From Rappler (Apr 23): PH security officials: We can't fail ASEAN Summit
Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa uses the NBA playoffs to explain the importance of the task at hand
Like coaches rallying team members to start and finish strong, top Philippine security officials on Sunday, April 23, gave pep talks to government personnel tasked to provide security and emergency response during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Metro Manila from April 27 to 29.
At the Quirino Grandstand in Pasay City, over 9,000 personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), among others, gathered for a "send-off" before they are deployed ahead of the summit.
A bigger bulk of personnel were not able to attend the April 23 sendoff – some 41,000 people will be providing security and emergency services for the 2,000 or so delegates of the summit and local communities affected by the event.
All ASEAN member states are expected to send their leaders for the days-long summit.
"Imagine ourselves na nasa playoff tayo ng NBA ngayon (Imagine that we're in the playoffs of the NBA right now)," said PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa, whose men and women compose a bulk of the ASEAN security force.
"Look at the performance of the Boston Celtics. They had a really good record and they were even number one in their conference but when they arrived at the playoffs, their performance kind of faltered and they lost in their own home court to the Chicago Bulls," added Dela Rosa.
He went on: "The same applies to us. Our preparation has been so long, the planning has been so long. But if come D-Day, when everything must be perfect, we relax, someone gets through us, our performance the entire season becomes pointless because we faltered during the playoffs."
The pressure is on for Philippine security officials, as the country hosts its 2nd major summit in less than two years. Manila also hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in November 2015.
Global security issu
ASEAN leaders are flying in weeks after Philippine police and military were able to thwart a supposed attempt by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) to kidnap people in Bohol province, a major tourist destination.
On April 11, police and military exchanged gunfire with several members of the group, who rode pump boats from Sulu province in Mindanao to Inabanga town in the Visayas.
Ten people were killed during the clash, 6 of them alleged ASG members. Days later on April 22, the military conducted another operation and killed 4 more suspected ASG members in Clarin, Bohol.
Marciano Paynor Jr, ASEAN 2017 National Organizing Council Director-General for Operations, said whether or not the Bohol clashes happened, security forces for the summit are preparing for all possible outcomes and working hard to ensure "zero incidents."
"Again, no one can claim 100% readiness. They can only claim that after the event has happened," he said.
Paynor is no stranger to the herculean task of playing host not just to a summit but all the meetings before and after it. He also headed preparations when the Philippines hosted the APEC Summit and its related meetings in 2015.
"Everything is the same preparations, security… these are multi-lateral meetings. The challenges come on the basis of the participants, one. But two, also security events happening worldwide," Paynor said in a press conference on Sunday.
He noted that it's not just local threats that they consider, but international ones as well. Days before world leaders began flying into the Philippines for the 2015 APEC Summit, a series of terrorist attacks had hit France.
Security forces then prepared for the "worst-case" scenario – a terrorist attack.
"This is only meeting 56 and there are 139 meetings. And every single one of these meetings, we treat the same. We upscale or downscale depending on the delegates [and] when leaders come, definitely… the standards are 10, 20 times higher," explained Paynor.
To emphasize the goal of zero incidents during the summit, Dela Rosa chose to poke fun at himself.
"Look at my head. I'm bald, right? What's the numerical representation of a bald person? Zero, no hair. So during the ASEAN Summit, zero incidents until it's over. Is that clear?" said Dela Rosa.
The 9,000-strong crowd responded, "Yes, sir."
"That's clear, okay? Our deal is if something happens during the ASEAN Summit, after the summit all of you will shave your heads. So we have to focus on our work," added the PNP chief.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/167725-philippines-security-officials-we-cant-fail-asean-summit
Sunday, April 23, 2017
Abu Sayyaf beheads soldier in Sulu
From Rappler (Apr 23): Abu Sayyaf beheads soldier in Sulu
'Kapareho nilang Tausug pero ginawa pa rin nila 'yung karumaldumal na pagpugot,' says Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana
The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) beheaded a soldier who was once a member of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
The body of Staff Sergeant Anni Siraji of the 32nd Infantry Battalion (32IB) was recovered by the military in Patikul, Sulu on Sunday afternoon, April 23.
Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, said it appears that Siraji was killed around 3 days ago.
"Based on our assessment, 3 days na eh, state of decomposition na 'yung kanyang remains... 'Yung ulo, 50 meters 'yung distance [sa] body," Sobejana said. (Based on our assessment, it's been 3 days since he was beheaded because his remains were already in a state of decomposition... His head was 50 meters away from his body.)
Sobejana also said members of the local terrorist group apparently rushed away after the beheading.
"Hastily done dahil sa continuous operations namin," he said. "Pinugutan nila tapos biglang alis... Talagang makikita mo very hasty 'yung pagkakagawa, ibig sabihin they were running away from us." (It was hastily done because of the continuous operations of the military against them. They beheaded the soldier then fled... You can really see that it was done in a very hasty manner, which means they were running away from us.)
Siraji had been abducted by the Abu Sayyaf last Thursday, April 20, while on the road heading to Barangay Igasan in Patikul.
"Talagang we condemn itong barbaric acts na ginagawa ng mga Abu Sayyaf... Kapareho nilang Tausug pero ginawa pa rin nila 'yung karumaldumal na pagpugot," said Sobejana. (We condemn the barbaric acts of the Abu Sayyaf members... He was their fellow Tausug but they still beheaded him.)
Sobejana added that Siraji had been instrumental in peace initiatives.
"Ginagamit namin to engage the stakeholders dahil kapareho nilang Tausug, at nakikita nilang effective itong tao and he significantly contributed na magiging 'yung community will not give support to the ASG. Kaya nasasaktan 'yung ASG dahil nawalan sila ng community support," he said. (Siraji engaged the stakeholders effectively because the people saw he was their fellow Tausug, and he significantly contributed to ensuring the community will not give support to the ASG. It was a blow for the ASG because they lost community support.)
The military has been working hard to meet a self-imposed deadline to crush the Abu Sayyaf by June 30.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/167737-abu-sayyaf-beheads-soldier-anni-siraji-sulu
'Kapareho nilang Tausug pero ginawa pa rin nila 'yung karumaldumal na pagpugot,' says Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana
The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) beheaded a soldier who was once a member of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
The body of Staff Sergeant Anni Siraji of the 32nd Infantry Battalion (32IB) was recovered by the military in Patikul, Sulu on Sunday afternoon, April 23.
Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, said it appears that Siraji was killed around 3 days ago.
"Based on our assessment, 3 days na eh, state of decomposition na 'yung kanyang remains... 'Yung ulo, 50 meters 'yung distance [sa] body," Sobejana said. (Based on our assessment, it's been 3 days since he was beheaded because his remains were already in a state of decomposition... His head was 50 meters away from his body.)
Sobejana also said members of the local terrorist group apparently rushed away after the beheading.
"Hastily done dahil sa continuous operations namin," he said. "Pinugutan nila tapos biglang alis... Talagang makikita mo very hasty 'yung pagkakagawa, ibig sabihin they were running away from us." (It was hastily done because of the continuous operations of the military against them. They beheaded the soldier then fled... You can really see that it was done in a very hasty manner, which means they were running away from us.)
Siraji had been abducted by the Abu Sayyaf last Thursday, April 20, while on the road heading to Barangay Igasan in Patikul.
"Talagang we condemn itong barbaric acts na ginagawa ng mga Abu Sayyaf... Kapareho nilang Tausug pero ginawa pa rin nila 'yung karumaldumal na pagpugot," said Sobejana. (We condemn the barbaric acts of the Abu Sayyaf members... He was their fellow Tausug but they still beheaded him.)
Sobejana added that Siraji had been instrumental in peace initiatives.
"Ginagamit namin to engage the stakeholders dahil kapareho nilang Tausug, at nakikita nilang effective itong tao and he significantly contributed na magiging 'yung community will not give support to the ASG. Kaya nasasaktan 'yung ASG dahil nawalan sila ng community support," he said. (Siraji engaged the stakeholders effectively because the people saw he was their fellow Tausug, and he significantly contributed to ensuring the community will not give support to the ASG. It was a blow for the ASG because they lost community support.)
The military has been working hard to meet a self-imposed deadline to crush the Abu Sayyaf by June 30.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/167737-abu-sayyaf-beheads-soldier-anni-siraji-sulu
3 more Abu Sayyaf suspects killed; stragglers ‘have nowhere to go’ in Bohol
From InterAksyon (Apr 23): 3 more Abu Sayyaf suspects killed; stragglers ‘have nowhere to go’ in Bohol
'Wanted poster' of Abu Sayyaf suspects posted on the Municipality of Inabanga Facebook account.
The government security forces said all but a few of the Abu Sayyaf members who went to Bohol from their Mindanao sanctuary have been eliminated, hours after three more ASG suspects were killed in clashes in Clarin, Bohol late Saturday, soon after a sub-leader was himself intercepted and shot dead.
“It could just be a matter of time before we can say that the threat is totally eliminated. The remaining lawless armed elements who are strangers in the area have nowhere to go,” said a second statement by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Visayas Command (Centcom) just before midnight Saturday.
Hours “after the death of Joselito Melloria, a.k.a. Abu Alih, three more armed lawless elements were killed in the succeeding skirmishes in Sitio Lagsing, Barangay Bacani, Clarin, Bohol. Two high-powered firearms were also recovered by the government forces from the armed group,” Centcom reported.
While activities related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings were under way elsewhere in Bohol, heightened security operations on that island province resulted in government forces intercepting and killing Melloria, believed to be operating in a sub-leader capacity in the Abu Sayyaf.
Melloria, who is said to use the nom-de-guerre Abu Alih, is suspected of serving as the local contact stringing for the ASG, and was apparently on his way to the town of Inabanga, scene of a vicious clash between the Abu Sayyaf and joint AFP-Police security forces earlier in the week.
Although it acknowledged ASG stragglers were still in the area, Centcom assured the public late Saturday that “our combined troops will remain cautious in their mission to neutralize what remains of the armed lawless group. The safety of our peace-loving people is of paramount consideration as we deliver the final blow to the stragglers.”
Authorities are in the process of identifying the bodies, and Centcom said that “despite the reported hostile plan of these lawless armed men, they will still be afforded with decent burial by the people they planned to harm before.”
Centcom declared, ”terrorism has no place in the Visayas Region. Our people will stand up against it. The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police will always be there to protect them.”
The revelations that ASG members had sailed from Tawi-tawi to Bohol had challenged government security forces, amid the hosting by Bohol of key meetings of the ASEAN, in the run-up to the April 26-29 Summit in Manila, where some heads of state of the regional bloc are expected to attend.
Last week, government forces clashed with the extremists in Inabanga town soon after confirming intelligence that the ASG had indeed arrived in Bohol, which with Cebu is a tourism hotspot. Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo M. Año said earlier the ASG was apparently casting a wider net as sources of funding were tightening and they needed to mount more kidnap for ransom missions outside of their usual bases in Mindanao.
http://beta.interaksyon.com/3-more-abu-sayyaf-suspects-killed-stragglers-have-nowhere-to-go-in-bohol/
'Wanted poster' of Abu Sayyaf suspects posted on the Municipality of Inabanga Facebook account.
The government security forces said all but a few of the Abu Sayyaf members who went to Bohol from their Mindanao sanctuary have been eliminated, hours after three more ASG suspects were killed in clashes in Clarin, Bohol late Saturday, soon after a sub-leader was himself intercepted and shot dead.
“It could just be a matter of time before we can say that the threat is totally eliminated. The remaining lawless armed elements who are strangers in the area have nowhere to go,” said a second statement by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Visayas Command (Centcom) just before midnight Saturday.
Hours “after the death of Joselito Melloria, a.k.a. Abu Alih, three more armed lawless elements were killed in the succeeding skirmishes in Sitio Lagsing, Barangay Bacani, Clarin, Bohol. Two high-powered firearms were also recovered by the government forces from the armed group,” Centcom reported.
While activities related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings were under way elsewhere in Bohol, heightened security operations on that island province resulted in government forces intercepting and killing Melloria, believed to be operating in a sub-leader capacity in the Abu Sayyaf.
Melloria, who is said to use the nom-de-guerre Abu Alih, is suspected of serving as the local contact stringing for the ASG, and was apparently on his way to the town of Inabanga, scene of a vicious clash between the Abu Sayyaf and joint AFP-Police security forces earlier in the week.
Although it acknowledged ASG stragglers were still in the area, Centcom assured the public late Saturday that “our combined troops will remain cautious in their mission to neutralize what remains of the armed lawless group. The safety of our peace-loving people is of paramount consideration as we deliver the final blow to the stragglers.”
Authorities are in the process of identifying the bodies, and Centcom said that “despite the reported hostile plan of these lawless armed men, they will still be afforded with decent burial by the people they planned to harm before.”
Centcom declared, ”terrorism has no place in the Visayas Region. Our people will stand up against it. The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police will always be there to protect them.”
The revelations that ASG members had sailed from Tawi-tawi to Bohol had challenged government security forces, amid the hosting by Bohol of key meetings of the ASEAN, in the run-up to the April 26-29 Summit in Manila, where some heads of state of the regional bloc are expected to attend.
Last week, government forces clashed with the extremists in Inabanga town soon after confirming intelligence that the ASG had indeed arrived in Bohol, which with Cebu is a tourism hotspot. Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo M. Año said earlier the ASG was apparently casting a wider net as sources of funding were tightening and they needed to mount more kidnap for ransom missions outside of their usual bases in Mindanao.
http://beta.interaksyon.com/3-more-abu-sayyaf-suspects-killed-stragglers-have-nowhere-to-go-in-bohol/
3 commies killed in Sultan Kudarat clash
From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 22): 3 commies killed in Sultan Kudarat clash
At least 3 communist rebels were killed in a firefight with government troops in the southern Filipino province of Sultan Kudarat, security officials said on Saturday.
Three civilians were reportedly killed in the clash in Colombio town, according to other reports, but this could not be immediately confirmed, however, officials said the fighting erupted in the village of Datal Blao on Friday after patrolling troops ran into a band of New People’s Army rebels.
Officials did not say if the bodies of slain rebels had been recovered or not, but the clash lasted about 15 minutes and there were no reports of military casualties.
The NPA has been fighting for many decades now in an effort to overthrow the democratic government and establish a Maoist state in the country.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/3-commies-killed-in-sultan-kudarat-clash/
At least 3 communist rebels were killed in a firefight with government troops in the southern Filipino province of Sultan Kudarat, security officials said on Saturday.
Three civilians were reportedly killed in the clash in Colombio town, according to other reports, but this could not be immediately confirmed, however, officials said the fighting erupted in the village of Datal Blao on Friday after patrolling troops ran into a band of New People’s Army rebels.
Officials did not say if the bodies of slain rebels had been recovered or not, but the clash lasted about 15 minutes and there were no reports of military casualties.
The NPA has been fighting for many decades now in an effort to overthrow the democratic government and establish a Maoist state in the country.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/3-commies-killed-in-sultan-kudarat-clash/
Military forces bomb Maute hideout in Lanao Sur
From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 22): Military forces bomb Maute hideout in Lanao Sur
Military forces bombed a suspected hideout of the jihadist Maute group near a stronghold of the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Lanao del Sur, one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.
It was not immediately known if there were casualties in the fresh military offensive in the town of Piagapo where members of the Maute group had been reportedly spotted in the village of Gakap.
The MILF – which has signed an interim peace deal with Manila in 2014 – did not give any statement on the assault or whether it provided intelligence to the military on the jihadist group or helped pinpoint their location.
The Western Mindanao Command confirmed the assault, but officials would not give details of the operation, saying, it could jeopardize the ongoing campaign against the Maute group.
Just last month, security forces also clashed with the militants in Ragayan village in Poona-Bayabao town.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/military-forces-bomb-maute-hideout-in-lanao-sur/
Military forces bombed a suspected hideout of the jihadist Maute group near a stronghold of the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Lanao del Sur, one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.
It was not immediately known if there were casualties in the fresh military offensive in the town of Piagapo where members of the Maute group had been reportedly spotted in the village of Gakap.
The MILF – which has signed an interim peace deal with Manila in 2014 – did not give any statement on the assault or whether it provided intelligence to the military on the jihadist group or helped pinpoint their location.
The Western Mindanao Command confirmed the assault, but officials would not give details of the operation, saying, it could jeopardize the ongoing campaign against the Maute group.
Just last month, security forces also clashed with the militants in Ragayan village in Poona-Bayabao town.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/military-forces-bomb-maute-hideout-in-lanao-sur/
Sayyafs behead captured army soldier
From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 23): Sayyafs behead captured army soldier
Abu Sayyaf militants beheaded a government soldier they captured in the southern Philippine province of Sulu where security forces are battling the notorious group linked to the Islamic State, intelligence reports said.
It said Staff Sergeant Anni Siraji, of the 32nd Infantry Battalion, was seized near the village of Igasan in Patikul town on April. And his body had been recovered on Sunday in the village called Taglibi, also in Patikul town, a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf.
Siraji, a former Moro National Liberation Front rebel, was part of an army unit working on peace and development projects in Sulu, one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region. He was travelling to the village of Igasan when 7 armed militants seized him.
The military’s Western Mindanao Command did not release any information on Siraji’s brutal killing, but a local television news report quoted Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of an army task force in Sulu, as saying that Siraji’s decapitated head was also recovered by soldiers.
Siraji was a native of Sulu and a former Moro National Liberation Front rebel before he joined the army following the signing of a peace accord between the MNLF and government in September 1996.
Thousands of former MNLF fighters had been integrated to the military and police forces following the signing of a peace deal with Manila in September 1996, but many also – disgruntled with the accord – joined the Abu Sayyaf and other rebel groups in the region.
The Abu Sayyaf which is notorious for beheading their captives and behind the spate of ransom kidnappings and terrorism.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/sayyafs-behead-captured-army-soldier/
Abu Sayyaf militants beheaded a government soldier they captured in the southern Philippine province of Sulu where security forces are battling the notorious group linked to the Islamic State, intelligence reports said.
It said Staff Sergeant Anni Siraji, of the 32nd Infantry Battalion, was seized near the village of Igasan in Patikul town on April. And his body had been recovered on Sunday in the village called Taglibi, also in Patikul town, a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf.
Siraji, a former Moro National Liberation Front rebel, was part of an army unit working on peace and development projects in Sulu, one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region. He was travelling to the village of Igasan when 7 armed militants seized him.
The military’s Western Mindanao Command did not release any information on Siraji’s brutal killing, but a local television news report quoted Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of an army task force in Sulu, as saying that Siraji’s decapitated head was also recovered by soldiers.
Siraji was a native of Sulu and a former Moro National Liberation Front rebel before he joined the army following the signing of a peace accord between the MNLF and government in September 1996.
Thousands of former MNLF fighters had been integrated to the military and police forces following the signing of a peace deal with Manila in September 1996, but many also – disgruntled with the accord – joined the Abu Sayyaf and other rebel groups in the region.
The Abu Sayyaf which is notorious for beheading their captives and behind the spate of ransom kidnappings and terrorism.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/sayyafs-behead-captured-army-soldier/
Cebuano News: Duterte, andam gubaton ang Sulu aron mahunong na ang kalihokan sa Abu Sayyaf
From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 22): Cebuano News: Duterte, andam gubaton ang Sulu aron mahunong na ang kalihokan sa Abu Sayyaf (News: Duterte, ready to invade Sulu to stop the activities of the Abu Sayyaf)
Kun gikinahanglan, andam nga gubaton ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte ang tibuok lalawigan sa Sulu aron mahunong ang kalihokan nga pagpangdagit sa mga bandidong Abu Sayyaf Group.
Mao kini ang hulga ni Presidente Duterte sa bandidong grupo human gipugotan niini og ulo ang usa sa ilang dinakpan nga Pilipino ning bag-o lang ug ang pagsulay pagsulong sa mga miyembro sa ASG sa lalawigan sa Bohol niadtong April 10.
“I will invade Jolo. Invasion na lang talaga. But maraming madisgrasya niyan, civilian, bata. Pag naipit na ang bayan I will order an invasion Jolo. Lahat ng Army, military pupunta doon, bakbakan na talaga. Iyan ang gusto nila ibibigay ko sa kanila,” hulga ni Presidente Duterte.
Sa iyang kalit nga pagbisita dinhi sa Bohol kagahapon aron maminaw sa Security Briefing kalabot sa Engkwentro sa Inabanga ug ASEAN Summit, miingon si Duterte nga iya na usab gi-konsiderar nga tugotan na ang mga sibilyan nga magdala og armas aron makatabang sa gobyerno sa pagbatok sa kriminalidad ug terorismo.
Matud pa nga kun siya ang masunod, mas gusto pa niyang makitang patay ang mga kriminal imbes nga buhi pa kini.
Una nang nitanyag og P1 milyon si Presidente Duterte sa makatabang sa pagsikop sa matag miyembro sa ASG nga nagpabiling nagtago-tago sa kabukiran sa Inabanga.
Sila ang kauban sa grupo ni Abu Rami nga naka-engkwentro sa mga otoridad sa Barangay Napo, Sitio Ilaya, sa lungsod sa Inabanga ning lalawigan niadtong Abril 11 nga naka-ikyas sa binakbakay.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1081492670246/cebuano-news-duterte-andam-gubaton-ang-sulu-aron-mahunong-na-ang-kalihokan-sa-abu-sayyaf
Kun gikinahanglan, andam nga gubaton ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte ang tibuok lalawigan sa Sulu aron mahunong ang kalihokan nga pagpangdagit sa mga bandidong Abu Sayyaf Group.
Mao kini ang hulga ni Presidente Duterte sa bandidong grupo human gipugotan niini og ulo ang usa sa ilang dinakpan nga Pilipino ning bag-o lang ug ang pagsulay pagsulong sa mga miyembro sa ASG sa lalawigan sa Bohol niadtong April 10.
“I will invade Jolo. Invasion na lang talaga. But maraming madisgrasya niyan, civilian, bata. Pag naipit na ang bayan I will order an invasion Jolo. Lahat ng Army, military pupunta doon, bakbakan na talaga. Iyan ang gusto nila ibibigay ko sa kanila,” hulga ni Presidente Duterte.
Sa iyang kalit nga pagbisita dinhi sa Bohol kagahapon aron maminaw sa Security Briefing kalabot sa Engkwentro sa Inabanga ug ASEAN Summit, miingon si Duterte nga iya na usab gi-konsiderar nga tugotan na ang mga sibilyan nga magdala og armas aron makatabang sa gobyerno sa pagbatok sa kriminalidad ug terorismo.
Matud pa nga kun siya ang masunod, mas gusto pa niyang makitang patay ang mga kriminal imbes nga buhi pa kini.
Una nang nitanyag og P1 milyon si Presidente Duterte sa makatabang sa pagsikop sa matag miyembro sa ASG nga nagpabiling nagtago-tago sa kabukiran sa Inabanga.
Sila ang kauban sa grupo ni Abu Rami nga naka-engkwentro sa mga otoridad sa Barangay Napo, Sitio Ilaya, sa lungsod sa Inabanga ning lalawigan niadtong Abril 11 nga naka-ikyas sa binakbakay.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1081492670246/cebuano-news-duterte-andam-gubaton-ang-sulu-aron-mahunong-na-ang-kalihokan-sa-abu-sayyaf
4 more ASG stragglers killed in Bohol operations
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 23): 4 more ASG stragglers killed in Bohol operations
Pursuing military and police personnel in Bohol have killed three more Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Clarin town, Bohol, raising the number of the slain brigands to four Saturday afternoon.
The first to be killed in the series of military operations was ASG contact and sympathizer Joselito Melloria alias "Abu Alih," a native of Sitio Ilaya, Barangay Napo, Inabanga town.
Lt. Col. Ericson Rosana, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, said Melloria was slain during an encounter in Sitio Lagsing, Barangay Bacani, Clarin town at 12: 50 p.m.
Hours after Melloria's death, three more ASG bandits were killed in follow-up operations in Sitio Lagsing.
Rosana said they are now in the process of identifying the bodies as he stressed that it is only a matter of time before the remaining bandits are neutralized.
No losses were sustained by government forces in this incident which also led to the recovery of Melloria's M-16 automatic rifle fitted with a grenade launcher.
The fallen bandit is believed to be the guide of ASG sub-leader Muanmar Askali alias "Abu Rami" who, along with an estimated 11 bandits, made an incursion in Inabanga town last April 10.
These ASG members were reportedly about to make a kidnapping foray in the Bohol area when foiled by government forces in April 11, killing Askali and three of his men, along with three soldiers and a police officer, and an elderly couple.
Around seven bandits, with Melloria now assuming command, managed to escape the military offensive last April 11 and hid in the forested areas of the region, before being flushed out Saturday.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=981861
Pursuing military and police personnel in Bohol have killed three more Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Clarin town, Bohol, raising the number of the slain brigands to four Saturday afternoon.
The first to be killed in the series of military operations was ASG contact and sympathizer Joselito Melloria alias "Abu Alih," a native of Sitio Ilaya, Barangay Napo, Inabanga town.
Lt. Col. Ericson Rosana, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, said Melloria was slain during an encounter in Sitio Lagsing, Barangay Bacani, Clarin town at 12: 50 p.m.
Hours after Melloria's death, three more ASG bandits were killed in follow-up operations in Sitio Lagsing.
Rosana said they are now in the process of identifying the bodies as he stressed that it is only a matter of time before the remaining bandits are neutralized.
No losses were sustained by government forces in this incident which also led to the recovery of Melloria's M-16 automatic rifle fitted with a grenade launcher.
The fallen bandit is believed to be the guide of ASG sub-leader Muanmar Askali alias "Abu Rami" who, along with an estimated 11 bandits, made an incursion in Inabanga town last April 10.
These ASG members were reportedly about to make a kidnapping foray in the Bohol area when foiled by government forces in April 11, killing Askali and three of his men, along with three soldiers and a police officer, and an elderly couple.
Around seven bandits, with Melloria now assuming command, managed to escape the military offensive last April 11 and hid in the forested areas of the region, before being flushed out Saturday.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=981861
Gov't preparations for ASEAN Summit, state visits of Widodo, Bolkiah in full swing
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 23): Gov't preparations for ASEAN Summit, state visits of Widodo, Bolkiah in full swing
The Philippine government has stepped up preparations for the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and the State Visits of Indonesian President His Excellency Joko Widodo, and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yan Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in Manila this week.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will chair this year's 30th ASEAN Summit on April 29 involving the Heads of States/Governments of 10 ASEAN Member States, namely Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Preparatory meetings, involving ASEAN Ministers and Senior Officials, will take place from April 26 to 28.
The 30th ASEAN Summit is the first of two leaders-level meetings that the Philippines will convene this year as Chair of ASEAN. The second one, the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, will be held in November and will be participated in by the ASEAN's Dialogue Partners, such as Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States.
Before the actual Leaders' meeting on April 29, His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and His Excellency Widodo will hold state visits in the country on April 27 and April 28, respectively.
"Preparations are now in full swing for all activities scheduled [this] week in Manila," said Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella in a statement on Sunday.
"The President looks forward to meeting His Majesty the Sultan and President Widodo, respectively, to build on the gains achieved during President Duterte's visits to Bandar Seri Begawan and Jakarta," Abella added.
In an earlier press conference in Malacañang, ASEAN 2017 Director-General for Operations Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr. said the agenda for the separate meetings of President Duterte with the two leaders will be specific to issues that relate to both countries.
"For Indonesia I think it will be a follow-up of what President Duterte and President Widodo had talked about in Jakarta when the President went there for a visit. This is a return state visit of President Widodo. And I would imagine that security of our sea lanes, cross-border traffic and patrol, agriculture, I think, may be one of the issues that will be discussed with Indonesia," Paynor said.
"With Brunei, similar issues that I feel will just be reiterated and perhaps further elucidated," he added.
Duterte visited Indonesia in September last year as his first-ever state visit as President. He then visited Brunei Darussalam in October also for a state visit.
Paynor said Widodo is also expected to join Duterte in the launch of the Davao-General Santos-Bitung Roll-on Roll-off sea linkage route in Davao City on April 30.
In time for the summit, Malacañang has declared suspension of work in the government sector in the cities of Pasay, Makati, and Manila on April 27 and in government and private sectors in Metro Manila on April 28.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=981925
The Philippine government has stepped up preparations for the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and the State Visits of Indonesian President His Excellency Joko Widodo, and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yan Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in Manila this week.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will chair this year's 30th ASEAN Summit on April 29 involving the Heads of States/Governments of 10 ASEAN Member States, namely Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Preparatory meetings, involving ASEAN Ministers and Senior Officials, will take place from April 26 to 28.
The 30th ASEAN Summit is the first of two leaders-level meetings that the Philippines will convene this year as Chair of ASEAN. The second one, the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, will be held in November and will be participated in by the ASEAN's Dialogue Partners, such as Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States.
Before the actual Leaders' meeting on April 29, His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and His Excellency Widodo will hold state visits in the country on April 27 and April 28, respectively.
"Preparations are now in full swing for all activities scheduled [this] week in Manila," said Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella in a statement on Sunday.
"The President looks forward to meeting His Majesty the Sultan and President Widodo, respectively, to build on the gains achieved during President Duterte's visits to Bandar Seri Begawan and Jakarta," Abella added.
In an earlier press conference in Malacañang, ASEAN 2017 Director-General for Operations Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr. said the agenda for the separate meetings of President Duterte with the two leaders will be specific to issues that relate to both countries.
"For Indonesia I think it will be a follow-up of what President Duterte and President Widodo had talked about in Jakarta when the President went there for a visit. This is a return state visit of President Widodo. And I would imagine that security of our sea lanes, cross-border traffic and patrol, agriculture, I think, may be one of the issues that will be discussed with Indonesia," Paynor said.
"With Brunei, similar issues that I feel will just be reiterated and perhaps further elucidated," he added.
Duterte visited Indonesia in September last year as his first-ever state visit as President. He then visited Brunei Darussalam in October also for a state visit.
Paynor said Widodo is also expected to join Duterte in the launch of the Davao-General Santos-Bitung Roll-on Roll-off sea linkage route in Davao City on April 30.
In time for the summit, Malacañang has declared suspension of work in the government sector in the cities of Pasay, Makati, and Manila on April 27 and in government and private sectors in Metro Manila on April 28.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=981925
FVR cites WWII veterans for gallantry in defending democracy
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 23): FVR cites WWII veterans for gallantry in defending democracy
Former President Fidel V. Ramos has cited the bravery of thousands of Filipino and American veterans, who fought the much superior Japanese Imperial Army during World War II in defense of freedom and democracy.
Ramos made the statement to commemorate the just-concluded 75th anniversary of the Battle of Bataan that “prevented the invasion by the Japanese Imperial Forces of the crucial but vulnerable islands of the Pacific such as Guam, Australia, and the Hawaiian group which are stepping stones to the prize targets on the US mainland.”
The former Chief Executive turned newspaper columnist made a long narration of the sacrifices of Filipino and American veterans in the Second World War that lasted for over three years.
He cited the bravery of three die-hard warriors -- Wendell Fertig of Mindanao, Macario Peralta of Panay, and American Russel Volckmann of northern Luzon, who waged guerrilla war against the Japanese forces in said areas.
“No, Bataan and Corregidor did not fall -- they fortified and the Filipino-American spirit of resistance, such as strength of will and audacity is known to our former Japanese adversaries, who are now among our strongest allies,” Ramos said.
Veterans’ Week, held in the month of April, is spearheaded by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) presently headed by retired Lt. Gen. Ernesto G. Carolina.
“As freedom-loving Filipinos -- whether young or old, rich or poor -- it is our obligation to encourage friends and relatives to properly pay tribute to our World War II heroes who endured the suffering of the Bataan Death March, and somehow survived more than 100 kilometers. Of brutality under a scorching summer sun to reach the P.O.W. prison camp in Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac,” Ramos said, who himself is a former veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=981929
Former President Fidel V. Ramos has cited the bravery of thousands of Filipino and American veterans, who fought the much superior Japanese Imperial Army during World War II in defense of freedom and democracy.
Ramos made the statement to commemorate the just-concluded 75th anniversary of the Battle of Bataan that “prevented the invasion by the Japanese Imperial Forces of the crucial but vulnerable islands of the Pacific such as Guam, Australia, and the Hawaiian group which are stepping stones to the prize targets on the US mainland.”
The former Chief Executive turned newspaper columnist made a long narration of the sacrifices of Filipino and American veterans in the Second World War that lasted for over three years.
He cited the bravery of three die-hard warriors -- Wendell Fertig of Mindanao, Macario Peralta of Panay, and American Russel Volckmann of northern Luzon, who waged guerrilla war against the Japanese forces in said areas.
“No, Bataan and Corregidor did not fall -- they fortified and the Filipino-American spirit of resistance, such as strength of will and audacity is known to our former Japanese adversaries, who are now among our strongest allies,” Ramos said.
Veterans’ Week, held in the month of April, is spearheaded by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) presently headed by retired Lt. Gen. Ernesto G. Carolina.
“As freedom-loving Filipinos -- whether young or old, rich or poor -- it is our obligation to encourage friends and relatives to properly pay tribute to our World War II heroes who endured the suffering of the Bataan Death March, and somehow survived more than 100 kilometers. Of brutality under a scorching summer sun to reach the P.O.W. prison camp in Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac,” Ramos said, who himself is a former veterans of the Korean and Vietnam wars.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=981929
Nothing wrong with DND chief's visit to Pag-asa Island
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 23): Nothing wrong with DND chief's visit to Pag-asa Island
Ranking Philippine defense and military officials see nothing wrong with their decision to visit Pag-asa Island, the largest feature in the Kalayaan Island Group, last April 22.
Earlier, Chinese officials expressed concerns on the visit as it has negated the important consensus reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Rodrigo Duterte on how to settle the South China Sea issue.
"The visit to Pag-asa is part of (Department of National Defense) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana's many responsibilities as Head of the DND. He routinely inspects all facilities under the Department's administrative supervision," DND public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong said in a message.
Pag-asa Island is one of those facilities, he added.
"The trip was meant to see what is needed to improve the living conditions, safety and personal security of Filipinos on the island, who rely on their government to see to their welfare in such a far-flung place," Andolong stressed.
In regards to the Chinese protest on the above-mentioned visit, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año said it is the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)'s purview to deal with such matters.
"(It is) within the purview of the DFA. Foreign policy question. As far as the AFP is concern, we visited our troops manning our territory," he added.
"There is nothing wrong with our visit. It's part of my job. We never land in any island except ours where our troops are stationed. Pag-asa is a municipality of Palawan," the AFP chief stressed.
Last Friday, Lorenzana, Año and other ranking officials of the military, along with a select group of media practitioners, visited Pagasa Island.
During the visit, the DND chief bared plans to upgrade existing facilities in the island to the tune of PHP1.6 billion.
Construction projects eyed for Pag-asa Island include the concreting of the 1.2 kilometer-long Rancudo Airstrip, development of ports, installation of additional solar panels and generator sets, desalination plants, new quarters for military personnel and establishment of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources marine research and shelter center, and an ice plant for storing and preserving the fish caught by the islanders.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=981937
Ranking Philippine defense and military officials see nothing wrong with their decision to visit Pag-asa Island, the largest feature in the Kalayaan Island Group, last April 22.
Earlier, Chinese officials expressed concerns on the visit as it has negated the important consensus reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Rodrigo Duterte on how to settle the South China Sea issue.
"The visit to Pag-asa is part of (Department of National Defense) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana's many responsibilities as Head of the DND. He routinely inspects all facilities under the Department's administrative supervision," DND public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong said in a message.
Pag-asa Island is one of those facilities, he added.
"The trip was meant to see what is needed to improve the living conditions, safety and personal security of Filipinos on the island, who rely on their government to see to their welfare in such a far-flung place," Andolong stressed.
In regards to the Chinese protest on the above-mentioned visit, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año said it is the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)'s purview to deal with such matters.
"(It is) within the purview of the DFA. Foreign policy question. As far as the AFP is concern, we visited our troops manning our territory," he added.
"There is nothing wrong with our visit. It's part of my job. We never land in any island except ours where our troops are stationed. Pag-asa is a municipality of Palawan," the AFP chief stressed.
Last Friday, Lorenzana, Año and other ranking officials of the military, along with a select group of media practitioners, visited Pagasa Island.
During the visit, the DND chief bared plans to upgrade existing facilities in the island to the tune of PHP1.6 billion.
Construction projects eyed for Pag-asa Island include the concreting of the 1.2 kilometer-long Rancudo Airstrip, development of ports, installation of additional solar panels and generator sets, desalination plants, new quarters for military personnel and establishment of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources marine research and shelter center, and an ice plant for storing and preserving the fish caught by the islanders.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=981937
Reds attack popular tourist spot in Davao Oriental
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 23): Reds attack popular tourist spot in Davao Oriental
Communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels staged an attack at Aliwagwag Falls, one of the main tourist destinations in the province of Davao Oriental, at around 4:30 a.m. Sunday, an official said.
“No tourist was injured in the attack,” Captain Rhyan Batchar, chief information officer of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, said in a phone interview.
Aliwagwag Falls is located in Cateel town.
Batchar said a team of 67th Infantry Battalion was assigned to the tourist spot to secure visitors, as the place is frequented by tourists during summer.
He said that around 40 members the NPA's Southern Mindanao Regional Command staged the harassment.
A member of the 67th IB was wounded during the attack, but his name was withheld pending the notification to his family members.
Batchar said the 67th IB team was able to defend their position while the NPAs withdrew northwest of Aliwagwag Falls.
The encounter lasted for almost an hour, he added.
“The place is secured right now. Pursuit operation is ongoing against the fleeing rebels,” he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=981878
Communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels staged an attack at Aliwagwag Falls, one of the main tourist destinations in the province of Davao Oriental, at around 4:30 a.m. Sunday, an official said.
“No tourist was injured in the attack,” Captain Rhyan Batchar, chief information officer of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, said in a phone interview.
Aliwagwag Falls is located in Cateel town.
Batchar said a team of 67th Infantry Battalion was assigned to the tourist spot to secure visitors, as the place is frequented by tourists during summer.
He said that around 40 members the NPA's Southern Mindanao Regional Command staged the harassment.
A member of the 67th IB was wounded during the attack, but his name was withheld pending the notification to his family members.
Batchar said the 67th IB team was able to defend their position while the NPAs withdrew northwest of Aliwagwag Falls.
The encounter lasted for almost an hour, he added.
“The place is secured right now. Pursuit operation is ongoing against the fleeing rebels,” he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=981878
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Army, jihadists clash anew in Lanao Sur
From the Manila Times (Apr 22): Army, jihadists clash anew in Lanao Sur
Government forces and jihadists aligned with the notorious Islamic State (IS) clashed anew in Lanao del Sur before dawn on Saturday in Piagapo town near the camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Army Captain Jo-ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the Zamboanga-based Western Mindanao Command (WestMincom), confirmed the clashes but did not provide further details about the “ongoing engagement.”
She said they were still identifying the “armed group” that clashed with the troopers.
The Manila Times’ sources from the intelligence communities said the encounter occurred at around 3 a.m. when the military, using air strikes, bombed a site in the village of Gakap.
The sources said a local group of militants, jihadists who have pledged allegiance to the IS and known to authorities as the Maute group, converged in the town recently.
The militants were joined by non-Maranaos, including Maguindanaoans, Tausugs and “Balik-Islam” or Muslim converts who went to the area for hijra or migration in what they call the “land of jihad,” the sources said.
It was not immediately known whether the military was alerted of their presence in the area, but the sources said efforts were made by civilians, local leaders and the MILF to ask the jihadists to leave town.
The MILF rebels, who have signed peace accords with the government, had disowned members involved in the Maute group’s activities.
Hundreds of families in Gakap and other nearby villages were displaced by the recent firefight.
The relief team of Lanao del Sur and other humanitarian organizations dispatched groups to attend to the needs of the evacuees.
Last month, the military clashed with the same group in Ragayan, Poona-Bayabao. A detachment was installed in the area following last year’s firefights in Butig, which was briefly taken over by the jihadists.
http://www.manilatimes.net/army-jihadists-clash-anew-lanao-sur-2/323585/
Government forces and jihadists aligned with the notorious Islamic State (IS) clashed anew in Lanao del Sur before dawn on Saturday in Piagapo town near the camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Army Captain Jo-ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the Zamboanga-based Western Mindanao Command (WestMincom), confirmed the clashes but did not provide further details about the “ongoing engagement.”
She said they were still identifying the “armed group” that clashed with the troopers.
The Manila Times’ sources from the intelligence communities said the encounter occurred at around 3 a.m. when the military, using air strikes, bombed a site in the village of Gakap.
The sources said a local group of militants, jihadists who have pledged allegiance to the IS and known to authorities as the Maute group, converged in the town recently.
The militants were joined by non-Maranaos, including Maguindanaoans, Tausugs and “Balik-Islam” or Muslim converts who went to the area for hijra or migration in what they call the “land of jihad,” the sources said.
It was not immediately known whether the military was alerted of their presence in the area, but the sources said efforts were made by civilians, local leaders and the MILF to ask the jihadists to leave town.
The MILF rebels, who have signed peace accords with the government, had disowned members involved in the Maute group’s activities.
Hundreds of families in Gakap and other nearby villages were displaced by the recent firefight.
The relief team of Lanao del Sur and other humanitarian organizations dispatched groups to attend to the needs of the evacuees.
Last month, the military clashed with the same group in Ragayan, Poona-Bayabao. A detachment was installed in the area following last year’s firefights in Butig, which was briefly taken over by the jihadists.
http://www.manilatimes.net/army-jihadists-clash-anew-lanao-sur-2/323585/
Cops recover motorbike used in Maguindanao town mosque bombing
From the Sun Star-Davao (Apr 23): Cops recover motorbike used in Maguindanao town mosque bombing
Police in Maguindanao recovered a motorbike used by two men, who lobbed grenades at the Talayan mosque Friday noon, April 21.
Eight persons, including Mayor Nathaniel Midtimbang of Datu Anggal Midtimbang town, his father, former mayor Kagi Midtimbang and six others, were hurt in the blast as they emerged from a noon prayer.
The Regional Darul Ifta (Islamic House of Opinion) condemned the terror attack while worshippers were leaving the Mosque premises after the Friday congregational prayer.
“We call upon the authorities to investigate to ascertain the motive and to arrest the perpetrators,” the Darul Ifta said in a statement.
Maguindanao Police Director Agustin Tello, said police are determining the owner of the motorbike.
Tello said the attackers fled on two motorcycles, one of which was recovered later along the national highway.
The elder Midtimbang sustained shrapnel wounds in both legs and was airlifted, along with his son Mayor Nathaniel to Davao City for further medical treatment.
Police said the other grenade failed to explode and was properly defused by army bomb experts.
The attackers abandoned the motorbike at the highway and boarded a waiting white Toyota Innova with no license plates, said residents who ran after them.
Talayan has been subjected to grenade and improvised bomb attacks in recent years after it hosted a Peace Summit denouncing extremism in town.
Police eyed the involvement of religious fanatics who attended extremism and jihadist talks by suspected foreign terrorists in Maguindanao.
Tello said also considered persons of interests were members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters operating in Talayan and nearby towns.
Police in Maguindanao recovered a motorbike used by two men, who lobbed grenades at the Talayan mosque Friday noon, April 21.
Eight persons, including Mayor Nathaniel Midtimbang of Datu Anggal Midtimbang town, his father, former mayor Kagi Midtimbang and six others, were hurt in the blast as they emerged from a noon prayer.
The Regional Darul Ifta (Islamic House of Opinion) condemned the terror attack while worshippers were leaving the Mosque premises after the Friday congregational prayer.
“We call upon the authorities to investigate to ascertain the motive and to arrest the perpetrators,” the Darul Ifta said in a statement.
Maguindanao Police Director Agustin Tello, said police are determining the owner of the motorbike.
Tello said the attackers fled on two motorcycles, one of which was recovered later along the national highway.
The elder Midtimbang sustained shrapnel wounds in both legs and was airlifted, along with his son Mayor Nathaniel to Davao City for further medical treatment.
Police said the other grenade failed to explode and was properly defused by army bomb experts.
The attackers abandoned the motorbike at the highway and boarded a waiting white Toyota Innova with no license plates, said residents who ran after them.
Talayan has been subjected to grenade and improvised bomb attacks in recent years after it hosted a Peace Summit denouncing extremism in town.
Police eyed the involvement of religious fanatics who attended extremism and jihadist talks by suspected foreign terrorists in Maguindanao.
Tello said also considered persons of interests were members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters operating in Talayan and nearby towns.
Maguindanao clans end 20-year conflict
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 22): Maguindanao clans end 20-year conflict
Warring clans in Maguindanao province ended two decades of armed hostilities involving family members by signing a peace pact in an Army camp in Sultan Kudarat province last week.
The settlement of “rido” (clan war) and reconciliation of the Balindong and Montaner clans at the Army’s 603rd infantry brigade headquarters came after years of efforts to convince the clans’ elders to settle their misunderstanding “for the sake of their children.”
Col. Jesus Sarsagat, 603rd brigade commander, and Lt. Col. Ruben Aquino, 6th Infantry Battalion commander, initiated the negotiations early this year until the families agreed to forge peace.
The animosity involving the clans was triggered by misunderstanding over politics and other personal issues, reports said.
More than two dozen supporters and family members from both clans had died in sporadic clashes that spanned 20 years.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/890994/maguindanao-clans-end-20-year-conflict
Warring clans in Maguindanao province ended two decades of armed hostilities involving family members by signing a peace pact in an Army camp in Sultan Kudarat province last week.
The settlement of “rido” (clan war) and reconciliation of the Balindong and Montaner clans at the Army’s 603rd infantry brigade headquarters came after years of efforts to convince the clans’ elders to settle their misunderstanding “for the sake of their children.”
Col. Jesus Sarsagat, 603rd brigade commander, and Lt. Col. Ruben Aquino, 6th Infantry Battalion commander, initiated the negotiations early this year until the families agreed to forge peace.
The animosity involving the clans was triggered by misunderstanding over politics and other personal issues, reports said.
More than two dozen supporters and family members from both clans had died in sporadic clashes that spanned 20 years.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/890994/maguindanao-clans-end-20-year-conflict
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)