From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 29): Russian Ambassador to PHL: 'We are ready to become a new reliable friend and partner of the Philippines'
After President Rodrigo Duterte announced that he is interested to visit Russia and be a major trade partner, Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev on Tuesday said his country is “ready to become a new reliable friend and partner of the Philippines.”
“ We are not talking about alliance, we are talking about friendship and partnership. I would like to draw your attention to this very important point,” Khovaev told reporters at the weekly Pandesal Forum in Quezon City,
He clarified that Russia is not seeking for military alliances in the Asia Pacific region, stressing that they have no military alliances.
“Our close relations with China, with Vietnam, with India, they are based on the model of strategic partnership," he explained.
The ambassador said there is a difference between partnership and military alliance, explaining military alliance provides strong mutual commitments.
“So, we prefer partnership and friendship because in our view, the security must be equal to all members of the international community. If some country creates a close military alliance, it means that they want to ensure their security, at least to some extent, at the expense of the security of other nations, other members of the international community. That’s not our stand, style, not a way for us. So, we speak in favor of a new architecture of equal security for all regional nations.
With regards to the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to Russia, he said, President Putin has invited President Duterte to pay such a visit.
“It will be a historic event, and we believe that such an important visit must be well-prepared. It means that we, I mean both sides, should prepare the package of documents, bilateral preparations in different fields to be signed during this visit, so with that, there’s a lot of things to do,” he stressed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=944282
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
SC junks petitions to declare as unconstitutional 2 Bangsamoro pacts
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 29): SC junks petitions to declare as unconstitutional 2 Bangsamoro pacts
The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday dismissed the petitions filed by several groups seeking to declare as unconstitutional two agreements signed during the term of former President Benigno Aquino III with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which allows the establishment of a Bangsamoro government in lieu of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
In a press conference, SC spokesperson Theodore Te said the magistrates decided to dismiss the petitions filed by the Philippines Constitution Association et al . (Philconsa), Tanggulang Demokrasya (Tan Dem), Rev. Vicente Libradores Aquino et al, Jacinto Paras and Rev. Elly Velez Pamatong et al. on the ground that they are “premature.
”The Court noted that there is yet no Bangsamoro Basic Law that has been passed, and “any question on the constitutionality of the (Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro) CAB and the (Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro) FAB, without the implementing Bangsamoro Basic Law, is premature and not ripe for adjudication. Until a Bangsamoro Basic Law is passed by Congress, it is clear that there is no actual case or controversy that requires the Court to exercise its power of judicial review over a co-equal branch of government,” Te said.
”The Court also noted that even if there are bills pending in Congress, the Court cannot exercise its power of judicial review over such bills as it would be tantamount to the Court rendering an advisory opinion on a proposed act of Congress. The power of judicial review over an act of Congress comes into play only after the passage of a bill, not before,” he added.
In its petition, Philconsa through its president Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said the FAB and CAB grant "unconscionable" financial, social, economic, and political benefits to the MILF.
The FAB was negotiated and signed by former government peace panel chief and now Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen while the CAB was negotiated and signed by incumbent government chief peace negotiator Miriam Coronel Ferrer with MILF peace panel head Mohagher Iqbal.
The petitioners argued that the conduct of the peace process with the MILF was made in violation of Executive Order No. 125 issued by former President Fidel Ramos which requires the presence of a panel of advisers composed of one each from the Senate, the House of Representatives and the Cabinet to be designated by the President.
Furthermore, the petitioners said respondents Leonen and Ferrer acted with grave abuse of discretion when they agreed to cause the amendment of the Constitution by signing the FAB and CAB.
They noted that FAB and CAB grant concessions to the MILF beyond the powers of the President to grant and in violation of the provisions of the Constitution and existing laws.
The petitioners said FAB and CAB violated Section 1, Article X of the Local Governments of the Constitution which has authorized and recognized only five territorial and political subdivisions namely provinces, cities, municipalities, barangays and autonomous regions.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=944309
The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday dismissed the petitions filed by several groups seeking to declare as unconstitutional two agreements signed during the term of former President Benigno Aquino III with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which allows the establishment of a Bangsamoro government in lieu of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
In a press conference, SC spokesperson Theodore Te said the magistrates decided to dismiss the petitions filed by the Philippines Constitution Association et al . (Philconsa), Tanggulang Demokrasya (Tan Dem), Rev. Vicente Libradores Aquino et al, Jacinto Paras and Rev. Elly Velez Pamatong et al. on the ground that they are “premature.
”The Court noted that there is yet no Bangsamoro Basic Law that has been passed, and “any question on the constitutionality of the (Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro) CAB and the (Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro) FAB, without the implementing Bangsamoro Basic Law, is premature and not ripe for adjudication. Until a Bangsamoro Basic Law is passed by Congress, it is clear that there is no actual case or controversy that requires the Court to exercise its power of judicial review over a co-equal branch of government,” Te said.
”The Court also noted that even if there are bills pending in Congress, the Court cannot exercise its power of judicial review over such bills as it would be tantamount to the Court rendering an advisory opinion on a proposed act of Congress. The power of judicial review over an act of Congress comes into play only after the passage of a bill, not before,” he added.
In its petition, Philconsa through its president Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said the FAB and CAB grant "unconscionable" financial, social, economic, and political benefits to the MILF.
The FAB was negotiated and signed by former government peace panel chief and now Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen while the CAB was negotiated and signed by incumbent government chief peace negotiator Miriam Coronel Ferrer with MILF peace panel head Mohagher Iqbal.
The petitioners argued that the conduct of the peace process with the MILF was made in violation of Executive Order No. 125 issued by former President Fidel Ramos which requires the presence of a panel of advisers composed of one each from the Senate, the House of Representatives and the Cabinet to be designated by the President.
Furthermore, the petitioners said respondents Leonen and Ferrer acted with grave abuse of discretion when they agreed to cause the amendment of the Constitution by signing the FAB and CAB.
They noted that FAB and CAB grant concessions to the MILF beyond the powers of the President to grant and in violation of the provisions of the Constitution and existing laws.
The petitioners said FAB and CAB violated Section 1, Article X of the Local Governments of the Constitution which has authorized and recognized only five territorial and political subdivisions namely provinces, cities, municipalities, barangays and autonomous regions.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=944309
Pres. Duterte to proceed with visit in Marawi City despite ambush attempt on PSG
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 29): Pres. Duterte to proceed with visit in Marawi City despite ambush attempt on PSG
President Rodrigo R. Duterte said he will proceed with his plan to visit Marawi City on Wednesday despite an ambush attempt on a convoy of Presidential Security Group (PSG) personnel, Radio TV Malacanang (RTVM) and local troop escorts.
”I’m going there. I am just simply going there. The advice was to postpone, I said ‘no’. I will go there and if possible, take the same route,” President Duterte said in his speech during the inauguration of the mega Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DATRC) on Tuesday at Fort Magsaysay here.
”Maybe we can have a little gunfight here, gunfight there. Exercise, maybe. If I will not survive, she is there, that’s why we have a Vice President Leni Robredo. Then you can have a gentle President also in exchange for a discourteous mouth,” he added.
The convoy of the advance party of the President was waylaid via a roadside improvised electronic device (IED) while on their way to Marawi City on Tuesday morning.
As a result, seven PSG personnel and two regular troops escorting the convoy were injured and were airlifted immediately by the presidential chopper to undisclosed hospitals.
President Duterte is scheduled to visit Lanao del Sur on Wednesday to boost the morale of the government troops fighting the Maute terror group which reportedly occupied a portion of Butig town in that province.
”I have to go to the hospitals to visit them tomorrow. That’s why I have to go home tonight,” President Duterte said.
The military operations have resulted in the killing of about 40 members of the Maute Group which President Duterte said has links to the international terrorist group ISIS or Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
”The problem is Mindanao itself and the Moro people will go for it at all costs. Remember that the Moro was ahead of us by almost a thousand years because they are the natives there when the Spaniards and the Americans were there to conquer the island. So if I may correctly describe it, actually, it’s the Moro nationalism that’s at work,” the President added.
When asked in an ambush media interview how he will deal with the Maute Group, President Duterte’s short answer was: “Kaibiganin natin para walang gulo (Let's befriend with them so that there is no trouble).”
In his speech, President Duterte said he can fight the government’s enemies in Mindanao the whole your-round but “for how long and at what cost?”
”I can order the invasion of Jolo and give the order, ‘the last man standing.’ I can burn Jolo, I can burn Basilan. Bomb everything there. But what would it bring us? If you think that I will wipe out humanity there, will we at last enjoy the blessings of peace?,” he asked.
The President said if he cannot find peace under his administration, “then I’ll give it to the next President.”
”Do better but do not concede more than what you can really give,” he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=944345
President Rodrigo R. Duterte said he will proceed with his plan to visit Marawi City on Wednesday despite an ambush attempt on a convoy of Presidential Security Group (PSG) personnel, Radio TV Malacanang (RTVM) and local troop escorts.
”I’m going there. I am just simply going there. The advice was to postpone, I said ‘no’. I will go there and if possible, take the same route,” President Duterte said in his speech during the inauguration of the mega Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DATRC) on Tuesday at Fort Magsaysay here.
”Maybe we can have a little gunfight here, gunfight there. Exercise, maybe. If I will not survive, she is there, that’s why we have a Vice President Leni Robredo. Then you can have a gentle President also in exchange for a discourteous mouth,” he added.
The convoy of the advance party of the President was waylaid via a roadside improvised electronic device (IED) while on their way to Marawi City on Tuesday morning.
As a result, seven PSG personnel and two regular troops escorting the convoy were injured and were airlifted immediately by the presidential chopper to undisclosed hospitals.
President Duterte is scheduled to visit Lanao del Sur on Wednesday to boost the morale of the government troops fighting the Maute terror group which reportedly occupied a portion of Butig town in that province.
”I have to go to the hospitals to visit them tomorrow. That’s why I have to go home tonight,” President Duterte said.
The military operations have resulted in the killing of about 40 members of the Maute Group which President Duterte said has links to the international terrorist group ISIS or Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
”The problem is Mindanao itself and the Moro people will go for it at all costs. Remember that the Moro was ahead of us by almost a thousand years because they are the natives there when the Spaniards and the Americans were there to conquer the island. So if I may correctly describe it, actually, it’s the Moro nationalism that’s at work,” the President added.
When asked in an ambush media interview how he will deal with the Maute Group, President Duterte’s short answer was: “Kaibiganin natin para walang gulo (Let's befriend with them so that there is no trouble).”
In his speech, President Duterte said he can fight the government’s enemies in Mindanao the whole your-round but “for how long and at what cost?”
”I can order the invasion of Jolo and give the order, ‘the last man standing.’ I can burn Jolo, I can burn Basilan. Bomb everything there. But what would it bring us? If you think that I will wipe out humanity there, will we at last enjoy the blessings of peace?,” he asked.
The President said if he cannot find peace under his administration, “then I’ll give it to the next President.”
”Do better but do not concede more than what you can really give,” he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=944345
Duterte confirms Maute terror group's ISIS links
From Rappler (Nov 29): Duterte confirms Maute terror group's ISIS links
In the first high-level government confirmation of the links between the two terrorist organizations, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte says, 'There's already war now in Lanao'
NOT GOOD. President Rodrigo Duterte briefly mentions the links of the Maute terror group to ISIS in his speech in Malacañang on Monday, November 28. File photo by Robinson Ninal/PPD
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, November 28, confirmed links between the Islamic State (ISIS) and the homegrown Maute terror group that last week occupied the abandoned municipal hall of Butig town in Lanao Del Sur.
The group, which raised the black flag of the ISIS, is now the target of intense military offensives. (READ: AFP sends elite troops to retake Lanao town from Maute)
"We are not good today because finally, finally, the intelligence community advised me that ISIS has vitally connected to the group in the Philippines called the Maute. There's already war now in Lanao," Duterte said in a speech in Malacañang.
Duterte did not elaborate.
It was the first high-level government confirmation of the links between a local terror group and the ISIS.
Duterte's statement comes as the military continues to maintain in public statements that the Maute terror group has not established direct links, arguing that its attacks are meant to court international media attention and attract ISIS support.
On Sunday, November 27, Armed Forces public affairs office chief Colonel Edgar Arevalo said: "The Group has reportedly raised the ISIS flag which was expected since they have long been professing allegiance to the foreign terror group. This is still part of the Maute Group's agenda in courting support and encouraging similar minded individuals to support ISIS."
Despite military denials, it has been feared that ISIS setbacks in the Middle East – where the international terrorist group wants to establish a caliphate – could divert fighters in the region from Syria to the southern Philippines. (READ: ISIS to declare a province in Mindanao?)
The Maute group is one of several armed organizations in Mindanao which have pledged allegiance to ISIS fighters in Iraq and Syria.
A report recently released by a Jakarta-based think tank Institute for Policy Analysis of Confict (IPAC) did not establish direct links between the Maute group and ISIS, however. It only went as far as concluding that the Maute group has links with pro-ISIS fighters in the region.
Aside from the Maute group, the report identified 3 other pro-ISIS groups in Mindanao with links to extremists in Southeast Asia.
Three members of the Maute group were arrested in October, accused of carrying out the September bombing that left 15 people dead in Davao, President Duterte's hometown and Mindanao's largest city.
Government forces captured a Maute training camp in the town in June after a 10-day gun battle that left 4 soldiers and dozens of militants dead, according to an army account.
In the first high-level government confirmation of the links between the two terrorist organizations, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte says, 'There's already war now in Lanao'
NOT GOOD. President Rodrigo Duterte briefly mentions the links of the Maute terror group to ISIS in his speech in Malacañang on Monday, November 28. File photo by Robinson Ninal/PPD
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, November 28, confirmed links between the Islamic State (ISIS) and the homegrown Maute terror group that last week occupied the abandoned municipal hall of Butig town in Lanao Del Sur.
The group, which raised the black flag of the ISIS, is now the target of intense military offensives. (READ: AFP sends elite troops to retake Lanao town from Maute)
"We are not good today because finally, finally, the intelligence community advised me that ISIS has vitally connected to the group in the Philippines called the Maute. There's already war now in Lanao," Duterte said in a speech in Malacañang.
Duterte did not elaborate.
It was the first high-level government confirmation of the links between a local terror group and the ISIS.
Duterte's statement comes as the military continues to maintain in public statements that the Maute terror group has not established direct links, arguing that its attacks are meant to court international media attention and attract ISIS support.
On Sunday, November 27, Armed Forces public affairs office chief Colonel Edgar Arevalo said: "The Group has reportedly raised the ISIS flag which was expected since they have long been professing allegiance to the foreign terror group. This is still part of the Maute Group's agenda in courting support and encouraging similar minded individuals to support ISIS."
Despite military denials, it has been feared that ISIS setbacks in the Middle East – where the international terrorist group wants to establish a caliphate – could divert fighters in the region from Syria to the southern Philippines. (READ: ISIS to declare a province in Mindanao?)
The Maute group is one of several armed organizations in Mindanao which have pledged allegiance to ISIS fighters in Iraq and Syria.
A report recently released by a Jakarta-based think tank Institute for Policy Analysis of Confict (IPAC) did not establish direct links between the Maute group and ISIS, however. It only went as far as concluding that the Maute group has links with pro-ISIS fighters in the region.
Aside from the Maute group, the report identified 3 other pro-ISIS groups in Mindanao with links to extremists in Southeast Asia.
- The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) faction in Basilan has been joined by a small faction of fighters from Malaysia
- The Ansarul Khilafa Philippines (AKP) has strategists from Indonesia and links with Syria
- The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), based in Maguindanao has been coddling Southeast Asian fugitives
Three members of the Maute group were arrested in October, accused of carrying out the September bombing that left 15 people dead in Davao, President Duterte's hometown and Mindanao's largest city.
Government forces captured a Maute training camp in the town in June after a 10-day gun battle that left 4 soldiers and dozens of militants dead, according to an army account.
The Mautes, once described by the military as a small-time extortion gang, attacked a remote army outpost in Butig in February, triggering a week of fighting that the military said left 6 soldiers and 12 militants dead.
The group also beheaded two employees of a local sawmill in April, according to the military.
Duterte pushing through with Marawi trip
From Rappler (Nov 29): Duterte pushing through with Marawi trip
President Rodrigo Duterte wants to go on the same route taken by an advance team, which was ambushed in the Lanao del Sur capital on the eve of his visit
Shunning the advice of security officials, President Rodrigo Duterte will push through with a scheduled trip to Marawi City on Wednesday, November 30, a day after his own advance party of mostly security personnel was ambushed in the Lanao del Sur capital.
"I am going there. I am simply going there. The advice was to postpone but I said no, I'll still go and if possible, take the same route," Duterte said on Tuesday during his speech inaugurating the Mega Drug Abuse Treatment Center in Fort Magsaysay in this province.
Duterte even made light of the violence and conflict he had described as "raging" in Marawi, saying it would allow him to get some "exercise."
"I have a little gunfight there, gunfight here. Exercise," he said to laughter from the audience.
If he doesn't make it out alive, Vice President Leni Robredo can take the country's reins as provided by law, he said in his usual deadpan manner.
"Kung hindi ako lumusot (If I don't get through), that's why we have the Vice President, Leni Robredo. You can have a gentle president also in exchange for a discourteous mouth," he said, to even louder laughter.
Before boarding his vehicle, reporters asked Duterte what he would do about the Maute group, which he himself has linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
"Kaibiganin natin para walang gulo (Make friends so there is no trouble)," Duterte said without elaborating.
Hours earlier, 9 members of his advance party – 7 from the Presidential Security Group and two soldiers – were injured in an ambush. An improvised explosive device exploded as the team passed through Sitio Matalupay in Marawi.
The team was on its way to prepare for Duterte's visit intended to raise the morale of government troops on the frontline of operations against terror group Maute.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/153974-duterte-trip-marawi-lanao-del-sur
President Rodrigo Duterte wants to go on the same route taken by an advance team, which was ambushed in the Lanao del Sur capital on the eve of his visit
MARAWI TRIP. President Rodrigo Duterte says he will personally check the route taken by the advanced presidential party that was ambushed in Marawi City. File photo by Robinson Ninal/Rappler
Shunning the advice of security officials, President Rodrigo Duterte will push through with a scheduled trip to Marawi City on Wednesday, November 30, a day after his own advance party of mostly security personnel was ambushed in the Lanao del Sur capital.
"I am going there. I am simply going there. The advice was to postpone but I said no, I'll still go and if possible, take the same route," Duterte said on Tuesday during his speech inaugurating the Mega Drug Abuse Treatment Center in Fort Magsaysay in this province.
Duterte even made light of the violence and conflict he had described as "raging" in Marawi, saying it would allow him to get some "exercise."
"I have a little gunfight there, gunfight here. Exercise," he said to laughter from the audience.
If he doesn't make it out alive, Vice President Leni Robredo can take the country's reins as provided by law, he said in his usual deadpan manner.
"Kung hindi ako lumusot (If I don't get through), that's why we have the Vice President, Leni Robredo. You can have a gentle president also in exchange for a discourteous mouth," he said, to even louder laughter.
Before boarding his vehicle, reporters asked Duterte what he would do about the Maute group, which he himself has linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
"Kaibiganin natin para walang gulo (Make friends so there is no trouble)," Duterte said without elaborating.
Hours earlier, 9 members of his advance party – 7 from the Presidential Security Group and two soldiers – were injured in an ambush. An improvised explosive device exploded as the team passed through Sitio Matalupay in Marawi.
The team was on its way to prepare for Duterte's visit intended to raise the morale of government troops on the frontline of operations against terror group Maute.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/153974-duterte-trip-marawi-lanao-del-sur
New U.S. envoy arriving in Manila on December 1
From Rappler (Nov 29): New U.S. envoy arriving in Manila on December 1
US Ambassador-designate to the Philippines Sung Kim is replacing Philip Goldberg, the subject of consistent tirades from President Rodrigo Duterte
US Ambassador-designate to the Philippines Sung Kim is arriving in Manila on Thursday evening, December 1, the US embassy said.
US Ambassador-designate to the Philippines Sung Kim is replacing Philip Goldberg, the subject of consistent tirades from President Rodrigo Duterte
U.S. ENVOY. Incoming US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim and his wife, Jae Eun, look on as US Secretary of State John Kerry delivers remarks at a swearing-in ceremony for Kim on November 3, 2016. Photo courtesy of the US State Department
US Ambassador-designate to the Philippines Sung Kim is arriving in Manila on Thursday evening, December 1, the US embassy said.
Kim is expected to deliver a statement at the dignitaries' lounge of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 upon his arrival, the US embassy said Tuesday afternoon, November 29.
No questions will be entertained upon his arrival on Thursday – the usual practice of ambassadors who have not presented their credentials to the President.
Kim is replacing Ambassador Philip Goldberg, the subject of tirades from Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. The President, for one, called Goldberg "gay" and denounced Washington as "hypocritical" for meddling in Manila's affairs.
Kim took his oath as US ambassador to the Philippines on November 3.
Korean-born ambassador
Ahead of his oath-taking, Kim was confirmed by the US Senate on September 28. He was nominated by President Barack Obama on May 19, more than a month before Duterte took office.
Born in Seoul, South Korea, the ambassador previously served as special representative for North Korea policy and deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs at the US State Department.
He also worked as US ambassador to Korea from 2011 to 2014.
He is married to Jae Eun Chung, and they have two daughters, the US embassy said.
The Philippine government earlier hailed the US for naming an "Asian" ambassador to the Philippines.
Philippine Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said this is "some form of signal that they want to be on a better cultural footing and create an understanding between Asians."
LOOK: Sketch of suspect in US embassy bomb try
From Rappler (Nov 29): LOOK: Sketch of suspect in US embassy bomb try
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald dela Rosa says the person who provided authorities information on the suspect will be a given a reward
SUSPECT. PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa, at a press conference in Camp Karingal on November 29, 2016, shows a computerized sketch of the person who left an improvised explosive device in trash bin near the United States embassy on Monday. Photo by Ben Nabong/Rappler
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald dela Rosa on Tuesday afternoon, November 29, released an artist’s sketch of the suspect who left a bomb near the United States embassy on Monday.
The improvised explosive device, left in a garbage can, was detonated by the bomb squad of the Manila Police District early Monday morning.
Dela Rosa branded it an “attempted act of terrorism” by the Lanao del Su-based Maute terror group, which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS). (READ: Duterte confirms Maute terror group’s ISIS links)
In a press conference at Camp Karingal on Tuesday, Dela Rosa said the person who provided authorities information to on the suspect will be a given “a reward, a token of appreciation.”
He also said that “with or without recognition coming from ISIS” about its links to the local terror group, the PNP is keeping close watch on Maute “because they can wreck havoc.”
The military has been engaged in a firefights with Maute group members since the weekend, after the group occupied the abandoned municipal hall of Butig town in Lanao del Sur and raised the ISIS’ black flag. This is the 3rd time the group attacked Butig. (READ: 1,955 families displaced amid Butig clashes)
In Metro Manila, Dela Rosa had asked mall owners to tighten security in their establishments, with the PNP considering reviving check points.
Photo by: JOEL LIPORADA
He assured the public, however: “’Wag kayong matakot, na’ndito kami. Kaya naming yakapin ’yang bomba na ’yan para ma-save ang taong-bayan. Ready kami.” (Don’t be afraid, we’re here. We can embrace that bomb just to save people. We’re ready.)
http://www.rappler.com/nation/153982-sketch-suspect-us-embassy-bomb
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald dela Rosa says the person who provided authorities information on the suspect will be a given a reward
SUSPECT. PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa, at a press conference in Camp Karingal on November 29, 2016, shows a computerized sketch of the person who left an improvised explosive device in trash bin near the United States embassy on Monday. Photo by Ben Nabong/Rappler
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald dela Rosa on Tuesday afternoon, November 29, released an artist’s sketch of the suspect who left a bomb near the United States embassy on Monday.
The improvised explosive device, left in a garbage can, was detonated by the bomb squad of the Manila Police District early Monday morning.
Dela Rosa branded it an “attempted act of terrorism” by the Lanao del Su-based Maute terror group, which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS). (READ: Duterte confirms Maute terror group’s ISIS links)
In a press conference at Camp Karingal on Tuesday, Dela Rosa said the person who provided authorities information to on the suspect will be a given “a reward, a token of appreciation.”
He also said that “with or without recognition coming from ISIS” about its links to the local terror group, the PNP is keeping close watch on Maute “because they can wreck havoc.”
The military has been engaged in a firefights with Maute group members since the weekend, after the group occupied the abandoned municipal hall of Butig town in Lanao del Sur and raised the ISIS’ black flag. This is the 3rd time the group attacked Butig. (READ: 1,955 families displaced amid Butig clashes)
In Metro Manila, Dela Rosa had asked mall owners to tighten security in their establishments, with the PNP considering reviving check points.
Photo by: JOEL LIPORADA
He assured the public, however: “’Wag kayong matakot, na’ndito kami. Kaya naming yakapin ’yang bomba na ’yan para ma-save ang taong-bayan. Ready kami.” (Don’t be afraid, we’re here. We can embrace that bomb just to save people. We’re ready.)
http://www.rappler.com/nation/153982-sketch-suspect-us-embassy-bomb
‘Don’t use bomb threats to justify repression’ - Bayan to PNP
From InterAksyon (Nov 29): ‘Don’t use bomb threats to justify repression’ - Bayan to PNP
A police bomb squad safely detonates the improvised explosive device found near the US embassy in Manila on Monday. (photo by Edd Gumban, InterAksyon/PhilStar)
Leftists on Tuesday cautioned the Philippine National Police against using recent bomb threats, such as the discovery of an improvised explosive device near the US embassy in Manila, “as justification for the suppression of democratic rights and for more repressive measures.”
“It is necessary to remind the PNP of this because once upon a time in our history, such threats were used to suppress the people's protests,” Renato Reyes Jr., secretary general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, said in an apparent reference to the 14-year Marcos dictatorship that began with the declaration of martial law in 1972.
To justify martial law, former President Ferdinand Marcos cited growing public discontent and other perceived threats to the government, including a still fledgling communist insurgency that, ironically, saw its ranks swell because of the widespread human rights violations committed by the dictatorship.
Reyes noted that the bomb threat “comes just two days before the November 30 rallies,” the second nationwide protest called against the burial of Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
The first nationwide protest last Friday, exactly a week after Marcos’ burial with full military honors, saw thousands turn out in urban centers across the country, including Manila where at least 15,000 people joined the rally at the Luneta Park.
“We warn against any attempt to impose restrictive measures or scare tactics on protesters,” Reyes said. “Like we said, ‘Never again. And not this time’."
Among the mass actions scheduled for Wednesday are a workers’ march to Mendiola.
Also on Wednesday, more names will be added to the Wall of Remembrance at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani, which honors those who were in the forefront of the struggle against the dictatorship.
http://interaksyon.com/article/134752/dont-use-bomb-threats-to-justify-repression---bayan-to-pnp
A police bomb squad safely detonates the improvised explosive device found near the US embassy in Manila on Monday. (photo by Edd Gumban, InterAksyon/PhilStar)
Leftists on Tuesday cautioned the Philippine National Police against using recent bomb threats, such as the discovery of an improvised explosive device near the US embassy in Manila, “as justification for the suppression of democratic rights and for more repressive measures.”
“It is necessary to remind the PNP of this because once upon a time in our history, such threats were used to suppress the people's protests,” Renato Reyes Jr., secretary general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, said in an apparent reference to the 14-year Marcos dictatorship that began with the declaration of martial law in 1972.
To justify martial law, former President Ferdinand Marcos cited growing public discontent and other perceived threats to the government, including a still fledgling communist insurgency that, ironically, saw its ranks swell because of the widespread human rights violations committed by the dictatorship.
Reyes noted that the bomb threat “comes just two days before the November 30 rallies,” the second nationwide protest called against the burial of Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
The first nationwide protest last Friday, exactly a week after Marcos’ burial with full military honors, saw thousands turn out in urban centers across the country, including Manila where at least 15,000 people joined the rally at the Luneta Park.
“We warn against any attempt to impose restrictive measures or scare tactics on protesters,” Reyes said. “Like we said, ‘Never again. And not this time’."
Among the mass actions scheduled for Wednesday are a workers’ march to Mendiola.
Also on Wednesday, more names will be added to the Wall of Remembrance at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani, which honors those who were in the forefront of the struggle against the dictatorship.
http://interaksyon.com/article/134752/dont-use-bomb-threats-to-justify-repression---bayan-to-pnp
IED found near US Embassy handiwork of bomb-maker for hire?
From InterAksyon (Nov 29): IED found near US Embassy handiwork of bomb-maker for hire?
NCRPO chief Oscar Albayalde, from PNP Pampanga website.
The improvised explosive device (IED) in a trash can near the US Embassy in Manila early Monday morning could be the handiwork of a bomb-maker for hire and not necessarily a member of the Maute terror group, a possibility now being eyed by the National Capital Regional Police Office.
Chief Supt. Oscar Abayalde, NCRPO Director, said the bomber for hire angle is being considered besides the Maute Group, which PNP chief Gen. Ronald dela Rosa earlier cited as a possible suspect on account of the similar "signature" in the IED found Monday and that used by the Maute Group in the Sept. 2 Davao market blast.
Albayalde said in a radio interview on Tuesday that they have information that certain ‘criminal minds’ are reportedly being paid as bomb-makers for hire.
"Puwede rin po ang mga tinatawag natin na bomb-maker for-hire... Meron din kasing marunong gumawa ngayon, kung ikaw ay medyo nakakaintindi,” Abayalde explained.
Even through the internet there are tutorials on bomb making, adding that if there’s a gun-for-hire, there are also bomb-makers for hire.
The NCRPO Director said the bomb maker-for-hire could have acquired parts of an IED, including the 9-volt battery, blasting cap and a very old mobile phone, and his contact provided him with the 81 mm mortar.
The Manila Police District (MPD) on Monday said the IED found near the US Embassy was made up of an 81 mm mortar, a 9-volt battery and a cellphone and was safely detonated by the police.
The NCRPO Chief held out the possibility that someone could provide services to fashion a bomb, and that he is not actually a member of the group [Maute], one of two Mindanao-based local terrorist groups that PNP chief dela Rosa said had pledged allegiance to Islamic State.
“We cannot avoid that… [for some people] it's just a [way to make a] living, that's [just] work; and maybe someone hires him and that someone paid him to do that, but [that does] not necessarily [mean] that he is a member of that group,” Abayalde said in Filipino during the radio interview.
The composite sketch of the person who planted the bomb may be released by the police anytime Tuesday, said Albayalde.
The sketch wass based on the description provided by a witness who saw a man alight from a taxicab and leave the IED in the trash can located near the US Embassy.
Director General dela Rosa said that the Maute Group could be behind the foiled bombing near the embassy, and added that it could have been a diversionary tactic of the terror group, which has been under siege from the military after the terror group occupied the old municipal hall and raised a flag of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
http://interaksyon.com/article/134757/ied-found-near-us-embassy-handiwork-of-bomb-maker-for-hire
NCRPO chief Oscar Albayalde, from PNP Pampanga website.
The improvised explosive device (IED) in a trash can near the US Embassy in Manila early Monday morning could be the handiwork of a bomb-maker for hire and not necessarily a member of the Maute terror group, a possibility now being eyed by the National Capital Regional Police Office.
Chief Supt. Oscar Abayalde, NCRPO Director, said the bomber for hire angle is being considered besides the Maute Group, which PNP chief Gen. Ronald dela Rosa earlier cited as a possible suspect on account of the similar "signature" in the IED found Monday and that used by the Maute Group in the Sept. 2 Davao market blast.
Albayalde said in a radio interview on Tuesday that they have information that certain ‘criminal minds’ are reportedly being paid as bomb-makers for hire.
"Puwede rin po ang mga tinatawag natin na bomb-maker for-hire... Meron din kasing marunong gumawa ngayon, kung ikaw ay medyo nakakaintindi,” Abayalde explained.
Even through the internet there are tutorials on bomb making, adding that if there’s a gun-for-hire, there are also bomb-makers for hire.
The NCRPO Director said the bomb maker-for-hire could have acquired parts of an IED, including the 9-volt battery, blasting cap and a very old mobile phone, and his contact provided him with the 81 mm mortar.
The Manila Police District (MPD) on Monday said the IED found near the US Embassy was made up of an 81 mm mortar, a 9-volt battery and a cellphone and was safely detonated by the police.
The NCRPO Chief held out the possibility that someone could provide services to fashion a bomb, and that he is not actually a member of the group [Maute], one of two Mindanao-based local terrorist groups that PNP chief dela Rosa said had pledged allegiance to Islamic State.
“We cannot avoid that… [for some people] it's just a [way to make a] living, that's [just] work; and maybe someone hires him and that someone paid him to do that, but [that does] not necessarily [mean] that he is a member of that group,” Abayalde said in Filipino during the radio interview.
The composite sketch of the person who planted the bomb may be released by the police anytime Tuesday, said Albayalde.
The sketch wass based on the description provided by a witness who saw a man alight from a taxicab and leave the IED in the trash can located near the US Embassy.
Director General dela Rosa said that the Maute Group could be behind the foiled bombing near the embassy, and added that it could have been a diversionary tactic of the terror group, which has been under siege from the military after the terror group occupied the old municipal hall and raised a flag of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
http://interaksyon.com/article/134757/ied-found-near-us-embassy-handiwork-of-bomb-maker-for-hire
US shifts millions of dollars from PH police anti-drug efforts over rights concerns
From InterAksyon (Nov 29): US shifts millions of dollars from PH police anti-drug efforts over rights concerns
The United States has shifted millions of dollars in funding for Philippine law enforcement away from police drug control programs, State Department officials said on Monday, since the start of the country's bloody crackdown on drugs this summer.
The Obama administration and human rights groups have criticized President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs, and US officials have said they are "deeply concerned" by reports of extrajudicial killings in the drug campaign. Duterte has in turn rebuked the United States and rejected the criticisms.
Police figures show the campaign has killed more than 2,500 people since Duterte took office on June 30, about three-quarters in police counter-narcotics operations, and the rest believed to be the victims of vigilantes or drug lords eliminating rivals or silencing those who could implicate them.
Since the start of the campaign, US State Department assistance for law enforcement has been diverted from narcotics control to maritime security and human rights training for the national police, State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a news briefing.
"We decided the prudent thing to do was to refocus the way that assistance was being spent," Kirby said.
Of $5 million that had been intended for law enforcement efforts, the State Department in early September shifted $4.5 million into maritime law enforcement, specifically to the Philippines Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries, a State Department spokeswoman said. Another half-million dollars is to go to human rights and internal reform efforts, she said.
The State Department expects it will continue to focus its funding on maritime security, human rights, and rule of law programming, the spokeswoman said.
The United States has sent the Philippines hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign aid and military and development assistance in recent years, making it the third-largest Asian recipient of US military aid after Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The Leahy Law, named for its sponsor, Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy, bars the United States from providing training or equipment to foreign troops who commit human-rights violations.
Earlier this month, Senate aides told Reuters the United States halted the planned sale of some 26,000 assault rifles to the Philippines' national police after Senator Ben Cardin said he would oppose it, over what aides said were concerns about human rights violations.
http://interaksyon.com/article/134742/us-shifts-millions-of-dollars-from-ph-police-anti-drug-efforts-over-rights-concerns
The United States has shifted millions of dollars in funding for Philippine law enforcement away from police drug control programs, State Department officials said on Monday, since the start of the country's bloody crackdown on drugs this summer.
The Obama administration and human rights groups have criticized President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs, and US officials have said they are "deeply concerned" by reports of extrajudicial killings in the drug campaign. Duterte has in turn rebuked the United States and rejected the criticisms.
Police figures show the campaign has killed more than 2,500 people since Duterte took office on June 30, about three-quarters in police counter-narcotics operations, and the rest believed to be the victims of vigilantes or drug lords eliminating rivals or silencing those who could implicate them.
Since the start of the campaign, US State Department assistance for law enforcement has been diverted from narcotics control to maritime security and human rights training for the national police, State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a news briefing.
"We decided the prudent thing to do was to refocus the way that assistance was being spent," Kirby said.
Of $5 million that had been intended for law enforcement efforts, the State Department in early September shifted $4.5 million into maritime law enforcement, specifically to the Philippines Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries, a State Department spokeswoman said. Another half-million dollars is to go to human rights and internal reform efforts, she said.
The State Department expects it will continue to focus its funding on maritime security, human rights, and rule of law programming, the spokeswoman said.
The United States has sent the Philippines hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign aid and military and development assistance in recent years, making it the third-largest Asian recipient of US military aid after Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The Leahy Law, named for its sponsor, Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy, bars the United States from providing training or equipment to foreign troops who commit human-rights violations.
Earlier this month, Senate aides told Reuters the United States halted the planned sale of some 26,000 assault rifles to the Philippines' national police after Senator Ben Cardin said he would oppose it, over what aides said were concerns about human rights violations.
http://interaksyon.com/article/134742/us-shifts-millions-of-dollars-from-ph-police-anti-drug-efforts-over-rights-concerns
Monday, November 28, 2016
Duterte’s PSG advance party bombed in Marawi
From MindaNews (Nov 29): Duterte’s PSG advance party bombed in Marawi
Seven personnel from the Presidential Security Group (PSG) serving as President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s advance party and two Army escorts were reported wounded after a powerful improvised explosive device (IED) hit the convoy of the elite security group while heading to Marawi City this morning, police and military reports said.
Chief Supt. Agripino Javier, police regional director for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), said they received report that a loud explosion believed to be from an IED was heard around 10:30 a.m. in Barangay Emie Punud, Marawi City.
“They were ambushed using an IED while traversing from Iligan City to Marawi City,” he said in a text message.
Armed Forces spokesperson Restituto Padilla said the convoy was composed of PSG personnel, RTVM, and Army escorts, all part of the advance party for President Rodrigo Duterte, who is set to visit Lanao del Sur on Wednesday.
There were no names of the injured yet as of press time.
Asked about the incident, ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman said he has no details yet on the attack, but he has information that President Duterte is scheduled to visit Army troops who are now fighting the rebels belonging to the Maute group, which is said to have links with ISIS.
The President, in his speech two days ago, named a certain Commander Bravo who he threatened to arrest for reportedly putting up his own government and giving protection to a drug syndicate.
It was not clear who the President was referring to, but the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) also has a Commander Bravo, the alias of Abdurahman Macapaar, who has led MILF attacks in Lanao del Norte in the 2000 and 2008 wars.
But Macapaar has lately expressed support for the peace process between the government and the MILF.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2016/11/dutertes-psg-advance-party-bombed-in-marawi/
Seven personnel from the Presidential Security Group (PSG) serving as President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s advance party and two Army escorts were reported wounded after a powerful improvised explosive device (IED) hit the convoy of the elite security group while heading to Marawi City this morning, police and military reports said.
Chief Supt. Agripino Javier, police regional director for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), said they received report that a loud explosion believed to be from an IED was heard around 10:30 a.m. in Barangay Emie Punud, Marawi City.
“They were ambushed using an IED while traversing from Iligan City to Marawi City,” he said in a text message.
Armed Forces spokesperson Restituto Padilla said the convoy was composed of PSG personnel, RTVM, and Army escorts, all part of the advance party for President Rodrigo Duterte, who is set to visit Lanao del Sur on Wednesday.
There were no names of the injured yet as of press time.
Asked about the incident, ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman said he has no details yet on the attack, but he has information that President Duterte is scheduled to visit Army troops who are now fighting the rebels belonging to the Maute group, which is said to have links with ISIS.
The President, in his speech two days ago, named a certain Commander Bravo who he threatened to arrest for reportedly putting up his own government and giving protection to a drug syndicate.
It was not clear who the President was referring to, but the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) also has a Commander Bravo, the alias of Abdurahman Macapaar, who has led MILF attacks in Lanao del Norte in the 2000 and 2008 wars.
But Macapaar has lately expressed support for the peace process between the government and the MILF.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2016/11/dutertes-psg-advance-party-bombed-in-marawi/
2 more FA-50PH supersonic jet aircraft to arrive Dec. 1
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 29): 2 more FA-50PH supersonic jet aircraft to arrive Dec. 1
Two more FA-50PHs "Fighting Eagle" jet aircraft is scheduled to arrive at Clark Field, Angeles City, Pampanga on Dec. 1, raising the number of the Mach 1.5 capable aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to four.
This was disclosed by PAF commander Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina during the sidelights of the Department of National Defense's 77th founding anniversary Tuesday.
He added the South Korean-made jet aircraft will be arriving 10 a.m. Thursday.
Fallorina said the two new FA-50PHs will be escorted on their way to Clark Field by the first two "Fighting Eagle" in PAF service.
The PAF chief, who got a chance to ride the FA-50PH's backseat last Nov. 26, described the aircraft as "very capable" and brings "pride to every fighter pilot".
"It (feels) great to secure a country with a fighter aircraft (like the FA-50PH)," he added.
As this develops, Fallorina said there are currently nine Filipino pilots fully trained to fly the FA-50PHs.
Three of these are instructor pilots and the remaining six are operational ones.
The PAF has 12-plane order from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) worth PHP18.9 billion.
The remaining eight FA-50PHs are expected to be delivered this coming 2017 and 2018.
The FA-50PHs has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.
It will act as the country's interim fighter until the Philippines get enough experience of operating fast jet assets and money to fund the acquisition of more capable fighter aircraft.
The FA-50PH design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.
KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the FA-50PHs.
The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating. The high-mounted canopy is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting at 400 knots.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=944229
Two more FA-50PHs "Fighting Eagle" jet aircraft is scheduled to arrive at Clark Field, Angeles City, Pampanga on Dec. 1, raising the number of the Mach 1.5 capable aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to four.
This was disclosed by PAF commander Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina during the sidelights of the Department of National Defense's 77th founding anniversary Tuesday.
He added the South Korean-made jet aircraft will be arriving 10 a.m. Thursday.
Fallorina said the two new FA-50PHs will be escorted on their way to Clark Field by the first two "Fighting Eagle" in PAF service.
The PAF chief, who got a chance to ride the FA-50PH's backseat last Nov. 26, described the aircraft as "very capable" and brings "pride to every fighter pilot".
"It (feels) great to secure a country with a fighter aircraft (like the FA-50PH)," he added.
As this develops, Fallorina said there are currently nine Filipino pilots fully trained to fly the FA-50PHs.
Three of these are instructor pilots and the remaining six are operational ones.
The PAF has 12-plane order from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) worth PHP18.9 billion.
The remaining eight FA-50PHs are expected to be delivered this coming 2017 and 2018.
The FA-50PHs has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.
It will act as the country's interim fighter until the Philippines get enough experience of operating fast jet assets and money to fund the acquisition of more capable fighter aircraft.
The FA-50PH design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.
KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the FA-50PHs.
The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating. The high-mounted canopy is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting at 400 knots.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=944229
7 PSG members, 2 troops hurt in roadside bombing in Lanao del Sur
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 29): 7 PSG members, 2 troops hurt in roadside bombing in Lanao del Sur
A total of nine government forces, including seven members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) were injured in a roadside bombing in Marawi City, a military official disclosed Tuesday.
Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesperson, disclosed the incident occurred shortly after 10:00 a.m. Tuesday in Barangay Matampay, Marawi.
Wounded in the IED explosion were one PSG official, six enlisted personnel and two regular troops.
The identities of the wounded soldiers were not immediately available. One of them was seriously wounded.
Tan said the troops were in a convoy of vehicles carrying PSG personnel, Radio-Television-Malacanang (RTVM), and escorted by 103rd Infantry Brigade troops when one of the vehicles hit an improvised explosive device (IED) fashioned out as a landmine.
Tan said a Presidential chopper immediately airlifted the seriously injured and four others to an undisclosed medical facility for emergency care.
The PSG and RTVM personnel are in Lanao del Sur in preparation for the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to get first hand information on the ground in the ongoing offensive against the Maute terror group.
The offensive started when the terror group occupied an unoccupied town hall of Butig, Lanao del Sur.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=944211
A total of nine government forces, including seven members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) were injured in a roadside bombing in Marawi City, a military official disclosed Tuesday.
Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesperson, disclosed the incident occurred shortly after 10:00 a.m. Tuesday in Barangay Matampay, Marawi.
Wounded in the IED explosion were one PSG official, six enlisted personnel and two regular troops.
The identities of the wounded soldiers were not immediately available. One of them was seriously wounded.
Tan said the troops were in a convoy of vehicles carrying PSG personnel, Radio-Television-Malacanang (RTVM), and escorted by 103rd Infantry Brigade troops when one of the vehicles hit an improvised explosive device (IED) fashioned out as a landmine.
Tan said a Presidential chopper immediately airlifted the seriously injured and four others to an undisclosed medical facility for emergency care.
The PSG and RTVM personnel are in Lanao del Sur in preparation for the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to get first hand information on the ground in the ongoing offensive against the Maute terror group.
The offensive started when the terror group occupied an unoccupied town hall of Butig, Lanao del Sur.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=944211
Killed Maute Group members now at 40, 20 troopers hurt
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 29): Killed Maute Group members now at 40, 20 troopers hurt
Military offensives against the Maute Group, now on its fourth day at Butig town, Lanao Del Sur, has resulted in the death of 40 bandits and wounding of 20 troopers.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said in a briefing Tuesday government forces continue to inch their way to the Maute Group strongholds in Butig.
However, the military advance is being held up by sniper fire and threats of improvised explosive device (IED) attacks by the bandit group, he added.
Most of the military wounded are not serious and the patients (are) ambulatory, Arevalo said.
The AFP offensive is headed by the 103rd Infantry Brigade which is now reinforced by armor, artillery, and air units.
Arevalo said the Maute Group, which is concentrated in Barangays Sindig and Bayabao, is putting up a tough fight but he expressed confidence that the military will crack up the group's resistance soon.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=944209
Military offensives against the Maute Group, now on its fourth day at Butig town, Lanao Del Sur, has resulted in the death of 40 bandits and wounding of 20 troopers.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said in a briefing Tuesday government forces continue to inch their way to the Maute Group strongholds in Butig.
However, the military advance is being held up by sniper fire and threats of improvised explosive device (IED) attacks by the bandit group, he added.
Most of the military wounded are not serious and the patients (are) ambulatory, Arevalo said.
The AFP offensive is headed by the 103rd Infantry Brigade which is now reinforced by armor, artillery, and air units.
Arevalo said the Maute Group, which is concentrated in Barangays Sindig and Bayabao, is putting up a tough fight but he expressed confidence that the military will crack up the group's resistance soon.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=944209
2 Abu Sayyaf terrorists killed in maritime ops
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 29): 2 Abu Sayyaf terrorists killed in maritime ops
Navy photo
Two suspected members of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group were shot and killed during maritime patrol operations off Barangay Muti, Zamboanga City noontime Monday.
In a statement Tuesday, Philippine Navy Spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said naval units consisting of intelligence, special operation group members and fast craft were patrolling off Sitio Niyog-Niyog when they spotted a motorized pumpboat with the suspected bandits, allegedly under sub-leader Marzan Ajijul, apparently trying to extort money from fishermen in the area.
The military intercepted the bandits, triggering a 15-minute firefight which ended in the killing of the two ASG members, Lincuna added.
No losses were sustained by government forces. Recovered were a .45 caliber pistol, a hand grenade, and suspected “shabu”.
The pumpboat with “Irsan” markings with 13 horsepower single engine onboard was also recovered.
“The PN will continue conducting intensified maritime patrols together with other maritime agencies in order to address the illegal activities victimizing our fishermen and commercial vessels,” Lincuna said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=944209
Navy photo
Two suspected members of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group were shot and killed during maritime patrol operations off Barangay Muti, Zamboanga City noontime Monday.
In a statement Tuesday, Philippine Navy Spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said naval units consisting of intelligence, special operation group members and fast craft were patrolling off Sitio Niyog-Niyog when they spotted a motorized pumpboat with the suspected bandits, allegedly under sub-leader Marzan Ajijul, apparently trying to extort money from fishermen in the area.
No losses were sustained by government forces. Recovered were a .45 caliber pistol, a hand grenade, and suspected “shabu”.
The pumpboat with “Irsan” markings with 13 horsepower single engine onboard was also recovered.
“The PN will continue conducting intensified maritime patrols together with other maritime agencies in order to address the illegal activities victimizing our fishermen and commercial vessels,” Lincuna said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=944209
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