From the Manila Times (Oct 4): Muslim preachers form radical ISIS-style group
Five radical Muslim religious preachers have bolted the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and formed their own revolutionary group perceived to be more radical, being inspired by the ideology of the notorious Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
Calling themselves as the genuine “Muashasin,” an Arabic term meaning “founders,” they declared the new revolutionary group as the counterpart of ISIS in southern Mindanao.
Local officials in three towns in Maguindanao confirmed the preachers’ separation, including that of their followers, from the BIFF, during a gathering recently.
The Muashasin have pledged allegiance to the ISIS and adopted the latter’s infamous black flag as the group’s revolutionary banner.
Last week, the BIFF leadership distributed a press statement confirming that the clerics–Hassan, Abdulmalik Esmael, Bashir Ungab, Nasser Adil and Ansari Yuno– have left to form a breakaway faction focused on establishing an Asian Islamic caliphate allied with the ISIS.
Local residents said Salahudin and Esmael, both of Maguindanaon lineage, were trained by the slain Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, known as Marwan, in the manufacture and handling of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Mamasapano town southwest of Maguindanao.
They are both from Shariff Saidona town in Maguindanao, according to local officials.
“They are no longer with the BIFF and the BIFF has nothing to do with their activities now,” BIFF’s spokesman, Abu Misry Mama, said.
Relatives said the five jihadists broke away from the BIFF after forging alliances with the Maute terror group in the first district of Lanao del Sur and the more notorious terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu.
The group is headed by brothers Abdullah and Omar Maute.
The brothers studied Islamic theology while employed as OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) in the United Arab Emirates before they established their so-called “black flag movement” in Lanao del Sur.
The BIFF earlier split into two factions, one led by Karialan and the other by Bongos, both Imams, but differed in their views on Islamic militancy and on how to relate with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which is helping the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ward off IED attacks in Central Mindanao.
The government and the MILF are bound by a 1997 ceasefire agreement to mutually cooperate in maintaining law and order in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.
The BIFF was founded in late 2010 by Ustadz Ameril Ombra Kato, who started as commander of the MILF’s 105th Base Command.
Kato bolted the MILF in late 2010 because of irreconcilable differences with its central committee, headed by Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim, determined to pursue a negotiated peace deal with the Philippine government.
Kato died of a lingering illness in 2014 at Datu Saudi town in Maguindanao, after half of his body was paralyzed as a result of a stroke two years before.
Like the ASG, the BIFF also proclaimed loyalty to the ISIS and incites people in areas where it operates to hate non-Muslims and treat them with animosity for being kuff’r, or unbelievers of the Islamic teachings.
http://www.manilatimes.net/muslim-preachers-form-radical-isis-style-group/289435/
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Zamboanga bomb plot: More Abu Sayyaf suspects may still be at large
From CNN Philippines (Oct 5): Zamboanga bomb plot: More Abu Sayyaf suspects may still be at large
After arresting three suspected Abu Sayyaf members for supposedly planning to bomb a festival in Zamboanga City, local police are on the lookout for more suspects.
Sr. Supt. Luisito Magnaye, Zamboanga City Police Director, on Tuesday said some Abu Sayyaf members wanting to wreak havoc at the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival may still be at large.
Magnaye said the Abu Sayyaf are planning to hurl a hand grenade at RT Lim Boulevard, one of the popular sites in this year's festivities, happening October 1-12.
Read: Police arrest Abu Sayyaf suspects in Zamboanga bomb plot
Magnaye advised the public to be vigilant and report any unusual incident to authorities.
The suspects might also create an improvised explosive device, Magnaye said, since a detonating cord was confiscated from the three suspects arrested on Monday.
Police also recovered grenades, a 45-caliber pistol, and a blasting cap.
Zamboanga Police Office Spokesperson Chief Inspector Helen Galvez identified the first group of suspects as Abde dela Cruz (aka Sherwin), Jabar Ignohasim, and Abdulla Yusup – all residents of Jolo, Sulu.
They are believed to be members of the Sulu-based subgroup of the Abu Sayyaf under the leadership of Alhabsi Misaya, according to police intelligence officers.
The suspects were also planning to kidnap a prominent businessman in Zamboanga City, police said.
Magnaye refused to confirm if one of the suspects in Monday's arrest is involved in the beheading of captives in Sulu province. Magnaye said they are still validating reports.
Zamboanga police officers were about to serve a warrant of arrest against Dela Cruz at a pension house in Zamboanga City when he and two other suspects tried to escape.
The police nabbed the suspects at 2:45 p.m. on Monday.
According to police, the three suspects arrived via a passenger vessel from Jolo Monday morning and checked in at a local pension house.
Related: Who are the Abu Sayyaf?
http://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2016/10/04/zamboanga-bomb-plot-more-abu-sayyaf-suspects-may-still-be-at-large.html
After arresting three suspected Abu Sayyaf members for supposedly planning to bomb a festival in Zamboanga City, local police are on the lookout for more suspects.
Sr. Supt. Luisito Magnaye, Zamboanga City Police Director, on Tuesday said some Abu Sayyaf members wanting to wreak havoc at the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival may still be at large.
Magnaye said the Abu Sayyaf are planning to hurl a hand grenade at RT Lim Boulevard, one of the popular sites in this year's festivities, happening October 1-12.
Read: Police arrest Abu Sayyaf suspects in Zamboanga bomb plot
Magnaye advised the public to be vigilant and report any unusual incident to authorities.
The suspects might also create an improvised explosive device, Magnaye said, since a detonating cord was confiscated from the three suspects arrested on Monday.
Police also recovered grenades, a 45-caliber pistol, and a blasting cap.
Zamboanga Police Office Spokesperson Chief Inspector Helen Galvez identified the first group of suspects as Abde dela Cruz (aka Sherwin), Jabar Ignohasim, and Abdulla Yusup – all residents of Jolo, Sulu.
They are believed to be members of the Sulu-based subgroup of the Abu Sayyaf under the leadership of Alhabsi Misaya, according to police intelligence officers.
The suspects were also planning to kidnap a prominent businessman in Zamboanga City, police said.
Magnaye refused to confirm if one of the suspects in Monday's arrest is involved in the beheading of captives in Sulu province. Magnaye said they are still validating reports.
Zamboanga police officers were about to serve a warrant of arrest against Dela Cruz at a pension house in Zamboanga City when he and two other suspects tried to escape.
The police nabbed the suspects at 2:45 p.m. on Monday.
According to police, the three suspects arrived via a passenger vessel from Jolo Monday morning and checked in at a local pension house.
Related: Who are the Abu Sayyaf?
http://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2016/10/04/zamboanga-bomb-plot-more-abu-sayyaf-suspects-may-still-be-at-large.html
Indonesian Firm Gave Abu Sayyaf Money for Release of Hostages: Family Rep
From Benar News (Oct 4): Indonesian Firm Gave Abu Sayyaf Money for Release of Hostages: Family Rep
A Philippine soldier, left, escorts freed Indonesian sailors Edi Suryono, Muhammad Mabrur Dahri and Ferry Arifin in the town of Jolo, Oct. 2, 2016.
A man who represents relatives of three Indonesian sailors who were freed from Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) custody over the weekend claims their company sent money to the southern Philippine militant group before their release.
“There is no free lunch. [The company] did not pay ransom but gave ‘thank you’ money to cover the meals and all costs when they were held hostage,” Amrullah, who represents families of crew members of the tugboat Charles 001 who were kidnapped at sea in June, told BenarNews in an interview.
“How much it was, only the company knows. Even if I knew, I would not tell because there are still two of our colleagues who are detained by Abu Sayyaf,” said Amrullah, chairman of the Indonesian Seafarers Union in Samarinda, East Kalimantan province.
A spokesman for the company, P.T. Rusianto Brothers, declined to respond to the allegation.
“Regarding ransom, I don’t want to comment,” Taufikrahman told BenarNews on Tuesday.
A government official said Indonesia did not pay for the sailors’ release.
The three sailors who were released on Saturday have been identified as Ferry Arifin, 26, Muhammad Mahbrur Dahri, 27, and Edi Suryono, 27. Fellow shipmates Muhammad Nasir and Robin Pieter and six Malaysians are still in ASG custody.
Following the abduction of seven crew members off the tugboat Charles 001 on June 20, reports surfaced that ASG had demanded a ransom of 200 million Philippine pesos (U.S. $4.1 million) for their release.
Two of the crew members, Muhamad Sofyan and Ismail were rescued after they reportedly escaped from their captors.
Government: No ransom paid
The Indonesian government has consistently maintained that it has never paid any ransom money to secure the release of citizens being held captive by the militant group based in the southern Philippines.
“Maybe, it is costly, but the government will never compromise to terrorists by paying ransom,” Lalu Muhammad Iqbal, the foreign ministry’s director of protection and legal assistance for Indonesians overseas, told journalists.
Despite the government’s claim, Philippine-based news website Rappler.com reported last month that ASG had collected at least 354.1 Philippine pesos (U.S. $7.3 million) in 2016 from ransoms paid for hostages. Of that amount, at least 324.1 million pesos ($6.7 million) was raised through ransoms paid for Southeast Asian sailors.
Ransoms have been paid for 17 Indonesians who have been released by Abu Sayyaf this year, Rappler reported.
Joint sea, air patrols discussed
The release of the three hostages occurred as the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) announced that it was working with Indonesian and Malaysian defense officials to explore joint air patrols for safeguarding the seaways that separate the three neighbors.
These discussions took place during a meeting in Hawaii over the weekend between defense officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States, Philippine media reported.
In a statement DND noted that the three nations were finalizing plans for similar maritime patrols in what they consider areas of common concern in the Sulu and Celebes seas.
“The phenomenon of returning fighters from the conflict in the Middle East could eventually create security challenges for the three countries, something which the ministers recognized, and hence, their decision to further get their act together,” DND said in a press release.
Contact
Amrullah said he was able to maintain contact with the hostages while they were being held because he was in communication with Abu Qhasadah, also known as Pak Jul, the leader of the ASG faction holding them.
Amrullah said he had talked with the hostages several times to say hello, and ask about their health.
“I did not interfere in the release efforts by the government. I just merely asked about how they were, and gave them encouragement to survive,” he said.
http://www.benarnews.org/english/news/indonesian/freed-hostages-10042016171248.html
A Philippine soldier, left, escorts freed Indonesian sailors Edi Suryono, Muhammad Mabrur Dahri and Ferry Arifin in the town of Jolo, Oct. 2, 2016.
A man who represents relatives of three Indonesian sailors who were freed from Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) custody over the weekend claims their company sent money to the southern Philippine militant group before their release.
“There is no free lunch. [The company] did not pay ransom but gave ‘thank you’ money to cover the meals and all costs when they were held hostage,” Amrullah, who represents families of crew members of the tugboat Charles 001 who were kidnapped at sea in June, told BenarNews in an interview.
“How much it was, only the company knows. Even if I knew, I would not tell because there are still two of our colleagues who are detained by Abu Sayyaf,” said Amrullah, chairman of the Indonesian Seafarers Union in Samarinda, East Kalimantan province.
A spokesman for the company, P.T. Rusianto Brothers, declined to respond to the allegation.
“Regarding ransom, I don’t want to comment,” Taufikrahman told BenarNews on Tuesday.
A government official said Indonesia did not pay for the sailors’ release.
The three sailors who were released on Saturday have been identified as Ferry Arifin, 26, Muhammad Mahbrur Dahri, 27, and Edi Suryono, 27. Fellow shipmates Muhammad Nasir and Robin Pieter and six Malaysians are still in ASG custody.
Following the abduction of seven crew members off the tugboat Charles 001 on June 20, reports surfaced that ASG had demanded a ransom of 200 million Philippine pesos (U.S. $4.1 million) for their release.
Two of the crew members, Muhamad Sofyan and Ismail were rescued after they reportedly escaped from their captors.
Government: No ransom paid
The Indonesian government has consistently maintained that it has never paid any ransom money to secure the release of citizens being held captive by the militant group based in the southern Philippines.
“Maybe, it is costly, but the government will never compromise to terrorists by paying ransom,” Lalu Muhammad Iqbal, the foreign ministry’s director of protection and legal assistance for Indonesians overseas, told journalists.
Despite the government’s claim, Philippine-based news website Rappler.com reported last month that ASG had collected at least 354.1 Philippine pesos (U.S. $7.3 million) in 2016 from ransoms paid for hostages. Of that amount, at least 324.1 million pesos ($6.7 million) was raised through ransoms paid for Southeast Asian sailors.
Ransoms have been paid for 17 Indonesians who have been released by Abu Sayyaf this year, Rappler reported.
Joint sea, air patrols discussed
The release of the three hostages occurred as the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) announced that it was working with Indonesian and Malaysian defense officials to explore joint air patrols for safeguarding the seaways that separate the three neighbors.
These discussions took place during a meeting in Hawaii over the weekend between defense officials from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States, Philippine media reported.
In a statement DND noted that the three nations were finalizing plans for similar maritime patrols in what they consider areas of common concern in the Sulu and Celebes seas.
“The phenomenon of returning fighters from the conflict in the Middle East could eventually create security challenges for the three countries, something which the ministers recognized, and hence, their decision to further get their act together,” DND said in a press release.
Contact
Amrullah said he was able to maintain contact with the hostages while they were being held because he was in communication with Abu Qhasadah, also known as Pak Jul, the leader of the ASG faction holding them.
Amrullah said he had talked with the hostages several times to say hello, and ask about their health.
“I did not interfere in the release efforts by the government. I just merely asked about how they were, and gave them encouragement to survive,” he said.
http://www.benarnews.org/english/news/indonesian/freed-hostages-10042016171248.html
Gov't panel adviser says peace agreement with NDF will be accepted by Filipinos
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4): Gov't panel adviser says peace agreement with NDF will be accepted by Filipinos
City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said that the government's ongoing peace negotiation with the National Democratic Front (NDF) has the support of the Filipinos and the future peace agreement will be embraced by the nation.
Pamintuan, who is also a government peace panel adviser, made this reaction following the rejection in a plebiscite of the peace agreement between the Colombian government and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP).
"The Colombian and Philippine peace negotiations have parallelisms but also differences. In the ongoing negotiation with the NDF, we are focused on the resolutions of the basic issues, the root causes of the almost five-decade war in our countrysides. We are resolved to settle everything on the negotiating table. And while we are talking, we are also informing, educating our people through various forms of information-dissemination particularly the media, the social media and thru the conduct of grassroots fora," Pamintuan said.
Likewise, he said the country has peace advocates and progressive leaders in various levels of government and civil society groups which are all-out in support of the ongoing peace efforts.
"The support mechanisms for a just and lasting peace are already in place," Pamintuan added.
Seeking to end more than 50 years of war, the Colombian government and FARC-EP inked a peace agreement on August 24, 2016.
The deal, however, was rejected during the October 2, 2016 referendum with 50.24% voting against and 49.76% in favor.
"The components for the success of our peace negotiation and its eventual acceptance by the Filipino people are already in place. We have already legalized the Communist Party and other ideologies. We have progressives participating in our electoral processes. We are ready for peace," Pamintuan said.
After a six-year hiatus, the peace negotiation with the NDF was revived during the successful first round of talks in Oslo, Norway on August 22 to 28, 2016.
The second round is scheduled on October 6 to 10, this year.
The Royal Norwegian Government is sponsoring the ongoing peace negotiation.
"Our people wants peace. They are exuberant and ecstatic on its prospects. We owe it to them and the future generation to bring the armed conflict to a just and lasting conclusion," Pamintuan added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=928505
City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said that the government's ongoing peace negotiation with the National Democratic Front (NDF) has the support of the Filipinos and the future peace agreement will be embraced by the nation.
Pamintuan, who is also a government peace panel adviser, made this reaction following the rejection in a plebiscite of the peace agreement between the Colombian government and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP).
"The Colombian and Philippine peace negotiations have parallelisms but also differences. In the ongoing negotiation with the NDF, we are focused on the resolutions of the basic issues, the root causes of the almost five-decade war in our countrysides. We are resolved to settle everything on the negotiating table. And while we are talking, we are also informing, educating our people through various forms of information-dissemination particularly the media, the social media and thru the conduct of grassroots fora," Pamintuan said.
Likewise, he said the country has peace advocates and progressive leaders in various levels of government and civil society groups which are all-out in support of the ongoing peace efforts.
"The support mechanisms for a just and lasting peace are already in place," Pamintuan added.
Seeking to end more than 50 years of war, the Colombian government and FARC-EP inked a peace agreement on August 24, 2016.
The deal, however, was rejected during the October 2, 2016 referendum with 50.24% voting against and 49.76% in favor.
"The components for the success of our peace negotiation and its eventual acceptance by the Filipino people are already in place. We have already legalized the Communist Party and other ideologies. We have progressives participating in our electoral processes. We are ready for peace," Pamintuan said.
After a six-year hiatus, the peace negotiation with the NDF was revived during the successful first round of talks in Oslo, Norway on August 22 to 28, 2016.
The second round is scheduled on October 6 to 10, this year.
The Royal Norwegian Government is sponsoring the ongoing peace negotiation.
"Our people wants peace. They are exuberant and ecstatic on its prospects. We owe it to them and the future generation to bring the armed conflict to a just and lasting conclusion," Pamintuan added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=928505
President Duterte rejects Misuari’s request to bring security escorts in Davao City
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4): President Duterte rejects Misuari’s request to bring security escorts in Davao City
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said fugitive Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari agreed to talk to him in Davao City but with his own security escorts.
”Regarding Nur, I talked to him coming over here. He is willing to go to Davao to bring troops with him for security. I explained that’s not possible anymore. He is facing charges,” President Duterte said in his speech in an event with local government units (LGUs) leaders at Mayuree Grand Ballroom Dusit Thani in Makati City.
In his efforts to establish avenue to reach peace with the MNLF rebels, President Duterte called up and told Misuari that he is willing to fetch the fugitive MNLF leader from Jolo and bring him to Davao City where they can talk about peace.
”If you want, I myself would go to Jolo and I will bring you to Davao and talk there so that everything will be okay,” President said, relating his phone conversation with Misuari.
President Duterte said he would talk with Misuari again on Tuesday night.
The President reiterated his firm stand not to talk with Abu Sayyaf, a terrorist group that Misuari wanted to be included in the peace talks.
”I don’t want to talk to Abu Sayyaf. They are too brutal but outright criminals,” he said.
In a separate speech he delivered at the Philippine Army headquarters at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, President Duterte announced that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Murad Ebrahim and vice chair Ghadzali Jaafar have agreed to talk peace again with the government.
”They agreed to talk and we will resume the talk next…I will be out of the Manila for a quite some time,” President Duterte said.
President Duterte said he also talked with Moro scholars in Mindanao “and they said that Mindanao really belongs to them.”
”It was taken away by the Americans and that they will not negotiate with me. They will talk but they will not negotiate for as long as they find some Americans in Mindanao,” he said.
The President clarified that he was not asking the Americans to leave the entire Philippines.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=928652
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said fugitive Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari agreed to talk to him in Davao City but with his own security escorts.
”Regarding Nur, I talked to him coming over here. He is willing to go to Davao to bring troops with him for security. I explained that’s not possible anymore. He is facing charges,” President Duterte said in his speech in an event with local government units (LGUs) leaders at Mayuree Grand Ballroom Dusit Thani in Makati City.
In his efforts to establish avenue to reach peace with the MNLF rebels, President Duterte called up and told Misuari that he is willing to fetch the fugitive MNLF leader from Jolo and bring him to Davao City where they can talk about peace.
”If you want, I myself would go to Jolo and I will bring you to Davao and talk there so that everything will be okay,” President said, relating his phone conversation with Misuari.
President Duterte said he would talk with Misuari again on Tuesday night.
The President reiterated his firm stand not to talk with Abu Sayyaf, a terrorist group that Misuari wanted to be included in the peace talks.
”I don’t want to talk to Abu Sayyaf. They are too brutal but outright criminals,” he said.
In a separate speech he delivered at the Philippine Army headquarters at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, President Duterte announced that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Murad Ebrahim and vice chair Ghadzali Jaafar have agreed to talk peace again with the government.
”They agreed to talk and we will resume the talk next…I will be out of the Manila for a quite some time,” President Duterte said.
President Duterte said he also talked with Moro scholars in Mindanao “and they said that Mindanao really belongs to them.”
”It was taken away by the Americans and that they will not negotiate with me. They will talk but they will not negotiate for as long as they find some Americans in Mindanao,” he said.
The President clarified that he was not asking the Americans to leave the entire Philippines.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=928652
AFP capable of defending PHL territory
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4): AFP capable of defending PHL territory
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured is capable of defending the country's territory even without foreign help.
This was stressed by AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla in an interview Monday.
"The AFP has its own capabilities and based on the threats that we face, it is sufficient and we are now preparing for other possible threats," he said in Filipino.
However, despite its willingness to defend the country, Padilla is hopeful that the AFP will not be mobilized to fight foreign aggressors or intruders as the Philippines has friendly relations with all nations, especially its neighbors.
"The current status of our country is we are friends with all our neighbors, we abide by the constitutional policy of always prioritizing peace and that's exactly what we are doing, so within the scope of our capabilities we are able to protect our interest at the moment and that far I can go," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=928446
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured is capable of defending the country's territory even without foreign help.
This was stressed by AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla in an interview Monday.
"The AFP has its own capabilities and based on the threats that we face, it is sufficient and we are now preparing for other possible threats," he said in Filipino.
However, despite its willingness to defend the country, Padilla is hopeful that the AFP will not be mobilized to fight foreign aggressors or intruders as the Philippines has friendly relations with all nations, especially its neighbors.
"The current status of our country is we are friends with all our neighbors, we abide by the constitutional policy of always prioritizing peace and that's exactly what we are doing, so within the scope of our capabilities we are able to protect our interest at the moment and that far I can go," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=928446
Troops involved in ASG campaign undergoing stress debriefing
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4): Troops involved in ASG campaign undergoing stress debriefing
Troops,conducting focused military operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists in Sulu, are continuously undergoing combat stress debriefing to cope with psychological rigors of their job.
Joint Task Force Sulu spokesperson Col. Rodrigo Gregorio in a statement Tuesday, said as of this posting, three companies from different battalions have so far undergone the combat stress debriefing being conducted by a steady flow of medical teams coming from the AFP Medical Center.
Gregorio said stress debriefing is now on its third week, with teams composed of health professionals with psychological specializations, helping in the campaign.
A priest from the AFP Chaplain Service is also helping, he also said.
Two teams from the AFP medical center have so far completed the three-week process and are set to be replaced by another team from Manila.
The combat stress debriefing is a mechanism to ensure the psychological health, morale and welfare of troops involved in highly dangerous combat operations.
Such type of stress was first observed on American troops during the Vietnam War by medical personnel and was found to be a type of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD.
The debriefing aims to address possible cases of PTSD among troops, a sickness that is beyond superficial wounds common among soldiers, policemen and other law enforcers who have been to combat zones or some life threatening situations.
"Combat stress debriefing is part of the program of the AFP to take care of the health and welfare of troops involved in combat. The AFP provides a continuing healthcare program to our soldiers from the moment officers and troops get commissioned or enlisted until they retire from the service," Joint Task Force Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega said.
Combat fatigue and battle stress debriefing are provided to our soldiers in view of their perilous mission. This is to address any possible problem or stress that may affect the performance; and medical and psychological health of soldiers assigned in combat zones.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=928464
Troops,conducting focused military operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists in Sulu, are continuously undergoing combat stress debriefing to cope with psychological rigors of their job.
Joint Task Force Sulu spokesperson Col. Rodrigo Gregorio in a statement Tuesday, said as of this posting, three companies from different battalions have so far undergone the combat stress debriefing being conducted by a steady flow of medical teams coming from the AFP Medical Center.
Gregorio said stress debriefing is now on its third week, with teams composed of health professionals with psychological specializations, helping in the campaign.
A priest from the AFP Chaplain Service is also helping, he also said.
Two teams from the AFP medical center have so far completed the three-week process and are set to be replaced by another team from Manila.
The combat stress debriefing is a mechanism to ensure the psychological health, morale and welfare of troops involved in highly dangerous combat operations.
Such type of stress was first observed on American troops during the Vietnam War by medical personnel and was found to be a type of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD.
The debriefing aims to address possible cases of PTSD among troops, a sickness that is beyond superficial wounds common among soldiers, policemen and other law enforcers who have been to combat zones or some life threatening situations.
"Combat stress debriefing is part of the program of the AFP to take care of the health and welfare of troops involved in combat. The AFP provides a continuing healthcare program to our soldiers from the moment officers and troops get commissioned or enlisted until they retire from the service," Joint Task Force Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega said.
Combat fatigue and battle stress debriefing are provided to our soldiers in view of their perilous mission. This is to address any possible problem or stress that may affect the performance; and medical and psychological health of soldiers assigned in combat zones.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=928464
PHIBLEX provides American, Filipino marines with insights to meet terror, internal security threats
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4): PHIBLEX provides American, Filipino marines with insights to meet terror, internal security threats
Aside from beefing up the country's territorial defense capabilities, the annual amphibious landing exercises between American and Filipino marine units also provides more insight on meeting terrorism threats and internal security operations.
This was stressed by Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) commandant Major Gen. Andre M. Costales during opening salvo of the 33rd iteration of the Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) which took place at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Tuesday.
PHIBLEX will take place in various locations in Luzon and Palawan and will last until Oct. 12.
"(The field exercises) covers the capacity and capability building not only for territorial defense but also on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, combating terrorism and internal security operations," Costales said.
And every year, PHIBLEX's aim is to enhance knowledge, skills, and strategy for inter-operability," he stressed.
Taking off from US and Philippines shared victories in the previous year’s exercises and learning a lot on the identified challenges and anticipated gaps and with commitment from the two respective marine forces, Costales said the goal to sustain to good relationship and cooperation has been kept, thereby upgrading each other’s capabilities and competencies.
An estimated 1,400 American military personnel and 500 Filipino soldiers will take part in PHIBLEX 33.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=928511
Aside from beefing up the country's territorial defense capabilities, the annual amphibious landing exercises between American and Filipino marine units also provides more insight on meeting terrorism threats and internal security operations.
This was stressed by Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) commandant Major Gen. Andre M. Costales during opening salvo of the 33rd iteration of the Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) which took place at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Tuesday.
PHIBLEX will take place in various locations in Luzon and Palawan and will last until Oct. 12.
"(The field exercises) covers the capacity and capability building not only for territorial defense but also on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, combating terrorism and internal security operations," Costales said.
And every year, PHIBLEX's aim is to enhance knowledge, skills, and strategy for inter-operability," he stressed.
Taking off from US and Philippines shared victories in the previous year’s exercises and learning a lot on the identified challenges and anticipated gaps and with commitment from the two respective marine forces, Costales said the goal to sustain to good relationship and cooperation has been kept, thereby upgrading each other’s capabilities and competencies.
An estimated 1,400 American military personnel and 500 Filipino soldiers will take part in PHIBLEX 33.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=928511
Inter-operability between PHL, US amphibious vessels among primary goals of PHIBLEX
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4): Inter-operability between PHL, US amphibious vessels among primary goals of PHIBLEX
The integration of the recently-delivered strategic sealift vessel, BRP Tarlac (LD-601), and landing craft heavies from Australia with similar craft from the United States is one of the primary goals of the ongoing Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercises (PHIBLEX).
"Our mission is to integrate the use of strategic sealift vessel, BRP Tarlac, and other non-traditional platforms such as the landing craft (heavies acquired from) Australia and small riverine crafts from the US," Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) head Major Gen. Andre Costales said.
The 33rd iteration of PHIBLEX started Tuesday and will end on October 12. Around 1,400 American military personnel and 500 soldiers will be taking part in the exercise.
PHIBLEX will take places in various areas in Luzon and Palawan.
"But, our vision does not end here. Our goal further extends its breadth by preparing the grounds for the PMC capability build up with or without external interventions; thereby including the rehearsal for the activation of the marine combat component of the AFP’s Joint Rapid Reaction Force and the utilization of landing and offload sites other than those traditionally used in previous PHIBLEX engagements," he added.
Costales said that this visions are not for the PMC alone as it involves the country's international and regional partner armed forces as well.
"With the apparent scale in the number of participants and the subsequent expectations from international communities of spectators, our PHIBLEX leaders are gearing up in order to achieve our goals. key planners before our season have known and have been executing measures to level up towards our vision," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=928528
The integration of the recently-delivered strategic sealift vessel, BRP Tarlac (LD-601), and landing craft heavies from Australia with similar craft from the United States is one of the primary goals of the ongoing Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercises (PHIBLEX).
"Our mission is to integrate the use of strategic sealift vessel, BRP Tarlac, and other non-traditional platforms such as the landing craft (heavies acquired from) Australia and small riverine crafts from the US," Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) head Major Gen. Andre Costales said.
The 33rd iteration of PHIBLEX started Tuesday and will end on October 12. Around 1,400 American military personnel and 500 soldiers will be taking part in the exercise.
PHIBLEX will take places in various areas in Luzon and Palawan.
"But, our vision does not end here. Our goal further extends its breadth by preparing the grounds for the PMC capability build up with or without external interventions; thereby including the rehearsal for the activation of the marine combat component of the AFP’s Joint Rapid Reaction Force and the utilization of landing and offload sites other than those traditionally used in previous PHIBLEX engagements," he added.
Costales said that this visions are not for the PMC alone as it involves the country's international and regional partner armed forces as well.
"With the apparent scale in the number of participants and the subsequent expectations from international communities of spectators, our PHIBLEX leaders are gearing up in order to achieve our goals. key planners before our season have known and have been executing measures to level up towards our vision," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=928528
PA offers use of 8 more camps as possible treatment centers of drug dependents
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4): PA offers use of 8 more camps as possible treatment centers of drug dependents
The Philippine Army (PA) has offered the use of eight more of its military camps as possible treatment and rehabilitation centers for drug dependents and users, according to PA spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao.
These camps include Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija; Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal; Camp Alfredo Santos in Calauag, Quezon; Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz; Camp Kibaritan in Kalilangan, Bukidnon; Camp Lucero in Carmen, North Cotabato; and Camp Paulino Santos in Alamada, North Cotabato.
Recently, the 401st Infantry Brigade headquarters opened its two-hectare facility inside the Prosperidad Military Reservation in partnership with the province of Agusan Del Sur.
The center, called the Residential Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (RTRC), can accommodate 60 patients at a time and shall be managed by the Agusan Del Sur provincial government.
"The PA is committed to give its all-out support to the anti-illegal drug campaign of President Rodrigo R. Duterte," Hao added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=928628
The Philippine Army (PA) has offered the use of eight more of its military camps as possible treatment and rehabilitation centers for drug dependents and users, according to PA spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao.
These camps include Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija; Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal; Camp Alfredo Santos in Calauag, Quezon; Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz; Camp Kibaritan in Kalilangan, Bukidnon; Camp Lucero in Carmen, North Cotabato; and Camp Paulino Santos in Alamada, North Cotabato.
Recently, the 401st Infantry Brigade headquarters opened its two-hectare facility inside the Prosperidad Military Reservation in partnership with the province of Agusan Del Sur.
The center, called the Residential Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (RTRC), can accommodate 60 patients at a time and shall be managed by the Agusan Del Sur provincial government.
"The PA is committed to give its all-out support to the anti-illegal drug campaign of President Rodrigo R. Duterte," Hao added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=928628
Monday, October 3, 2016
NDF: Release of political prisoners should not be incidental to final accord, NDF insists
Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Oct 4): Release of political prisoners should not be incidental to final accord, NDF insists
PRESS RELEASE
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) today decried the “continuing non-compliance” of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) with previously signed agreements especially the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) saying that the release of all political prisoners should not be an outcome of a final peace agreement.
The NDFP issued the statement after recent reports quoted GRP Peace Panel Chairperson Silvestre Bello III saying that “a draft amnesty proclamation that enables the release of the political detainees is ready for submission during the second round of peace talks” but, qualified that “a general amnesty could be declared by President Duterte, with the concurrence of Congress, once the peace talks are successfully concluded.”
NDFP Negotiating Panel Chairperson Luis Jalandoni insists that “the release of all political prisoners should not be an outcome of the successful conclusion of the peace talks.”
“Anchoring an amnesty proclamation to a final peace agreement would make the more than 400 detained political prisoners and the recently released NDF consultants as virtual hostages to the peace talks. Their immediate release is a matter of compliance with the CARHRIHL and the JASIG,” Jalandoni said.
He added that “there seems to be a disconnect between President Duterte, who commits to the expeditious release of all political prisoners through an amnesty proclamation, the GRP Peace Panel, and the legal courts in the Philippines.”
“The fabricated criminal cases that are not yet dropped are like swords of Damocles hanging over the heads of JASIG-protected consultants of the NDFP. Their freedom of movement is being restricted,” says Jalandoni, urging the GRP Peace Panel not to use the political prisoners and the recently released NDF consultants as trump cards in the peace negotiations.
In the August 26, 2016 Joint Statement, the Parties agreed that “the GRP Panel will immediately recommend to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte the issuance of an Amnesty Proclamation, subject to concurrence of Congress, for the release of prisoners who are listed by the NDFP and who have been arrested, imprisoned, charged, and/or convicted for alleged acts or omissions within the ambit of the Revised Penal Code or special laws in connection with alleged crimes in pursuit of one’s political beliefs.”
“The Parties will discuss the content and language of the Amnesty Proclamation,” the Joint Statement stated.
The second round of peace negotiations is set to take place in Oslo, Norway from October 6-10, 2016 with social and economic reforms as among the focus of the discussions.
Last month, the NDFP exchanged with the GRP a proposed “framework and outline” for the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms, the second substantive agenda of the peace negotiations according to the framework agreement set by The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992.
According to the NDFP proposal, the main CASER objectives are: a) carry out agrarian reform and national industrialization; b) advance the rights of exploited, oppressed, discriminated and disadvantaged sectors of society; c) uphold, protect, defend and promote economic sovereignty; and d) conserve the national patrimony and protect the environment. #
Reference:
NDFP Information Office
0031302310431
http://www.ndfp.org/release-political-prisoners-not-incidental-final-accord-ndf-insists/
PRESS RELEASE
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) today decried the “continuing non-compliance” of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) with previously signed agreements especially the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) saying that the release of all political prisoners should not be an outcome of a final peace agreement.
The NDFP issued the statement after recent reports quoted GRP Peace Panel Chairperson Silvestre Bello III saying that “a draft amnesty proclamation that enables the release of the political detainees is ready for submission during the second round of peace talks” but, qualified that “a general amnesty could be declared by President Duterte, with the concurrence of Congress, once the peace talks are successfully concluded.”
NDFP photo
NDFP Negotiating Panel Chairperson Luis Jalandoni insists that “the release of all political prisoners should not be an outcome of the successful conclusion of the peace talks.”
“Anchoring an amnesty proclamation to a final peace agreement would make the more than 400 detained political prisoners and the recently released NDF consultants as virtual hostages to the peace talks. Their immediate release is a matter of compliance with the CARHRIHL and the JASIG,” Jalandoni said.
He added that “there seems to be a disconnect between President Duterte, who commits to the expeditious release of all political prisoners through an amnesty proclamation, the GRP Peace Panel, and the legal courts in the Philippines.”
“The fabricated criminal cases that are not yet dropped are like swords of Damocles hanging over the heads of JASIG-protected consultants of the NDFP. Their freedom of movement is being restricted,” says Jalandoni, urging the GRP Peace Panel not to use the political prisoners and the recently released NDF consultants as trump cards in the peace negotiations.
In the August 26, 2016 Joint Statement, the Parties agreed that “the GRP Panel will immediately recommend to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte the issuance of an Amnesty Proclamation, subject to concurrence of Congress, for the release of prisoners who are listed by the NDFP and who have been arrested, imprisoned, charged, and/or convicted for alleged acts or omissions within the ambit of the Revised Penal Code or special laws in connection with alleged crimes in pursuit of one’s political beliefs.”
“The Parties will discuss the content and language of the Amnesty Proclamation,” the Joint Statement stated.
The second round of peace negotiations is set to take place in Oslo, Norway from October 6-10, 2016 with social and economic reforms as among the focus of the discussions.
Last month, the NDFP exchanged with the GRP a proposed “framework and outline” for the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms, the second substantive agenda of the peace negotiations according to the framework agreement set by The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992.
According to the NDFP proposal, the main CASER objectives are: a) carry out agrarian reform and national industrialization; b) advance the rights of exploited, oppressed, discriminated and disadvantaged sectors of society; c) uphold, protect, defend and promote economic sovereignty; and d) conserve the national patrimony and protect the environment. #
Reference:
NDFP Information Office
0031302310431
http://www.ndfp.org/release-political-prisoners-not-incidental-final-accord-ndf-insists/
CPP: CPP denounces the US’ thinly-veiled threats against Duterte; calls for urgent EDCA abrogation
Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Oct 4): CPP denounces the US’ thinly-veiled threats against Duterte; calls for urgent EDCA abrogation
Press Release
Information Bureau, Communist Party of the Philippines
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) denounces US officials for continuing to issue thinly-veiled threats against GRP President Duterte. At the same time, the CPP urged Duterte to follow through with his statement that he might just abrogate the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) in the face of continued meddling by the US government and its officials in the internal affairs of the country.
“The abrogation of the EDCA has become an urgent matter amid growing threats by US officials against the Duterte regime,” said the CPP.
The other day, US Assistant State Secretary Daniel Russel was quoted in media reports saying “I think it would be a serious mistake in a democratic country like the Philippines to underestimate the power of the people’s affinity for the US. That’s people power.”
“The statement by Russel is an outright threat to subvert the Duterte regime which has been increasingly critical of US meddling and hypocrisy in the Philippines,” said the CPP. “It reveals US contempt of the Filipino people and their aspiration for national freedom long suppressed by US neocolonial dominance.”
“The Duterte regime and the Filipino people must take this US threat seriously,” said the CPP. “Over the past several decades, the US government has long carried out both outright and clandestine acts of subversion wherever governments have stood up to defend their national interests and chose to tread a path independent to US geopolitical and economic interests.”
The US is known to have repeatedly planned and failed to carry out the assassination of Cuban leader Fidel Castro and is accused of carrying out the murder by poisoning of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez. Outgoing US ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg was once declared persona non grata in Bolivia for having connived with local oppositionists to plan the overthrow of President Evo Morales.
The CPP pointed out that in recent years, the US has bankrolled right-wing groups in Ukraine which carried out the overthrow of the pro-Russian government. On various pretexts, the US government also carried out wars of aggression to overthrow the Taliban government in Afghanistan, the Saddam Hussein government in Iraq, the Muhamma Qadaffi government in Libya and many others.
“The US has arrogantly assumed the self-assigned role of global police and demanded all countries to comply with the rules it has itself set,” pointed out the CPP. “It has fomented social unrest and has bankrolled so-called social movements with the aim of subverting legitimately elected governments.”
“With the anti-US Duterte regime, it is will come as no surprise that the US is already conniving with local anti-Duterte groups as well as with key officials of the armed forces, to undermine and subvert the anti-US government.”
“The Filipino people must unite against any attempt of the US government to undermine Philippine national sovereignty and subvert efforts of the Duterte regime to promote an independent foreign policy,” said the CPP.
“With the heightened threats being issued by US officials, the presence of US troops and military advisers within the country can no longer be considered a benign matter and should be considered outright threats to Philippine national sovereignty.”
“The abrogation of the EDCA, which allows the US to build military camps and facilities inside Philippine military camps and maintain contingents of armed troops, has become an urgent matter of survival for the Duterte regime,” said the CPP.
http://www.cpp.ph/cpp-denounces-us-thinly-veiled-threats-duterte-calls-urgent-edca-abrogation/
“The abrogation of the EDCA has become an urgent matter amid growing threats by US officials against the Duterte regime,” said the CPP.
The other day, US Assistant State Secretary Daniel Russel was quoted in media reports saying “I think it would be a serious mistake in a democratic country like the Philippines to underestimate the power of the people’s affinity for the US. That’s people power.”
“The statement by Russel is an outright threat to subvert the Duterte regime which has been increasingly critical of US meddling and hypocrisy in the Philippines,” said the CPP. “It reveals US contempt of the Filipino people and their aspiration for national freedom long suppressed by US neocolonial dominance.”
“The Duterte regime and the Filipino people must take this US threat seriously,” said the CPP. “Over the past several decades, the US government has long carried out both outright and clandestine acts of subversion wherever governments have stood up to defend their national interests and chose to tread a path independent to US geopolitical and economic interests.”
The US is known to have repeatedly planned and failed to carry out the assassination of Cuban leader Fidel Castro and is accused of carrying out the murder by poisoning of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez. Outgoing US ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg was once declared persona non grata in Bolivia for having connived with local oppositionists to plan the overthrow of President Evo Morales.
The CPP pointed out that in recent years, the US has bankrolled right-wing groups in Ukraine which carried out the overthrow of the pro-Russian government. On various pretexts, the US government also carried out wars of aggression to overthrow the Taliban government in Afghanistan, the Saddam Hussein government in Iraq, the Muhamma Qadaffi government in Libya and many others.
“The US has arrogantly assumed the self-assigned role of global police and demanded all countries to comply with the rules it has itself set,” pointed out the CPP. “It has fomented social unrest and has bankrolled so-called social movements with the aim of subverting legitimately elected governments.”
“With the anti-US Duterte regime, it is will come as no surprise that the US is already conniving with local anti-Duterte groups as well as with key officials of the armed forces, to undermine and subvert the anti-US government.”
“The Filipino people must unite against any attempt of the US government to undermine Philippine national sovereignty and subvert efforts of the Duterte regime to promote an independent foreign policy,” said the CPP.
“With the heightened threats being issued by US officials, the presence of US troops and military advisers within the country can no longer be considered a benign matter and should be considered outright threats to Philippine national sovereignty.”
“The abrogation of the EDCA, which allows the US to build military camps and facilities inside Philippine military camps and maintain contingents of armed troops, has become an urgent matter of survival for the Duterte regime,” said the CPP.
http://www.cpp.ph/cpp-denounces-us-thinly-veiled-threats-duterte-calls-urgent-edca-abrogation/
BIFF renegades launch more radical ISIS-style group
From the Philippine Star (Oct 1): BIFF renegades launch more radical ISIS-style group
The radical group had also pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Philstar.com/File photo
Five radical clerics bolted from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and tagged themselves genuine “moassesseen” of the Mindanao counterpart of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
The Arabic term moassesseen literally mean “founders” in English and can also contextually imply as either progenitors or pioneers.
Local officials in three towns in Maguindanao on Saturday confirmed the separation early this week of the five preachers and their followers from the BIFF during a gathering in the second district of the province.
The radical group had also pledged allegiance to ISIS, whose black flag they now use as their revolutionary banner.
The BIFF leadership distributed on Thursday a written press statement confirming that the five clerics, Salahudin Hassan, Abdulmalik Esmael, Bashir Ungab, Nasser Adil and Ansari Yunos, have left the group to form a breakaway faction focused on establishing an Asian Islamic caliphate allied with ISIS.
Relatives said the five jihadists broke away from the BIFF after forging alliances with the Maute terror group in first district of Lanao del Sur and the more notorious Abu Sayyaf in Sulu.
The Maute group is led by ethnic Maranaws Abdullah and Omar, both surnamed Maute.
They both studied Islamic theology while employed as contract workers in the United Arab Emirates before they established their so-called “black flag movement” in Lanao del Sur.
Barangay residents said Salahudin and Esmael, both of Maguindanaon lineage, were trained by the slain Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, most known as Marwan, in fabrication and handling of improvised explosive devices in Mamasapano town southwest of Maguindanao.
They are both from Shariff Saidona town in Maguindanao, according to local officials.
“They are no longer with BIFF and the BIFF has nothing to do with their activities now,” BIFF’s spokesman, Abu Misry Mama, said on Saturday.
The BIFF earlier split into two factions, one led by Karialan and the other by Bongos, both Imams, but differed in their views on Islamic militancy and on how to relate with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, (MILF) which is helping the military restrain them from pulling off IED attacks in Central Mindanao.
The government and the MILF are bound by a 1997 ceasefire accord to mutually cooperate in maintaining law and order in flashpoint areas in Mindanao.
The BIFF was founded in late 2010 by Imam Ameril Ombra Kato, who started as commander of the MILF’s 105th Base Command.
Kato bolted from the MILF in late 2010 due to irreconcilable differences with its central committee, whose figurehead, Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim, is keen on pursuing a negotiated peace deal with Malacañang.
Kato died of a lingering illness in 2014 at Datu Saudi town in Maguindanao, after half of his body was paralyzed as a result of a hypertensive stroke two years before.
Like the Abu Sayyaf, the BIFF also boasts of its loyalty to ISIS and incites people in areas where it operates to hate non-Muslims and treat them with animosity for being kuff’r, which means unbelievers.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/10/01/1629294/biff-renegades-launch-more-radical-isis-style-group
The radical group had also pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Philstar.com/File photo
Five radical clerics bolted from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and tagged themselves genuine “moassesseen” of the Mindanao counterpart of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
The Arabic term moassesseen literally mean “founders” in English and can also contextually imply as either progenitors or pioneers.
Local officials in three towns in Maguindanao on Saturday confirmed the separation early this week of the five preachers and their followers from the BIFF during a gathering in the second district of the province.
The radical group had also pledged allegiance to ISIS, whose black flag they now use as their revolutionary banner.
The BIFF leadership distributed on Thursday a written press statement confirming that the five clerics, Salahudin Hassan, Abdulmalik Esmael, Bashir Ungab, Nasser Adil and Ansari Yunos, have left the group to form a breakaway faction focused on establishing an Asian Islamic caliphate allied with ISIS.
Relatives said the five jihadists broke away from the BIFF after forging alliances with the Maute terror group in first district of Lanao del Sur and the more notorious Abu Sayyaf in Sulu.
They both studied Islamic theology while employed as contract workers in the United Arab Emirates before they established their so-called “black flag movement” in Lanao del Sur.
Barangay residents said Salahudin and Esmael, both of Maguindanaon lineage, were trained by the slain Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, most known as Marwan, in fabrication and handling of improvised explosive devices in Mamasapano town southwest of Maguindanao.
They are both from Shariff Saidona town in Maguindanao, according to local officials.
“They are no longer with BIFF and the BIFF has nothing to do with their activities now,” BIFF’s spokesman, Abu Misry Mama, said on Saturday.
The BIFF earlier split into two factions, one led by Karialan and the other by Bongos, both Imams, but differed in their views on Islamic militancy and on how to relate with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, (MILF) which is helping the military restrain them from pulling off IED attacks in Central Mindanao.
The government and the MILF are bound by a 1997 ceasefire accord to mutually cooperate in maintaining law and order in flashpoint areas in Mindanao.
The BIFF was founded in late 2010 by Imam Ameril Ombra Kato, who started as commander of the MILF’s 105th Base Command.
Kato bolted from the MILF in late 2010 due to irreconcilable differences with its central committee, whose figurehead, Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim, is keen on pursuing a negotiated peace deal with Malacañang.
Kato died of a lingering illness in 2014 at Datu Saudi town in Maguindanao, after half of his body was paralyzed as a result of a hypertensive stroke two years before.
Like the Abu Sayyaf, the BIFF also boasts of its loyalty to ISIS and incites people in areas where it operates to hate non-Muslims and treat them with animosity for being kuff’r, which means unbelievers.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/10/01/1629294/biff-renegades-launch-more-radical-isis-style-group
It’s Time to Suspend America's Alliance with the Philippines
From The National Interest (Oct 1): It’s Time to Suspend America's Alliance with the Philippines
The United States has an unfortunate history of acquiring ugly authoritarian allies even when America’s security interests do not justify making such moral compromises. Malou Innocent and I described many of those unfortunate relationships in our book Perilous Partners, noting that a majority of the security relationships did not involve situations in which America’s vital interests were imperiled.
Washington faces another increasingly problematic relationship: its alliance with the Philippines. As I’ve noted previously on this site, Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is the personification of a “loose-cannon” ally. Among other things, he referred to President Obama as “a son of a bitch,” and made it clear that he had no intention of necessarily following Washington’s lead on foreign policy.
Since I wrote that article, his erratic behavior, both domestically and internationally, has grown worse. After indicating that he wished to conclude alliances with both Russia and China, Duterte stated that there will be no further military exercises with U.S. forces because China objects to such exercises. Now he has compared himself to Adolf Hitler, affirming that he was gladly slaughtering thousands of alleged drug dealers and drug users—all without the inconvenient obstacles of due process—and would like to kill millions, just like Hitler killed millions of Jews.
U.S. officials seem strangely tone-deaf to the outrages of their East Asian ally. Even as Duterte was cozying up to China and waxing about Hitler, U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter was affirming that Washington’s alliance with the Philippines was nothing less than “ironclad.”
That is an unwise position for several reasons. First, it is generally a bad idea for a great power to pass out security guarantees in a promiscuous manner, since any one of them has the potential to entangle it in a dubious military confrontation. The United States has violated that rule in a spectacular fashion, undertaking explicit, treaty-bound security obligations to more than four dozen countries and implicit commitments to many more. The “mutual” defense treaty with Manila is actually one of the older obligations, having been concluded when the Philippines were granted independence in the late 1940s. But the venerable nature of the treaty does not make it a wise one.
A second reason a great power should avoid alliances like the relationship with Manila is that the security client’s agenda can create embarrassments or even great dangers. The Philippines have ambitious territorial claims in the volatile South China Sea—along with several other countries. At a minimum, having a treaty ally in that position creates a headache for the United States.
Finally, a security relationship makes America at least indirectly culpable for the domestic behavior of the client regime. Throughout the Cold War, Washington embarrassed itself (if not shamed itself) by its close relationships with an assortment of thuggish “allies.” American officials may have deluded themselves into believing that such relationships were essential for the republic’s security, but in the vast majority of cases, that simply was not true. Now in the absence of the kind of existential threat that the Soviet Union posed, the justification for tossing basic moral values overboard is even weaker.
The United States needs to take an immediate stand regarding the Philippines. It is absurd for America to be putting its security on the line to defend a country ruled by an individual who is showing his unreliability on foreign policy issues and engages in utterly odious domestic behavior.
Washington should suspend the alliance with Manila indefinitely. In the 1980s, the United States suspended its defense commitment to New Zealand through the ANZUS pact because Wellington would not allow U.S. nuclear vessels to operate in its waters. Duterte’s actions are vastly worse than that and at least warrant a similar response.
[Ted Galen Carpenter, a senior fellow in defense and foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute and a contributing editor at The National Interest, is the author of 10 books and more than 600 articles on international affairs.]
[Image: An F/A-18E Super Hornet refuels from a KC-130T Hercules. Flickr/U.S. Navy]
http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-skeptics/its-time-suspend-americas-alliance-the-philippines-17896
The United States has an unfortunate history of acquiring ugly authoritarian allies even when America’s security interests do not justify making such moral compromises. Malou Innocent and I described many of those unfortunate relationships in our book Perilous Partners, noting that a majority of the security relationships did not involve situations in which America’s vital interests were imperiled.
Washington faces another increasingly problematic relationship: its alliance with the Philippines. As I’ve noted previously on this site, Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is the personification of a “loose-cannon” ally. Among other things, he referred to President Obama as “a son of a bitch,” and made it clear that he had no intention of necessarily following Washington’s lead on foreign policy.
Since I wrote that article, his erratic behavior, both domestically and internationally, has grown worse. After indicating that he wished to conclude alliances with both Russia and China, Duterte stated that there will be no further military exercises with U.S. forces because China objects to such exercises. Now he has compared himself to Adolf Hitler, affirming that he was gladly slaughtering thousands of alleged drug dealers and drug users—all without the inconvenient obstacles of due process—and would like to kill millions, just like Hitler killed millions of Jews.
U.S. officials seem strangely tone-deaf to the outrages of their East Asian ally. Even as Duterte was cozying up to China and waxing about Hitler, U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter was affirming that Washington’s alliance with the Philippines was nothing less than “ironclad.”
That is an unwise position for several reasons. First, it is generally a bad idea for a great power to pass out security guarantees in a promiscuous manner, since any one of them has the potential to entangle it in a dubious military confrontation. The United States has violated that rule in a spectacular fashion, undertaking explicit, treaty-bound security obligations to more than four dozen countries and implicit commitments to many more. The “mutual” defense treaty with Manila is actually one of the older obligations, having been concluded when the Philippines were granted independence in the late 1940s. But the venerable nature of the treaty does not make it a wise one.
A second reason a great power should avoid alliances like the relationship with Manila is that the security client’s agenda can create embarrassments or even great dangers. The Philippines have ambitious territorial claims in the volatile South China Sea—along with several other countries. At a minimum, having a treaty ally in that position creates a headache for the United States.
Finally, a security relationship makes America at least indirectly culpable for the domestic behavior of the client regime. Throughout the Cold War, Washington embarrassed itself (if not shamed itself) by its close relationships with an assortment of thuggish “allies.” American officials may have deluded themselves into believing that such relationships were essential for the republic’s security, but in the vast majority of cases, that simply was not true. Now in the absence of the kind of existential threat that the Soviet Union posed, the justification for tossing basic moral values overboard is even weaker.
The United States needs to take an immediate stand regarding the Philippines. It is absurd for America to be putting its security on the line to defend a country ruled by an individual who is showing his unreliability on foreign policy issues and engages in utterly odious domestic behavior.
Washington should suspend the alliance with Manila indefinitely. In the 1980s, the United States suspended its defense commitment to New Zealand through the ANZUS pact because Wellington would not allow U.S. nuclear vessels to operate in its waters. Duterte’s actions are vastly worse than that and at least warrant a similar response.
[Ted Galen Carpenter, a senior fellow in defense and foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute and a contributing editor at The National Interest, is the author of 10 books and more than 600 articles on international affairs.]
[Image: An F/A-18E Super Hornet refuels from a KC-130T Hercules. Flickr/U.S. Navy]
http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-skeptics/its-time-suspend-americas-alliance-the-philippines-17896
Philippines opens what could be final war games with US
From the Philippine Star (Oct 4): Philippines opens what could be final war games with US
FILE - Photo provided by the US Marine Corps shows Philippine Marines conducting an amphibious landing utilizing Philippine Navy logistical ships during the Balikatan exercise in Antique earlier this year. STAR
The Philippines and the United States opened their joint military exercises on Tuesday despite a recent statement from President Rodrigo Duterte that he wants to end the war games during his term.
Last week, Duterte declared his intention to end the joint military exercise between the Philippines and the US, noting that China is not in favor of the war games.
The president said that he wants to establish new alliances with Beijing for trade and commerce.
READ: Duterte wants end to Philippines' war games with US
Philippine Marine Corps Commandant Maj. Gen. Andre Costales Jr. said the Philippine Marine and the US Marine have been strong allies in the Asia Pacific region for more than three decades.
"With commitment from our marine forces, we have continuously kept our goal to sustain good relationship and cooperation thereby upgrading each other's capabilities and competencies," Costales said in his keynote speech.
Costales added that this year's amphibious landing exercise will focus on integration and inter-operability.
"For 2016, our mission is to integrate the use of strategic sea vesses and other non-traditional platforms," the general said.
The recent acquisition of the Philippine Navy's new strategic sealift vessel, the BRP Tarlac, as well as the future acquisition of its sister ship, the BRP Davao Del Sur, will strengthen the capability of the government to respond to any incident from the sea.
The US Marine vowed to be partners with the Philippine Marine to "grow the most versatile capability possible."
"Beyond all these visions and aspirations, what must prevail is brotherhood of marines regardless of color of our uniform and our skin," Costales said.
RELATED: Philippines-US war games set in Luzon
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana clarified that there is no official order yet to end the ear games between the Philippines and the US.
"One of the course of action that we are going to do in the next couple of weeks is to sit down with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)... and to let them tell us what's happening in these exercises," Lorenzana said in an interview with CNN Philippines' The Source.
Lorenzana said that he would discuss first with the AFP if there is a need to continue the exercises with the US.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/10/04/1630246/philippines-opens-what-could-be-final-war-games-us
FILE - Photo provided by the US Marine Corps shows Philippine Marines conducting an amphibious landing utilizing Philippine Navy logistical ships during the Balikatan exercise in Antique earlier this year. STAR
The Philippines and the United States opened their joint military exercises on Tuesday despite a recent statement from President Rodrigo Duterte that he wants to end the war games during his term.
Last week, Duterte declared his intention to end the joint military exercise between the Philippines and the US, noting that China is not in favor of the war games.
The president said that he wants to establish new alliances with Beijing for trade and commerce.
READ: Duterte wants end to Philippines' war games with US
Philippine Marine Corps Commandant Maj. Gen. Andre Costales Jr. said the Philippine Marine and the US Marine have been strong allies in the Asia Pacific region for more than three decades.
"With commitment from our marine forces, we have continuously kept our goal to sustain good relationship and cooperation thereby upgrading each other's capabilities and competencies," Costales said in his keynote speech.
"For 2016, our mission is to integrate the use of strategic sea vesses and other non-traditional platforms," the general said.
The recent acquisition of the Philippine Navy's new strategic sealift vessel, the BRP Tarlac, as well as the future acquisition of its sister ship, the BRP Davao Del Sur, will strengthen the capability of the government to respond to any incident from the sea.
The US Marine vowed to be partners with the Philippine Marine to "grow the most versatile capability possible."
"Beyond all these visions and aspirations, what must prevail is brotherhood of marines regardless of color of our uniform and our skin," Costales said.
RELATED: Philippines-US war games set in Luzon
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana clarified that there is no official order yet to end the ear games between the Philippines and the US.
"One of the course of action that we are going to do in the next couple of weeks is to sit down with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)... and to let them tell us what's happening in these exercises," Lorenzana said in an interview with CNN Philippines' The Source.
Lorenzana said that he would discuss first with the AFP if there is a need to continue the exercises with the US.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/10/04/1630246/philippines-opens-what-could-be-final-war-games-us
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