Agcaoili: 39 released, 39 arrested political prisoners under Duterte admin

Posted to the often pro-CPP Davao Today (Jun 5): Agcaoili: 39 released, 39 arrested political prisoners under Duterte admin

National Democratic Front negotiating panel chairperson, ​Fidel Agcaoili, ​visited 34 political prisoners at the Davao del Norte Provincial Jail last June 9, 2016 to get update on their situation. (Ace R. Morandante/davaotoday.com)

Except for one political detainee who died while in prison, the numbers of political prisoners released and those arrested under the present government are equal, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines said.

In a statement Sunday, Fidel Agcaoili, chairperson of the NDFP panel said out of the 411 political prisoners they submitted to the president for release, a total of 39 detainees were released, 20 of whom were freed based on the merits of their case while 19 were in consideration of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees.

Even with the releases of political prisoners to participate in the peace talks, the NDFP said they are back to the almost exact figure of political prisoners since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office

“Not only has President Duterte failed to deliver on his promise to release all political prisoners. His regime has, in fact, added 39 more political prisoners to the roster! This includes three JASIG holders of Documents of Identification signifying that they are consultants of the NDFP. They are Ferdinand Castillo, Rommel Salinas and Promencio Cortez,” Agcaoili said.

He said the number composed less than 10 percent of the total count of political detainees.

“The NDFP submitted a list of 411 political prisoners to President-elect Rodrigo Duterte in May 2016 for release on various grounds or through amnesty (as proposed by him) in connection with the agreement to resume peace negotiations between the GRP and the NDFP upon his formal assumption to office in June. Of this number, only 19 or barely 5 percent were released on bail in August 2016,” Agcaoili said.

They are Tirso Alcantara, Concha Araneta, Ariel Arbitrario, Renato Baleros, Kennedy Bangibang, Alexander Birondo, Winona Birondo, Pedro Codaste, Renante Gamara, Eddie Genelsa, Alan Jazmines, Ernesto Lorenzo, Loida Magpatoc, Alfredo Mapano, Ruben Saluta, Adelberto Silva, Benito Tiamzon, Wilma Tiamzon and Porferio Tuna.

 

He said 17 of those released by the government to participate in the talks were covered by the JASIG and two were freed for humanitarian reasons in accordance with the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). Both the JASIG and CARHRIHL are agreements signed by the government and the NDFP. JASIG grants immunity to peace consultants while they participate in the peace negotiations.

Meanwhile, three of the other JASIG-protected persons are still in detention namely Eduardo Sarmiento, Emeterio Antalan and Leopoldo Caloza.

Agcaoili said the parties agreed to release the three through pardon in their Oslo Joint Statement on October 9, 2016.

“Therefore, their continued detention is both a blatant violation of the JASIG and in betrayal of trust and the GRP’s express commitment,” he said.

Sixteen more political prisoners were released after August last year. But Agcaoili said their release was based on the merits of their cases.
In December last year, four political prisoners namely, Dindo Absalon, Rico Bodino, Bonifacio Suyom and Martin Villanueva, were granted pardon.

“Their applications for pardon were initially approved during the time of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo but were only signed by the current regime with the revival of the Presidential Committee on Bail, Recognizance, and Pardon (PCBReP),” said Agcaoili.

But the demand for the release of the prisoners resounded louder after ailing political prisoner, Bernabe Ocasla, died on November 25 last year.

The NDFP said the grant of amnesty to all political prisoners will serve as an incentive to push the talks forward.

The communists said the political prisoners were “unjustly detained” and are facing trumped up charges, which violates the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.

Duterte in June last year, said if the New People’s Army is ready to surrender the arms, he might grant all political prisoners amnesty.

“If they are ready to surrender the arms, and resume their normal role in the society, then I might consider with Congress, amnesty,” he said.

“But there will be no mass release of NPAs who are in our custody. They will only be released, if things go good, fine…Amnesty is given to a group of persons. Yan ang sinabi ko. Wala akong sinabi na i-release ko lahat (That’s what I said. I didn’t say that I will release all of them),” he said.

In December last year, Duterte said he wants the government and the NDFP to sign a ceasefire agreement first before he releases political prisoners. However, he did commit to release old and sickly political prisoners before Christmas time.

“Alam mo, we have to continue and even now they’re asking for the release of 130 political prisoners. Sabi ko, I cannot. I cannot give you that. I’m sorry but I have already conceded so much on the side of the government,” Duterte said in a speech during the lighting of the Malacañang Christmas tree on December 5, 2016.

GRP still committed to release prisoners

In an interview with Davao Today during the announcement of the GRP that they do not wish to participate to the fifth round of the formal talks on May 28 in The Netherlands, GRP peace panel member Atty. Angela Librado-Trinidad said the government remains committed to comply with its obligation to release the prisoners.

“We will continue to comply with that commitment, in fact, even before the fifth round started, we have been exerting our effort to cause the release of those who are already qualified for pardon. In fact, the PCBREP secretariat already released the resolutions recommending for the release of those whose documents are already in order,” Librado-Trinidad said.

As of December last year, she said there were 21 political prisoners already have clearances, 18 of whom are eligible for pardon.

Librado-Trinidad also added there are 200 political prisoners who are on the process of clearing pending cases from different offices.

 

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/agcaoili-39-released-39-arrested-political-prisoners-under-duterte-admin/

Commentary: The infraculture behind Abu Sayyaf, Maute

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 6): The infraculture behind Abu Sayyaf, Maute

Tapusin na natin ito.” Let’s finish this. Thus did police spokesperson Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos echo his Commander-in-Chief and give voice to why many—especially those in Mindanao—silently acquiesce to the declaration of martial law there. Four decades of armed secessionist movements, and now the threat of a link to the Islamic State through small bands of terrorists like the Maute and the Abu Sayyaf, have sapped the long-suffering patience of the people of Mindanao with the violence and mayhem that characterize their lives.

But worth asking is whether the all-out military solution will actually end this protracted state of war and disorder. The Estrada administration tried it at the turn of this century, and failed. The various armed elements and the socioeconomic forces that support them have proven resilient, and the rivalry for hegemony among them has been a factor in stalling or spoiling efforts at a political settlement. Adding now to the mix is the naked ploy to appeal for support from the ummah, whose presence on the world’s stage is unfortunately being increasingly defined by extremist elements.

Many studies have shown that conflicts that start out as wars of grievance, like the separatist movements in the South, are complex and require winning hearts and minds more than strength of arms. Moreover, hot spots like Syria or older flashpoints like the Horn of Africa soon mutate into a multisided war of free-forming alliances with global power interests that profit from the perpetuation of the conflict.

In the case of Mindanao, we need to factor into the analysis the subterranean infraculture that explains, for the most part, the futility of a merely military or political solution.

A local source tells me of the layers of power that operate in Mindanao and serve as an enabling environment for the continuing conflict. The most visible are those who carry arms and engage the government in open conflict, namely the MILF/MNLF and their marauding offshoots like the Abus and the Maute. But behind these is the old tribal system, where the authority of the datus or the imams parallels that of formally elected officials, and is often more compelling. At the base is the support of grassroots communities whose loyalties, based on kinship networks, interlock with those of rebel elements.

This infraculture has yet to be sufficiently engaged. Government attempts to negotiate a peace agreement fail partly because of the tribal undercurrents that continually serve as static between the Maguindanao-based MILF and the mainly Tausug faction of Nur Misuari.

As well, behind the scenes are traditional leaders with enough clout to broker a political settlement, but do not figure at all in official negotiations. I got to see the force of this kind of authority while working among the Tinggian in Abra who were cut off by landslides during the great earthquake of 1990. Since all hands were needed to clear the roads, the tribal elders admonished members of the New People’s Army, most of whom were relatives, to come down from the mountains and help.

Similarly, no amount of bombing in Marawi City can flush out the Abus or the Maute who are embedded in their communities by ties of blood or marriage. Mr. Duterte’s call to the MILF/MNLF to join forces with the government in stamping out the runaway lawlessness of the Abus and the Maute smartly engages the realities on the ground. The Maute brothers—Abdullah and Omar—were once members of the MILF, and are first cousins to the wife of the MILF vice chair for military affairs, now dead. But such ties can be double-edged. While useful in connecting with these intractable cells of terror, blood usually runs thicker than watery sentiments about right and wrong, and there is no telling which way their loyalties will go when push comes to shove.

Ideologically, Muslims in this country have never felt part of that construct called the “Filipino nation.” Globalization has all the more sidelined nationality and given rise to primal identities—usually culturally or religiously defined. The Abus and the Maute are instinctively riding this wave.

[Dr. Melba Padilla Maggay is a social anthropologist and author of “Rise Up and Walk, Culture and Religion in Empowering the Poor,” published in Oxford, UK]

http://opinion.inquirer.net/104561/infraculture-behind-abu-sayyaf-maute

AFP troops capture 3 armed NPAs in Agusan del Sur

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 6): AFP troops capture 3 armed NPAs in Agusan del Sur

Combat maneuvering troops of the Army’s 26th Infantry Battallion (26th IB) nabbed three heavily armed members of New People’s Army (NPA) in Sta. Maria, Veruela, Agusan del Sur.

A military report sent to The Manila Bulletin early Monday evening said 26th IB troops captured from the NPA war materials such as two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) with blasting caps and wires, 1 M16 Armalite rifle, 1 M1Garand rifle, 1 caliber .45 pistol, a caliber .38 revolver and several rounds of assorted live ammunitions.

In his initial report to Col. Cristobal N. Zaragoza, commanding officer of the Army’s 401st Infantry (Unity) Brigade, Lt. Col. Rommel Pagayon, 26th IB commander, identified the arrested alleged NPA rebels as Bernie S. Perez, alias “Ka Ariel”; Joel S. Perez, alias “Ka Jo” and Nino S. Perez, alias “Ka Onin”.

“Research done by the intelligence operatives and Philippine National Police revealed that Bernie S Perez, alias ‘Ka Ariel’ has a standing warrant of arrest for the crime of murder,” Col. Pagayon disclosed.

However, the 26th IB commander did not mention in his report if the captured Perezes are related by blood, affinity or connection.

Col. Pagayon said the three alleged NPAs were members of guerilla-Front Committee 3 of the CPP-NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

“The trio crossed path with our troops on Saturday who were on patrol. The soldiers noticed that one of the sacks they were carrying revealed an outline of a rifle which prompted them to accost the trio. Ka Onin tried to escape but was seized later,” the 26th IB commander added, in his report.

Along with the police in Veruela Municipal Police Station, the arrested NPAs are still under tactical investigation in preparation for filing of appropriate charges in court in Veruela, Agusan del Sur, Col. Pagayon added.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal, commanding general of the Army’s Northeastern and Northern Mindanao 4thInfantry (Diamond) Division on Tuesday congratulated the field troops as he extorted them to be more cautious and vigilant in the advent of the NPAs plan to wage more attacks on AFP and PNP forces and uncooperative business entities.

http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/06/06/afp-troops-capture-3-armed-npas-in-agusan-del-sur/

Dads want more military troops in Davao

From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Jun 6): Dads want more military troops in Davao

Scores of police officers in full combat gear patrol along Roxas Avenue in Davao City on the first day of Martial Law in Mindanao on Wednesday, May 24. President Rodrigo Duterte, through Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella announced the declaration on Tuesday evening after a series of clashes erupted between government troops and members of the Maute in Marawi City. (Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The city council here is set to pass a resolution requesting President Rodrigo Duterte to deploy an additional army battalion to secure the city.

This was announced by City Councilor Nilo Abellera Jr. to reporters on Tuesday, June 6.

He added that they will also be requesting for two fast boats to guard the coastlines of Davao City.

Abellera, who chairs the council’s committee on peace and order said Davao City used to have three battalions as security contingent.

 

Of the three, two battalions were pulled out upon the orders of President Duterte.
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Earlier requests resulted in the return of one battalion, but Abellera insisted the city council wanted to put Davao City into its former state of security.

He also told reporters that a separate resolution which is still pending for the approval of the City Legal Office will allow City Mayor Sara Duterte to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the 10th Infantry Division to organize, train, and employ additional Special Civilian Armed Forces Auxiliary Units.

Abellera expects for the passage and approval of said resolution next week.

For his part, Public Safety and Security Command Center Chief Benito De Leon said the additional forces will likely be deployed in the city’s uptown and midtown areas.

 

The uptown area covers Paquibato District, where several skirmishes between government troops and the New People’s Army have occurred..

The midtown area, he added, include Mandug, where security presence is considered sparse.

On April 29 this year, NPA guerrillas burned the packing plants of Lapanday Foods Corporation located in Barangay Mandug and Barangay Bunawan.

De Leon reiterated that the Task Force Davao only covers the downtown area of Davao City.

 

“We need more forces to cover that. In the meantime that there is a want for an infantry battalion, the mayor has directed the activation of special CAFGUs to put more manpower on the ground and help the military in its anti-insurgency campaign,” De Leon said.

 

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/dads-want-more-military-troops-in-davao/

NPA unlikely to join fight vs Maute group, says analyst

From the Philippine Star (Jun 6): NPA unlikely to join fight vs Maute group, says analyst

Members of Philippine Marines advance their positions as they prepare to assault the Maute group in Marawi City. Erik De Castro, Reuters

Having communist rebels join the fight against Maute terrorists in Marawi City is a good but unlikely idea since New People's Army (NPA) fighters are far from the battleground, a scholar said Tuesday.

 

Francisco ‘Pancho’ Lara Jr, country director for International Alert, said at most, communist rebels could help by ordering their armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), to cease from committing atrocities that would require a redeployment of state troops away from battle-torn Marawi City.


“I think at the most what could happen that could help is what the President has been asking for in the first place: for the NPA to stand down while the government is moving against the terrorist in Marawi. And if that will happen, that will be their contribution to the fight against terrorism,” Lara said in an interview on ANC’s “Early Edition.”

President Rodrigo Duterte in a previous speech said fighters from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and NPA may help the government fight the Maute group and other rebels.

READ: Duterte asks separatists, Maoists to join fight against Maute group

A joint statement from the government and MILF quoted MILF chairman Alhaj Murad Ebrahim as saying that they welcomed President Duterte’s idea for their forces to extend “humanitarian assistance to civilians which are still trapped” in Marawi City.

Duterte earlier said MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari had already agreed to send some of his troops to help government forces in Marawi.

READ: MILF ready to assist gov’t in Marawi crisis

THREAT TO MISUARI
Lara said he thinks that the offer of Misuari demonstrates the MNLF leader's willingness to keep his word of supporting the President, and also because the terrorists are seen as a threat to areas where Misuari's faction is operating.

 

Lara, who also chairs the government ceasefire committee with the National Democratic Front (NDFP), added that he does not see “any actual possibility” that the NPA would join government forces in clearing Marawi City of terrorists due to geographic and operational reasons.

 

He explained that geographically, the NPA is far away from the battleground against Maute terrorists which is in Lanao del Sur.

“It is good in the sense that the government can concentrate its attention on the Abu Sayyaf and Maute group but that is if both the fronts, the MILF, the MNLF and the New People’s Army do not move during this incident still going on in Marawi,” he said.

 

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/06/06/17/npa-unlikely-to-join-fight-vs-maute-group-says-analyst

NPAs remain active in Mindanao

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 6): NPAs remain active in Mindanao

A soldier was wounded after New People’s Army (NPA) rebels ambushed a military vehicle in Kaimba, Sarangani on Monday.

Lt. Col. Benjamin Leander, 27th Infantry Battalion commander, said elements of the 27th Infantry Battalion (27IB) were on their way to Barangay Lomuyon, Kiamba to conduct community immersion when they were waylaid by at least seven NPA rebels.

He said the soldiers were able to return fire which prompted the rebels to withdraw toward the mountaneous area ,” Leander said.

Col. Tyne Banas, 1002nd Army Brigade commander, said additional troops were dispatched in the area to track down the fleeing rebels.

Meanwhile, in Sta. Maria, Veruela, Agusan del Sur, troops of the 26th Infantry Battalion (26IB) captured three Communist insurgents and recovered improvised bombs, high-caliber rifles, pistols and several rounds of live ammunition.

In his initial report to Col. Cristobal N. Zaragoza, commanding officer of the Army’s 401st Infantry (Unity) Brigade, Lt. Col. Rommel Pagayon, 26th IB commander, identified the alleged NPA rebels as Bernie S. Perez, alias “Ka Ariel”; Joel S. Perez, alias “Ka Jo” and Nino S. Perez, alias “Ka Onin”.

“Research done by the intelligence operatives and Philippine National Police revealed that Bernie S Perez, alias ‘Ka Ariel’ has a standing warrant of arrest for the crime of murder,” Col. Pagayon disclosed.

http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/06/06/npas-remain-active-in-mindanao/

Army general denies 1,200 ISIS fighters in PH

From Rappler (Jun 5): Army general denies 1,200 ISIS fighters in PH

Western Mindanao Command chief Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez says the hundreds of fighters are in Syria, not here

SUSPECTED MAUTE. Several man were arrested by authorities Saturday morning, June 3, as they swim across Agus River in Marawi City. Photo by Bobby Lagsa/Rappler

The Philippine general who has jurisdiction over areas notorious for the presence of terrorists denied there are up to 1,200 Islamic State (ISIS) fighters in the country.

Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez, the chief of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) that covers Marawi City, said the report he got is there’s over a thousand Indonesian and Malaysian fighters in Syria right now that governments fear “will be coming back here [in the region].”

“What the Malaysian President told us is there are more or less 1,000 Indonesians and 300 Malaysians over there in Syria,” said Galvez on Monday, June 5.

“They are not here. They’re in Syria,” Galvez said.

Galvez said the military has been cooperating with the Bureau of Immigration to make sure they do not come to the Philippines.

Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu on Sunday, June 4, there are 1,200 ISIS fighters in the Philippines.

Galvez said there are “foreign fighters” in the country but they only number “maybe two dozen or even more” but “not more than 30.”

At least 8 foreigh fighters are believed to have been killed, based on official reports. But Galvez estimated that at least 12 were already killed in Marawi City.

ISIS previously called on its followers in Southeast Asia to fight for the terror group either in Syria or in the Philippines.

Abu Sayyaf senior leader Isnilon Hapilon is supposed to be the “emir” of ISIS in Southeast Asia.

According to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, ISIS formally recognized Hapilon in December 2016. The international terrorist group supposedly instructed Hapilon to establish a caliphate in Central Mindanao.

Galvez doesn’t believe the ISIS sympahtizers in the Philippines – the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Maute Group – have been recognized, however. He said the attack in Marawi City was their bid to gain that recognition.

According to former regional vice governor Norodin Alonto Lucman, a traditional leader who was trapped here at the height of the fighting, there are up to 700 enemies inside the combat zone.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/172052-isis-philippines-denial-carlito-galvez

Hundreds still trapped in Marawi as crisis enters 3rd week

From Rappler (Jun 6): Hundreds still trapped in Marawi as crisis enters 3rd week

Air strikes, looting, and daily gun battles that do not seem to be ending soon take their toll on Marawi residents

BURNED HOUSES. A Philippine Marines truck speeds away as black smoke billows from burning houses after military helicopters fired rockets at militant positions in Marawi on May 30, 2017. Photo by Ted Aljibe/AFP

(Updated) Many residents have grown impatient and wary as clashes between government forces and terrorists approach the 3rd week and civilians remain trapped in the combat zone.

There are 1,500 to 1,700 residents trapped in remote villages here, according to the local crisis management committee.

A resident crashed a press conference at the capitol here on Monday, June 5, to appeal for the rescue of his wife trapped inside Banggolo, the business district that has turned into a war zone.

He got an audience with a 3-star general, but wasn't pacified and later found himself wailing in front of television cameras by the flagpole where the local terrorists planned but failed to raise the black flag of the Islamic State (ISIS).

He asked for war to end, saying Muslims, Christians, and even reporters have had enough.

Even Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza was visibly under pressure, snapping at a reporter during Monday's press conference here.

"Mukhang 'di 'nyo tina-trust ang military natin. Bakit negative ang approach sa military? They are here to protect the civilians. Bakit ganoon ang tonada ng tanong?" Dureza said. (It looks like you don't trust the military. Why do you have a negative approach to the military? They are here to protect civilians. Why is your tone like that?)

Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), was almost in tears. In the thick of combat, he said soldiers are dying and have no time to loot.

"The ISIS-inspired group already looted everything. Bukas na lahat ng mga iyon (All those houses were ransacked). Ang mga sundalo namin (Our soldiers), before they operated, we told them already that those who will loot will be discharged. I ordered the battalion commander responsible for that," he said.

A day earlier, an air strike hit a border town. Provincial Crisis Management Committee spokesperson and regional assemblyman Zia Alonto Adiong raised alarm and demanded an explanation over what happened in his hometown.

Galvez said the military will investigate. Rumored fatalities turned out to be false.

Peace corridor
Calls to end military air strikes continued as authorities scrambled for information on the fate of hostages, including Father Teresito "Chito" Soganub. Galvez said he believes the priest is still alive.

"Only 134 were rescued yesterday (Sunday), which shows many more are still stranded in Marinaut, Lilod, and various impassable areas of the city," said Samira Gutoc-Tomawis, the former member of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission who resigned over President Rodrigo Duterte's recent rape joke before soldiers.

A "peace corridor" allowed members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the dominant Muslim rebel group that is talking peace with the government, to enter the combat zone and rescue trapped hostages.



DISPLACED. While most Marawi City residents have fled, many are still trapped inside the combat zone. File photo by Bobby Lagsa/Rappler
Malacañang clarified that a total of 179 were rescued, not 134, correcting numbers reported the previous day.

But the initial target was to rescue about 500, according to Adiong. Bangsamoro implementing panel chair Irene Santiago said they are reviewing tactics to make the rescue plan more effective.

It's a tough balancing act, said Dureza. The military is hesitant to impose temporary ceasefires to allow rescuers to go because it allows the terrorists to reposition.

But Galvez said their priority is the safety of trapped civilians and hostages.

3rd week

The Marawi clashes erupted on May 23 following a military raid that attempted to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, who was said to have brought his forces to the Lanao area late last year to link up with the Maute Group. (READ: How a military raid triggered Marawi attacks)

The clashes prompted Duterte to declare martial law in the entire Mindanao, but this has done little to immediately address the conflict in the city.

In areas already declared "cleared of Maute presence," residents want to return. But the military said it's still not safe.

Looting is also a big cause of concern, but Galvez blamed professional looters. "Kukuha talaga 'yan. Naka-van pa," he said.

Vehicles packed with luggage have attempted to enter the city, but are turned away at checkpoints.

Barangay defense system
After a meeting with Dureza, Marawi City Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra announced coordination with the military is underway to allow barangays to boost the presence of security forces in already cleared areas.

"Yesterday, we had a meeting with our barangay officials over the concerns of constituents, especially about securing their properties and house. Nagkaroon po tayo ng (We had) coordination with the military and now we are processing an organization composed of barangay officials," the mayor said.

"Sila po ang magiging countepart ng ating Armed Forces sa pag-secure ng kanilang respective barangays," he added. (They will be the counterpart of our Armed Forces in securing their respective barangays.)

Galvez called it the "barangay defense system," essentially tapping private armed groups to become force multipliers. He assigned the 1st Infantry Battalion to do this.

It serves two purposes. The volunteers will guard properties from looters while helping make sure terrorists do not penetrate the military's dragnet.

The provincial capitol, previously empty and quiet, is back in business as more and more local officials show up to assert their power over the military that has practically taken over governance in the city the past two weeks.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/172084-marawi-tension-hostages-residents-impatient

Marines recover P52.2M cash in house occupied by Maute

From Rappler (Jun 7): Marines recover P52.2M cash in house occupied by Maute

Checks amounting to P27 million were also recovered

 

The Philippine Marines recovered P52.2 million in cold cash after a successful clearing operation in a house previously controlled by Maute terrorists last Monday, June 5.

The bundles of P1,000 were presented to the media on Tuesday, June 6.

"Members of the Joint Task Force Marawi, while fighting in house-to-house battle, recovered voluminous P52.2 million in Marawi yesterday," said Lieutenant Colonel Jo-Ar Herrera on Tuesday.

Checks amounting to P27 million were also seized from the house, located in Barangay Mapandi. Some are paid to "cash," Herrera said.

One M16 rifle was also recovered.

Herrera called the recovery "interesting." He said financial analysts will be tapped to analyze where the money came from. It is clear, he said, that it funds the operations of the Maute Group.

"It (the house) was under the control of Maute Group. There was a gun mount in the area. Our troops were being fired upon while clearing the area. We neutralized and occupied that position," said Marines operations officer Major Rowan Rimas.

The clashes in Marawi enter their 3rd week this week. Hundreds of civilians remained trapped on Tuesday. (READ: Hundreds still trapped in Marawi as crisis enters 3rd week)

http://www.rappler.com/nation/172099-marines-recover-millions-maute-marawi

Lanao del Sur top cop relieved of post

From Rappler (Jun 6): Lanao del Sur top cop relieved of post

The relief is triggered by orders from the national headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City

RELIEVED. Senior Superintendent Oscar Nantes is replaced by Superintendent Restituto Lacano in an OIC capacity. Photo from the Facebook page of Oscar Nantes

The provincial police chief of Lanao del Sur has been relieved, at least 3 high-ranking officials from the police force confirmed on Tuesday, June 6.

Senior Superintendent Oscar Nantes was relieved from his post following orders from the national headquarters based in Camp Crame, Quezon City.


Nantes was provincial police chief when local terror groups who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS) attempted to take over Marawi City, the capital of Lanao del Sur, on May 23. The attempted siege followed a "surgical operation" by military and police against Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, who is believed to have direct contact with ISIS.

Replacing Nantes as officer-in-charge is Superintendent Restituto Lacano.

"[Lacano] is only 'holdover' until the regular [provincial director] arrives. And he's a very good 'holdover' at that," Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) regional director Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac said in a text message.

Martial law has been imposed in Mindanao since May 23, following the Marawi attack. President Rodrigo Duterte also suspended the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus over the island, paving the way for warrantless arrests by military or police.

Duterte cited the ISIS threat as among the reasons for his declaration. Police deployed to assist in Marawi operations – local police, public safety battalions from ARMM and nearby regions, and the Special Action Force – are under the operational control of the military in the area.

Martial law is in place for a maximum of 60 days, unless Duterte wants it extended and gets congressional approval. The Supreme Court may review the basis for the declaration if a petition is filed questioning it. (READ: Martial Law 101: Things you should know)

http://www.rappler.com/nation/172115-lanao-del-sur-police-chief-nantes-relieved

U.S. provides 'technical assistance' to troops in Marawi – AFP

From Rappler (Jun 6): U.S. provides 'technical assistance' to troops in Marawi – AFP

'We have an agreement with our US counterparts in terms of combating terrorism,' says Lieutenant Colonel Jo-Ar Herrera, military spokesman on the Marawi crisis



MILITARY OPERATIONS. The Armed Forces of the Philippines continues operations against terrorists in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

The United States is providing "techical assistance" to Philippine troops battling local terrorists in Marawi City, the Philippine military confirmed on Tuesday, June 6.

Lieutenant Colonel Jo-Ar Herrera, military spokesman on the Marawi crisis, made the statement in response to questions in a news briefing in Marawi City on Tuesday.

Asked whether there was "US presence" in Marawi, Herrera said, "Some visited here for technical assistance."

He said that the Philippines and the US have a standing agreement on fighting terrorism.

"Well sa US, meron tayong agreement with the US counterparts in terms of combating terrorism. Katatapos lang ng Balikatan. These are all pertaining to exercises, training, technical assistance. 'Yan po ang ating cooperation with our US counterparts," Herrera said.
(Well, with regards to the US, we have an agreement with our US counterparts in terms of combating terrorism. Balikatan recently ended. These are all pertaining to exercises, training, technical assistance. That's our cooperation with our US counterparts.)

The 2017 Balikatan was the first annual Philippine-US military exercises under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte earlier threatened to scrap the annual event because he wanted the Philippines to "realign" with countries like China and Russia.

When asked, Herrera neither confirmed nor denied if the US technical assistance included the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in Marawi.

"Masyadong detalyado na 'yun (That's going into too much detail)....They [US counterparts] provide technical assistance. Meron tayong cooperation in terms of training, subject matter experts exchange. ‘Yan lang po ang ginagawa namin (We have cooperation in terms of training, subject matter experts exchange. That's all that we're doing)," he said.

On Saturday, June 3, US Defense Secretary James Mattis said the US stands with the Philippines in its "heartbreaking fight" in Marawi.

The US has been helping the Philippines in its campaign against terrorism. In 2002, the US helped Philippine authorities track down Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Sabaya, who was killed in that operation.

There were also 6 Americans who helped in the operations to nab Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir or Marwan in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, in 2015.

The Board of Inquiry said in its report on the Mamasapano operation that the Americans provided the Philippine National Police Special Action Force "real-time information on the actual movements of friendly and enemy forces in the area of operations" through "special technical equipment and aircraft, which they themselves operated."

http://www.rappler.com/nation/172105-us-technical-assistance-ph-troops-marawi

Video shows terrorists planning Marawi attack – report

From Rappler (Jun 7): Video shows terrorists planning Marawi attack – report

The Associated Press has confirmed with the military that some of the men in the video are Abu Sayyaf senior leader Isnilon Hapilon and Abdullah Maute



MAUTE GROUP. Residents take photos of suspected members of the Maute Group from their house windows. Photo by Mohammad Manshawi

"We need to capture a highway so the people will get scared."

Leaders of local terrorist groups that clashed with government troops in Marawi City were seen in an undated video planning their attack, even sketching the city's main streets on the back of a paper calendar using pentel pens.

In an exclusive report published Tuesday, June 6, the Associated Press (AP) described what was happening in the video and posted separate screenshots of the meeting.

After confirming with the military, the report identified some of the men in the video: Abu Sayyaf senior leader Isnilon Hapilon, Abdullah Maute and his brothers Omarkhayam and Maddi, and a certain Abu Humam.

The video was reportedly discovered on a cellphone seized during a May 23 raid on a safe house in Marawi where Hapilon and other terrorists were hiding. (READ: How a military raid triggered Marawi attacks)

The AP said the military identified the "long-haired man" in the video addressing "other militant leaders gathered around a white plastic table" as Abdullah Maute, the leader of the Maute Group which has pledged allegiance to international terrorist group Islamic State.

According to the report, Maute was speaking in Tagalog and Maranao as he pointed to their sketch of Marawi City.

"We'll take this first and then here," the AP reported Maute as saying. "Or we can go here first. We seal this off so you'll have a passageway. But we need to capture a highway so the people will get scared."

Hapilon, who was the target of the military operation in Marawi City, was seen in the video sitting with the rest of the men, "wearing a yellow and black headscarf with a pistol beside his folded arms," the AP said.

The AP said Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Eduardo Año confirmed the identities of those in the video, including Hapilon.

The AP also quoted Año as saying that, based on the video, the terrorist groups' alliance "has this intention of not only rebellion, but actually dismembering a portion of the Philippine territory by occupying the whole of Marawi City and establishing their own Islamic state or government."

It has been two weeks since the clashes between the military and the Maute Group erupted on May 23 in Marawi City.

President Rodrigo Duterte has since declared martial law in Mindanao, and offered a P10 million bounty for Hapilon, as well as P5 million each for the Maute brothers Abdullah and Omarkhayam.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/172165-video-terrorists-planning-marawi-attack

Mautes' father, 4 others arrested in Davao City (Photos)

From Rappler (Jun 6): Mautes' father, 4 others arrested in Davao City

(3rd UPDATE) The 5 are intercepted at a Task Force Davao checkpoint in Davao City, hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte



NABBED IN DAVAO. File photo of Cayamora Maute.

(3rd UPDATE) – Police and military on Tuesday, June 6, arrested in Davao City the father of the Maute brothers and 4 other individuals believed to be linked to the local Maute terrorist group.

In a report, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said policemen and soldiers intercepted Cayamora Maute, "father of Abdullah Maute, the eldest of the Maute brothers" said to be behind the attacks in Marawi and nearby areas. (READ: Who is Cayamora Maute?)

The arrests were made at a checkpoint in Toril, Davao City, around 10 am on Tuesday.

The others arrested were identified as Benzarali Tingao, Norjannah Balawag Maute, Kongan Alfonso Balawag, and Aljon Salazar Ismael.




ARRESTED TOO. File photo of Norjannah (or Norhana) Maute.

Norjannah Balawag Maute is said to be Cayamora Maute's daughter.

According to initial reports, Benzarali Tingao is Norjannah's husband while Kongan Alfonso Balawag is Cayamora Maute's wife. Ismael was identified as the driver of the black van they were riding.

Both Cayamora and Norjannah Maute are in the "wanted" list released by the Philippine police.

The 5 were brought to the Davao City Police Office.

Medical treatment?

Benito de Leon, Davao City public safety and security command center chief, told Rappler that Cayamora Maute was reportedly seeking medical treatment in Davao City.

From a hotel in Cotabato, he was reportedly picked up by a van and was supposed to be brought to the regional hospital in Tagum. They left Cotabato at about 5 am.

The vehicle caught the attention of authorities manning the checkpoint when it turned on hazard lights and overtook several vehicles. Cayamora was seated in the backseat in between his wife and daughter when their vehicle was flagged.

The arrest of the alleged Maute Group members was announced in a joint police and military press conference Tuesday afternoon in Davao City.

The Maute Group, said to be linked to the Islamic State (ISIS), is behind the clashes that erupted in Marawi City, which prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law over the whole of Mindanao.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/172148-maute-father-arrested-davao-city

Who is Cayamora Maute?

From Rappler (Jun 6): Who is Cayamora Maute?

WANTED. Cayamora Maute is part of the Wanted list of the PNP supposedly handling the Maute Group's finance and logistics.

MARAWI CITY, Philippines – Cayamora Maute, the father of the notorious Marawi-based Maute brothers, provided funding and logistical support for the activities of his sons, authorities said.

He was arrested on Tuesday, June 6, in Davao City along with 4 other individuals who are said to be members of the family. (READ: Maute's father, 4 others arrested in Davao City)

"Historically the father provides funding and logistical support in terms of the operations of the Maute Brothers," according to Lieutenant Colonel Jo-Ar Herrera, military spokesman on the Marawi crisis.

"We also received reports that the father is part of the recruiting arm of the Maute," he added.
His arrest is a blow to the group.

It is expected to affect the morale of the Maute brothers who are fighting government forces in Marawi City. (READ: How a military raid triggered Marawi attacks)

Government clashes with the local terrorist groups entered their 3rd week. The crisis prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao on May 23.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/172166-cayamora-maute-recruiter

High powered firearms, IED components, black flags seized in Datu Odin Sinsuat

From InterAksyon (Jun 6): High powered firearms, IED components, black flags seized in Datu Odin Sinsuat



Troops gather assortment of firearms seizied at the Datu Odic Sinsuat raid. Photograph from 6th Infantry Division PA Office.

An assortment of high-powered firearms, components for making improvised explosive devices and other paraphernalia including black flags, were seized early Tuesday at Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao after a raid conducted by government security forces comprising units from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 19th Infantry Brigade, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and law enforcers from the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.

Two persons were arrested after the raid, conducted just before dawn at Sitio Nabilan, Barangay Dimapatoy, which is situated not far from the location of the 6th Infantry Division camp at Brgy Awang beyond the Awang Airport complex.



Map shows location of Bgy Dimapatoy in Cotabato.

Datu Odin Sinsuat PNP Office’s Chief Inspector Akmad Alibonga identified the suspects as Kamarodin Butukan Rajab and Akmad Ginta Acob.

The raid’s main objective was to take in a higher-ranking person of interest, Iskak Mohamad, on the strength of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Bansawan Ibrahim.

Among the items seized were high caliber weapons such as the AK47 assault rifle, five M16 armalitte rifles, two carbines, one caliber .45 pistol, two shotguns, an improvised rocket-propelled grenage launcher, a caliber .50 caliber Barrett rifle with scope, and an assortment of components for assembling improvised explosive devices and hundreds of rounds of ammunition and a black flag.
The two suspects have been taken by the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Cotabato City, and processed for appropriate charges, even as a pursuit operation against Iskak Mokamad is ongoing.

The affiliations of the arrested suspect are among the information being sought in the interrogation and investigation process.

http://www.interaksyon.com/high-powered-firearms-ied-components-black-flags-seized-in-datu-odin-sinsuat/