DND says beaching ramp on Pag-asa Island finished before end of 2019

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 6, 2019): DND says beaching ramp on Pag-asa Island finished before end of 2019



A Dec. 14 satellite image shows a barge anchored off the west coast of Pagasa Island as part of the construction of a beaching ramp. CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative

The construction of a beaching ramp on Pag-asa (Thitu) Island, the Philippines’ biggest outpost on Spratly Islands (Kalayaan) in the West Philippine Sea, will be finished before the year ends, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Friday (July 5).

The new target completion date was moved back from the previous date which was before the onset of the monsoon season this year.

Lorenzana attributed the delay to bad weather which prevented the project contractor from bringing in materials and supplies for the ramp construction.

“It is now 60 percent finished and we expect the beaching ramp to be finished by the end of this year then after that we can start repairing the runway,” Lorenzana told reporters on the sidelines of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines’ 45th anniversary.

The beaching ramp would allow improvements on the runway on the biggest of eight areas occupied by the Philippines in the volatile maritime region which China is claiiming to be nearly entirely its territory.

The Philippine government announced in 2017 that it will start the construction of a beaching ramp on Pagasa Island to allow ships to bring construction materials for the repair of the 1.3 kilometer unpaved airstrip that was first built in the 1970s.

The first target date of completion of the beaching ramp was the end of 2018 but it continued to face delays.

Repairs on the island were put on hold when the Philippines filed a maritime case against China at the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

The Philippines won the ruling in 2016, but it was never acknowledged by China. President Rodrigo Duterte also set aside the verdict in exchange for cozier relations with the Asian behemoth.

The Asia Maritime Transparency Institute (AMTI), a think tank keeping close watch on developments in Spratlys, had reported suspicions that the Philippine construction project on Pag-asa drew hostile reaction from China.

AMTI said Chinese maritime militias had been deployed to Pag-asa in apparent reaction to the Philippine construction project there.

AMTI had said Chinese vessels had operated around Pag-asa and another Philippine territory, Subi, since July 2018.

The movement was likely in response to Philippine construction activity on Pag-asa, according to AMTI on its website.

On Dec. 3, 2018 before construction began on Pag-asa, AMTI noted an increase in the number of Chinese vessels around Pag-asa, citing satellite images.

Aside from establishing a muncipality on Pag-asa, the Philippines has maintained presence on Northeast Cay, Laoita Cay, Laoita Island, West York Island, Flat Island, Nanshan Island and Second Thomas Shoal, according to the website The Diplomat.

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/177593/dnd-says-beaching-ramp-on-pag-asa-island-finished-before-end-of-2019

Marawi siege general installed as new Northern Luzon command chief

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 5, 2019): Marawi siege general installed as new Northern Luzon command chief

The general, who was in-charge of the operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the 2017 Marawi City siege, was designated as the new commander of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) Friday.

File photo of AFP Chief of staff and former Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen Benjamin Madrigal. (Keith Bacongco / FILE / MANILA BULLETIN)

General Benjamin Madrigal Jr., AFP Chief-of-Staff, presided at the change of command ceremony between the incoming Nolcom commander, Major General Rey Ramiro, and the retiring Lieutenant General Emmanuel Salamat at Camp Aquino in Tarlac City.

Prior to this, Ramiro had served as the commander of the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) and eventually the Joint Task Force Ranao which oversaw the military operations in Marawi City during the siege until its liberation from the Islamic State (ISIS)-inspired Maute Group five months later.

“Major General Rey led the AFP’s Special Forces in the campaign for Marawi City, the biggest urban battle in the country since the World War II,” Madrigal said.

“His exemplary leadership played a crucial role in the defeat of the IS-inspired terrorists and paved the way for the liberation of Marawi City,” he added.

Ramiro, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Hinirang” Class of 1987, also served as the commander of the AFP Special Operations Command which was created to consolidate, oversee and manage the AFP’s elite units namely the Army, Air Force and Navy.

Madrigal spoke highly of Ramiro as he expressed high expectations for him to able to lead Nolcom.

Meanwhile, Salamat, known as the “Warden of the North,” bowed out from military service after more than 38 years of military service as a cadet and Marine officer.

“Under his helm, Lt. Gen. Salamat ensured that Team Nolcom remains unyielding in expanding peace and exemplifying the nation’s ownership and determination in safeguarding our maritime and strategic interests, making sure that every island is accounted for,” Madrigal said.

A member of the PMA “Sandiwa” Class of 1985, Salamat blossomed in the Philippine Marine Corps and became the commander of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 8 and 1st Marine Brigade.

Before being the 27th commander of the AFP’s northern outpost, Salamat had also served as the superintendent of the Naval Command and Staff College; Chief of Staff of the AFP Western Command; and 30th commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps.

Salamat was a recipient of various awards and distinctions for both combat and non-combat achievements including Distinguished Service Stars, Gold Cross Medals, Bronze Cross Medals, Military Merit Medals and the UN Special Service Medal.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/07/05/marawi-siege-general-installed-as-new-northern-luzon-command-chief/

6-Month Update: Explosive Violence Monitor (January – June 2019)

Posted to the Relief Web (Jul 5, 2019): 6-Month Update: Explosive Violence Monitor (January – June 2019)

REPORT from Action on Armed Violence
Published on 05 Jul 2019 —View Original

In the first six months of 2019, Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) has recorded over 12,900 casualties from explosive violence, as reported in English-language news media. Of these, over 63% have been civilians (8,169).

This points to a further decline in the number of reported civilian casualties from explosive weapons globally, with 14,103 civilian casualties reported in the same period of 2018 – amounting to a 42% decrease in 2019. This reduction, for the most-part, occurred across all major weapon types and in most of the worst impacted countries.

Nevertheless, 92% of civilian casualties (7,510) occurred in populated areas, such as towns and cities. AOAV has consistently shown that when explosive weapons are used in populated areas, civilians are likely to account for over 90% of the casualties. A trend that continued this year.

When explosive violence was used in populated areas 90% of casualties were civilian. This compares to 15% in areas not reported as populated.

While the overall downward trajectory is welcomed, AOAV continued to observe some worrying trends from the data.

Non-state explosive violence, despite seeing an overall decrease, accounted for 58% of all civilian casualties. Some key groups in particular have seen rises in civilian casualties. AOAV saw a 39% increase in civilian casualties from ISIS’s use of explosive weapons in Iraq and Syria in 2019, compared to the same period last year (from 304 to 424). This could suggest a regrouping of the organisation.

ISIS and their affiliates are also making their influence felt elsewhere, including in Sri Lanka, where over 750 civilian casualties were recorded from the suicide bombings on Easter Sunday, and in the Philippines, where ISIS-affiliates, Abu Sayyaf, targeted a church service on Jolo Island in January, leaving over 120 civilian casualties.

Civilian casualties from Houthi rebel use of explosive violence increased by 218% (from 92 reported civilian casualties in the first half of 2018 to 293 in 2019). While Al Shabaab’s use of explosive violence saw civilian casualties from its terrorism increase by 50% (from 238 to 356).

In Somalia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines this had led to increases in the overall numbers of civilian casualties. (Somalia saw civilian casualties from explosive violence increase by 34%, from 311 in the first half of 2018 to 416 in 2019; Sri Lanka saw a rise of 6745%, from 11 to 753; and, in the Philippines there was a rise of 170% from 66 to 178.)

However, in some states, while not seeing drastic changes in the casualty levels, they are seeing changes in the type of violence causing the casualties. For example, in Libya, casualties from IEDs decreased significantly, from 276 to 22, while civilian casualties from airstrikes and shelling increased, from 19 to 121 and from 43 to 80, respectively. While ISIS groups in Libya seem to be carrying out less explosive attacks, the use and impact of explosive violence by Libyan government forces and those under General Haftar has increased, particularly since Haftar’s forces launched an offensive to seize the Libyan capital in April.

Similarly, in Pakistan, while a decrease in shelling by India has contributed to the overall decrease in civilian casualties, civilian casualties from IED incidents have more than doubled, increasing by 157% (from 106 to 272); with most of the casualties recorded in each year occurring in Jammu and Kashmir region.

While in Afghanistan, casualties from IEDs have decreased by 49% in 2019, compared to the same period last year. Despite the fall in IED use increases have been recorded in civilian casualties from both air-launched (6%) and ground-launched weapons (69%).

Further key findings from 2019 can be seen below:

Key findings

Overview

When explosive weapons were used in populated areas, 90% of those killed and injured were civilians. This compares to 15% in other areas. In total, 7,510 civilians were killed and injured in populated areas. AOAV recorded 12,902 deaths and injuries by explosive weapons in 1,720 incidents in the first half of 2019. Of these, 8,169 were civilians – 63%. In total, 6,137 people were killed (of which 2,972 were civilians), and 6,765 were injured (of which 5,197 were civilians) by explosive weapons globally. This means 48% of all people killed and 77% of all people injured by explosive violence were civilians. Civilian deaths and injuries in populated areas represented 92% of all reported civilian deaths and injuries. Globally, state use of explosive violence has caused 2,736 civilian deaths and injuries in the first six months of 2019; 33% of all civilian casualties. Non-state use of explosive violence caused 4,740 civilian deaths and injuries, accounting for 58% of civilian casualties. The number of total casualties from explosive violence has decreased by 31% in the first six months of 2019, compared to the same period last year. Civilian casualties have decreased by 42%. Incidents caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) killed and injured more civilians than any other weapon type. IEDs were responsible for at least 49% of all civilian casualties from explosive violence in the first half of 2019. Air-launched explosive weapons were responsible for 23% of all civilian deaths and injuries. Ground-launched explosive weapons were responsible for 22%. The remaining casualties were caused by incidents using multiples types of explosive weapons, mines and naval-launched explosives. Syria, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Yemen and Somalia have seen the highest numbers of civilian deaths and injuries so far in 2019 with 3,116, 1,327, 753, 537 and 416 civilian casualties respectively. Four countries have already seen over 500 civilian deaths and injuries in 2019. Incidents were recorded in 49 countries and territories around the world; one less than recorded in the same period in 2018.

https://reliefweb.int/report/world/6-month-update-explosive-violence-monitor-january-june-2019

Marine forces beef up hunt for Sulu terrorists

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 6, 2019): Marine forces beef up hunt for Sulu terrorists

Their mission: Destroy Abu Sayyaf, establish peaceful, stable environment

ZAMBOANGA CITY— A Marine battalion was deployed in Sulu to beef up government’s security presence in the province that was rocked by recent bombings in a military camp, and grappling with a long-running bout with terrorists.

Their mission: “Destroy the Abu Sayyaf … and establish a peaceful and stable environment in Sulu,” said Rear Adm. Erick Kagaoan, commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao.

The deployment came amid the twin attacks on an Army camp in Indanan, Sulu, that killed eight people, including the two bombers, and wounded 12 soldiers and 10 civilians.

Led by Lt. Col. Allan Tolentino as commander, the Marine Battalion Landing Team 8 (MBLT 8) is composed of 461 troopers, including 19 officers.

It replaced the MBLT 3, which sailed to a new assignment in Palawan province on June 27, a day before the twin bombing attacks.

“This unit is not new here, it has been deployed in Mindanao before. They are needed in Sulu now,” Kagaoan said on the sidelines of send-off rites at the Port of Zamboanga on Tuesday.

Kagaoan said he was confident the forces would be up to their task, saying the MBLT 8 troopers were fresh from retraining in Cavite.

“This battalion has been newly refurbished and is now ready for redeployment,” he added.

Kagaoan reminded the troops to “remain fearless in combat, vigilant in peace and a reliable partner of our people and community.”

Tolentino said a number of his men were “well-versed on Sulu hence ready to face the challenges in the province.” “Our primary mission is to destroy the Abu Sayyaf, IS (Islamic State) and other terror groups in Sulu,” he said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1138415/marine-forces-beef-up-hunt-for-sulu-terrorists

NPA rebels disarm 2 Isabela cops

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 5, 2019): NPA rebels disarm 2 Isabela cops

CITY OF ILAGAN –– At least 25 heavily armed men, believed to be New People’s Army rebels, held up and disarmed two policemen at Sitio Laguis in Sindon Bayabo village here on Friday morning.

Investigators said Police Capt. Francisco Dayag, Divilacan police chief, sent Police Master Sergeant June Luis Baribad and Police Cpl. Brian Balis to the provincial police office to deliver classified documents.

Baribad and Balisi were on board a motorcycle when armed men intercepted them and took their 9-mm caliber pistols. The armed men headed to the Sierra Madre mountains.

Police have been tracking down the armed men. Villamor Visaya Jr.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1138258/npa-rebels-disarm-2-isabela-cops

Three liquidated in Guihulngan

From the Negros Chronicle (Jul 6, 2019): Three liquidated in Guihulngan

VICE MAYORS LEAGUE TACKLE ISSUES—VICE MAYORS LEAGUE President VM Frnanklin Esmeña of Dumaguete city , Thursday led in the review of major undertakings of the league in cluding concerns in the matter of LGU legisltations and their legislative advocacies. Vice Mayor League directors attending were : Ernesto A. Reyes( Guihulngan), Anna Jay o. Mariot (Amlan), Sol B. Benton ( Tayasan), Eniego Jabagat ( Bindoy), Ben Bumanlag(City of Tanjay), Marcela G.Bartoces ( Sibulan), Romeo T. Alviola ( Valencia),Prince Carl Baga( Dauin) representative, Vincent Emil T. Arbolado Siaton) Felipe T. Elmido( Zamboanguita).(Kring photo credit)

Apparently, young men with intent to kill, have been committing murder impunity targeting persons with links to the government in Guihulngan City unchallenged by authorities. In a recent spate of shootings, three men died in a series of extra judicial killings committed in broad daylight.

On June 27, Chief Tanod of Barangay Buenvista identified as Lito Itao was in a conversation outside the village’s store with his neighbors when two men on motorcycle appeared and the backrider opened fire on Itao who was hit in different parts of his body. He tried to escape but eventually succumbed to his wounds.

Three days after, a former CAFGU, Eleuterio Tabanao Solis was shot to death late afternoon while he was playing cards in a store situated in Barangay Mabunga when four unidentified male persons repeatedly shot the victim, who died on the spot. Recovered from the scene are 12 empty shells of calibre .45 pistol and 5 empty shells of caliber 9mm.

And again after three days, 5 male suspects believed to be members of the New People’s Army ambushed a former soldier who went AWOL since 2009.

The victim, was on his way home when he was fired upon by the suspects in Barangay Magsaysay Wednesday morning. Based on the recovered fire cartridges and slugs, the perpetrators used 9mm and .45 caliber pistols.

Despite the heavy presence of police and military in Guihulngan City, the killings continue unabated as the suspects grow bolder as if taunting the authorities. The killing spree did not only victimize ordinary citizens, but also policemen, local government officials, soldiers, CAFGUs and barangay officials.

https://negroschronicle.com/three-liquidated-in-guihulngan/

NPA owns killing of Isabela environment checkpoint exec

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 6, 2019): NPA owns killing of Isabela environment checkpoint exec

CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela — The New People’s Army attacked and killed a member of Task Force: Kalikasan who was manning an anti-illegal logging checkpoint on Friday (July 5) at Sitio (subvillage) Laguis in Barangay Sindon Bayabo here.

In a statement, the NPA Reynaldo Piñon Command admitted staging the attack on Celso Asuncion, for his supposed ties with the Philippine Army as well as unlicensed loggers who transport timber from the Northern Sierra Madre mountain ranges.

Spokesman Vic Balligi said the attack was in retaliation for the reported demolition of Sindon Bayabo settlements, which have existed before the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park was classified as a protected area in 2001.
These houses lie in the buffer zone of the protected area, according to the government.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1138508/npa-owns-killing-of-isabela-environment-checkpoint-exec

Army tightens Guihulngan security

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 6, 2019): Army tightens Guihulngan security

The Philippine Army has tightened its security on New People’s Army “soft targets” in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, following the deaths of four civilians within a week.

Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday raised the possibility that the recent series of killings in Guihulngan City, with four victims, including two barangay tanods, an ex-Army soldier and a civilian, may have been an attempt to divert their attention.

On Wednesday, five suspected NPA members shot and killed Andy Castor in Brgy. Magsaysay, Guihulngan City.

Castor was declared dead on arrival from multiple gunshot wounds at the Guihulngan City District Hospital.

Arevalo disclosed that they have been intensifying their operations in the hinterlands, and the rebel perpetrated killings in the lowlands may have been a diversionary effort.

The 94th Infantry Battalion was ordered by Arevalo to look into their networking in the lowlands, to prevent more atrocities initiated by the New People’s Army.Arevalo urged those who received threats from the NPA to be extra conscious of their security.

Last week, a farmer accused of being a military informant was also shot dead by 12 suspected NPA rebels in Brgy. Canlamay, Ilog, Negros Occidental.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/July/06/topstory6.htm

3 soldiers awarded

From the Mindanao Times (Jul 6, 2019): 3 soldiers awarded

The three soldiers wounded in the Kiblawan encounter in Davao del Sur last Monday received the Wounded Personnel Medal on Thursday afternoon.

“We appreciate your display of the finest tradition of soldiery,” said Lt. Gen. Santos Jr., the commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), who bestowed the medal during his visit at Camp Panacan, Station Hospital, Naval Station Felix Apolinario Thursday afternoon.

The honored soldiers were identified as Sgt. Kenneth Balicot, Cpl. Melgar Requiron, and Cpl. Randy Bacarro.

“You courageously and unselfishly responded to the call of duty to ensure the safety of our communities. With these, you brought honor not only to your self and the Armed Forces but also to the communities whom we are serving,” Santos said.

Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, the EastMincom spokesperson, said the three soldiers were among those who encountered an undetermined number of communist rebels in Barangay Abnate, Kiblawan on July 1 at 9:45 a.m.

The soldiers, part of the combined 1002nd IB force from the 39th Infantry Battalion and 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion, responded to the reported extortion activities by the armed men in Abnate.

Balicot and Requiron sustained injuries caused by an M203 splinter: Balicot on his foot and Requiron on his head. Bacarro sustained gunshot wound on his shoulder.

Balagtey said the NPA rebels left an M16 rifle, an International Humanitarian Law-banned landmine and subversive documents.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/07/06/3-soldiers-awarded/

Son of ex-Maguindanao gov, 4 others killed in military checkpoint

From MindaNews (Jul 5, 2019): Son of ex-Maguindanao gov, 4 others killed in military checkpoint

A son of a former Maguindanao Governor and four others were killed in in an alleged encounter in a checkpoint in Barangay Ingu-ug, Pikit, North Cotabato on Friday night.

Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said what happened at around 8:45 p.m. Friday was an encounter between troops manning a checkpoint and suspected gunmen inside a gray Nissan Patrol car.

Relatives confirmed that one of the slain men was Datu Hasheem Matalam, son of former Maguindanao Governor and long-time Pagalungan town mayor Norodin Matalam, and a resident of Barangay Layug. Also killed were Buton Bacocol, a resident of Matina, Pangi, Davao City.

Their bodies were immediately claimed by their relatives. One of the three unidentified victims was later identified as Abdullah Mamalumpong, a fugitive from the provincial jail in Amaas, North Cotabato.

The bullet-riddled Nissan Patrol vehicle. The military said the occupants of this vehicle did not stop at the military checkpoint in Barangay Inug-ug, Pikit, North Cotabato at around 8:45 p.m. Friday, July 6, 2019. Photo courtesy of NHOR GAYAK

Recovered from the scene are high-powered firearms consisting of an M-16 riffle, two M-653, one 1911 pistol, one riffle grenade, one hand grenade, three sachets of suspected shabu paraphernalia, cellphones and 15,000 pesos cash.

Brig. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, chief of the 602nd Infantry Brigade covering Maguindanao and North Cotabato, said reports reaching them indicate the men inside the car did not stop at the checkpoint but fired their guns at the troops instead.

“The troops manning the checkpoint tried to stop them for inspection but they opened fire first which led our men to fire back”, Rosario said in a telephone interview.

Rosario added that his men, especially the troops under 7th Infantry Battalion, are on red alert status because of the clashes the whole day on Friday from the factions of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) engaged in a rido (clan war).

“We will sustain our effort against the lawless groups, campaign on loose firearms and rido settlement,” Sobejana said.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/07/son-of-ex-maguindanao-gov-4-others-killed-in-military-checkpoint/

13 Tarlac towns condemn communist terrorist groups

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 5, 2019): 13 Tarlac towns condemn communist terrorist groups



Tarlac Police Provincial Office Acting Provincial Director Police Colonel David Nicolas Poklay discloses that 13 towns in Tarlac have passed resolutions condemning and denouncing the terrorist actions of anti-government groups. (TPPO File Photo)

CAMP MACABULOS, Tarlac City -- A total of 13 towns in the province have passed resolutions condemning and denouncing the terrorist actions of Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Tarlac Police Provincial Office (TPPO) record shows that the municipality of Moncada was the first to issue Municipal Resolution No. 58-2019 condemning the acts of CPP-NPA-NDF against government troopers and has declared them “persona non grata.”

“The resolution recalls that there are no reports of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) atrocity in the municipality and the people of this town strongly desire to maintain peace and order,” TPPO Acting Provincial Director Police Colonel David Nicolas Poklay said.

In Anao, the municipal council approved Resolution No. 2019-045 denouncing the atrocities perpetrated by CTGs in the different areas of the country.

Moreover, Anao declared that they have not encountered any movements of CTG atrocities and vowed to not allow the presence of lawless elements in their town.



“Anao Municipal Police Station is continuously conducting in-depth monitoring and validation of any planned threats posed by the terrorists groups through facilitation of Barangay Information Network in every barangay,” Poklay noted.

Aside from Moncada and Anao, Capas Municipal Council has also passed Resolution No. 047-2019 series of 2019 condemning and rejecting the activities and presence of the NPA in the municipality.

“The resolution states the need to denounce the CTG atrocities in the municipality because of the fear and restlessness they have instilled to the residents of western barangays in Capas where there were occasional sightings of purported group of insurgents,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Mayantoc municipal council in Resolution No. 234 series of 2019 strongly condemn the CTG’s indiscriminate killing of civilians and police officers.

Resolution No. 012-2019 of Ramos also denounces the presence and activities of CTGs within the vicinity of their municipality.

On the other hand, the towns of Bamban, Gerona, Paniqui, Pura, San Clemente, San Jose, San Manuel and Sta. Ignacia have also issued their respective resolutions condemning and rejecting the presence and activities of anti-government groups in their areas. (CLJD/TJBM PIA-3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1024205

Sultan’s federation, AFP Civil Relations Service sign pact for peace, dev’t

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 5, 2019): Sultan’s federation, AFP Civil Relations Service sign pact for peace, dev’t



A federation of the sultanate in Maguindanao has recently inked a peace and development covenant with the office of the Civil Relations Service Armed Forces of the Philippines (CRSAFP) during a forum held at Al-Masher Hotel and Restaurant in Maguindanao, Cotabato City.

Present during the Royal forum held last June 22, 2019 were roughly 70 leaders and members of the World Federation of Traditional Kings Sultanate of Mandanaue Darus-salam, Maj. Gen. Bienvenido R. Datuin, Jr. Commander of CRSAFP, Mrs. Marissa G. Datuin, President of the AFP Officers’ Ladies Club, and Col. Jose Victor L. Vargas, Jr., Group Commander of 4th Civil Relations Group (4th CRG) based in Zamboanga City.

As the highlight of the day long forum entitled “Sultanate Advocacy Forum on Federalism, Anti-Drugs and on Preventing Violent Extremism” the leaders of the federation of the sultanate together with the MGen. Datuin, Mrs. Datuin and Col Vargas symbolically signed the “peace and development” covenant.

The covenant read “We hereby declare our commitment for peace and development to our Mindanaoans. We commit to treat all lives with the loving-kindness and compassion. We respect the diversity of ways people pursue their individual ideals. We reject the distortions of religious, nationals and radical prejudices, which are used to violate golden rule to treat others as we wish to be treated."

“We challenge the misuse of beliefs, rights, rituals, practices, philosophies, and traditions used to degrade anyone or which lead to violence. We affirm the necessity of bringing loving-kindness and compassion into action. We call upon all people of goodwill to join this pledge. We pledge that in all we intend, think, and do, we shall strive to bring loving-kindness and compassion into action and into the lives of all we meet,” the covenant read.

MGen. Datuin underscored that the presence of the military in the forum and signing of the covenant organized by the Sultanate of Maguindanao is their way of showing that the government is supporting such move to advance peace and development in the region.

“The AFP supports the advocacy of the sultanate in their efforts to scrap the illegal drugs and violent extremism,” he said.

He added that they are glad to see that the Sultanate is “involved in the peace process and in ‘Rido’ (clans feud) settlement in the area. Aside from that, they have actively displayed their support in the efforts of the government in countering violent extremism in the island province of Mindanao.”

“For many years now, the hinterland of Maguindanao has become lairs of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The former is known for their terroristic acts such as attacking military installations, staging ambushes, planting explosives in public places and conducting extortions,” MGen. Datuin added. (EDT/4th Civil Relations Group – Civil Relations Service Armed Forces of the Philippines/DIS/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1024181

Army foils recruitment plans of rebels in Capiz

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 5, 2019): Army foils recruitment plans of rebels in Capiz

ARMY RECOVERIES. The 61st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army recovered several items from the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) after a strike operation at President Roxas, Capiz on Friday morning (July 5, 2019). Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, commanding officer of the 61IB, said the plans of the rebels to recruit minors were thwarted following the army operation. (Photo courtesy of 3rd Infantry Division PAO)

The 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) of the Philippine Army foiled the recruitment plans of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) after an armed encounter in President Roxas, Capiz on Friday morning.

Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, commanding officer of the 61IB, said the government troops conducted a strike operation after the civilian populace reported presence of rebels in the area.

Batara said the troops encountered around 15 rebels believed to be under the Sangay sa Partido sa Platoon (SPP)-East, Komiteng Rehiyon – Panay of CPP-NPA led by a certain “Guning”.
After a brief firefight, the rebels fled towards Barangay Badiangon of the same municipality. “No casualty was recorded on our side,” Batara said.
He stressed the rebels in the area aim to recruit minors to become their “child soldiers.”

The rebel group plans to put up temporary encampment on the site purposely for their recruitment activities. “They are in the process. They are clearing the area and in fact, they have already put up posts there. This site is already a high ground area that is ideal for their encampment,” he said.

Batara noted they had recovered from the site one portable generator and one multi-media projector believed to be used for persuading minors in joining their group.

Also, among those recovered were two hand grenades, one anti-personnel mine, eight rifle grenades, four back-packs, two cellular phones, one container of gasoline, two sacks of rice, other personal belongings and subversive documents.

The recovered documents contain “valuable” information that will lead the Army on more operations to end atrocities by the rebel group, he said.

Batara also stressed that the newly-installed local chief executives, particularly in Capiz, are one with the Army’s fight against the rebels.

“They have given their support in the mandate of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to prevent the encroachment of the rebels that ruin the future of our youth,” Batara said.

He assured that the conduct of operations of the Army will be continuous to prevent the mobile rebels from committing atrocities.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074220

Westmincom troops ordered to work closely vs. terror

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 5, 2019): Westmincom troops ordered to work closely vs. terror



Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief (right), receives full military honors following his promotion to three-star rank on Thursday (July 4, 2019). Sobejana assumed the command last June 28. (Photo courtesy of Westmincom PIO)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Troops under the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) have been ordered to work closely with each other to attain positive results in the fight against terror.

Newly-promoted Westmincom chief, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, issued the order during the full military honors accorded him by the officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees upon his arrival Thursday afternoon from Maguindanao.

Sobejana presided Thursday's turnover of command ceremony at the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade in the town of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

“We should converge our effort in a very coordinated manner, so that our effort would not be a waste of energy and other resources that we have,” he said.

Sobejana reminded the troops of President Rodrigo Duterte's order to finally to put an end to the menace of terrorism, particularly by the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu.

Sobejana was accorded the military honors following his promotion to three-star rank, where no less than President Rodrigo Duterte donning his insignia on Wednesday night.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074202

'Undesirable' Jordanian nabbed in Zamboanga City

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 5, 2019): 'Undesirable' Jordanian nabbed in Zamboanga City



Authorities have arrested a Jordanian in a law enforcement operation in this southern port city for being an undesirable alien, a police official said Friday.

Maj. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office (PRO-9) information officer, identified the arrested Jordanian as Mahd Afif Abdeljalil Alkar, who was arrested around 4:12 p.m. Thursday at a hotel in Barangay Zone 3.

Galvez said Alkar's arrest was ordered by Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente on July 1, 2019 for illegal entry, as well as for being an undocumented and undesirable alien.

Galvez did not say how long has Alkar been staying in the city, or if he was involved in any illegal activity.

She said Alkar is reportedly married but it was not immediately known whether his wife is a Filipino national.

Akbar was turned over to the custody of BI for proper disposition.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074234