Philippine Communist Rebel Leader Arrested, Military Says

From Benar News (May 12): Philippine Communist Rebel Leader Arrested, Military Says



Guerrillas belonging to the New People’s Army, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, show off their arms in the outskirts of Bukidnon province in the southern Philippines, April 27, 2017  Froilan Gallardo/BenarNews

A ranking communist guerrilla leader wanted for a string of attacks in the southern Philippines has been arrested along with three others including a Christian bishop, authorities said Friday.

Rommel Salinas, identified as the secretary general of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) in Mindanao, was arrested by joint police and military operatives Thursday evening near the city of Ozamiz, about 1,200 km (750 miles) of the capital Manila, officials said.

Also arrested were Bishop Carlo Morales of the local Christian church Iglesia Filipina Independiente, his wife and the driver of the van the group rode in, local police spokesman Superintendent Lemuel Gonda said.

Authorities confiscated a hand grenade, mobile phones, battery packs, a city map and almost $2,000 from the four suspects, he said.

Brig. Gen.  Rolando Joselito Bautista, commander of the Philippine Army’s regional command, said Salinas was the top commander of the communists’ armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), and was believed to be in charge of sowing a range of terrorist activities in the region, from arson and extortion to killings and abductions.

Salinas was allegedly "involved in numerous high-profile crimes" and a local court had issued at least five warrants for his arrest.

Bautista said Salinas "was the most wanted NPA commander" in the western part of Mindanao, the country's southern third-largest island where both communist guerrillas and Muslim insurgents operate.

"Coordination work from the community, local government units, the national police and the army led to the capture of one of the highest-ranking CPP-NPA leader in western Mindanao," Bautista said.

The arrest of Bishop Morales ignited a furor in his church, during which the clergy ordered its members to immediately travel to the regional police office to demand his freedom.

“Those of you who can travel, go now to the Ozamiz police station,” said Bishop Antonio Ablon of the church's diocese in Pagadian City, also in the south.

The church also posted a photo of a handcuffed Bishop Morales in its social media page and said the four were not allowed to make any phone calls to seek legal assistance.

Ablon said Bishop Morales properly identified himself to the police, but was ignored. The church, however, did not explain why the bishop was with a top communist guerrilla wanted by the authorities.

"We find no reason that the good IFI Bishop of Ozamiz will be illegally arrested, handcuffed and illegally detained in jail. He had properly introduced himself as a bishop but was still accorded with maltreatment,” a church statement said.



Communist guerrillas patrol a remote town in Bukidnon province in the southern Philippines, April 27, 2017. [Froilan Gallardo/BenarNews]

Clashes continue elsewhere
The arrests came a day after four NPA rebels were killed in separate clashes with troops also in the south Wednesday, some two weeks after the gunmen attacked three rubber manufacturing facilities in the southern city of Davao, killing a civilian.

Senior Superintendent Raul Supiter, provincial police commander in the southern city of Sultan Kudarat, said fighting erupted when NPA rebels attacked a Marine contingent patrolling the area.

A 30-minute gunbattle ensued, resulting in the death of two rebels. Two other guerrillas were also slain in a firefight in the city of Malaybalay, about 1,500 km (937 miles) south of Manila.

While local government officials have condemned the series of rebel atrocities, the Philippines has insisted that the next round of talks with the communists would still go ahead later this month in the Netherlands.

The NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been waging a guerrilla campaign in the countryside since the late 1960s. Its numbers are believed to number more than 3,200.

Some 40,000 soldiers, rebels and civilians have been slain over the course of the conflict, and peace talks have been on and off since the early 1990s.

In February, the negotiations collapsed after the guerrillas killed several government forces in a series of attacks.

But President Duterte subsequently agreed to return to the negotiating table subject to several conditions, including the release of several officers the NPA has captured and for the rebels to agree to a bilateral cease-fire.

http://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/cpp-leader-05122017121737.html

Terrorists threaten Islamic scholars in Cotabato City

From ABS-CBN (May 12): Terrorists threaten Islamic scholars in Cotabato City

The Ulama Summit began on Friday in Cotabato City despite a threat from a radical terrorist group, according to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Bureau of Public Information.

The Dawla Islamiya, which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, issued a statement threatening ulamas, or Islamic scholars, who will attend the event.

“To those who have Ulama relatives, warn your parents, brothers and children not to attend the said summit because if something happens to them along the way or in the end, don't tell us you were not warned,” the Dawla Islamiya statement said.

The group claimed that the summit would result in scholars branding Dawla Islamiya members as terrorists and that ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman was using the ulamas for his personal agenda.
The Ulama Summit aims to emphasize that Islam must not and cannot be used to justify extremism and terrorism.

“Reeducation is necessary to rediscover Islam, specifically its underlying principles of justice, compassion, and peace,” the ulamas said.

Hataman earlier said the threat of violence and terrorism could further hamper economic growth in the region.

"While the economies of neighboring areas posted 4% to 6% growth last year, ARMM could only post less than 1% growth. This is because security threats pose limits in the region's economic expansion,” he said.

The summit will end on March 14.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/12/17/terrorists-threaten-islamic-scholars-in-cotabato-city

Hunt for remaining bandits in Bohol targets 5-hectare mangrove area

From GMA News (May 12): Hunt for remaining bandits in Bohol targets 5-hectare mangrove area

Police and military troops have tightened security on an island in Bohol after residents reported sightings of the two remnants of the Abu Sayyaf Group members from Sulu who entered the province early in April for a supposed kidnapping mission.

GMA News stringer Leo Udtohan reported Friday that security forces have set up checkpoints around Pangangan (pronounced as Pang-ga-ngan) Island in Calape town, while Philippine Navy's Special Action Force teams have been conducting naval patrols.

Authorities tightened Pangangan Island's security on Thursday night after a resident reported that a shabby, skinny, unfamiliar man knocked on his door and begged for food.

Island residents have also reported sightings of two unfamiliar men, whom they believe were Abu Asis and Abu Ubayda, the remaining Abu Sayyaf Group members in the province being hunted by the police.

Troops have cordoned off a five-hectare mangrove forest area where the two were spotted in the past few days.

Residents said they began to suspect the presence of the two on the island when they noticed a strange paddle boat tied to a mangrove tree, and with a design different from the ones being used in the locality, Udtohan said.

They found out later that the boat was stolen from Calape town's Brangay Liboron.

After a series of deadly armed confrontations with security forces, the number of intruders at large in the Bohol province in Central Visayas was down to two men (identified as Abu Asis and Abu Ubayda), after the shooting to death of Saad Samad Kiram while in police custody on May 5 for trying to wrestle for the firearm of one of his police escorts.

Saad's death is now being a subject of investigation by the Commission on Human Rights.

Region 7 police director Chief Supt. Noli Taliño said earlier that the remaining two bandits were wounded in the clash with authorities that led to Saad's arrest.

Four government troops have been killed in clashes with the bandits since April 11. Of the more than 10 Abu Sayyaf intruders, only two have remained alive.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/610553/hunt-for-remaining-bandits-in-bohol-targets-5-hectare-mangrove-area/story/

Soldier, NPA rebel killed in Samar clash

From the Manila Bulletin (May 12): Soldier, NPA rebel killed in Samar clash

Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte –A Philippine Army soldier and a guerrilla of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in fighting between government troops and communist rebels on Samar island Thursday morning.

The clash took place on the boundary of Barangay Camayaan, Silvino Lobos in Northern Samar and Barangay San Roque, Matuguinao, Samar, according to First Lieutenant Cherry M. Junia of the Division Affairs Office of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division based in Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar.

 

Junia identified the slain soldier as Pfc Jaime C. Mabini of the 43rd Infantry Battalion.

Mabini, who was wounded in the encounter, died later in hospital.

Junia said the soldiers recovered the body of a slain rebel.

A villager had reported to authorities about the presence of an armed group in the area. Responding troops had a 10-minute firefight with the rebels.

Junia said military units and civilian detachments in nearby communities were ordered to put up checkpoints to prevent the rebels from escaping.

On Wednesday, Army soldiers also clash with NPA rebels in Barangay San Antonio, Hilongos, Leyte, Chief Supt. Elmer C. Beltejar, Police 8 Acting Regional Director told Manila Bulletin.

 

No casualties were reported.

 

http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/05/12/soldier-npa-rebel-killed-in-samar-clash/

Mil-Oro disputes NPA claim of destructive operations

From the Business World (May 13): Mil-Oro disputes NPA claim of destructive operations

Mil-Oro Mining Corp., the operating arm of Hallmark Mining Corp. and Austral Asia Mining Corp., has disputed the claim of the New People’s Army (NPA) that it has been destroying a protected area and polluting the sea.

The company, with tenement in the Macambol and Cabuaya villages in Mati City, Davao Oriental, said in a statement that the armed communist rebels are merely justifying their attack on the mining site last May 5, destroying heavy equipment and company vehicles and taking firearms, ammunition and various gadgets.

The NPA’s Compostela Vallley-Davao Gulf command, in a statement on Monday, May 8, claimed responsibility for the attack, which they referred to as “punitive action against Mil-Oro Mining Corp.”

The environmental compliance certificate (ECC) of Austral Asia was among those suspended by former environment secretary Regina Paz L. Lopez in October last year.

The company, on the other hand, said, contrary to the claim of the rebels, their mining area is not within the Mt. Hamiguitan Range and Wildlife Sanctuary, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.

Mil-Oro said their area is six kilometers from the buffer zone identified by the provincial government.

On the NPA claim that the firm’s operations are destroying farms, Mil-Oro said there is no farm within its area of operations covering 28 hectares, where the company said it is also undertaking rehabilitation work.

The NPA said Mil-Oro’s nickel ore-mining operations “straddle almost 5,000 hectares of the protected areas of Pujada Bay and Mt. Hamiguitan range.”

The company also defended that its water discharge into the sea, saying this has been certified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as within the allowable limits.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=mil-oro-disputes-npa-claim-of-destructive-operations&id=145122

AFP claims many Abu Sayyaf casualties in Basilan battle

From ABS-CBN (May 12): AFP claims many Abu Sayyaf casualties in Basilan battle



Members of Joint Task Force Basilan, consisting of the 4th Special Forces Battalion and 3rd Scout Ranger Regiment, pose for photos after seizing an Abu Sayyaf camp site at Barangay Pamatsaken, Sumisip, Basilan on Thursday. The troops also recovered explosive components capable of making improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Photo courtesy of 4th Special Forces Battalion

No less than 20 Abu Sayyaf members on Thursday may have been killed in clashes with the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Joint Task Force Basilan in Sumisip, Basilan, the military said on Friday.

In a statement, the AFP said intelligence reports estimate "no less than twenty (20) ASG fatalities from the combined airstrikes and indirect fires" at an ASG campsite in Brgy. Pamatsaken, Sumisip on Thursday.

The military, however, did not give any names or show images of the Abu Sayyaf fighters killed.

"Our troops were able to cordon the enemy due to the accurate and timely indirect fires and close air support delivered by our Artillery and the Philippine Air Force,” said Col. Juvymax Uy, leader of the Joint Task Force Basilan.

"Also, the information being volunteered by the populace and LGUs provided critical details to validate the intelligence we have on hand.”

The AFP seized the temporary encampment, which was believed to be harboring ASG Sub Leader Furuji Indama, where three live improvised explosive devices (IED) and 12 makeshift tents were found. One IED was detonated and inflicted minor injuries on two soldiers.

According to Uy, the ASG is running out of resources.

"We no longer experience the prolonged firefights with the ASG. This suggests that they have run out of ammunition and other supplies necessary to engage government forces. More than just resources, they no longer have the mass base they once enjoy,” he said.

The military said Naval Task Group Basilan also prevented the bandits from escaping by sea.

Last Saturday, four ASG members were killed in a battle here with the government.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/12/17/afp-claims-many-abu-sayyaf-casualties-in-basilan-battle

Philippine Air Force’s FA-50 Jets' Strike Abu Sayyaf Camp, Kill 50 'Terrorists'

From Defense World (May 12): Philippine Air Force’s FA-50 Jets' Strike Abu Sayyaf Camp, Kill 50 'Terrorists'


Philippines FA-50 fighter jet

Philippine Air Force’s newly acquired FA-50 fighter jets bombed a camp of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) killing twenty terrorists in Sumisip, Basilan province.

The fighter jets “delivered deadly payload, inflicting heavy casualties to the ASGs.” Lt. Col. Andrew Bacala Jr., Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion commander was quoted as saying Friday by UPDATE.PH Friday.

Artillery and mortar fires followed immediately after the airstrikes. "Joint troops from the 4th Special Forces and 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion launched a ground assault against the group of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Furuji Indama in Barangay Pamatsaken, Sumisip," Col. Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, said.

The 4th Special Forces Battalion troops plunged downwards at the Abu Sayyaf camp and engaged the militants in a firefight just before dawn Thursday, Uy added.

“Our troops were able to cordon the enemy due to the accurate and timely indirect fires and close support delivered by our artillery and the Philippine Air Force’s [fighter jets],” Uy said.

“Also, the information being volunteered by the populace and LGUs (local government units) provided critical information to validate the intelligence we have on hand,” he added.

The troops overran the Abu Sayyaf camp seated on a hilltop before 10 in the morning Thursday,Bacala said. There were about 12 makeshift tents that could accommodate around 40 people.

“Heavy bloodstains were found in the vicinity, with intelligence reports saying no less than 20 ASG (members were killed) by the combined airstrike and indirect fires,” a military report said.

http://www.defenseworld.net/news/19275/Philippine_Air_Force___s_FA_50_Jets__Strike_Abu_Sayyaf_Camp__Kill_50__Terrorists_#.WRZeT-SrPIU

Balikatan 2017: PH, US troops conduct search and rescue exercises

From ABS-CBN (May 12): Balikatan 2017: PH, US troops conduct search and rescue exercises



Balikatan 2017 highlights humanitarian assistance & disaster response as well as counter-terrorism operations. Photo by Chiara Zambrano, ABS-CBN News.

Troops from the Philippine and United States Army conducted urban search and rescue exercises in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija Friday, as part of humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) training for Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) exercises 2017.

Simulating a disaster in the city, the two armies practiced search and extraction techniques for various scenarios. Some trained in building rescue, where a wounded individual needed to be rapelled down to safer ground. The troops then trained in the extraction of an injured person from a lower elevation, say a cliff or crevice.

Other troops trained in the extraction of the wounded from very confined spaces, using a specialized stretcher from the Hawaii national guard, and a plastic tube simulator through which the wounded person was pulled.

There were others who trained in building fast but sturdy support beams for a building in near-collapse, intended to keep victims and rescuers safe while the rescue is ongoing.
Captain Elmeterio Armada, team lead of the Philippine army's search and rescue contingent, said these trainings were useful as the Philippines prepared for "the Big One," or the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that may hit Metro Manila and provinces along the West Valley Fault.

The Philippine and US forces also exchanged notes on the rescue symbols they used. US Army specialist instructor Manuel Soco said this was necessary so American and Philippine troops would understand these symbols should the two sides end up working together in a real rescue scenario.

The US is among nations that readily sends troops to the Philippines to aid search, rescue and retrieval operations in disasters, notably in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

Military observers from the United Kingdom, South Korea, Singapore, Brunei, East Timor, and Thailand also came to watch the drills.

Colonel Mike Page of the UK Royal Marines said the UK does not train much in HADR because they don’t experience natural calamities often. But observing exercises like these, he said, allows them to see how they could help another country should a disaster strike elsewhere.

Page also said the counter-terrorism exercises were crucial to observe, especially given terror attacks in the UK of late.

Counter-terrorism was the second theme of Balikatan 2017. These drills were not open to the public.

This morning, troops were taught how to clean hazmat suits after exposure to unknown and potentially dangerous chemicals. They had just come from a counter-terrorism exercise where a terrorist-held laboratory was breached, and they had to take samples of the chemicals that the terrorists had left behind.

Balikatan will run until October 19 with upcoming exercises such as island evacuations and civil military assistance from the sea.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/12/17/balikatan-2017-ph-us-troops-conduct-search-and-rescue-exercises

Philippine troops hunt down Indon militants aiding local jihadists

From the Mindanao Examiner (May 12): Philippine troops hunt down Indon militants aiding local jihadists

Local jihadists are believed to be coddling at least 6 Indonesian militants who are all bomb experts that managed to sneak in southern Philippines to fight alongside their Filipino counterparts in Mindanao, the army said Friday.

It said security forces launched an operation aimed at preventing terror attacks by these foreigners who were reported to be working with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters under Ismael Abdulmalik and Salahuddin Hassan in the restive province of Maguindanao.

Major General Arnel dela Vega, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, said there were also reports that at least 8 Singaporeans and Malaysian militants are also in the region where security forces clashed recently with BIFF members in several areas in the towns of Salibu, Pagatin, Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak.

He said troops recovered assorted weapons and ammunition, including improvised explosives left behind by the BIFF. The war materials were also presented to journalists during a news conference presided by Dela Vega at the army headquarters in Datu Odin Sinsuat town.

The army insisted that at least 31 BIFF members were allegedly killed in the clashes, but troops recovered not even a single body of militants.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/philippine-troops-hunt-down-indon-militants-aiding-local-jihadists/

Benham Rise is now Philippine Rise, and a protected food supply zone – Piñol

From CNN Philippines (May 12): Benham Rise is now Philippine Rise, and a protected food supply zone – Piñol



The government asserts the country's sovereign rights over Benham Rise by renaming it "Philippine Rise."

Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, the highest-ranking government official so far to visit the area, on Thursday said President Rodrigo Duterte had approved the name change in a Cabinet meeting on May 8.

Philippine Rise is a 13-million hectare undersea plateau that lies 216 km (135 miles) east of coast of Aurora province. The territory is wider than the island of Luzon.

Related: Things to know about Benham Rise

Duterte has designated the area as a "protected food supply exclusive zone," Piñol said.

Mining and oil exploration activities are prohibited in Philippine Rise, which is believed to be rich in natural gas, oil, and minerals.

"I defended to the President that rather than focus on searching for mining or oil activities (in the Philippine Rise), we have to protect it because I see a P25-billion (food supply) potential there," Piñol said in a statement.

He made this observation after visiting the area on May 6 together with scientists and members of the media.

Watch: Scientists, journalists journey into Benham Rise

Filipino fishermen who travel around 20 hours from Infanta, Quezon to Philippine Rise catch big fish like yellowfin tuna which can earn them as much as ₱15,000 (US$ 300) in the market.

Piñol said Duterte had also given the go signal for the construction of a research facility and a command post at Benham Bank – the shallowest portion of Philippine Rise.

A command post would also deter illegal fishing on the grounds, he added.

During Piñol's visit, the government set up 15 fishing devices called a "payao" to help local fishermen who use only wooden boats with no radar or fish tracking devices.

Each payao costs P200,000. The device is attached to an orange buoy with branches of palm trees, which attract fish.

Why rename?

Malacañang first bared plans to rename Benham Rise in April, after Chinese survey ships were spotted in the territory in March.

China has admitted its ship was in an area east of the country but only on innocent passage, saying it recognizes the Philippines' sovereign rights there.

Duterte in a speech last April said he wanted to "officially claim [Benham Rise] as ours" by renaming it.

The United Nations ruled in 2012 that the undersea plateau is part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. This means the country has the sole right to its resources.

Read: What you need to know about the Arbitral Tribunal's ruling

This is not the first time government renamed an area to assert the country's sovereign rights.

In 2012, former President Benigno Aquino signed an administrative order naming the country's exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea as West Philippine Sea.

 http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/05/12/Benham-Rise-Philippine-Rise-protected-food-supply-zone-Pi%C3%B1ol.html

Religious leaders in ARMM to tackle terrorism in a summit

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 12): Religious leaders in ARMM to tackle terrorism in a summit

Up to 300 ulama from within and outside the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are expected to attend an anti-terrorism summit in Cotabato City starting May 12 to 14.

Dubbed ‘ARMM Ulama Summit Against Terrorism’, the event is initiated by the regional government in cooperation with the region’s ulama and in line with the Duterte administration’s statement that terrorism is an urgent and critical national security threat.

Governor Mujiv Hataman, as well as religious leaders, underscored that the threat of violence and terrorism could further hamper economic growth in the region. Even as reforms in the ARMM were introduced resulting in initial positive response from investors, recent security-related incidents in some areas could dampen business interest in the entire region.

The Maute Group’s terror attacks in Lanao del Sur show violent extremism’s new trajectory, compounded further by recent developments such as the Islamic State’s expanding influence outside the Middle East.

These developments would adversely affect high-impact programs and projects that ARMM has recently introduced all over the region benefiting mostly conflict-affected and low-income communities.

Ulama leaders have noted that the threat of violent extremism and terrorism is not solely the problem and responsibility of political leaders but of religious leaders as well since many terrorists misrepresent and misuse the Islamic faith to justify violence and terrorism, which tarnish the image of Islam and Muslims.

The ulama emphasized that Islam could not be used to justify violent extremism and terrorism. Reeducation is necessary to rediscover the Islamic faith, specifically the principles of justice, compassion, peace and harmony, they added. Working with stakeholders to prevent and counter violent extremism and terrorism is important in this regard.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte leads the list of invited guests and Gov. Hataman will be present during the summit's sessions. Others invited to the event are the ambassadors from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Singapore, and the United Nations' representative to the Philippines.

Despite the gains due to reforms that have been implemented and institutionalized in the ARMM, there is a continuing challenge when it comes to local security and governance. This includes sustainable development which requires an inclusive, comprehensive and sustainable approach.

The ARMM’s experience in campaigns and programs against extremism, as well as the draft communication for peace action plan would also be shared.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521494548919/religious-leaders-in-armm-to-tackle-terrorism-in-a-summit

BRP Davao Del Sur's name honors province famous for Mt. Apo, PHL eagle

From the Philippine News Agency (May 12): BRP Davao Del Sur's name honors province famous for Mt. Apo, PHL eagle



The BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), the country's second strategic sealift vessel, was named after the Philippine province that is famous for the majestic Mount Apo, as well as rare flora and fauna.

Calling the vessel ‘Davao Del Sur’ gives due recognition to the province as a “sanctuary of natural wonders and rarities, like the country’s highest peak Mount Apo, the most prized Philippine orchid Vanda Sanderiana, and the endangered Philippine Eagle", Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said Friday.

It is also a tribute to a former Navy vessel of the same name that was notable for its accomplishments during the 1980s, Lincuna said.

"Naming the vessel after Davao Del Sur is consistent with its predecessor, the BRP Tarlac (LD-601), which was also named after a province," he added.

The ship will be commissioned on May 30, during the Navy's 119th founding anniversary.

The ship arrived and anchored off Pier 13 at the Manila South Harbor last Monday after departing from the PT PAL (Persero) shipyard in Surabaya, Indonesia last May 4.

Lincuna said the vessel will boost the Navy's capability to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions alongside troop and cargo missions.

The BRP Davao Del Sur, launched on Sept. 29 last year, is the sister ship of the BRP Tarlac, currently the largest Filipino warship in commission.

A Makassar-class landing platform dock, BRP Davao Del Sur will serve as a floating command-and-control ship, especially in HADR operations, and as a military sealift and transport vessel.

The ship has an overall length of 120 meters, breadth of 21 meters, and draft of 5 meters and can carry a payload of 2,800 tons. It has a cruising speed of 13 knots, a maximum speed of 16 knots, and a minimum operating range of 7,500 nautical miles.

BRP Davao Del Sur can carry 500 troops, two rigid-hull inflatable boats, two landing craft units and three helicopters.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/987146

Soldier, 2 rebels killed in fresh clashes in Eastern Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (May 12): Soldier, 2 rebels killed in fresh clashes in Eastern Visayas

A soldier died and two rebels were killed in two separate clashes between the Philippine Army and communist rebels in Leyte and Samar provinces this week.

In a statement issued Friday noon, the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division confirmed that Private First Class Jaime Mabini, Jr. succumbed Thursday noon while undergoing treatment in a hospital in Northern Samar.

Mabini was seriously wounded during a 10-minute firefight between military troops and the New People's Army (NPA) in the boundaries of Camayaan village in Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar and San Roque village in Matuguinao, Samar around midnight Wednesday.

After the clash, soldiers found a dead body of an unknown NPA member near the encounter site.

In Hilongos, Leyte, government troops found on Thursday a dead body of a rebel and his wounded comrade a day after a firefight between soldiers and communist rebels in an upland village there, the statement said.

“An investigation is now being conducted to get more information on the background of the fatality and the wounded rebel,” Brig. Gen. Francisco Mendoza, Jr., commander of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, told the Philippine News Agency on Friday.

The dead rebel was identified only as Arthur while the wounded was named Nilo Algerea, who is now recuperating at a public hospital.

The two rebels were found near the encounter site in San Antonio village. Mendoza believed that their companions left them to escape soldiers chasing them.

The Army in Eastern Visayas called for the active participation of the community in immediately informing nearby military units on the presence of NPA rebels in their areas.

The Army confirmed that communist rebels have been reestablishing their presence in remote communities in Eastern Visayas.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/987140

Eastmincom heightens alert amid US travel advisory

From the Philippine News Agency (May 12): Eastmincom heightens alert amid US travel advisory

The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has ordered its troops to be on heightened alert as terrorist groups may launch diversionary tactics on its jurisdiction.

Major Ezra Balagtey, chief of the information office of Eastmincom, said Friday the heightened alert took effect on Thursday evening, May 11.

The order followed a travel advisory previously issued by the US Embassy to its citizens to avoid visiting Palawan.

“While the travel advisory was specific to Palawan, the command had to raise the alert level in the area because of the possibility of terrorist groups shifting or diverting operations to Eastern Mindanao,” Balagtey pointed out.

He added that Eastmincom is also coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP), the local government units (LGUs) and other law enforcement agencies to take necessary measures to secure maritime, coastal and land areas against terrorist attacks.

“Eastmincom enjoins the public to be vigilant but calm and to immediately report to law enforcement units any suspicious-looking individual or activity in their vicinity,” he added.

He said that early morning on Thursday, the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao already conducted drills and simulation exercises to test and evaluate their capability in responding to terrorism.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/987152

20 bandits 'killed' as fighter jets pound Abu Sayyaf camp in Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (May 12): 20 bandits 'killed' as fighter jets pound Abu Sayyaf camp in Basilan

Twenty bandits were "killed" as the Philippine Air Force's newly acquired FA-50 fighter jets pounded and destroyed a camp of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sumisip, Basilan province, military officials said.

Lt. Col. Andrew Bacala Jr., Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion commander, on Friday said the fighter jets “delivered deadly payload, inflicting heavy casualties to the ASGs.”

“The ASGs were shocked. They abandoned most of their personal belongings and left unfinished meal at their encampment,” said Bacala, who led a ground assault on Thursday.

“The supersonic jet’s swooshing sound may have sounded as a whisper of death to the ASGs,” Bacala added.

Artillery and mortar fires followed immediately after the airstrikes.

Col. Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, said joint troops from the 4th Special Forces and 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion launched a ground assault against the group of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Furuji Indama in Barangay Pamatsaken, Sumisip.

Uy said that 4th Special Forces Battalion troops swooped down at the Abu Sayyaf camp and engaged the bandits in a firefight just before dawn Thursday.

“Our troops were able to cordon the enemy due to the accurate and timely indirect fires and close support delivered by our artillery and the Philippine Air Force's [fighter jets],” Uy said.

“Also, the information being volunteered by the populace and LGUs (local government units) provided critical information to validate the intelligence we have on hand,” he added.

Bacala said the troops overran the Abu Sayyaf camp seated on a hilltop before 10 a.m. Thursday. There were 12 makeshift tents that could accommodate around 40 people.

“Heavy bloodstains were found in the vicinity, with intelligence reports saying no less than 20 ASG (members were killed) by the combined airstrike and indirect fires,” a military report said.

The troops have recovered food supplies and bomb-making components capable of fabricating 30 improvised explosive devices (IED).

The Abu Sayyaf bandits, unlike in previous firefights, evaded the government troops as their resources are running low, Uy said.

“We no longer experience prolonged firefights with the ASGs. This suggests that they are running out of ammunition and other supplies necessary to engage government forces. More than just resources, they 'no longer have the mass base' they once enjoyed,” he said.

Uy disclosed that the information provided to them by ASG members who surrendered earlier yielded good results, particularly the whereabouts of the bandits.

The Naval Task Group Basilan also conducted maritime interdiction operations to prevent the bandits’ escape by sea as the ground troops launched the assault.

The military has intensified its operation following the order of President Rodrigo Duterte to address the ASG problem in six months, which started in January.

The military have so far killed at least 60 bandits across the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/987154