFC). The IFC was established in 2009 as a multinational maritime security information sharing centre and is hosted by the Republic of Singapore Navy at Changi Naval Base.[4] A fourth source of data is the Maritime Information Cooperation and Awareness Center (MICA) operated by the French Navy in Brest, France.[5]

The data provided by the four organisations do not, however, provide a complete picture of the PSR situation in the region. Ships masters are sometimes reluctant to report PSR incidents because it leads to journey delays and raises their company’s insurance rates. This results in the issue of under-reporting. Due to political sensitivities, the IMB-PRC and ReCAAP-ISC assign different geographical descriptors to the location of PSR incidents, i.e. the latter uses more neutral geographic descriptors such as “Straits of Malacca and Singapore” or “South China Sea” instead of pointing to specific countries, especially Indonesia which has always been sensitive about the problem. Geographic definitions of Southeast Asia vary. For example, the IMB-PRC places Vietnam in East Asia rather than Southeast Asia, while MICA includes Papua New Guinea as a regional state. Nevertheless, the data from all four organisations provide an invaluable source of information for maritime security analysts.

For the period 2019 to 2021, the statistics from the four centres differ -sometimes markedly-but demonstrate the same overall trends: that during 2020, the first year of the pandemic, PSR incidents rose by 15-20 per cent in Southeast Asia but in 2021 declined to approximately the same level as in 2019 (see Table 1).

Table 1

Reports of PSR Incidents in Southeast Asia, 2019-2021
Reporting Agency 2019 2020 2021
IMB-PRC 55 66 57
ReCAAP-ISC 74 83 77
IFC 92 108 92
MICA 85 96 86

Sources: Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships Annual Report (London: International Maritime Bureau, various issues 2019-2021); Annual Report (Singapore: ReCAAP-ISC, various issues 2019-2021); Annual Report (Singapore: Information Fusion Centre, 2021); Maritime Security Annual report 2021 (Brest: MICA Center, 2022).

Although there was an uptick in incidents in 2020, the number of PSR incidents was lower than during previous spikes. As shown in Figure 1, maritime crime increased significantly between 2009 and 2011 due to the Global Financial Crisis, and from 2014 to 2015 when oil prices fell and criminal gangs hijacked small product tankers to siphon off fuel to sell on the black market. Moreover, the majority of attacks in Southeast Asia during the pandemic were opportunistic, involved low levels of violence, and largely petty theft from ships carried out during the hours of darkness.

Figure 1

PSR Incidents in Southeast Asia as Reported to the IMB-PRC and ReCAAP-ISC, 2005-2020



Source: Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships Annual Report (London: International Maritime Bureau, various issues 2005-2020); Annual Report (Singapore: ReCAAP-ISC, various issues 2007-2020).

Both globally and regionally, the number of PSR incidents dropped in the second year of the pandemic. The IMB-PRC recorded 132 global incidents in 2021, down from 194 in 2020 and the lowest recorded number since 1994.[6] ReCAAP-ISC reported 82 attacks across Asia in 2021, down from 97 in 2020, a drop of 15 per cent and the second lowest number of incidents since it started collecting data in 2007.[7]

The Singapore Strait as a PSR Black Spot

The most serious PSR black spot in Southeast Asia during the pandemic was the Singapore Strait. Approximately 100 km in length, over 100,000 vessels transit through the strait every year carrying billions of dollars in commodities and goods. The three littoral states, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, are responsible for security in their respective territorial waters which make up the strait. Even before the pandemic, the number of attacks in the Singapore Strait had been rising. The IMB-PRC received 12 reports in 2019 (up from three in 2018), rising to 23 in 2020 and 35 in 2021. In 2021, incidents in the Singapore Strait accounted for 61.4 per cent of all reports that year and the highest number since 1992.[8] The ReCAAP-ISC recorded 49 incidents in the Singapore Strait in 2021 (accounting for 60 per cent of all attacks in Asia) up from 34 in 2020. According to the ReCAAP-ISC, between 2019 and 2021, the majority of incidents occurred in the eastern sector of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), in Indonesian waters in the Riau Islands, including Bintan and Batam. The attacks (most of which were non-violent low-level robberies) were conducted against larger ships – bulk carriers, oil tankers and general cargo ships – by gangs of between three to five men, mostly armed with knives.[9]

Several reasons may account for the surge in attacks in the Singapore Strait over the past several years. The economic problems caused by the pandemic are probably one reason, though not in 2019 of course. The IFC has suggested that the large number of incidents in the fourth quarter of 2021 (23 out of the 49 that year) may be attributable to unfavourable weather conditions (which prevented fishermen from going out to sea) and the approach of year-end festivities, causing locals to turn to petty crime to supplement their incomes.[10] Growing tensions between Indonesia and China in the South China Sea may provide another explanation. China’s expansive claims in the South China are represented by the so-called nine-dash line which overlaps with Indonesia’s EEZ around the Natuna Islands. In contravention of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), China claims “historic rights” in Indonesia’s EEZ, including fishing rights in the vicinity of the Natunas. In a push to enforce its claims, Beijing surged the number of China-flagged fishing boats into the area in late 2019 and early 2020.[11] The Indonesian government responded by rejecting China’s unlawful claims and increasing its military presence around the Natunas by redeploying warships from other parts of the archipelago including the Singapore Strait.[12] The IMB-PRC has noted that PSR incidents ceased off the Natunas in 2021.[13]

Why Wasn’t There an Upsurge in PSR Attacks During the Pandemic?

As the data from the four agencies indicate, PSR incidents in the region increased by 15-20 per cent in 2020, before falling back to pre-pandemic levels in 2021. Unlike during previous economic shocks, there was not a dramatic upsurge in attacks, except in the Singapore Strait. Why was that?

The IFC has put forward two theories to explain this: first, the imposition of movement restrictions by Southeast Asian governments and local authorities to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus; second, increased enforcement efforts by regional states.[14] The first reason probably did not have a major impact. The area which saw the biggest increase in incidents, Riau Province in Indonesia, was subject to movement restrictions that were both short-term (a few weeks at a time), not vigorously enforced and widely evaded.[15] They are unlikely to have affected the activities of sea robbers in the province.

The second reason is much more plausible: that the counter-PSR measures put in place by regional governments over the years effectively contained the problem. Three areas which were previously known as PSR black spots are worthy of examination: the Strait of Malacca; the Sulu-Celebes Seas; and regional ports and anchorages.

The Strait of Malacca is Southeast Asia’s busiest waterway and became the subject of international concern in the late 1990s and early 2000s due to the increasing number of PSR attacks.[16] In 2004, the three littoral states, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, established the Malacca Strait Patrols (MSP) to improve security in the strait (Thailand joined in 2008). The MSP consists of coordinated naval patrols, combined air patrols and information sharing networks. The MSP, together with a number of national initiatives launched at the same time, led to a sharp reduction in PSR incidents in the Malacca Strait. The IMB-PRC did not report a single attack in the busy waterway between 2016 and 2018. During the pandemic, both the IMB-PRC and ReCAAP-ISC reported only one minor incident in the strait, in 2021. The daily naval and air patrols by the MSP members appear to have exerted a strong deterrent effect on maritime criminals.

The Sulu and Celebes Seas – two large bodies of water connecting Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia – became an area of concern in the mid-2010s following a series of violent kidnapping-for-ransom incidents perpetrated by the criminal-terrorist organisation the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).[17] In response to the attacks, in May 2016 the three governments agreed to establish coordinated naval and aerial patrols in the affected areas modelled on the MSP, though it was not until June 2017 that the Trilateral Maritime Patrols (TMP) were launched. However, more effective than the TMP were the counter-terrorism operations conducted by the Philippine security services against the ASG, beginning in July 2016, which significantly degraded the group’s ability to carry out attacks at sea. As a result, the number of incidents in the Sulu and Celebes Seas fell from 18 in 2016 to two in 2019. In 2020, one kidnapping-for-ransom occurred in the area but not a single incident was reported in 2021. Throughout the pandemic, the Philippine armed forces continued to conduct counter-terrorism operations against the ASG with a high degree of success.[18] Nevertheless, the ReCAAP-ISC continues to warn that the threat of abductions remains high and ships should exercise extreme vigilance.[19]

The vast majority of PSR incidents in Southeast Asia are acts of sea robbery, i.e. actual or attempted attacks that take place within the 12 nautical mile territorial sea limit of coastal states. To combat this problem, regional coast guards and other law enforcement agencies have strengthened security in their ports and anchorages. This has resulted in a significant decrease in acts of sea robbery in some of Southeast Asia’s major ports. Indonesia has been particularly successful. Under its 2014 Safe Anchorage programme, the Indonesian Marine Police increased patrols in 10 ports. The programme has contributed to a major decline in incidents in Indonesian waters (outside of the Singapore Strait): according to the IMB-PRC, from 43 attacks in 2017 to 25 in 2019, 26 in 2020 and nine in 2021. Data from the ReCAAP-ISC show a similar trend: from 33 incidents in 2017 to 22 in 2020 and 13 in 2021. The number of incidents in Malaysian and Vietnamese ports also fell between 2020 and 2021. In Manila there was an uptick in attacks during the pandemic due to the large number of ships anchored in the port awaiting crew changes. There were nine incidents of sea robbery in Manila in 2021. However, the Philippine Coast Guard has stepped up patrols in the harbour and arrested a number of the perpetrators.[20]

OUTLOOK FOR 2022

The 2021 trend lines continued into the first half of 2022. The Singapore Strait continues to be a PSR black spot. The IMB-PRC reported 16 incidents between January and June compared to 11 during the same period in 2020, and 16 in 2021 (62 per cent of attacks in Southeast Asia).[21] The number of incidents in Indonesia was up slightly from the same period last year –seven compared to five – but still far fewer than five years ago. The frequency of incidents in the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam continued to fall. Overall, the IMB-PRC recorded 26 attacks in Southeast Asia between January and June 2022, down from 35 and 28 during the first halves of 2020 and 2021 respectively.

The ReCAAP-ISC data track similar trends, recording 36 incidents in Southeast Asia in the first six months of 2022, compared to 35 attacks during the same period in 2021 and 47 in 2020.[22] ReCAAP-ISC received reports of 27 incidents in the Singapore Strait (all in Indonesian waters) compared to 20 in the first six months of last year. The number of incidents in Indonesia remained the same as January to June 2021 (six) while incidents continued to decrease in Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Neither the IMB-PRC or ReCAAP-ISC received reports of actual or attempted attacks in the Strait of Malacca or Sulu-Celebes Seas between January and June 2022.

In the second half of 2022, PSR incidents in Southeast Asia could experience a moderate rise due to the economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine War which has led to rising food prices and increased economic hardship across the region. While national initiatives and inter-state cooperation have proved effective at managing the PSR problem, those measures need to be strengthened. In particular, Indonesia should allocate more resources for apprehending criminal gangs operating in its waters in the Singapore Strait. Enhanced cooperation among the littoral states, including enlarging the geographical scope of the MSP to include the Singapore Strait, may also help eradicate this PSR black spot.

ENDNOTES

[1] Under international law, an act of piracy is defined as an illegal act of violence or detention involving two or more ships on the high seas i.e., outside a coastal state’s 12 nautical mile territorial sea. Acts of maritime depredation which occur within a state’s territorial or archipelagic waters are known as sea robbery or armed robbery against ships and are subject to the national jurisdiction of the state.

[2] See https://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre

[3] See https://www.recaap.org/

[4] See https://www.ifc.org.sg/

[5] See https://www.mica-center.org/en/home/

[6] Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Annual Report 1 January 31 ̶ December 2021 (London: International Maritime Bureau, 2022).

[7] Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Annual Report January to December 2021 (Singapore: ReCAAP-ISC, 2022), https://www.recaap.org/resources/ck/files/reports/annual/ReCAAP%20ISC%20Annual%20Report%202021.pdf

[8] Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Annual Report 1 January 31 ̶ December 2021 (London: International Maritime Bureau, 2022).

[9] Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Annual Report January to December 2021 (Singapore: ReCAAP-ISC, 2022), https://www.recaap.org/resources/ck/files/reports/annual/ReCAAP%20ISC%20Annual%20Report%202021.pdf

[10] Annual Report 2021 (Singapore: Information Fusion Centre, 2022), https://www.ifc.org.sg/

[11] Hannah Beech and Muktita Suhartono, “China Chases Indonesia’s Fishing Fleets, Staking Claim to Sea’s Riches”, New York Times, 31 March 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/31/world/asia/Indonesia-south-china-sea-fishing.html

[12] “Jakarta: ‘No reason to negotiate’ with Beijing on South China Sea”, Benar News, 18 June 2020, https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/indonesian/response-letter-06182020173036.html; “Indonesian Navy Conducts Major Exercise amid South China Sea Tensions”, Benar News, 22 July 2020, https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/indonesian/naval-exercise07222020170545.html

[13] Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Annual Report 1 January 31 ̶ December 2021 (London: International Maritime Bureau, 2022).

[14] Annual Report 2021 (Singapore: Information Fusion Centre, 2022), https://www.ifc.org.sg/

[15] Francis E. Hutchinson and Siwage Dharma Negara,“The Riau Islands and its Battle with COVID: Down but not Out”, ISEAS Perspective, No. 25 (8 March 2021), /wp-content/uploads/2021/02/ISEAS_Perspective_2021_25.pdf

[16] See Sam Bateman, Catherine Zara Raymond and Joshua Ho, Safety and Security in the Malacca and Singapore Straits: An Agenda for Action (Singapore: Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies Policy Paper, May 2006); John Bradford, “The Growing Prospects for Maritime Cooperation in Southeast Asia”, Naval War College Review 58, no. 3 (Summer 2005); Ian Storey, “Securing Southeast Asia’s Sea Lanes: A Work in Progress”, Asia Policy, no. 6 (July 2008): 95-127.

[17] Ian Storey, “Trilateral Security Cooperation in the Sulu-Celebes Seas: A Work in Progress”, ISEAS Perspective, No. 48 (27 Aug 2018), /images/pdf/ISEAS_Perspective_2018_48@50.pdf

[18] Michael Hart, “Abu Sayyaf Under Rising Pressure in Asia’s Backwater”, Asia Sentinel, 28 June 2022, https://www.asiasentinel.com/p/abu-sayyaf-rising-pressure-asia-backwater

[19] Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Annual Report January to December 2021, pp. 35-36.

[20] Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Annual Report January to December 2021, pp. 32-33.

[21] Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships Report for the Period 1 January to 30 June 2022 (London: International Maritime Bureau, 2022).

[22] Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Annual Report January to June 2022 (Singapore: ReCAAP-ISC, 2022), https://www.recaap.org/resources/ck/files/reports/half-year/ReCAAP%20ISC%20Half%20Yearly%20Report%202022.pdf

https://www.iseas.edu.sg/articles-commentaries/iseas-perspective/2022-76-piracy-and-the-pandemic-maritime-crime-in-southeast-asia-2020-22-by-ian-storey/

U.S. Congress Staff Delegation visits Westmincom

 From the Sun Staar-Zamboanga (Aug 2, 2022): U.S. Congress Staff Delegation visits Westmincom



ZAMBOANGA. The Staff Delegation from the United States House Armed Services Committee (HASC) headed by Craig Greene (seated) visits Sunday, July 31, the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) headquarters wherein they discussed to strengthen the interoperability between the Filipino and American military in addressing the security issues in Mindanao. A photo handout shows Greene posed for souvenir pictorial after signing the visitor’s logbook. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States of America (USA) have agreed to strengthen the interoperability between the AFP and United Sates military in addressing the security issues in Mindanao.

This, as the Staff Delegation (STAFFDEL) from the United States House Armed Services Committee (HASC) headed by Craig Greene visited Sunday, July 31, 2022, the AFP’s Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) headquarters.

The U.S. delegation, which consisted of three staff headed by Green, was received by Brigadier General Antonio Nafarrete, Westmincom’s deputy for internal defense operations at the Laong Laan Hall of the command at Camp Navarro in Zamboanga City.


“Mr. Greene and Brigadier General Nafarrete discussed approaches and best practices to strengthen the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States of America in addressing the security issued in Mindanao,” the Westmincom said in a statement.

The U.S. had been training and providing technical intelligence to Filipino troops in combating terrorism particularly the Abu Sayyaf bandits which have ties with foreign terrorist groups.

During the visit, Greene and his party personally visited the U.S. Special Operation Task Force 511.2 based in Camp Navarro purposely to increase the US STAFFDEL’s awareness of U.S. efforts in support of Westmincom.


The HASC is a standing committee of the U.S. House of Representative responsible for funding and oversight of the Department of Defense and the United States Armed Forces.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1936692/zamboanga/local-news/us-congress-staff-delegation-visits-westmincom

Five Filipino suspected Abu Sayyaf members nabbed in first seven months of this year

From the Daily Express (Aug 2, 2022): Five Filipino suspected Abu Sayyaf members nabbed in first seven months of this year (By: Bernama)



Malaysia's police chief Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani says in almost two years, there have been no threats, but that doesn’t mean the threats are gone. (Bernama pic)

LAHAD DATU: The police are always ready to tackle security threats in Sabah, especially the Abu Sayyaf group, by implementing various preventive measures, Inspector-Genereal of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said.

Likening the threats to existing diseases, he said the police and other security teams were always prepared, and
had even arrested five Filipinos believed to be members of Abu Sayyaf in the first seven moths of this year.


He said to face such threats, 3,475 General Operations Force (GOF) and 900 marine police personnel have been stationed in the east coast of Sabah.

“However, in almost two years, there have been no threats, but that doesn’t mean the threats are gone, it doesn’t mean they aren’t looking for an opportunity to commit crime, and it certainly doesn’t mean we can relax and ease security related controls in the east coast of Sabah.

“We are always prepared and continue to boost our capabilities to combat security threats,” he said after closing the Sabah GOF Tiger Platoon Brigade Series 1/2022 that involved two senior officers and 84 personnel here today.

Acryl Sani also said that besides prevention, the police are also intensifying security controls in Sabah, including considering the need for two additional GOF battalions in the state.

“We have five GOF (battalions) in Sabah currently and we are working on adding two more battalions to assist in managing areas to handle any possible security incidents.

“This includes restructuring the GOF with the assistance of strength between platoons and brigades will be balanced to create two additional battalions in Sabah, besides seeing to the need for high-tech equipment for the Tiger Platoon and the marine police,” he said.

According to him, the government will always do whatever it can to strengthen security in Sabah.

Meanwhile, to improve skills in the police force, he would officially request that the Sabah government turn Pulau Tabawan here into an area specifically for skill training to strengthen techniques that will be used when faced with security situations.

“Based on a briefing by Internal Security and Public Order Department director Hasil taklimat ringkas Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali and Sabah police commissioner Datuk Idris Abdullah, Pulau Tabawan is a suitable area to be used for practical training,” he added.

On the Sulu group, Acryl Sani said the police are focused on parties that are trying to take opportunity of the situation to conduct criminal activities and to disrupt public order.

“For direct demands, we leave it to the government to settle it through legal means,” he said.

https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/196946/five-filipino-suspected-abu-sayyaf-members-nabbed-in-first-seven-months-of-this-year/

Security cooperation up in talks of US officials with Wesmincom

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 3, 2022): Security cooperation up in talks of US officials with Wesmincom (By: Julie S. Alipala)



BG PHOTO: Western Mindanao Command, AFP via their Facebook page

ZAMBOANGA CITY—At least two delegations of United States officials have held talks with the top brass of the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) in this city, one of the largest military installations in Mindanao, ahead of the August 6 visit to the country of Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.

The latest visit was on Sunday, July 31, by three staff members, headed by Craig Greene, of the Armed Services Committee of the US House of Representatives, said Lieutenant Colonel Abdurasad Sirajan, the Wesmincom spokesperson.

Sirajan said Brigadier General Antonio Nafarrete, Wesmincom deputy commander for internal defense operations, received the delegation. They “discussed approaches and best practices to strengthen the interoperability” of the armed forces of the two countries.


The armed services committee is responsible for funding and oversight of the Department of Defense and the United States Armed Forces.

Last Sunday, Greene also visited the Special Operations Task Force 511.2, a team of US servicemen based at Camp Don Basilio Navarro, which is providing capacity-building support for Wesmincom’s efforts to fight terrorism, among others.

The task force is what remained of what used to be a 600-personnel contingent of military advisers and trainers deployed from 2002 to 2015 under Operation Enduring Freedom-Philippines to go after the then Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group.

On July 27, Carlos Del Toro, US Secretary of the Navy, met with Lieutenant General Alfredo Rosario Jr., Wesmincom chief, to be apprised of the efforts exerted by US troops to support Westmincom’s campaign against terrorism and insurgency.

In their talks, Rosario gave the assurance that cooperation between US and Philippine forces would remain strong and indestructible, Sirajan said.

On July 26, Simon Hayter, first secretary of the political section of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines, met with Rosario and talked about security updates and the normalization program for former Moro rebels in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

They also tackled security within the boundaries of the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, which is covered by a trilateral alliance between the said countries aimed at eradicating terrorists and other criminal elements.


During the visit, Hayter expressed Australia’s continuing commitment to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly Wesmincom, in its campaign against terrorism in Mindanao.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1639947/security-cooperation-up-in-talks-of-us-officials-with-wesmincom