VIDEO | Abu Sayyaf, not NPA, behind Samal kidnapping - Eastmincom chief

From InterAksyon (Sep 23): VIDEO | Abu Sayyaf, not NPA, behind Samal kidnapping - Eastmincom chief



Yachts moored at Oceanview Resort on Samal Island, from where three foreigners and a Filipina were kidnapped. (image from News5 video)

 (UPDATED WITH VIDEO) The Abu Sayyaf Group, not communist rebels, are responsible for kidnapping three foreigners and a Filipina from a resort in Samal Island, Davao del Norte on Monday, the head of the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command said Wednesday.

“We have suspects but we have not identified them yet. And we are extending all our assistance -- air, ground and naval assets for the immediate capture of the terrorists, the ASG,” Lieutenant General Aurelio Baladad told InterAksyon.com after attending a briefing at the Senate on the continuing lumad crisis in Mindanao.

He said 11 Abu Sayyaf gunmen were involved in the kidnapping, striking at the “least expected time,” 11 p.m., when most of the guests at the Oceanview Resort in Barangay Camudmud, Babak were already asleep on their yachts.

The gunmen seized Kjartan Sekkinstad, the Norwegian operations manager of the resort, Canadians John Ridsdell and Robert Hall, and Hall’s partner, identified only as Tess.

Speculation that communist rebels were responsible for the abductions was triggered by a note found investigators early Tuesday that said: "Katarungan ng aming (Justice by our) commander: by NPA."

But police and military officials doubted the involvement of the New People's Army, saying that it was not the style of the communist guerrillas to leave a note such as what the kidnappers had done.

Hot pursuit operations

Baladad said all military naval and air assets are scouring all areas in Mindanao “where we have reports on the presence of these terrorist groups. Our intelligence assets also have been mobilized to determine the probable area of the suspects.”

Although he said authorities have come upon “leads,” he declined to disclose operational details of the pursuit.

He also acknowledged that they have yet to identify who exactly the suspects are.
The Abu Sayyaf is known to have a loose structure of different bands led by sub-commanders who appear to act autonomously.

The PNP Task Group Oceanview is looking at all angles to determine the group behind the abduction, including the Abu Sayyaf and even amateur kidnappers.

Composite sketch

On Wednesday, police released a composite sketch of one of the suspects in the kidnapping. Though not distinct, he was described as a male, between 20 and 25 years old, 5 foot 3 inches in height and dark complexioned.

The task group expects to enhance the CCTV footage of the abduction to determine the identities of other suspects.

The PNP task group belied reports that a boat found at Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental belonged to the kidnappers.

Though the hunt for the kidnappers was extensive, authorities admiited that their hands were tied because the Davao Gulf encompasses a large area.

Authorities defended the lack of security in the region since it was not the first kidnapping incident. In 2001, the Abu Sayyaf attacked the Pearl Farm but retreated when they were repulsed by the resort’s private guards.

Authorities said it was difficult to secure the Davao Gulf because some owners of private resorts did not cooperate with them.

The Oceanview Resort was temporarily closed on orders of its management.

Canada, UK issue travel advisories

The Canadian and the United Kingdom governments issued an advisory for their citizens against traveling to the Davao provinces and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) effective last Tuesday due to the “serious threat of terrorist attacks and kidnapping”.

Among the areas where travel is banned are Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao in ARMM; Zamboanga Peninsula and provinces of Saranggani, Lanao del Norte, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur (excluding urban areas of Davao City), Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Cotabato, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

Davao City was not included in the travel advisory, which also had no effect in a nationwide scale but Canadian and British citizens were told to exercise “high degree of caution”.

While the city was not included, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said he could not do anything if foreign governments issued a travel ban for their citizens in the Philippines.

“Wala ta’y mahimo. Talagang may nangyari dito (We cannot do anything. Something has really happened here),” Duterte said in an interview on Tuesday night at Grand Menseng Hotel.

The mayor said even if the Island Garden City of Samal was not part of Davao City, it is in Davao del Norte.

Drilon condemns kidnapping

Meanwhile, Senate President Franklin Drilon condemned the kidnapping and called on “the Philippine National Police to ensure the safe return of these individuals to their families and arrest the perpetrators of this crime the soonest.”

Nevertheless, he called the Samal abduction an “isolated” incident in a “generally peaceful” Mindanao.

Here's a News5 video report by Ed Lingao:

[Video report]

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/117913/video--abu-sayyaf-not-npa-behind-samal-kidnapping---eastmincom-chief

Troops kill commie in Davao Oriental clash

From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 23): Troops kill commie in Davao Oriental clash

Government troops had killed a communist rebel in a clash in the southern Filipino province of Davao Oriental where security forces are battling members of the New People’s Army.

Captain Alberto Caber, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command, said soldiers also recovered a homemade bomb and three automatic rifles left behind by rebels. He said no soldiers were killed or wounded in the fighting which occurred September 22 in Calapagan village inn Lupon town.

The fighting, Caber said, lasted over 45 minutes. He said the clash erupted after rebels attacked the soldiers patrolling the village.

“The soldiers were on security patrol in the area when they were fired upon by the NPA members.  There was no casualty on the government side. Troops are still on their pursuit operations,” he said.

Caber said the military had recovered over 100 high-powered firearms in clashes with rebels since early this year in eastern Mindanao.

The NPA has been waging a war for decades now in an effort to put up a communist state in the Philippines. It is now the longest insurgency war in the world.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/troops-kill-commie-in-davao-oriental-clash/

Samar gov’t offers cash reward for arrest of wanted private armies

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Samar gov’t offers cash reward for arrest of wanted private armies

The Samar provincial government would offer Php100,000 for the immediate arrest of private armies with standing warrant of arrest to attain peace and order in the area.

“The reward is in the hope that criminality in the province will stop and that for criminals to realize that their acts are not welcome in Samar,” said Governor Sharee Ann Tan.

The official made the announcement during the recent Samar Peace and Security Dialogue at the army camp in this city. Private armies members have been tagged as suspects in the recent killings.

“The provincial government has to go to this extent of offering the monetary reward to show to the world that we do not tolerate and we condemn senseless killing in the province,” Tan added.

“I hope that at least within the month, one person with warrant of arrest will be caught by authorities.”

Police Regional Director Chief Supt. Asher Dolina said they have already validated the names of wanted private armies.

“In coordination with the Philippine Army, we will run after them and impose the rule of law in the province of Samar,” Dolina said.

Dolina asked village officials to take part in the drive to hunt down criminals especially when these people are seen in their communities.

The police official, however, refused to divulge the number of wanted PAGS members in Samar as part of their operational plan.

Meawnhile, local officials in Samar from different political parties recently gathered for a peace and security dialogue initiated by the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Batallion and the Philippine National Police.

The dialogue prompted political opponents Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan and Calbayog City Mayor Ronald Aquino to both agree to work for peace.

Town mayors of Sta. Margarita, Matuguinao, Almagro, and San Jorge were also present along with their village officials.

Maj. Gen. Jet Velarmino said the conduct of the dialogue is in response to the series of killings in Samar. From January to mid-September, there are already 34 shooting incidents, resulting to 22 deaths. Most of these were recorded in Calbayog City, the hometown of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento.

Last week, a family of five, including two children, were brutally killed in Victory village in Calbayog by alleged private armies.

Both Tan and Aquino agreed to stop and resolve the killings that are perceived to be politically motivated and perpetrated by private armies.

Tan said the provincial government of Samar will not tolerate any killings, especially when innocent people are the victims.

Aquino, for his part, appreciated the police and army in pursuing the dialogue.

Dolina said the dialogue is the beginning in their pursuit to impose rule of law in the province.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=807246

Foreign govts issue travel advisories for Davao provinces, ARMM

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Foreign govts issue travel advisories for Davao provinces, ARMM

The Canadian and the United Kingdom governments issued an advisory for their citizens against traveling to Davao provinces and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) effective last Tuesday due to the “serious threat of terrorist attacks and kidnapping”.

However, Davao City is not included in the travel advisory ,which also had no effect in a nationwide scale but Canadian and British citizens were told to exercise “high degree of caution”.

While the city is not included, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said he could not do anything if foreign governments issue a travel ban for their citizens in the Philippines.

“Wala ta’y mahimo. Talagang may nangyari dito (We cannot do anything. Something has really happened here),” Duterte said in an interview on Tuesday night at Grand Menseng Hotel.

The mayor said even if the Island Garden City of Samal was not part of Davao City, but it is in Davao del Norte, he cannot do anything with travel advisories.

“We cannot control other governments,” Duterte said, admitting that the kidnapping incident would have a negative impact on Davao City because the Davao International Airport is the first point of entry of tourists traveling to other provinces and cities in Southern Philippines.

Among the areas where travel is banned are Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao in ARMM; Zamboanga Peninsula and provinces of Saranggani, Lanao del Norte, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Cotabato, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

The advisory cited the kidnapping incident in Island Garden City of Samal on Sept. 21, 2015 wherein two Canadian nationals, a Norwegian, and a Filipina, were the victims.

“Several foreigners have been kidnapped in this region. Threats of abduction of, or violence toward, foreigners continue to occur,” the advisory reads.

“There is a serious risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings in this region,” the advisory added.

The Canadian government also considered the threat of kidnapping in ARMM and surrounding areas as “high”.

Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario has condemned the kidnapping incident, adding that it was very unfortunate but considered it as an isolated case.

“I am appealing to the perpetrators the immediate and unequivocal release of the hostages. I am asking them to be fair and to sympathize with their victims, as they are only here to enjoy what we have to offer in the province,” Del Rosario said.

Del Rosario assured the public that the government is doing everything that it can ensure the early resolution of the crisis. A special task force was already organized to conduct a thorough investigation and the necessary operation to recover the victims.

On Monday, police, military and the local government authorities in Samal were caught by surprise when the information reached them that armed men abducted Canadian nationals John Ridsdel, 68, and Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, 56 and Filipina identified as Marites Flor, who is the live-in partner of Hall.

Ridsdel was former senior vice president for Canadian mining firm Toronto Ventures Inc. (TVI) Resource Development Philippines, Inc. while Hall was said to be also working with the mining firm.

Sekkingstad is the manager of Holiday Ocean View Samal Resort Yacht Club where the kidnapping incident happened.

It was learned that Ridsdel has a special retirees resident visa while the immigration status of Hall is tourist that is expiring tomorrow (Sept. 25) and Sekkingstad a 9G commercial, which is a Philippine pre-arranged employment visa.

In 2001, posh Pearl Farm Resort, owned by prominent Floirendo family, was also attacked by suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), who also staged a kidnapping-try that resulted in the killing of two resort employees.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=807451

Moro rebels help ARMM monitor, secure infra projects in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Moro rebels help ARMM monitor, secure infra projects in Maguindanao

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Wednesday assured leaders of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) it will help secure and monitor infrastructure projects in former Maguindanao's battle fields.

The assurance was issued by Ustadz Wahid Tundok, head of the MILF's 118th base command in the towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (now Datu Saudi town), Mamasapano and Datu Salibo (SPMS), all in Maguindanao.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said the infrastructure projects are in support of the national government's peace process with the MILF.

He said the security offered by the Moro rebel group is one of the dividends of the government peace process.

The ARMM, through the Department of Public Work and Highways, is implementing more than Php100 million worth of road, bridge and school building projects in the five adjoining towns where MILF and government forces clashed in previous years.

It was known in the military as "SPMS box" and area of operation of the MILF and lately of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Following the month-long Army surgical operations aimed at neutralizing the BIFF early this year, the former rebel stronghold is now quiet and people are living normal lives.

Hataman acknowledged the security support provided by the MILF under Ustadz Tundok.

"The projects are about 90 percent complete," he told reporters.

Hataman and ARMM Public Works Secretary Engr. Don Mustapha Loong and other public works officials visited the projects Wednesday without much security escorts.

The ARMM’s multi-million projects are in Barangay Baital in Rajah Buayan, Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano and in Barangay Pendililang in Datu Saudi Ampatuan.

The concrete farm-to-market road in Barangay Tukanalipao is nearing completion. It will connect communities of Moro farmer into the town center.

Before the actual visit, Loong said the project was being monitored by his office using drone technology and satellite based geo-tagging system.

The concrete bridge across the Tukanalipao river in Mamasapano town where a police operation to put down Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir was made, is also almost complete.

A Mosque nearby was constructed by the Army's 6th Infantry Division through the funding from the ARMM.

Hataman said a new school building in Barangay Baital in Rajah Buayan town was already completed under the Education, Livelihood and Peace Synergy (HELPS) program of the ARMM government.

Rajah Buayan Mayor Zamsamin Ampatuan lauded the efforts of Gov. Hataman in bringing infrastructure projects in the poor communities.

Beside the school was a solar drier where farmers in the village can dry agricultural products and use the drier for other purposes like basketball court and assembly area.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=807445

Navy transport ship up for repairs

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Navy transport ship up for repairs

In line with efforts to ensure that all of its available ships are mission worthy at all times, the Philippine Navy (PN) has allocated the sum of Php20,801,701.33 for the repairs of the BRP Benguet (LT-7) , one of its transport vessels.

Winning bidders are expected to complete the repairs within 30 calendar days.

Pre-bid conference is scheduled for Sept. 24, 1 p.m. at the PN Bids and Awards Committee Bonifacio Naval Station, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The BRP Benguet is a LST-542-class tank landing ship presently serving the PN. She is formerly known as the USS Daviess County (LST-692). It was an LST-542-class tank landing ship built for the United States Navy during World War II.

Named after counties in Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri, she was the only US naval vessel to bear the name. She served in World War II and during the Korean War. The US Government transferred Daviess County to the PN in 1976.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=807124

Boats in Samal Island raid recovered in Davao Oriental - AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Boats in Samal Island raid recovered in Davao Oriental - AFP

Government security forces have recovered the two motorized bancas used by the suspects in the Samal Island raid which resulted in the abduction of three foreigners and one Filipina Monday night.

The boats were recovered at the shoreline of Tibanban, Gov. Generoso town, Davao Oriental, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said in a press brief Wednesday.

The motorized bancas were spotted early Tuesday morning and there are no evidence to suggest they are from the area, he added.

"There is no definite group yet (behind the abduction) as there is still an ongoing law enforcement operation," Detoyato stated.

He refused to comment on whether the boats were recovered near a Moro Islamic Liberation Front camp as earlier claimed.

"We cannot assume that, (all we know for now) is that the boats were recovered from the Tibanban shoreline which is part of the Eastern Seaboard going towards Sarangani and Davao Oriental. The area is where our naval, air assets and ground forces are concentrated," Detoyato said.

He also said that Davao Oriental seems the general location where the suspects are heading as based on the recovery of the two motorized boats.

Around 11 suspects, armed with long and short firearms, abducted three foreigners and a Filipina during a raid at Oceanview Resort, Barangay Camudmud, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal Monday night.

Pursuit operations are still being conducted by naval and group units of the Eastern Mindanao Command.

The incident took place at 11: 30 p.m., Capt. Alberto Caber, Eastern Mindanao Command public affairs office chief, said.

He identified the victims as Canadians John Ridsel and Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, the resort manager, and a still unidentified Filipina.

Reports said the suspects were speaking in English and Filipino when they snatched the victims.

Two Japanese tourists tried to stop the bandits but failed.

At the time of the raid, 30 or more foreigners were at the resort.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=807336

AFP: NPAs unlikely behind Samal Island raid

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): AFP: NPAs unlikely behind Samal Island raid

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday announced that it unlikely that the New People's Army (NPA) is behind the raid which resulted in the abduction of three foreigners and a Filipina in Samal Island, Davao Oriental last Monday.

This was revealed by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato as NPA bands in the area have been decimated through surrenders and focused military operations.

"For the past few months, NPAs on the shorelines of Davao Oriental has grown weak through surrenders and focused military operations which killed many of their numbers," he added.

And surviving rebel bands are forced to hide in rural villages.

With this development, it is impossible for the NPAs to mount this type of operation, he said.

Earlier reports claimed that the NPA is behind the abduction as a rebel pamphlet was found near the crime scene.

The leaflet claimed that the Samal Island abduction was done to seek justice for their unnamed NPA commander.

As this develops, Detoyato refused to comment on how long it will take the suspects to reach Zamboanga or Basilan with their captives.

"We cannot have a timeline, or speculate on that, we (will) just continue with our naval and air assets search in the area," the AFP public affairs office chief said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=807366

Rebel killed, 3 high-powered firearms, IED seized in Davao Oriental clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Rebel killed, 3 high-powered firearms, IED seized in Davao Oriental clash

Eastern Mindanao Command troops killed a New People's Army (NPA) rebel and captured three high-powered firearms and an improvised explosive device (IED) during operations in Lupon, Davao Oriental on Tuesday.

Capt. Alberto Caber, Eastern Mindanao Command public affairs office chief, said the incident took place at 4 p.m. at Sitio Yauri, Barangay Calapagan, of the above-mentioned town.

Troopers from the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion were on security patrol when they encountered an estimated 30 rebels, triggering a 45-minute firefight which resulted in the death of one rebel and seizure of an M-16, M-4 and AK-47 automatic rifles.

Caber said another five rebels were wounded in the firefight while government forces sustained no casualties.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=807380

Let the law take its due course: GPH Peace Panel Chair Ferrer on Mamasapano case

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Let the law take its due course: GPH Peace Panel Chair Ferrer on Mamasapano case

With the murder charges filed against 90 suspects in connection with the Mamasapano incident, Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said to “let the law take its due course alongside the bigger reforms.”

In a statement, Ferrer assured that any “untoward incident” that might arise from the issuance of the subpoena to identified suspects affiliated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will be prevented through the joint cooperation of the government ceasefire mechanism and Ad Hoc Joint Action Group.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to conduct preliminary investigations on charges of direct assault with murder against the 90 identified respondents; however, the issuance of subpoenas will be done discreetly so that these alleged suspects will not be able to go into hiding.

To recall, the GPH-MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) had assisted the DOJ team in conducting the site visit and interviews as part of its investigation on the Mamasapano incident.

Furthermore, the CCCH, with the assistance of some local government officials, responded immediately to cease the fighting and retrieve the corpses from all sides, including civilians, at the scene in Tukanalipao, Mamasapano on that eventful day of January 25.

“Let the judicial process take its due course for the benefit of all those who were aggrieved,” said Ferrer.

Aside from the promise of justice, Ferrer said that they find solace in the various forms of assistance provided and healing initiatives initiated by both government and nongovernmental groups.

She also stressed to continue pushing for the bigger reforms.

“At the same time, let not the bigger project of putting in place the reformed institutions in the Bangsamoro through the passage of a good basic law and the implementation of the different normalization programs fall on the wayside,” Ferrer said.

“More than ever, the bigger reform agenda must be realized in order to sustain the peace, prevent further bloodshed, and achieve all-around social justice without further delay in Muslim Mindanao,” she added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=807414

President Aquino assures gov't forces won't stop tracking down Samal Island kidnappers

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): President Aquino assures gov't forces won't stop tracking down Samal Island kidnappers

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday assured that the government security forces will not stop in tracking down the group of armed men who abducted three foreigners and a Filipina in a resort in Samal Island, Daval del Norte last Monday night.

”Rest assured that our security sector will not stop in tracking down these people,” President Aquino said in a media interview during a visit in Apayao province.

The President said all the concerned government agencies will review its security protocol to prevent the kidnapping incident from happening again in the future.

”Based on our initial report, it seems this is a new group. Of course, we have to account our intelligence services. Why this group escape the intelligence radar. What is the purpose of this kidnapping,” the President said.

Last Monday night, the armed men kidnapped three foreigners identified as John Ridsel and Robert Hall of Canada and resort operations manager Kjartan Sekkingstad of Norway as well as Hall’s Filipino girlfriend identified as Tess in Samal Island.

According to the news reports, the kidnappers initially took six people but a Canadian, identified as Steven and his Japanese wife, Kazuka, were able to jump from the kidnappers’ boat. The couple is now confined in a hospital.

President Aquino said he got information that the last time there was report of kidnapping attempt in the tourist-haven Samal Island was between 2000 and 2001 perpetrated by the group of Kumander Global.

”We kept on following up specially on the previous kidnapping incidents and can I just remind everybody that we have recovered good number of kidnap victims even with the Abu Sayyaf. We have not stopped our operations against ASG that has a given a lot the opportunity for a lot for them to escape,” the President said.

The President cited the most recent escape of two kidnapped Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel operative SN2 Gringo Villaruz and SN2 Rod Pagaling who escaped from their ASG captors during the skirmishes on Aug. 20 in Sulu.

”My confidence is high that our military and police have not stopped in pursuing the lawless elements,” the President said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=807455

President Aquino creates National Cybersecurity Committee

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): President Aquino creates National Cybersecurity Committee

President Benigno S. Aquino III has issued Executive Order No. 189, creating a National Cybersecurity Inter-Agency Committee that will assess the vulnerabilities of the country’s cybersecurity.

According to the executive order, the increasing number of cyber threats that put government and commercial information systems at great risk necessitates the creation of a body that will coordinate government agencies in preparing appropriate and effective measures to strengthen their cybersecurity capabilities.

The National Cybersecurity Inter-Agency Committee will issue updated security protocols to all government employees involved in the storage, handling and distribution of all forms -- digital, electronic, snail mail, and others -- of documents and communications.

It will also enhance the public-private partnership in the field of information sharing, involving cyber attacks, threats and vulnerabilities to cyber threats; and conduct periodic strategic planning and workshop activities that will reduce the country’s vulnerabilities to cyber threats.

The committee will also serve as the country’s coordinating arm in domestic, international and transnational efforts on cybersecurity.

The committee will be under the Office of the President and will be chaired by the Executive Secretary and co-chaired by the Director General of the National Security Council and the Secretary of Department of Science and Technology.

To serve as committee members will be the respective secretaries of the Departments of Energy, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Interior and Local Government, Justice, National Defense, Transportation and Communications, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office, and Presidential Communications Operations Office, as well as the commissioner of the National Telecommunications Commission, the chairman of the National Privacy Commission, and the executive director of the Anti-Terrorism Council–Program Management Center.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=807475

President Aquino says new group could be responsible for Samal Island kidnapping

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): President Aquino says new group could be responsible for Samal Island kidnapping

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday said that initial reports show that a new group could be responsible for the kidnapping of foreigners and a Filipino citizen from a resort in Samal Island, near Davao City.

“Mukhang sa initial na mga report sa atin, parang bagong grupo ito. Siyempre, mag-a-account ulit ang ating intelligence services. Bakit nawala sa radar ito? O baka naman talagang bagong-bagong buo itong grupong ito,” President Aquino said during a media interview in Luna, Apayao province.

The President, however, expressed confidence in the country’s military and police in tracking down the kidnappers.

“Mataas ang kumpiyansa ko na hindi tumitigil ang ating kasundaluhan at kapulisan sa pagtugis sa lahat nitong mga elementong ito,” he said.

“Asahan po ninyo na hindi tumitigil ang ating security sector sa pagtugis dito sa mga taong ito.”

According to news reports, unidentified gunmen kidnapped three foreigners and one Filipina from the Oceanview Resort in Samal Island on Monday night.

The gunmen and their captives have reportedly been sighted in Davao Oriental.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=807501

PNP chief and US INL head discuss maritime law enforcement efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): PNP chief and US INL head discuss maritime law enforcement efforts



Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ricardo Marquez and Assistant Secretary William R. Brownfield, head of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), met and discussed maritime law enforcement efforts in the country and in the region on Wednesday.

Marquez said they talked about strengthening the anti-criminality efforts of the PNP Maritime Group and other law enforcement agencies.

”We have discussed a lot of things, especially on maritime law enforcement and improving the capacity of our law enforcement personnel in the PNP, particularly the maritime group,” Marquez said.

For his part, Brownfield said the cooperation on law enforcement matters between the U.S. government and its law enforcement community and the PNP has endured for decades and decades.

”It is excellent cooperation which, in my opinion, brings values to both our nations. We've cooperated in matters of drugs, or cybercrime or financial crime or money laundering, transnational org crime related to terrorism and kidnapping. All of those issues we discussed with the Director General of the PNP today,” he told reporters during a press conference held at the PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Brownfield’s office is tasked with combating international crimes and illegal drugs, and their impact on the United States, by providing effective foreign assistance and fostering global cooperation to counter these threats.

INL programs cover the full spectrum of law enforcement and the rule of law, including police professionalization, justice sector development, correctional institution reform and citizen security strengthening.

INL currently manages USD 20 million in foreign assistance to the Philippines with plans to continue providing more than USD 8 million dollars in assistance annually.‎

Such assistance has had a significant impact already on expanding the capabilities of Philippine partner agencies across the criminal justice spectrum.

”The Chief PNP and I discussed increased cooperation with the Maritime Group in terms of boats and equipment, in terms of capacity building, in terms of exercises, communication and greater coordination in the region and with other international players interested in providing support for this purpose,” said Brownfield, who is the husband of former United States Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney.

He noted the objective is to focus the law enforcement by improving enforcement capabilities to address the issues.

”Our objective and our focus is law enforcement. We are aware of course that there are other maritime issues at play in the region. Our hope is that by improving law enforcement capabilities that will also allow the countries and government of the region to address better those other issues. We look forward to more and better cooperation in the future on all of our law enforcement agenda but most recently, on our maritime law enforcement as well,” Brownfield stressed.

Brownfield is accompanied by U.S. Coast Guard commandant Admiral Paul F. Zukunft for a two-day visit which started Wednesday.

Brownfield was sworn in to his current post in January 2011. He holds the rank of Career Ambassador, the highest rank in the U.S. Foreign Service.

He has received the Distinguished Service Award and the Presidential Performance Award three times.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=807448

Authorities see NPA note in Samal abduction as diversionary tactic

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Authorities see NPA note in Samal abduction as diversionary tactic

The alleged note from the New People’s Army (NPA) left by the abductors of three foreigners and a Filipina was part of a diversionary tactic but the communist rebels will still be part of the investigation priority of the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Ocean View of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“All groups are being monitored. We will continue to verify all information,” said SITG head Supt. Federico Dulay, who replaced Supt. Aaron Aquino earlier designated as lead officer of the investigation team.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, army and police officials believed that the communist rebels will not resort to abduction of civilians because they could not afford to destroy their organization that they learned from a past incident in Luzon.

”NPAs would not do that. Do not believe that,” Duterte said in an interview on Tuesday night, as he revealed there are already leads in the kidnapping of two Canadians, one Norwegian and a Filipina at Holiday Ocean View Samal Resort in Camudmud, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal at around 11:30 p.m. on Monday.

Duterte, however, would not dip his fingers into the current operation of the police, the military and the local government authorities in Samal because it is already out of his jurisdiction even if he chairs the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC).

It was Duterte, who alarmed the police and military authorities on Monday about the abduction after receiving information from Ocean View owners, Ed and Gene Bangayan, who are his close friends and political supporters.

Duterte has offered the city’s resources, including police, the Task Force Davao and Central 911 equipment to beef up operation against the abductors.

Dulay also believed that the abduction was not the handiwork of the NPA since the rebel group would immediately issue statements owning up to its activities or operation. This time, he said there was no statement from them, adding that the sea is not also part of the NPA’s operational capability.

But, ”we will not rule out any groups,” Dulay said during a press conference Wednesday afternoon in Camp Catitipan.

Aside from the NPA, the SITG and the military’s Task Force Ocean View led by Col. Harold Cabreros, will also verify information about a group of men led by a certain Idang Susukan, a brother of Mujiv Susukan of the Sayyaf Group, monitored through a CP tracker in Malita, Davao Occidental heading to Sulu.

Dulay said they have coordinated with other regions to keep track of the abductors, who were reportedly seen heading to Davao Oriental. Military and police authorities are still hoping the abductors have not exited Davao region.

Meantime, Cabreros dismissed reports about two abandoned bancas seen in Sigaboy, Gov. Generoso in Davao Oriental that were suspected to be the ones used by the abductors. He said they have verified the information with their troops in said area.

Until Tuesday, the SITG and the military’s TF Ocean View do not have identities of the abductors but assured they have pooled all resources to track the abductors and rescue abducted Canadian nationals John Ridsdel, 68, and Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, 56 and Filipina identified as Marites Flor from Davao who is the live-in partner of Hall.

Ridsdel was former senior vice president for Canadian mining firm Toronto Ventures Inc. (TVI) Resource Development Philippines, Inc. while Hall was formerly connected with a mining firm which has links with TMI, another mining company operating in Davao Oriental.

Sekkingstad is the manager of Holiday Ocean View Samal Resort Yacht Club where the kidnapping incident happened.

It was learned that Ridsdel has a special retiree resident visa while the immigration status of Hall is tourist that is expiring today (Sept. 25) and Sekkingstad has 9G commercial, which is a Philippine pre-arranged employment visa.

SITG has also released the cartographic sketch of one of the abductors based from the inputs given by witnesses Steven and Kazuka Trip, the couple who were first encountered by the abductors inside a yacht. They fought to resist being taken by the armed men and jumped into the water.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=807523