Official statement on bomb threats in schools

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 8): Official statement on bomb threats in schools

The following is the official statement of the Department of Education on bomb threat in schools:

"In the aftermath of the recent bombing in Davao City, bomb threats have been reported in schools around the country causing disruption of classes, panic and unnecessary stress. While the said bomb threats turned out to be a hoax, we reiterate our call for police visibility near the schools. We also remind our school officials to intensify security and be extra vigilant to ensure the safety of our teachers, students, and personnel. We urge the public to report information on terror threats to the police and to avoid spreading unverified information specially through social media."  (DepEd)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1141473249936/official-statement-on-bomb-threats-in-schools

Army bomb experts deactivate grenade found near Maguindanao hospital

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8): Army bomb experts deactivate grenade found near Maguindanao hospital

Army bomb experts defused a live fragmentation grenade tossed by still unidentified men in front of a government hospital here Wednesday, police said.

"We do not know the motive why a hospital was subjected to grenade attack," Senior Inspector Esmael Talusan, police chief of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

Talusan said the local police received a call from a man, who did not identify himself, that a hand grenade was thrown by still unidentified men at about 10 a.m. in front of Sanitarium Hospital in Barangay Ungab.

Army bomb experts and local police conducted search at the vicinity of the hospital after asking health workers to vacate the facility.

Patients were also secured by moving them at the back portion of the government health facility.

Talusan said bomb experts discovered and safely deactivated a PRB-423 fragmentation grenade found at the concrete fence and near residential areas.

The bombing attempt came a day after an improvised explosive device was set off by lawless elements in Datu Unsay, Maguinanao that injured a soldier and the discovery of three IEDs at a roadside in Barangay Rebuken which police and Army safely deactivated.

The hospital is about a kilometer away from where three IEDs were found Tuesday night.

Talusan has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and alert police authorities about suspicious bags, explosives and persons acting suspiciously in town.

More checkpoints have been set up in Sultan Kudarat town after the national government declared state of emergency in the aftermath of Davao City bombing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=921131

PNP, Army step up security in Dumaguete to thwart terror attacks

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8): PNP, Army step up security in Dumaguete to thwart terror attacks

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army in Negros Oriental launched Thursday afternoon joint operations in the provincial capital, Dumaguete City, to ward off possible terror attacks amid a full security alert status in the country.

PNP provincial director Sr. Supt. Nestor Tiempo disclosed the stepped up security measures are also being carried out as hundreds of participants to the two-day national convention on the federalism movement are converging here Friday and Saturday.

Sr. Supt. Tiempo led the joint PNP-Army operations, starting with the conduct of checkpoints and the inspection of at least three big shopping centers in Dumaguete City, namely, Cang’s Department Store main branch, the Lee Super Plaza and the Robinsons Place shopping malls.

According to Tiempo, the joint visibility patrols with the Army follows a directive from the Chief PNP, Director General Ronald dela Rosa, to undertake proactive measures to prevent any untoward incidents following the Davao bomb blast.

The joint police-military operations will also attempt to cover inspection of hotels and resorts if time allows it, said Tiempo.

Sr. Supt. Tiempo explained that they are currently focused on providing maximum security for the delegates to the national convention organized by the Hugpong Federalism Movement, to be held at the Negros Oriental Convention Center in Dumaguete City.

President Rodrigo Duterte was earlier expected to keynote the opening on Friday morning but he may not be able to make it to the national convention.

Nevertheless, security measures are already in place for the gathering, which will also be attended by some Cabinet members.

Police personnel from the different city and municipal police stations in Negros Oriental have been deployed to Dumaguete City to augment existing security forces here for the two-day activity, said Tiempo.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=921402

Reward for Davao bombers’ arrest now P3M

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8): Reward for Davao bombers’ arrest now P3M

The reward for the identification and arrest of perpetrators of last week’s Roxas night market bombing that left 14 people dead and 70 others injured, is now raised to P3 million.

Mayor Inday Sara Duterte said Thursday that a Davao-City businessman and a law firm donated P500,000 each, increasing the P2-million bounty initially offered by the City Government to P3 million.

"A businessman in Davao CIty donated P500,000 for the additional reward money and a law firm through Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez also gave another P500,000,“ Duterte said.

She said the reward for any information on the identity and whereabouts of the suspects remains to be at P1 million while P2 million will be given to those who can arrest and bring them alive to authorities.

The Mayor added that Davao City residents can immediately call Central 911 for any information about the suspect(s) while, those living outside the city can contact 0917-DUTERTE or 0917-3883783.

The Mayor earlier said she wants the arrested suspect(s) alive because she wants to talk to them and find out who their cohorts are, their group, their other terror plans and purpose.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=921395

Zamboanga City remembers September 2013 siege

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8): Zamboanga City remembers September 2013 siege

This city on Friday, September 9, marks a special day of remembrance to pay tribute to the fallen heroes of the 21-day September 2013 siege with a series of activities involving the internally displaced persons (IDPs).

City Hall information officer Belen Sheila Covarrubias said that 79 permanent housing units constructed under the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery (Z3R) for the Christian-Muslim Homeowners Association in Barangay Sta. Barbara will be turned over in ceremonies around 8 a.m. to be led by Acting Mayor Cesar Iturralde together with officials from the National Housing Authority (NHA).

Covarrubias that a service-oriented mission, dubbed as Dia de Alcalde (Mayor’s Day), will roll out at the same time in Barangay Sta. Catalina providing free medical and dental as well as registry, veterinary, agriculture, and social services to some 300 indigent families.

She said that 160 permanent houses will be turned over to IDPs who opted to transfer to the resettlement project in Sitio Dubai, Barangay Tulungatung at 1 p.m.

It will be the third turnover and awarding ceremonies for the Tulungatung Z3R package, which covers a total of 383 housing units with a total cost of PhP79.16 million.

Covarrubias said the commemorative program and wreath-laying ceremony is set at 4 p.m. at the Marker for the Heroes in Rizal Street with Brig. Gen. Jose Cabanban, Deputy Commander of Western Mindanao Command as guest of honor.

It will be followed by the bestowal of Children of Hope honorary title to 25 children who were born on September 9, 2013.

The siege started on September 9, 2013 as hundreds of members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) infiltrated four coastal barangays (villages) of this city.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=921444

Army, PNP combine forces to secure Western Visayas from possible terrorist threat

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8): Army, PNP combine forces to secure Western Visayas from possible terrorist threat

The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) has received augmentation troops from the Philippine Army (PA) in providing security to various places of convergence in Western Visayas.

“They are assisting the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure that Panay Island is shielded from threats of terror attacks that most recently hit Davao City,” said Superintendent Gilbert Gorero, chief of the PRO 6 regional public information office.

The augmentation of military personnel in tourist areas, ports and terminals and in Iloilo City is in accordance with the joint AFP-PNP deployment in line with the declaration of the ‘state of lawlessness’ to prevent the spillover of terrorism in other areas of the country, he added.

“With this active AFP-PNP security partnership, we assure the public of an uninterrupted peace and order for everyone to enjoy and do business in,” he said.

Gorero advised the public not to be alarmed by their presence in these places of convergence.

The troops from the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) will stay until the situation is normalized, he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=921398

New AFP Commander checks security situation in Antique

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8): New AFP Commander checks security situation in Antique

New Armed Forces of the Philippines Commander Major General Raul Del Rosario, together with the other high ranking officers, were here in the province Wednesday to check the security situation.

Del Rosario paid a courtesy call to Antique Gov. Rhodora J. Cadiao who received him with Vice Gov. Edgar Denosta and the provincial government consultant Margie Gadian.

Del Rosario, in an interview immediately after the courtesy call with the governor at the capitol, said that so far Antique was relatively secure in terms of terrorism threat.

He further said that for the situation on illegal drugs, it was still manageable with actions done by the local government unit.

He also assured that the AFP is ready to assist the province, particularly on its big potential for development.

Del Rosario, who assumed as the new Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Central Command based in Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City on Aug. 11, 2016, replacing Lieutenant General Nicanor Vivar, came with Brigadier General Alan R. Arrojado, his deputy, Maj. Gen. Harold Cabreros, 3rd Infantry Division commander, and Brigadier Gen. Jose G. Mirandilla, Commander of the Philippine Air Force 2nd Air Division.

Del Rosario after his engagement in Antique also proceeded to Iloilo and intends to visit all other provinces in Western Visayas in the coming days.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=921205

Obama: ‘We want to partner with PHL on issue of narco-traffickers’

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8): Obama: ‘We want to partner with PHL on issue of narco-traffickers’

US President Barack Obama said Thursday that the United States wants to partner with the Philippines in addressing narco-traffickers, which is a serious problem not only in the Philippines but around the world.

”We want to partner with the Philippines on the particular issue of narco-traffickers, which is a serious problem in the Philippines. It’s a serious problem in the United States and around the world,” Obama said in a press conference in Laos after the 28th and 29th ASEAN Summit.

"On that narrow issue, we do want to make sure the partnership we have is consistent with international norms and rule of law. So, we're not going to back off from our position that if we're working with a country, whether it's on anti-terrorism, whether it's on going after drug traffickers, as despicable as these networks may be, as much damage as they do, it is important, from our perspective, to make sure that we do it the right way because the consequences of when you do it the wrong way is innocent people get hurt," the US leader added.

Obama said he shook hands with President Duterte before the gala dinner Wednesday night at the ASEAN Summit.

"I did shake hands with President Duterte last night. It was not a long interaction, and what I indicated to him is that my team should be meeting with his and determine how we can move forward on a whole range of issues," Obama said.

The US leader also said he did not it take personally when President Duterte called him "son of a whore".

Duterte made the comment in reaction to Obama’s promise to raise the issue of extrajudicial killing of drugs suspects in the Philippines at their scheduled meeting in Laos. Obama called off the meeting.

"As I said, when I was asked about this in China, I don't take these comments personally because it seems as if it's a phrase he's used repeatedly, including directed to the Pope and others. And so I think it seems to be just a habit, a way of speaking for him," Obama said.

Last Tuesday, Malacañang spokesperson Ernesto Abella said President Duterte has expressed regret for his remark against the US president.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=921452

PNP chief needs more time to "scout" for new Davao City police chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8): PNP chief needs more time to "scout" for new Davao City police chief

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Dir. Gen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Davao City Mayor Sarah Duterte have already spoken to each other about the relief of Sr. Supt. John Michael Dubria as Davao City police chief.

Dela Rosa said he asked for more time from the mayor to “scout” for and make a list of nominees.

He explained that the next Davao police chief should be familiar with the city, especially because the city is in a critical situation following the bomb explosion that rocked the Roxas night market last Friday night that claimed 14 lives and injured 70 others.

If Dubria, who was born in and grew up in Davao City, was eluded by the terrorists, how much more if his replacement is not a resident of the city, dela Rosa pointed out.

The PNP chief said he is grateful that he was given more time by the mayor and that she was not in a hurry to relieve Dubria from his post.

No “time frame” was set for the search of the new chief of police of Davao City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=921206

Joint Task Force Sulu commander urges people not to panic amid terror threats

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8): Joint Task Force Sulu commander urges people not to panic amid terror threats

Joint Task Force Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega advised the public, especially those in his area of operations, not to panic as messages of alleged terrorist attacks continue to spike in social media.

Instead, he urged the latter to be more vigilant and alert.

"All information are being validated. The public is advised not to panic but be vigilant and alert. Report any suspicious individuals/groups or unattended bags or package to authorities. Do not touch or remove unattended packages," Dela Vega stressed.

The public is also advised to carry out their daily routine activities unless dire circumstances prevent them from doing such, he added.

"The aim of terrorists is to sow fear and panic by means of bloodshed, destruction and intimidation. If we subscribe to their threat even without them actually doing it, they succeeded in disturbing our way of life," the commander stressed.

Dela Vega also said that should anyone receive text or any information about supposed terror threat, send it to the AFP and PNP for validation.

"It is also wise not to spread text or any message that specifically details a supposed terroristic attack on a specific establishment as this may only be a ploy by some interest groups riding on the issue," he added.

Dela Vega stressed the fight against terror is everyone's responsibility and the country must unite againstterrorism.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=921229

DND to continue monitoring activities off Scarborough Shoal

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8): DND to continue monitoring activities off Scarborough Shoal

The Department of National Defense (DND) said it will constantly conduct monitoring and surveillance missions in Scarborough Shoal (Bajo De Masinloc) where 10 Chinese vessels are currently gathered.

The area is 123 miles west of Subic Bay, Zambales.

DND public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong said they are continuing monitoring and surveillance operations but said further action will depend on the other of the Commander-in-Chief, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

Earlier, the DND released pictures of the Chinese vessels lying off Scarborough Shoal. The photos were taken by Filipino military aircraft on overflight missions to the area last September 3.

But prior the overflight, Andolong said the DND has prior knowledge of Chinese activity in the shoal as Philippine ships are regularly patrolling the area.

He added that DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana decided to make the information public after learning that the number of Chinese ships in Scarborough Shoal has increased.

The DND chief earlier said that there are 10 Chinese ships in the area, with four looking like Chinese Coast Guard ships, four similar to barges and two resembling troop ships.

China gained control of Scarborough Shoal after a tense stand-off with Philippine Navy units in 2012.

Its maritime law enforcement units have been consistently driving away Filipinos spotted in the area.

Last July 12, the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidated China's claim over its "historic rights" to the West Philippine Sea and also pointed out that its 'Nine-Dash-Line' claim has no legal basis.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=921262

PHL, US host 3-day CHOD Conference

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8): PHL, US host 3-day CHOD Conference

Twenty-nine ranking military leaders from Indo-Asia Pacific region participated in this year's Chief of Defense (CHOD) Conference held in Manila from Monday to Wednesday.

The event was co-hosted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States Pacific Command, said AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo.

Defense chiefs and senior military leaders from Myanmar, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, India, Nepal, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Fiji, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, Chile, Colombia, France, Mexico, Peru, United Kingdom, and the United States of America participated in the three-day event.

Arevalo said the CHOD aims to strengthen military cooperation, promote collaboration, and discuss security challenges across the Indo-Pacific maritime and geopolitical sphere.

The discussion centered on regional military cooperation and challenges, as highlighted by discussions on "Future Regional Order in the Indo-Asia-Pacific," "Military Cooperation in Transnational Security," and "Prospects for Maritime Shared Awareness, Technology, and Innovation."

Separate programs were also held for the Senior Enlisted Leaders (SEL) and the Spouses Network comprised of professional development conferences, capability demonstrations and static displays for the SEL and guided tours, and humanitarian visits for the spouses.

This year’s hosting of CHOD took its cue from the 2014 conference in Brunei, where former AFP chief-of-staff Gregorio Catapang, Jr., agreed to the request of USPACOM to co-host.

Started in 1998, CHOD became a platform for multilateral military dialogue and sharing of regional and global perspectives on common security challenges.

"We've marked modest achievements in the realization of our aspirations as far as regional peace and stability are concerned. Through this, we are optimistic in the cooperative ties that we have forged together to address terrorism, trafficking in person, drug trafficking, and other transnational crimes. We will emerge empowered still despite our own preoccupations with our mandates at home," AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya said.

"As for the AFP, this conference became a venue for us to showcase our capacity for regional leadership, as we continue to promote trust, cooperation, and the peaceful advancement of our individual and common interests in the Indo-Asia Pacific region," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=921263

Former EMC chief-of-staff now heads Task Force Davao

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8): Former EMC chief-of-staff now heads Task Force Davao

Col. Erwin Bernard L. Neri, former Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) chief-of-staff, was appointed new Task Force Davao commander.

He assumed his new post during his formal military ceremony Thursday.

Neri, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1988 replaced Col. Henry Robinson following the bombing incident in Davao City last Sept. 2 which left at least 14 people dead and over 60 others wounded.

10th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Rafael Valencia presided the change of command ceremony at Task Force Davao headquarters in Davao City

Army commander Lt. Gen. Eduardo M. Año has approved the replacement of Robinson after the bombing incident in Davao City.

Meanwhile, the relief and designation of officers in leading line units is normally done to carry out mission accomplishment above anything else.

Unit commanders shall take full responsibility for anything the unit does or fails to do, Army spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao said.

Prior to his new post, Neri also served as Civil Military Operations deputy assistant chief-of-staff and executive officer at the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Education and Training.

He likewise commanded the 79th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, and served as executive officer of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, also of the 3rd Infantry Division.

Neri has a Masters Degree in Management major in Public Management from UP Baguio.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=921331

True identity of main suspect in Davao blast established - PNP

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8): True identity of main suspect in Davao blast established - PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has established the true identity of the primary suspect who left the bomb that exploded at the night market in Davao City last Friday, killing 14 people and injuring 70 others.

PNP Chief Dir. Gen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said Thursday the suspect was positively identified based on the testimony of two massage therapists.

Dela Rosa said the suspect has been identified even if his face was covered, by presenting to the witnesses 20 pictures or portraits showing features.

The PNP chief did not want to name the suspect as the manhunt operation continues.

What is clear, he said, is that the police already know where the suspect might be hiding.

Meanwhile, dela Rosa also confirmed that the suspect is a member of a terrorist group, which he declined to name.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=921311

Marwan students may be behind Davao blast

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 8): Marwan students may be behind Davao blast

Police arrested a suspected bomb-maker in the town of M’lang in North Cotabato province, and are hunting two other suspects believed to be linked to the recent Davao City night market bombing that killed 14 persons and injured 70 others.

The suspects, among others still being hunted, are believed to be students of Indonesian terrorist Marwan, who was killed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province last year, police officials said.

Supt. Bernard Tayong, the spokesperson of the North Cotabato Police Office based in Barangay Amas here, on Wednesday said the suspect, Jokrie Buisan, was arrested during a court-backed raid on a house in Barangay Dunguan in M’lang on Tuesday.

Those who eluded arrest were identified as siblings Anwar and Guiamadel Sandigan.
Tayong said the raiding team seized explosives and bomb-making components from the house, as well as “shabu” (methamphetamine hydrocloride), an illegal drug.

Foreign-looking

The recovered explosives were being examined to determine if they matched the bomb used in the Sept. 2 explosion at the night market in Davao City. The team found a finished improvised explosive device, fashioned from a 60-millimeter mortar shell, which the suspects might have been preparing for dispatch to a still uncertain target.

Tayong said  foreign-looking persons were seen in Dunguan days before the raid.

“They could have been teaching the suspects about bomb making,” he said.

In Manila, Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa theorized that “students of killed Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan” could be responsible for last week’s bombing attack in Davao City.

Speaking to the media in Camp Crame, Dela Rosa said this was the new angle in the ongoing investigation of the Davao incident based on the trademark of the improvised explosive device (IED).

“It (the IED used in Davao) can be traced back to the Central Mindanao area where Marwan had trained many students there. While we still don’t have the identity of the suspects, at least we now have a good lead,” he said.

Dela Rosa said he had ordered a further evaluation of the supposed four persons of interest—two women and two men—who were reportedly responsible for the attack.

He acknowledged that the police intelligence community received earlier information indicating a bombing attack would take place but did not specify the time, date and place.

Earlier, a spokesperson for the extremist Abu Sayyaf group said the Davao bombing was the work of their ally—the so-called Daulat Ul Islamiya.

Meanwhile, bomb scares continue to hound areas in Southern Mindanao after the Sept. 2 explosion in Davao City.

In Digos City, the Catholic-run Cor Jesu College on Wednesday suspended classes after a bomb scare.

Classes were also disrupted in Davao City on Tuesday following bomb scares at a government-run school in Sta. Ana and at the University of Southeastern Philippines.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/813791/marwan-students-may-be-behind-davao-blast