10th ID denies reports claiming military camps inside public schools in ComVal

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): 10th ID denies reports claiming military camps inside public schools in ComVal

The Compostela Valley-based 10th Infantry Division vehemently denied reports claiming that soldiers from its 67th and 66th Infantry Battalions were camping inside schools in New Bataan, Compostela Valley.

"The 10th Infantry Division note with grave concern the allegations of Save Our School Network(SOS - SMR against soldiers of 67th and 66th Infantry Battalions for allegedly encamping inside a school building at Barangay Pagsabangan, New Bataan and with community households 10 meters from a school at Barangay Panansalan, Compostela town, both of Compostela Valley Province since Saturday," 10th Infantry Division public affairs office chief Capt. Rhyan Batchar said.

Further investigations revealed that the 67th Infantry Battalion does not have troops in New Bataan while records show that 66th Infantry Battalion soldiers were given permission by barangay officials to stay in the vicinity as long as they do not enter civilian homes and school premises.

"As we have always said, the 10th Infantry Division welcomes reports against our troops and encourages those who were victimized to file their complaints in appropriate agencies as we do not tolerate any misbehavior by our soldiers," Batchar said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=916639

PHL Army acquiring PHP20-M worth of spare parts for M-35 trucks

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): PHL Army acquiring PHP20-M worth of spare parts for M-35 trucks

The Philippine Army (PA) is allocating PHP20 million for the procurement of spare parts needed for the maintenance and repair of its M-35 cargo trucks.

The Philippine Army Bids and Awards Committee will hold a pre-conference at 9 a.m. on Sept. 5 at its office in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Receipt and opening of bid envelopes is slated at 9 a.m. on Sept. 19 at the same venue.

The M-35 started as a 1949 REO Motor Car Company design for a 2½ ton 6x6 off-road truck.

This original six-wheel M-34 version was quickly superseded by the 10-wheel M-35 design.

While the basic M-35 cargo truck is rated to carry 5,000 lbs. (2,300 kg.) off-road or 10,000 lbs. (4,500 kg.) on roads, they have been known to haul twice as much as rated.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=916689

President Duterte to grace 10th anniversary of Eastern Mindanao command

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): President Duterte to grace 10th anniversary of Eastern Mindanao command

President Rodrigo R. Duterte will be the guest-of-honor when the Davao City-based Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) celebrates its 10th founding anniversary Friday.

Anniversary celebrations will be held at Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City, said EMC public affairs office chief, Maj. Ezra Balagtey.

Head of the command, Lt. Gen. Leonardo B. Guerrero, will lead the occasion and will receive the President with full military honors upon his arrival at Naval Station Felix Apolinario.

The celebration, which carries the theme "Katambayayong sa tinud-anay nga kausaban", will also be highlighted by the presentation of awards to personnel and stakeholders who have helped the EMC accomplish its mission.

The EMC was activated some 10 years ago following the deactivation of the former Southern Command in Zamboanga City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=916720

NAPOLCOM files charges against two narco-generals

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): NAPOLCOM files charges against two narco-generals

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has filed formal charges against two police generals included in President Duterte's list of five narco-generals.

According to Atty Johnson Reyes of the Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service of NAPOLCOM, they found sufficient evidence to charge NCRPO Director Chief Supt. Joel Pagdilao and former QCPD Dir. Edgardo Tinio.

The two generals are facing charges of serious neglect of duty, serious irregularity in the performance of duty, and conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman for their alleged involvement in illegal drug activities.

Meanwhile, the NAPOLCOM still has not found any clear evidence implicating former Region 6 director Chief Supt. Bernardo Diaz in his connection to illegal drug trade.

On the other hand, the NAPOLCOM has no jurisdiction over retired general Marcelo Garbo and Daanbantayan Mayor Vicente Loot because they are no longer in active service.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=916755

3rd ID to open its door for IP candidate soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): 3rd ID to open its door for IP candidate soldiers

The Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division on Wednesday announced it is opening its doors to Indigenous People (IP) interested in pursuing a military career.

Capt. Gizelle Lim, 3rd Infantry Division public affairs office chief, said training will be conducted by the 3rd Division Training Unit.

Decision to accept IP candidates were the offshoot of Resolution No. 2016-006 from the Office of the Panay Indigenous People’s Organization (PIPOL) requesting for quota of the IPs particularly Panay Bukidnon and Ati in the Philippine Army.

3rd Infantry Division commander Brig. Gen. Harold N. Cabreros responded by allocating a 10 percent quota for the IPs for the next succeeding training cycles of Candidate Soldier Course to address PIPOL's concern.

An examination, called the Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test (AFPSAT) will be held for interested individuals on Aug. 27, 8 a.m. at the 605th Community Defense Center, 6RCDG, Panaad Complex, Bacolod City.

For interested applicants below are the qualifications and requirements prior examination:

Qualifications:

* At least 72 units in college * If High School graduate, must possess a certified skill needed in the military service * At least 5 ft in height both male and female * Physically and mentally fit * No pending case in any court

Requirements:

* At least 18-26 years old * Valid ID * Original Transcript Record and Diploma * NSO Birth Certificate * Pencil #2 * 1 Long folder.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=916726

Dela Rosa orders tracing source of malicious message on metro bomb attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): Dela Rosa orders tracing source of malicious message on metro bomb attack

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa on Wednesday ordered police intelligence services to trace the origin of a malicious message circulating online and through text messages about a supposed plot to bomb malls in Metro Manila.

Based on the dubious message which has already gone viral, four female suicide bombers from Basilan were sent to target various malls in Metro Manila.

The message further stated that the information was confirmed by the chief PNP's daughter.

Dela Rosa wonders why the perpetrators of such malicious message even use his daughter, as he emphasized that the message is a hoax.

Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson Police Supt. Dionardo Carlos said there were already four versions of the same message that have circulated.

The PNP called on the public not to pass the false message so as not to cause unnecessary fear and panic among the citizenry.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=916867

President Duterte expresses hope China will deal with PHL in good faith

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24): President Duterte expresses hope China will deal with PHL in good faith

CAMP GENERAL MATEO CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal -- President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday expressed hope that China will deal with the Philippines in good faith regarding the issue on West Philippine Sea (WPS).

”I hope China is dealing with us in good faith. They seem to be conciliatory. We’re not insisting on arbitral judgement,” President Duterte said to the more than 300 government troops during his visit at the 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army here.

The President was referring to the last July verdict of The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, favoring the Philippines’ arbitration case against China’s nine-dash line claim that covers almost whole of WPS or South China Sea.

President Duterte said almost all of the Southeast Asian countries and even the United States are insisting the Philippines should use its arbitral tribunal victory to oppose China’s claims of all the WPS.

”But we will chart our own course to the national interest of this country. They better come up what they (China) really want,” the President said.

The Commander-in-Chief informed his soldiers that China is offering to build rehabilitation centers in the military camps.

”They offered, asking the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to go there and look at armaments against drugs. The problem is what about us? What about the issue between us?,” the President said.

”We will not raise hell now because of the judgment but there will come a time that we have to do some reckoning about this,” he added.

The President said the Philippines has no intention to go to war “but I’m sure I guarantee to them, kung kayo pumasok dito (if you will enter here) it will be bloody.”

”And we will not give in to them easily. It will be the bones of our soldiers pati na sa akin isali nyo. We’ll not allow any country. We’ll not allow it,” he said.

The President earlier said he intends to discuss the WPS dispute “face to face” with China and not in the upcoming Laos ASEAN Summit.

For the meantime, the President reiterated his promise to give the best for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the PNP in his bid “to walk extra miles” to achieve peace for every Filipino.

”We just have to spruce up your arms and your training and everything. We’ll take in more men so we can defend our mother land,” the President said.

”Huwag kayo masyado masaktan. Alam ko this is a bad day for you but I’m a President who is supposed to look for peace for my land. I’m not the President who seeks war to destroy our own countrymen and that is why I am talking to the left. Baka sakali,” he added.

The Philippine government peace panel and the National Democratic Front-Communist Party of the Philippines (NDF-CPP) are currently holding peace negotiation in Oslo, Norway.

”There are indications I might succeed. I have to talk to MI (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) and MN (Moro National Liberation Front),” the President said.

He promised that there will be additional 10,000 troops to fight terrorism and 5,000 policemen to end war against illegal drugs next year.

”Illegal drugs and corruption are destroying our country,” the President said.

Despite intermittent weather, the President finally pushed through his visit here on board a presidential chopper. Before leaving, the President posed for photo opportunity with the “fighters of the jungle” of the 2nd Infantry Division.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=916906

ALL OUT OFFENSIVE | AFP, ASG Encounters on-going in Basilan

Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service News Website (Jun 23): ALL OUT OFFENSIVE | AFP, ASG Encounters on-going in Basilan

CAMP NAVARRO, Calarian, Zamboanga City (DWDD) – Troops of the Joint Task Force Basilan continue to pound on the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) as focused military operations against the bandits are intensified in the province of Basilan.

An armed confrontation ensued between military troops and the Abu Sayyaf bandits following intensified operations launched in Barangay Dugaa, Tuburan, Basilan today.

Initial reports received from ground units disclosed that the government side suffered one (1) killed and three (3) wounded in action, while casualties on the Abu Sayyafs are yet to be determined.

As of this press time, the firefight is ongoing. Troops of the 3rd Air Division, Philippine Air Force were directed to provide air ambulance for casualty evacuation, while naval troops will conduct blockage in Tuburan, Basilan.

All-out military offensives are ongoing to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf Group responsible for the series of atrocities in the province of Basilan.

ASABILLO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/all-out-offensive-afp-asg-encounters-on-going-in-basilan/

MILF: Moro organizations meet to address community issues

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (Aug 24): Moro organizations meet to address community issues



Moro community leaders, peace advocates and members of peoples organizations held their regular meeting on August 21 at the Moro Asta Madrasa in Tulungatung, Zamboanga City inorder to stand up to the organizational challenges they face in their communities.

Attended by professionals, religious sector, fisher folks and laymen from nearby Moro communities, the meeting centered on organizational assessment, member-performance evaluation and operational planning of activities on peace advocacy and capacity-enhancement of members in order for them to cope with the growing social challenges in their respective communities.

Three personalities from different local non-government organizations (NGOs) and peace advocates team were invited to discuss relevant issues on Moro struggle, Bangsamoro signed agreements as well as the principles and practices on Islamic leadership and management.

Mr. Maksu Magang, spokesperson of Southern Islamic Action for Prosperity and Harmony Network (SIAPAHAN), gave a summarized narrative of Moro history and their legitimate quest for the Right to Self-Determination (RSD).

Magang stressed that through active engagement and peace advocacy, “we can openly relate to the people on the worthiness of Moro history and how they defended their rights and identity not only in Mindanao but also in Luzon and Visayas.”

Comprehensive updates on the peace process between Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and other Moro Fronts was given by Bother Phix from the United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD). He categorically emphasized the prospective Bangsamoro enabling law and the concept of inclusivity and convergence of other Moro fronts and other stakeholders in the implementing phase.

Mr. Tirso Tahir from Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) talked on the principles and practices on Islamic Leadership and Management in consonance with their current task and entrusted obligations. He encouraged the Moro community leaders to be always participative in peace-building effort and responsive in dispensing their obligations accordingly. He also excerpted a verse from Noble Qur’an which reads as:

“And We made them leaders guiding men by Our command and We sent inspiration to do good deeds,  to  establish  regular prayers,  and  to  practice  regular  charity; and  they  constantly  served  Us only”  (Surat Al-'Anbyā', Ayat 73)

At the end of the meeting, the participants were motivated and enlightened on related issues and intensify their advocacy on peace-building endeavor in their respective communities.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/news/73-westhern-mindanao/861-moro-organizations-meet-to-address-community-issues

NDF: On San Luis, Agusan del Sur defensive action

Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Aug 23): On San Luis, Agusan del Sur defensive action



Press release | OSLO, Norway – The panel-to-panel meeting between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) commenced in the morning of August 23.

Today, the panels finished the discussion on the affirmation of previous signed agreements, reconstitution of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) list and acceleration of the peace negotiations.

This meeting at the Reidar Andersen, Birger Ruud and Thorleif Haug Halls of the Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel came after the representatives of both panels had agreed and approved the program of the five-day formal peace talks the previous day.

Photo NDFP

On the first item of the agenda, the two panels agreed to reaffirm all previously signed agreements since The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992 and resolved to conduct formal talks and consultations in accordance with said agreements.

Aside from The Hague Joint Declaration, both parties reaffirmed all the previous bilateral and binding agreements made in the peace negotiations that include the JASIG of 1995; Joint Agreement on the Formation, Sequence and Operationalization of the Reciprocal Working Committees of the GPH and NDFP Negotiating Panels of 1995; and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) of 1998, the first of four items of the substantive agenda in the peace negotiations that have been agreed upon by both sides.

Photo NDFP

The NDFP panel presented the reconstituted list of holders of the NDFP document of identification (DI) that gives them protection by the JASIG, which was acknowledged by the GPH panel. The GPH agreed to issue a letter of acknowledgment on the receipt of the NDFP list.

The JASIG is meant to provide the conditions conducive to free discussion and movement of NDFP personnel involved in the peace negotiations and to avert any incident that may jeopardize the peace negotiations. Without the JASIG, peace negotiations would not be possible.

Both parties agreed to accelerate the peace process and set the timeline for the completion of the three remaining items in the substantive agenda namely, social and economic reforms, political and constitutional reforms and end of hostilities and disposition of forces.

Photo NDFP

The two sides agreed that the Reciprocal Working Committees on Social and Economic Reforms (RWC-SER) of the GPH and NDFP shall meet in September. The RWC-SER shall tackle and strive to reach an agreement on genuine land reform, national industrialization, workers’ rights and welfare, social welfare, education and culture. They would also strive to finish within six months from September the tentative Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms to be submitted for approval by both panels.

The last session of the day consisted of the simultaneous meetings of the Reciprocal Working Committees on Social and Economic Reforms and the two Reciprocal Working Groups on Political and Constitutional Reforms and End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces. They discussed the agenda of their next meetings, the mechanics and schedule of their future work.

NDFP Media Group
Reference:
Dan Borjal
email: dfborjal@gmail.com
twitter: https://twitter.com/dfborjal
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dborjal
viber: +31643108419

http://www.ndfp.org/grp-ndfp-panels-reaffirm-previous-agreements/

CPP/NPA: On San Luis, Agusan del Sur defensive action

New People's Army propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Aug 23): On San Luis, Agusan del Sur defensive action

August 23, 2016

Four Red fighters under the NPA – Western Agusan del Norte-Agusan del Sur Subregional Command heroically fought and sacrificed in a defensive action in a raid by 26th IB troops to an NPA platoon conducting classroom activity last August 20 at around 8:30 in the morning in a forested area of Sitio Kihinggay, Brgy.San Pedro, San Luis, Agusan del Sur. One Red fighter was also wounded during the firefight. We offer our highest salute to Comrades Winston “Ka Jerom” Mondejar, Henry “Ka James” Mansuconan, Jomar “Ka Alay” Tawide and Abel “Ka Gabriel” Oliver.

Even though fatally shot, Ka Gabriel, before his last breath, was able to heroically switch the command-detonated explosive chanced upon the flanked troops. According to civilian witnesses, more than ten casualties were suffered by 26th IB troopers.

Choppers intermittently retrieved their casualties and delivered fresh troops. Troops from the ground opened fire thrice at 6:00 am and 3:00 p.m. on August 21 and at 3:00 p.m. on August 22.

Regarding the cadavers of the four comrade martyrs, respective families have seen indications of desecration of the bodies before they were sent to the morgue. Seized by enemy troops were three AK 47 and two M16 rifles including ammunitions, guerilla camp equipment and personal effects.

The AFP could not be trusted to strictly abide their commander-in-chief’s ceasefire order which commenced August 21. It can be recalled that during President Duterte’s first unilateral ceasefire declaration last July 25-30, troops of the 4th ID continue to rolling out the guerilla fronts of NCMR. One of these operations resulted in the strafing of a group of Lumads attending a wedding in San Fernando, Bukidnon which forced the evacuation of the entire community. On another, intelligence and psychological operations of the 26th IB effected the the evacuation of the Lumads in Zillovia, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur during the same timespan.

Up to this date, 26th IB troops remain in Kihinggay and Oplan Bayanihan’s intelligence and psychological operations were implemented in 26 barrios scattered throughout the region.

Signed
Ka Allan Juanito
Spokesperson
NPA-NCMROC

http://www.cpp.ph/san-luis-agusan-del-sur-defensive-action/

Authorities hold 8 terrorists in Mindanao

From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 23): Authorities hold 8 terrorists in Mindanao 

Security forces are holding 8 members of a jihadist group – including three women – tagged as behind the series of terrorism in southern Philippines, officials said Tuesday.

Officials said army soldiers and policemen intercepted the group while transporting explosives in a van in the village of Nanagun in Lumbayanague town in Lanao del Sur province.

Troops seized from the jihadists two pipe bombs, two fragmentation grenades, one improvised explosive assembled from an 81mm mortar, two .45-caliber pistols and electronic triggering devices.

Officials said those arrested also gave out different names to mislead authorities, but army and police interrogators later found out that all those intercepted are members and relatives of Abdullah Maute, who founded the Dawlah Islamiya or “Islamic State” in southern Philippines.

Interrogation reports revealed the gang was plotting to bomb civilian targets in the volatile region, according to army Major Filemon Tan, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command.

He said the daring interception and arrest of the jihadists was largely due to the intelligence provided by civilians in the province.

“The fast reaction of troops and the information of concerned citizens was the key for thwarting a terror attack intended to kill innocent people in populated target areas. IEDs do not select its victims, children, Christians or Muslims, young and old, lahat papatayin niyan and in a wide scale kaya napakalaking bagay na hindi natuloy ito dahil na din sa cooperation ng taong-bayan at responde ng sundalo at pulis,” Tan said.

Just recently, security forces killed 3 members of another jihadist group called Ansar Al-Khilafah Philippines (AKP) in Daliao village in nearby Sarangani’s Maasim town and troops recovered improvised explosives from the slain militants. Both the AKP and Maute group pledged allegiance with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and pledged to support each other in fighting the Philippine government.

 

 http://mindanaoexaminer.com/authorities-hold-8-terrorists-in-mindanao/

Terror bomb plot foiled; 8 arrested in Lanao del Sur

From Tempo (Aug 24): Terror bomb plot foiled; 8 arrested in Lanao del Sur

The military yesterday said that a possible terror attack on a populated area has been foiled following the arrest of eight people, including five suspected members of the local terrorist group Maute terror group in Lanao del Sur on Monday afternoon.

Army Major Filemon I. Tan, Jr., spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WesMinCom), based in Zamboanga City, identified the alleged terrorists as Hashim Balawag Maute, alias “Apple” or “Jehad”; Abdul Jabbar Tominaman Macabading, Jamil Batoa Amerul, Muhammad Sianodin Mulok, and Omar Khalil.

Tan said the five are wanted by police and military authorities for their involvement in various terrorist activities in Lanao del Sur.

Tan said three others, all women and accomplices of the five men, were identified as Hafidah Romato Maute and Norhanna Balawag Maute, daughters of Engr. Cayamora and Ominta Maute, and Nasifa Pundug, the alleged wife of a local terrorist leader based in Kapai, Lanao del Sur.

Tan said the suspects were caught at about 5:10 p.m. Monday.

Acting upon intelligence reports on the movement of the Local Terrorist Group (LTG), troops of the Army’s 51st Infantry Battalion and1st Infantry Division, intercepted a van boarded by Balawag in Barangay Nanagun, Lumbayanague, Lanao del Sur.

Tan said troops and local police also discovered several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and war materials inside the van which would be used in a heavily populated area.

“The male passengers falsely gave their identities but further investigation revealed that their true names were Hashim Balawag Maute of the terrorist Maute group brothers,” Tan said.

“The other passengers Abdul Jabbar Tominaman Macabading, Jamil Batoa Amerul, Muhammad Sianodin Mulok and Omar Khalil were later identified as Local Terror Group involved in various terrorist activities in Lanao del Sur.”

The military and police also seized from the suspects two hand grenades and two Caliber .45 pistol with five rounds of live ammunition, an 81mm Mortar ammunition rigged as an Improvised Explosive, two pipe bombs IED with components, several IED components and several electronic devices as triggering devices.

The suspects and recovered materials were turned over to the Lumbayanague Municipal Police Station for the filing of appropriate charges.

http://tempo.com.ph/2016/08/24/terror-bomb-plot-foiled-8-arrested-in-lanao-del-sur/

PH Marines gets new commander

From the Manila Times (Aug 23): PH Marines gets new commander

A MILITARY officer described as a “veteran” of the all-out war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in March 2000 has been designated as the new commander of the battle-tested Philippine Marines.

Maj. Gen. Andre Costales Jr. replaces Maj. Gen. Remigio Valdez, who will retire from the service on Thursday after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Costales was the deputy of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 2 when former President Joseph Estrada, now mayor of Manila, declared a total war against the MILF, according to Capt. Ryan Lacuesta, Marines spokesman.

He disclosed that Costales and his men were deployed in Matanog, Maguindanao, during the offensive and was among those who pounded the separatists’ main camp, which was later liberated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from MILF control.

It was in this feat, that Costales got his Gold Cross medal that recognizes gallantry in action, Lacuesta said.

 He also commanded the forces in the Kalayaan Island Group in the disputed Spratlys in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) as commander of the 3rd Marine Brigade.

But besides being a “warrior” which has been the mark of every member of the corps, Lacuesta said the new Marine commander is known as an educator because of his various assignments that dealt with education, among others as assistant superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), superintendent of the Marine Corps Training Center and as the AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Education and Training.

“He is really an educator. The branding of being a warrior has been part of being a member of the Marines. It was highlighted when he was assigned to Central Mindanao,” Lacuesta said of Costales.

http://www.manilatimes.net/ph-marines-gets-new-commmander/281639/

Philippine Forces Have Abu Sayyaf Cornered: Defense Minister

From the Jakarta Globe (Aug 23): Philippine Forces Have Abu Sayyaf Cornered: Defense Minister

Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said he is working intensely with his Philippine counterpart to secure the release of Indonesian citizens taken hostage by the Abu Sayyaf armed group in Southern Philippines.

"I am constantly in contact with the Philippine Defense Minister," Ryamizard told the press at the National Monument in Jakarta, Tuesday (23/08).

According to Ryamizard, a string of massive Philippine military operations have taken down many important members of the Abu Sayyaf terror group.

"They found Abu Sayyaf's headquarters in Basilan. There were underground rooms there, but these were cleared. Basilan is clear now, only their base in Sulu remains," the minister said.

"Do the math, the [Abu Sayyaf] group had at most 300 men, and now over 100 have been killed. Not to mention those that have been wounded. The Philippine forces have made quite an inroad," Ryamizard said.

The government of the Philippines has so far deployed more than 10,000 military personnel to attack the Abu Sayyaf group, according to the minister. "It hasn't been cheap, definitely, but they've managed to wipe out nearly half of Abu Sayyaf's forces," he said.

Asked if a land operation planned by the Indonesian Military (TNI) to release the hostages will go ahead, Ryamizard said it is very unlikely.

"Not yet. The Philippine army already has 10,000 soldiers in Southern Philippines, that's a whole division," Ryamizard said.

"We don't want to risk ourselves when there's no need to. We will do it only if the Philippine army asks us to help them," the defense minister said.

http://jakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/philippine-forces-abu-sayyaf-cornered-defense-minister/