From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): Five Maute terrorists killed in clash with MILF in Lanao del Sur-Maguindanao border
Five Maute group terrorists were killed in a clash with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) guerillas at the border shared by Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur provinces, military and MILF officials have said.
According to MILF vice chair for military affairs, Von Al Haq, reports from MILF fighters in Mt. Cararao said the terrorist group also suffered injuries in a clash that began Friday morning.
“They were trying to cross the border obviously to avoid the military operations in Butig,” Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., 6th Infantry Division chief, told reporters.
According to reports, the Maute group continued fighting the MILF sporadically Saturday morning in the heavily forested part of Mt. Cararao.
One MILF fighter was injured when the firefight broke out Friday dawn.
Under the government and MILF peace agreement, both the Philippine military and Moro rebels are bound to cooperate in interdicting criminals and terrorists in areas identified as MILF communities.
Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on Friday night instructed Vice Governor Haroun Al-Rashid Lucman, also the region’s social welfare secretary, to determine if the clashes have resulted in the dislocation of civilians.
Social workers in the region have distributed tons of relief supplies in Butig, site of Maute-military clashes that affected 11 barangays and displaced 3,468 families.
The military reported 65 Maute terrorist group members killed while the Army suffered three fatalities and 19 injured.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=947352
Saturday, December 10, 2016
ROTC cadets show human assistance, disaster relief capabilities during summit
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): ROTC cadets show human assistance, disaster relief capabilities during summit
The humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) capabilities of the Reserve Officers Training Corps were highlighted during the 2nd National ROTC Summit Saturday.
There is more to ROTC than military drills and formations under the scorching sun, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, Col. Edgard Arevalo said, citing that ROTC units can act as force multipliers during calamities and provide initial HADR efforts.
The summit, held at the AFP parade grounds in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte's order to re-institutionalize the ROTC program.
Some 600 ROTC cadets and cadettes participated in Saturday's activities.
“The key initiative of the summit is to re-institutionalize the ROTC Program in response to President Duterte’s pronouncement and the military’s own desire to revive one of its sources of qualified, disciplined, and nation-loving leaders of the country,” Arevalo said.
This year’s theme is “Paghubog sa Kabataang Pilipino Tungo sa Makatao, Makabayan at Makabansang Mamamayan”, he added.
The ROTC Program was introduced to the Philippines back in 1912, when the Philippine Constabulary commenced with military instruction at the University of the Philippines.
It has been the main source of reservists in the Armed Forces. The number of ROTC enrolees however significantly declined in 2002-2003, following the implementation of Republic Act 9163 on the establishment the National Service Training Program (NSTP), which made the ROTC optional as one of its components.
“We aim to showcase the advantages of the ROTC program,” AFP chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo M. Año said. “The program will develop the youth’s leadership skills, discipline and love for the country.”
“The nation needs prepared citizen soldiers to defend and serve the country. We have to show the youth that the ROTC program is the best means to train them as they rise up to the occasion to serve and defend our country when needed,” the military official stressed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=947343
The humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) capabilities of the Reserve Officers Training Corps were highlighted during the 2nd National ROTC Summit Saturday.
There is more to ROTC than military drills and formations under the scorching sun, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, Col. Edgard Arevalo said, citing that ROTC units can act as force multipliers during calamities and provide initial HADR efforts.
The summit, held at the AFP parade grounds in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte's order to re-institutionalize the ROTC program.
Some 600 ROTC cadets and cadettes participated in Saturday's activities.
“The key initiative of the summit is to re-institutionalize the ROTC Program in response to President Duterte’s pronouncement and the military’s own desire to revive one of its sources of qualified, disciplined, and nation-loving leaders of the country,” Arevalo said.
This year’s theme is “Paghubog sa Kabataang Pilipino Tungo sa Makatao, Makabayan at Makabansang Mamamayan”, he added.
The ROTC Program was introduced to the Philippines back in 1912, when the Philippine Constabulary commenced with military instruction at the University of the Philippines.
It has been the main source of reservists in the Armed Forces. The number of ROTC enrolees however significantly declined in 2002-2003, following the implementation of Republic Act 9163 on the establishment the National Service Training Program (NSTP), which made the ROTC optional as one of its components.
“We aim to showcase the advantages of the ROTC program,” AFP chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo M. Año said. “The program will develop the youth’s leadership skills, discipline and love for the country.”
“The nation needs prepared citizen soldiers to defend and serve the country. We have to show the youth that the ROTC program is the best means to train them as they rise up to the occasion to serve and defend our country when needed,” the military official stressed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=947343
Three gunmen killed in Lahad Datu clash with Sabah forces confirmed to be Abu Sayyaf members
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): Three gunmen killed in Lahad Datu clash with Sabah forces confirmed to be Abu Sayyaf members
The Western Mindanao Command (WMC) on Saturday confirmed that the three gunmen shot dead by Sabah security forces in Lahad Datu last Dec. 8 were indeed members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), one of whom headed the Samal Island raid that led to the kidnapping of three foreign nationals and a Filipina in September 2015.
"Per validation made by this Command, the shootout resulted in the killing of Abraham Hamid, leader of the Samal kidnapping incident, and two of his cohorts," WMC spokesperson Maj. Filemon Tan said.
Two more ASG bandits were captured in the encounter by Sabah security forces. They were identified as Samsung Aljan and Awal Hajal, while two others are being pursued.
Hamid, an ASG spotter, was identified as the leader of the Abu Sayyaf members involved in the kidnapping of Robert Hall, John Ridsdel, Kjartan Sekkingstad and Maritess Flor on Sept. 21, 2015 at the Ocean View Resort in Camudmud, Samal City, Davao del Sur.
He was also tagged in the kidnapping of four Indonesian crew members of tugboat Henry.
"The said Abu Sayyaf members were prevented by security forces in Sabah from executing their kidnapping plans by engaging them in a surprise shootout. The speedboat utilized by the Abu Sayyaf members was sunk during the fight," Tan added.
Hamid's death is a big blow to the ASG as his demise has degraded their capability for spotting, he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=947441
"Per validation made by this Command, the shootout resulted in the killing of Abraham Hamid, leader of the Samal kidnapping incident, and two of his cohorts," WMC spokesperson Maj. Filemon Tan said.
Two more ASG bandits were captured in the encounter by Sabah security forces. They were identified as Samsung Aljan and Awal Hajal, while two others are being pursued.
Hamid, an ASG spotter, was identified as the leader of the Abu Sayyaf members involved in the kidnapping of Robert Hall, John Ridsdel, Kjartan Sekkingstad and Maritess Flor on Sept. 21, 2015 at the Ocean View Resort in Camudmud, Samal City, Davao del Sur.
He was also tagged in the kidnapping of four Indonesian crew members of tugboat Henry.
"The said Abu Sayyaf members were prevented by security forces in Sabah from executing their kidnapping plans by engaging them in a surprise shootout. The speedboat utilized by the Abu Sayyaf members was sunk during the fight," Tan added.
Hamid's death is a big blow to the ASG as his demise has degraded their capability for spotting, he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=947441
Defense chief to prioritize Naval upgrade efforts
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): Defense chief to prioritize Naval upgrade efforts
National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said efforts to upgrade the Philippine Navy (PN) will be his focus in his six-year term as defense chief.
He made the commitment during Friday's welcoming ceremony for BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), the country's third Hamilton-class cutter acquired through the US Excess Defense Articles Program.
"We are a maritime country, our maritime territory is 20 times bigger than our land mass so it is just right that we go into a program to upgrade our Navy. And that will be my mission as SND (secretary of national defense) for the next six years," Lorenzana added.
The Philippine coastline is estimated at 36,289 km., one of the longest in the world.
"The PN's acquisition of BRP Andres Bonifacio is proof of our continuing firm resolve and determination to upgrade the capabilities of the Armed Forces... Of course, courtesy of the United States of America," he said.
The BRP Andres Bonifacio was the USCGC Boutwell which was retired from US Coast Guard service last March 16 and handed to the PN last July 21.
Hamilton-class cutters have a gross tonnage of 3,250 tons, a length of 378 ft., beam of 43 ft., and draft of 15 ft.
Its propulsion systems consist of two diesel engines and two gas turbine engines, giving it a top speed of 29 knots and a crew of 88 officers and enlisted personnel.
The ship has a cruising range of 14,000 miles and has a sea and loiter time of 45 days.
"Cognizant of our real need for PN assets, we thanked the United States government for enabling the sale of this frigate to the Philippines under the Excess Defense Articles Program. We greatly anticipate the placement of Andres Bonifacio in duty status in the conduct of naval operations," the defense chief stressed.
Lorenzana said he expects the BRP Andres Bonifacio, once painted naval grey, to be deployed to Sulu waters to help foil kidnapping and piracy incidents in this sea.
"This ship will certainly be a valuable platform in the pursuit of the constitutional mandate of the AFP. This will strengthen the PN capabilities in raising the country's security concerns in the protection of our territorial integrity, and maritime interest," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=947344
National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said efforts to upgrade the Philippine Navy (PN) will be his focus in his six-year term as defense chief.
He made the commitment during Friday's welcoming ceremony for BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), the country's third Hamilton-class cutter acquired through the US Excess Defense Articles Program.
"We are a maritime country, our maritime territory is 20 times bigger than our land mass so it is just right that we go into a program to upgrade our Navy. And that will be my mission as SND (secretary of national defense) for the next six years," Lorenzana added.
The Philippine coastline is estimated at 36,289 km., one of the longest in the world.
"The PN's acquisition of BRP Andres Bonifacio is proof of our continuing firm resolve and determination to upgrade the capabilities of the Armed Forces... Of course, courtesy of the United States of America," he said.
The BRP Andres Bonifacio was the USCGC Boutwell which was retired from US Coast Guard service last March 16 and handed to the PN last July 21.
Hamilton-class cutters have a gross tonnage of 3,250 tons, a length of 378 ft., beam of 43 ft., and draft of 15 ft.
Its propulsion systems consist of two diesel engines and two gas turbine engines, giving it a top speed of 29 knots and a crew of 88 officers and enlisted personnel.
The ship has a cruising range of 14,000 miles and has a sea and loiter time of 45 days.
"Cognizant of our real need for PN assets, we thanked the United States government for enabling the sale of this frigate to the Philippines under the Excess Defense Articles Program. We greatly anticipate the placement of Andres Bonifacio in duty status in the conduct of naval operations," the defense chief stressed.
Lorenzana said he expects the BRP Andres Bonifacio, once painted naval grey, to be deployed to Sulu waters to help foil kidnapping and piracy incidents in this sea.
"This ship will certainly be a valuable platform in the pursuit of the constitutional mandate of the AFP. This will strengthen the PN capabilities in raising the country's security concerns in the protection of our territorial integrity, and maritime interest," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=947344
PHL Pres'l Peace adviser outlines gov’t strategy to address socioeconomic concerns in fragile situations
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): PHL Pres'l Peace adviser outlines gov’t strategy to address socioeconomic concerns in fragile situations
Philippine Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza has led the Philippine delegation to the international conference on “The Role of Citizens in Service Delivery and Building State Legitimacy in Fragile and Conflict Affected Situations”.
The event was organized by the World Bank’s Global Programs Unit of the Social, Urban, Rural and Resilience Global Practice, and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
The conference drew experts from government, multilateral institutions, academia, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to discuss the nexus between service delivery and state legitimacy in fragile and conflict affected situations.
According to the World Bank, more than 60 percent of the world’s poor population will be found in countries dealing with conflict or areas experiencing issues of fragility.
In the Philippines’ case, areas in Mindanao, the southern region of the Philippines that has long been embroiled in insurgency, hold the highest poverty levels in the country. Poverty in the region is almost twice the national average.
Dureza is serving his third stint as presidential adviser, having already served as peace adviser for two previous administrations, and is responsible for resuscitating the peace talks with communist rebels.
Already, two rounds of peace talks have already been completed in the present administration with the third round commencing in January 2017. His optimism in the success of the peace talks stems from his belief that President Rodrigo Duterte exercises strong political will in ensuring all parties come together in the peace process.
President Duterte has already declared a unilateral ceasefire of offense operations against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army and also released 20 political prisoners based on humanitarian grounds to help facilitate the talks.
The ambition of the administration, Dureza noted, is to attain peace by the second year of President Duterte’s term.
“In our work in the peace process, it is very important that we address what we refer to as the ‘historical injustice’ that the Moro had suffered,” he said in his speech with reference to the Muslim separatist insurgency in Mindanao during the panel discussion on “Government Strategies to Build State Legitimacy and Improve Service Delivery in Fragile Situations”.
Two separate peace agreements have been signed by two separatist factions, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). Furthermore, the two Houses of Congress have been developing their versions of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, the enabling piece of legislation that will give the Bangsamoro region greater autonomy.
“We feel that we can sign 100 peace agreements, but if you do not include the lives of people, it will all go to naught,” the secretary stressed.
Apart from dealing with the peace agreements, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) is also carrying out the implementation of development projects as the negotiations continue, which, as the secretary noted, had not been done in previous peace arrangements.
In fact, socioeconomic development has become one of the three main agenda items of the peace negotiations, in addition to the end of hostilities and agreement over governance and political elements.
Overlooking the socioeconomic aspect of the peace talk, he cites, has contributed to the continuation of the “cycle of victimhood” that attracts youth to support rebel movement.
Through OPAPP, the government is making a concerted effort in addressing fragility of conflict areas by investing at the local levels and involving people not directly related to the conflict.
In these efforts, the Philippine government has been engaging the World Bank and other countries through the community-driven development approach to improve service delivery and include citizens in the planning and management and implementation of development interventions.
Among the projects the Philippines is currently developing together with the World Bank is the operationalization of the Mindanao Peace and Development Trust Fund, which will provide financing for conflict-affected communities to use for the projects they believe are most important to them.
The World Bank supports more than 180 community-driven development projects in 78 countries throughout the world.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=947383
Philippine Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza has led the Philippine delegation to the international conference on “The Role of Citizens in Service Delivery and Building State Legitimacy in Fragile and Conflict Affected Situations”.
The event was organized by the World Bank’s Global Programs Unit of the Social, Urban, Rural and Resilience Global Practice, and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
The conference drew experts from government, multilateral institutions, academia, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to discuss the nexus between service delivery and state legitimacy in fragile and conflict affected situations.
According to the World Bank, more than 60 percent of the world’s poor population will be found in countries dealing with conflict or areas experiencing issues of fragility.
In the Philippines’ case, areas in Mindanao, the southern region of the Philippines that has long been embroiled in insurgency, hold the highest poverty levels in the country. Poverty in the region is almost twice the national average.
Dureza is serving his third stint as presidential adviser, having already served as peace adviser for two previous administrations, and is responsible for resuscitating the peace talks with communist rebels.
Already, two rounds of peace talks have already been completed in the present administration with the third round commencing in January 2017. His optimism in the success of the peace talks stems from his belief that President Rodrigo Duterte exercises strong political will in ensuring all parties come together in the peace process.
President Duterte has already declared a unilateral ceasefire of offense operations against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army and also released 20 political prisoners based on humanitarian grounds to help facilitate the talks.
The ambition of the administration, Dureza noted, is to attain peace by the second year of President Duterte’s term.
“In our work in the peace process, it is very important that we address what we refer to as the ‘historical injustice’ that the Moro had suffered,” he said in his speech with reference to the Muslim separatist insurgency in Mindanao during the panel discussion on “Government Strategies to Build State Legitimacy and Improve Service Delivery in Fragile Situations”.
Two separate peace agreements have been signed by two separatist factions, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). Furthermore, the two Houses of Congress have been developing their versions of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, the enabling piece of legislation that will give the Bangsamoro region greater autonomy.
“We feel that we can sign 100 peace agreements, but if you do not include the lives of people, it will all go to naught,” the secretary stressed.
Apart from dealing with the peace agreements, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) is also carrying out the implementation of development projects as the negotiations continue, which, as the secretary noted, had not been done in previous peace arrangements.
In fact, socioeconomic development has become one of the three main agenda items of the peace negotiations, in addition to the end of hostilities and agreement over governance and political elements.
Overlooking the socioeconomic aspect of the peace talk, he cites, has contributed to the continuation of the “cycle of victimhood” that attracts youth to support rebel movement.
Through OPAPP, the government is making a concerted effort in addressing fragility of conflict areas by investing at the local levels and involving people not directly related to the conflict.
In these efforts, the Philippine government has been engaging the World Bank and other countries through the community-driven development approach to improve service delivery and include citizens in the planning and management and implementation of development interventions.
Among the projects the Philippines is currently developing together with the World Bank is the operationalization of the Mindanao Peace and Development Trust Fund, which will provide financing for conflict-affected communities to use for the projects they believe are most important to them.
The World Bank supports more than 180 community-driven development projects in 78 countries throughout the world.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=947383
Friday, December 9, 2016
Political prisoners in Misamis Oriental stage hunger strike
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 9): Political prisoners in Misamis Oriental stage hunger strike
Political prisoners in Misamis Oriental are now on hunger strike to dramatize their demand for the release of all political prisoners in the country, provincial jail officials here said Friday.
The jail officials identified the political prisoners as Antonio Saliring, Vicente Libona, Rene Lopez, Joel Llagao, and Delan Samonte, all detained at the Misamis Oriental Provincial Jail.
Arnuldo Saliring, who is facing robbery and homicide, said that the hunger strike started Wednesday and would last until Saturday in time for the observance of the Human Rights Day.
He said that the political prisoners skipped breakfast and lunch and only took water as part of the nationwide hunger strike being staged by political prisoners throughout the country.
Vicente Libona, 59, of Gingoog City, was detained for eight years with the same cases as those filed against Saliring.
Libona said he has been in prison for eight years on cases he did not commit and the government did not even bother to review his case.
He said that the political prisoners, who were on hunger strike, were expressing sentiments to remind President Rodrigo Duterte’s about his campaign promise to release all political prisoners in the country.
Libona referred to President Duterte's inauguration speech five months ago, where he announced that he will release all political prisoners in the country.
He said that he hoped that Mr. Duterte would fulfill his promise, especially in the spirit of Christmas this year.
Asked about his Christmas wish, Libona said, “My Christmas wish is the freedom of the political prisoners in the country.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=947066
Political prisoners in Misamis Oriental are now on hunger strike to dramatize their demand for the release of all political prisoners in the country, provincial jail officials here said Friday.
The jail officials identified the political prisoners as Antonio Saliring, Vicente Libona, Rene Lopez, Joel Llagao, and Delan Samonte, all detained at the Misamis Oriental Provincial Jail.
Arnuldo Saliring, who is facing robbery and homicide, said that the hunger strike started Wednesday and would last until Saturday in time for the observance of the Human Rights Day.
He said that the political prisoners skipped breakfast and lunch and only took water as part of the nationwide hunger strike being staged by political prisoners throughout the country.
Vicente Libona, 59, of Gingoog City, was detained for eight years with the same cases as those filed against Saliring.
Libona said he has been in prison for eight years on cases he did not commit and the government did not even bother to review his case.
He said that the political prisoners, who were on hunger strike, were expressing sentiments to remind President Rodrigo Duterte’s about his campaign promise to release all political prisoners in the country.
Libona referred to President Duterte's inauguration speech five months ago, where he announced that he will release all political prisoners in the country.
He said that he hoped that Mr. Duterte would fulfill his promise, especially in the spirit of Christmas this year.
Asked about his Christmas wish, Libona said, “My Christmas wish is the freedom of the political prisoners in the country.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=947066
Troops arrest Abu Sayyaf member in Zamboanga City
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 9): Troops arrest Abu Sayyaf member in Zamboanga City
Police here announced on Friday the arrest of an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member involved in a raid of a plantation in Basilan province 15 years ago.
Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, identified the arrested suspect as Ahmad Adil, who carries the aliases of Abu Umbra and Abdulrakman Zacaria.
Beltran said joint police and military operatives have arrested Adil around 12:20 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Mampang, sitauted some six kilometers east of this city.
Beltran said Adil has standing warrant of arrest for the crime of kidnapping and serious illegal detention for his alleged involvement in the raid of the Golden Harvest Plantation in June 2001 in Barangay Tairan, Lantawan, Basilan province.
During the raid, the Abu Sayyaf bandits beheaded nine of the 30 plantation workers they seized and shot to death another one.
The rest of the workers were either rescued or have escaped at the height of military pursuit operations launched against the bandit group.
Beltran said Adil was detained prior to his turnover to court authorities.
Adil’s arrest came after Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has ordered the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to enforce safety and security augmentation plan for the locality.
“My instruction always is to strengthen and tighten security in response to threats of terrorism, extremism and fundamentalism,” the mayor said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=947231
Police here announced on Friday the arrest of an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member involved in a raid of a plantation in Basilan province 15 years ago.
Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, identified the arrested suspect as Ahmad Adil, who carries the aliases of Abu Umbra and Abdulrakman Zacaria.
Beltran said joint police and military operatives have arrested Adil around 12:20 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Mampang, sitauted some six kilometers east of this city.
Beltran said Adil has standing warrant of arrest for the crime of kidnapping and serious illegal detention for his alleged involvement in the raid of the Golden Harvest Plantation in June 2001 in Barangay Tairan, Lantawan, Basilan province.
During the raid, the Abu Sayyaf bandits beheaded nine of the 30 plantation workers they seized and shot to death another one.
The rest of the workers were either rescued or have escaped at the height of military pursuit operations launched against the bandit group.
Beltran said Adil was detained prior to his turnover to court authorities.
Adil’s arrest came after Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has ordered the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to enforce safety and security augmentation plan for the locality.
“My instruction always is to strengthen and tighten security in response to threats of terrorism, extremism and fundamentalism,” the mayor said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=947231
US Ambassador to PHL wants to visit Davao City
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 9): US Ambassador to PHL wants to visit Davao City
After meeting President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacanang Palace, US Ambassador to Manila Sung Kim on Friday said he is eager to visit Davao City, the hometown of the chief executive.
In a chance interview, Kim said he is now arranging his schedule to visit other tourist spots and most visited places in the country but he wants to prioritize Davao City.
“I am planning to visit Davao City by next week. I want to know more about the culture of Filipinos in this part of Mindanao,” Kim said.
He recalled that the last time he visited the Philippines was 25 years ago, as he claimed that he is looking forward to revisit Davao City to see the progress in the President’s hometown.
The Korean–born US Ambassador said he was given extra hour by President Duterte when he made a courtesy call and presented his credentials.
“It was terrific. The president was kind enough to give me a lot of time and we were able to cover a whole range of issues-- important issues regarding US-PHL partnership. I think it was a terrific start.
I’m very much looking forward to work with President Duterte and his team to strengthen our special partnership,” the chief US envoy in Manila stressed.
Asked how he gauged the Philippines-US relations, Kim said he had said many times that the relationship of the two nations is one of most enjoyed and most special.
“I’m deeply committed to do everything possible to make sure to strengthen all of the important aspects of this relationship. And there are many different dimensions of this of course, we have a rock solid alliance. Very strong economic engagement, long enforcement cooperation etc.,” he explained.
He said that his plan and commitment is to make sure “to strengthen and deepen all aspects of our relationship.”
“So, I’m sure you can expect that relationship will continue to grow,” he pointed out.
When asked how he will strengthen the US-PHL relations under the Trump administration, Kim said he sees “US-PHL relationship is one of their most enduring because this relationship has enjoyed very strong support and strong commitment throughout the past 70 years of our alliance.”
“I think there’s a wide recognition in Washington that this is an important relationship that sends mutual interest, so I expect that with the new administration, we will see similar type of strong commitment to this relationship,” he noted.
“I think it reflects the deep bond between the people of the two countries. There’s a very close friendship, I mean four million Filipino Americans residing in the US, over quarter of million Americans residing here. So my impression in five days here is I’m very, very excited to be here," he pointed out.
Meantime, Kim said his dream as a diplomat is to be the first US Ambassador to Korea.
“... obviously for me to go back to Korea as the first Korean US Ambassdor. Korea is very special to me, but I have to confess, I am also super excited about being here, I have visited the Philippines many years ago, and I have been struck by the energy and the beauty of the Philippines and I want to come back. It took me 25 years, but I’m back and it's good to be back here,” he concluded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=947181
After meeting President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacanang Palace, US Ambassador to Manila Sung Kim on Friday said he is eager to visit Davao City, the hometown of the chief executive.
In a chance interview, Kim said he is now arranging his schedule to visit other tourist spots and most visited places in the country but he wants to prioritize Davao City.
“I am planning to visit Davao City by next week. I want to know more about the culture of Filipinos in this part of Mindanao,” Kim said.
He recalled that the last time he visited the Philippines was 25 years ago, as he claimed that he is looking forward to revisit Davao City to see the progress in the President’s hometown.
The Korean–born US Ambassador said he was given extra hour by President Duterte when he made a courtesy call and presented his credentials.
“It was terrific. The president was kind enough to give me a lot of time and we were able to cover a whole range of issues-- important issues regarding US-PHL partnership. I think it was a terrific start.
I’m very much looking forward to work with President Duterte and his team to strengthen our special partnership,” the chief US envoy in Manila stressed.
Asked how he gauged the Philippines-US relations, Kim said he had said many times that the relationship of the two nations is one of most enjoyed and most special.
“I’m deeply committed to do everything possible to make sure to strengthen all of the important aspects of this relationship. And there are many different dimensions of this of course, we have a rock solid alliance. Very strong economic engagement, long enforcement cooperation etc.,” he explained.
He said that his plan and commitment is to make sure “to strengthen and deepen all aspects of our relationship.”
“So, I’m sure you can expect that relationship will continue to grow,” he pointed out.
When asked how he will strengthen the US-PHL relations under the Trump administration, Kim said he sees “US-PHL relationship is one of their most enduring because this relationship has enjoyed very strong support and strong commitment throughout the past 70 years of our alliance.”
“I think there’s a wide recognition in Washington that this is an important relationship that sends mutual interest, so I expect that with the new administration, we will see similar type of strong commitment to this relationship,” he noted.
“I think it reflects the deep bond between the people of the two countries. There’s a very close friendship, I mean four million Filipino Americans residing in the US, over quarter of million Americans residing here. So my impression in five days here is I’m very, very excited to be here," he pointed out.
Meantime, Kim said his dream as a diplomat is to be the first US Ambassador to Korea.
“... obviously for me to go back to Korea as the first Korean US Ambassdor. Korea is very special to me, but I have to confess, I am also super excited about being here, I have visited the Philippines many years ago, and I have been struck by the energy and the beauty of the Philippines and I want to come back. It took me 25 years, but I’m back and it's good to be back here,” he concluded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=947181
Trooper killed along with 2 ASG bandits in fresh Sulu clash
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 9): Trooper killed along with 2 ASG bandits in fresh Sulu clash
A trooper from the 21st Infantry Battalion was killed along with Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits following a clash with an estimated 150 terrorists in Patikul, Sulu Thursday morning.
Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said the encounter transpired at 9:53 a.m. at Sitio Datag, Barangay Panglayahan of the above-mentioned locality.
Troopers from the 21st Infantry Battalion were conducting focused military operations in the area when they encountered ASG terrorists under Radullan Sahiron, Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan and Mujer Yadah.
Fighting lasted for 30 minutes and resulted in the death of Staff Sgt. Allan Caliguran, while the terrorists had two casualties and six wounded.
Around 12 noon of the same day, pursuit troops recovered an M-14 magazine and empty cartridges.
At around 3 p.m., patrolling troops also discovered newly abandoned harbor position which can accommodate more or less 100 bandits at Sitio Kan Baddal, Barangay Panglayahan, Patikul, Sulu believed to have been occupied by the engaged enemy.
"Troops further observed fresh enemy tracks towards southwest," Tan said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=947195
A trooper from the 21st Infantry Battalion was killed along with Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits following a clash with an estimated 150 terrorists in Patikul, Sulu Thursday morning.
Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said the encounter transpired at 9:53 a.m. at Sitio Datag, Barangay Panglayahan of the above-mentioned locality.
Troopers from the 21st Infantry Battalion were conducting focused military operations in the area when they encountered ASG terrorists under Radullan Sahiron, Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan and Mujer Yadah.
Fighting lasted for 30 minutes and resulted in the death of Staff Sgt. Allan Caliguran, while the terrorists had two casualties and six wounded.
Around 12 noon of the same day, pursuit troops recovered an M-14 magazine and empty cartridges.
At around 3 p.m., patrolling troops also discovered newly abandoned harbor position which can accommodate more or less 100 bandits at Sitio Kan Baddal, Barangay Panglayahan, Patikul, Sulu believed to have been occupied by the engaged enemy.
"Troops further observed fresh enemy tracks towards southwest," Tan said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=947195
Plans to decommission Navy World War II vintage ships now afoot
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 9): Plans to decommission Navy World War II vintage ships now afoot
As more modern naval platforms are procured and commissioned, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said plans are afoot to decommission World War II vintage ships still in service in the Philippine Navy.
He made this statement during Friday's welcoming ceremonies for BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), the country's third Hamilton-class cutter.
Deactivation of these senior vessels will allow the Navy sufficient personnel to man ships coming from the pipeline and thus ensure a more capable and credible naval force.
World War II ships in PN service include the BRP Rajah Humabon, BRP Rizal, BRP Malvar, BRP Quezon and the BRP Laguna among others.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=947179
As more modern naval platforms are procured and commissioned, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said plans are afoot to decommission World War II vintage ships still in service in the Philippine Navy.
He made this statement during Friday's welcoming ceremonies for BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), the country's third Hamilton-class cutter.
Deactivation of these senior vessels will allow the Navy sufficient personnel to man ships coming from the pipeline and thus ensure a more capable and credible naval force.
World War II ships in PN service include the BRP Rajah Humabon, BRP Rizal, BRP Malvar, BRP Quezon and the BRP Laguna among others.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=947179
Former SAF trooper tops NAPOLCOM PESE exam
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 9): Former SAF trooper tops NAPOLCOM PESE exam
Police Supt. Wildemar Tan Tiu, a BS Civil Engineering graduate and member of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Sambigkis Class of 2003, is this year’s topnotcher in the Police Executive Service Eligibility (PESE) validation interview phase administered by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) for the third level ranks in the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Tiu, Deputy Chief of the Permit to Carry Firearm Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) Unit under the Office of the Chief, PNP, placed first among the 259 senior police officials who passed the validation interview phase of the PES Eligibility process.
This was disclosed by NAPOLCOM Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Rogelio T. Casurao as he announced the 10th PESE Conferment Rites on Dec. 12, 2016, which will be held at the Jesse M. Robredo Hall, DILG-NAPOLCOM Center in Quezon City, with DILG Secretary and NAPOLCOM Chairman Ismael D. Sueno as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.
Tiu has remarkable academic credentials. Aside from being a licensed Civil Engineer, he also has two master’s degrees in Public Administration (MPA) and Business Administration (MBA). He is also a recipient of numerous awards and commendations in his 16 years of dedicated police service.
Prior to his present assignment at the PTCFOR Unit, Tiu served as Station Commander of Police Stations 2, 3 and 4 of Cebu City Police Office and assigned at the Headquarters Cebu City Police. He also served five years at the PNP Special Action Force (Air Unit, Human Resource Doctrine and Development and Rapid Deployment Battalion).
Vice-Chairman Casurao said that the 259 passers represent 90.56 percent of the 286 police officials who underwent the validation interview, which is the second and final phase of the PES eligibility process.
The PESE, which has two phases --the written exam and the panel interview -- is an eligibility requirement for the ranks of Police Senior Superintendent, Police Chief Superintendent, Police Director, Police Deputy Director General and Police Director General.
The complete list of PESE conferees can be viewed at the NAPOLCOM website at www.napolcom.gov.ph.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=947201
Police Supt. Wildemar Tan Tiu, a BS Civil Engineering graduate and member of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Sambigkis Class of 2003, is this year’s topnotcher in the Police Executive Service Eligibility (PESE) validation interview phase administered by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) for the third level ranks in the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Tiu, Deputy Chief of the Permit to Carry Firearm Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) Unit under the Office of the Chief, PNP, placed first among the 259 senior police officials who passed the validation interview phase of the PES Eligibility process.
This was disclosed by NAPOLCOM Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Rogelio T. Casurao as he announced the 10th PESE Conferment Rites on Dec. 12, 2016, which will be held at the Jesse M. Robredo Hall, DILG-NAPOLCOM Center in Quezon City, with DILG Secretary and NAPOLCOM Chairman Ismael D. Sueno as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.
Tiu has remarkable academic credentials. Aside from being a licensed Civil Engineer, he also has two master’s degrees in Public Administration (MPA) and Business Administration (MBA). He is also a recipient of numerous awards and commendations in his 16 years of dedicated police service.
Prior to his present assignment at the PTCFOR Unit, Tiu served as Station Commander of Police Stations 2, 3 and 4 of Cebu City Police Office and assigned at the Headquarters Cebu City Police. He also served five years at the PNP Special Action Force (Air Unit, Human Resource Doctrine and Development and Rapid Deployment Battalion).
Vice-Chairman Casurao said that the 259 passers represent 90.56 percent of the 286 police officials who underwent the validation interview, which is the second and final phase of the PES eligibility process.
The PESE, which has two phases --the written exam and the panel interview -- is an eligibility requirement for the ranks of Police Senior Superintendent, Police Chief Superintendent, Police Director, Police Deputy Director General and Police Director General.
The complete list of PESE conferees can be viewed at the NAPOLCOM website at www.napolcom.gov.ph.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=947201
GRP panel reiterates commitment on amnesty, release of detained communist rebels
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 9): GRP panel reiterates commitment on amnesty, release of detained communist rebels
The government (GRP) panel negotiating peace with the National Democratic Front (NDF) upheld its commitment in facilitating the issuance of an amnesty proclamation and the release of detained communist rebels.
Panel members Rene Sarmiento and Angela Librado-Trinidad highlighted the efforts being exerted by the government in fulfilling its obligation to the GRP-NDF peace process to the members of the Special Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the House of Representatives during a congressional hearing.
Librado-Trinidad underscored that both parties agreed in their joint statements last August 26 and October 9 that the GRP panel will recommend to President Rodrigo R. Duterte the release of detainees based on humanitarian grounds and the promulgation of an amnesty proclamation.
“The GRP already made the initiatives after the August 26 talks. We amended the guidelines of the Presidential Committee on Bail, Recognizance, and Pardon (PCBReP), which will be the platform on the release of detainees based on humanitarian grounds. We already drafted the amnesty proclamation and submitted it to the president last September,” Librado-Trinidad explained.
The new rules of the PCBReP will now cover the commission of the crime that took place on or before July 1 this year; while, the amnesty proclamation is already being reviewed by the Office of the President.
Librado-Trinidad also updated the legislators on the status of the prisoners to be released based on humanitarian grounds.
“When we say humanitarian grounds, these are prisoners which are categorized either as sickly, elderly, or those who have been detained for a long period of time, and women,” she clarified.
“The panels have been collating all the information with respect to this effort so that a substantial number of prisoners will be released before we resume our talks in January next year,” Librado-Trinidad added.
Last December 2, President Duterte granted presidential pardon to four communist rebels convicted of murder and kidnapping who have long been recommended for pardon but not acted upon by the previous administration.
“President Duterte never abandons his position that he will grant amnesty and on the release of the detainees,” Librado-Trinidad stated.
Meanwhile, the House Special Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity started its deliberations on the amnesty bill submitted by Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the house resolutions calling for the immediate releases of prisoners.
Arroyo, who is also the House deputy speaker, filed House Bill No. 490 seeks to grant amnesty for the members of the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/NDF and other individuals involved in past political conflicts.
Sarmiento lauded the members of the Lower House for proactively initiating an amnesty proclamation for the rebels.
Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the granting of amnesty is lodged to the President with the concurrence of both chambers of Congress.
“There is no prohibition in the Constitution that says Congress cannot initiate an amnesty measure,” Sarmiento, who is also one of the framers of the Constitution, underlined.
“There is always reference to Congress in so far as the amnesty is concerned. In other words, we will listen to Congress and seek their recommendations. This is not setting aside the role of Congress when amnesty proclamation is concerned,” he added.
For her part, Tawi-Tawi Representative and committee chairperson Ruby Sahali assured the government panel to hastily work on the proposed amnesty measure.
“I really wanted this masterpiece to be the legacy for the 17th Congress,” Sahali pointed out.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=947281
The government (GRP) panel negotiating peace with the National Democratic Front (NDF) upheld its commitment in facilitating the issuance of an amnesty proclamation and the release of detained communist rebels.
Panel members Rene Sarmiento and Angela Librado-Trinidad highlighted the efforts being exerted by the government in fulfilling its obligation to the GRP-NDF peace process to the members of the Special Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the House of Representatives during a congressional hearing.
Librado-Trinidad underscored that both parties agreed in their joint statements last August 26 and October 9 that the GRP panel will recommend to President Rodrigo R. Duterte the release of detainees based on humanitarian grounds and the promulgation of an amnesty proclamation.
“The GRP already made the initiatives after the August 26 talks. We amended the guidelines of the Presidential Committee on Bail, Recognizance, and Pardon (PCBReP), which will be the platform on the release of detainees based on humanitarian grounds. We already drafted the amnesty proclamation and submitted it to the president last September,” Librado-Trinidad explained.
The new rules of the PCBReP will now cover the commission of the crime that took place on or before July 1 this year; while, the amnesty proclamation is already being reviewed by the Office of the President.
Librado-Trinidad also updated the legislators on the status of the prisoners to be released based on humanitarian grounds.
“When we say humanitarian grounds, these are prisoners which are categorized either as sickly, elderly, or those who have been detained for a long period of time, and women,” she clarified.
“The panels have been collating all the information with respect to this effort so that a substantial number of prisoners will be released before we resume our talks in January next year,” Librado-Trinidad added.
Last December 2, President Duterte granted presidential pardon to four communist rebels convicted of murder and kidnapping who have long been recommended for pardon but not acted upon by the previous administration.
“President Duterte never abandons his position that he will grant amnesty and on the release of the detainees,” Librado-Trinidad stated.
Meanwhile, the House Special Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity started its deliberations on the amnesty bill submitted by Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the house resolutions calling for the immediate releases of prisoners.
Arroyo, who is also the House deputy speaker, filed House Bill No. 490 seeks to grant amnesty for the members of the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/NDF and other individuals involved in past political conflicts.
Sarmiento lauded the members of the Lower House for proactively initiating an amnesty proclamation for the rebels.
Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the granting of amnesty is lodged to the President with the concurrence of both chambers of Congress.
“There is no prohibition in the Constitution that says Congress cannot initiate an amnesty measure,” Sarmiento, who is also one of the framers of the Constitution, underlined.
“There is always reference to Congress in so far as the amnesty is concerned. In other words, we will listen to Congress and seek their recommendations. This is not setting aside the role of Congress when amnesty proclamation is concerned,” he added.
For her part, Tawi-Tawi Representative and committee chairperson Ruby Sahali assured the government panel to hastily work on the proposed amnesty measure.
“I really wanted this masterpiece to be the legacy for the 17th Congress,” Sahali pointed out.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=947281
Philippines: 2 Abu Sayyaf, army soldier die in clashes
From the World Bulletin (Dec 9): Philippines: 2 Abu Sayyaf, army soldier die in clashes
At least two ISIL-linked militants and a soldier have been killed, while six others have been injured in clashes in the majority Muslim province of Sulu, the military said Friday.
Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesman for the military's Western Mindanao Command, said in a statement that a 30-minute firefight occurred in Sitio Datag, Barangay Panglayahan in Patikul at 9.30 a.m. (0130GMT) Thursday.
"Members of the 21st Infantry Battalion were conducting a focused military operation when they encountered about 150 Abu Sayyaf members led by Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sarhiron," Tan said.
Sahiron, the one-armed most senior Abu Sayyaf leader, has a $1 million bounty on his head for alleged involvement in the kidnapping of U.S. tourists in 2001.
"The number of casualties on the Abu Sayyaf's side was based on an intelligence report," Tan said adding that the troops recovered an M14 rifle magazine and an empty M14 cartridge from the site of the encounter.
"Soldiers also found a newly-abandoned harbor position believed to have been occupied by the Abu Sayyaf members."
Tan added that authorities are currently verifying reports with Malaysian counterparts of an armed confrontation between Malaysian forces and suspected Filipino gunmen involved in cross-border kidnappings.
The Star online reported Friday that three suspected kidnappers were shot dead and three others captured in a 20-minute gunfight between the police’s Tiger Platoon and eight gunmen in waters off Pulau Bodgaya in Semporna at 9.40 p.m. Thursday.
According to Tan, the military is still verifying a report that three Filipinos suspected of involvement in kidnappings in Sabah and nearby areas were killed.
The report claimed that the whereabouts of the two other suspects could not be immediately ascertained as security personnel continue to comb the area.
Kidnap-for-ransom gangs frequently operate in the seas between the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia.
They are known to hand over their captives to the Abu Sayyaf and negotiate for a ransom that, if paid, is shared with the group.
Earlier this year, the Abu Sayyaf beheaded two Canadian hostages after million-dollar ransoms failed to be paid.
Since 1991, the group -- armed with mostly improvised explosive devices, mortars and automatic rifles -- has carried out bombings, kidnappings, assassinations and extortion in a self-determined fight for an independent province in the Philippines.
It is one of two militant groups in the south to have pledged allegiance to ISIL, prompting fears during the stalling of a peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that it could make inroads in a region torn by decades of armed conflict.
http://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/181442/philippines-2-abu-sayyaf-army-soldier-die-in-clashes
At least two ISIL-linked militants and a soldier have been killed, while six others have been injured in clashes in the majority Muslim province of Sulu, the military said Friday.
Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesman for the military's Western Mindanao Command, said in a statement that a 30-minute firefight occurred in Sitio Datag, Barangay Panglayahan in Patikul at 9.30 a.m. (0130GMT) Thursday.
"Members of the 21st Infantry Battalion were conducting a focused military operation when they encountered about 150 Abu Sayyaf members led by Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sarhiron," Tan said.
Sahiron, the one-armed most senior Abu Sayyaf leader, has a $1 million bounty on his head for alleged involvement in the kidnapping of U.S. tourists in 2001.
"The number of casualties on the Abu Sayyaf's side was based on an intelligence report," Tan said adding that the troops recovered an M14 rifle magazine and an empty M14 cartridge from the site of the encounter.
"Soldiers also found a newly-abandoned harbor position believed to have been occupied by the Abu Sayyaf members."
Tan added that authorities are currently verifying reports with Malaysian counterparts of an armed confrontation between Malaysian forces and suspected Filipino gunmen involved in cross-border kidnappings.
The Star online reported Friday that three suspected kidnappers were shot dead and three others captured in a 20-minute gunfight between the police’s Tiger Platoon and eight gunmen in waters off Pulau Bodgaya in Semporna at 9.40 p.m. Thursday.
According to Tan, the military is still verifying a report that three Filipinos suspected of involvement in kidnappings in Sabah and nearby areas were killed.
The report claimed that the whereabouts of the two other suspects could not be immediately ascertained as security personnel continue to comb the area.
Kidnap-for-ransom gangs frequently operate in the seas between the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia.
They are known to hand over their captives to the Abu Sayyaf and negotiate for a ransom that, if paid, is shared with the group.
Earlier this year, the Abu Sayyaf beheaded two Canadian hostages after million-dollar ransoms failed to be paid.
Since 1991, the group -- armed with mostly improvised explosive devices, mortars and automatic rifles -- has carried out bombings, kidnappings, assassinations and extortion in a self-determined fight for an independent province in the Philippines.
It is one of two militant groups in the south to have pledged allegiance to ISIL, prompting fears during the stalling of a peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that it could make inroads in a region torn by decades of armed conflict.
http://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/181442/philippines-2-abu-sayyaf-army-soldier-die-in-clashes
Sabah maritime kidnapping, looting ends in bloody shootout; Three dead, two missing
From the New Straits Times Online (Dec 9): Sabah maritime kidnapping, looting ends in bloody shootout; Three dead, two missing
The most beautiful waters in the world were the unlikely setting for an orgy of violence, and a deadly confrontation between bloodthirsty, modern-day pirates and fearless law enforcement personnel here last night.
Seven armed bandits in a speedboat took to the waters of Lahad Datu and Semporna and engaged in wanton hijacking, theft, kidnapping and murder on a scale never before seen here, with the crew of fishing trawlers taking the brunt of their brutality.
And although much of it occurred in the pitch blackness of night, the tension and terror were palpable for everyone involved.
The bandits began their rampage in the Bakapit waters of Lahad Datu, where they stormed and commandeered a fishing trawler at around 9pm. The vessel was ransacked and several items, including a mobile phone, were looted; and one member of the crew was abducted, and taken with the men on their continuing spree of violence.
The gang then cruised into Semporna waters, where they encountered a second hapless fishing boat near Pulau Gaya, which they also boarded, taking with them food items and an outboard engine – and leaving the crew stranded.
Several nautical miles later, the bandits came across another defenceless fishing trawler, which they summarily stripped of valuable items, and from which they plucked a second hostage.
As far as the bandits were concerned, the night was far from over, as they were intent on pilfering from many more boats – but when they approached a fourth vessel not long after, little did they know that they had unwittingly led themselves to the boat of the not-to-be-messed-with GOF Battalion 14's Tiger Platoon.
When they realised too late what they were facing, the bandits opened fire, which led to a minute-long shootout – in complete darkness.
"The kidnap group intended to find other boats to steal from, until their vessel (unwittingly) approached the boat of the GOF Battalion 14's Tiger Platoon.
"As they drew closer, the Platoon leader saw clearly that one of the kidnappers was holding a long firearm, and another was carrying what looked like a heavy weapon, while a third was laden with chains of bullets around his body,” said Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Abd Rashid Harun.
Realising the threat, the officers shouted “Police!” to force the group to identify themselves. However, upon hearing the word, shots were fired from the kidnappers' boat.
"The security team returned fire to defend themselves, and I was told the exchange lasted about one minute," Rashid added at a press conference at the district police station here.
When the skirmish ended, the kidnappers’ bullet-riddled boat began to sink, and upon closer examination, three of the criminals were found dead, floating on the water, while two were still alive, and another had disappeared, specifically, the member with the chains of bullets, he added.
Rashid said one kidnap victim from the Lahad Datu incident was rescued, while the second is still missing and the search and rescue operation continues.
He said at the time, the GOF members involved were conducting an Ops Coral stint to ensure safety in zones under the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), which was initiated in Sept.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Abd Rashid Harun said that the group opened fire once they heard the officers shouting "police" Pix by Abdul Rahemang Taiming
Two of the suspects hanging by the boat. Pix courtesy of NST reader.
http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/12/195714/sabah-maritime-kidnapping-looting-ends-bloody-shootout-three-dead-two-missing
The most beautiful waters in the world were the unlikely setting for an orgy of violence, and a deadly confrontation between bloodthirsty, modern-day pirates and fearless law enforcement personnel here last night.
Seven armed bandits in a speedboat took to the waters of Lahad Datu and Semporna and engaged in wanton hijacking, theft, kidnapping and murder on a scale never before seen here, with the crew of fishing trawlers taking the brunt of their brutality.
And although much of it occurred in the pitch blackness of night, the tension and terror were palpable for everyone involved.
The bandits began their rampage in the Bakapit waters of Lahad Datu, where they stormed and commandeered a fishing trawler at around 9pm. The vessel was ransacked and several items, including a mobile phone, were looted; and one member of the crew was abducted, and taken with the men on their continuing spree of violence.
The gang then cruised into Semporna waters, where they encountered a second hapless fishing boat near Pulau Gaya, which they also boarded, taking with them food items and an outboard engine – and leaving the crew stranded.
Several nautical miles later, the bandits came across another defenceless fishing trawler, which they summarily stripped of valuable items, and from which they plucked a second hostage.
As far as the bandits were concerned, the night was far from over, as they were intent on pilfering from many more boats – but when they approached a fourth vessel not long after, little did they know that they had unwittingly led themselves to the boat of the not-to-be-messed-with GOF Battalion 14's Tiger Platoon.
When they realised too late what they were facing, the bandits opened fire, which led to a minute-long shootout – in complete darkness.
"The kidnap group intended to find other boats to steal from, until their vessel (unwittingly) approached the boat of the GOF Battalion 14's Tiger Platoon.
"As they drew closer, the Platoon leader saw clearly that one of the kidnappers was holding a long firearm, and another was carrying what looked like a heavy weapon, while a third was laden with chains of bullets around his body,” said Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Abd Rashid Harun.
Realising the threat, the officers shouted “Police!” to force the group to identify themselves. However, upon hearing the word, shots were fired from the kidnappers' boat.
"The security team returned fire to defend themselves, and I was told the exchange lasted about one minute," Rashid added at a press conference at the district police station here.
When the skirmish ended, the kidnappers’ bullet-riddled boat began to sink, and upon closer examination, three of the criminals were found dead, floating on the water, while two were still alive, and another had disappeared, specifically, the member with the chains of bullets, he added.
Rashid said one kidnap victim from the Lahad Datu incident was rescued, while the second is still missing and the search and rescue operation continues.
He said at the time, the GOF members involved were conducting an Ops Coral stint to ensure safety in zones under the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), which was initiated in Sept.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Abd Rashid Harun said that the group opened fire once they heard the officers shouting "police" Pix by Abdul Rahemang Taiming
Two of the suspects hanging by the boat. Pix courtesy of NST reader.
http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/12/195714/sabah-maritime-kidnapping-looting-ends-bloody-shootout-three-dead-two-missing
Three ‘abductors’ shot dead, two arrested off Sabah
Posted to Malaysiakini (Dec 9): Three ‘abductors’ shot dead, two arrested off Sabah
Security forces shot dead three of seven abductors, believed to be from southern Philippines, in a shootout in Pulau Gaya waters off Semporna last night.
Sabah Police Commissioner Abdul Rashid Harun said the security forces arrested two of the other four abductors and freed one of two captives, both skippers of fishing vessels.
The remaining two abductors and the other captive went missing following the clash with General Operations Force (GOF) personnel at about 9pm, he said at a press conference in Semporna.
“During the shootout, the two captives - abducted in the waters of Bekapit in Lahad Datu and Pulau Gaya - were on board the abductors’ vessel.
“One of them was found on board after the shootout but the other and two of the abductors were missing,” he said.
Relating what happened, Abdul Rashid said the seven abductors who came in a boat abducted the skipper of a fishing vessel, in his 30s, in the Bekapit waters in Lahad Datu.
“The abductors destroyed the telecommunications equipment on board the fishing vessel and proceeded towards Semporna waters.
“They then came across another fishing vessel but were only able to take the outboard engine as all the fishermen on board jumped into the sea to escape abduction,” he said.
He said the abductors came across another boat and kidnapped the skipper, also in his 30s.
Abdul Rashid said the abductors then came across another fishing vessel, unaware that on board was a Tiger Platoon unit of the GOF that was conducting the ‘Op Coral’ operation in Pulau Gaya waters.
'Shootout ensued for one minute'
The head of the security forces unit spotted the abductors and the heavy firearms they were carrying, with one of them having ammunition strapped around his body, he said.
"He shouted 'police' and the abductors opened fire. The security forces personnel returned fire in defence and a shootout ensued for one minute and the abductors' boat began to sink slowly," he said.
The security forces personnel went on board the sinking boat and found three abductors dead and arrested two others, he said, adding that they also found one of the captives safe.
"Two other abductors and a captive are missing. We are looking for them," he said.
Abdul Rashid said one of the security forces personnel, a lance corporal, was injured in the right leg during the shootout and had been sent to hospital.
Bernama found out later that the policeman from Sarawak is in stable condition.
Abdul Rashid advised people on the nearby islands who happened to come across any suspicious men with someone who may look like a captive to report to the nearest police station.
He also said that the 'Op Coral' exercise was a special operation undertaken in September to fight crime in the nation's waters and provide security on the islands.
"The success against the abductors can be attributed to the cooperation with EssCom (Eastern Sabah Security Command) where the Malaysian Armed Forces, police and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency are represented," he said.
At a hospital in Semporna, the injured Sarawak lance corporal said he did not realise he had been shot until after the shootout.
"I did not feel any pain but after the shootout my leg went numb and I had to bandage the wound," he said.
He said he was grateful that all his colleagues were safe and that the abduction for ransom was foiled.
- Bernama
Read more: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/365690#ixzz4SLRNmfhW
Security forces shot dead three of seven abductors, believed to be from southern Philippines, in a shootout in Pulau Gaya waters off Semporna last night.
Sabah Police Commissioner Abdul Rashid Harun said the security forces arrested two of the other four abductors and freed one of two captives, both skippers of fishing vessels.
The remaining two abductors and the other captive went missing following the clash with General Operations Force (GOF) personnel at about 9pm, he said at a press conference in Semporna.
“During the shootout, the two captives - abducted in the waters of Bekapit in Lahad Datu and Pulau Gaya - were on board the abductors’ vessel.
“One of them was found on board after the shootout but the other and two of the abductors were missing,” he said.
Relating what happened, Abdul Rashid said the seven abductors who came in a boat abducted the skipper of a fishing vessel, in his 30s, in the Bekapit waters in Lahad Datu.
“The abductors destroyed the telecommunications equipment on board the fishing vessel and proceeded towards Semporna waters.
“They then came across another fishing vessel but were only able to take the outboard engine as all the fishermen on board jumped into the sea to escape abduction,” he said.
He said the abductors came across another boat and kidnapped the skipper, also in his 30s.
Abdul Rashid said the abductors then came across another fishing vessel, unaware that on board was a Tiger Platoon unit of the GOF that was conducting the ‘Op Coral’ operation in Pulau Gaya waters.
'Shootout ensued for one minute'
The head of the security forces unit spotted the abductors and the heavy firearms they were carrying, with one of them having ammunition strapped around his body, he said.
"He shouted 'police' and the abductors opened fire. The security forces personnel returned fire in defence and a shootout ensued for one minute and the abductors' boat began to sink slowly," he said.
The security forces personnel went on board the sinking boat and found three abductors dead and arrested two others, he said, adding that they also found one of the captives safe.
"Two other abductors and a captive are missing. We are looking for them," he said.
Abdul Rashid said one of the security forces personnel, a lance corporal, was injured in the right leg during the shootout and had been sent to hospital.
Bernama found out later that the policeman from Sarawak is in stable condition.
Abdul Rashid advised people on the nearby islands who happened to come across any suspicious men with someone who may look like a captive to report to the nearest police station.
He also said that the 'Op Coral' exercise was a special operation undertaken in September to fight crime in the nation's waters and provide security on the islands.
"The success against the abductors can be attributed to the cooperation with EssCom (Eastern Sabah Security Command) where the Malaysian Armed Forces, police and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency are represented," he said.
At a hospital in Semporna, the injured Sarawak lance corporal said he did not realise he had been shot until after the shootout.
"I did not feel any pain but after the shootout my leg went numb and I had to bandage the wound," he said.
He said he was grateful that all his colleagues were safe and that the abduction for ransom was foiled.
- Bernama
Read more: https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/365690#ixzz4SLRNmfhW
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