From the Manila Times (Nov 17): New group of jihadists deployed in Luzon
A NEW jihadist group has deployed a 15-man team to Luzon ahead of the visit of Pope Francis in January next year.
Luzon is the Philippines’ largest group of islands.
An intelligence officer of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who spoke on condition of anonymity on Monday said the team, led by Jemaah Islamiyah-trained Abdul Basit Usman, is a composite group from the Al Hansar Khilafa, which has sworn allegiance to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and similar extremist organizations.
The source, who is familiar with the movements of local militants, added that the deployment of the Usman team may have something to do with the papal visit.
“This only confirms that the operation of the Al Hansar Khilafa is now all over the country,” the officer said in a phone interview.
According to him, Al Hansar Khilafa was formed last July and its more than 60 fighters come from different militant groups in the country.
“Their members come from the Rajah Solaiman Movement-Abu Sayyaf Group of Isnilon Hapilon and Usman’s former men in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front [MILF],” the source said.
Recruits from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and three members of the Jemaah Islamiah (JI) complete the group.
The source said Usman’s men, who could now be in Metro Manila and in the Southern Tagalog region are all trained in making explosives.
Another police intelligence source earlier said a group of foreign jihadists has set up a cell in Luzon and may also be plotting to kill the pontiff, who will be in the Philippines from January 15 to 19.
The other source admitted that he has scant information about the Khilafa Islamiya in the Visayas but that the Luzon cell is headed by an Islamic cleric from Bangladesh with four other foreigners joining the group.
The group had just come from Cotabato where they trained some militants in bomb-making.
The other source said the formation of Usman’s group, called the “Bangsamoro Justice Movement [BJM], may have been disrupted by the arrest of Khair Mundos last June and Ricardo Ayeras of RSM.
Mundos, a key Abu Sayyaf leader, was said to be checking out possible routes to be taken by Pope Francis during his Philippine trip.
Ayeras was arrested in Quezon City early last month for a traffic violation.
The PNP spokesman, Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor, in an earlier interview said they have not picked up possible threats to Pope Francis.
http://www.manilatimes.net/new-group-jihadists-deployed-luzon/142258/
Monday, November 17, 2014
5 dead, 17 injured in rebel raids
From the Manila Standard Today (Nov 18): 5 dead, 17 injured in rebel raids
At least four rebels and a student were killed and 16 other students and a soldier were wounded in separate rebel attacks in Maguindanao and North Cotabato on Sunday, a military official said.
Brig. Gen. Edmund Pangilinan, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the four rebels were killed when the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked a military outpost and was repulsed in Rajah Buayan in Maguindanao.
Pangilinan said the rebels opened fire with mortars and assault rifles but the soldiers fought back with the support of pro-government forces belonging to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
The BIFF rebels were led by Mohiden Animbang, alias Commander Karialan, Pangilinan said.
The identity of the wounded soldier was withheld pending notification of his next of kin. No casualties were reported in the MILF.
The fighting forced about 150 families to fled their homes. The attack was the fourth since last week when the rebels fired mortar shells on government posts and nearby communities.
In Barangay Poblacion, Kabacan, North Cotabato, a 19-year-old female student was killed and 16 others were wounded when a bomb exploded at the foot of an overpass.
Kabacan Chief of Police Supt. Jordain Maribojo said three students were still in critical condition in the hospital from shrapnel wounds.
Bomb squad units of the military and the police scoured the area and recovered two more unexploded bombs several meters away from the foot of the overpass where the explosion occurred, said Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.
“The two improvised explosive devices were placed in the approaches of the pedestrian flyover,” Hermoso said.
Police investigators believe the BIFF planted the bombs, which were intended to kill and injure pedestrians using the overpass.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/11/18/5-dead-17-injured-in-rebel-raids/
At least four rebels and a student were killed and 16 other students and a soldier were wounded in separate rebel attacks in Maguindanao and North Cotabato on Sunday, a military official said.
Brig. Gen. Edmund Pangilinan, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the four rebels were killed when the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked a military outpost and was repulsed in Rajah Buayan in Maguindanao.
Pangilinan said the rebels opened fire with mortars and assault rifles but the soldiers fought back with the support of pro-government forces belonging to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
The BIFF rebels were led by Mohiden Animbang, alias Commander Karialan, Pangilinan said.
The identity of the wounded soldier was withheld pending notification of his next of kin. No casualties were reported in the MILF.
The fighting forced about 150 families to fled their homes. The attack was the fourth since last week when the rebels fired mortar shells on government posts and nearby communities.
In Barangay Poblacion, Kabacan, North Cotabato, a 19-year-old female student was killed and 16 others were wounded when a bomb exploded at the foot of an overpass.
Kabacan Chief of Police Supt. Jordain Maribojo said three students were still in critical condition in the hospital from shrapnel wounds.
Bomb squad units of the military and the police scoured the area and recovered two more unexploded bombs several meters away from the foot of the overpass where the explosion occurred, said Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.
“The two improvised explosive devices were placed in the approaches of the pedestrian flyover,” Hermoso said.
Police investigators believe the BIFF planted the bombs, which were intended to kill and injure pedestrians using the overpass.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/11/18/5-dead-17-injured-in-rebel-raids/
Reward increased for capture of North Cotabato bombers
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 17): Reward increased for capture of North Cotabato bombers
KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato – The reward for information leading to the arrest of people behind a bombing that killed one person and wounded 16 others in the town of Kabacan Sunday night went up to P200,000 on Monday when the town’s mayor added P100,000 to the reward put up by the North Cotabato provincial governor right after the blast.
“The provincial leadership condemns such barbaric act,” North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza said in announcing she was putting up a P100,000 reward for the capture of the perpetrators Sunday night. “It is downright disappointing to see innocent lives affected by this cowardly act. This is insane.”
“As your governor, I am hurt and angry. The government invested so much resources and developmental programs to bring peace and order in North Cotabato. Unfortunately, there are those who want to sabotage all our sincere efforts,” she told reporters.
Kabacan Mayor Herlo Guzman announced Monday morning he was also offering P100,000 for the same purpose.
Monique Mantawil, 19, a development communication student at the University of Southern Mindanao, died while being transported to a hospital in Davao City, according to Senior Insp. Jarwin Castroverde, acting Kabacan police chief.
Castroverde said the improvised bomb was fashioned from a 60-mm or 81-mm mortar shell and was set off at 7 p.m. while people were walking near the overpass in front of the Kabacan Central Pilot Elementary School.
The area is surrounded by food stalls and ukay-ukay (used clothing) tents.
Lt. Col. Audie Edralin, 7th Infantry Division chief, said an Army ordnance team found another improvised explosive devise on the overpass and managed to defuse it.
Military and police officials said they believed the bombing was intended to divert government forces pursuing members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in nearby town of Pikit, also in North Cotabato.
“The bomb, which was set off through a mobile phone, has the signature of the BIFF,” Edralin said.
Over the weekend, two persons died when they were hit by a mortar shell at the height of a skirmish between BIFF and government soldiers.
Police authorities in the province have yet to solve the bombing of a church of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines that killed three people last Oct. 8.
Aside from BIFF, the communist New Peoples’ Army and criminal syndicates operate in the province.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/651284/reward-increased-for-capture-of-north-cotabato-bombers
KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato – The reward for information leading to the arrest of people behind a bombing that killed one person and wounded 16 others in the town of Kabacan Sunday night went up to P200,000 on Monday when the town’s mayor added P100,000 to the reward put up by the North Cotabato provincial governor right after the blast.
“The provincial leadership condemns such barbaric act,” North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza said in announcing she was putting up a P100,000 reward for the capture of the perpetrators Sunday night. “It is downright disappointing to see innocent lives affected by this cowardly act. This is insane.”
“As your governor, I am hurt and angry. The government invested so much resources and developmental programs to bring peace and order in North Cotabato. Unfortunately, there are those who want to sabotage all our sincere efforts,” she told reporters.
Kabacan Mayor Herlo Guzman announced Monday morning he was also offering P100,000 for the same purpose.
Monique Mantawil, 19, a development communication student at the University of Southern Mindanao, died while being transported to a hospital in Davao City, according to Senior Insp. Jarwin Castroverde, acting Kabacan police chief.
Castroverde said the improvised bomb was fashioned from a 60-mm or 81-mm mortar shell and was set off at 7 p.m. while people were walking near the overpass in front of the Kabacan Central Pilot Elementary School.
The area is surrounded by food stalls and ukay-ukay (used clothing) tents.
Lt. Col. Audie Edralin, 7th Infantry Division chief, said an Army ordnance team found another improvised explosive devise on the overpass and managed to defuse it.
Military and police officials said they believed the bombing was intended to divert government forces pursuing members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in nearby town of Pikit, also in North Cotabato.
“The bomb, which was set off through a mobile phone, has the signature of the BIFF,” Edralin said.
Over the weekend, two persons died when they were hit by a mortar shell at the height of a skirmish between BIFF and government soldiers.
Police authorities in the province have yet to solve the bombing of a church of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines that killed three people last Oct. 8.
Aside from BIFF, the communist New Peoples’ Army and criminal syndicates operate in the province.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/651284/reward-increased-for-capture-of-north-cotabato-bombers
3,000 families flee BIFF harassment in Maguindanao
From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 18): 3,000 families flee BIFF harassment in Maguindanao
At least 3,000 families have fled to safer grounds as fighting between government forces and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) continue in Raja Buayan, Maguindanao.
The clash which erupted Sunday night left four BIFF rebels killed and one soldier wounded.
Colonel Dickson Hermoso, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said about 50 BIFF guerrillas attacked the detachment of the 45th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Sapakan, Raja Buayan, Maguindanao.
Simultaneously, the BIFF also attacked a post of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
“The BIFF wanted to over-run our detachment in Barangay Sapakan, but our forces were ready so we repulsed the attackers,” Hermoso told the Philippine News Agency.
He said the BIFF was into “hit and run” attack since separating from the main MILF group which signed peace deal with Manila.
“We pity the young BIFF armed men, they have no combat experience and they were sent by its leaders to attack a more powerful, more equipped military forces,” he said.
Raja Buayan Mayor Zamsamin Ampatuan said the local government has extended relief assistance to the displaced families. Some have returned home.
Ampatuan said the BIFF, while publicly saying it is only after the military, the civilians are the most affected.
http://www.mb.com.ph/3000-families-flee-biff-harassment-in-maguindanao/
At least 3,000 families have fled to safer grounds as fighting between government forces and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) continue in Raja Buayan, Maguindanao.
The clash which erupted Sunday night left four BIFF rebels killed and one soldier wounded.
Colonel Dickson Hermoso, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said about 50 BIFF guerrillas attacked the detachment of the 45th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Sapakan, Raja Buayan, Maguindanao.
Simultaneously, the BIFF also attacked a post of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
“The BIFF wanted to over-run our detachment in Barangay Sapakan, but our forces were ready so we repulsed the attackers,” Hermoso told the Philippine News Agency.
He said the BIFF was into “hit and run” attack since separating from the main MILF group which signed peace deal with Manila.
“We pity the young BIFF armed men, they have no combat experience and they were sent by its leaders to attack a more powerful, more equipped military forces,” he said.
Raja Buayan Mayor Zamsamin Ampatuan said the local government has extended relief assistance to the displaced families. Some have returned home.
Ampatuan said the BIFF, while publicly saying it is only after the military, the civilians are the most affected.
http://www.mb.com.ph/3000-families-flee-biff-harassment-in-maguindanao/
Army major intel officer gunned down by BIFF in Maguindanao
From InterAksyon (Nov 18): Army major intel officer gunned down by BIFF in Maguindanao
An intelligence officer of the 6th Infantry Division was gunned down around 2 :30 p.m. Monday afternoon by members of the rebel group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.
The victim was identified as Army Major Gerald Finsona who died of multiple gunshot wounds in the body.
Another military intelligence officer, a certain Col. Bordoran, was injured in the ambush.
While the military refused to talk about the incident, it is said that Major Finsona’s group tried to arrest a BIFF member in Barangay Kitango, resulting in a commotion.
BIFF’s Abu Misrie Mama admitted that his group was behind the slay of Finsona.
Mama also reminded motorists entering Datu Saudi and Datu Piang to roll down their car windows so that they won’t be mistaken as soldiers.
Finsona is the fourth member of the 6th ID killed by BIFF.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/99434/army-major-intel-officer-gunned-down-by-biff-in-maguindanao
An intelligence officer of the 6th Infantry Division was gunned down around 2 :30 p.m. Monday afternoon by members of the rebel group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.
The victim was identified as Army Major Gerald Finsona who died of multiple gunshot wounds in the body.
Another military intelligence officer, a certain Col. Bordoran, was injured in the ambush.
While the military refused to talk about the incident, it is said that Major Finsona’s group tried to arrest a BIFF member in Barangay Kitango, resulting in a commotion.
BIFF’s Abu Misrie Mama admitted that his group was behind the slay of Finsona.
Mama also reminded motorists entering Datu Saudi and Datu Piang to roll down their car windows so that they won’t be mistaken as soldiers.
Finsona is the fourth member of the 6th ID killed by BIFF.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/99434/army-major-intel-officer-gunned-down-by-biff-in-maguindanao
MisOr villagers flee homes as Army, NPA clash
From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Nov 18): MisOr villagers flee homes as Army, NPA clash
More than a hundred residents fled their homes in Sitio Lakbangan, Barangay Minalwang, Claveria town in Misamis Oriental on Monday due to ongoing clashes between troops and Maoist rebels.
Ireneo Ubarde, of Misamis Oriental Farmers’ Association-Kilusan ng Magbubukid sa Pilipinas (Mofa-KMP), told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro by phone late Monday that the villagers are fearing for their lives, as they have been forced to leave their homes in a hurry.
Ubalde said he has a communication with someone from the evacuees who constantly informs him of their situation on the ground.
He said Lakbangan is a remote area that they have to walk for a day to get to Minalwang proper.
“Sa gisulti sa ako, adunay mga bata, mga tigulang, ug aduna pay masakiton (I was told that there are children, elderlies, and even the sick),” Ubarde said, referring to the 32 families or 152 individuals who are now displaced.
He said the villagers did not bring with them extra clothing, food and other provisions.
Ubarde said the residents decided to leave their homes when they heard cannons being fired.
He said it is most likely they would be brought from Claveria to Cagayan de Oro and will stay here until the situation is favorable.
No casualties
“There are no reports of casualties from the civilians, though,” he added.
Meanwhile, First Lieutenant Patrick Martinez, acting spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID), confirmed there was an encounter between the military and the New People's Army (NPA) last November 15 and one soldier was injured.
But Martinez could not yet verify if the 8th Infantry Battalion, the military unit stationed in Claveria, has used its artillery during the encounter, or that civilians are being displaced due to the fighting.
He said the operation was part of the effort of the 4ID to rescue Private First Class Marnel Cinches and Private First Class Jerrel Yorong who have been taken captive by the NPA in a village in Bukidnon last August 22.
Landmines
Martinez said the bursts of noise the civilians heard could be due to the detonation of landmines allegedly put by the NPA rebels in the area.
He said the NPA violates the international humanitarian laws by using the landmines, which could also victimize the residents living there.
He added that if there were indeed displacement of residents, an Army quick response team (QRT) would be dispatched to conduct dialogues with the villagers and to explain to them why the military is conducting combat operations.
But Martinez said the troops make it a point to engage the enemy in the outskirts of the village where there are no civilians living nearby to prevent collateral damage.
Before they confront the NPA, he said they must see to it that everything is planned.
Martinez said the military coordinates with the local government units to facilitate the delivery of basic services to the displaced population.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/11/18/misor-villagers-flee-homes-army-npa-clash-377118
More than a hundred residents fled their homes in Sitio Lakbangan, Barangay Minalwang, Claveria town in Misamis Oriental on Monday due to ongoing clashes between troops and Maoist rebels.
Ireneo Ubarde, of Misamis Oriental Farmers’ Association-Kilusan ng Magbubukid sa Pilipinas (Mofa-KMP), told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro by phone late Monday that the villagers are fearing for their lives, as they have been forced to leave their homes in a hurry.
Ubalde said he has a communication with someone from the evacuees who constantly informs him of their situation on the ground.
He said Lakbangan is a remote area that they have to walk for a day to get to Minalwang proper.
“Sa gisulti sa ako, adunay mga bata, mga tigulang, ug aduna pay masakiton (I was told that there are children, elderlies, and even the sick),” Ubarde said, referring to the 32 families or 152 individuals who are now displaced.
He said the villagers did not bring with them extra clothing, food and other provisions.
Ubarde said the residents decided to leave their homes when they heard cannons being fired.
He said it is most likely they would be brought from Claveria to Cagayan de Oro and will stay here until the situation is favorable.
No casualties
“There are no reports of casualties from the civilians, though,” he added.
Meanwhile, First Lieutenant Patrick Martinez, acting spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID), confirmed there was an encounter between the military and the New People's Army (NPA) last November 15 and one soldier was injured.
But Martinez could not yet verify if the 8th Infantry Battalion, the military unit stationed in Claveria, has used its artillery during the encounter, or that civilians are being displaced due to the fighting.
He said the operation was part of the effort of the 4ID to rescue Private First Class Marnel Cinches and Private First Class Jerrel Yorong who have been taken captive by the NPA in a village in Bukidnon last August 22.
Landmines
Martinez said the bursts of noise the civilians heard could be due to the detonation of landmines allegedly put by the NPA rebels in the area.
He said the NPA violates the international humanitarian laws by using the landmines, which could also victimize the residents living there.
He added that if there were indeed displacement of residents, an Army quick response team (QRT) would be dispatched to conduct dialogues with the villagers and to explain to them why the military is conducting combat operations.
But Martinez said the troops make it a point to engage the enemy in the outskirts of the village where there are no civilians living nearby to prevent collateral damage.
Before they confront the NPA, he said they must see to it that everything is planned.
Martinez said the military coordinates with the local government units to facilitate the delivery of basic services to the displaced population.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/11/18/misor-villagers-flee-homes-army-npa-clash-377118
Usman 'special operations' group in PNP radar ahead of Pope's visit
From InterAksyon (Nov 17): Usman 'special operations' group in PNP radar ahead of Pope's visit
A source from the intelligence branch of the Philippine National Police said a newly-formed jihadist group, suspected to be led by Jemaah Islamiyah (JI)-trained Abdul Basit Usman, is in Luzon ahead of the five-day visit of Pope Francis this January 2015.
The group of interest, so to speak, is apparently a 15-man so-called Special Operations Group (SOG), a source from the Philippine National Police (PNP), who spoke on condition of not being named, said.
The 15-man team is said to be all comprised of members of the Al Hansar Khilafa, which is claimed to have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
The source, who is known to be well-versed with the movement of local militants, said that the deployment of the SOG from Usman's Group started last June, and may have something to do with the forthcoming visit of the pontiff.
The source said the formation of Usman's group, called the "Bangsamoro Justice Movement (BJM)" may have been disrupted somewhat following the arrest of Khair Mundos this June and that of Ricardo Ayeras of the Rajah Solaiman Movement (RSM).
Mundos, a key leader of the ASG, was suspected to be casing out possible routes to be taken by the Pope when he visits the country from January 15 to 19, while Ayeras was collared by the police in Quezon City early last month over a simple traffic violation.
"This only confirms to us that the operation of the Al Ansar Khilafa is now all over the country ... meaning they are now in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao," the source said.
He claimed that the estimated total combat strength of the Al Hansar Khilafa could be as many as 60 men after it was formed in July 2014, with members assembled from various militant groups around the country.
"Their members come from the Rajah Solaiman Movement-Abu Sayyaf Group of the Isnilon Hapilon faction and Usman's former men with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)," the source said, adding that there are also some members from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the Al Hansar Khilafa, with three members of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) also making up the other members of the group.
The source added that the 15-man group of Usman are already in Luzon, with some of them possibly in Metro Manila and in the Southern Tagalog Region and all of them highly trained in handling explosives.
A separate intelligence source had said earlier that a group of foreign jihadists have established a cell in Luzon, and may be plotting a possible attack during the Pontiff's visit this coming January 2015.
That other source acknowledged that he has scant information about the Khilafa Islamiyah in the Visayas, but the terror cell in Luzon, he said, is headed by an Islamic Cleric from Bangladesh with four other foreigners mixed in.
The four foreigners who joined the Bangladeshi cleric, the source said, had just come from Cotabato where they were believed to have also trained some militants in bomb-making and explosives handling.
Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Spokesman, indicated in an interview previously that the police establishment has not monitored any significant threat against Pope Francis' trip.
The PNP has formed Special Task Group Papal Visit 2015, to be headed by Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, the PNP Deputy Chief for Operation and former chief of the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO).
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/99397/usman-special-operations-group-in-pnp-radar-ahead-of-popes-visit
A source from the intelligence branch of the Philippine National Police said a newly-formed jihadist group, suspected to be led by Jemaah Islamiyah (JI)-trained Abdul Basit Usman, is in Luzon ahead of the five-day visit of Pope Francis this January 2015.
The group of interest, so to speak, is apparently a 15-man so-called Special Operations Group (SOG), a source from the Philippine National Police (PNP), who spoke on condition of not being named, said.
The 15-man team is said to be all comprised of members of the Al Hansar Khilafa, which is claimed to have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
The source, who is known to be well-versed with the movement of local militants, said that the deployment of the SOG from Usman's Group started last June, and may have something to do with the forthcoming visit of the pontiff.
The source said the formation of Usman's group, called the "Bangsamoro Justice Movement (BJM)" may have been disrupted somewhat following the arrest of Khair Mundos this June and that of Ricardo Ayeras of the Rajah Solaiman Movement (RSM).
Mundos, a key leader of the ASG, was suspected to be casing out possible routes to be taken by the Pope when he visits the country from January 15 to 19, while Ayeras was collared by the police in Quezon City early last month over a simple traffic violation.
"This only confirms to us that the operation of the Al Ansar Khilafa is now all over the country ... meaning they are now in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao," the source said.
He claimed that the estimated total combat strength of the Al Hansar Khilafa could be as many as 60 men after it was formed in July 2014, with members assembled from various militant groups around the country.
"Their members come from the Rajah Solaiman Movement-Abu Sayyaf Group of the Isnilon Hapilon faction and Usman's former men with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)," the source said, adding that there are also some members from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the Al Hansar Khilafa, with three members of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) also making up the other members of the group.
The source added that the 15-man group of Usman are already in Luzon, with some of them possibly in Metro Manila and in the Southern Tagalog Region and all of them highly trained in handling explosives.
A separate intelligence source had said earlier that a group of foreign jihadists have established a cell in Luzon, and may be plotting a possible attack during the Pontiff's visit this coming January 2015.
That other source acknowledged that he has scant information about the Khilafa Islamiyah in the Visayas, but the terror cell in Luzon, he said, is headed by an Islamic Cleric from Bangladesh with four other foreigners mixed in.
The four foreigners who joined the Bangladeshi cleric, the source said, had just come from Cotabato where they were believed to have also trained some militants in bomb-making and explosives handling.
Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Spokesman, indicated in an interview previously that the police establishment has not monitored any significant threat against Pope Francis' trip.
The PNP has formed Special Task Group Papal Visit 2015, to be headed by Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, the PNP Deputy Chief for Operation and former chief of the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO).
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/99397/usman-special-operations-group-in-pnp-radar-ahead-of-popes-visit
‘Frenchman kidnap claim may be a ruse’
From The Star Online (Nov 17): ‘Frenchman kidnap claim may be a ruse’
KOTA KINABALU: The claim about the kidnap of a French citizen from Sabah waters could be a bait to try provoking the security forces.
“There have been no reports of any kidnappings, I think they (cross-border kidnappers) are just trying to provoke us,” said Eastern Sabah Security Command chief Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun (pic) when contacted.
When contacted, Tawi Tawi police chief Col Joey Salido, whose jurisdiction covers the Tawi Tawi islands straddling close to Sabah’s east coast, also said there were no reports of any kidnapping by Abu Sayyaf-linked Filipino gunmen, whether locally in Tawi Tawi or from across the border (Sabah).
A Philippines television network had recently claimed that the Frenchman was being kept at one of the islands in Tawi Tawi province.
The report further claimed that an unnamed officer from the Philippines military’s Camp Crame did not disclose when the French tourist was grabbed and did not want to disclose the identity of the hostage.
Philippines security forces last Friday were involved in a shootout with Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sahiron and his group in jungles of Talipao in Jolo, where five soldiers were killed and 26 soldiers injured, while nine Abu Sayyaf gunmen were killed.
However, there is still no word on the condition of any of the dozen hostages, including two Malaysians, held by Abu Sayyaf gunmen in the mountainous jungles of Jolo.
Fish breeder Chan Sai Chuin, 32, and marine police constable Kons Zakiah Aleip, 26, were respectively grabbed from a fish farm in Kunak on June 16 and from a police post in Mabul island on July 12.
Abu Sayyaf gunmen holding Chan is threatening to behead him by the end of this month if his wife fails to pay a RM3mil ransom.
Chan’s wife Chin Pek Nyen, when contacted, said she had received demands for the money yesterday (Sunday) morning.
“I am not sure how he (Chan) is. They tell me he is okay. But they are still threatening to behead him,” said a distressed Chin, who has not been able to raise the money despite her efforts to seek help from the public recently.
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/11/17/Frenchman-kidnap-claim-may-be-a-ruse-Esscom-There-have-been-no-reports-of-any-kidnappings/
KOTA KINABALU: The claim about the kidnap of a French citizen from Sabah waters could be a bait to try provoking the security forces.
“There have been no reports of any kidnappings, I think they (cross-border kidnappers) are just trying to provoke us,” said Eastern Sabah Security Command chief Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun (pic) when contacted.
When contacted, Tawi Tawi police chief Col Joey Salido, whose jurisdiction covers the Tawi Tawi islands straddling close to Sabah’s east coast, also said there were no reports of any kidnapping by Abu Sayyaf-linked Filipino gunmen, whether locally in Tawi Tawi or from across the border (Sabah).
A Philippines television network had recently claimed that the Frenchman was being kept at one of the islands in Tawi Tawi province.
The report further claimed that an unnamed officer from the Philippines military’s Camp Crame did not disclose when the French tourist was grabbed and did not want to disclose the identity of the hostage.
Philippines security forces last Friday were involved in a shootout with Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sahiron and his group in jungles of Talipao in Jolo, where five soldiers were killed and 26 soldiers injured, while nine Abu Sayyaf gunmen were killed.
However, there is still no word on the condition of any of the dozen hostages, including two Malaysians, held by Abu Sayyaf gunmen in the mountainous jungles of Jolo.
Fish breeder Chan Sai Chuin, 32, and marine police constable Kons Zakiah Aleip, 26, were respectively grabbed from a fish farm in Kunak on June 16 and from a police post in Mabul island on July 12.
Abu Sayyaf gunmen holding Chan is threatening to behead him by the end of this month if his wife fails to pay a RM3mil ransom.
Chan’s wife Chin Pek Nyen, when contacted, said she had received demands for the money yesterday (Sunday) morning.
“I am not sure how he (Chan) is. They tell me he is okay. But they are still threatening to behead him,” said a distressed Chin, who has not been able to raise the money despite her efforts to seek help from the public recently.
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/11/17/Frenchman-kidnap-claim-may-be-a-ruse-Esscom-There-have-been-no-reports-of-any-kidnappings/
Clashes continue between gov’t forces and BIFF rebels in Maguindanao
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 17): Clashes continue between gov’t forces and BIFF rebels in Maguindanao
Four Moro rebels were killed and a soldier was wounded when Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked Army and Moro Islamic Liberation Front positions in Maguindanao Sunday night, the military said Monday.
But a BIFF spokesman denied they lost any fighter and claimed instead that the military suffered three dead.
The Inquirer could not independently verify the claims.
Colonel Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said about 50 BIFF guerrillas armed with mortars and assault rifles attacked a camp of the 45th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Sapakan, Raja Buayan, Maguindanao beginning at 8:45 p.m.
”They were trying to overrun our Army positions. In the process they also attacked an MILF detachment in the village,” Hermoso said, referring to the formerly secessionist group with which the government has concluded a peace agreement and from which the BIFF broke away.
Hermoso said the soldier who was wounded suffered only minor injuries and was in no danger.
In a phone interview, BIFF spokesman Abu Misry Mama admitted his comrades were involved in the Raja Buayan attack.
“We confirm we attacked the Army detachment but we deny we suffered four dead,” Mama said, adding that the Army suffered three dead, including a lieutenant.
Hermoso denied Mama’s claim.
He said the Raja Buayan incident was latest in a series of attacks on military detachment by the BIFF since last week.
”Our troops had been on alert since last week because of the BIFF atrocities,” Hermoso said.
Last Friday, two civilians were killed by a mortar shell the military claim was fired by the rebels. The two victims were among civilians crossing a river in a boat to escape fighting between government forces and the BIFF in Pikit, North Cotabato, when a mortar shell landed and exploded in the vessel.
Earlier, BIFF rebels led by Commander Carealan attacked two detachments of the 7th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Kabasalan, launching mortar attacks from across the river, which separates the province from Maguindanao.
The BIFF also harassed Army positions in Datu Piang, Maguindanao, forcing hundreds of civilians to flee.
Hermoso said the military would ensure the safety of civilians and condemned the BIFF for attacking civilian areas in the marshy border between Maguindanao and North Cotabato.
More checkpoints were put up in areas where the BIFF operates to prevent them from launching attacks on civilian areas in the two provinces.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/651220/clashes-continue-between-govt-forces-and-biff-rebels-in-maguindanao
Four Moro rebels were killed and a soldier was wounded when Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked Army and Moro Islamic Liberation Front positions in Maguindanao Sunday night, the military said Monday.
But a BIFF spokesman denied they lost any fighter and claimed instead that the military suffered three dead.
The Inquirer could not independently verify the claims.
Colonel Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said about 50 BIFF guerrillas armed with mortars and assault rifles attacked a camp of the 45th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Sapakan, Raja Buayan, Maguindanao beginning at 8:45 p.m.
”They were trying to overrun our Army positions. In the process they also attacked an MILF detachment in the village,” Hermoso said, referring to the formerly secessionist group with which the government has concluded a peace agreement and from which the BIFF broke away.
Hermoso said the soldier who was wounded suffered only minor injuries and was in no danger.
In a phone interview, BIFF spokesman Abu Misry Mama admitted his comrades were involved in the Raja Buayan attack.
“We confirm we attacked the Army detachment but we deny we suffered four dead,” Mama said, adding that the Army suffered three dead, including a lieutenant.
Hermoso denied Mama’s claim.
He said the Raja Buayan incident was latest in a series of attacks on military detachment by the BIFF since last week.
”Our troops had been on alert since last week because of the BIFF atrocities,” Hermoso said.
Last Friday, two civilians were killed by a mortar shell the military claim was fired by the rebels. The two victims were among civilians crossing a river in a boat to escape fighting between government forces and the BIFF in Pikit, North Cotabato, when a mortar shell landed and exploded in the vessel.
Earlier, BIFF rebels led by Commander Carealan attacked two detachments of the 7th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Kabasalan, launching mortar attacks from across the river, which separates the province from Maguindanao.
The BIFF also harassed Army positions in Datu Piang, Maguindanao, forcing hundreds of civilians to flee.
Hermoso said the military would ensure the safety of civilians and condemned the BIFF for attacking civilian areas in the marshy border between Maguindanao and North Cotabato.
More checkpoints were put up in areas where the BIFF operates to prevent them from launching attacks on civilian areas in the two provinces.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/651220/clashes-continue-between-govt-forces-and-biff-rebels-in-maguindanao
No more rebels in Lake Sebu town – AFP
From MindaNews (Nov 17): No more rebels in Lake Sebu town – AFP
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has declared the entire municipality of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato as insurgency-free.
South Cotabato provincial board member Agustin Demaala Jr., chair of the board’s committee on public order and safety, said the 1002nd Infantry Brigade issued the declaration following a series of validation and assessment in the area.
He said the declaration covered all 19 barangays of Lake Sebu, which is located along the boundary areas of South Cotabato and the provinces of Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat.
“These 19 barangays are now free from CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army) influence,” Demaala said.
Citing results of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade’s assessment, he said the NPA fronts operating in the area were forced to abandon and dismantle their organized structures in Lake Sebu’s 19 barangays due to their declining influence.
He specifically cited the NPA’s local political propaganda units, which mainly assists the group’s operations and recruitment activities.
Demaala, who is a retired Army major general, said the rebels were eventually forced to focus their operations in the boundary areas of Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat.
The official said such situation was the result of the enhanced security operations as well as peace and development initiatives conducted by the 27th Infantry Battalion (IB) in the area in the last two years.
The official credited the declaration to the “focused and effective” leadership of Lt. Col. Shalimar Imperial, who formally left his post last Friday as commanding officer of the 27th IB following a two-year stint.
He was replaced by Lt. Col. Ronald Jess Alcudia, who was previously assigned at the 4th Infantry Division in Northern Mindanao.
Imperial will assume as the staff officer for education and training or G8 of the 10th Infantry Division in Mawab, Compostela Valley.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/11/17/no-more-rebels-in-lake-sebu-town-afp/
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has declared the entire municipality of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato as insurgency-free.
South Cotabato provincial board member Agustin Demaala Jr., chair of the board’s committee on public order and safety, said the 1002nd Infantry Brigade issued the declaration following a series of validation and assessment in the area.
He said the declaration covered all 19 barangays of Lake Sebu, which is located along the boundary areas of South Cotabato and the provinces of Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat.
“These 19 barangays are now free from CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army) influence,” Demaala said.
Citing results of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade’s assessment, he said the NPA fronts operating in the area were forced to abandon and dismantle their organized structures in Lake Sebu’s 19 barangays due to their declining influence.
He specifically cited the NPA’s local political propaganda units, which mainly assists the group’s operations and recruitment activities.
Demaala, who is a retired Army major general, said the rebels were eventually forced to focus their operations in the boundary areas of Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat.
The official said such situation was the result of the enhanced security operations as well as peace and development initiatives conducted by the 27th Infantry Battalion (IB) in the area in the last two years.
The official credited the declaration to the “focused and effective” leadership of Lt. Col. Shalimar Imperial, who formally left his post last Friday as commanding officer of the 27th IB following a two-year stint.
He was replaced by Lt. Col. Ronald Jess Alcudia, who was previously assigned at the 4th Infantry Division in Northern Mindanao.
Imperial will assume as the staff officer for education and training or G8 of the 10th Infantry Division in Mawab, Compostela Valley.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/11/17/no-more-rebels-in-lake-sebu-town-afp/
Bomb found in Lamitan school
From MindaNews (Nov 17): Bomb found in Lamitan school
A baggage found in a school in Lamitan City in Basilan yielded an improvised explosive device, officials said Monday.
The explosive was found around 7:50 a.m. Monday at the back of one of the classrooms of the elementary school in Barangay Colonia, Lamitan.
Lamitan City Vice-Mayor Roderick Furigay said over the phone the IED was discovered after the students informed the teachers they saw an unattended baggage at the back of one of the classrooms.
Furigay said the teachers immediately reported the matter to the police for proper action.
Senior Insp. Gean Gallardo, Lamitan City police chief, said his men in coordination with the Provincial Public Safety Company personnel cordoned the place and immediately coordinated with the Army’s explosive ordnance demolition (EOD).
Gallardo said the Army’s 39th EOD team conducted disruption procedure several minutes after the explosive was found.
Furigay said they believed it was the handiwork of the Abu Sayyaf to divert the attention of the government forces pursuing the bandit group in the nearby towns.
The IED was found a week after authorities thwarted another alleged bombing attempt on a gasoline station in Isabela City, the capital of Basilan.
Military forces have launched an offensive against the Abu Sayyaf in the towns of Tipo-Tipo, Ungkaya Pukan, and Sumisip, which started after the November 2 ambush-slay of six soldiers.
The soldiers were providing security to the workers of a construction firm undertaking a Saudi-funded road concreting project, which is part of the Basilan circumferential road, when suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits ambushed them in Sumisip.
Last Monday, EOD personnel defused an IED in Isabela City.
The IED concealed in a cooking pot was placed by two masked men at a gasoline station in Barangay Riverside.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/11/17/bomb-found-in-lamitan-school/
A baggage found in a school in Lamitan City in Basilan yielded an improvised explosive device, officials said Monday.
The explosive was found around 7:50 a.m. Monday at the back of one of the classrooms of the elementary school in Barangay Colonia, Lamitan.
Lamitan City Vice-Mayor Roderick Furigay said over the phone the IED was discovered after the students informed the teachers they saw an unattended baggage at the back of one of the classrooms.
Furigay said the teachers immediately reported the matter to the police for proper action.
Senior Insp. Gean Gallardo, Lamitan City police chief, said his men in coordination with the Provincial Public Safety Company personnel cordoned the place and immediately coordinated with the Army’s explosive ordnance demolition (EOD).
Gallardo said the Army’s 39th EOD team conducted disruption procedure several minutes after the explosive was found.
Furigay said they believed it was the handiwork of the Abu Sayyaf to divert the attention of the government forces pursuing the bandit group in the nearby towns.
The IED was found a week after authorities thwarted another alleged bombing attempt on a gasoline station in Isabela City, the capital of Basilan.
Military forces have launched an offensive against the Abu Sayyaf in the towns of Tipo-Tipo, Ungkaya Pukan, and Sumisip, which started after the November 2 ambush-slay of six soldiers.
The soldiers were providing security to the workers of a construction firm undertaking a Saudi-funded road concreting project, which is part of the Basilan circumferential road, when suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits ambushed them in Sumisip.
Last Monday, EOD personnel defused an IED in Isabela City.
The IED concealed in a cooking pot was placed by two masked men at a gasoline station in Barangay Riverside.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/11/17/bomb-found-in-lamitan-school/
Third in November: 2 more cops seized by armed men in Surigao town
From MindaNews (Nov 17): Third in November: 2 more cops seized by armed men in Surigao town
ALEGRIA, Surigao del Norte--Two policemen were seized by suspected communist rebels in Surigao del Norte on Sunday afternoon bringing to three the total number of policemen abducted in the province this month.
Supt. Julito Diray, provincial police director, on Sunday evening identified the two as PO1 Democrito Bondoc Polvorosa and PO1 Marichel Unclara Contemplo.
Both were assigned at the Alegria police station. Their whereabouts have remained unknown.
Diray said the two policemen were going to Barangay Pungtod aboard a patrol car for a meeting with Department of Social Welfare and Development’s and residents for the Pantawid Pampailyang Pilipino Program, but were blocked by armed men believed to members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
The town’s police chief, Insp. Karlo Eden Mahinay said both policemen were on the mobile 4×2 Hilux vehicle when they were flagged down between barangays San Pedro and Alipao.
“Around 30 fully armed men who we think are members of the NPA flagged down our vehicle and they even fired upon it using an AK-47 assault rifle. We have seen three bullet holes near the fuselage which would mean that they wanted to burn the vehicle,” Mahinay said.
The other police personnel in Alegria said Contemplo just recently got out of the hospital after an infection and Polvorosa was transferred to the station just last month.
Mahinay was barely a week in his new designation as town police chief when the abduction occurred.
The Local Crisis Management Committee headed by Alegria town mayor Dominador Esma Jr., had met to find ways to bring the captives home safe.
Supt Romaldo G.Bayting, Police Regional Office-13 spokesperson said a joint operation has been launched to rescue the kidnapped policemen.
Bayting said the new police regional director Chief Supt. David Ombao instructed them to use all [their] resources to save their colleagues.
Lt. Col. Arsenio Sadural of the 30th Infantry Battalion said government troops have been deployed to go after the abductors.
Police have not received any word from the abductors yet.
Last Wednesday (November 12) a rookie policeman identified as PO1 Junrie Amper was kidnapped suspected communist guerillas in a remote village in Malimono town in Surigao del Norte. His captors have also not sent word on his whereabouts.
On July 10 this year, four police officers were taken hostage by communist rebels in Alegria while the town’s police station was being attacked.
Nineteen days after, PO3 Vic Concon, PO3 Rey Oniel Morales, PO1 Joen Zabala and PO1 Edito Ronquiño were released after the government declared a five-day ceasefire in some areas of the province.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/11/17/third-in-november-2-more-cops-seized-by-armed-men-in-surigao-town/
ALEGRIA, Surigao del Norte--Two policemen were seized by suspected communist rebels in Surigao del Norte on Sunday afternoon bringing to three the total number of policemen abducted in the province this month.
Supt. Julito Diray, provincial police director, on Sunday evening identified the two as PO1 Democrito Bondoc Polvorosa and PO1 Marichel Unclara Contemplo.
Both were assigned at the Alegria police station. Their whereabouts have remained unknown.
Diray said the two policemen were going to Barangay Pungtod aboard a patrol car for a meeting with Department of Social Welfare and Development’s and residents for the Pantawid Pampailyang Pilipino Program, but were blocked by armed men believed to members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
The town’s police chief, Insp. Karlo Eden Mahinay said both policemen were on the mobile 4×2 Hilux vehicle when they were flagged down between barangays San Pedro and Alipao.
“Around 30 fully armed men who we think are members of the NPA flagged down our vehicle and they even fired upon it using an AK-47 assault rifle. We have seen three bullet holes near the fuselage which would mean that they wanted to burn the vehicle,” Mahinay said.
The other police personnel in Alegria said Contemplo just recently got out of the hospital after an infection and Polvorosa was transferred to the station just last month.
Mahinay was barely a week in his new designation as town police chief when the abduction occurred.
The Local Crisis Management Committee headed by Alegria town mayor Dominador Esma Jr., had met to find ways to bring the captives home safe.
Supt Romaldo G.Bayting, Police Regional Office-13 spokesperson said a joint operation has been launched to rescue the kidnapped policemen.
Bayting said the new police regional director Chief Supt. David Ombao instructed them to use all [their] resources to save their colleagues.
Lt. Col. Arsenio Sadural of the 30th Infantry Battalion said government troops have been deployed to go after the abductors.
Police have not received any word from the abductors yet.
Last Wednesday (November 12) a rookie policeman identified as PO1 Junrie Amper was kidnapped suspected communist guerillas in a remote village in Malimono town in Surigao del Norte. His captors have also not sent word on his whereabouts.
On July 10 this year, four police officers were taken hostage by communist rebels in Alegria while the town’s police station was being attacked.
Nineteen days after, PO3 Vic Concon, PO3 Rey Oniel Morales, PO1 Joen Zabala and PO1 Edito Ronquiño were released after the government declared a five-day ceasefire in some areas of the province.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/11/17/third-in-november-2-more-cops-seized-by-armed-men-in-surigao-town/
Military seized Sayyaf solar panels as troops pursue rebels in Sulu province
From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Nov 17): Military seized Sayyaf solar panels as troops pursue rebels in Sulu province
Military photos show solar panels and other personal belongings abandoned by the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu province in southern Philippines. And troops pay their last respect to soldiers killed in fierce clashes in the province. (Mindanao Examiner)
Philippine troops pursuing the Abu Sayyaf have tumbled on a pile of solar panels left behind by fleeing rebels in the southern province of Sulu, officials said Monday.
Officials said the solar panels were used by rebels to recharge their cell phones and laptop computers and even radio transceivers.
Soldiers also recovered pots and pans, blackened by soot, and clothing, and rubber boots abandoned by rebels as they escaped a massive military operation in the hinterlands of Talipao and Patikul towns, known stronghold of the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group in the province.
The military also released photos of the things troops recovered in Sulu. But the photos also showed the ill-equipped soldiers on the front line. They wore no Kevlar helmets and were not even wearing body armor.
Fierce clashes in Talipao town on November 14 left five soldiers and ten rebels dead and at least four dozen injured on both sides.
The bodies of all soldiers slain in the fighting have been sent home to their provinces after troops paid their last respect to the fallen heroes, who fought the rebels in close combat battle for several hours that killed two notorious Abu Sayyaf commanders Hairullah Asbang and Julie Ekit.
The military’s Western Mindanao Command identified the slain soldiers as Privates First Class Albert Villaluna, Alison Caro, Samuel Taluyan, Joey Blanche and Gabby Achas.
Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, led military officials in honoring the soldiers in Zamboanga City. The wounded soldiers were also given medals.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/11/military-seized-sayyaf-solar-panels-as.html
Military photos show solar panels and other personal belongings abandoned by the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu province in southern Philippines. And troops pay their last respect to soldiers killed in fierce clashes in the province. (Mindanao Examiner)
Philippine troops pursuing the Abu Sayyaf have tumbled on a pile of solar panels left behind by fleeing rebels in the southern province of Sulu, officials said Monday.
Officials said the solar panels were used by rebels to recharge their cell phones and laptop computers and even radio transceivers.
Soldiers also recovered pots and pans, blackened by soot, and clothing, and rubber boots abandoned by rebels as they escaped a massive military operation in the hinterlands of Talipao and Patikul towns, known stronghold of the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group in the province.
The military also released photos of the things troops recovered in Sulu. But the photos also showed the ill-equipped soldiers on the front line. They wore no Kevlar helmets and were not even wearing body armor.
Fierce clashes in Talipao town on November 14 left five soldiers and ten rebels dead and at least four dozen injured on both sides.
The bodies of all soldiers slain in the fighting have been sent home to their provinces after troops paid their last respect to the fallen heroes, who fought the rebels in close combat battle for several hours that killed two notorious Abu Sayyaf commanders Hairullah Asbang and Julie Ekit.
The military’s Western Mindanao Command identified the slain soldiers as Privates First Class Albert Villaluna, Alison Caro, Samuel Taluyan, Joey Blanche and Gabby Achas.
Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, led military officials in honoring the soldiers in Zamboanga City. The wounded soldiers were also given medals.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/11/military-seized-sayyaf-solar-panels-as.html
2 dead in NPA clash in Bicol region
From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Nov 17): 2 dead in NPA clash in Bicol region
Two people were killed and two soldiers wounded in a clash with communist rebels in Camarines Sur province in the Bicol region, military officials said Monday.
Officials said the fighting broke out in the village called Tinalmod in Pasacao town on November 16 after pro-government militias and soldiers ran into a group of New People’s Army rebels who killed a civilian.
There were no reports of enemy casualties and officials said a militia was slain in the fighting and that two more were injured. The fighting lasted over 30 minutes.
Brigadier General Richard Lagrana, commander of the 902nd Infantry Brigade, ordered troops to pursue the rebels. “We have deployed forces in strategic areas to capture the rebels,” he said.
The NPA has been waging a secessionist war for many decades now. Peace talks in the past governments have failed and efforts to revive it under the Aquino administration also were not successful due to several demands by the rebels and among them was the release of all political prisoners in the country.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/11/2-dead-in-npa-clash-in-bicol-region.html
Two people were killed and two soldiers wounded in a clash with communist rebels in Camarines Sur province in the Bicol region, military officials said Monday.
Officials said the fighting broke out in the village called Tinalmod in Pasacao town on November 16 after pro-government militias and soldiers ran into a group of New People’s Army rebels who killed a civilian.
There were no reports of enemy casualties and officials said a militia was slain in the fighting and that two more were injured. The fighting lasted over 30 minutes.
Brigadier General Richard Lagrana, commander of the 902nd Infantry Brigade, ordered troops to pursue the rebels. “We have deployed forces in strategic areas to capture the rebels,” he said.
The NPA has been waging a secessionist war for many decades now. Peace talks in the past governments have failed and efforts to revive it under the Aquino administration also were not successful due to several demands by the rebels and among them was the release of all political prisoners in the country.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/11/2-dead-in-npa-clash-in-bicol-region.html
Philippine rebels seize 2 cops at checkpoint
From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Nov 17): Philippine rebels seize 2 cops at checkpoint
Two policemen were captured by the New People’s Army in Alegria town in Surigao del Norte province, a known stronghold of the communist rebel group in southern Philippines.
Police have confirmed the capture of the cops and identified them as PO3 Democrito Polvorosa and PO1 Marichel Contemplo. They were seized November 16 near the village of Pongtud where the rebels had set up a road block.
The two policemen were on a prowl car when about two dozen rebels intercepted them. The fate of the prisoners was unknown, but their capture came barely four days after rebels snatched PO1 Junrie Amper in Malimono town in nearby Surigao del Sur province.
The rebels have not issued any statement, although they are expected to claim responsibility in the coming days. Just this year, the rebels freed several policemen and soldiers they captured in eastern Mindanao following appeals from their families.
There was no immediate statement from the Eastern Mindanao Command about the latest attack by the NPA which boasted of mass support from villagers in the region.
The military has lately been losing the propaganda war to the NPA because of the failure of its officials and spokesmen in the region to immediately address the rebel’s aggressive media campaign.
The rebels have been fighting for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/11/philippine-rebels-seize-2-cops-at.html
Two policemen were captured by the New People’s Army in Alegria town in Surigao del Norte province, a known stronghold of the communist rebel group in southern Philippines.
Police have confirmed the capture of the cops and identified them as PO3 Democrito Polvorosa and PO1 Marichel Contemplo. They were seized November 16 near the village of Pongtud where the rebels had set up a road block.
The two policemen were on a prowl car when about two dozen rebels intercepted them. The fate of the prisoners was unknown, but their capture came barely four days after rebels snatched PO1 Junrie Amper in Malimono town in nearby Surigao del Sur province.
The rebels have not issued any statement, although they are expected to claim responsibility in the coming days. Just this year, the rebels freed several policemen and soldiers they captured in eastern Mindanao following appeals from their families.
There was no immediate statement from the Eastern Mindanao Command about the latest attack by the NPA which boasted of mass support from villagers in the region.
The military has lately been losing the propaganda war to the NPA because of the failure of its officials and spokesmen in the region to immediately address the rebel’s aggressive media campaign.
The rebels have been fighting for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/11/philippine-rebels-seize-2-cops-at.html
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