Iqbal: official statement on non-passage of BBL “not late but best time to issue it”

From MindaNews (Feb 20): Iqbal: official statement on non-passage of BBL “not late but best time to issue it”

It took the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) 15 days after Congress adjourned without passing the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to issue an “official statement” on the non-passage of the law that would have paved the way for the creation of the Bangsamoro, a new autonomous political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) but MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal told MindaNews it was “not late” but “just the best time to issue it.”

In a two-page, nine paragraph statement issued February 18 and signed by MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, the MILF called on the Bangsamoro and other peace-loving people to uphold the peace process and “join hands, consolidate and vigorously rally behind the cause to pursue with persistence” the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and the full implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) “be it in the present government or the upcoming administration.”

It expressed its “deep disappointment and grave dismay” over the non-passage of the BBL” but said it will “continue to uphold the peace process and ensure that all the gains will be preserved.”

“Towards this end, MILF will endeavor to sustain the relevant infrastructure of the peace process and our military forces will, at all times, maintain its defensive posture. It will remain as a revolutionary organization until it officially joins the government in accordance with the agreed road map in the implementation process of the CAB,” the statement read.

Asked why it took the MILF 15 days to issue the statement, Iqbal, also chair of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) that drafted the BBL, told MindaNews in an e-mail Thursday night: “the official statement has to be made after the KL (Kuala Lumpur) meeting. It is not late; it is just the best time to issue it.”

“There (are) so much hassles along the way; that is the difference between theory and practice,” Iqbal said.

In his February 10 speech in Kuala Lumpur, Iqbal said that in the next administration (which will start noon of June 30, 2016), “the most immediate step is either the BBL will be refiled in Congress or a new basic law, faithful to the letter and spirit of the CAB (Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro) will be crafted by the BTC, which will most likely have new faces as members. This is the only way forward.”

MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, however, told MindaNews on January 26 that in the next administration, there will be no re-drafting of the BBL because “it’s already an agreed version” and that this will be the version that will be re-filed in the next Congress.

This is the version submitted by the BTC to the Office of the President (OP), vetted by the agencies concerned and finalized with the OP and the principals – President Benigno Aquino III and MILF chair Murad – before it was submitted to Congress in ceremonial rites held in Malacanang on September 10, 2014

Murad said if the next Congress changes parts of the draft BBL, they are open to the changes or improvements “as long as it will not contradict the CAB…. as long as it will comply with the CAB.”

Based on the peace roadmap, the next administration has until 2018 to pass a BBL as the CAB provides at least a year’s transition, from the time of ratification. Once ratified, the CAB provides that the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the entity that the Bangsamoro is supposed to replace, will be deemed abolished and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority takes over until the election of the first set of officials of the Bangsamoro.

Unless abolished, the next scheduled elections of the ARMM is on May 13, 2019.

In its latest assessment on the Bangsamoro peace process, Stratfor.com, a leading global risk assessment firm led by former intelligence analysts said on February 11 that the MILF “cannot afford to miss its best chance at reaping the fruits of its decades-long fight,” that since it dropped its bid for independence, the MILF “has transformed itself into a primarily political organization” whose “moderate leadership is aging, and its militant capabilities have eroded somewhat.”

“At this point, withdrawing from the peace agreement would threaten an opportunity for the MILF to solidify local support for its fragile authority by delivering greater autonomy to the region. This is why the group has remained engaged and continues to make concessions despite seeing Manila repeatedly renege on agreements. And it will return to the negotiating table if the next administration in Manila opts to redraft the Bangsamoro law. Over the past two years, it has become increasingly evident that MILF leaders lack the leverage to walk away — or the will to return to a full-fledged armed struggle.”

The February 18 statement enjoined all officers, commanders and members of the MILF political wing and the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, the MILF’s armed wing, to “strictly follow and abide by the instructions and guidelines of the MILF Central Committee.. to uphold the primacy of the peace process while maintaining their vigilance and perseverance as they continue the consolidation and capability building programs of the organization.”

It called on residents in the proposed Bangsamoro to remain patient and to be “beacons of hope in the advocacy for peace with justice.”

“This impasse should not lead anyone of us astray and be swayed by elements unreasonably instigating for radicalism. Let us always make reason and wisdom prevail over emotion,” it said.

In the January 26 interview with Murad, MindaNews asked the nearly 68-year old MILF chair what he was most afraid of. “As far as the organization is concerned, there are second liners already who can take over anytime. I think what I fear most is that itong organization will be dismantled.”

Asked if he meant “magkawatak-watak” (divided into factions), Murad replied he did not want the MILF to end the way of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). The MNLF broke into factions after the failure of implementation of the 1976 peace pact: the MILF under Salamat Hashim of Maguindanao and the MNLF Reformist Group under Dimas Pundato of Lanao del Sur. The MNLF split into more factions after the 1996 Final Peace Agreement whose implementation remains in question to this day.

In the MILF itself, one of its best commanders, Ustadz Amiril Umra Kato, broke away after the skirmishes that followed the botched signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) in August 2008. The MOA-AD was already initialed by the government and MILF, but was not formally signed on August 5, 2008, because the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order on August 4, barring the government panel from signing the agreement.

Kato resigned from his post as commander of the 105^th Base Command of the BIAF in December 2009 and set up the BIFF in March 2010. He suffered a stroke in November 2011 and had not been publicly seen or heard from. He passed away in April last year, leaving behind a BIFF that had broken into three factions.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2016/02/20/iqbal-official-statement-on-non-passage-of-bbl-not-late-but-best-time-to-issue-it/

Sayyaf kills MNLF man in Southern Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner (Feb 20): Sayyaf kills MNLF man in Southern Philippines

Abu Sayyaf gunmen killed a follower of Nur Misuari, chieftain of the larger Moro National Liberation Front, in a clash that erupted in the southern Filipino town of Indanan.

Gaber Majang, who was a former army soldier, was fatally shot on Friday after Abu Sayyaf fighters led by Sibih Pisih, launched the attack in the village of Buanza. Pisih’s group also torched several houses in the area before fleeing the fighting.

The raid occurred after one of Pisih’s followers Abu Quodama was killed in a clash with Majang’s group earlier this month and sparking sporadic firefight between the two groups. Pisih also suspected Majang’s group of tipping the military about the Abu Sayyaf in the town.

There were also reports that Pisih was trying to lure MNLF members to abandon Misuari and join the Abu Sayyaf in pursuing an independent Islamic state.

There was no immediate statement from Misuari or security officials about the latest clashes between the two groups.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/sayyaf-kills-mnlf-man-in-southern-philippines/

Kidnapper killed, 4 others wounded in clash in Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner (Feb 20): Kidnapper killed, 4 others wounded in clash in Philippines

MARAWI CITY – Security forces shot dead a suspected kidnapper and arrested 3 others who were all wounded in a clash in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur province in the restive Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines.

Policemen, backed by army soldiers, traded gunfire with the gang after they released a seven-year old Chinese boy and his 15-year old nanny late Friday. The duo was kidnapped February 12 in Cagayan de Oro City and had been freed after the boy’s family paid P500,000 ransoms.

Security forces pursued the gunmen as they were escaping and caught up with them in Marawi and a firefight ensued killing Jun Nasher Barao, 35, of Lanao del Sur’s Madalum town.  One policeman from Cagayan de Oro City who joined the pursuit was also wounded in the fighting.

The ransom money was also recovered by security forces. Among the units involved in the operation were the Police Regional Intelligence Division, Cagayan de Oro City Police Office, Police Special Action Force, 103rd Special Action Company and 1st Special Action Battalion of the Philippine Army, and the Anti-Kidnapping Group.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/kidnapper-killed-4-others-wounded-in-clash-in-philippines/

New PAF fighter jets escort presidential plane

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 20): New PAF fighter jets escort presidential plane



NEW ESCORTS From his plane seat, President Aquino watches two jets escorting the presidential aircraft as it enters Philippine territory on his return from the United States on Friday. The two FA-50 trainer jets are among a dozen the country acquired from South Korea to modernize its air force. MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU
Hail to the Chief.

Two newly acquired FA-50 supersonic trainer fighter jets showed themselves off to President Benigno Aquino III on Friday by escorting the presidential plane flying him back to Manila after he had attended summit talks in the United States.

READ: Barack, Aquino talk of life after presidency       

From the window of his plane, the Commander in Chief watched the fighter jets fly beside the Philippine Airlines Airbus 373 as the presidential aircraft flew over Polillo Island in the northeastern region.

READ: LOOK: New PH fighter jets escort Aquino’s plane from US trip

It was a sight no one thought they would see again and cheers broke inside the presidential plane. It has been more than 10 years since the Philippine Air Force decommissioned its last fighter jets.

“Everyone was swelling with pride,” a source told the Inquirer, describing the reaction of Mr. Aquino when he saw the jets.

Mr. Aquino congratulated Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin for being able to implement the Armed Forces modernization program.

Mr. Aquino arrived on Friday from the United States where he attended a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the United States on the security situation in the region in the face of China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea.



Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., who was with the President, said the FA-50 jets escorted PR 001 carrying Mr. Aquino “from the airspace above Polillo Island as (it) made its approach” before it landed at the airport.

“The fighter jets took off from Clark Field Air Base. They made contact with the presidential flight at 6:37 a.m. (and it) eventually landed at 7:05 a.m.,” said Coloma.

READ: Air Force FA-50s escort Aquino, delegation upon arrival from US

The two jets were delivered by Korea Aerospace Industries last November, the first of 12 fighter jets the PAF acquired as part of the military’s modernization program.

READ: Philippine Air Force welcomes 2 new fighter jets

The delivery of the rest of the full squadron, worth P18.9 billion, will be completed in 2017.

The two brand-new supersonic fighter jets were piloted by airmen from the Air Defense Wing.

Air Force spokesperson Col. Enrico Canaya said the traditional role of escorting heads of state traveling through the country’s airspace was previously done by the F-5 Tiger fighter jets.

The F-5 jets were decommissioned in 2005.

Canaya said the last time the Air Force escorted a Philippine head of state was in 2005 when its F-5 fighters were still operational.

http://technology.inquirer.net/46664/new-paf-fighter-jets-escort-presidential-plane

U.S. Plans to Have ‘Very Serious’ Talks Over China’s Missile Deployment

From Time (Feb 18): U.S. Plans to Have ‘Very Serious’ Talks Over China’s Missile Deployment

Secretary of State John Kerry says there is daily evidence of militarization by China



The U.S. anticipates a “very serious conversation” with China in the near future following reports of the Asian power’s apparently increasing military presence in the South China Sea, Secretary of State John Kerry said Wednesday.

“When President Xi was here in Washington, he stood in the Rose Garden with President Obama and said China will not militarize in the South China Sea,” Kerry told reporters during a press interaction. “But there is every evidence every day that there has been an increase of militarization of one kind or another.”

Kerry was responding to earlier reports that batteries of surface-to-air missile launchers were observed on one of the islands China controls in the region. Satellite images indicate the apparent missile buildup took place within the past two weeks at Woody Island — part of the contested Paracel chain — which is also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam.

 

 

China has repeatedly defended its claim to the majority of the South China Sea as its sovereign territory, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterating on Wednesday that the country’s “limited and necessary self-defense facilities” on the region’s islands are justified by “the right to self-protection that China is entitled to under international law.”

The Chinese Defense Ministry further dismissed reports of the missile deployment as “hype,” according to Reuters.

The U.S. has joined Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei — many of whom President Obama hosted at a summit this week — in condemning China’s military posturing in the purportedly international waters that serve as a major trade route. White House press secretary Josh Earnest said Wednesday that the U.S. would continue to “fly, sail and operate anywhere that international law allows,” justifying its frequent naval presence in the region that the Chinese government has deemed a provocation in the past.

http://time.com/4228622/south-china-sea-missiles-kerry-u-s/

Manila to host maritime security conference

From MICE News Philippines (Feb 20): Manila to host maritime security conference



Inaugural event could convene 200 international experts on June 9-10, writes Rommel Araza

THE Philippine Government, the National Coast Watch Council Secretariat (NCWCS), and IQPC Asia, will host the inaugural Maritime Security & Coastal Surveillance Philippines conference on June 9-10 at the Manila Hotel.

The conference could attract 200 representatives of international and regional navies, coast guards and maritime government organisations to Manila. The two-day event’s dominant issues are expected to include maritime security, illegal immigration, the smuggling of illicit goods and arms, piracy, human trafficking, anti-terrorism, illegal fishing and border protection.

“Given the opportunity to collaborate with the prestigious NCWCS, this conference acts as an ideal regional platform for navies, coast guards, air force and all government defence bodies to engage in constructive dialogue over all pressing concerns in the changing maritime security environment,” says Maya Sivamany, head of the defence and government portfolio at Singapore-based IQPC Asia. “We’re looking forward to positive discussions from all defence bodies on their technology requirements as they make procurement decisions at the event.”

“Enhancing Maritime Security & Coastal Surveillance In The Philippines And The APAC Region Through The Effective Use Of Surveillance And Cutting-Edge Technologies” is the theme of the conference, and will allow local government organisations including the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard (pictured), Philippine Air Force, NAMRIA, Department of Transport and Communications, Department of National Defense, Bureau of Fisheries and more to highlight and search for the latest technological solutions to meet operational requirements.

The conference will also feature VIP one-to-one meetings and bilateral visits between Philippine, regional government organisations, and key industry players in a bid to promote inter-agency cooperation and enhanced networking opportunities. PR Newswire

Contact the organizers on enquiry@iqpc.com.sg or +65 6722 9388.

http://www.micenewsph.com/?p=2419

Nocppo, Army augment town policemen after deadly ambush

Sun Star-Bacolod (Feb 20): Nocppo, Army augment town policemen after deadly ambush

MONTHS before the ambush Thursday night that killed two policemen and injured two others, intelligence reports about the possible attack of rebels in Candoni, Negros Occidental have already surfaced.

Senior Superintendent William Señoron, officer-in-charge of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo), told Sun.Star Bacolod there have been “insurgency threats” in the municipality as early as November last year.

“Their plan was to attack the police station but they couldn’t penetrate because our police were always on alert,” Señoron said. “That’s why they planned to hit the police patrol instead.”

At past 9 p.m. Thursday, six police officers responded to a call for assistance from Barangay Caningay where a man was stabbed in a commotion.

As they were driving back to the police station, they slowed down while approaching the Panaculan Creek Bridge as a felled banana tree blocked the road. Suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) then opened fire at the policemen.

Police Officer 3 Joeharry Peralta and PO1 Henry Pacheco were killed while PO2 Jay Arroyo and PO1 Modesto Bina were wounded.

Senior Police Office 4 Boyd Mate and PO1 Charlemagne Caballero were unharmed.

Bina was able to call the station using his cellular phone to inform their colleagues that they were ambushed.

Arroyo and Bina are being treated in separate hospitals.

Police recovered a number of bullet shells of AK-47 and M16 rifle from the ambush site.

Señoron said they continue to investigate the incident, adding that the commotion could be a “diversionary tactic” to lure the policemen out of the station.

During the commotion, Rey Duales was stabbed by a suspect, whose name was withheld. Duales was with the policemen when they were ambushed and he was also hit. He is still confined in a hospital.

Señoron said the police continue to be on alert, adding that they couldn’t determined yet if the attack was indeed perpetrated by the NPA rebels.

“Their style of attack is that of the NPA, although we’re looking at other possibilities,” he added.

Chief Superintendent Conrado Capa, officer-in-charge of Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (NIR), told Sun.Star Bacolod there have been reported sightings of rebels in the area months before the attack.

He said an augmentation force from the police and the army have been deployed to Candoni after the ambush.

The police are conducting checkpoint operations while the army continue with the manhunt operations, Capa said.

The PRO-NIR chief noted that it took a while for authorities to respond to the ambush site because they “took precaution” as the armed men may have set up a blocking force to engage responding authorities.

Sometimes, there are even more casualties among the responding force, Capa added.

He reminded policemen to strengthen the security of their stations, be aware of their surroundings, and have proactive mobile forces.

‘We are okay now’

Candoni Vice Mayor Diomedes Magada told Sun.Star Bacolod that the townspeople have started to move on from the terror.

“We are okay (now),” he added.

He said they only learned about the reported threats Friday, but stressed that the town police have not been remiss in their duty.

Magada added that Senior Inspector Varie Villanobos, town police chief, has been hands-on.

“He never left the police station. He doesn’t even go on vacation or come home to his family,” the vice mayor said.

Full alert

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) went on full alert following the Candoni ambush.

Capa directed Senior Superintendent Flynn Dongbo, officer-in-charge of BCPO, to conduct target hardening measures in vital installations in Bacolod.

Superintendent Alexander Ermeo, deputy city director for administration, said Friday all station chiefs were directed to alert their personnel and to tap the barangay intelligence members to gather information.

Condemned

The Army’s Third Infantry Division condemned what it described as the treacherous act of the rebels.

Lieutenant Colonel Ray Tiongson, chief of the Third ID Public Affairs Office, said the action of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is a blatant violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law in which the CPP-NPA and its political wing National Democratic Front is a signatory.

“Their (NPA) action will not go unpunished,” he added.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/local-news/2016/02/20/nocppo-army-augment-town-policemen-after-deadly-ambush-458314

Reds warn candidates of election ‘policies’

From the often pro-CPP Davao Today (Feb 19): Reds warn candidates of election ‘policies’

The New People’s Army set up a checkpoint in an unpopulated part of the national highway in Agusan del Sur at the start of the campaign period for national candidates, in a move meant to warn politicians who are entering the areas where the revolutionary groups operate to abide by their policies.

Maria Malaya, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front said their policies relating to the elections have long been enforced, “and so the violation of these will surely derail the campaign of politicians/candidates or prevent them from campaigning.”

The NPA’s Front 21 on February 9 set up a checkpoint in the national highway in Purok 2, Mabuhay, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur at around  6:00 in the morning.

Some 25 vehicles were prevented from passing through for more than 10 minutes in the Davao-Butuan national highway.

In a news report in Mindanao Gold Star Daily, an estimate of 20 to 50 NPA fighters put up the check point at an area located three to four kilometers from the nearest headquarters of the Army’s 3rd Special Forces Battalion.

An Army official was quoted as saying that they were able to fire at the NPAs after the checkpoint.

In a statement, the NDF cited few of the policies related to campaign activities of candidates within the revolutionary territory which include:

1. The revolutionary movement forbids candidates from bringing firearms while campaigning so as not to harass the people;
2. Candidates are forbidden to be escorted by AFP forces to avoid being caught in the crossfire as the NPA might launch tactical offensives against them;
3. Candidates that will campaign should obtain permission from the concerned NPA unit  before entering the barrios so you will not be barred;
4. If for any justified reason a candidate would have to have armed PNP escorts, he should coordinate with the concerned NPA unit.

Malaya said the Regional Operational Command (ROC) of the NPA-NEMR  commands all units of the Red Fighters to implement appropriate action against candidates who will violate the revolutionary policies.

“Based on this, we encourage all supporters of candidates and the masses to remind politicians about the revolutionary policies imposed on campaigning if they will enter your areas so they will not be disrupted,” she said.

Malaya also clarified that they have not taken a single belonging from anyone during their checkpoint.

“The AFP spokesperson maliciously announced that Red Fighters confiscated the personal belongings of one retired Master Sergeant of the AFP during the checkpoint. The AFP declared this to besmirch the NPA,” said Malaya. 

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/reds-warn-candidates-of-election-policies/

What peace deal?

From The Standard (Feb 20): What peace deal?

Govt peace panel chief slams NDF for ‘half-truths’

THE government’s chief negotiator with the communist rebels  on Friday  chided the chairman of the National Democratic Front panel for telling “half-truths” and denied that President Benigno Aquino III had rebuffed a peace deal between the two sides.

“He’s not telling the whole story,” said government peace panel chair Alexander Padilla, in response to NDF peace panel chairman Luis Jalandoni’s claims that a signed peace pact was snubbed by the government in 2014.

“There was no peace deal,” Padilla said. “What Mr. Jalandoni is referring to was not an agreement.”

Padilla said in December 2014, there were reports of peace talks resuming between the government and the NDF.

CPP founder Joma Sison
Photo credit: ndfp.com

“We clarified then that what was happening was, a group of private individuals we consider ‘friends of the process’ was shuttling between the two parties to explore possible parameters for restarting the talks at the earliest possible time. It was this private group that initialed a proposed agreement subject to approval by the two panels,” he said.

The government chief negotiator confirmed that the “government was studying that proposal and was prepared to discuss it with the NDF panel in January 2015” until the Mamasapano massacre.

Padilla said in February 2015, the private group again went to Utrecht and returned with another proposal from the NDF to resume the talks, this time with a stronger demand for the release of hundreds of its leaders and followers in detention, the withdrawal or dismissal of cases against their detained alleged consultants, and other pre-conditions.

With the NDF asserting even more than its usual demands, the initiative did not pan out, he said.

“The NDF’s usual strategy is to use the negotiations to get as many concessions as it can from government without giving anything in return. In spite of this, [the government] continued to pursue all possibilities for the resumption of talks, Padilla added.

“We tried two more times in 2015, based on proposals offered by our Norwegian facilitator to the parties, but to no avail. On the first one, the NDF said they needed more time to consult the ground while the RNG [Royal Norwegian Government] and the government waited. On the second one, the NDF expressed its reservation on the RNG’s facilitation process for generating goodwill measures that would benefit the people,” he said.

Padilla recalled that in an interview in July 2015, Jalandoni reiterated the NDF’s demand. “The group’s return to the negotiating table still depended on the release of political prisoners and peace consultants… and returned to the protracted and immoveable regular track,” he said.

Padilla challenged the NDF to go beyond its usual practice of making unreasonable demands then putting the blame on the government for the failure to resume talks.

“It is high time for the CPP/NPA/NDF [Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army and the NDF) to change its tactic of making impossible demands and blaming the government for the failure to resume peace talks. They have used this tired old rhetoric to cover up for their continuing violence on the ground and their strategy to use the peace process to get as many concessions as they can from government without giving anything in return,” the chief negotiator said.

“Instead of continuing to wage armed conflict against our democracy, the CPP/NPA/NDF must seek ways to deliver peace, especially to the communities on the ground that have been sorely affected by their armed struggle,” Padilla said.

http://thestandard.com.ph/news/headlines/199786/what-peace-deal-.html

‘NPA' ambushers strip slain cops of belongings

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 20): ‘NPA' ambushers strip slain cops of belongings

The ambush that claimed the lives of two policemen, and caused injuries to four others, including two civilians, in Candoni, Negros Occidental, Thursday night appeared to be similar to the Mamasapano massacre where the slain police officers were stripped of their uniforms, personal belongings and firearms.

But this time, the suspects are members of the New People's Army, the Army's 3rd Infantry Division said.

Worse, the armed suspects administered the “coup de grace” on the injured policeman – Police Officer 1 Henry Vell Pacheco – by shooting him in the head, Senior Inspector Varie Villanobos, Candoni police chief, yesterday said.

Also killed in the ambush was PO2 Joe Harry Peralta.

Senior Supt. William Señoron, Negros Occidental OIC police director, said yesterday that the two slain policemen were stripped of their uniforms, personal belongings and weapons.

Three M-16 assault rifles and two 9mm pistols of the Candoni policemen were declared missing, and believed to have been taken by the suspects, Señoron said.

The brand new Mahindra patrol vehicle of the Candoni police also sustained 70 bullet holes, a report of the Scene of the Crime Operatives showed.

The members of the Alert Team of the Candoni Police Station headed by SPO2 Boyd Mate were on their way back to their headquarters, after responding to a hacking incident, when they were ambushed by about 20 armed men, police investigation showed.

Lt. Col. Rey Tiongson, 3rd Infantry Division spokesman, yesterday said the NPA ambush is a blatant violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), of which the rebel group is a signatory.

Local officials of Candoni headed by Mayor Cicero Borromeo and the Philippine National Police also condemned the ambush that did not spare even civilians.

Villanobos said the injured policemen - Police Officers 2 Jay Arroyo and PO1 Modesto Vina – are now in stable condition. The injured civilians were identified as Rey Duales and Julius Miravalles.

Recovered from the ambush site were empty shells of M-16, M-14 and AK 47 assault rifles, and a K-3 light machine gun.

Villanobos said the Candoni Police Station have been on alert status since December last year, following reports that the NPA may stage an attack.

Troopers of the Regional Public Safety Battalion 18 had beefed up the town police station since then, he added.

Col. Francisco Delfin, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday said they have been conducting security operations, even battalion-sized ones, in the hinterlands of Candoni and neighboring areas since late last year, that resulted in two encounters with the NPA.

Delfin said he believes that, following their dislocation in the hinterlands, the NPA rebels may have moved to the lowlands.

The ambush site in Brgy. Caningay, Candoni, is more than a kilometer away from the town poblacion.

Delfin said the NPA showed its true color of being a “terrorist organization” by staging an ambush even in a populated area, without thinking of the consequences that civilians may be hurt.

Their action will not go unpunished. Those who had a hand in this senseless killings through inhumane tactics will be held liable Tiongson, said.

Señoron said the peace and order situation is back to normal in Candoni, although residents at the ambush site were traumatized by the incident.*

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2016/February/20/topstory1.htm

Philippines: Gov't BIFF hostilities now claimed 16 lives

From Anadolu Agency (Feb 19): Philippines: Gov't BIFF hostilities now claimed 16 lives

Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters opposed to ongoing peace process between MILF and gov't has claimed allegiance to Daesh



 

The death toll from just over two week's hostilities between a splinter group of the country’s one-time largest Moro rebel group and government troops has reached 16, with over a dozen reported wounded, military officials have said.

The rebel group -- the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters -- is opposed to the ongoing peace process between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the government, and has claimed allegiance to Daesh.

The military is reported to be using 10 armored personnel carriers, 200 ground troops and two MG-attack helicopters to battle the one-time MILF comrades in the jungles and marshes of the Philippines south.

Capt. Jo-anne Petinglay, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said in a statement Friday that the latest fatality in the ongoing skirmishes was an Army corporal assigned to one of the 7th Infantry Battalion forces who died while pursuing BIFF in Maguindanao province on Thursday.

Petinglay added that seven soldiers were also wounded as fighting continued Friday between government forces and the BIFF in the impoverished southern region.

"Two infantry men have been killed since Feb. 5 and 12 soldiers wounded, including an Army captain. Four civilians, including the Datu Salibo town treasurer, were killed when the BIFF set off a roadside bomb on Tuesday night," the Army's 6th IDd spokesperson said.

"There is no exact number of casualties on the enemy [BIFF] side since the start during the ground and air offensives.”

The army has previously said that six members of BIFF were killed during firefights with government troops Feb. 16 in Datu Salibo town, Maguindanao province, the son of a high ranking BIFF leader was killed Feb 9 during his father's arrest, while on Feb. 5, two BIFF rebels were killed in running firefights from Friday afternoon to early Saturday morning in Datu Salibo.

However, Abu Misri Mama, BIFF spokesperson, told the Inquirer on Friday that since the fighting began, his group had only lost one fighter while three others were wounded.

He claimed 12 soldiers were killed and three tanks had been destroyed.

InterAksyon TV5 News Online also cited military reports that Friday's casualties were caused by improvised explosive devices planted by the BIFF, who were being pounded by artillery and air strikes as the fighting continued.

It added that civilians have borne the brunt of the hostilities, with at least 11,000 fleeing their homes since the start of hostilities and that a number of schools have also been damaged by artillery and rocket fire.

Petinglay claimed Friday that government forces were closing in on the lair of the BIFF in the town of Tee -- one of 17 towns in Datu Salibo.

The law that seals the peace process -- aimed at bringing an end to a separatist conflict that has killed around 150,000 people -- is presently stalled in Congress, as the house has adjourned for election campaigning.

It does not reconvene until June 30.

The BIFF broke away from the MILF in 2008 and has since rejected the peace talks.

http://aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/philippines-govt-biff-hostilities-now-claimed-14-lives/524266

Marwan killed for money by his aide, group claims

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 20): Marwan killed for money by his aide, group claims



Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir (also known as “Marwan”) lies dead in his hut, his possessions in disarray after a surprise raid by members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) on Sunday morning. Caught unaware in his hideout, the bomb expert with a $6-million reward on his head shot it out with the raiding team and was killed. But the gunfire alerted Marwan’s security and other Moro rebels in the area who ended up killing 44 members of the PNP-SAF in an 11-hour firefight in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, was killed by his aide and not by the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF) as claimed by President Aquino, a Mindanao-based party-list group said on Friday.

Marwan’s aide was identified as Datukan Sanggagao, according to Jesus “Peping” Agdumag of the Anti-War Anti-Terror (Awat) Mindanao party-list.

Another Inquirer source who has investigated the Jan. 25, 2015, Mamasapano clash said this was the same information his team had gathered, and it was also the name of Sanggagao that surfaced during the investigation.

But the Inquirer source said Sanggagao was alive and in hiding.

The story about Marwan’s aide killing the terrorist in exchange for money circulated in Central Mindanao soon after the bloody encounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province, that left 44 SAF commandos, 17 Moro rebels and three civilians dead.

MILF findings

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) also said in its report on the Mamasapano clash that Marwan was killed by his aide, but stopped short of naming Sanggagao.

The SAF claimed that its 84th Special Action Company (SAC) killed Marwan in an exchange of fire, but the MILF report pointed to findings that were inconsistent with the SAF version.

The MILF reported that Marwan appeared to have been shot from close range and that his hut and its surroundings showed no signs of a gun battle.

“This is the ultimate truth,” Agdumag told the Inquirer by phone on Wednesday, referring to his group’s report.

Awat is a little known political group but its members are Mindanao residents and it has a vast network in the region.

The group sent its investigation report, shown to the Inquirer, to the offices of Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile and Sen. Grace Poe before the Senate reopened its Mamasapano investigation on Jan. 27.

“I don’t know why the senators did not use our report, but we couldn’t sleep not saying the truth,” Agdumag said.

Yearlong investigation

He said Awat’s report was based on a yearlong investigation of the Mamasapano bloodbath.

Through various other assets, according to Awat’s findings, Sanggagao was recruited for the operation to take down Marwan being planned by Director General Alan Purisima, then the PNP chief, and Director Charles Calima, then head of the PNP Directorate for Intelligence.

The assets, including Sanggagao, were assured of a P50-million reward for their help in getting Marwan.

Sanggagao was given money to build a hut some 500 meters away from Marwan’s hut in Pembalkan village in Mamasapano and to buy gadgets for monitoring the terrorist’s movements.

In the early hours of Jan. 25, 2015, Sanggagao shot Marwan dead, cut off his right index finger and handed it to the SAF. (There was a photo that showed a SAF commando cutting off Marwan’s left index finger.)

But Sanggagao was surprised to hear gunfire from the SAF and feared that he would be liquidated.

A frantic Sanggagao called up another asset to find out what was going on.

The other asset recalled Sanggagao’s last words: “Why are they shooting me?”
Then the line went dead.

The other asset, assisted by some companions, took the bodies of Marwan and Sanggagao and buried them.

‘Alternative version’

Speaking at the Inquirer Multimedia Forum on Sept. 8 last year, President Aquino said he had asked for verification of an “alternative version” of events that took place in Mamasapano. He did not explain what the alternative version was.

A week later, the President said there was no longer an alternative version and showed photos of a dead Marwan with a SAF commando cutting off the terrorist’s left index finger.

Mr. Aquino declared that it was the SAF that indeed killed Marwan.

But Awat said that if the government wanted it, Marwan’s body could be exhumed.
The implication is that if both of Marwan’s left and right index fingers are missing, then the Sanggagao story is the right version.

According to the SAF version, the fighting at Marwan’s hut alerted the terrorist’s companions, and the 84th SAC had to shoot its way out of the village.

The company lost nine members in the fighting.

A 36-strong blocking force, the 55th SAC, lost 35 members in a daylong gun battle with MILF fighters, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters rebels and armed villagers.

There was a ceasefire between government forces and the MILF, which had signed a peace agreement with the government, but Director Getulio Napeñas, SAF commander at the time, did not give the MILF a heads-up on the operation to capture Marwan.

Napeñas was sacked after the mission backfired. Together with Purisima, he is facing charges in the Office of the Ombudsman over the debacle.

He is running for a seat in the Senate in the May 9 national elections.http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/766441/marwan-killed-for-money-by-his-aide-group-claims

Police, military limit information on Samal hostages

From the Philippine Star (Feb 19): Police, military limit information on Samal hostages



A still image captured from video footage of the kidnappers and their victims is shown in this SITE Intelligence Group video made available to Reuters. 

The fate of the three foreigners and a Filipino woman taken from Samal island off Davao continued to remain uncertain as the police and military started to limit sharing information to the public.

Ground military commanders on Friday explained that they need to put a boundary so as not to compromise the safety of the victims. They assured the public of continuous operations against the Abu Sayyaf group, believed to be holding the four victims, along with other hostages.

Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Hernando Iriberri said they have no proof of life of Canadian nationals John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, Hall’s Filipino girlfriend Marites Flor and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad.

The victims were abducted last Sept. 21, 2015 in Samal Island off Davao del Norte by gunmen of the Abu Sayyaf group and reportedly held in Sulu for almost five months.
 
Iriberri said they have information but declined to discuss further, citing the security of the victims.

“We have information, but we cannot disclose it with you as to what are the information pertaining to the kidnap victims because it might compromise their safety,” Iriberri told the press during his visit here last week

 “Mas maganda siguro huwag na natin i-confirm or i-deny ang location ng mga kidnap victims because it might compromise also our operations and also the safety and security of the kidnap victims,” he added.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ricardo Marquez also confirmed that they have not received any report regarding the kidnap victims.

“We have not received correspondence demand for the hostages,” Marquez said Wednesday.

Both officials maintained that the government strictly adheres with the no ransom policy.

“The guidance there is very clear no ransom policy must be implemented. So there must be no negotiation, especially about ransom,” Iriberri said.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/02/19/1554735/police-military-limit-information-samal-hostages

Authorities monitoring extremist cells in Luzon

From the Manila Times (Feb 20): Authorities monitoring extremist cells in Luzon

THE Intelligence community is monitoring at least two cells of the radical Rajah Solaiman Movement (RSM) in Luzon suspected of being the springboard for possible terror attacks in Metro Manila.

A police intelligence operative based in Camp Crame said one of the terrorist cells being monitored is based in Cavite while the other is in Novaliches, Quezon City.

“These two cells could be used as possible springboard for terror attack in Metro Manila,” the source said on condition of anonymity.

 

Authorities on Thursday said they received information from Mindanao that over 100 recruits of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) recently completed a bomb-making course in Liguasan Marsh near Tacurong City, South Cotabato.

The source said the intelligence community is not discounting the possibility that these recruits would launch terror attacks in Luzon through the assistance of the RSM.

The RSM is a radical group of Muslim converts founded by Hilarion ‘Ahmed’ Del Rosario, a former overseas worker who converted to Islam in Riyadh. The group is blamed for the bombing of the 2004 SuperFerry 14, the biggest terrorist attack in the Philippines, where over 100 people were killed.

The source explained that the Luzon-based RSM could act as guides to BIFF members, allowing them to launch attacks outside their usual area of operation.

The BIFF, along with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), is among the Mindanao-based extremist groups that pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

http://www.manilatimes.net/authorities-monitoring-extremist-cells-in-luzon/245876/

UK raises terror alert for Sabah, warning against kidnappings

From the Malaysian Insider (Feb 20): UK raises terror alert for Sabah, warning against kidnappings

The UK's Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to Sabah's coastal towns and islands, reported the Daily Mail.



The UK Foreign Office has issued a warning against travel to Sabah's coastal towns and island, citing kidnappings and criminality.

The terror alert for these places in Malaysia has been also raised from “general” to “high”.

On its website, the Foreign Office said there was “a high threat from terrorism” there and attacks on places visited by foreigners “could be indiscriminate”.

Some of the places mentioned were Lankayan, Mabul, Pom Pom, Kapalai, Litigan, Sipadan and Mataking.

“There is a threat to foreigners of kidnapping and criminality on the eastern coast of Sabah and in particular the islands close to the Sulu Archipelago in the southern Philippines,” said the Foreign Office.

More than 400,000 Britons visit Malaysia every year, reported the Daily Mail. Kidnappings off the coast of Sabah are not uncommon.

Two Malaysians were abducted by Abu Sayyaf militants in Sandakan last May. Thien Nyuk Fun was returned home six months later after her ransom was paid while Bernard Then was beheaded and his body was dumped in the forests of southern Philippines.

Last month, the Malaysian police said the country was on its highest ever security alert after the attack in Jakarta, Indonesia.

It was reported that more than 100 have left Malaysia for Syria and Iraq to join the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

Last April, Malaysian authorities foiled a deadly bomb attack in its capital Kuala Lumpur by arresting 12 people linked to the extremist group. 

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/uk-raises-terror-alert-for-sabah-warning-against-kidnappings