Iriberri: offensive against ASG has ‘no time frame’

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11): Iriberri: offensive against ASG has ‘no time frame’

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that the offensive against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands in Basilan province has “no time frame.”

This was announced by Gen. Hernando Delfin Carmelo Iriberri, AFP chief-of-staff, during his visit on Sunday to the soldiers who were wounded in the 10-hour fire fight against the ASG brigands on Saturday in Basilan.

Iriberri said they are not giving any time frame as the military operations will continue without let up “as we seek the withdrawing bandits and hold them accountable for their crimes.”

The target of the continued military operation are the groups ASG leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Furuji Indama, whose were involved in several atrocities.

“We are dictated by our mission, not by time,” Iriberri added.

Five ASG brigands, including a Moroccan national, were killed while 20 others were wounded in the fire fight that took place on Saturday in Sitio Bayoko, Barangay Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan.

The slain Moroccan national was identified as Mohammad Khattab and the other slain ASG brigand was Ubaida Hapilon, the son of Isnilon.

Eighteen soldiers were killed while 56 others were wounded during the clash.

Iriberri visited the troops together with National Defense Sec. Voltaire Gazmin and other top military officials.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=875253

Flags in military camps in half-mast to mourn 18 soldiers killed in Basilan clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11): Flags in military camps in half-mast to mourn 18 soldiers killed in Basilan clash

In honor of the 18 troopers who have fallen in battle trying to eliminate the Abu Sayyaf (ASG) bandits in Basilan Saturday, all flags in military camps nationwide were flown at half-mast Monday.

"Flags are flown at half-mast to mourn the death of our soldiers...our heroes who offered the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, last Saturday, our National Day of Valor, in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan in a day-long encounter against elements of the kidnap-for-ransom-group ASG. We fly it at half-mast to honor their gallantry and sacrifice," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.

Around 18 troopers and 53 others were wounded in a more than nine-hour encounter with ASG bandits in Sitio Bayoko, Baguindan last April 9 which started 7:55 a.m. and ended at 5:30 p.m.

Appropriate honors and benefits will be given to all military casualties.

The high number of military casualties can be attributed to the ASG's use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) or crew-served weapons during the initial stage of the clash.

The number of ASG forces encountered by the troopers was initially estimated to be around or over 100.

Confirmed numbers of bandits killed in the operation is placed at five including Moroccan terrorist and IED expert Mohammad Khattab who is in the country for three years and trying to act as a conduit between a "Middle East international terrorist group".

Army Chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Ano said Khattab's presence was detected in the country last year.

Meanwhile, around 20 rebels were wounded in the clash including ASG leader Radzmil Jannatul alias 'Kubayb'.

'Meeting engagement' caused most of gov't casualties in Basilan clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11): 'Meeting engagement' caused most of gov't casualties in Basilan clash

"Meeting engagement" or fighting in extremely close ranges coupled with detonation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) caused the huge number of casualties from the military side in Saturday's clash with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits.

This was confirmed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, adding firing ranges were sometimes down to only 10 meters.

Short engagement ranges, coupled with the ASG tactics of using IEDs as early warning devices, and sniping, caused most of the military casualties.

This took place during the initial part of the engagement, he added.

Most of the slain and wounded troopers are from the 44th Infantry Battalion, he added.

Eighteen soldiers and 53 others were wounded in the more than nine-hour clash between military units and ASG bandits in Barangay Baguidan, Tipo-Tipo last April 9.

The encounter started 7:55 a.m. and lasted until 5:30 p.m.

There was also an ASG attempt to behead two of the slain soldiers but these were prevented by covering fire of surviving troops, Padilla said.

As this develops, the AFP spokesperson said all available resources like close-air attack aircraft, artillery and armored units were made available to support the operations against the ASG bandits.

However, poor weather conditions, prompted the cancellation of the aerial bombardment missions, forcing the military to double its artillery strikes against ASG positions.

However, the well-entrenched ASG positions which managed to deflect shell fragments well aside from being covered by vegetation.

Meanwhile, armored units were not able to play their full role due to the rough and hilly terrain.

But despite these handicaps, troops still went on their mission, Padilla added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=875266

Aim of Basilan operation achieved with death of Moroccan terrorist

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11): Aim of Basilan operation achieved with death of Moroccan terrorist

Despite heavy losses sustained by government forces in the clash with Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan, the objective of the operation was achieved as Moroccan terrorist Moroccan Mohammad Khattab was confirmed killed in the battle.

Eighteen soldiers were killed and 53 others were wounded in the more than nine-hour clash in Barangay Baguidan last April 9.

This was stressed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla during Monday's briefing.

He also confirmed that government troops have recovered Khattab's body.

The Moroccan terrorist, who is also an improvised explosive device (IED) expert, was reportedly acting as conduit between a "Middle East international terrorist group" and demanding that the ASG take a more extremist role in Mindanao.

Khattab has been in the country for three years.

Padilla said that while many soldiers were killed and wounded in the operation, it is also likely that many others were saved due to the neutralization of the Moroccan terrorist.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=875256

13 ASG bandits killed in ongoing clash in Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11): 13 ASG bandits killed in ongoing clash in Basilan

Ongoing government operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Basilan has resulted in the death of 13 members of the rebel group.

This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla in a briefing Monday.

"Thirteen ASG bandits were reported killed in Sunday's operations in Barangay Baguindan, (Tipo-Tipo), Basilan," he said quoting reports coming from Western Mindanao Command (WMC) head Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo Cruz.

Fighting between a much smaller ASG band took started between 9:00-10:00 a.m. and lasted until 3:00 p.m.

No losses were incurred by government forces in this clash, he added.

Padilla said that they are waiting for reports from the WMC to determine whether the bodies of the slain ASGs were recovered and the exact number of wounded bandits.

Operations are still ongoing as of this posting.

With these, the number of slain ASG brigands since April 9 has now climbed to 18, Padilla said.

On the same day, 18 government troopers were killed and another 53 wounded in a more than nine-hour clash with the brigands.

Padilla said initial benefits to be received by families of the slain troopers include six months worth of payment depending on their salary grades; PHP50,000 worth cash assistance coming from their Mutual Benefits Association, Inc.; scholarships for their children; and another PHP100,000 coming from various organizations.

While soldiers wounded slightly in the battle will receive PHP50,000 while those critical hurt will get PHP100,000.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=875249

Palace: Military pursuit operations are ongoing vs Abu Sayyaf

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11): Palace: Military pursuit operations are ongoing vs Abu Sayyaf

Malacañang said on Monday the military is continuing to pursue its operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group and other lawless elements in Basilan.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Hernando Iriberri informed President Benigno S. Aquino III on this progress after their return from Zamboanga City on Sunday night.

“Both officials informed the President that, in accordance with his instructions, pursuit operations are still being conducted and that the troops are fully equipped and adequately supported,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. in a statement.

Coloma said the military operations in Basilan were intensified since December 2015 and have resulted in neutralizing high-value terror suspects, including Malaysian Mohd Najib Hussein (a.k.a. Abu Anas), Moroccan Mohammad Khattab and Ubaida Hapilon, son of senior Abu Sayyaf Group leader Isnilon Hapilon.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=875262

BI on alert over foreign terrorists trying to gain entry into PHL

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11): BI on alert over foreign terrorists trying to gain entry into PHL

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Ronaldo Geron has ordered its newly designated intelligence head to tighten the security and monitoring of all foreign nationals arriving in the country.

He issued the directive to Intel Chief Rommel De Leon to ensure that wanted persons from friendly nations and foreign terrorists with links to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) will not use the Philippines as their hiding place and jump-off point to their foreign targets.

For his part, the new chief of the Intelligence Division vowed to assign skilled and experienced immigration agents in all international airports and seaports to screen arriving foreigners and prevent the entry of suspected international terrorists and wanted foreign persons.

With this, De Leon reported that they intercepted a Korean national wanted in his home country for various crimes, including extortion and blackmailing his countrymen living in the Philippines.

The fugitive was identified as Choi Yeong-ik, who also used fraudulent Philippine passport under a Filipino name Bryan Cruz Chua. He also claimed that he was born in Motiong, Samar, to gain easy entry at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The BI reported that the foreigner also holds a Philippine driver's license, while his Philippine passport was allegedly issued in Cebu province.

Meanwhile, the BI also held a Chinese national at the NAIA terminal 1 last April 7.

He was identified as Mark Chin Perez Lao, bound for Tel Aviv, Israel. He refused to divulge his real Chinese identity.

Lao’s passport turned out to be fraudulent when an immigration officer entered the passport in the newly installed passport reading machine.

The passport revealed only three digits instead of eight numerical digits.

Both are now now detained at the BI detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City, pending the deportation proceedings to be filed against them.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=875271

Kananga declared as free from communist rebel infestation

From the Samar News (Mar 4): Kananga declared as free from communist rebel infestation



(Sitting L-R) Supt Erwin Portillo, Deputy Provincial Director for Operations of Leyte PPO, Colonel Francisco Mendoza Jr, Commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, Mayor Elmer Codilla and LtCol. Roberto Sarmiento during the signing of MOA declaring Kananga, Leyte as Stable Internal Peace and Security area.

By DPAO, 8ID PA
March 4, 2016

KANANGA, Leyte – A former NPA stronghold in Northern Leyte declared as Stable Internal Peace and Secured area in a ceremonial signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in Kananga, Leyte on February 29, 2016.

The joint declaration was pursued upon the recommendation of the Philippine Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion upon the legislation of Resolution No. 20R.14-791 by the 20th Sangguniang Bayan of Kananga, Leyte.

Signatories to the MOA were Colonel Francisco Mendoza Jr., Brigade Commander of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, Senior Superintendent Franco Simborio, Director of Leyte Police Provincial Office represented by Superintendent Erwin Portillo, and Mayor Elmer Codilla and witnessed by Lieutenant Colonel Roberto Sarmiento, the Commanding Officer of the 19th Infantry Battalion, Chief Inspector Ricky Reli, the Chief of Police of the Municipality of Kananga and Vice-Mayor Macario Lumangtad Jr.

Previously, the 19th Infantry Battalion declared 15 Leyte towns as Stable Internal Peace and Security areas. These towns are Matag-ob, Merida, Palompon, Tabango, Barugo, Babatngon, San Miguel, Leyte, Pastrana, Tolosa, Dagami, Calubian, Sta. Fe, Alangalang and Tunga.

The aforesaid towns were declared Stable Internal Peace and Security because the actual threat of the Communist Terrorist Movement (CTM) is already downgraded and is no longer significant to influence the residents.

Col. Mendoza is optimistic that the declaration will further attract the influx of investors to establish business in an area that has environment of peace.

“We cannot achieve it alone. But we will continue with our effort to attain just and lasting peace in Kananga, Leyte”, Mendoza added.

http://www.samarnews.com/news2016/mar/d582.htm

Don: Hostages farmed out to different Abu Sayyaf groups

From The Star Online (Apr 11): Don: Hostages farmed out to different Abu Sayyaf groups



Abu Sayyaf gunmen who are holed up in their southern Philippines island of Jolo stronghold are “cooperating” among themselves in guarding their 25 captives, which includes four Malaysians.

The gunmen have farmed out their hostages to different groups headed by various sub-commanders, Jolo-based anti-kidnapping activist Prof Octavio Dinampo said.

He said the groups of gunmen having captives would farm out some of them to those that did not have any and they would later partake in the “bed and lodging”.

In the Philippines, “bed and lodging” refers to ransom payments for the release of those abducted.

“That is why there are many so-called Abu Sayyaf groups, but they are all in cahoots with each other,” Prof Dinampo said.

However, he said the identity of the group, which was holding the four Malaysian sailors abducted from a tugboat in waters off Pulau Ligitan near Semporna on April 1, remained unclear.

This was because the group remained isolated at the mountainous hinterlands of Patikul in Jolo, he added.

It was reported that the abduction of the four Malaysians was carried out by a leader known as Apo Mike.

Apart from the four Malaysians, the other captives included 10 Indonesian tugboat crew members who were abducted on March 28.

It is not known if the gunmen have issued demands for board and lodging payments for the captives.

However, the gunmen had demanded US$21mil (RM82mil) for Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall as well as Norwegian resort manager Kjartan Sekkingstad who were abducted from Samal Island last September.

Prof Dinampo said other Abu Sayyaf captives included a Dutch national, six Filipinos and a Japanese who had been languishing in Jolo for more than three years.

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/04/11/don-hostages-farmed-out-to-different-abu-sayyaf-groups/

AFP chief orders sustained combat vs Sayyaf

From the Philippine Star (Apr11): AFP chief orders sustained combat vs Sayyaf

As the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) grieves for its fallen comrades, Gen. Hernando Iriberri ordered his field commanders to sustain operations against the bandit group Abu Sayyaf.

Iriberri, AFP chief of staff, also instructed Joint Task Group-Basilan chief Col. Rolando Bautista to take care of more than 50 wounded soldiers and the needs of the families of the 18 who were killed.

Along with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Iriberri flew to Zamboanga early yesterday to assess the situation and salute the wounded and slain fighters for their gallantry.

All the wounded soldiers were transported to Camp Navarro Hospital inside the Western Mindanao Command headquarters in Zamboanga City.

The AFP chief said the soldiers fought gallantly and displayed the finest traditions of soldiery with utmost valor despite all the odds along their way.

“We shall continue the fight. We will take inspiration (from) their exemplary service. Our soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice so that the people of Basilan will be free from terrorists,” Iriberri declared.

Col. Noel Detoyato, AFP public affairs office chief, said the fatalities were either from Zamboanga, Pagadian, Basilan or Jolo.

“All those who were killed are from Mindanao. Some of them are our Muslim brothers,” Detoyato said in Filipino.

The military has been launching focused military operations in a bid to rescue the hostages still held by the Abu Sayyaf, including two Canadians, a Norwegian, a Filipina, four Malaysians and 10 Indonesians.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/04/11/1571736/afp-chief-orders-sustained-combat-vs-sayyaf

Gazmin files libel raps over AFP helicopters

From the Philippine Star (Apr 11): Gazmin files libel raps over AFP helicopters

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin has filed three counts of libel against an employee of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) who had accused him and other defense and military officials of graft.

Gazmin filed charges against Rhodora Alvarez, the BIR employee who claimed the defense chief and other defense and military officials rigged the bidding for the purchase of helicopters from a US dealer in 2013.

Alvarez made the statements at an interview with ABS-CBN on May 22, before a televised Senate investigation on the issue on July 7, and a news article in December last year.

Aside from Alvarez, Gazmin also filed a case against Thach Hoang Nguyen, the agent of Rice Aircraft Service Inc. (RASI), for falsification of documents in connection with the bid submission for the contract of the UH-1H helicopters.

Alvarez testified last year in a Senate investigation on alleged irregularities surrounding a P1.2-billion contract for the supply of 21 “Huey” helicopters.

She accused Gazmin and the military officials of violating the Government Procurement Reform Act and the Revised AFP Modernization Program.

Alvarez filed the complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman, asking it to further investigate Gazmin and the other respondents for the administrative offense of gross dishonesty.

 “When the news came out regarding the alleged irregularities, as head of agency, I ordered an investigation. The result of the investigation showed that the Department of National Defense-Armed Forces of the Philippines (DND-AFP) personnel who handled this project, in various stages, complied with the mandated procedures and no irregularities were committed,” Gazmin said.

Gazmin vouched for the defense and military officials whom Alvarez claimed to have conspired with in rigging the bidding.

“We know that public service entails a lot of sacrifices, even being exposed to untruthful and malicious accusations,” Gazmin said.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/04/11/1571734/gazmin-files-libel-raps-over-afp-helicopters

G-7 ministers will discuss S. China Sea at Japan meet

From the Daily Tribune (Apr 11): G-7 ministers will discuss S. China Sea at Japan meet

Foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G-7) nations yesterday began two-day talks in Hiroshima, the city devastated by a US atomic bomb in 1945, anxious to show their solidarity in tackling maritime security in the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea.

On maritime security, the ministers from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States are expected to voice opposition to any unilateral action to change the status quo amid concerns about China’s suspected militarization of parts of the South China Sea.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier will miss all Sunday’s official events, including G-7 talks and a one-one-one meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, due to a delay in his arrival, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.

The US is expected to raise the issue of China’s territorial ambitions in the South China Sea in a move that would likely draw an angry response from the government in Beijing.

Last Friday, State Department spokesman Mark Toner said that the US should discuss security issues any time it meets with key partners in Asia. “What we want to see happen in South China Sea is important. It’s important to the region, it’s important to the stability of the region, so I would suggest that those topics should be on the table.”

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday said the G-7 meeting shouldn’t “hype” the South China Sea issue. He made the comments in a meeting with British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond in Beijing, according to a statement on the ministry’s Web site Saturday.

Aside from China, other countries lay overlapping claims to the East and South China Sea, including Japan, Vietnam, Brunei and the Philippines.      

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/g-7-ministers-will-discuss-s-china-sea-at-japan-meet

Photo: US troops show rappelling skills at Balikatan 2016

From GMA News (Apr 11): Photo: US troops show rappelling skills at Balikatan 2016



Members of the US Army National Guards demonstrate their rappelling skills during the Urban Search and Rescue activity of the 2016 RP-US Balikatan joint military exercises in Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal on Friday, April 8, 2016. Reuters/Romeo Ranoco 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/photo/178090/news/us-troops-show-rappelling-skills-at-balikatan-2016

Photo: PHL-US Balikatan 2016 in Palawan

From GMA News (Apr 11): Photo: PHL-US Balikatan 2016 in Palawan



Soldiers take photos of a US Marine Osprey as it takes off during the PHL-US Balikatan exercises in Cagayancillo, Palawan on Sunday, April 10, 2016. US and Filipino troops will conduct a community health education and training as part of their Balikatan Exercise in the area. GMA News 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/photo/178095/news/phl-us-balikatan-2016-in-palawan

Photo: PHL-US Balikatan 2016 in Palawan

From GMA News (Apr 11): Photo: PHL-US Balikatan 2016 in Palawan



Philippine and UStroops unload medical supplies from a US Marine Osprey in Cagayancillo, Palawan for their community health education and training during the PHL-US Balikatan Exercises on Sunday, April, 2016. Filipino and US troops, along with other allied countries, began their annual military exercise at different parts of the Philippines from April 4 to April 16. GMA News 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/photo/178096/news/phl-us-balikatan-2016-in-palawan