From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Nov 8): CAPTURED | Four More Davao Bombers Falls in Cotabato City
FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila (DWDD) — Four more suspects in the Davao bombing incident last Sept. 2 were arrested today during a law enforcement operation conducted by joint elements from the AFP, PNP and NICA in two separate locations — Southern Philippine Development Authority (SPDA) Compound, Brgy. Tamontaka, and along Ilang-Ilang St., Brgy. Rosary Hts. 7, both in Cotabato City.
The four arrested suspects, who are reportedly members of the Dawla Islamiya Fi Cotabato – Maute Group, are identified as: Mohammad Lalaog Chenikandiyil @ Datu Boi; Jackson Mangulamas Usi @ Abu Mansor/Jam; Zack Villanueva Lopez @ Haron, and; Ansan Abdulla Mamasapano @ Abu Hamsa.
The arrests were effected by virtue of a search warrant for violation of RA 10591 (Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition) issued by Honorable Banzawan Z Ibrahim, Executive Judge, Branch 13, 12th Judicial Region Cotabato RTC.
The locations of the group hideouts were identified through the information relayed by an action agent and collaborated by the follow-up operations made after the arrest last Oct. 4 of the three suspects of the Davao bombing incident, namely, TJ Tagadaya Macabalang, Wendel Factural, and Musaili Mustapha.
Recovered items from the search are: a cal .45 pistol with a defaced serial number, chamber loaded with an ammunition; one cal .38 pistol with serial number: 12899593; six rounds, ammo for cal .45; five rounds ammo for cal .38; one piece of magazine assembly for cal .45; a handheld radio with charger; five boxes of ammo for 5.56mm firearm; three pieces of 60mm mortar improvised explosive devices; one piece of 105mm howitzer improvised explosive device, and; a hand grenade.
Reports revealed that there were more than a dozen personalities involved in the Davao bombing last Sept. 2.
“We will not stop until all involved in the Davao bombing incident last September are put in jail,” said Lt. Gen. Eduardo M. Año, the Army commander. “The Army will continue haunting other terrorists for the protection of the public and to serve justice.”
The four arrested suspects are now under the custody of the local PNP to facilitate legal procedure. PAO PA / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2016/11/08/captured-four-more-davao-bombers-falls-in-cotabato-city/
Monday, November 14, 2016
DWDD: KALAYAAN ATIN ITO | AFP WesCom Welcomes Personnel from Kalayaan Islands Group
Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Nov 8): KALAYAAN ATIN ITO | AFP WesCom Welcomes Personnel from Kalayaan Islands Group
NAVAL STATION APOLINARIO JALANDOON, Palawan (DWDD) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines – Western Command (AFP WesCom) held an arrival ceremony on last November 3, at the Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoon (NSAJ) to honor of its officers who were recently arrived after srving their duties as security personnel in the Kalayaan Islands Group (KIG) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The KIG defenders are from Naval Forces Wester (NFW) and Marine Battalion Landing Team-12 (MBLT12) who manned the eight (8) detachment units in the Islands of Panata, Likas, Rizal Reef, Parola, Lawak, Kota, Panatag and Pag-asa Island.
The personnel were personally welcomed by AFP Wescom Commander Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph S Mercado, Naval Forces West Commander Commodore Danilo R Rodelas AFP and 3rd Marine Brigade Deputy Commander Col Nestor Herico, along with the WesCom Family.
They were replaced by a fresh batch of soldiers, three of whom were female marines, who will continue to guards the country’s territory in the West Philippine Sea and were already ferried to their respective posts by BRP Rizal (PS74)
VADM Mercado extended gratitude to the said security personnel who were tagged as “patriots and defenders of the West Philippines Sea”. PIO WESCOM / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2016/11/08/kalayaan-atin-ito-afp-wescom-welcomes-personnel-from-kalayaan-islands-group/
NAVAL STATION APOLINARIO JALANDOON, Palawan (DWDD) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines – Western Command (AFP WesCom) held an arrival ceremony on last November 3, at the Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoon (NSAJ) to honor of its officers who were recently arrived after srving their duties as security personnel in the Kalayaan Islands Group (KIG) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The KIG defenders are from Naval Forces Wester (NFW) and Marine Battalion Landing Team-12 (MBLT12) who manned the eight (8) detachment units in the Islands of Panata, Likas, Rizal Reef, Parola, Lawak, Kota, Panatag and Pag-asa Island.
The personnel were personally welcomed by AFP Wescom Commander Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph S Mercado, Naval Forces West Commander Commodore Danilo R Rodelas AFP and 3rd Marine Brigade Deputy Commander Col Nestor Herico, along with the WesCom Family.
They were replaced by a fresh batch of soldiers, three of whom were female marines, who will continue to guards the country’s territory in the West Philippine Sea and were already ferried to their respective posts by BRP Rizal (PS74)
VADM Mercado extended gratitude to the said security personnel who were tagged as “patriots and defenders of the West Philippines Sea”. PIO WESCOM / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2016/11/08/kalayaan-atin-ito-afp-wescom-welcomes-personnel-from-kalayaan-islands-group/
DWDD: CLASS 61 | CGSC Visits NOLCOM
Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Nov 8): CLASS 61 | CGSC Visits NOLCOM
CAMP SERVILLANO AQUINO, San Miguel Tarlac City (DWDD) – Visit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Command General Staff Course (AFPCGSC) Class 61 at Headquarters Northern Luzon Command, Camp Servillano Aquino, San Miguel Tarlac City on 07 November 2016. PIO NOLCOM / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2016/11/08/class-61-cgsc-visits-nolcom/
CAMP SERVILLANO AQUINO, San Miguel Tarlac City (DWDD) – Visit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Command General Staff Course (AFPCGSC) Class 61 at Headquarters Northern Luzon Command, Camp Servillano Aquino, San Miguel Tarlac City on 07 November 2016. PIO NOLCOM / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2016/11/08/class-61-cgsc-visits-nolcom/
DWDD: NAVAL TASK GROUP 71 | Naval Exercise kicks off in Davao Gulf
Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Nov 7): NAVAL TASK GROUP 71 | Naval Exercise kicks off in Davao Gulf
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – The Naval Task Group 71 of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) will conduct a Unilateral Fleet Training Exercise along the Davao Gulf and the sea lanes of Davao Sur and Davao Occidental starting today November 7, 2016 and expected to culminate on November 11, 2016.
The Exercise which will be under the Directorship of Naval Captain Wilfredo Burgonio of Task Force Seahawk, NFEM, Philippine Navy includes Search and Rescue Operation at sea, Naval gunnery operations, establishment of sea control and sea manuever and other surface assets and naval operations.
The activity aims to test and evaluate the capability of NFEM in the implementation of wide range of naval operations in order to secure the territorial waters in the aforementioned areas.
Lt General Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command meanwhile welcomes the exercise as it will enhance the capability of securing the maritime domain in the south eastern sea lanes of the area of responsibility.
“It is high time for us to look at our maritime domain. The conduct of exercise will enhance the readiness and interoperability of the surface assets to respond on short notice when conditions requires the conduct of maritime patrols and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response” Lt Gen Guerrero said”.
Naval component of the recently activated Joint Task Force Haribon is expected to join the naval exercise as they enhance their maritime interdiction capability and establish interoperability mechanism with other surface asset and units of NFEM.
“We are expecting more of this exercise and other joint exercise of different branches of service of the Armed Forces in the area in the coming months as we continuously develop our joint operations capability” Lt Guerrero said. PIO EASTMINCOM / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2016/11/07/naval-task-group-71-naval-exercise-kicks-off-in-davao-gulf/
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – The Naval Task Group 71 of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) will conduct a Unilateral Fleet Training Exercise along the Davao Gulf and the sea lanes of Davao Sur and Davao Occidental starting today November 7, 2016 and expected to culminate on November 11, 2016.
The Exercise which will be under the Directorship of Naval Captain Wilfredo Burgonio of Task Force Seahawk, NFEM, Philippine Navy includes Search and Rescue Operation at sea, Naval gunnery operations, establishment of sea control and sea manuever and other surface assets and naval operations.
The activity aims to test and evaluate the capability of NFEM in the implementation of wide range of naval operations in order to secure the territorial waters in the aforementioned areas.
Lt General Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command meanwhile welcomes the exercise as it will enhance the capability of securing the maritime domain in the south eastern sea lanes of the area of responsibility.
“It is high time for us to look at our maritime domain. The conduct of exercise will enhance the readiness and interoperability of the surface assets to respond on short notice when conditions requires the conduct of maritime patrols and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response” Lt Gen Guerrero said”.
Naval component of the recently activated Joint Task Force Haribon is expected to join the naval exercise as they enhance their maritime interdiction capability and establish interoperability mechanism with other surface asset and units of NFEM.
“We are expecting more of this exercise and other joint exercise of different branches of service of the Armed Forces in the area in the coming months as we continuously develop our joint operations capability” Lt Guerrero said. PIO EASTMINCOM / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2016/11/07/naval-task-group-71-naval-exercise-kicks-off-in-davao-gulf/
DWDD: HELPING HAND | Bravo Co, 17IB, 5ID HADR on STY Lawin Victims
Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Nov 7): HELPING HAND | Bravo Co, 17IB, 5ID HADR on STY Lawin Victims
CAGAYAN VALLEY (DWDD) – In the onslaught of Super Typhoon “LAWIN (HAIMAN)” in the North Eastern part of Cagayan Valley, the Bravo Company of 17th Infantry battalion, 5ID, PA led by 1Lt Czar M Carsido, Company Commander and 2Lt Erwin C Lozarita, Platoon Leader, was presumable responder in Humanitarian Assistance and Rescue Operation before, during and after the devastation of said weather catastrophe.
The unit’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response to the municipalities of North Eastern Cagayan particularly at Sta Teresita, Gonzaga and Buguey were able to evacuate the total of Four Hundred Seventy Nine (479) families and kept away from danger due to devastation of “ST LAWIN”, helping the LGUs in distributing Five Hundred Thirty Three (533) relief packs to the residents of Sta Teresita, Cagayan, a total of One Hundred Seventy (170) relief packs distributed to the residence of Buguey, Cagayan and a total of One Thousand Ninety Two (1092) relief packs hauled and transported from DWSD Regional Office, Brgy Carig, Tuguegarao City going to MSWD Warehouse Sta Teresita, Cagayan. And about Fifty Two (52) households from StaTeresita, Cagayan received partial construction materials.
The whole 17th Infantry Battalion led by Lt Col Rembert R Baylosis INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer, committed a full support in serving the people of Cagayan in partnership with the National and Local Agencies and other Stakeholders in delivering relief assistance to the victims of the typhoon in the devastated area of province.
The populace of North Eastern Cagayan led by their Local Chief Executives and their Local Government Units expressed their deepest appreciation to the officers and men of 17IB, 5ID, PA for their contribution in Humanitarian Assistance and Rescue Operation led to attain the zero casualties marked. B Co 17IB, 5ID / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2016/11/07/helping-hand-bravo-co-17ib-5id-hadr-on-sty-lawin-victims/
CAGAYAN VALLEY (DWDD) – In the onslaught of Super Typhoon “LAWIN (HAIMAN)” in the North Eastern part of Cagayan Valley, the Bravo Company of 17th Infantry battalion, 5ID, PA led by 1Lt Czar M Carsido, Company Commander and 2Lt Erwin C Lozarita, Platoon Leader, was presumable responder in Humanitarian Assistance and Rescue Operation before, during and after the devastation of said weather catastrophe.
The unit’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response to the municipalities of North Eastern Cagayan particularly at Sta Teresita, Gonzaga and Buguey were able to evacuate the total of Four Hundred Seventy Nine (479) families and kept away from danger due to devastation of “ST LAWIN”, helping the LGUs in distributing Five Hundred Thirty Three (533) relief packs to the residents of Sta Teresita, Cagayan, a total of One Hundred Seventy (170) relief packs distributed to the residence of Buguey, Cagayan and a total of One Thousand Ninety Two (1092) relief packs hauled and transported from DWSD Regional Office, Brgy Carig, Tuguegarao City going to MSWD Warehouse Sta Teresita, Cagayan. And about Fifty Two (52) households from StaTeresita, Cagayan received partial construction materials.
The whole 17th Infantry Battalion led by Lt Col Rembert R Baylosis INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer, committed a full support in serving the people of Cagayan in partnership with the National and Local Agencies and other Stakeholders in delivering relief assistance to the victims of the typhoon in the devastated area of province.
The populace of North Eastern Cagayan led by their Local Chief Executives and their Local Government Units expressed their deepest appreciation to the officers and men of 17IB, 5ID, PA for their contribution in Humanitarian Assistance and Rescue Operation led to attain the zero casualties marked. B Co 17IB, 5ID / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2016/11/07/helping-hand-bravo-co-17ib-5id-hadr-on-sty-lawin-victims/
MNLF: Speech of Chairman Nur at Malacanang Palace After the Lifting of his Warrant of Arrest With President Duterte's Introduction
Posted to the Moro National Liberation Front Website (Nov 3): Speech of Chairman Nur at Malacanang Palace After the Lifting of his Warrant of Arrest With President Duterte's Introduction
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MILF: Editorial -- BTC-EO’s signing and the tirades
Editorial posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Nov 8): Editorial -- BTC-EO’s signing and the tirades
Last November 7, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed the Executive Order (EO) that would reconstitute the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) which will draft the new Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). It also enlarged its membership from 15 to 21 thereby providing wider participation from other sectors of Moro society. The more the merrier, as the saying goes.
So far, this is the most concrete step the Duterte administration has done to illustrate its firm and sincere commitment to settle the armed conflict in Mindanao that claimed the lives of more than 150,000 since 1972. It also arrests the fading hope of our people for the early reconstitution of the BTC and eventually the crafting of the BBL for submission to the Office of the President (OP) and finally to Congress.
The next step in the pipeline is the immediate appointment of the 21 commissioners of the BTC. According to a well-placed source, a list of 13 nominees from the government (only 10 will be chosen) has already been readied. On the MILF side, no list has been finalized yet. However, after the signing of the EO, it is expected the MILF can do it in a short notice.
Admittedly, the crafting of a new BBL is not for easy picking. The previous BTC, despite initial difficulties, had accomplished it in record time. The reason for it is markedly special. All the commissioners did their job in the spirit of objectivity and impartiality. For three years there had never been an instance where they have to decide through the division of the house. All decisions were done either by consensus or the BTC chairman was authorized to decide for the Commission. This time it can be duplicated, despite the increase in the membership. As long as all the commissioners have the higher interests of the Bangsamoro people in their hearts and are guided by the letter and spirit of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), there is nothing to worry. In fact, it can be more fascinating and enlightening now, because they can also improve, enhance, and enrich the proposed law by taking cues from any good provision of other agreements that were not implemented, say the GRP-MNLF Final Peace agreement of 1996. The only requirement is that nothing dangles and every aspect of it falls into place and form a coherent edifice of law.
Be this as it may, we are saddened by the tirades of Brother Nur Misuari, chair of another MNLF faction, hurled against the MILF. Most of the ranting or diatribes are below the belt, and should not be said at all to fellowmen especially to Muslims. We wanted to answer back, but it does not serve any purpose, and it is not the signature of the MILF. More importantly, that is not the way of Islam. We better keep quiet and leave the issue to the better judgment of the people. In the end, only real gold glitters.
By the way, no one, group or organization has the monopoly of working for what purportedly is for the good of our people. This is an open issue that can only be decided in the future or in the end. A case in point is this. After we have exhausted our appeal to the leaders of the so-called BIFM/BIFF to reconsider their decision to separate from the MILF and they did not budge any inch, we told them: “Prove that you are correct and the MILF is wrong. Go on your own way and we will go our way.” Today, where are they and where are we?
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/24-january-8-15-2016/951-btc-eo-s-signing-and-the-tirades
Last November 7, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed the Executive Order (EO) that would reconstitute the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) which will draft the new Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). It also enlarged its membership from 15 to 21 thereby providing wider participation from other sectors of Moro society. The more the merrier, as the saying goes.
The next step in the pipeline is the immediate appointment of the 21 commissioners of the BTC. According to a well-placed source, a list of 13 nominees from the government (only 10 will be chosen) has already been readied. On the MILF side, no list has been finalized yet. However, after the signing of the EO, it is expected the MILF can do it in a short notice.
Admittedly, the crafting of a new BBL is not for easy picking. The previous BTC, despite initial difficulties, had accomplished it in record time. The reason for it is markedly special. All the commissioners did their job in the spirit of objectivity and impartiality. For three years there had never been an instance where they have to decide through the division of the house. All decisions were done either by consensus or the BTC chairman was authorized to decide for the Commission. This time it can be duplicated, despite the increase in the membership. As long as all the commissioners have the higher interests of the Bangsamoro people in their hearts and are guided by the letter and spirit of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), there is nothing to worry. In fact, it can be more fascinating and enlightening now, because they can also improve, enhance, and enrich the proposed law by taking cues from any good provision of other agreements that were not implemented, say the GRP-MNLF Final Peace agreement of 1996. The only requirement is that nothing dangles and every aspect of it falls into place and form a coherent edifice of law.
Be this as it may, we are saddened by the tirades of Brother Nur Misuari, chair of another MNLF faction, hurled against the MILF. Most of the ranting or diatribes are below the belt, and should not be said at all to fellowmen especially to Muslims. We wanted to answer back, but it does not serve any purpose, and it is not the signature of the MILF. More importantly, that is not the way of Islam. We better keep quiet and leave the issue to the better judgment of the people. In the end, only real gold glitters.
By the way, no one, group or organization has the monopoly of working for what purportedly is for the good of our people. This is an open issue that can only be decided in the future or in the end. A case in point is this. After we have exhausted our appeal to the leaders of the so-called BIFM/BIFF to reconsider their decision to separate from the MILF and they did not budge any inch, we told them: “Prove that you are correct and the MILF is wrong. Go on your own way and we will go our way.” Today, where are they and where are we?
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/24-january-8-15-2016/951-btc-eo-s-signing-and-the-tirades
MILF: MILF will not oppose separate peace panel for Misuari’s MNLF: Iqbal
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Nov 10): MILF will not oppose separate peace panel for Misuari’s MNLF: Iqbal
In reaction to Nur Misuari’s refusal to work with the MILF in drafting a proposed law that will create a new Bangsamoro Region to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Chief Negotiator Mohagher Iqbal told Rappler that they (MILF) are not going to oppose it. "It’s a big leap forward”.
Meanwhile, OPAPP Secretary Jess Dureza told Rappler on November 7, that Misuari’ faction of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) will have a separate peace panel to engage with the government to draft his own proposal to amend the powers and territory of the Autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
"The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process will set up another panel to engage Nur-MNLF. The convergence will take place in Congress when it receives the proposed provisions to formulate new Bangsamoro government to replace the ARMM," Dureza said.
Iqbal said he said he's confident that the government is aware of the need to ensure that the new law would "follow the letter and spirit" of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) that the MILF signed in 2014 with the previous Aquino administration.
"It's a welcome development. It's a strong indication that everybody is pushing for peace in Mindanao. Hindi na gaya noon (It's not like before) that they (MNLF) are sending mixed signals," said Iqbal.
Iqbal also told Rappler that he doesn't think the creation of 2 panels will create a "major problem," provided that the government will honor the CAB.
Misuari and many of his followers are facing criminal charges for the 2013 Zamboanga City siege that killed more than 200 hundreds people mostly MNLF forces. His lieutenant Habier Malik succumbed to gunshot wounds days after the end of the siege.
Misuari’s warrant of arrest has been temporarily suspended for six (6) so that he can join in the peace negotiation.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/19-national/956-milf-will-not-oppose-separate-peace-panel-for-misuari-s-mnlf-iqbal
In reaction to Nur Misuari’s refusal to work with the MILF in drafting a proposed law that will create a new Bangsamoro Region to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Chief Negotiator Mohagher Iqbal told Rappler that they (MILF) are not going to oppose it. "It’s a big leap forward”.
"The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process will set up another panel to engage Nur-MNLF. The convergence will take place in Congress when it receives the proposed provisions to formulate new Bangsamoro government to replace the ARMM," Dureza said.
Iqbal said he said he's confident that the government is aware of the need to ensure that the new law would "follow the letter and spirit" of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) that the MILF signed in 2014 with the previous Aquino administration.
"It's a welcome development. It's a strong indication that everybody is pushing for peace in Mindanao. Hindi na gaya noon (It's not like before) that they (MNLF) are sending mixed signals," said Iqbal.
Iqbal also told Rappler that he doesn't think the creation of 2 panels will create a "major problem," provided that the government will honor the CAB.
Misuari and many of his followers are facing criminal charges for the 2013 Zamboanga City siege that killed more than 200 hundreds people mostly MNLF forces. His lieutenant Habier Malik succumbed to gunshot wounds days after the end of the siege.
Misuari’s warrant of arrest has been temporarily suspended for six (6) so that he can join in the peace negotiation.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/19-national/956-milf-will-not-oppose-separate-peace-panel-for-misuari-s-mnlf-iqbal
MILF: ZC Moro Community and Religious Leaders launch anti-illegal drugs campaign
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Nov 14): ZC Moro Community and Religious Leaders launch anti-illegal drugs campaign
Moro Community and Religious Leaders in Zamboanga City launched their first illegal-drugs campaign particularly on “Shabu” (Methampetamine) in the village of Recodo, Zamboanga City on November 11 through conduct of forum and posting of tarpaulins in some conspicuous areas.
This initiative will also include other Moro dominated villages in the city who haven’t yet engage in similar activity and will be done through advocacy and massive information drive.
Raising public awareness on the menace of Illegal drugs use and its consequential effects to individuals and society are the objective of the Information-drive campaign.
The launching of activity was witnessed by Moro Community leaders with overwhelming support from residents. Some Moro Non-Government Organizations (NGO’s) were also present.
The programs were facilitated by Mr. Tirso Tahir from Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI), Brother Phix and Mach from United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD) and Mr. Macksu Magang of Southern Islamic Action for Prosperity and Harmony Network (SIAPAHAN).
Imam Omar Arip of local Dawah committee said that any form of substance that can intoxicate and addicting is Haram (Forbidden) for it destroys a person inner and outer sense of decency as implicitly said by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
“Every intoxicant is forbidden - Sahih Muslim, (Volume 3, Hadith 4962)
Imam Akob Asta, a Moro village leader made an appeal by reminding the Moro residents particularly those in authority to take their part in Information-drive not only in anti-Illegal drugs but also other immoralities that destroy the sanctity of family and society. He also quoted the Divine revelation in Noble Qur’an:
“Let there arise out of you a band of people who call to the good and enjoin the right and forbid the wrong. They are the ones who have success”. (Surah Al ‘Imran-3: 104)
The conducted of information-drive campaign on Illegal drugs was done with proper coordination with local government units and other concerned agencies in the areas.
Most of the activities conducted were facilitated by BLMI with its counterparts as part of its thematic thrust not only in capacity-building program but also in research and community-driven activities in the context of shared responsibility and volunteerism.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/73-westhern-mindanao/961-zc-moro-community-and-religious-leaders-launch-anti-illegal-drugs-campaign
Moro Community and Religious Leaders in Zamboanga City launched their first illegal-drugs campaign particularly on “Shabu” (Methampetamine) in the village of Recodo, Zamboanga City on November 11 through conduct of forum and posting of tarpaulins in some conspicuous areas.
Raising public awareness on the menace of Illegal drugs use and its consequential effects to individuals and society are the objective of the Information-drive campaign.
The launching of activity was witnessed by Moro Community leaders with overwhelming support from residents. Some Moro Non-Government Organizations (NGO’s) were also present.
The programs were facilitated by Mr. Tirso Tahir from Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI), Brother Phix and Mach from United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD) and Mr. Macksu Magang of Southern Islamic Action for Prosperity and Harmony Network (SIAPAHAN).
Imam Omar Arip of local Dawah committee said that any form of substance that can intoxicate and addicting is Haram (Forbidden) for it destroys a person inner and outer sense of decency as implicitly said by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
“Every intoxicant is forbidden - Sahih Muslim, (Volume 3, Hadith 4962)
Imam Akob Asta, a Moro village leader made an appeal by reminding the Moro residents particularly those in authority to take their part in Information-drive not only in anti-Illegal drugs but also other immoralities that destroy the sanctity of family and society. He also quoted the Divine revelation in Noble Qur’an:
“Let there arise out of you a band of people who call to the good and enjoin the right and forbid the wrong. They are the ones who have success”. (Surah Al ‘Imran-3: 104)
The conducted of information-drive campaign on Illegal drugs was done with proper coordination with local government units and other concerned agencies in the areas.
Most of the activities conducted were facilitated by BLMI with its counterparts as part of its thematic thrust not only in capacity-building program but also in research and community-driven activities in the context of shared responsibility and volunteerism.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/73-westhern-mindanao/961-zc-moro-community-and-religious-leaders-launch-anti-illegal-drugs-campaign
MILF: Anti-radicalism, anti-illegal drugs advocacy intensify in Sarangani
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Nov 12): Anti-radicalism, anti-illegal drugs advocacy intensify in Sarangani
Stakeholders in the province of Sarangani intensify its campaign against radicalism and illegal-drugs generally aimed to address the issue on drugs and keep the province free from groups espousing violence to advance their cause.
Spearheaded by the Office of the Governor’s Sulong Sarangani Program through its component projects Madaris for Peace and Sulong Kapayapaan, the drive has oriented the Muslim community members of the municipalities of Alabel, Glan, Malapatan, Kiamba and Maitum on the Islamic perspective on radicalism and illegal drugs.
During the advocacy activity held at Maitum, the lead resource person, Sheikh Norul-am Abdullah warned the audiences against radical groups who espouse their cause through violence.
“These people treat other Muslims even their parents as enemies once they cannot get support,” Abdullah said. “An extremist would even kill his own mother if she does not support his cause,” he added.
Abdullah related the emergence of the extremist group ISIS in 2013 sowing violence in Iraq and Syria. “ISIS has been condemned by Muslims from different countries around the world,” he said.
He also warned on the increasing numbers of Shi’a followers in the country citing that this sect has veered away from the true teachings of Islam.
“In the history of Shi’a, they have more record on sowing violence against the Sunni,” he said and added there are followers of Shi’a in Manila, Lanao and Zambonga.
In a trainers’ training on advocacy against radicalism and illegal drugs last month, Abdullah together with fellow Uama lectured selected Asatidz (Madaris teachers), PNP Salam, Muslim provincial staff and members of the PNP and AFP on the history of radical groups Shi’a and ISIS and the point of view of Islam on prohibited drugs. Thereafter the same advocacy was carried out in the five towns of the province.
Sultan Salman Sapal, Deputy Provincial Director of Sarangani PNP, also lectured about the legal and health consequences of indulging into prohibited drugs.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/21-southern-mindanao/957-anti-radicalism-anti-illegal-drugs-advocacy-intensify-in-sarangani
Stakeholders in the province of Sarangani intensify its campaign against radicalism and illegal-drugs generally aimed to address the issue on drugs and keep the province free from groups espousing violence to advance their cause.
During the advocacy activity held at Maitum, the lead resource person, Sheikh Norul-am Abdullah warned the audiences against radical groups who espouse their cause through violence.
“These people treat other Muslims even their parents as enemies once they cannot get support,” Abdullah said. “An extremist would even kill his own mother if she does not support his cause,” he added.
Abdullah related the emergence of the extremist group ISIS in 2013 sowing violence in Iraq and Syria. “ISIS has been condemned by Muslims from different countries around the world,” he said.
He also warned on the increasing numbers of Shi’a followers in the country citing that this sect has veered away from the true teachings of Islam.
“In the history of Shi’a, they have more record on sowing violence against the Sunni,” he said and added there are followers of Shi’a in Manila, Lanao and Zambonga.
In a trainers’ training on advocacy against radicalism and illegal drugs last month, Abdullah together with fellow Uama lectured selected Asatidz (Madaris teachers), PNP Salam, Muslim provincial staff and members of the PNP and AFP on the history of radical groups Shi’a and ISIS and the point of view of Islam on prohibited drugs. Thereafter the same advocacy was carried out in the five towns of the province.
Sultan Salman Sapal, Deputy Provincial Director of Sarangani PNP, also lectured about the legal and health consequences of indulging into prohibited drugs.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/21-southern-mindanao/957-anti-radicalism-anti-illegal-drugs-advocacy-intensify-in-sarangani
4 soldiers hurt in Lamitan blast
From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 14): 4 soldiers hurt in Lamitan blast
Injured soldiers were patrolling when hit by IED
Four patrolling soldiers were hurt after an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in Lamitan City, Basilan on Monday, November 14.
Army Major Filemon Tan, AFP Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) spokesman, said a section of the 14th Special Reaction Company-Special Operations Command (SRC-SOC) under Sgt. Bala were on foot patrol when they were hit by an IED at about 9:15 a.m. at Barangay Sabong.
The victims were brought to Lamitan Hospital for treatment before being airlifted later to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City on board an SF Condor of the 4th Special Forces Battalion.
The military is investigating the incident.
Troops continue to assist the police in the conduct of investigation and pursuit operations.
http://news.mb.com.ph/2016/11/14/4-soldiers-hurt-in-lamitan-blast/
Injured soldiers were patrolling when hit by IED
Four patrolling soldiers were hurt after an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in Lamitan City, Basilan on Monday, November 14.
Map of Lamitan, Basilan.
(Wikipedia) | mb.com.ph
(Wikipedia) | mb.com.ph
Army Major Filemon Tan, AFP Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) spokesman, said a section of the 14th Special Reaction Company-Special Operations Command (SRC-SOC) under Sgt. Bala were on foot patrol when they were hit by an IED at about 9:15 a.m. at Barangay Sabong.
The victims were brought to Lamitan Hospital for treatment before being airlifted later to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City on board an SF Condor of the 4th Special Forces Battalion.
The military is investigating the incident.
Troops continue to assist the police in the conduct of investigation and pursuit operations.
http://news.mb.com.ph/2016/11/14/4-soldiers-hurt-in-lamitan-blast/
Opinion: Misuari is back; can he help bring peace to Mindanao?
Commentary by Jamil Maidan Flores posted to MindaNews (Nov 14): COMMENT: Misuari is back; can he help bring peace to Mindanao?
Nur Misuari, the mercurial founding chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front, or MNLF, is back in circulation, back in the limelight, thanks to an old friend, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, president of the Philippines.
In the days to come, expect Misuari to stuff the airwaves with his fiery rhetoric.
He had been lying low in his Sulu mountain lair since 2013 after he led the failed siege of Zamboanga City, in which more than a hundred of his fighters lost their lives. The bloody siege devastated the city and many Zamboangeños cannot forgive him for the ordeal he had inflicted on them. But recently a local judge lifted the warrant for his arrest and thus he was able to fulfill Duterte’s invitation to participate in government-sponsored peace talks.
These new talks represent a “third cycle” in the Mindanao peace process set into motion by the Tripoli Agreement signed in Libya by the Philippine government and the MNLF in 1976.
The first cycle was the peace talks between the Philippine government and the MNLF mediated by Indonesia on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It was launched in Cipanas, West Java, in 1992 and culminated in a Final Peace Agreement signed in September 1996 in Malacanang, Manila, by the administration of then president Fidel V. Ramos and the MNLF.
The late foreign minister Ali Alatas was the overall mediator; ambassador Wiryono Sastrohandoyo chaired the main committee; while the future foreign minister Hassan Wirajuda chaired the mixed committee. All the negotiating committees boasted a government panel, an MNLF panel and a panel of Indonesian mediators.
That cycle was a massive four-year undertaking that involved 70 meetings at technical level, eight mixed committee meetings — all held in southern Philippines — and four rounds of formal peace talks and a final mixed committee meeting held in Jakarta. The Final Peace Agreement provided for, among others, the integration of 7,500 MNLF fighters into the Philippine armed forces and the police, and for the socio-economic development of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
The second cycle
But that “Final Agreement” was not really final, as not all Moro rebels recognized it. There is a breakaway group from the MNLF that even at that time had grown larger and stronger than the mother organization. Called the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), this group began informally negotiating with the Ramos government in 1996, thus starting a second cycle in the peace process.
But Ramos’s successor, Joseph Estrada, took a harsh view of the MILF and instead of sustaining negotiations, waged total war against the front. Estrada’s successor, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo tried to craft her own peace agreement with the MILF, but the Philippine Supreme Court struck it down as unconstitutional.
Her successor, Benigno Aquino III, concluded a framework agreement and later a Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB) with the MILF. But the legislation that would enable the implementation of the CAB, the Bangsamoro Basic Law, was killed in Philippine Congress after 44 elite police officers perished in a mis-encounter with the MILF early last year. That brought down the curtains on the second cycle of the Mindanao peace process.
Today the only effective peace agreement in Mindanao is the Final Peace Agreement mediated by Indonesia. Its implementation, much delayed in the case of several socio-economic provisions, is the subject of a tripartite review, with Indonesia representing the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in that process.
While the second cycle of the Mindanao peace process was carried out in fits and starts, Misuari was on a downward spiral. He had been elected unopposed as governor of the ARMM and had been appointed head of the Southern Philippines Council for Peace and Development, supposedly the transition authority toward a more powerful regional government. He thus became the most powerful person in Mindanao, next to the president, but he bungled the opportunity. The common observation is that he had no taste for governing.
Acts of rebellion
Several of his own colleagues in the MNLF, accusing him of incompetence as governor, ousted him as chairman in April 2000. On the eve of elections for his successor as ARMM governor in November 2001, a vengeful Misuari led a rebellion on Jolo Island and Zamboanga City. When the rebellion was crushed, he fled to Malaysia but the government there extradited him to the Philippines where he was detained for some time, but was eventually released.
On 09 September 2013, a faction of the MNLF that recognizes Misuari as chairman besieged Zamboanga City. This was on the eve of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB) between the government of Benigno Aquino III and the MILF. Apparently the attack was an effort to disrupt the peace process. Heavy fighting during the first 12 days of the three-week crisis resulted in the death of more than 200 persons, a good number of them civilians. Most of the slain, however, were MNLF fighters.
In the aftermath, Nur Misuari went into hiding and would not emerge until recently when a newly minted President Duterte invited him to participate in new peace talks, this time involving both the MNLF and the MILF.
In simple but impressive rites, Duterte welcomed him, expressing optimism that he would contribute to the quest for peace in Mindanao. The question in the minds of many Mindanaoans is whether Misuari can still be a force for peace. I think he still can. He has a sizable mass base in the poor villages of Sulu and a comprehensive peace in Mindanao might be extremely difficult if this mass base were not on board. But the days are over when his charisma held absolute sway over the Bangsamoro. He must now adjust to the MILF’s stronger field presence and to the views of other MNLF factions. One faction is led by no less than Abul Khayr Alonto, his original MNLF vice-chairman, who now sits on the Duterte cabinet as head of the Mindanao Development Authority (Minda), and whose portfolio includes the BIMP-EAGA.
Mortality and redemption
Last February, Misuari installed his eldest son, 39-year-old Haji Uto Karim, a Shariah scholar who is reputedly more radical than his father, as his vice chairman. A diabetic, Misuari must be feeling less than subtle intimations of his mortality.
He may yet redeem himself, thanks to Duterte. He can be a constructive voice in this new effort to roll the good provisions of all previous agreements between the Philippine government and the Moro rebels into a single enabling law that will replace Republic Act 9054, the law that still supports the Final Peace Agreement concluded with Indonesian mediation.
But he has to tone down his divisive rhetoric and buckle down to the serious business of negotiating and partnering with others who also hold robust ideas on what constitutes progress, equality and justice.
It’s not only Misuari who must change. All the Moro negotiators, all of them, whether MILF or MNLF, have to transcend the ethnicity-based grievances and prejudices that now divide the mainland Moros — the Maguindanaons, the Maranaws and the Iranuns — from the island Moros — the Tausogs, the Samas and the Yakans.
If they cannot unite for the sake of the common good, not even a Mindanaoan president like Duterte can help them.
(Jamil Maidan Flores is a Jakarta-based literary writer whose interests include philosophy and foreign policy. He is a Filipino who once resided in Mindanao. The views expressed here are his own. He may be contacted at jamilmaidanflores@gmail.com. This piece was first published in Jakarta Globe on November 7, 2016. Permission to reprint granted to MindaNews by the author)
http://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2016/11/comment-misuari-is-back-can-he-help-bring-peace-to-mindanao/
Nur Misuari, the mercurial founding chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front, or MNLF, is back in circulation, back in the limelight, thanks to an old friend, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, president of the Philippines.
In the days to come, expect Misuari to stuff the airwaves with his fiery rhetoric.
He had been lying low in his Sulu mountain lair since 2013 after he led the failed siege of Zamboanga City, in which more than a hundred of his fighters lost their lives. The bloody siege devastated the city and many Zamboangeños cannot forgive him for the ordeal he had inflicted on them. But recently a local judge lifted the warrant for his arrest and thus he was able to fulfill Duterte’s invitation to participate in government-sponsored peace talks.
These new talks represent a “third cycle” in the Mindanao peace process set into motion by the Tripoli Agreement signed in Libya by the Philippine government and the MNLF in 1976.
The first cycle was the peace talks between the Philippine government and the MNLF mediated by Indonesia on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It was launched in Cipanas, West Java, in 1992 and culminated in a Final Peace Agreement signed in September 1996 in Malacanang, Manila, by the administration of then president Fidel V. Ramos and the MNLF.
The late foreign minister Ali Alatas was the overall mediator; ambassador Wiryono Sastrohandoyo chaired the main committee; while the future foreign minister Hassan Wirajuda chaired the mixed committee. All the negotiating committees boasted a government panel, an MNLF panel and a panel of Indonesian mediators.
That cycle was a massive four-year undertaking that involved 70 meetings at technical level, eight mixed committee meetings — all held in southern Philippines — and four rounds of formal peace talks and a final mixed committee meeting held in Jakarta. The Final Peace Agreement provided for, among others, the integration of 7,500 MNLF fighters into the Philippine armed forces and the police, and for the socio-economic development of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
The second cycle
But that “Final Agreement” was not really final, as not all Moro rebels recognized it. There is a breakaway group from the MNLF that even at that time had grown larger and stronger than the mother organization. Called the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), this group began informally negotiating with the Ramos government in 1996, thus starting a second cycle in the peace process.
But Ramos’s successor, Joseph Estrada, took a harsh view of the MILF and instead of sustaining negotiations, waged total war against the front. Estrada’s successor, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo tried to craft her own peace agreement with the MILF, but the Philippine Supreme Court struck it down as unconstitutional.
Her successor, Benigno Aquino III, concluded a framework agreement and later a Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB) with the MILF. But the legislation that would enable the implementation of the CAB, the Bangsamoro Basic Law, was killed in Philippine Congress after 44 elite police officers perished in a mis-encounter with the MILF early last year. That brought down the curtains on the second cycle of the Mindanao peace process.
Today the only effective peace agreement in Mindanao is the Final Peace Agreement mediated by Indonesia. Its implementation, much delayed in the case of several socio-economic provisions, is the subject of a tripartite review, with Indonesia representing the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in that process.
While the second cycle of the Mindanao peace process was carried out in fits and starts, Misuari was on a downward spiral. He had been elected unopposed as governor of the ARMM and had been appointed head of the Southern Philippines Council for Peace and Development, supposedly the transition authority toward a more powerful regional government. He thus became the most powerful person in Mindanao, next to the president, but he bungled the opportunity. The common observation is that he had no taste for governing.
Acts of rebellion
Several of his own colleagues in the MNLF, accusing him of incompetence as governor, ousted him as chairman in April 2000. On the eve of elections for his successor as ARMM governor in November 2001, a vengeful Misuari led a rebellion on Jolo Island and Zamboanga City. When the rebellion was crushed, he fled to Malaysia but the government there extradited him to the Philippines where he was detained for some time, but was eventually released.
On 09 September 2013, a faction of the MNLF that recognizes Misuari as chairman besieged Zamboanga City. This was on the eve of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB) between the government of Benigno Aquino III and the MILF. Apparently the attack was an effort to disrupt the peace process. Heavy fighting during the first 12 days of the three-week crisis resulted in the death of more than 200 persons, a good number of them civilians. Most of the slain, however, were MNLF fighters.
In the aftermath, Nur Misuari went into hiding and would not emerge until recently when a newly minted President Duterte invited him to participate in new peace talks, this time involving both the MNLF and the MILF.
In simple but impressive rites, Duterte welcomed him, expressing optimism that he would contribute to the quest for peace in Mindanao. The question in the minds of many Mindanaoans is whether Misuari can still be a force for peace. I think he still can. He has a sizable mass base in the poor villages of Sulu and a comprehensive peace in Mindanao might be extremely difficult if this mass base were not on board. But the days are over when his charisma held absolute sway over the Bangsamoro. He must now adjust to the MILF’s stronger field presence and to the views of other MNLF factions. One faction is led by no less than Abul Khayr Alonto, his original MNLF vice-chairman, who now sits on the Duterte cabinet as head of the Mindanao Development Authority (Minda), and whose portfolio includes the BIMP-EAGA.
Mortality and redemption
Last February, Misuari installed his eldest son, 39-year-old Haji Uto Karim, a Shariah scholar who is reputedly more radical than his father, as his vice chairman. A diabetic, Misuari must be feeling less than subtle intimations of his mortality.
He may yet redeem himself, thanks to Duterte. He can be a constructive voice in this new effort to roll the good provisions of all previous agreements between the Philippine government and the Moro rebels into a single enabling law that will replace Republic Act 9054, the law that still supports the Final Peace Agreement concluded with Indonesian mediation.
But he has to tone down his divisive rhetoric and buckle down to the serious business of negotiating and partnering with others who also hold robust ideas on what constitutes progress, equality and justice.
It’s not only Misuari who must change. All the Moro negotiators, all of them, whether MILF or MNLF, have to transcend the ethnicity-based grievances and prejudices that now divide the mainland Moros — the Maguindanaons, the Maranaws and the Iranuns — from the island Moros — the Tausogs, the Samas and the Yakans.
If they cannot unite for the sake of the common good, not even a Mindanaoan president like Duterte can help them.
(Jamil Maidan Flores is a Jakarta-based literary writer whose interests include philosophy and foreign policy. He is a Filipino who once resided in Mindanao. The views expressed here are his own. He may be contacted at jamilmaidanflores@gmail.com. This piece was first published in Jakarta Globe on November 7, 2016. Permission to reprint granted to MindaNews by the author)
http://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2016/11/comment-misuari-is-back-can-he-help-bring-peace-to-mindanao/
AFP still searching for location of 6 Vietnamese sailors
From the Philippine Star (Nov 14): AFP still searching for location of 6 Vietnamese sailors
“Immediately after the incident (last Friday), the Western Mindanao Command launched a wide area search but no significant findings yet so our men are still working on this now,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said yesterday. File photo
After three days of a massive search for six Vietnamese sailors kidnapped by 10 unidentified gunmen in the waters off Basilan, government security forces have yet to establish the location of the victims.
“Immediately after the incident (last Friday), the Western Mindanao Command launched a wide area search but no significant findings yet so our men are still working on this now,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said yesterday.
He said the AFP leadership is continuously monitoring the pursuit operations aimed at rescuing the six Vietnamese hostages identified as Pham Minh Tuan, boat captain; Do Trung Hieu, chief mate; Hoang Vo, second mate; Tran Khac Dung, third mate; Hoang Trung Thong, boatswain’s mate and Hoang Va Hai, an apprentice boatswain’s mate.
The military is still validating reports that the Abu Sayyaf was the perpetrator of the seajacking of the Davao-bound Vietnamese cargo vessel MV Royal 16 and the subsequent kidnapping of six of its crew.
“In the absence of an official report from the field, we cannot say for now that the Abu Sayyaf was indeed behind the seajacking because there are other lawless groups that may have committed the crime,” Padilla said.
http://www.philstar.com:8080/headlines/2016/11/14/1643630/afp-still-searching-location-6-vietnamese-sailors
“Immediately after the incident (last Friday), the Western Mindanao Command launched a wide area search but no significant findings yet so our men are still working on this now,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said yesterday. File photo
After three days of a massive search for six Vietnamese sailors kidnapped by 10 unidentified gunmen in the waters off Basilan, government security forces have yet to establish the location of the victims.
“Immediately after the incident (last Friday), the Western Mindanao Command launched a wide area search but no significant findings yet so our men are still working on this now,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said yesterday.
He said the AFP leadership is continuously monitoring the pursuit operations aimed at rescuing the six Vietnamese hostages identified as Pham Minh Tuan, boat captain; Do Trung Hieu, chief mate; Hoang Vo, second mate; Tran Khac Dung, third mate; Hoang Trung Thong, boatswain’s mate and Hoang Va Hai, an apprentice boatswain’s mate.
The military is still validating reports that the Abu Sayyaf was the perpetrator of the seajacking of the Davao-bound Vietnamese cargo vessel MV Royal 16 and the subsequent kidnapping of six of its crew.
http://www.philstar.com:8080/headlines/2016/11/14/1643630/afp-still-searching-location-6-vietnamese-sailors
AFP still verifying Abu Sayyaf’s hand in kidnap of Vietnamese sailors
From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 14): AFP still verifying Abu Sayyaf’s hand in kidnap of Vietnamese sailors
No group still claiming responsibility, military says
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is still verifying whether or not the Abu Sayyaf Group were behind the abduction of six Vietnamese in the waters off Sibago island in Basilan on Friday, November 11.
Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, AFP spokesman, disclosed they have yet to establish Abu Sayyaf’s complicity since no group yet has come forward or claimed responsibility.
“It’s hard to say if indeed they are behind it. There is always that possibility that another group might be behind it,” Padilla said.
But Padilla stressed efforts have been made to immediately locate their whereabouts.
Earlier, authorities managed to receive information from Lai Minh Kao, a crew member of the Vietnamese boat Royal 16, which was attacked by at least 10 armed men while traveling from Vietnam to Davao at around 5:00 a.m. Friday.
The ship was carrying a load of cement when the seajacking occurred, according to a report.
The AFP Western Mindanao Command said Lai is now recuperating at a hospital here after he was shot by the attackers.
He identified those who were taken by the armed men:
Cayabyab said they immediately responded to the call, and tracked down the Vietnam-flagged ship.
http://news.mb.com.ph/2016/11/14/afp-still-verifying-abu-sayyafs-hand-in-kidnap-of-vietnamese-sailors/
No group still claiming responsibility, military says
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is still verifying whether or not the Abu Sayyaf Group were behind the abduction of six Vietnamese in the waters off Sibago island in Basilan on Friday, November 11.
Basilan Map
(Photo courtesy of Google maps | Manila Bulletin)
(Photo courtesy of Google maps | Manila Bulletin)
Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, AFP spokesman, disclosed they have yet to establish Abu Sayyaf’s complicity since no group yet has come forward or claimed responsibility.
“It’s hard to say if indeed they are behind it. There is always that possibility that another group might be behind it,” Padilla said.
But Padilla stressed efforts have been made to immediately locate their whereabouts.
Earlier, authorities managed to receive information from Lai Minh Kao, a crew member of the Vietnamese boat Royal 16, which was attacked by at least 10 armed men while traveling from Vietnam to Davao at around 5:00 a.m. Friday.
The ship was carrying a load of cement when the seajacking occurred, according to a report.
The AFP Western Mindanao Command said Lai is now recuperating at a hospital here after he was shot by the attackers.
He identified those who were taken by the armed men:
- Pham Min Tuan, the ship captain
- Do Trung Hieu, crew member
- Hoang Vo, crew member
- Tran Khac Dung, crew member
- Huang Trung Thong, crew member
- Huang Van Haim, crew member
Cayabyab said they immediately responded to the call, and tracked down the Vietnam-flagged ship.
http://news.mb.com.ph/2016/11/14/afp-still-verifying-abu-sayyafs-hand-in-kidnap-of-vietnamese-sailors/
4 soldiers injured in Basilan bomb blast
From the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 14): 4 soldiers injured in Basilan bomb blast
Four army soldiers were wounded in a roadside bombing on Monday in the restive province of Basilan in the Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines.
Security officials said the soldiers, all members of the 14th Scout Ranger Company, were patrolling the village called Sabong in Lamitan City when the bomb went off.
“They were conducting foot patrol in Barangay Sabong when the improvised explosive went off,” said army Major Filemon Tan, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command.
He said the injured soldiers – whose identities were not immediately known – were evacuated to a military hospital in Zamboanga City.
No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack, but the province is a major stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf group which pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.
Just recently, suspected Abu Sayyaf rebels hijacked a Vietnamese cargo ship, MV Royal 16, and shot and wounded one of its crewmen and abducted its captain and 5 other sailors. It is still holding over a dozen Malaysian and Indonesian sailors, including a German yachter kidnapped in Sabah in Malaysia.
President Duterte has warned that he will suspend the writ of habeas corpus if lawlessness continues in the troubled region. He said security forces are trying to defeat rebellion in the South.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/4-soldiers-injured-in-basilan-bomb-blast/
Four army soldiers were wounded in a roadside bombing on Monday in the restive province of Basilan in the Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines.
Security officials said the soldiers, all members of the 14th Scout Ranger Company, were patrolling the village called Sabong in Lamitan City when the bomb went off.
“They were conducting foot patrol in Barangay Sabong when the improvised explosive went off,” said army Major Filemon Tan, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command.
He said the injured soldiers – whose identities were not immediately known – were evacuated to a military hospital in Zamboanga City.
No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack, but the province is a major stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf group which pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.
Just recently, suspected Abu Sayyaf rebels hijacked a Vietnamese cargo ship, MV Royal 16, and shot and wounded one of its crewmen and abducted its captain and 5 other sailors. It is still holding over a dozen Malaysian and Indonesian sailors, including a German yachter kidnapped in Sabah in Malaysia.
President Duterte has warned that he will suspend the writ of habeas corpus if lawlessness continues in the troubled region. He said security forces are trying to defeat rebellion in the South.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/4-soldiers-injured-in-basilan-bomb-blast/
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