Always lead from the front, outgoing PA chief tells young officers

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 3): Always lead from the front, outgoing PA chief tells young officers

To ensure the respect of their men, outgoing Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Noel A. Coballes on Monday advised young officers, aspiring to reach flag rank, to always lead at the front.

He added that this sums up most his combat experience.

The former is scheduled to retire this coming Feb. 7 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Coballes said that taking risk is worthwhile, but then you have to manage the risk.

Also, another defining leadership style of the PA chief is empowering the non-commissioned officer corps by emphasizing their role as key leaders and giving them distinction and recognition.

Coballes also mentioned that the morale and welfare of the troops is one of his paramount concerns, and that this is evident in the programs and projects that had been implemented during his incumbency, which include, among others, providing decent and quality housing for the soldiers and improving the health care services and facilities.

Lastly, the PA chief shared the success of the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR) in the continued pursuit of the Army for change and transformation.

Coballes will be leaving the PA with the ATR in full swing and with the Internal Peace and Security Plan "Bayanihan" continuing to gain headway and positive results.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=612206

Gov't forces making sure BIFF won't grow into major threat --Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 3): Gov't forces making sure BIFF won't grow into major threat --Palace

Government forces are taking steps to make sure armed groups trying to fight the government do not become a major threat to peace in Mindanao, Malacañang assured the public Monday.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said the government's goal to attain peace for Mindanao remains unchanged.

"Masinsing tinututukan ng ating Armed Forces of the Philippines, particular ang intelligence operative natin, ang sitwasyon para tiyakin na kung anumang galaw ng kaaway ng Republika hindi ito makahadlang sa proseso ng kapayapaan (Our AFP particularly our intelligence operatives are keeping tabs on things to make sure any move by the state's enemies do not become a major threat)," Coloma said at a media briefing.

He said this includes the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and followers of Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari.

The BIFF and followers of Misuari are reportedly joining forces against the government.

Coloma said the government is taking proactive action via intelligence work, surveillance, and "decisive action pag kinakailangan (decisive action if needed)."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=612298

Palace, military: BIFF still a threat

From Rappler (Feb 3): Palace, military: BIFF still a threat

The military offensive against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) may be over, but both the Palace and the military still consider the group a threat.

On Monday, February 3, a day after the military officially ended its week-long operations against the BIFF, Presidential Communications and Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma acknowledged the breakaway faction of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) still poses some danger.

"The government is working on making sure they don't become a huge threat through appropriate actions, like practice intelligence, surveillance of their locations, and decisive action, when needed," he said. He vowed that the government would bring to justice those who committed illegal acts.

Colonel Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao, also said it expects the BIFF to retaliate following the military offensive that killed 52 BIFF members and wounded another 49.

"We are expecting [it] because we hurt them. They're likely to plant explosives like the one on Saturday that hurt a reporter and a civilian. Yesterday, they had an attempt in Guindulungan...they planted 3 IEDs on the highway. It's a good thing people saw it right away and reported it so we were able to defuse it," he said.

While the military said it expects retaliatory attacks, Hermoso said there would be no need to heighten an alert status because it continues to monitor roads, markets, church, and areas where masses of people converge.

Earlier, Lt Colonel Ramon Zagala, chief of the public affairs office of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, also told reporters the military would continue to hunt down remaining splinter groups.

"They have split into smaller groups and further operations must be done to follow up," he said.

These military operations will be "smaller in scale," he said, adding that they would also be held in coordination with the main Muslim rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Last week, the Palace gave assurances all its action against the BIFF did not break any rules of engagement.

The military's offensive started after the Philippine government signed the final annex that forms part of its peace agreement with the MILF last week. The agreement aims to give the MILF wider autonomy through the creation of the Bangsamoro political entity, and to put an end to 4 decades of fighting in Mindanao.

Led by commander Ameril Umra Kato, the BIFF splintered from the MILF and has rejected the peace talks with the government.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/49593-palace-biff-still-a-threat

Military, LGUs bracing for fresh attacks as BIFF said to shift to urban terrorism

From InterAksyon (Feb 3): Military, LGUs bracing for fresh attacks as BIFF said to shift to urban terrorism



BIFF commander Ustadz Muhaiden Animbang. INTERAKSYON FILE PHOTO BY DENNIS ARCON

As the military braced for threats of more attacks by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, intelligence operations focused on information that the BIFF, remnants of which still roam despite the seizure of three camps in a week-long operation last week, is shifting to urban terrorism.

Colonel Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said on Monday they redeployed troops for precautionary operations, a day after the lapse of a 72-hour extension of the offensive that began Jan. 27.

“We’re heightening our proactive preemptive security measures especially on providing security to vital installations such as roads, public markets, churches, and all areas where people converge,” Hermoso said.

He added that local government units were told to include in their security system the periodic giving of information to their constituents about BIFF activities and possible allied groups. This will ensure “immediate action just like what some residents did when they tipped off [authorities] the three bombs planted by these criminals,” Hermoso explained.

He was referring to IEDs discovered in separate towns in Maguindanao on Sunday, a day after a series of roadside explosions in Ampatuan town wounded 12 people, including two TV5 news crew members whose vehicle had stopped to check on an earlier blast.

On Sunday, the military terminated its major offensive against the MIFF in Maguindanao after the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (AFP-MILF) did not extend the 72-hour extension for the military to defeat the BIFF.

The government’s war against the BIFF killed 52 BIFF fighters, including 13 alleged “child soldiers” and a government soldier; and displaced more than 9,000 families. More than 130 were wounded on both sides and at least 8 civilians were injured in crossfire.

The military claimed having substantially reduced the armed capability of the BIFF with the capture of three major camps including a “bomb factory,” but information says the BIFF has resorted to urban bombings.

“We’d stopped the joint law enforcement operation of the 6th ID and the police in Maguindanao but we continue to enforce normal law enforcement operation to preempt possible retaliation from the BIFF.

We are expecting this just like what happened to the convoy of soldiers and mediamen that was hit by a roadside bombing. Yesterday, there was an attempt by BIFF elements in Guindulungan town to bomb a road but because of information relayed by residents our soldiers and policemen quickly responded and diffused at least three bombs planted along the road,” Hermoso said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/80012/military-lgus-bracing-for-fresh-attacks-as-biff-said-to-shift-to-urban-terrorism

Army captures 7-hectare BIFF lair, hoists PH flag

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 2): Army captures 7-hectare BIFF lair, hoists PH flag



Government forces of 601st Brigade conduct clearing operation after simultaneous shelling of BIFF hideout in Barangay Ganta, Datu Piang, Maguindanao. (Randolf Marconi Casuse)

The military on Saturday hoisted the Philippine flag in the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters’ (BIFF) main camp, which fell to government forces after a week-long offensive against the brigand group.

Col. Dickson Hermoso, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) spokesman, said the Philippine flag was raised at about 9 a.m. at the seven-hectare BIFF lair in Barangay Ganta, Shariff Saydona Mustapha town in Maguindanao.

Officials said thousands of ammunition and bomb making components were found in the seized enemy main camp, which they described as well fortified.

Brig. Gen. Edmund Pangilinan, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, and Col. Edgar Gonzales, commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, led the flag raising ceremony.

After the singing of the national anthem, soldiers offered prayers to the slain BIFF men.

The military earlier said at least 52 BIFF members, including three child soldiers, have been killed, while 49 others were wounded in continuing offensive against the breakaway Muslim rebel group. Some of the slain BIFF men were hastily buried in Reina Regente mountain range in Shariff Saydona Mustapha.

The government, on the other hand, suffered one fatality and 20 injured.
Clashes between government forces and the BIFF broke out one day after the signing in Kuala Lumpur of the final annex of the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The military said joint police and military personnel were on their way to serve warrants of arrest against certain BIFF personalities when they were attacked by BIFF armed men led by commanders “Bongos” and “Karialan”.

A massive law enforcement operation ensued and was headed by Pangilinan, Gonzales, and P/Senior Supt. Rodelio Jocson, chief of the Police Provincial Office of Maguindanao.

The operation from January 27-31 in Barangays Ganta, Bakat, Dasawao of Shariff Saydona Mustapha and Barangay Damablas, Datu Piang, Maguindanao resulted in the dismantling of BIFF strongholds, including the group’s training and bomb-making facilities.

At the captured BIFF camp on Barangay Damablas, Datu Piang town, soldiers recovered pictures of BIFF child warriors.

On Friday, Hermoso said one of the BIFF commanders whom he identified as Commander Hassan Indal was killed during a close air support at the BIFF headquarters in Barangay Ganta.

An explosion believed perpetrated by the BIFF occurred at Barangay Lower Salbu, Dati Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao. 12 people, including six soldiers, two journalists and four civilians were wounded in the incident.

“They are now desperate because of the losses they suffered from the on-going law enforcement operations. They are now targeting even the civilians,” Hermoso said.

“It doesn’t matter to them who gets hit,” added the official.

http://www.mb.com.ph/army-captures-7-hectare-biff-lair-hoists-philippine-flag/

MNLF denies plan to attack Zambo

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 2): MNLF denies plan to attack Zambo

A senior official of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has denied that the MNLF is consolidating its forces from Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi (BaSulTa) province in preparation for a coordinated attack on this city.

Lawyer Emmanuel Fontanilla, a spokesman of the MNLF, said the group has no plan to stage an attack, contrary to reports and text messages circulating the city.

Fontanilla also reiterated the MNLF demand for the conduct of an independent investigation of the siege last year that resulted in the death of hundreds of people.

The siege in Zamboanga City started on Sept. 9, 2013 and lasted for 21 days, displacing over 118,000 people who fled their homes after MNLF forces engaged government troops and policemen in fierce gun battles.

The bloody clashes killed more than 200 MNLF fighters, along with more than 20 government security forces, including junior officers of the Elite Light Reaction Companies deployed in the frontline and some civilians. It also paralyzed the economic activity in the city, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces.

Fontanilla said the group that government troops engaged belonged to rogue MNLF elements under the the Sulu State Revolutionary Command led by Ustadz Habier Malik and Khaid Ajibon, whose group continues to recognize Nur Misuari as MNLF chairman.

Fontanilla also distinguished the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which is set to sign a peace agreement with the government, and the MNLF, saying that the MILF wanted greater autonomy, while the MNLF is for full independence.

Last year, Misuari declared the Bangsamoro Republic, in an apparent protest against the peace negotiations between the government of the Philippines and the MILF.

After the Zamboanga siege, Misuari became wanted for violating rebellion and international humanitarian laws.

The founding chairman of the MNLF remains at large.

http://www.mb.com.ph/mnlf-denies-plan-to-attack-zambo/

Invite BIFF, MNLF to consultations, Biazon urges Transition Commission

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 2): Invite BIFF, MNLF to consultations, Biazon urges Transition Commission

The chairman of the House Committee on National Defense and Security proposed yesterday the suspension of warrants of arrests against representatives of “peace spoilers,” including the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to allow them to join the Mindanao peace process.

Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon said it would be better if all stakeholders were consulted and that the Transition Commission invites the BIFF and the group of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari to join the peace process.

“Isama na nila ang lahat ng dapat nilang isama. Kung sa MNLF mayroon silang kinatawan na walang warrant of arrest. Alam mo kung sila ay papayag, ipo-propose ko na isuspinde muna ang implementasyon ng kanilang warrant of arrest para makapag participate sila sa kunsultasyon,” he said.

“Pero ang suspensiyon ng warrant of arrest nila ay dapat doon lang sa panahon na habang sila ay nasa kunsultasyon,” he said.

The Transition Commission is reaching out to concerned stakeholders as it begins to draft the Bangsamoro Basic law following the signing  of the final annex of the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Biazon recalled that he made the similar proposal in 1992 when the Ramos Administration was forging peace deals with the rebel military officers of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM), the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and the MNLF.

“Pumayag si President Ramos kaya nga nagkaroon ng peace process noon with the RAM, with the CPP-NPA even doon sa MNLF. Pero yong suspensiyon ay habang sila ay nakikibahagi sa peace process. Yan din palagay ko ay pwede i-offer kahit sa BIFF or sa MNLF Misuari faction,” he said.

Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, chairperson of the government panel negotiating with the MILF, earlier asked the BIFF to agree to a dialogue to ventilate its goals and objectives.

Biazon said that while the offer has yet to be extended, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) must continue its offensive against the BIFF, the breakaway Muslim rebel group.

“Kung may offer ang gobyerno at tinanggap nila, pwedeng suspended muna ang operations. Pero hanggang wala pa yan, aba ay kailangang kumilos ang Armed Forces at tapusin na,” he said.

“Tuloy yong operasyon. Then you publicly offer it. Pag tinanggap nila, fine. Pag hindi nila tinanggap yan, aba hindi na nila masisisi ang gobyerno to enforce the law of the land,” he said.

The clashes broke out a day after Manila’s signing of the final annex of the peace agreement with the MILF.

Biazon said with the reported tactical alliance between the BIFF and Misuari’s group, the AFP should reconsider deploying more troops to crush the Muslim rebel groups.

He also expressed the House’s readiness to study the constitutional, legal and moral issues surrounding the eventual enactment of the basic law, including the possible amendments to the 1987 Constitution and the proposed Independent Islamic State.

He disclosed that he would be meeting with Coronel-Ferrer to “engage her in some discussions” about the proposed law.

He said Congress will hear all the concerns of various parties, including legal luminaries and even provincial governors in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

http://www.mb.com.ph/invite-biff-mnlf-to-consultations-biazon-urges-transition-commission/

Bomb planted by BIFF in Maguindanao defused: military

From the Philippine Star (Feb 2): Bomb planted by BIFF in Maguindanao defused: military

Government forces defused today a powerful homemade bomb planted by breakaway Muslim rebels along the highway in Maguindanao a day after 12 people got injured in their bomb attacks, a military official said.

Colonel Dickson Hermoso, spokesman for the Philippine Army's 6th Division, said by phone that local residents reported to soldiers stationed in Maguindanao after they discovered an improvised explosive device left by members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) along the national highway at Macasampen village, Guindulunagn, shortly after 6:00 a.m. local time.

"Our bomb experts immediately responded to the scene and defused the explosive. This is another attempt to inflict casualties among civilians and soldiers," he said.

On Saturday morning, 12 people, including two journalists, six soldiers and four civilians, were injured in a bomb explosion in Maguindanao.

The military blamed followers of Ameril Umbra Kato, the founder of the BIFF, a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), for the attack.

The Philippine government troops have launched offensive operations against the BIFF shortly after the completion of all the four annexes of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the government and the MILF on Jan. 25.

The BIFF broke away from the MILF in 2008 and has vowed to continue the uprising because the Malaysian-brokered talks would not lead to a separate Bangsamoro homeland in Southern Philippine island of Mindanao. 

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/02/02/1285834/bomb-planted-biff-maguindanao-defused-military

Muslim council of elders urged

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 2): Muslim council of elders urged

A civil society group on Saturday called for the inclusion of Muslim traditional leadership in the political structure to be created for the new Bangsamoro political entity, whose basic law is set to be tackled soon by Philippine government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) representatives.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/www.opapp.gov.ph

Maradeka, a coalition of Muslim Filipino nongovernment organizations, pushed for the creation of a “council of elders” that would elect a ceremonial head for the Bangsamoro.

The possible composition of the council of elders are “homegrown” leaders such as the Sultans of Sulu, Maguindanao, Buayan and Lanao, as well as leaders of the various Moro tribes, Maradeka secretary-general Nash Pangadapun said in a phone interview.

“The ceremonial head will embody the national values, dignity, heritage and cultural identity of the Moro people as a whole. He can help settle local feuds or rido, rendering solely moral suasion to the government and have no definite functions in running the government,” he told the Inquirer.

Pangadapun said the idea for a ceremonial head was raised at a conference in Makati City last month hosted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), during which foreign experts and observers suggested the replication of the Malaysia model where sultans and rajahs elect for a fixed term the “Yang di Pertuan Agong,” who serves as Malaysia’s head of state.

“We applaud this recommendation because this is a recognition of the Moro ancestors for their role in the centuries-old resistance from colonial rule. Whoever is elected the Paramount Sultan or any other title will serve only as titular and symbolic head of the autonomous government performing only ceremonial functions,” Pangadapun said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/572800/muslim-council-of-elders-urged

Gov’t troops rout BIFF; ‘Operation Darkhorse’ captures four rebel camps, dismantles bomb factory

From Malaya (Feb 3): Gov’t troops rout BIFF; ‘Operation Darkhorse’ captures four rebel camps, dismantles bomb factory

THE Armed Forces yesterday officially ended operations against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters after capturing four rebel camps and a bomb factory in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town in Maguindanao over the weekend.

 

Clashes between government forces and the BIFF men erupted in Sultan sa Barongis town in Maguindanao on January 26 when policemen and soldiers were to serve arrest warrants against BIFF men involved in kidnapping and other crimes.

 

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP public information office chief, said “Operation Darkhorse,” the campaign against the BIFF rebels, was supposed to end Thursday last week but was extended up to yesterday.

 

The police, supported by the military, would still serve the warrants of arrest on BIFF personalities including its founder, Ameril Umbra Kato, a former commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

 

Zagala said members of the BIFF split into small groups after the operations.

 

But before operation was formally terminated, an improvised explosive device planted by the BIFF went off in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao, injuring 10, including a reporter of TV5 and his cameraman.

 

Zagala said the three-day extension was crucial in applying more pressure on the BIFF as it allowed the military to press further into areas where the rebels were entrenched. It also prevented a possible spillover of hostilities by containing the enemies in the area.

 

“Prior to the approval of the extension, the Army’s 601st Brigade reported that there have been sporadic clashes because the BIFF splintered into smaller groups. There were also many wounded among the BIFF’s ranks and these men were encouraged to coordinate with local officials, barangay officials to have proper medical attention as humanitarian consideration because they are fellow Filipinos,” Zagala said.

 

Zagala said the days of fighting between the government security forces and the BIFF affected 9,465 families (about 35,300 individuals) from the towns of Shariff Saydona, Rajah Buayan, Datu Piang, all in Maguindanao, and in Pikit, North Cotabato.

 

He said displaced civilians can now return to their homes except in communities which were heavily damaged due to the fighting and which have to be rehabilitated. 

 

Zagala said photos recovered by government troops from a BIFF camp in Barangay Damablas, Datu Piang, Maguindanao confirmed reports the group employed “child soldiers.” 

 

The Army’s 6th Infantry Division said at least three child soldiers aged 15 to 16 were killed in the clashes in Maguindanao.  

 

Operation Darkhorse led to the killing of 52 BIFF rebels and the wounding of 49 others. Several firearms and explosives were also recovered from the days of operations.

 

On the government side, one soldier was killed while 20 others were wounded. Eight civilians caught in the crossfire are being treated in various health facilities in the area.

 

INVITE ALL

 

Rep. Rodolfo Biazon advised President Aquino to invite the BIFF and two factions of the Moro National Liberation Front to join the Transition Commission in crafting the proposed Bangsamoro basic law which will pave the way for the creation of a Bangsamoro region.

 

“Para mabuo yong panukalang batas na ‘yon, ay isama sa kunsultasyon ang lahat, pati na yong MNLF lalo na yong pinamumunuan ni Muslimin Sema. Ngayon, invitations can also be extended to the Misuari faction,” he said.

 

Biazon, chair of the House committee on national defense and a former AFP chief, even went as far as proposing that the warrants for arrest of Nur Misuari and wanted BIFF rebels be suspended to allow them to participate in the peace process. 

 

Misuari, founding chair of the MNLF, is now head of one several factions in the group. His followers attacked several villages in Zamboanga City last September. He is against the forging of a peace agreement between the government and the MILF. The MNLF forged a peace pact with government in 1996.

 

Misuari is wanted for the 2013 Zamboanga siege.

 

Muslimin Sema, former vice mayor of Cotabato City, heads another faction in the MNLF.

 

Biazon said other BIFF and MNLF representatives who do not have arrest warrants can also be asked to join the deliberations.

 

Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, chair of the government panel negotiating with the MILF, has invited the BIFF to a dialogue to air their sentiments.

 

The Transition Commission which is tasked to draft the Bangsamoro basic law is expected to submit it to Congress by May this year. Its 15 members were appointed by Aquino last year. The government hopes for the enactment of the law by 2015, and holding of a plebiscite soon afterwards. 

 

Biazon said when he was a senator in 1992, he proposed to then President Ramos that he be allowed to dialogue with the Reform the Armed Forces Movement and the communist group.

 

Deputy presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte asked the BIFF to give peace a chance.

 

She said many areas in Mindanao are suffering because of the fighting between government troops and the BIFF.

http://malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/gov%E2%80%99t-troops-rout-biff-%E2%80%98operation-darkhorse%E2%80%99-captures-four-rebel-camps-dismantles

Beijing dismisses ADIZ plan as Tokyo ploy

From the Daily Tribune (Feb 3): Beijing dismisses ADIZ plan as Tokyo ploy

The Chinese government shrugged off a Japanese news article about its plan to replicate an air defense indentification zone (ADIZ) it set up on the East China Sea in the more contentious South China Sea accusing Japan of heightening regional tensions with “rumors.”

Foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said right-wing forces in Japan had repeatedly made such allegations with the intention of shifting international attention from the “plot” to change Japan’s pacifist constitution, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

“We sternly warned these forces not to mislead public opinions with rumors and play up tensions for their own selfish benefit,” he said in a press release Saturday quoted by Xinhua.

Japan’s Asahi Shimbun daily reported Friday that Chinese air force officials have drafted proposals for a new ADIZ that could place the Paracel Islands, claimed by both China and Vietnam, at its core whil encompassing most of the South China Sea, including the Spratly Islands, which are being disputed by China and other Southeast Asian countries including the Philippines.

The US warned Beijing against such a move, with the State Department saying Saturday that it would be seen “as a provocative and unilateral act that would raise tensions and call into serious question China’s commitment to diplomatically managing territorial disputes.”

The US stressed that the rumors were “unconfirmed,” however.

In response, Hong said China had the right to adopt all measures, including setting up air defense zones, to safeguard national security, according to Xinhua.

Beijing claims the South China Sea almost in its entirety, even areas a long way from its shoreline.

Late last year, it caused a storm when it abruptly declared an ADIZ above the East China Sea, including islands at the heart of a sovereignty row with Tokyo.

Three Chinese ships sailed through the disputed waters in the East China Sea on Sunday as diplomatic tension between Tokyo and Beijing intensifies.

Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia all have rival claims to parts of the South China Sea, while Washington is also watching Beijing’s increased assertiveness.

China has occupied the Paracels since a battle with South Vietnamese forces in 1974. It is a cluster of about 40 islets, sandbanks and reefs.

“In a general view, the Chinese side has yet to feel any air security threat from the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (Asean) countries and is optimistic about its relations with the neighboring countries and the general situation in the South China Sea region,” Hong said.

Hong stressed that China and the Asean shares a bright future for their relations.

He said China and the Asean countries are working together to implement the declaration on the conduct of parties in the South China Sea in a comprehensive and effective way to safeguard peace and stability in the region.

In response to reports about US officials’ comments on the issue, Hong said China hopes the relevant parties remain cautious about their words and deeds, maintain a calm and objective stance, make joint efforts with China and make concrete contribution to peace, stability and security in the air and on sea of the region.

Hong said China, as a sovereign country, has all the legitimate rights to adopt all measures, including setting up ADIZ, to safeguard national security in response to the situation of air security. No one should make irresponsible comments on this, Hong said.      

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/beijing-dismisses-adiz-plan-as-tokyo-ploy

Photo: Soldiers check BIFF bunker burned down in Maguindanao air raid

From GMA News (Feb 1): Photo: Soldiers check BIFF bunker burned down in Maguindanao air raid



1st Mechanized Brigade commander Col. Edgar F. Gonzales (center, left) checks the remains of a Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters' lair in Barangay Ganta, Shariff Saydona, Mustapha, Maguindanao on February 1, 2014. Mark Navales

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/photo/53238/soldiers-check-biff-bunker-burned-down-in-maguindanao-air-raid

Child soldiers hard to distinguish when in uniform

From ABS-CBN (Feb 2): Child soldiers hard to distinguish when in uniform

It is not easy for the military to easily distinguish children from soldiers especially when they are already in uniforms.

This, as Malacanang again condemned the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who allegedly uses child soldiers in launching attacks against the government.

“If everyone puts on the uniform, it’s already hard to distinguish…The military will foremost protect the civilians,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte told radio drzRB.

A report from Agence France-Presse said photographs showing child soldiers were left behind at an abandoned camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) breakaway group.

The military launched last week an offensive against the BIFF, whose members made known their disagreement over the peace pact between the MILF and the government.

Valte urged the BIFF to give peace a chance amid the number of deaths rising from the clashes. “Many are suffering. Let’s give the [deal] a chance,” she said, adding the military will also be announcing a “breakthrough” within the day.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/02/02/14/child-soldiers-hard-distinguish-when-uniform

Military to hunt hardline rebels after capturing camps

From BAS-CBN (Feb 2): Military to hunt hardline rebels after capturing camps

Military officials on Sunday vowed to hunt down remaining splinter groups of hardline Muslim rebels after capturing their main camps in a week-long offensive.

The threat posed by members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) has diminished due to the offensive that began last Monday in remote parts of the troubled southern island of Mindanao, national military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said.

"They have split into smaller groups and further operations must be done to follow up," he told reporters.

These operations will be "smaller in scale," he said, adding that they would also be held in coordination with the main Muslim rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The operation against the BIFF was launched two days after the government and the MILF successfully concluded peace talks aimed at ending decades of fighting that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

The BIFF broke away from the MILF due to their opposition to the talks and has previously launched attacks to derail the peace process.

At a military camp in the town of Awang, the armed forces displayed items they recovered from the BIFF camps including bomb-making materials and pictures showing young boys being trained as soldiers for the militant group.

This supported military accusations that the BIFF were using child soldiers and that three such youths were among the 53 insurgent fighters killed in the violence.

One soldier was also slain in the fighting which included military artillery strikes of BIFF camps.

A BIFF spokesman had previously denied that the group was using children and said the military were manufacturing the evidence.

Among the other items captured in the camp were camouflage uniforms with MILF labels.

However MILF vice-chairman for political affairs Ghazali Jaafar denied there was still a link between the two groups.

"Those are not MILF uniforms. Anybody can make those uniforms," he told AFP.

Military spokesman Zagala also said there were no signs that the MILF was cooperating with the BIFF.

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday had previously vowed to crush "spoiler" rebels who were opposed to the peace deal.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/02/02/14/military-hunt-hardline-rebels-after-capturing-camps

IEP: Photo - Proof that soldiers died

Propaganda photo posted  to the Islamic Emirate of the Philippines (IEP) Facebook page (Jan 31): Proof that soldiers died



Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatuLLAHi wa barakatuhu
Ito ang patunay na di lang isa ang namatay sa panig ng sundalo.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=597474470329659&set=a.272752586135184.64480.268897169854059&type=1&theater