From the GMA News (Feb 18): Over 300 SAF commandos did nothing while clash was ongoing –soldier
Over 300 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos were on the highway doing nothing while not far from them some of their comrades were engaged in a fierce firefight with Moro rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, last January 25, a soldier interviewed by GMA News said.
The soldier was under the Army's 6th Infantry Battalion who was part of the team that reinforced the embattled SAF members on the afternoon of January 25.
“Kung may sisisihin man sila, tanungin muna nila sa leader nila kung sino 'yung hindi nakatulong doon, kung sino 'yung hindi fumorward doon. Kasi 'yung naabutan namin sa kalsada kadami-dami na doon tatlong kompanya nag-uumpukan,” the soldier said.
According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), 392 SAF commandos were part of the operation to arrest Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan, but only 74 clashed with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
The 74 included the 38 who stormed Marwan's hideout and eventually killed him, and the 36 who served as blocking force.
[Video report]
When the fighting stopped after several hours, over 60 people, including 44 SAF policemen, lay dead.
The military has been at the receiving end of blame for the high number of fatalities on the government side for their supposed late reinforcement.
This did not sit well with the soldiers interviewed by GMA News, with one of them pointing out the number of SAF members who were doing nothing on the highway while the clash was ongoing.
The soldier said when they arrived at the area on the afternoon of January 25 to reinforce the police force, they found several SAF members lying on the side of the street looking shocked.
“Binibiro ko sila, 'Bakit kayo di makatulong, de kalibre 'yung mga gamit niyo, bakit di niyo magawang tulungan 'yung mga kasama niyo?' May vest pa sila,” he said, adding he was met with silence.
Another soldier highlighted the key role they played during the operation.
“Sasabihin nila walang ginawa 'yung Army. Kung hindi dahil sa amin hindi nila mase-save 'yung nakuha nilang speciman mula sa target nila. E di sana hindi sila mission accomplished,” he said.
He was referring to Marwan's finger, which was cut off for DNA analysis in the United States.
Meanwhile, PNP spokesman C/Supt. Generoso Cerbo, Jr. said everyone should just wait for the results of the investigation being conducted by the PNP's Board of Inquiry.
“Hindi naman natin maaalis na magkaroon ng ganyang sentimento 'yung ibang kapatid natin sa AFP. Siguro with the passage of time mako-correct naman natin ito at mapa-patch up natin,” Cerbo said.
He added that the relationship between the police and military remains strong despite what happened in Mamasapano.
“Ang AFP at PNP mayroong mahabang pinagsamahan. And even as we speak mayroon tayong strong collaboration with AFP units,” Cerbo said.
From the GMA News (Feb 18): Marwan was only one of the leaders of Khalifa Islamiya Mindanao
Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan was only one of the many leaders of a new terrorist group in Mindanao, a report from GMA's “24-Oras” program said Wednesday.
According to the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, there are four other founders of the Khilafa Islamiyah Mindanao.
Marwan was killed in a police operation in Mamasapano, Maguidanao on Jan. 25.
The group identified its other surviving leaders as Amir M, Amir Abtol Rahman, Amir Kuptu and Amir Human Abdul Najid.
The new terrorist group is composed of members from the Jemaah Islamiyah, Abu Sayyaf Group and other members of armed rebel groups.
Filipino bomb maker Basit Usman who was also a primary target during the Mamasapano operation but reportedly escaped with a shoulder wound was also identified as the KIM's leader in Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Maguindanao.
According to the data from the group, the KIM also has leaders in Davao, Western Mindanao, Northern Mindanao, and the National Capital Region. [Video report]
According to PIPVTR Chairman Prof. Rommel Banlaoi, terror groups like these with international terrorist members such as Marwan definitely had backers in the country.
“Hindi mag thathrive ang isang foreign terrorist personality sa isang lugar kung walang local support at local handler or walang local protection,” Banlaoi said.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front which controls the area where Marwan was killed has repeatedly denied they were coddling Marwan and Usman.
But even with this development, Banlaoi was confident that Government forces can handle the threat posed by the KIM.
“'Yung mga law enforcement authorities natin mayroon na silang better understanding ng terrorist threats kaya 'yung preventive measures nila ay mas matindi ngayon,” he said.
“Kaya mas equiped sila ngayon at mas malalim na rin 'yung kaalaman ng ating law enforcement authorities sa banta ng terorismo,” he added.
From the Philippine Star (Feb 18): Where are the other SAF firearms?
Armed Forces chief Lt. Gen. Gregorio Catapang and Brig. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. of the government’s ceasefire committee brief police officers on where to keep the firearms of policemen killed in an encounter with rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25 which the Moro Islamic Liberation Front returned Wednesday. Philstar.com/John Unson
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Wednesday said it is still working on recovering other firearms of policemen killed in a deadly encounter with rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25.
The symbolic turnover of the firearms, consisting caliber 5.56 M-16 rifles, two M-203 rifles, two light machine guns and an upper part of an M-4 carbine, was held at the officers' club of the Army's 6th Infantry Division in Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
The MILF's chief negotiator, Mohagher Iqbal, told reporters they are still trying to locate the other firearms of the 44 members of the police's Special Action Force that perished in an encounter with local guerilla forces in three adjoining barangays in Mamasapano more than three weeks ago.
"We are not surrendering these firearms, we are returning them," Iqbal said, referring to the rifles and machine guns their ceasefire committee turned over to government officials at Camp Siongco.
The firearms were returned in the presence of the government's chief negotiator, Miriam Coronel Ferrer, Armed Forces chief Lt. Gen. Gregorio Catapang, members of the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team, officials of the joint government-MILF ceasefire committee and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles.
The event was also witnessed by Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero of the Western Mindanao Command, and officials of the Army's 6th Infantry Division led by Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan.
Iqbal declined to reveal the identities of the rebels that returned the firearms taken from the slain SAF operatives.
"That is still subject of our investigation. We are still in the process of locating the other firearms that are possibly in the hands of MILF members. We can't account for those firearms taken by other groups," Iqbal said.
In a message, Iqbal said the bloody January 25 SAF-MILF encounter in Mamasapano was an incident they had never wanted to happen.
He said the MILF cannot return the firearms which members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters took from the policemen slain in firefights with BIFF gunmen.
Abu Misry Mama, spokesman of the outlawed BIFF, had earlier said they have killed 10 SAF members during the January 25 hostilities in Mamasapano and that all of their firearms were taken as "war booty."
The BIFF does not recognize the July 1997 Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities between the government and the MILF.
The SAF men killed in the Mamasapano incident had just neutralized in a dawn raid in Barangay Inog-og in Mamasapano Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as Marwan, and were maneuvering their way out when they encountered MILF rebels and a third group, the brigand BIFF.
Iqbal said 18 MILF members were killed while 14 others were wounded in the ensuing firefights.
Iqbal declined to give a time frame on the return of other firearms that could be in the hands of MILF members.
Ferrer and Deles had both said the government and the MILF will continue with the peace process despite the Mamasapano incident.
"We believe in the correctness and propriety of the peace process," Ferrer said.
Iqbal said the MILF is also doing its best to preserve all the gains of the peace process that were achieved in 17 years of negotiations.
The head of the IMT, Malaysian Major Gen. Yaakub Samad, said the government and the MILF must continue to push the peace process forward.
The IMT, comprised of soldiers from Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Libya, and civilian conflict resolution and socio-economic experts from Norway, the European Union and Japan, has been helping enforce the GPH-MILF ceasefire accord since late 2003.
From the Manila Standard Today (Feb 19): Sweden joins call to end PH, China sea row
Sweden joined the growing international community for the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes on the West Philippine Sea which is being claimed by China and other neighbouring Asian countries, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.
The DFA said that Sweden made the announcement during the 3rd Philippines-Sweden Bilateral Consultations in Stockholm last week.
The meeting was co-chaired by Philippine Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson, Sweden’s State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Anika Söder, and by Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General for Trade Eva Walder.
Representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center formed the Philippine delegation.
The two sides had extensive discussions covering bilateral, regional and international issues.
“On the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea issue, they agreed on the importance of peaceful settlement of maritime disputes in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Sweden recognized arbitration as a mode of peaceful settlement of disputes.
Both sides recognized the potential for further cooperation in trade and investments, renewable energy, urban transport and disaster risk reduction and management. Both expressed satisfaction with the positive developments in bilateral relations including the initialing of the Philippines-Sweden Social Security Agreement and the near conclusion of the Law Enforcement Cooperation Agreement between the Philippine National Police and the Swedish National Police.
From the Manila Standard Today (Feb 19): Red alert on amid bombing ‘hoaxes’
MALACAÑANG on Wednesday appealed to Filipinos to remain calm and stop spreading text messages of unverified bomb threats as it denied a “wag-the- dog” scenario supposedly hatched by the administration itself to deflect public anger over the Jan. 25 Mamasapano debacle that left 44 police commandos dead.
Malacañang made its statement even as PNP spokesman Generoso Cerbo described as a joke the alleged plan of some groups who were said to be planning to bomb some places in the metropolis.
In the Senate, Senator Sergio Osmeña III described as alarming the call of former Tarlac Rep. Jose Cojuangco Jr. for a change in the national leadership.
“Well, from the moral point of view, yes,” Osmeña said when asked to comment on Cojuangco’s call for Aquino to resign.
“If a member of your family is the one who asks you to step down, of course it is personally hurting,” Osmeña said.
A text message being circulated pointed to an unnamed Muslim group planning to bomb certain areas in Metro Manila, including malls and mass transportation systems.
It also claimed that an “intel unit” was now monitoring the situation as the Armed Forces and the National Police had both gone on red alert to thwart the bomb plot.
“We are calling on the public to remain calm amid the circulating text message,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.
“The PNP is now looking closely at the security situation and has assured of their readiness to protect the safety of our people. Spreading text messages that contain baseless claims do not serve any purpose.”
But Coloma belied speculations that forces within the government were instigating the bomb scare.
“The government is doing nothing of that sort. The government is the protector of the security and safety of our people and will not resort to such useless activities such as that,” he said.
Meanwhile, Coloma said there was no word yet if President Benigno Aquino III would convene the National Security Council amid reports that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is girding for possible fresh clashes with government troops.
“Let us note that the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro are still in effect,” Coloma said.
“There are principles in those signed agreements that cover the existing ceasefire. That should be the basis for both parties in the peace process.
“[As for suggestions to convene that NSC], there have been no talks to that effect in the Cabinet.”
From the Manila Standard Today (Feb 19): ‘MILF no warmonger’
Gives back 16 SAF weapons; Palace wants more
THE Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Wednesday turned over to the government 16 of the firearms of the police commandos who were killed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao even as the group denied that it ordered its field commanders to gear for war ahead of the junking of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
MILF chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said they still hope both houses of Congress will see the wisdom of passing the BBL although Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Senate cannot just rubber stamp the draft measure especially after the Mamasapano incident.
Firearms returned. Soldiers sit next to high-powered firearms in a camp in Cotabato after those were returned by MILF rebels who took them during a firefight with police commandos tasked to arrest an international terrorist. The firefight resulted in the death of 44 police commandos. AFP
As a confidence-building measure, the MILF turned over at least 16 of 63 firearms that were lost in the Mamasapano clash during ceremonies held at Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao Wednesday morning.
MILF military chief Von Al Haq said the guns were recovered by the MILF 105th Base Command and the return of the weapons was part of confidence-building measures amid the recrimination over the Mamasapano clash.
But Malacañang said it was not satisfied with the return of the 16 firearms and the MILF still needs to show more concrete proof that it can be trusted by the government as a partner for peace.
“The return of the firearms is only in partial fulfillment of the earlier call of President Benigno Aquino III that the MILF should show concrete proof that they can be trusted as partners of the government in the peace process,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.
“The government is still waiting for more concrete proof such as the following: helping the government or stepping aside in efforts to catch Filipino terrorist Basit Usman; identifying and holding accountable those who are involved in killing the SAF44 heroes; and returning all the other firearms and personal effects that they stole from the SAF44,” Coloma added.
And if the MILF fails to fulfill all the demands of the Aquino administration, it will only show that the MILF is not really sincere in talking peace with the government, Coloma said.
After the weapons’ turnover, MILF chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal told journalists that he also received a text message, purportedly for MILF commanders, to prepare against for war if the BBL is shield but he denied that the “advisory” came from the MILF central committee.
“That is not true,” Iqbal said of the text message that even included his name. “That is the work of people who have nothing better to do.”
“It’s just a pure and simple act of warmongering, and it did not emanate from the MILF,” Iqbal said.
For the MILF, Iqbal said “there is no other option but the option of peace” and suggestions to junk the BBL will only give more radical elements in the MILF the “moral ascendancy” to say that they were right in rejecting peace talks with the government.
“We will have a problem because other groups will have moral ascendency. They will say ‘We were right. We already told you not to talk with the government of the Philippines’,” Iqbal said.
Iqbal said he hoped that Congress will not water down the BBL, which he considered to be “good legislation.”
But if the Congress, both houses which suspended deliberations on the BBL because of the Mamasapano incident, decides to water down the BBL, they will have to consider other options, including the rejection of whatever measure Congress manages to produce. “What happens when the MILF accepts [a diluted BBL]? The MILF will become meaningless at the problems of Mindanao will continue because the solution, the supposed medicine given to the patient, will not be given,” he said.
Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., chairman of the Senate committee on local government, acknowledged that the Muslim leadership wants the original version to stay, but that is no longer feasible because of the Mamasapano incident.
“I believe that’s what they want. But they cannot stop us as legislators here in the House of Representatives and in the Senate. We need to do our job,” Marcos said, noting the need to study and re-visit problematic provisions lawmakers have identified.
“He said there are many areas which are unclear, being left open because Congress will put the details. And that is exactly the process that we are undertaking right now,” Marcos said.
“I will use the three tests that I have applied to the draft BBL. We cannot abandon our function to make sure that at the very least, any bill we pass in Congress is legal, is constitutional and is enforceable. Those are the same three tests that we will apply to the Bangsamoro Basic Law,” he explained.
Marcos said he hopes the MILF will be open-minded and a little flexible because the amendments being contemplated by lawmakers are studied provisions and not capricious.
“Let us not forget that the aim of the BBL is peace in Muslim Mindanao,” he said, adding that Congress may produce a stronger BBL that, in the end, will ensure peace in Mindanao.
For his part, Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano warned the MILF that should not blackmail Congress with terror attacks that make it appear like “you’re poking your gun at us.”
“It is like you are shooting your hostages one by one, and then you would be saying you really want peace. You are wrong, if you’re hoping the government will back off, if that’s your tactic,” he said.
He pointed out that there should be no terrorism in peace talks. He said the actions of the MILF in the next few weeks and few months will tell whether or not they really want peace or they just want to conquer most of Mindanao.
From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 18): 1 soldier killed in an encounter with NPA in Samar
Army troops in Samar are determined to continue their mission to safeguard the people and attain peaceful development in this part of the region.
This is despite the setback that happened Monday night at Sitio Burabud, Brgy. Mabini Basey, Samar when a soldier died during an encounter with some members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
Based on the report of Hinabangan Samar-based 801st Infantry Brigade under Col. Leoncio A. Cirunay Jr., troops under the 82nd Division Reconnaisance Company were on combat operation when an information reached them that some NPAs were seen at Sitio Burabud. But when the troops arrived at the vicinity in said area, they were fired upon by the NPAs which resulted to a five minute firefight.
In a press statement sent to Philippine Information Agency (PIA) by Major Amado C. Gutierrez, Chief, Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO), 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Camp Lukban Catbalogan, City, it disclosed that the soldier died while medics were tending his gunshot wounds.
Reports reached 8th ID that the rebels incurred an undetermined number of casualties.
Earlier, same troops encountered an undetermined number of NPAs in the same area where the rebels have incurred some casualties.
Relative to this, Col. Cirunay expressed his condolence to the bereaved family of the soldier who died.
“I would like to express my condolence to the bereaved family of our gallant soldier who died while performing his duty. His bravery and sacrifice of life for the country will always be remembered,” Cirunay said.
From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 18): 56IB, nagdaos ng service caravan sa tatlong barangay ng Maria Aurora
Daan-daang residente ng tatlong barangay sa Maria Aurora ang nakinabang sa idinaos na service caravan ng 56th Infantry Battalion (56IB) ng Philippine Army.
Ayon kay 56IB Commander Lt. Joey Escanillas, nakapagbigay sila ng libreng gupit at serbisyong medikal at dental sa mga residente ng Dianawan, Punglo, at Bazal.
Hangad aniya nito na mailapit ang kalooban ng mga mamamayan sa mga sundalo lalo na sa mga naninirahan sa mga malalayong lugar para sa pangmatagalang katahimikan.
Tiniyak rin ni Escanillas na magdaraos sila ng kahalintulad na aktibidad sa iba pang bayan sa Aurora.
From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 16): AFP-PNP coordination cited in thwarted NPA attack
The Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
cited the coordination between the Army and the police as one of the reasons
why the New Peoples Army attack at the Mati Police Station was repelled.
Lt. General Aurelio Baladlad, EastMinCom chief said that Army intelligence shared to the police allowed the Philippine National Police to beef up its forces in Mati.
According to intelligence sources theNPAs units from the Pulang Bagani Command 3 and 6 operating in Compostela Valley were planning to attack several targets in Davao Oriental, among these targets included Mati City.
The PNP were able to send reinforcements from its Regional Public Safety Battalion to the Mati Police Station because of the intelligence reports.
Last Sunday (Feb. 15) evening, New People Army rebels disguised as Army soldiers trying to transfer a prisoner, tried to enter the Mati Police Station but alert PNP personnel held off a force of about 50 NPAs who tried to force their way into the station. A rebel was killed in the clash, his body recovered just outside the station, about 31 backpacks and three vehicles used by the rebels in the attack were also recovered.
Baladlad said without the coordination the attack wouldn’t have been repulsed. Army soldiers belonging to the 701st Infantry Brigade tried to reinforce the policemen but their vehicle was hit by two landmines, which killed three government troopers.
The Eastmincom chief said that the failed attack is an indication of the good partnership between the police and military.
The partnership between the Army and the Police was put on the spotlight during the January 25 operation to capture terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir alyas Marwan in Mamasapano, Maguindanao Province which resulted in the deaths of 44 PNP Special Action Force commandos, a tragedy blamed on the lack of coordination between the police and the military.
From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 18): Police sue rebels behind Mati attack
Authorities sued members of the New People’s Army for the foiled attack at the Mati City Police Station Sunday night which left five soldiers and a rebel killed.
Chief Superintendent Wendy Rosario said charges ranging from destruction of government property, multiple murder and frustrated multiple murder were filed this morning before the City Prosecutor’s Office against Prince Wendel Olifernes and his cohorts following the attack.
Olifernes was captured in a military checkpoint at Barangay Taguibo in Mati City during the pursuit operation.
Rosario said he already sent a large number of policemen to Mati City to beef up its security in time for the holding of the Davao Regional Athletic Association meet on Feb. 24 to 28.
Major General Eduardo Ano, commander of the 10th Infantry Division said Olifernes based on their investigation turned out to be Ka Edoy of the front committee 18 of the sentro de gravidad of the New People’s Army.
He also identified the rebel fatality who was left by his comrades during the withdrawal from the attack on the police station as Bryan Alfonso alias Ka Cid also of the front committee 18.
Alfonso’s father who hails from Tagum City, Davao del Norte already claimed his body Tuesday.
Ano said members of the front committee 18, and pulang bagani command three and six of the NPA carried out the attack.
“We are expecting an encounter every now and then as a company of Scout Rangers is running after the culprits,” he said.
From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 17): Peace council urges barangay heads to support terrorist watch of Ozamiz police
The Ozamiz City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) has called on the chiefs of the city’s 55 barangays to support the “terrorist watch” of the Ozamiz City Police Station (OCPS).
This, as mayor Reynaldo O. Parojinog, Sr., chairperson of CPOC, has directed the barangay leaders to activate their Barangay Patrol Action Teams (BPAT) and actively participate in the campaign to spot the terrorists in their respective areas.
“This could be our contribution to the Mindanao peace process, currently being talked about, to make sure that we do not allow terrorists to roam around our city, freely and continue with their threats,” the mayor said during this year’s first full council meeting, held here, last Feb. 13.
Just recently, OCPS has launched a terrorist watch for Rener Lou Pidoy Dongon, also as (a.k.a.) Ren-Ren and Kudri, a student of Zulkifli bin Hir a.k.a. Marwan in making bombs, and one of the suspects in the bombing of Maxandria Hotel and Rosario Arcade, both of Cagayan de Oro City, last 2012 and 2013, respectively.
A resident of barangay Tinago, Baroy, Lanao del Norte, Dongon has deep links to the international terrorist movement, as his sister Zainab is one of Marwan’s wives.
Another sister Aminah is married to Jainal Antel Sali, a.k.a. Abu Solaiman, while a third sister, Norain, is wife of Ahmad Santos, founder of the Rajah Solaiman Movement (RSM) Abu Tariq and member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) who was killed when the bomb he was holding exploded, police superintendent Michael Cadiogan Bawayan, Jr., chief of OCPS, said.
Among the documents recovered from Dongon, when he eluded arrest by authorities in Marawi City, was a certification of a drug test he took from the Mehakans Drug Testing Center, located at the Integrated Bus and Jeepney Terminal (IBJT) Building, in barangay Maloro, Tangub City, which only proves that he has freely entered Misamis Occidental, Bawayan said.
“His picture is now posted in commercial establishments, city malls/eateries, piers, bus terminals, public markets, and other public places, and in the social media, so his presence in the city can be reported to the OCPS, either by calling telephone nos. 521-2201/586-0211/166 or through email: ozamizcps@yahoo.com,” the OCPS chief said.
From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 16): Hundreds join Basilan walk for justice, peace in tribute to Fallen 44
ISABELACITY – Carrying candles, streamers,
and balloons, hundreds of people walked around IsabelaCity
proper last February 5 and converged at the city plaza for an interfaith prayer
rally, calling for justice and peace.
The people of
Basilan expressed their sympathies to the men and women of the
54th PNP-Special Action Force in Basilan whose comrades perished in the
bloody “misencounter” at Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
Led by religious
leaders and the City Mayor Cherrylyn Santos-Akbar, the people offered prayers
and sympathies in silence.
As the government
is under intense scrutiny owing to different public opinions, which are now
taking toll on the ongoing peace process between the government and the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad has called on the
public to exercise calm and sobriety.
“We are here
because we are for peace, we love peace, and we want to live in peace and
harmony. Our country is experiencing misunderstanding. We are not at peace
because of the painful death of the SAF 44 in Mamasapano,” the Bishop said as
he prayed for healing of broken hearts.
The bishop
reminded the people: “We belong to one God, although we call Him in different
names. We are brothers and sisters. We should not be killing each other.”
Pastor Ronald
Paulino of the UnitedEvangelicalChurch
also prayed for unity and for Divine intervention to touch the hearts of the
people “which are enveloped in anger and to overcome the pain but never fading
in the quest for peace.”
Dr. Abdulkhair
Tarazon of the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council also prayed for God’s guidance
towards the path to peace, justice, and truth.
In her message,
Mayor Cherry Akbar said, “We don’t have to be in Bicutan to feel the pain of
the mothers, wives, families and children of the Fallen SAF 44.”
Speaking in
Filipino, the mayor recalled how her heart was devastated when she visited the
bodies of the SAF, as most of those perished in Mamasapano were formerly
assigned in IsabelaCity, assisting in
keeping the city peaceful.
She was
distraught to have learned upon visiting the coffins when 16 of the 44 are
unrecognizable because of the brutality suffered in the hands of perpetrators at
Mamasapano. Almost half are in closed casket.
“Where is human
rights here?” she asked, lamenting that whenever soldiers or government
security forces suffered brutal killings like beheadings and lacerations,
nobody from the human rights came up to condemn. “Is human rights only for the
rebels and civilians?” she lamented.
“Sila na ang
nagbuwis ng buhay para sa kapayapaan, sila pa ang sinisi sa kanilang kamatayan
(They have offered their lives for peace, yet they were blamed for their
death),” the mayor said.
She said that it
is saddening that certain people have the attitude of blaming others in times
of failures, but in times of victory everybody wants to take the credit.
PInsp Bernabe A.
Chamo Jr, Platoon Leader, 54th Special Action Company, PNP-SAF thanked the
constituents of Isabela City and Basilan, all the sectors present at the event
for their sympathies and show of support to the PNP-SAF.
He appealed to
the public not to forget the heroic acts of the SAF 44 and pass on the next
generation about the ideology and sacrifices of the Fallen 44 who has served
the country with dedication and honor for peace.
The prayer rally
wound up with the candle lighting at the city plaza.
From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 17): 1st Cavalry Squadron conducts cleanup drive in Tukuran town
TUKURAN, Zamboanga del Sur --Instead of celebrating Valentine’s Day with their respective families on Saturday, the officers and men of the 1st Cavalry Squadron, Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army (PA) conducted a cleanup drive in barangay Lower Bayao here to show love for our environment.
Civil-Military Operations Officer Capt. Mae Budlong said the event was part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) or “Bayanihan”. “It also aims to engage all sectors in addressing environmental issues,” she added.
Budlong said the 1st Cavalry Squadron under the leadership of the newly installed battalion commander Lt. Col. Charlemagne Batayola Jr. had conducted the said activity to help protect, preserve and sustain the environment by joining and supporting environmental campaigns.
“These simple acts of community service can very well serve the residents of the barangay,” she stressed.
For her part, Barangay Captain Esnaira Chavez expressed her gratitude that the cleanup drive was held in her barangay.
“Nalipay ako nga kini nga kalihokan gihimo dinhi sa among barangay aron dili lamang malimpyo ang palibot sa among beach kung dili among mahimamat usab ang mga sundalo nga nagpasiugda ning maong kalihokan . Una kini nga higayon nga naay grupo sa mga nagpakabanang tawo nga naghimo ug clean up drive dinhi sa among dapit,” Chavez said.
(I am happy that this activity was held in our barangay not only to make our beach clean but mingle with the soldiers initiating it. This is the first time that a group of dedicated persons conducted a cleanup drive in our place.)
Cadet Colonel Willy Bucol said he participated in the cleanup activity because it is his personal commitment to help the Philippine Army in its environmental preservation and conservation programs.
“Miapil ko sa clean up drive dili tungod kay required kini sa among ROTC Military Science subject apan ako kini nga commitment nga makatabang sa Philippine Army sa ilang environmental preservation and conservation programs (I join the clean up drive not because it is required in our ROTC Military Science subject but it is my commitment to help the Philippine Army in their environmental preservation and conservation programs),” Bucol said.
Bucol led the 19 ROTC cadets in assisting the 1st Cavalry Squadron members in the clean up drive.
The activity is in collaboration with the barangay officials, 1st Field Artillery Battalion, Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets of Western Mindanao University-External Studies Unit (WMSU-ESU).
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18): NorCot cops arrest MILF member, tanod for illegal drug possession
MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato -– Police
authorities here arrested Tuesday a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF) and a former village watchman for possession of an unlicensed gun and
prohibited substance.
Supt. Reynante Delos Santos, Midsayap police chief,
identified the arrested persons as Kanda Taeb, 25, a member of the MILF’s
Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces based on his identification card and Pepe
Salang, 27, former Barangay Tanod (village watchman), both residents of
Barangay Nalin, an outskirt village of Midsayap near the borders with Datu
Piang town in Maguindanao.
Delos Santos said the two were arrested based on a search
warrant issued by a local court for illegal drug pushing.
Acting on a tip from a villager, Delos Santos led a team of
police officers and raided the house of Salang early Tuesday morning. The two
did not resist arrest.
“We have received an A-1 information so we immediately
proceeded to Barangay Nalin,” Delos Santos told reporters.
The raiding team seized four sachets of methamphetamine
hydrochloride, locally known as “shabu” and “bato” and shabu paraphernalia.
Delos Santos said the raiding team also seized an unlicensed
cal. 45 pistol with 10 bullets from the suspect.
Delos Santos said the duo, now detained at Midsayap PNP lock
up cell, have been charged with violation of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive
Dangerous Drugs Act of 2000.
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18): MILF, BIFF clashes force class suspension in Maguindanao, NorCot villages
PAGALUNGAN, Maguindanao -- The armed conflict
between warring Moro rebels and bandit groups in the border of Maguindanao and North Cotabato have also caused suspension of classes in
several public elementary and high schools.
Reports gathered by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
(ARMM) Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (HEART) showed that since
Monday, classes have been suspended in villages of Pagalungan, Maguindanao when
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters
(BIFF) clashed in the village
of Kalbugan.
Classes were suspended in SapakanElementary School, BuliokElementary School,
KalbuganElementary
School, BalongisElementary School, BuliokNationalHigh
School and BalongisNationalHigh
School.
Even classes in the Poblacion of Pagalungan were suspended
as schools were turned into evacuation centers of more than 15,000 individuals
coming from four outskirt villages.
In nearby Pikit, North Cotabato, classes were also suspended
in KabasalanElementary
School, BulolElementary School, Buliok
Elementary and High Schools after civilians deserted their communities.
ARMM-HEART personnel are now busy attending to the needs of
displaced families while personnel from North Cotabato Disaster Risk Reduction
and Management Council (PDRRMC) have conducted separate relief operations in at
least six evacuation centers in Pagalungan and Pikit, respectively.
The local governments of Pagalungan has initially
distributed relief goods to some 1,200 families. Each family received rice,
noodles, canned goods and relief items.
About 1,780 families or more than 9,000 individuals from
Pikit villages have been given relief items from the North
Cotabato provincial government, according to PDRRMC chair Cynthia
Ortega.
IDPs from Pikit's eight villages situated in the borders
with Maguidnanao are now housed in MahadSchool and FortPikit
evacuation center.
MILF and BIFF clashes erupted Saturday last week due to long
standing family feud involving MILF Commander Jack Abas and BIFF leader Kagi
Karialan.
Four MILF, including Commander Falcon were killed while
another two BIFF members also died in the sporadic skirmishes in the Maguindanao
marshland.
Fearing large scale war between warring armed groups,
thousands of civilians fled since Sunday.
Capt. Joanne Petinglay, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson,
said the Army secured the civilians but did not interfere in the armed conflict.
As the number of displaced families continue to rise, the
Maguindanao provincial health office (IPHO) immediately conducted psycho-social
debriefing to children IDPs in Pagalungan.
Dr. Tahir Sulaik, Maguindanao health chief, said his office
has prioritized the children "because they are the most vulnerable during
war and armed conflict" even as other health personnel conduct medical
outreach program in evacuation centers.
"Children easily traumatized by wars, sounds of
gunshots would quickly create fear among children in conflict areas,"
Sulaik said.
"Our health workers and psychologists are talking to
children in evacuation centers, asking them to tell stories, how they feel and
what they want," Sulaik said, adding that it aims to unburden the children
of fear and anxiety.
Sulaik said of the almost 9,000 individuals displaced in
Pagalungan, about 60 percent were children.
Sulaik also explained that children as young as 5 and below
do not understand what was happening and why they are in evacuation sites and
not in schools or their homes.
"It is difficult to explain to these children the event
happening around them. Their parents have more things to do that to carefully
explain to their children what is happening around and why they are fleeing.
So, our staff will tell stories for their children," Sulaik said.
Sulaik's team also distributed toothbruses, toothpaste and
sanitary kits to each families as they are vulnerable to health problems in a
filled, overcrowded and unsanitary environment in evacuation center.
"Our medical mission is continuing because we want to
show to these people that government exists and ready to help them in times
like these," Sulaik told reporters.
