From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7): Davao mayor says arrest of suspected Night Market bombers must lead to distmantling of terror group
Presidential daughter Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio commended the authorities for the arrest of four suspects in the Roxas Night Market explosion but stressed that "their arrest must lead to the distmantling of the terror group."
The mayor issued the statement following the arrest of three alleged members of the Maute terrorist group based in Lanao Del Sur, and reportedly aligned with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
The three are among the suspects in the September 2 explosion at the Roxas night market that killed 15 persons and wounded 69 others.
The three suspects were presented at Camp Aguinaldo Friday. They were arrested during a checkpoint operation last October 4 in Cotabato City, reports said.
Military authorities seized from them a machine gun, a .45 caliber pistol, assorted bomb-making components, cellular phones and a video clip of the actual bombing attack which he claims the terrorists are turning into a propaganda video to get support from the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq (ISIS) terrorists in the Middle East.
"The arrest of the suspected perpetrator of the September 2 bombing in Davao City is a welcome development to the operations of our law enforcers for their immediate capture," Sara said in a statement released to the members of the media.
While such development is commendable, the mayor vowed to expeditiously give justice to the 15 victims who died and the 69 others who were wounded in the blast.
Sara, however, emphasized on the importance of the arrest in leading to the dismantling of terror groups or result in the failure of more senseless acts of violence and extremism.
"We also need to remember that this does not end our desire to give justice to the victims and those whose lives were forever changed by that horrendous act of terrorism on the night of September 2 in our beloved city," the mayor added.
She asked the people to be vigilant and "show the world that we do not surrender to fear nor do we allow terrorism to cripple our humanity and undermine our values."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=929592
Friday, October 7, 2016
5,000 militants to hold march showing support to President Duterte
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7): 5,000 militants to hold march showing support to President Duterte
About 5,000 farmers and members of the tribal community would hold a march-rally here Saturday as President Rodrigo Duterte marked his 100 days in office, the militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said Friday.
However, contrary to past march-rallies where the militant groups took turns in lambasting the administration, the scheduled march-rally here would be to dramatize support to Mr. Duterte’s accomplishments in his first 100 days in office.
Wildon Barros, chair of Bayan in Northern Mindanao, said that the marchers would demonstrate support to the President’s peace initiatives, national sovereignty, and social justice programs.
The occasion was timely as the government panel and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines enter their second round of peace talks in Oslo, Norway, Barros said.
He said that the second round of peace talk would focus on land reform problems, national industrialization, and the root causes of the insurgency, and Socioeconomic Reforms (SER).
Barros said that the militant and progressive groups that include the indigenous peoples would also bring to President Duterte’s attention the alleged failure of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in Northern Mindanao.
According to Barros, more than 100,000 hectares of land under the CARP had remained undistributed in the region and many more CARP beneficiaries have no land titles until now.
Barros said that the participants to the march-rally include the Kilusang Magbubukid sa Pilipinas (Farmers’ Movement of the Philippines), the IPs and the urban poor.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=929574
About 5,000 farmers and members of the tribal community would hold a march-rally here Saturday as President Rodrigo Duterte marked his 100 days in office, the militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said Friday.
However, contrary to past march-rallies where the militant groups took turns in lambasting the administration, the scheduled march-rally here would be to dramatize support to Mr. Duterte’s accomplishments in his first 100 days in office.
Wildon Barros, chair of Bayan in Northern Mindanao, said that the marchers would demonstrate support to the President’s peace initiatives, national sovereignty, and social justice programs.
The occasion was timely as the government panel and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines enter their second round of peace talks in Oslo, Norway, Barros said.
He said that the second round of peace talk would focus on land reform problems, national industrialization, and the root causes of the insurgency, and Socioeconomic Reforms (SER).
Barros said that the militant and progressive groups that include the indigenous peoples would also bring to President Duterte’s attention the alleged failure of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in Northern Mindanao.
According to Barros, more than 100,000 hectares of land under the CARP had remained undistributed in the region and many more CARP beneficiaries have no land titles until now.
Barros said that the participants to the march-rally include the Kilusang Magbubukid sa Pilipinas (Farmers’ Movement of the Philippines), the IPs and the urban poor.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=929574
Military, police, MILF join forces in hunting down North Cotabato's most wanted man
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): Military, police, MILF join forces in hunting down North Cotabato's most wanted man
The world of North Cotabato's most wanted man is getting smaller by the day as government forces and Moro rebels have joined hands in hunting him down, an Army general said Friday.
Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., commander of the 6th Infantry Division, said the military, police and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are jointly pursuing Moks Masgal alias Commander Magbrox, a big time illegal drug pusher in North Cotabato and Maguindanao.
During the joint operation Thursday, Mabrox managed to escape but two of his men, his personal driver and a relative, were arrested.
Chief Inspector Reylan Mamon, Midsayap town police chief, identified the arrested close-in bodyguards of Mabrox as Salahudin Halil Lumilis, 26 and Kamarudin Madidis Masdal, his relative.
Both are now detained at Midsayap town police chief.
Mabrox was the subject of an arrest warrant in August but the serving of warrants turned bloody when the armed group engaged arresting team in a four hour firefight which led to the death of three government forces.
Galvez said the help of the MILF will increase the chances of getting Mabrox who is also facing various charges ranging from kidnapping, bombing, robbery and extortion.
"It is better for him to surrender to avoid bloody confrontation," Galvez said of Mabrox, a former leader of the MILF, who bolted the organization and engaged in illegal activities in the borders of North Cotabato and Maguindanao.
His group was blamed for extortion activities against farmers in the boundary of Midsayap and Aleosan towns in North Cotabato and in Datu Piang and Datu Salibo in Maguindanao.
Lt. Col. Noly Samarita, commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, said involved in the operation are members of the 7th Infantry Battalion and 108th base command of the MILF.
Government forces are combing the North Cotabato side of Mabroxes area of operation while the MILF is operating in the side of the Liguasan marshland in Maguindanao.
While the Army is ready to use its might against Mabrox, Galvez is also exploring other means to avoid bloodshed, that is, diplomatic approach to the problem.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=929346
The world of North Cotabato's most wanted man is getting smaller by the day as government forces and Moro rebels have joined hands in hunting him down, an Army general said Friday.
Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., commander of the 6th Infantry Division, said the military, police and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are jointly pursuing Moks Masgal alias Commander Magbrox, a big time illegal drug pusher in North Cotabato and Maguindanao.
During the joint operation Thursday, Mabrox managed to escape but two of his men, his personal driver and a relative, were arrested.
Chief Inspector Reylan Mamon, Midsayap town police chief, identified the arrested close-in bodyguards of Mabrox as Salahudin Halil Lumilis, 26 and Kamarudin Madidis Masdal, his relative.
Both are now detained at Midsayap town police chief.
Mabrox was the subject of an arrest warrant in August but the serving of warrants turned bloody when the armed group engaged arresting team in a four hour firefight which led to the death of three government forces.
Galvez said the help of the MILF will increase the chances of getting Mabrox who is also facing various charges ranging from kidnapping, bombing, robbery and extortion.
"It is better for him to surrender to avoid bloody confrontation," Galvez said of Mabrox, a former leader of the MILF, who bolted the organization and engaged in illegal activities in the borders of North Cotabato and Maguindanao.
His group was blamed for extortion activities against farmers in the boundary of Midsayap and Aleosan towns in North Cotabato and in Datu Piang and Datu Salibo in Maguindanao.
Lt. Col. Noly Samarita, commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, said involved in the operation are members of the 7th Infantry Battalion and 108th base command of the MILF.
Government forces are combing the North Cotabato side of Mabroxes area of operation while the MILF is operating in the side of the Liguasan marshland in Maguindanao.
While the Army is ready to use its might against Mabrox, Galvez is also exploring other means to avoid bloodshed, that is, diplomatic approach to the problem.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=929346
21 ranking military officers in Isabela undergo surprise drug test
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): 21 ranking military officers in Isabela undergo surprise drug test
Twenty-one ranking officers of the 5th Infantry Division in Isabela province, including its commander Brig. Gen. Paul T. Atal, participated in a surprise drug test Friday afternoon.
Capt. Evelyn Audencial, 5th Infantry Division public affairs office chief, said the drug test took place at the Division Conference Room, Camp Melchor F. Dela Cruz in Upi, Gamu town.
She said it was the second leg of the surprise test conducted by the Division's medical staff.
Atal and the 20 other ranking officers readily submitted themselves to the drug test and provided urine samples to medical personnel assigned to conduct the test.
"Let us do our part as a leader to set a good example to our soldiers for them to see that we are clean and free from illegal drugs," he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=929631
Twenty-one ranking officers of the 5th Infantry Division in Isabela province, including its commander Brig. Gen. Paul T. Atal, participated in a surprise drug test Friday afternoon.
Capt. Evelyn Audencial, 5th Infantry Division public affairs office chief, said the drug test took place at the Division Conference Room, Camp Melchor F. Dela Cruz in Upi, Gamu town.
She said it was the second leg of the surprise test conducted by the Division's medical staff.
Atal and the 20 other ranking officers readily submitted themselves to the drug test and provided urine samples to medical personnel assigned to conduct the test.
"Let us do our part as a leader to set a good example to our soldiers for them to see that we are clean and free from illegal drugs," he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=929631
7 killed, 263 arrested, including alleged BIAF commander, in drug operation in Quiapo
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7): 7 killed, 263 arrested, including alleged BIAF commander, in drug operation in Quiapo
An anti-drug operation at the Islamic Center in Quiapo Friday led to the death of seven suspected drug pushers and the arrest of 263 suspected drug users, including an alleged commander of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF).
Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada oversaw the early morning operation conducted by members of Stations 3 and 8 of the Manila Police District (MPD), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), and National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
“This shows that we are serious in our fight against illegal drugs,” Estrada said as he called on Muslim leaders at the Islamic Center to support the government’s war on drugs.
“This is just the second time that the Islamic Center has been raided. The first was during Marcos’ administration. Let's cooperate in making your community clean, peaceful and drug-free," he said.
One of the seven fatalities in the operation was a high-value target, a certain Faiz Macabato, reportedly the chairman of Barangay 648, who has a PHP1 million bounty on his head.
According to the MPD, he fought back when policemen stormed the barangay hall.
“Walang sini-sino ang kampanya natin na ‘to. Basta may atraso ka sa batas, kailangan mong pagbayaran but unfortunately, nanlaban siya kaya napilitan na rin ang MPD (This anti-illegal drug campaign does not recognize anyone. If you broke the law, you have to be held accountable.
Unfortunately, he resisted arrest so the MPD was forced to fight back),” Estrada said.
Dozens of high-powered firearms and grenades and at least 60 sachets of suspected shabu were confiscated during the operation, MPD director, Sr. Supt. Joel Coronel said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=929481
An anti-drug operation at the Islamic Center in Quiapo Friday led to the death of seven suspected drug pushers and the arrest of 263 suspected drug users, including an alleged commander of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF).
Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada oversaw the early morning operation conducted by members of Stations 3 and 8 of the Manila Police District (MPD), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), and National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
“This shows that we are serious in our fight against illegal drugs,” Estrada said as he called on Muslim leaders at the Islamic Center to support the government’s war on drugs.
“This is just the second time that the Islamic Center has been raided. The first was during Marcos’ administration. Let's cooperate in making your community clean, peaceful and drug-free," he said.
One of the seven fatalities in the operation was a high-value target, a certain Faiz Macabato, reportedly the chairman of Barangay 648, who has a PHP1 million bounty on his head.
According to the MPD, he fought back when policemen stormed the barangay hall.
“Walang sini-sino ang kampanya natin na ‘to. Basta may atraso ka sa batas, kailangan mong pagbayaran but unfortunately, nanlaban siya kaya napilitan na rin ang MPD (This anti-illegal drug campaign does not recognize anyone. If you broke the law, you have to be held accountable.
Unfortunately, he resisted arrest so the MPD was forced to fight back),” Estrada said.
Dozens of high-powered firearms and grenades and at least 60 sachets of suspected shabu were confiscated during the operation, MPD director, Sr. Supt. Joel Coronel said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=929481
3 suspects in Davao City blast arrested, case now closed says DND chief
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7): 3 suspects in Davao City blast arrested, case now closed says DND chief
Three suspects, reportedly behind the Sept. 2 blast in Davao City which claimed the lives of 15 persons and resulted in the wounding of 70 others, are now under the custody of authorities.
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, in a press briefing on Friday, said all three suspects were arrested during a checkpoint operation last Oct. 4 in Cotabato City.
All three are allegedly members of the Maute Terrorist Group which is based in Lanao Del Sur, and reportedly aligned with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
Lorenzana said the attack was in retaliation for the February government offensive which caused heavy casualties against the brigand, and the Aug. 22 operation which resulted in the arrest of several bandits.
Military units in Lanao Del Sur conducted an offensive against members of the Maute Terrorist Group after it attacked a detachment in Butig last February.
Seized from the latter were a machine gun, a .45 caliber pistol, assorted bomb-making components, cellular phones and a video clip of the actual bombing attack which he claims the terrorists are turning into a propaganda video to get support from the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq (ISIS) terrorists in the Middle East.
Lorenzana said 10 members of the terrorists planned and participated in the Davao City bombing.
And while he considers the case close with the arrest of the three, the DND chief said hunt will go on for the remaining seven suspects.
Earlier, the ASG took responsibility for the bombing which hit the Roxas Night Market in Davao City.
The bloody incident prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to a "State of National Emergency on Account of the Lawless Violence in Mindanao".
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=929540
Three suspects, reportedly behind the Sept. 2 blast in Davao City which claimed the lives of 15 persons and resulted in the wounding of 70 others, are now under the custody of authorities.
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, in a press briefing on Friday, said all three suspects were arrested during a checkpoint operation last Oct. 4 in Cotabato City.
All three are allegedly members of the Maute Terrorist Group which is based in Lanao Del Sur, and reportedly aligned with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
Lorenzana said the attack was in retaliation for the February government offensive which caused heavy casualties against the brigand, and the Aug. 22 operation which resulted in the arrest of several bandits.
Military units in Lanao Del Sur conducted an offensive against members of the Maute Terrorist Group after it attacked a detachment in Butig last February.
Seized from the latter were a machine gun, a .45 caliber pistol, assorted bomb-making components, cellular phones and a video clip of the actual bombing attack which he claims the terrorists are turning into a propaganda video to get support from the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq (ISIS) terrorists in the Middle East.
Lorenzana said 10 members of the terrorists planned and participated in the Davao City bombing.
And while he considers the case close with the arrest of the three, the DND chief said hunt will go on for the remaining seven suspects.
Earlier, the ASG took responsibility for the bombing which hit the Roxas Night Market in Davao City.
The bloody incident prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to a "State of National Emergency on Account of the Lawless Violence in Mindanao".
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=929540
Self-proclaimed ISIS sympathizer in Cotabato found with bombs, firearms
From the Philippine Star (Oct 7): Self-proclaimed ISIS sympathizer in Cotabato found with bombs, firearms
Lawmen found improvised explosive devices and firearms in the house here of a self-proclaimed Islamic militant believed to have links with the Independent State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
The cache were seized by agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CIDG-ARMM), who raided before dawn Friday the residence here of Tea-Jae Macabalang, owner of a computer-generated graphics publications establishment here.
Macabalang was “arrested” two days before by unidentified law enforcement operatives at the uptown area here.
Macabalang reputedly has a shady personality that relatives and friends have long been suspecting he was engaged in illegal activities.
He was said to have earlier proclaimed himself as a sympathizer of the ISIS and boasted of his having friends in the Middle East whom he is helping to connect with religious extremists in Lanao del Sur and in Maguindanao.
CIDG-ARMM operatives are now in custody of the IEDs and firearms they collected from the house of Macabalang.
Macabalang’s father, Teng, an ethnic Maguindanaon, who was inside the suspect’s house when the agents arrived to conduct the search, is now clamped down at the CIDG-ARMM’s detention facility.
Also recovered from the scene were a vintage World War II carbine .30 caliber rifle, a .45 caliber pistol and a bolt-action rim-fire .22 caliber hunting rifle mounted with a sniping scope.
Relatives of Macabalang said they have been hearing stories about his connection with Middle Eastern jihadist groups, but did not mind owing to lack of corroborating proofs.
His detained father had told reporters that he, too, heard of his son’s alleged linkages with religious extremists in the Middle East.
Neighbors are convinced the gunmen who snatched Macabalang two days before his house was raided by CIDG-ARMM operatives could be military intelligence agents.
Talks are circulating here since Thursday, purporting that he was brought to Metro Manila by his captors for tactical interrogation.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/10/07/1631271/self-proclaimed-isis-sympathizer-cotabato-found-bombs-firearms
Lawmen found improvised explosive devices and firearms in the house here of a self-proclaimed Islamic militant believed to have links with the Independent State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
The cache were seized by agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CIDG-ARMM), who raided before dawn Friday the residence here of Tea-Jae Macabalang, owner of a computer-generated graphics publications establishment here.
Macabalang was “arrested” two days before by unidentified law enforcement operatives at the uptown area here.
Macabalang reputedly has a shady personality that relatives and friends have long been suspecting he was engaged in illegal activities.
He was said to have earlier proclaimed himself as a sympathizer of the ISIS and boasted of his having friends in the Middle East whom he is helping to connect with religious extremists in Lanao del Sur and in Maguindanao.
CIDG-ARMM operatives are now in custody of the IEDs and firearms they collected from the house of Macabalang.
Macabalang’s father, Teng, an ethnic Maguindanaon, who was inside the suspect’s house when the agents arrived to conduct the search, is now clamped down at the CIDG-ARMM’s detention facility.
Also recovered from the scene were a vintage World War II carbine .30 caliber rifle, a .45 caliber pistol and a bolt-action rim-fire .22 caliber hunting rifle mounted with a sniping scope.
Relatives of Macabalang said they have been hearing stories about his connection with Middle Eastern jihadist groups, but did not mind owing to lack of corroborating proofs.
His detained father had told reporters that he, too, heard of his son’s alleged linkages with religious extremists in the Middle East.
Neighbors are convinced the gunmen who snatched Macabalang two days before his house was raided by CIDG-ARMM operatives could be military intelligence agents.
Talks are circulating here since Thursday, purporting that he was brought to Metro Manila by his captors for tactical interrogation.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/10/07/1631271/self-proclaimed-isis-sympathizer-cotabato-found-bombs-firearms
(Update) DND chief identifies 3 members of Maute Terrorist Group in Davao City blast
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7): (Update) DND chief identifies 3 members of Maute Terrorist Group in Davao City blast
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced Friday that three members of the Maute Terrorist Group, who allegedly took part in the Davao City blast last Sept. 2, are now under custody of authorities.
In a press briefing, the DND chief said the three were arrested in a mobile checkpoint by joint elements of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police last Oct. 4 in Cotabato City.
The three were identified as TJ Tagadaya Macabalang, Wendel Apostol Facturan, and Musali Mustapha, members of the Maute Group.
All three were arrested after attempting to evade the checkpoint on board a motorcycle with no license plate, Lorenzana said.
“We have recovered solid pieces of evidence showing that they are indeed the terrorists who bombed Davao City on September 2,” he stressed.
Confiscated from the suspects were various components for improvised explosive devices, a sub-machine gun, a .45 caliber pistol, their motorcycle, and various cellular phones.
Based on initial investigations and debriefing, it was found that Macabalang detonated the bomb that was placed in position by Facturan.
Mustapha, meanwhile, took a video of the incident using his cellular phone.
The said video, along with the other photos of the incident were recovered from the cellular phones and were supposed to be used for propaganda.
A 20-second propaganda video showing Facturan and a photo showing a bomb manual were also recovered from the suspects.
“There are indications that the Maute Group is trying to align themselves with the ISIS as seen in the recovered video. We have also established their link with the ASG as they revealed their intention to disrupt the government’s massive military operations in Sulu,” said Army chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo M. Ano.
The Maute Group’s plan to bomb Davao City was conceived more or less two weeks before the actual incident.
Accordingly, the plan was conceptualized to disrupt and divert the government’s massive military operations in Sulu that started in July and in Central Mindanao that started in August.
Moreover, the attack was conducted in retaliation for the heavy casualties suffered by the terror group in Butig, Lanao Del Sur last February.
The operations in August also resulted in the capture of eight Maute members in a checkpoint on Aug. 22. The arrested members later bolted out of prison on Aug. 27.
Further investigations also revealed that there were more or less 10 members of the Maute Group that participated in the Davao City bombing.
Aside from the three arrested suspects, it was found that another plan to use hand grenades was in play in case the original bomb failed to explode and to inflict more casualties.
Meanwhile, Autonomous Region on Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Cotabato City Police and elements from the 6th Infantry Division conducted a raid, backed by a search warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court 12 Branch 13, on the residence of Teng Macabalang, father of TJ Macabalang.
The search was conducted at Barangay Rosary Height 6, Cotabato City at 2 a.m. Friday and resulted to the arrest of Macabalang and the recovery of numerous high-powered and short firearms, ammunition, and improvised explosive device components.
Macabalang and the confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to the local police office for proper documentation and disposition.
“The AFP and the PNP continue to conduct follow-up operations in pursuit of the remaining suspects and other members of the Maute Group in Cotabato City,” said AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya.
He added that the AFP and the PNP have already informed President Rodrigo Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte on this major development.
“Once again, your Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police have shown their firm resolve and joint capabilities to stop this bunch of extremists," Lorenzana said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=929558
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced Friday that three members of the Maute Terrorist Group, who allegedly took part in the Davao City blast last Sept. 2, are now under custody of authorities.
In a press briefing, the DND chief said the three were arrested in a mobile checkpoint by joint elements of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police last Oct. 4 in Cotabato City.
The three were identified as TJ Tagadaya Macabalang, Wendel Apostol Facturan, and Musali Mustapha, members of the Maute Group.
All three were arrested after attempting to evade the checkpoint on board a motorcycle with no license plate, Lorenzana said.
“We have recovered solid pieces of evidence showing that they are indeed the terrorists who bombed Davao City on September 2,” he stressed.
Confiscated from the suspects were various components for improvised explosive devices, a sub-machine gun, a .45 caliber pistol, their motorcycle, and various cellular phones.
Based on initial investigations and debriefing, it was found that Macabalang detonated the bomb that was placed in position by Facturan.
Mustapha, meanwhile, took a video of the incident using his cellular phone.
The said video, along with the other photos of the incident were recovered from the cellular phones and were supposed to be used for propaganda.
A 20-second propaganda video showing Facturan and a photo showing a bomb manual were also recovered from the suspects.
“There are indications that the Maute Group is trying to align themselves with the ISIS as seen in the recovered video. We have also established their link with the ASG as they revealed their intention to disrupt the government’s massive military operations in Sulu,” said Army chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo M. Ano.
The Maute Group’s plan to bomb Davao City was conceived more or less two weeks before the actual incident.
Accordingly, the plan was conceptualized to disrupt and divert the government’s massive military operations in Sulu that started in July and in Central Mindanao that started in August.
Moreover, the attack was conducted in retaliation for the heavy casualties suffered by the terror group in Butig, Lanao Del Sur last February.
The operations in August also resulted in the capture of eight Maute members in a checkpoint on Aug. 22. The arrested members later bolted out of prison on Aug. 27.
Further investigations also revealed that there were more or less 10 members of the Maute Group that participated in the Davao City bombing.
Aside from the three arrested suspects, it was found that another plan to use hand grenades was in play in case the original bomb failed to explode and to inflict more casualties.
Meanwhile, Autonomous Region on Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Cotabato City Police and elements from the 6th Infantry Division conducted a raid, backed by a search warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court 12 Branch 13, on the residence of Teng Macabalang, father of TJ Macabalang.
The search was conducted at Barangay Rosary Height 6, Cotabato City at 2 a.m. Friday and resulted to the arrest of Macabalang and the recovery of numerous high-powered and short firearms, ammunition, and improvised explosive device components.
Macabalang and the confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to the local police office for proper documentation and disposition.
“The AFP and the PNP continue to conduct follow-up operations in pursuit of the remaining suspects and other members of the Maute Group in Cotabato City,” said AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya.
He added that the AFP and the PNP have already informed President Rodrigo Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte on this major development.
“Once again, your Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police have shown their firm resolve and joint capabilities to stop this bunch of extremists," Lorenzana said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=929558
Palace clarifies President Duterte’s dare to US to withdraw aid to PHL
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7): Palace clarifies President Duterte’s dare to US to withdraw aid to PHL
Malacanang on Friday clarified the challenge of President Rodrigo Duterte to the United States and foreign institutions to withdraw aid to the Philippines if they cannot understand his war on drugs.
”It is merely saying that the President is saying that we have a reform policy, we have our own problems, internal problems in the country that instead of criticizing us unfairly, help us solve our problems,” Presidential Communications Operations (PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar said in a radio interview with DWFM.
Andanar said the US and other international critics of the President should stop talking if they have nothing good to say for the Philippines.
”If they have nothing to help, they better keep silent. That’s how simple it is,” he said.
He said the Philippines is not interfering with the problems of other countries.
Last Thursday, President Duterte told the US, human rights groups and the international institutions to put their money to “somewhere else” if they are unhappy with his strong campaign against drugs.
President Duterte said the Philippines will survive “but we will never, never compromise our dignity.”
”The President knows what he is saying and the President is standing for the right of every Filipino, independent foreign policy and about opening our doors to other countries also if they want to -- who may want to work with the Philippines in a mutually beneficial ways,” Andanar explained.
The US, European Union, United Nations and other human rights groups have questioned the alleged extrajudicial killings of drug suspects in the Philippines.
President Duterte has said he might break up with US and would rather go to China and Russia.
The President is set to visit China and later Japan within this month.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=929572
Malacanang on Friday clarified the challenge of President Rodrigo Duterte to the United States and foreign institutions to withdraw aid to the Philippines if they cannot understand his war on drugs.
”It is merely saying that the President is saying that we have a reform policy, we have our own problems, internal problems in the country that instead of criticizing us unfairly, help us solve our problems,” Presidential Communications Operations (PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar said in a radio interview with DWFM.
Andanar said the US and other international critics of the President should stop talking if they have nothing good to say for the Philippines.
”If they have nothing to help, they better keep silent. That’s how simple it is,” he said.
He said the Philippines is not interfering with the problems of other countries.
Last Thursday, President Duterte told the US, human rights groups and the international institutions to put their money to “somewhere else” if they are unhappy with his strong campaign against drugs.
President Duterte said the Philippines will survive “but we will never, never compromise our dignity.”
”The President knows what he is saying and the President is standing for the right of every Filipino, independent foreign policy and about opening our doors to other countries also if they want to -- who may want to work with the Philippines in a mutually beneficial ways,” Andanar explained.
The US, European Union, United Nations and other human rights groups have questioned the alleged extrajudicial killings of drug suspects in the Philippines.
President Duterte has said he might break up with US and would rather go to China and Russia.
The President is set to visit China and later Japan within this month.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=929572
First 100 days: Youth solon lauds peace process, independent foreign policy under Duterte admin
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7): First 100 days: Youth solon lauds peace process, independent foreign policy under Duterte admin
Kabataan Partylist Rep. Sarah Elago on Friday lauded the significant advances of President Rodrigo Duterte for his first 100 days in the peace process and the pursuit of an independent foreign policy.
In a statement, Elago said that while many of the President’s campaign promises were still in the “early phase”, great strides had been made in rekindling the peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).
”It is a quantum leap that his predecessors failed to do. Now, the peace process is advancing towards discussing fundamental socio-economic reforms, reforms that will benefit not only the rebels but all Filipinos. This achievement is the saving grace of the President’s 100-day performance,” Elago said.
The Philippine government resumed its formal peace talks with the NDFP back in August, while the second round of the talks has already started this week.
Elago, however, still considers the peace process as “incomplete” since there are hundreds of political prisoners awaiting amnesty.
”However, we still consider the President’s achievements in the peace process as ‘incomplete’, given the fact that most political prisoners still languish in jail, and that despite the declaration of unilateral ceasefire from both the government and the NDFP, there are still many violations,” she explained.
The lawmaker also lauded Duterte’s intensified call against United States meddling in Philippine affairs, clearly delineating his independent foreign policy.
”We laud the President’s nationalist stance, and his bravery in calling out the empty promises of the US, especially when it comes to military support,” said Elago.
The youth solon said the main criticism of the President’s performance comes from his lack of focus on issues concerning education and human rights.
“There were no significant advances or even pronouncement as regards tuition and other school fee increases, the high cost of education, commercialization, and even privatization of educational institutions,” Elago said.
Elago also noted that the administration’s relentless war against illegal drugs has left a rising toll of extrajudicial killings.
”While there are significant strides, there are also areas for improvement, especially when it comes to education and human rights,” Elago said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=929625
Kabataan Partylist Rep. Sarah Elago on Friday lauded the significant advances of President Rodrigo Duterte for his first 100 days in the peace process and the pursuit of an independent foreign policy.
In a statement, Elago said that while many of the President’s campaign promises were still in the “early phase”, great strides had been made in rekindling the peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).
”It is a quantum leap that his predecessors failed to do. Now, the peace process is advancing towards discussing fundamental socio-economic reforms, reforms that will benefit not only the rebels but all Filipinos. This achievement is the saving grace of the President’s 100-day performance,” Elago said.
The Philippine government resumed its formal peace talks with the NDFP back in August, while the second round of the talks has already started this week.
Elago, however, still considers the peace process as “incomplete” since there are hundreds of political prisoners awaiting amnesty.
”However, we still consider the President’s achievements in the peace process as ‘incomplete’, given the fact that most political prisoners still languish in jail, and that despite the declaration of unilateral ceasefire from both the government and the NDFP, there are still many violations,” she explained.
The lawmaker also lauded Duterte’s intensified call against United States meddling in Philippine affairs, clearly delineating his independent foreign policy.
”We laud the President’s nationalist stance, and his bravery in calling out the empty promises of the US, especially when it comes to military support,” said Elago.
The youth solon said the main criticism of the President’s performance comes from his lack of focus on issues concerning education and human rights.
“There were no significant advances or even pronouncement as regards tuition and other school fee increases, the high cost of education, commercialization, and even privatization of educational institutions,” Elago said.
Elago also noted that the administration’s relentless war against illegal drugs has left a rising toll of extrajudicial killings.
”While there are significant strides, there are also areas for improvement, especially when it comes to education and human rights,” Elago said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=929625
NDF presses general amnesty grant to 432 political prisoners
From Rappler (Oct 7): NDF presses general amnesty grant to 432 political prisoners
Government statements that the general amnesty will depend on the progress of the talks are tantamount to holding political prisoners hostage 'to secure advantage across the negotiating table,' say communist rebels
The National Democratic Front (NDF) has pressed for the immediate release of 432 "political prisoners," reminding government negotiators that it was President Rodrigo Duterte himself who thought of a general amnesty grant to expedite the process. (READ: PH, NDF back in Oslo to tackle 'root cause of conflict')
"The release of all political prisoners through amnesty was offered by President Duterte during my first meeting with him on 16 May 2016 in connection with the resumption of the peace negotiations," Agcaoili added on Thursday, October 6 (Friday, October 7 in Manila).
A general amnesty was among the commitments signed during the first round of talks in August.
"The proffered amnesty proclamation pertains to the political prisoners and not to a general amnesty that is mutually extended to the forces of both Parties in the final settlement of an armed conflict," Agcaoili said.
The last time the government granted general amnesty was after the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution that toppled the Marcos dictatorship. Previous amnesty proclamations for prisoners after that covered military rebels and Muslim guerillas, as well as communist rebels who wish to avail of the government social integration program.
But a general amnesty proclamation will not be Duterte's decision alone, as it will require Congress approval.
CPP founder Jose Maria Sison said the release of the prisoners will "serve as very big incentive for a stable kind of ceasefire."
The military and the New People's Army declared separate unilateral ceasefires, meaning there are not rules of procedures on the ground to avoid possible misencounters. A bilateral ceasefire agreement to establish such rules is among the agenda in Oslo.
The government wants to complete negotiatins within a year, or by August 2017, which government chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III stressed in his opening speech.
"Let us also recognize the need to complete the negotiations in the next 12 months. This will provide ample time for the Duterte administration to efficiently implement the agreements we reached," he said.
Government statements that the general amnesty will depend on the progress of the talks are tantamount to holding political prisoners hostage 'to secure advantage across the negotiating table,' say communist rebels
The National Democratic Front (NDF) has pressed for the immediate release of 432 "political prisoners," reminding government negotiators that it was President Rodrigo Duterte himself who thought of a general amnesty grant to expedite the process. (READ: PH, NDF back in Oslo to tackle 'root cause of conflict')
The NDF, the political wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, made the call as it slammed recent government statements that the general amnesty will depend on the progress of the talks. It said such pronouncement is tantamount to holding political prisoners "hostage to secure advantage across the negotiating table."
"The NDFP stands firm in calling for the release through amnesty of the 432 political prisoners not only as a matter of justice but also in basic compliance of the CARHRIHL (Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law)," newly-appointed NDF panel chairman Fidel Agcaoili said at the opening ceremony of the 2nd round of peace talks in Oslo, Norway.
A general amnesty was among the commitments signed during the first round of talks in August.
"The proffered amnesty proclamation pertains to the political prisoners and not to a general amnesty that is mutually extended to the forces of both Parties in the final settlement of an armed conflict," Agcaoili said.
The last time the government granted general amnesty was after the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution that toppled the Marcos dictatorship. Previous amnesty proclamations for prisoners after that covered military rebels and Muslim guerillas, as well as communist rebels who wish to avail of the government social integration program.
But a general amnesty proclamation will not be Duterte's decision alone, as it will require Congress approval.
CPP founder Jose Maria Sison said the release of the prisoners will "serve as very big incentive for a stable kind of ceasefire."
The military and the New People's Army declared separate unilateral ceasefires, meaning there are not rules of procedures on the ground to avoid possible misencounters. A bilateral ceasefire agreement to establish such rules is among the agenda in Oslo.
The government wants to complete negotiatins within a year, or by August 2017, which government chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III stressed in his opening speech.
"Let us also recognize the need to complete the negotiations in the next 12 months. This will provide ample time for the Duterte administration to efficiently implement the agreements we reached," he said.
The NDF reshuffled its panel on the eve of the second round of talks in Oslo, Norway to begin negotiatons on socio-economic reforms, the most contentious issue in the peace process.
Agcaoili replaced longtime NDF panel chairman Luis Jalandoni who will now serve as senior adviser to the NDF panel. Alleged New People's Army (NPA) leader Benito Tiamzon also joined the NDF panel.
Army says peace talks, a recruitment ops for reds
From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 7): Army says peace talks, a recruitment ops for reds
A Philippine Army (PA) official here said the government’s peace process and ceasefire agreement with the New People’s Army (NPA) pave the way for recruitment activities by the rebels.
Lt. Colonel Rolando Mangigil, commander of the army’s 54th Infantry Batallion based at barangay Bagumbayan in Dupax del Sur town, said rebels who only frequented the villages near the tri-boundary of the province also pushed their recruitment efforts in Nueva Vizcaya’s central towns.
“It is good that as of this moment, no new members were recruited yet. We are encouraging our local officials to be more vigilant and report these activities to us,” he said during the recent Provincial Peace and Order Council(PPOC) meeting at the Nueva Vizcaya Pasalubong Center (NVPC) here.
Before the government’s peace offer to the NPA, Mangigil said their remnants were only concentrated within the tri-boundary provinces of Nueva Vizcaya such as Nueva Ecija, Quirino, Ifugao.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/491475799686/army-says-peace-talks-a-recruitment-ops-for-reds-
A Philippine Army (PA) official here said the government’s peace process and ceasefire agreement with the New People’s Army (NPA) pave the way for recruitment activities by the rebels.
Lt. Colonel Rolando Mangigil, commander of the army’s 54th Infantry Batallion based at barangay Bagumbayan in Dupax del Sur town, said rebels who only frequented the villages near the tri-boundary of the province also pushed their recruitment efforts in Nueva Vizcaya’s central towns.
“It is good that as of this moment, no new members were recruited yet. We are encouraging our local officials to be more vigilant and report these activities to us,” he said during the recent Provincial Peace and Order Council(PPOC) meeting at the Nueva Vizcaya Pasalubong Center (NVPC) here.
Before the government’s peace offer to the NPA, Mangigil said their remnants were only concentrated within the tri-boundary provinces of Nueva Vizcaya such as Nueva Ecija, Quirino, Ifugao.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/491475799686/army-says-peace-talks-a-recruitment-ops-for-reds-
Peace talks resume between Philippines gov't, Maoists
From Anadolu Agency (Oct 7): Peace talks resume between Philippines gov't, Maoists
Negotiations asked to be completed in next 12 months, so president can implement any agreements reached
Negotiations asked to be completed in next 12 months, so president can implement any agreements reached
A second round of peace talks between the Philippines government and the country's communist rebels has formally resumed in Norway.
The two sides declared indefinite unilateral ceasefires in first round talks in Oslo in September as part of President Rodrigo Duterte's efforts to end a conflict that has lasted almost 50 years and killed around 40,000 people.
In a statement emailed to Anadolu Agency on Friday night, government peace negotiator Silvestre Bello expressed confidence that the steadfastness of both parties in resuming the talks -- which began in Oslo on Thursday -- would continue to animate the task ahead.
Bello, presidential adviser on the process Jesus Dureza, and the National Democratic Front (NDF), the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), are tasked with harmonizing the exchange of draft frameworks and outlines of respective working committees, and agreeing on a common draft agreement for a joint ceasefire.
"The significant impact of the indefinite ceasefire declared by the parties cannot be overemphasized, including the confidence of our peace constituency on the peace process," Bello said.
He noted that the ceasefire is holding to this day, with no major violations reported by either party.
"This is an unparalleled achievement of the table, which should inspire us to advance the negotiations," he underlined.
He added that both parties should recognize the need to complete negotiations in the next 12 months, as this will provide ample time for Duterte's administration to efficiently implement agreements reached.
"We trust the NDF will still be with us in the implementation of these agreements," Bello stressed.
Fidel Agcaoili, the new chairman of the NDF panel, has called on Duterte to make good on his earlier offer to declare amnesty for more than 400 communist party-affiliated prisoners.
The second round will also see the rebels and government peace panels discussing social and economic reforms, the second of the four "substantive agendas" of the negotiations.
Peace talks between the two have been on and off for around 30 years, with over 40 rounds of formal and informal talks taking place.
Past negotiations, however, have been scuttled due to hard line demands from either side.
In July, Duterte ordered the release of 22 detained NDF consultants, 16 of whom later joined the initial Aug. 22-28 Oslo talks, to fulfill a campaign promise and jumpstart negotiations.
He also declared a unilateral ceasefire, only to later lift it after communist rebels ambushed an army patrol, and then reinstate it on the eve of the Oslo talks, which the NDF reciprocated with an indefinite and unilateral ceasefire of its own.
The CPP, NDF and New People’s Army -- the armed wing of the CPP -- have waged one of the longest insurgencies in Asia in an effort for agrarian reform, national industrialization and an independent foreign policy.
In towns where war defined child’s play, toys find their place
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 7): In towns where war defined child’s play, toys find their place
LAMITAN CITY, Basilan—Brothers Gajer and Haiser Bendonillo live in a village here where war has changed the way people live, including how children play.
So when the brothers gave up their toy guns, it was with a heavy heart.
“I am giving away my toy gun because I am looking forward to a bicycle,” said Gajer, 10, son of a slain soldier from the 10th Infantry Battalion.
His elder brother, Haiser, wished for something costlier. “A basketball court, basketballs,” said Haiser.
On Tuesday, Gajer and Haiser were among at least 700 Yakan children from the war-torn towns of Ungkaya Pukan, Tipo-tipo and Al-barka, who marched on the city streets carrying their toy guns made of either metal, coco lumber, bamboo or plastic. Some of the toys resembled assault rifles.
Their parents escorted the children along with their “big brothers,” government soldiers who took part in a ceremony for peace during which toy guns were turned over in exchange for other toys.
Ezra, mother of the Bendonillo brothers, said it was the first time the children were asked to surrender their toy guns for replacement with bicycles and other toys like dolls, scooters, board games, basketballs and educational stuff.
“I don’t object to the idea,” said Ezra. “My son grew up with his toy gun. He never had other toys,” she said of Haiser.
Haiser got a basketball but Gajer didn’t get his bicycle.
Thousands of pieces of toys and other items, like food, school supplies and sports equipment, had been shipped to the city for the children, who are beneficiaries of the Festival of Love and Peace initiated by Dr. Arlyn Jawad Jumao-as’ Save the Children of Basilan.
“We see great transformation in these children,” said Jumao-as.
In 2014, Save the Children reached out to a total of 250 children. Of the number, only one has not returned to school.
“The rest are back to school,” said Jumao-as.
It was a different story three years ago.
“It was so emotionally charged,’ said Jumao-as, recalling stories told by children about surviving war “and how war stole their youth.”
“These have changed,” said the child rights’ advocate.
Lt. Col. Eliglen Villaflor, Special Forces Regiment chief of staff who once headed the 4th Special Forces Battalion in Basilan province, recalled his encounter with children when Save the Children was launched.
“When we asked kids to draw soldiers, they drew soldiers shooting their mothers, fathers and themselves,” said Villaflor.
“One child drew an aircraft diving toward their home and dropping bombs,” Villaflor said.
Three years after that, Villaflor said he sees the transformation.
“They now have the drive to go to school, to join sports, to play,” he said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/822642/in-towns-where-war-defined-childs-play-toys-find-their-place
Lt. Col. Eliglen Villaflor (kneeling), a former street child, greets a Yakan child who turned over a toy gun in Lamitan, Basilan, a town that had become site of some of the fiercest clashes between government soldiers and members of the Abu Sayyaf. —Julie S. Alipala
So when the brothers gave up their toy guns, it was with a heavy heart.
“I am giving away my toy gun because I am looking forward to a bicycle,” said Gajer, 10, son of a slain soldier from the 10th Infantry Battalion.
His elder brother, Haiser, wished for something costlier. “A basketball court, basketballs,” said Haiser.
On Tuesday, Gajer and Haiser were among at least 700 Yakan children from the war-torn towns of Ungkaya Pukan, Tipo-tipo and Al-barka, who marched on the city streets carrying their toy guns made of either metal, coco lumber, bamboo or plastic. Some of the toys resembled assault rifles.
Their parents escorted the children along with their “big brothers,” government soldiers who took part in a ceremony for peace during which toy guns were turned over in exchange for other toys.
Ezra, mother of the Bendonillo brothers, said it was the first time the children were asked to surrender their toy guns for replacement with bicycles and other toys like dolls, scooters, board games, basketballs and educational stuff.
“I don’t object to the idea,” said Ezra. “My son grew up with his toy gun. He never had other toys,” she said of Haiser.
Haiser got a basketball but Gajer didn’t get his bicycle.
Thousands of pieces of toys and other items, like food, school supplies and sports equipment, had been shipped to the city for the children, who are beneficiaries of the Festival of Love and Peace initiated by Dr. Arlyn Jawad Jumao-as’ Save the Children of Basilan.
“We see great transformation in these children,” said Jumao-as.
In 2014, Save the Children reached out to a total of 250 children. Of the number, only one has not returned to school.
“The rest are back to school,” said Jumao-as.
It was a different story three years ago.
“It was so emotionally charged,’ said Jumao-as, recalling stories told by children about surviving war “and how war stole their youth.”
“These have changed,” said the child rights’ advocate.
Lt. Col. Eliglen Villaflor, Special Forces Regiment chief of staff who once headed the 4th Special Forces Battalion in Basilan province, recalled his encounter with children when Save the Children was launched.
“When we asked kids to draw soldiers, they drew soldiers shooting their mothers, fathers and themselves,” said Villaflor.
“One child drew an aircraft diving toward their home and dropping bombs,” Villaflor said.
Three years after that, Villaflor said he sees the transformation.
“They now have the drive to go to school, to join sports, to play,” he said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/822642/in-towns-where-war-defined-childs-play-toys-find-their-place
Lorenzana tells Duterte: US troops in Mindanao are safe 3
From GMA News (Oct 7): Lorenzana tells Duterte: US troops in Mindanao are safe 3
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Friday said the small number of US troops in Mindanao, whom President Rodrigo Duterte wants to leave, are not in danger and can protect themselves against terrorist attacks.
Speaking before foreign correspondents at a briefing, Lorenzana said he explained to the President that the U.S. special forces are safely housed in the Philippine military’s Camp Navarro in Zamboanga City.
“I clarified that with him and I told him that the US troops are not in danger because there are just very few of them, just about 107 people, who are actually housed in Camp Navarro in Calarian in Zamboanga City,” Lorenza told the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines.
“All they do is operate their drones and some intelligence equipment to help our troops in the south and I told him they are not in danger of being harmed by any terrorist. At same time they are actually combatants, they are not civilians so they can protect themselves,” he added.
Duterte, who has issued hostile remarks against the US government following its criticisms of his bloody crackdown against illegal drugs and perceived human rights violations, last month said US forces, which has a temporary presence in Zamboanga, should leave because they could become a target of Islamic militants.
Later on, Duterte, according to Lorenzana, said he does not want the Americans to leave immediately “but maybe in the future.”
Lorenzana said such policy coincides with the Philippine military's plan for the US forces to stay until such time the Philippines has upgraded its intelligence capabilities and equipment in the South.
“In the meantime, US forces are being used to provide us some intelligence information like the product of their drone that are flying over Basilan, Sulu and in central Mindanao. When we acquire our own drones in the near future then we can go without the help of the Americans in the south,” he said.
The small group of military experts in Southern Philippines provides counter-terrorism training and advice to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Foreign troops are barred by the Constitution to engage in combat mission in the country.
In 2015, Washington scaled down the number of its rotating troop presence in Mindanao, 13 years since the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines or JSOTF-P was activated.
Under the JSOTF-P, around 500 US soldiers were deployed in the south on a rotation basis.
US and Philippine military cooperation in Mindanao has led to the capture and death of top leaders of the extremist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and other foreign terrorists.
The ASG, which is included in the US government’s foreign terrorist organization list, has claimed responsibility for several terror attacks in the country and is notorious for kidnapping foreigners in exchange for huge ransom or beheading them if there is no payoff.
Washington maintained that American troops are not involved in combat operations, but said they can retaliate if attacked.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/584199/news/nation/lorenzana-tells-duterte-us-troops-in-mindanao-are-safe
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Friday said the small number of US troops in Mindanao, whom President Rodrigo Duterte wants to leave, are not in danger and can protect themselves against terrorist attacks.
Speaking before foreign correspondents at a briefing, Lorenzana said he explained to the President that the U.S. special forces are safely housed in the Philippine military’s Camp Navarro in Zamboanga City.
“I clarified that with him and I told him that the US troops are not in danger because there are just very few of them, just about 107 people, who are actually housed in Camp Navarro in Calarian in Zamboanga City,” Lorenza told the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines.
“All they do is operate their drones and some intelligence equipment to help our troops in the south and I told him they are not in danger of being harmed by any terrorist. At same time they are actually combatants, they are not civilians so they can protect themselves,” he added.
Duterte, who has issued hostile remarks against the US government following its criticisms of his bloody crackdown against illegal drugs and perceived human rights violations, last month said US forces, which has a temporary presence in Zamboanga, should leave because they could become a target of Islamic militants.
Later on, Duterte, according to Lorenzana, said he does not want the Americans to leave immediately “but maybe in the future.”
Lorenzana said such policy coincides with the Philippine military's plan for the US forces to stay until such time the Philippines has upgraded its intelligence capabilities and equipment in the South.
“In the meantime, US forces are being used to provide us some intelligence information like the product of their drone that are flying over Basilan, Sulu and in central Mindanao. When we acquire our own drones in the near future then we can go without the help of the Americans in the south,” he said.
The small group of military experts in Southern Philippines provides counter-terrorism training and advice to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Foreign troops are barred by the Constitution to engage in combat mission in the country.
In 2015, Washington scaled down the number of its rotating troop presence in Mindanao, 13 years since the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines or JSOTF-P was activated.
Under the JSOTF-P, around 500 US soldiers were deployed in the south on a rotation basis.
US and Philippine military cooperation in Mindanao has led to the capture and death of top leaders of the extremist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and other foreign terrorists.
The ASG, which is included in the US government’s foreign terrorist organization list, has claimed responsibility for several terror attacks in the country and is notorious for kidnapping foreigners in exchange for huge ransom or beheading them if there is no payoff.
Washington maintained that American troops are not involved in combat operations, but said they can retaliate if attacked.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/584199/news/nation/lorenzana-tells-duterte-us-troops-in-mindanao-are-safe
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