Gunmen burn construction firm's heavy equipment in Zamboanga del Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 1): Gunmen burn construction firm's heavy equipment in Zamboanga del Norte

Chief Supt. Miguel Antonio Jr., Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, has ordered the conduct of a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute the gunmen who burned the heavy equipment of a construction firm undertaking a government project in Zamboanga del Norte.

Antonio issued the order after he received report of the incident that took place around 8:30 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Titik, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.

The heavy equipment that were burned included three units backhoe and two units bulldozer worth millions of pesos.

The heavy equipment belong to the ESR construction firm that is undertaking a road construction project in Barangay Titik, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte towards the boundary of Zamboanga del Sur province.

Investigation showed the five units of heavy equipment were parked at the shoulder of the road when suddenly, a group of gunmen arrived.

The three watchmen ran and sought for cover when the gunmen shot three times on a road roller after they doused gasoline and set ablaze the heavy equipment.

The three watchmen namely Abdun Aban Sakal Sr., 57; Abdun Aban Sakal Jr., 18; and, Rogelio Ilogsong Patoc, 48, were unscathed.

Policemen and soldiers who rushed to the place of the incident recovered three empty shells of calibre 7.6-milimeter (M-14) rifle.

Antonio ordered the police in Sindangan to file appropriate charges once the identities of the suspects are established.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=872380

Subic Bay to host US, Japanese navy ships

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 1): Subic Bay to host US, Japanese navy ships

Subic Bay will play host to around 10 navy ships from the United States and Japan which will make their port calls here starting on Friday until Sunday.

Landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49) and dry cargo ship USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE-9) arrived on Friday at the Port of Subic.

Those expected to arrive on Saturday are the supply ship USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE-2), dry cargo ship USNS Maj. Stephen W. Pless (T-AK-3007), oiler USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO-193), and Arleigh Burke-Class destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DGG-62).

These US Navy ships will be in Subic Bay as logistics support to the ongoing Balikatan exercises.

Meanwhile, a Japanese submarine and two vessels will be arriving on Sunday in the Freeport for a goodwill visit to the Philippines.

This will be the first time in 15 years that a Japanese submarine visits the country.

In a statement, Capt. Lued Lincuna, spokesman for the Philippine Navy, said that the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) is sending its Destroyer Escort Division 15 and Training Submarine Division 1 to Subic Bay for a goodwill visit and port call.

Composed of two JMSDF vessels, namely, JS Ariake (DD-109) and JS Setogiri (DD-156), the Destroyer Escort Division 15 is headed by Capt. Haruhiko Morisita.

On the other hand, the JMSDF submarine JS Oyashio (SS-511) is led by Capt. Hiroaki Yoshino.

The three JMSDF seacrafts are expected to arrive at the Alava Pier in Subic Bay at around 9 a.m. Sunday. They will be staying in Subic Bay until April 6.

The visit of JMSDF assets came amid the tension in the disputed East and South China Seas.

Japan is engaged in a dispute with China over Senkaku Island in East China Sea.

On the other hand, the Philippines is tangled in a tense dispute with Beijing over the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=872357

25 deadly clashes between AFP, NPA in March

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 1): 25 deadly clashes between AFP, NPA in March

BUTUAN CITY – Two suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed while an undetermined number of other rebels were believed wounded when government security forces and communist insurgents clashed anew in two separate encounters in the hinterlands of Agusan del Norte, military reported yesterday.

           Photo courtesy of Agusan Del Norte official website

Military report also said the latest skirmish between the remaining members of NPAs was for  the 24th armed encounter for the past month.

At 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, a team from the 29th Infantry Battalion (29th IB) was on a mission to support  law enforcement operations (LEO) in the outskirt areas of Barangay Telesfora, in Tubay town, Agusan del Norte, when it encountered the NPA rebels, who were reportedly conducting trying to extort revolutionary tax from local residents, military report said.

The encounter lasted for 15 minutes that eventually pushed the NPA to withdraw out of the engagement area. The 29thIB troops recovered an AK47 rifle and live ammunitions.

 

In the adjacent town of Santiago of that same province, another team from 29thIB was also conducting support to LEO at the outskirts of Sitio Tabon of Barangay San Isidro when it engaged another NPA group.

The encounter occurred at 3:45 p.m. and lasted for about 30 minutes before the insurgents scampered to different directions.

People in the area said they saw  the retreating rebels carrying with them two dead comrades, added Lt. Col. Ariel Orio, commander of the 29th IB, in his initial report.

As of press time, troops from the 29th IB were still pursuing the remaining NPA members in the hinterland areas of Agusan del Norte

http://www.mb.com.ph/25-deadly-clashes-between-afp-npa-in-march/

Military refuse to confirm Abu Sayyaf P50M ransom demand for 10 Indonesians

From the Zamboanga Today (Apr 1): Military refuse to confirm Abu Sayyaf P50M ransom demand for 10 Indonesians

Army officials have refused to confirm information that the Abu Sayyaf bandits who abducted 10 Indonesian crewmen of a tugboat off Tawi-Tawi on Saturday have asked for a P50 million ransom in exchange for the victims' safe release.

 

Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, told reporters in Manila they did not know the exact amount and that they were waiting for the owner [of the tugboat] to give them the information that they were looking for to confirm initial reports.

 

In a text message, Maj. Gen. Demy Tejares, deputy commander of Joint Task Force Zambasulta (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi), however, he said he believes the victims to have been brought to Sulu province by their Abu Sayyaf captors.

 

Tejares said they have a lot of information indicating the group went to Sulu along with their victims.

 

He was referring to a group of the Abu Sayyaf unit under one Al Habsi Misaya (one of the deputies of Sulu-based senior Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sahiron) that allegedly carried out the kidnapping.

 

The military tagged Misaya as behind the recent kidnapping of Malaysians and beheading of Bernard Ted Fen in Bud Taran Indanan -- after a failed negotiations for his safe release.

 

"But we have yet to confirm this information. As of now, we have no 101 information to say that indeed the Indonesian victims are being held by Misaya's group," he said.

 

Tejares said the task force has given directives to troops in Sulu "to continue conducting pressure" against the group of Sahiron and to "confirm if the Indonesian crewmen were indeed brought to Sulu."

 

According to Singapore's Straits Times citing a foreign affairs official who confirmed earlier media reports of the abduction of 10 Indonesian sailors, the Abu Sayyaf group has demanded P50 million for the release of one of the vessels and its crew.

 

Foreign Affairs Ministry (Kemlu) spokesman Armanatha Nasir was quoted as  saying that two Indonesia-flagged vessels were taken hostage at the weekend by Abu Sayyaf militants in the Philippines.

 

"The Straits Times understands that the militant group, based in the southern Philippines, has demanded P50 million for the release of one of the vessels and its crew," the report said.

 

“It is confirmed that tugboats Brahma 12 and Anand 12 carrying 7,000 tons of coal and 10 Indonesian crew members were captured,” said Nasir. “The exact time (of the incident) is not clear but the owner of vessels found out about it on March 26 when they were contacted by a person who claimed to be from the Abu Sayyaf.”

 

The Abu Sayyaf. released a picture of the Brahma 12 tugboat posted on The Straits Times website.

 

The Brahma 12 has since been released and is now in the custody of the local authorities in the Philippines, but the Anand 12 and its crew of 10 remain in the hands of the “pirates” at an unknown location, said Armanatha, without explaining why the former was released.

 

National Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief Sutiyoso also told The Straits Times that the Abu Sayyaf has asked for 50 million peso in ransom for Anand 12 and its crew.

 

The incident occurred on Saturday after the two vessels left Sungai Puting, in South Kalimantan, for Batangas in the Philippines.

 

According to Armanatha, the hostage-takers had contacted the owner of the Anand 12 twice since Saturday to demand a ransom in exchange for the release of the vessel and crew.

 

He did not elaborate on the course of action being taken by the authorities but added that the priority of Kemlu is “the safety of the 10 Indonesian crew members being held hostage.”

 

Aside from the latest kidnap victims, the Abu Sayyaf is believed to be holding captives -- two Canadians, a Norwegian, Filipino woman, and other foreign hostages including a Dutchman and a former Italian priest.

 

On March 10, a video was posted to Facebook showing the three (two Canadians, a Norwegian man) were kidnapped along with a Filipino woman from a resort on Samal Island, Davao del Norte by members of Abu Sayyaf which has pledged allegiance to Daesh.

 

The militants who demanded more than $60 million for the release of the four hostages threatened to kill them unless a ransom is paid within 30 days until April 8.

 

http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/top-stories/22534-military-refuse-to-confirm-abu-sayyaf-p50m-ransom-demand-for-10-indonesians.html

Indonesia, Philippines Joint Patrol Can Overcome Piracy: Minister

From Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide (Apr 1): Indonesia, Philippines Joint Patrol Can Overcome Piracy: Minister

 

The problem of piracy and illegal fishing can be controlled if Indonesia and Philippines carry out joint maritime patrolling.

“Joint maritime patrols by Indonesia and Philippines can combat piracy and illegal fishing,” Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said on Tuesday.

“However, the idea has yet to materialize,” the minister said.

He said several countries have already established joint maritime patrols, and cited the example of Japan and China which carry out joint patrolling with the United States and Malaysia, respectively.

Such joint patrols will help secure Indonesian waters along the border and ensure proper monitoring.

Earlier, the Indonesian Military (TNI) expressed its readiness to help the Philippines in tackling pirates like those who hijacked an Indonesian vessel and its crew.

“If the Philippines asks for Indonesian assistance, we are ready to help them out,” Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said.

The minister remarked that a military patrol boat had been prepared in anticipation of such accidents.

However, he noted, the military cannot carry out any operations in the Philippines without the permission of the authorities there.

He said the hijacking of the Indonesian vessel was different from the sea piracy rampant in Somalia.

The minister coordinated with the Defense Minister of the Philippines regarding the piracy issue.
“Indonesia continues to monitor the hostage situation,” the minister remarked.

According to reports in the national media, the Indonesian Embassy in Manila has confirmed that an Indonesian vessel has been hijacked in the Philippines and 10 Indonesian crewmen were being held hostage.

Embassy spokesperson Basriana could not confirm whether the militants of Abu Sayyaf, a group of Islamic extremists, were involved in the incident.

The embassy is still coordinating with the Indonesian Consulate General in Davao and with other relevant authorities in the Philippines to gather more information about the situation.
Source: Tempo.co

http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/indonesia-philippines-joint-patrol-can-overcome-piracy-minister/

ICIS urges Abu Sayyaf to release Indonesian hostages immediately

From Antara (Apr 1): ICIS urges Abu Sayyaf to release Indonesian hostages immediately



Hasyim Muzadi (FOTO ANTARA/Fanny Octavianus)

Jakarta-based International Conference of Islamic Scholars (ICIS) has denounced the Philippines-based Abu Sayyaf group for taking 10 Indonesians hostage in the South Philippines and demanding a 50 million Pesos ransom, or some Rp14.3 billion.

"Such acts are not true to Islam and violate the international law," the Scholars groups Secretary General K.H. Hasyim Muzadi told reporters here on Friday.

Muzadi also sought the unconditional and immediate release of the 10 Indonesian crew members.

The secretary general also called on the most influential leader of the Moro group in the Philippines to apply pressure on Abu Sayyaf to free the hostages.

The release of the hostages is important, given the sound diplomatic relations between the ICIS and Nur Misuari, which had created a bridge to reduce tensions between the Misuari group and the Philippines government in the past.

Muzadi hoped that Misuari would understand the neutral stance of ICIS in the Muslim world and the international community at large.

As a result, Taliban figures in Afghanistan had decided to free a group of South Korean journalists who were taken hostage in Afghanistan a few years ago on the request of ICIS.

 Besides this, the Government of Iran, under the reign of Ahmadinnejad, was willing to grant amnesty to Indonesian nationals who were detained in Iran for being part of the crew of an American-flagged ship that had entered the countrys territory.

 "I believe that this appeal will be considered by brother Misuari, for the sake of sound relations and the ASEAN Muslim brotherhood," Muzadi emphasized.

Earlier, 10 Indonesian crew members of the Brahma 12 waveguide ship with its coal cargo were taken hostage by the Abu Sayyaf group in the Philippine waters on March 26.

The Abu Sayyaf group has demanded a ransom for the release of the 10 Indonesian hostages, who are now held in the interior of Sulu Island.

http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/103958/icis-urges-abu-sayyaf-to-release-indonesian-hostages-immediately

Islamic State’s baby brother, Abu Sayyaf, establishing control over southern Philippines

From News.com.au (Apr 1): Islamic State’s baby brother, Abu Sayyaf, establishing control over southern Philippines



The tiny island of Jolo, in the Philippines, is home to Abu Sayyaf, a terror group that took 10 new hostages this month and names Islamic State its philosophical leader. Picture: US Navy

THE islands around the southern Philippines are home to beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise waters and friendly locals.
 

They are an inviting travel destination for Australians but there’s a reason the government doesn’t want its citizens going there.

In 2011, Aussie Warren Richard Rodwell was kidnapped and taken by boat to a group of islands where kidnap-for-ransom is a way of life. He was held there for 15 months before finally being released.

In 2014, a pair of German seniors holidaying on their yacht were kidnapped by men affiliated with the same group and making the same demands. They were photographed kneeling in front of masked men wielding machetes and automatic weapons.

Last year, four people — two Canadian men, a Norwegian man and a Filipino woman — were kidnapped by men posing as tourists at a popular holiday spot. Six months on they are still being held hostage.

Later, the group behind all the attacks beheaded a Malaysian hostage whose severed head was found in a sack by a cleaner outside a local government office.

Last week, the group was at it again. Ten Indonesian men working on a tugboat carrying coal had their vessel hijacked at gun point and were again taken to the lawless southern Philippines.

Those responsible have a simple goal: to fund a fight for an independent Islamic province.

If it sounds like Islamic State, it’s because it is. More specifically, it’s Islamic State’s baby brother.



Lampinigan Beach in Basilan Province is home to ISIL’s ‘baby brother’, terror group Abu Sayyaf. Picture: Kurtzky/Dreamstime.com

KIDNAPPING IS THEIR MODUS OPERANDI’

Twelve years ago, when a ferry carrying more than 100 people blew up, Abu Sayyaf claimed responsibility.

The bombing was the worst act of terror in Philippines’ history and it served to put the terror group on the map. Those behind the bombing have been fighting for relevance ever since.

For months at a time the group goes unnoticed, carrying out its business on a restricted chain of islands including Basilan, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi. Then it takes hostages and the negotiating process starts all over again.

Since it first appeared in the early 1990s, Abu Sayyaf linked itself to al-Qaeda. Last year, when its leader swore an oath of loyalty to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the group’s allegiances changed again.

Professor Mark Turner from the University of NSW, Canberra, says the group’s ideologies often change. He says it’s difficult to know who is in charge or what the group stands for.

“In the ‘90s ... the group was religiously motivated and interested in creating a caliphate,” Prof Turner told news.com.au.



Suspected Abu Sayyaf leader Imran Daiyong Mijal pictured in January last year receiving treatment. He was wounded while resisting capture in Basilan, Philippines. Picture: Richard Falcatan/Anadolu AgencySource:AFP

“They appeared to be setting up this Islamic state but their purpose became gradually less and less clear. In the early days there were a few bombs, then they became infamous for kidnapping people.”

He said Abu Sayyaf’s main goal is to make money and therefore those who are kidnapped are often released when terms of ransom are met. Occasionally, as was the case last year, a hostage is violently executed.

“What you get nowadays is a group which has people in leadership positions who want to go on a jihad and have strong feelings about Islamic State and then you have people who are really just bandits.

“It’s a mixture of people with different motivations (and that’s why) there’s no coherent statement anywhere on the group’s philosophy or aims or objectives.”

He said he was hopeful of a good outcome for the 10 Indonesians captured by the group last week but knew it could take some time.

“The negotiations normally involve an initial price asked by Abu Sayyaf that is massive and is then negotiated down. There’s all sorts of lack of clarity on what the eventually settlement is, it’s very unclear,” Prof Turner said.

“I think you would always have hope that (the Indonesians) will be released but they can be protracted kidnappings.”


Warren Rodwell was captured in the Philippines in 2011 before being held for 15 months. Source:AFP

‘TO MY FAMILY, PLEASE DO WHATEVER THEY ASK’

Warren Rodwell, a former Australian Army soldier, was kept in the jungle in captivity for 15 months.
His captors filmed him in proof-of-life videos to be sent to his wife and family. In the videos, Mr Rodwell is seen begging for his life and looking frail and thin.

“To my family, please do whatever to raise the $US2 million they are asking for my release as soon as possible,” he said in one video.

The then-53-year-old was eventually freed at a cost estimated to be just shy of $100,000.
Australian Foreign Minister at the time, Bob Carr, called his release “great news for the Mr Rodwell’s family”.
“(They have) shown enormous courage throughout this ordeal,” Mr Carr said.

A military spokesman in the southern Philippines said Mr Rodwell looked “very thin” but was fine when he was found wandering around a coastal town unsure of his whereabouts.

Mr Rodwell’s family said he was “delighted to be free ... has however lost a lot of weight and is exhausted”.

His sister Denise Capello and brother Wayne Rodwell flew to Manila to search for answers and to demand those who put their sibling through hell be held accountable.

“We hope they are brought to justice so others don’t have to experience what Warren has just been through.”

More than three years later, the group is still putting families through a similar experience. The Australian government, along with governments from the US and the UK, designated Abu Sayyaf a terror group and a target of America’s so-called War of Terrorism. But aside from that there’s little outside governments can do.

Prof Turner said the islands Abu Sayyaf operate in were largely “lawless” and governed by their own sets of rules.

“You have a lot of guns there as well, a lot of armed groups,” he said. “In general you have a lot of people with guns. You’ve got a heavily militarised area with a lot of people where violence erupts on a fairly regular basis.”

The families of the 10 hostages have been contacted by people claiming to be from Abu Sayyaf. If history is anything to go by, they will all likely be released unharmed.

But that result could come at a cost and it could take years to achieve.
http://www.news.com.au/world/pacific/islamic-states-baby-brother-abu-sayyaf-establishing-control-over-southern-philippines/news-story/04fb67f645fd5192d516ecd492c5a3a5

10 Crew Members of Brahma 12 Vessel Separated in Two Houses

From Tempo.com (Apr 1): 10 Crew Members of Brahma 12 Vessel Separated in Two Houses



Last known position of the hijacked Brahma 12 ship. Photo: marinetraffic.com

The ten crew members of TB Brahma 12 vessel held hostages by Abu Sayyaf group in Philippines were separated into two groups. The first group consisted of three people; the captain, the chief of engine room, and a technician. The second group consisted of seven crew members including the helmsman, Bayu Oktavianto, 22.

“The two groups were placed at different houses but still in one same location,” said Sutomo, 49, on Friday, April 1, 2016. Sutomo is the father of Bayu Oktavianto.

Two Indonesian ships, TB Brahma 12 and Anand 12, were hijacked on the Tawi-tawi waters in Philippines during their sail from Banjarmasin to Batangas, southern Philippines.

The Brahma 12 was released while the Anand 12 that brought coal and ten crew members were being held hostage.

 Sutomo told in a brief phone conversation that the company did not explain the reason of the hostage separation did by the Abu Sayyaf group.

“The company (PT Patria) that contacted me only said that they [the hostages] were separated and were in good health,” he said.

 To prove that the hostages were fine, he said that the Abu Sayyaf group had had allowed a crew member of Brahma 12 ship from Makassar to call his family for only five minutes.

Sutomo said he had received the story from the company.

 PT Patria, according to Sutomo, had tried to track the phone number yet the result was none.

“It’s a one way communication. Only the pirate group can call the company. So, the company can only wait,” he said.

http://en.tempo.co/read/news/2016/04/01/055758975/10-Crew-Members-of-Brahma-12-Vessel-Separated-in-Two-Houses

Convicted Abu Sayyaf member arrested

From Sun Star-Zamboanga (Apr 1): Convicted Abu Sayyaf member arrested

THE police have arrested a convicted member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Barangay Arena Blanco, Zamboanga City Friday morning.

Chief Superintendent Miguel Antonio Jr., Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula director, identified the arrested ASG member as Toh Ventura Abdilla alias Toh Abdulla Abdulla, a resident of Landang Laum village, Sacol Island, Zamboanga City.

Abdilla was arrested around 10:25 a.m. Friday in Campung Landang Laun Drive in Barangay Arena Blanco.

The police seized from Abdilla’s possession several subversive documents and a grenade.

Abdilla denied that he is a member of the ASG, saying he is a seaweed farmer.

Antonio said Regional Trial Court Branch 12 Judge Gregorio Dela Peña last January 18 sentenced Abdilla in absentia for a period of four years and two months for illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2016/04/01/convicted-abu-sayyaf-member-arrested-465514

IN PHOTOS: Roxas campaigns in Cotabato, visits MILF's Camp Darapanan

From Rappler (Apr 1): IN PHOTOS: Roxas campaigns in Cotabato, visits MILF's Camp Darapanan

The administration standard-bearer talks about his plans for the peace process    



TALK OF PEACE. Mar Roxas visits the MILF headquarters in Camp Darapanan. Photo by Lito Boras/Rappler

Liberal Party (LP) standard-bearer Manuel Roxas II brought his campaign down south on Friday, April 1, as he campaigned in Cotabato City and the province of North Cotabato.

The administration bet’s key message during his visit was clear: his plan for the ongoing peace process and his commitment to continuing the long-awaited peace deal his party mate and President Benigno Aquino III started.



Roxas waves to the crowd as he arrives during a campaign rally which also celebrated the last day of the Women's Month at the Brgy. Kalantungan Covered Court in Cotabato City on Thursday. Lito Boras/Rappler.com

In Cotabato City, Roxas attended a gathering of women’s groups in Barangay Kalantungan, once a witness to war and conflict. In North Cotabato, Roxas attended multi-sectoral gatherings in the towns of Pikit and Kabacan.

Roxas was accompanied by local allies led by Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) regional Vice Governor Haroun Alrashid Lucman Jr.



Photo by Lito Boras/Rappler.com

The highlight of the Thursday sortie was a forum with the Friends of Peace, an organization composed of religious groups, academics, and civil society groups convened by Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo. (READ: In Cotabato, Roxas asked to explain 'Muslim na mananakop' line)



Roxas talks about the peace process in Mindanao during a dialogue with the Friends of Peace at the Clergy House in Cotabato City on Thursday. Photo by Lito Boras/Rappler.com

After the meet, Roxas proceeded to Camp Darapanan, headquarters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The administration candidate met with the MILF’s Central Committee to talk about the ongoing peace process. (READ: ‘Bigger chance’ for BBL to pass under Roxas?)



The ARMM region, according to a Laylo opinion poll, is predominantly for Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. Some 45% of those surveyed said they would vote for the lone Mindanaoan in the presidential race. He is trailed by Senator Grace Poe, Vice President Jejomar Binay, and then Roxas.
The latest survey commissioned by ABS-CBN and released on Friday, April 1, again shows Duterte dominating Mindanao.

Cotabato City is part of the SOCCSKSARGEN region but is also the regional center of the ARMM.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2016/127812-mar-roxas-cotabato-milf

90% of armed groups found in Muslim region

From the Mindanao Times (Apr 1): 90% of armed groups found in Muslim region

NINE in 10 of the private armed groups of politicians can be found in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

 

PNP Director General Ricardo Marquez revealed during the press conference in Royal Mandaya hotel yesterday that they monitored a total of 85 armed groups in the country.

 

“Only a few of these armed groups are located in Luzon,” he said, adding that most of these are identified with certain candidates.

 

“They are activated whenever there’s elections.”

 

He also directed police commanders to come up with a detailed security plan and engage deputized agencies which can help address the issue and ensure a peaceful and orderly elections.

 

One good news, however, is that they have not received any information of any terror threat for the coming May 2016 elections, although they still continue their intelligence gathering efforts.

 

Meanwhile, the top policeman reminded personnel not to engage in partisan politics.

 

“It would constitute electioneering and violators may be charged with misconduct,” he said.

 

Marquez headed the national command conference, along with 120 PNP star ranks, at the Royal Manday hotel yesterday, which was also timed with the retirement honors for Chief Supt. Wendy G. Rosario, director of Davao Police Regional Office.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/90-of-armed-groups-found-in-muslim-region/

Police open fire on protesters, kill 3 in North Cotabato (Photos)

From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 1): Police open fire on protesters, kill 3 in North Cotabato



Armed policemen open fire on protesting farmers in Kidapawan City in North Cotabato province during a violent dispersal April 1, 2016. (Text by Mindanao Examiner. Photos by Kilab Multimedia)







KIDAPAWAN CITY – Policemen on Friday opened fire on farmers who barricaded a highway in southern Philippines to dramatize their protest on government’s failure to provide them food aid after being devastated by drought in Mindanao.

Policemen were trying to disperse the protesters in Kidapawan City in North Cotabato province, but shots had been fired toward the farmers and killing at least 3 people and injured many others, according to the farmers’ group called Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas.

It said more than 2 dozen farmers were also wounded in the brutal dispersal by the police. This after some of the protesters alleged hurled rocks to policemen injuring some of them. The farmers have been demanding rice from the government, saying, their families have no more food to eat due to the long dry spell brought about by El Niño that had already destroyed over P24o million in crops.

The drought damaged rice, corn, banana, rubber, coconut, oil palm and vegetable planted by small farmers in over 27,500 hectares in Kidapawan City and the towns of Arakan, Antipas, President Roxas, Magpet, Makilala, Tulunan, M’lang, Matalam and Kabacan – all in North Cotabato.

The women’s group Gabriela said the wounded farmers were shot in the stomach, mouth and legs. “Initial reports reveal that farmers suffered bullet wounds in the stomach, mouth and legs. These were obviously not warning shots. These shots were meant to kill farmers holding barricade and demanding food,” said Rep. Emmi de Jesus.

Gabriela said as much as 5,000 people joined the protests.

De Jesus condemned the dispersal, calling it “brutal.” “We strongly condemn the government’s brutal response to the farmers’ demand for relief and aid. We hold President Aquino, Liberal Party-backed North Cotabato Governor Lala Mendoza, and the local police forces responsible for the killings and the wounding of at least 30 farmers as police responded to protesters with bullets,” she said.

Bai Ali Indayla, of Gabriela who was among the protesters, said security forces has cordoned them off at the Methodist Church compound in Kidapawan City where they sought safe refuge.

Indayla said the provincial government refused to talk or negotiate with barricading farmers to end the crisis and resolve the woes of the protesters. She said the province has long been declared in a state of calamity due to the drought, but farmers received to assistance from the Aquino government.

“This bloody response to the farmers’ just and legitimate demands and depriving farmers of relief will have its political costs and Liberal Party bets will suffer greatly in this obstinate display of brutality and callousness,” Indayla said.

Ariel Casilao, of the pro-farmers group Anakpawis, said: “This is the latest atrocity that the Aquino presidency has inflicted on the poor farmers. We totally condemn this brutal act and we hold him and his Liberal Party as primary responsible. We demand justice and accountability.”

Casilao, citing reports by his group, said at least 30 farmers were reported missing and believed taken by the police during the violent dispersal. He said among those wounded in the dispersal were human rights workers Roger Imuy, Leo Deyong, Darwin Madiao, Roland Jampas, Mario Ansabo, Alce Awi, Ejay Salaber, Ricky Maat, Rodolfo Tanyo and Sheena Duazo, a spokesperson for the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan in southern Mindanao.

There was no immediate statement from the police about the accusations.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/police-open-fire-on-protesters-kill-3-in-north-cotabato/

Bataan lines up various activities for the 74th Araw ng Kagitingan celebration

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31): Bataan lines up various activities for the 74th Araw ng Kagitingan celebration

The provincial government has lined up various activities for the commemoration of the 74th Araw ng Kagitingan (Valor Day) on April 9.

The annual event remembers the heroism and sacrifices of Filipino and American soldiers who fought the Japanese Imperial Army during the World War II, in particular at the exact site of the battle in Mount Samat in Barangay Diwa here known in history as the "Fall of Bataan."

With the theme: “Isabuhay ang Kagitingan, Kapayapaan ay Pagkaisahan, Kamtin ang Mithing Kaunlaran”, this year’s celebration is not only meant to exalt the valor of the Filipino veterans but also to commit oneself to strive and work harder in protecting and preserving the country’s freedom.

The celebration will kick off with Padyakan sa Bataan, a mountain bike circuit race, on April 2 in Barangay Alas-Asin, Mariveles town.

On April 5, there will be a drum and lyre parade and competition (elementary) at the Plaza Mayor de Balanga.

On April 8, eleven municipalities and one city will highlight their floats depicting scenes in the Second World War in the parade of floats to be held in Balanga City's major roads and highways.

On the same day, a foot parade street play will be performed by students/actors from Balanga City Elementary School to the provincial capitol grounds.

Likewise, the "Parangal Para Sa Mga Beterano” will be held at the provincial capitol grounds.

The main event will be on April 9 with the wreath-laying ceremonies at the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) in Mt. Samat.

On April 10, there will be a Freedom Run at the Provincial Capitol Compound.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=872022

Lawmen arrest convicted Abu Sayyaf in Zambo City

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 1): Lawmen arrest convicted Abu Sayyaf in Zambo City

Zamboanga City -- Government operatives have arrested a convicted member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in an east coast barangay of this city, a top police official announced Friday.

Chief Supt. Miguel Antonio Jr., Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, identified the arrested ASG member as Toh Ventura Abdilla alias Toh Abdulla Abdulla of Barangay Landang Laum, Sacol Island, this city.

Antonio said Abdilla was arrested around 10:25 a.m. Friday during a law enforcement operation in Campung Landang Laun Drive, Barangay Arena Blanco, 9.26 kilometers east of City Hall.

The arrest of Abdilla came after Antonio ordered the intensified the campaign against the ASG and wanted persons here in the region.

Antonio said Regional Trial Court Branch 12 Judge Gregorio Dela Peña last January 18 sentenced Abdilla in absentia for a period of four years and two months for illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.

He said the arresting team recovered from Abdilla’s possession several subversive documents, one fragmentation grenade and a motorboat propeller.

He said Abdilla was temporarily detained at the lock-up cell of Police Station 11.

Abdilla has denied that he is a member of the ASG. He said he is a seaweed farmer.

Abdilla said he went to Barangay Arena Blanco to have his motorboat repaired.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=872319

1 farmer killed, 33 others including 20 cops hurt in Kidapawan rally site clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 1): 1 farmer killed, 33 others including 20 cops hurt in Kidapawan rally site clash

Police authorities serving a dispersal order to thousands of farmers camping along portions of the Cotabato-Davao Highway in Kidapawan City were attacked by protesters, turning what was envisioned to be a peaceful dispersal into a bloody encounter that injured both farmers and law enforcers on Friday.

The commotion left one farmer dead and at least 33 others wounded, including 20 police officers.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Spokesperson Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor confirmed that two police officers are under critical condition.

North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza said at 10:30 in the morning, about 500 police officers tried to disperse the crowd blocking the major highway because of lack of permit to rally.

But she said the farmers resisted and attacked the law enforcers, triggering a commotion and a series of explosions.

A farmer died on the spot. His name was not immediately available as of press time.

Mendoza insisted the violence erupted when the farmers attacked the police. She said her directive to the police was to exercise maximum tolerance.

Mendoza said the police were serving a dispersal order because the rally and the assembly were considered illegal as the farmers have no permit to occupy portions of the highway.

The police, she said, was accompanied by social welfare workers who were to bring the children and minors out of the barricade.

Mendoza said the farmers were given permission to hold rally by the city government of Kidawapan only for Monday but the protesters, demanding government food aid after they became unproductive due to dry spell, remained in the highway, preventing the passage of government and private vehicles.

Senior Supt. Bernard Tayong, North Cotabato police spokesperson, said the police were observing maximum tolerance. But the protesters were aggressive and threw huge stones and metals toward the law enforcers. One of the farmers allegedly shot at a police officer who was injured.

”The first shot came from the protesters,” Gov. Mendoza told reporters.

For her part, Norma Capuyan, speaking for the militant group Apo Sandawa Lumadnong Panaghiusa sa North Cotabato, a farmers' organization, said the police opened fire on some 5,000 farmers asking for rice from the government as they have nothing to eat due to dry spell.

Earlier, Gov. Mendoza refused to meet the protesters in the rally site, specifically in front of the Methodist Church. Instead, she waited for the protesting farmers’ leaders to come to Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista’s office for a dialogue.

A meeting happened Wednesday night but the farmers insisted the government give them 15,000 bags of rice or they will continue the barricade.

Mendoza explained that she could not give the protesting farmers their demand as part of the calamity funds had been allocated to drought-affected farmers while the rest are prepared for another unexpected calamity this year.

The wounded farmers are being treated at various hospitals in the city.

Dialogues between local officials and the farmers’ leaders are ongoing to normalize the situation.

The PNP is consolidating all information with regard the incident.

Chief Supt. Mayor said: "We believe that, in the spirit of thoroughness and fairness, a complete and accurate narrative must be constructed.”

He noted that two police officers are under critical condition due to head trauma, reportedly due to attacks initiated from the assembled crowd.

He said that PNP officers are trained to engage such assemblies with maximum tolerance as dialogue is always their primary recourse.

”We also note that officers who conduct Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) operations are instructed not to carry firearms,” Mayor said.

He added that other officers in the area not directly involved in CDM and who carry firearms are also trained to exert maximum tolerance.

In extreme cases, however, especially when the lives of police officers are under immediate threat, all of their policemen are trained to be vigilant and to act out their mandate to maintain peace and order in a calibrated manner, he said.

"We reiterate that an investigation is ongoing. We will update the public of any findings. The public may rest assured that any violation of PNP rules and regulations shall be meted the appropriate penalty. Likewise, we are committed to holding anyone responsible for this tragic incident accountable,” the PNP spokesman said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=872313