From Rappler (Apr 13): Duterte cancels plan to raise flag in Spratlys
(UPDATED) President Rodrigo Duterte says he is complying with China's request for him not to push through with this Independence Day plan
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte canceled his plan to raise the Philippine flag on a disputed island in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) on Independence Day, June 12.
"It is not in my country, but I would like to correct myself along the way here. I said I will go to the island of Kalayaan, Pag-asa, on June 12, to raise the Filipino flag there," Duterte said, referring to the town of Kalayaan in the disputed Spratly Group of Islands.
Duterte was addressing around 2,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at the Riyadh Marriott Hotel on Wednesday, April 12 (Thursday, April 13 in Manila), the second and last day of his state visit to Saudi Arabia.
When Duterte mentioned his plan to raise the Philippine flag on Kalayaan, the crowd applauded but he stopped them, saying he was not finished talking.
"China sent word, 'Please do not do that,'" Duterte continued.
He said China fears that other claimant countries in the South China Sea might do the same thing.
The President said China told him, "If every head of state of the contending parties there in the West Philippine Sea – they call it the South China Sea – will go there to plant their flags, there will be likely trouble."
Duterte cites 'friendship with China'
"So because of our friendship with China, and because we value your friendship, I will not go there to raise the Philippine flag. Maybe I'll send my son," Duterte said.
"Ibig sabihin, kadugo ko na ang nand'yan, amin 'yan," he explained. (That means my relative is already there, so that is ours.)
"China said, 'Well, in the meantime, just do not go there. Please?' I said, 'Yes, I will correct myself because we value the friendship of China,'" Duterte recounted.
Duterte earlier said that in the upcoming Independence Day, "I might, I may go to Pag-asa Island to raise the flag there." He also told the military to occupy disputed islands in the West Philippine Sea.
Duterte wants the Philippines to boost ties with China to improve the economy despite the sea dispute. (READ: What Duterte accomplished in China)
Former foreign secretary Albert del Rosario had criticized the President last Tuesday, April 11, for saying he "can sell" disputed islands to China if the Philippines gets "very rich."
But Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella downplayed Duterte's remarks as "a lighthearted way of saying that we're friends" with China.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/166812-philippines-duterte-cancels-plan-raise-flag-spratlys
Friday, April 14, 2017
ISIS member Kuwaiti national deports
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 14): ISIS member Kuwaiti national deports
A suspected member of terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) who was arrested by authorities last month was deported Friday in Kuwaiti, a Department of Justice (DOJ) official said on Friday.
DOJ Undersecretary Erickson Balmes, in letter from Bureua of Immigration Fugitive Search Unit (FSU), said that Hussein Aldhafiri, Kuwaiti national detained in Fort Bonifacio is set to bring in Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal (NAIA) Terminal 1 to deport in Kuwaiti.
"FSU agents together with BI Warden Facility (BIWF) personnel and Manila International Airport Authority - Airport Police Department (MIAA-APD) are enroute to ISG PA Fort Bonifacio to secure for transport to NAIA T1 and for eventual deportation to Kuwait at 12NN today (April 14) Hussein AZO Aldhafiri," read the letter.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested Al-Dhafiri along with his wife Rahaf Zina, a Syrian national, on March 25.
Based on intelligence reports provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the information given by the Kuwaiti government, Al-Dhafiri is an ISIS member.
Al-Dhafiri was allegedly involved in explosives manufacturing and possibly on operational planning against Kuwait, while Rahaf is the widow of the slain Abu Jandal Al-Kuwaiti, who is the number two military commander of the ISIS operating in Syria.
Justice Secretary Vitalino Aguirre II presented the two suspects to the media and has been transferred from the National Bureau of Investigation to the Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters last Saturday.
Earlier, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has ordered the deportation of Zina.
"Wherefore, finding the charge to be sufficient and well substantiated, we hereby order the deportation of Rahaf Zina (Rahaf) to Syria, subject to the submission of her National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance," said the order which was also signed by Deputy Commissioners Estanislao Canta and Jose Carlito Licas, who are also members of the board.
The order has also included the Syrian's name in the bureau's blacklist as undocumented/undesirable.
"Respondent's presence in the country poses risk to public interest," the summary deportation order added.
No schedule has been set yet for her deportation.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=979976
A suspected member of terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) who was arrested by authorities last month was deported Friday in Kuwaiti, a Department of Justice (DOJ) official said on Friday.
DOJ Undersecretary Erickson Balmes, in letter from Bureua of Immigration Fugitive Search Unit (FSU), said that Hussein Aldhafiri, Kuwaiti national detained in Fort Bonifacio is set to bring in Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal (NAIA) Terminal 1 to deport in Kuwaiti.
"FSU agents together with BI Warden Facility (BIWF) personnel and Manila International Airport Authority - Airport Police Department (MIAA-APD) are enroute to ISG PA Fort Bonifacio to secure for transport to NAIA T1 and for eventual deportation to Kuwait at 12NN today (April 14) Hussein AZO Aldhafiri," read the letter.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested Al-Dhafiri along with his wife Rahaf Zina, a Syrian national, on March 25.
Based on intelligence reports provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the information given by the Kuwaiti government, Al-Dhafiri is an ISIS member.
Al-Dhafiri was allegedly involved in explosives manufacturing and possibly on operational planning against Kuwait, while Rahaf is the widow of the slain Abu Jandal Al-Kuwaiti, who is the number two military commander of the ISIS operating in Syria.
Justice Secretary Vitalino Aguirre II presented the two suspects to the media and has been transferred from the National Bureau of Investigation to the Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters last Saturday.
Earlier, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has ordered the deportation of Zina.
"Wherefore, finding the charge to be sufficient and well substantiated, we hereby order the deportation of Rahaf Zina (Rahaf) to Syria, subject to the submission of her National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance," said the order which was also signed by Deputy Commissioners Estanislao Canta and Jose Carlito Licas, who are also members of the board.
The order has also included the Syrian's name in the bureau's blacklist as undocumented/undesirable.
"Respondent's presence in the country poses risk to public interest," the summary deportation order added.
No schedule has been set yet for her deportation.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=979976
2 rebels killed, assorted war materials seized in Agusan Del Sur clash
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 14): 2 rebels killed, assorted war materials seized in Agusan Del Sur clash
Patrolling troopers from the 26th Infantry Battalion have shot and killed two New People's Army (NPA) fighters and recovered assorted weapons and war materials during operations in San Luis town, Agusan Del Sur Thursday afternoon.
In the said operation, the bodies of the two slain rebels along with a CCZ-550 "Barrett" long-range sniper rifle, 50 rounds of M-60 ammunition, assorted war materials, 34 sacks of rice, 10 backpacks containing personal items and subversive documents were recovered.
The clash took place around 3:30 p.m. at the outskirts of Barangay Mahagsay, of the above-mentioned area.
Armed Forces spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the 26th Infantry Battalion was deployed in the vicinity after residents there reported the presence of the rebels who were on another extortion mission.
After a 30-minute fierce firefight, the NPAs scampered out of the encounter area leaving their dead comrades and assorted war materiel and supplies.
Padilla said pursuit operations are still ongoing as of this posting.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=979975
Patrolling troopers from the 26th Infantry Battalion have shot and killed two New People's Army (NPA) fighters and recovered assorted weapons and war materials during operations in San Luis town, Agusan Del Sur Thursday afternoon.
In the said operation, the bodies of the two slain rebels along with a CCZ-550 "Barrett" long-range sniper rifle, 50 rounds of M-60 ammunition, assorted war materials, 34 sacks of rice, 10 backpacks containing personal items and subversive documents were recovered.
The clash took place around 3:30 p.m. at the outskirts of Barangay Mahagsay, of the above-mentioned area.
Armed Forces spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the 26th Infantry Battalion was deployed in the vicinity after residents there reported the presence of the rebels who were on another extortion mission.
After a 30-minute fierce firefight, the NPAs scampered out of the encounter area leaving their dead comrades and assorted war materiel and supplies.
Padilla said pursuit operations are still ongoing as of this posting.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=979975
Thursday, April 13, 2017
Detained Kadamay members freed on bail
From Rappler (Apr 12): Detained Kadamay members freed on bail
The release of the 40 detained Kadamay members comes ahead of the courts’ closure for the Holy Week
DETAINED. Around 50 members of Kadamay are detained in Camp Karingal in Quezon City over charges of trespassing and coercion. Photo by Adrian Portugal/Rappler
After spending 9 days in Camp Karingal, the 40 Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) members who were detained over a housing protest were released on bail on Wednesday, April 12.
The release comes ahead of the courts' closure for the Holy Week.
Quezon City Police District head Chief superintendent Guillermo Eleazar confirmed the receipt of a release order for detained Kadamay members after 6:00 pm on Wednesday.
Earlier, Kadamay said the police employed “delaying tactics” to prevent their release – an accusation police officials denied.
“While they should have already been released on bail, authorities have been blatantly delaying the process so that they may be transferred to the Quezon City Jail,” Kadamay said in a statement.
Police arrested on April 3 some 80 members of Kadamay after they occupied a vacant housing area in Barangay Apollo, Tandang Sora, that was demolished last year before President Rodrigo Duterte took his oath. The oldest from the group is 83-year old Epifana Rufa. (READ: Daughter of oldest detained Kadamay member seeks mother's release)
The detained protesters face trespassing and coercion charges.
Kadamay chairperson Gloria Arellano said they occupied the area since they did see any project being built there 9 months after they were driven away. (WATCH: Kadamay's #OccupyPabahay: Anarchy or just cause?)
Delaying tactics?
KADAMAY questioned the police about the delay in the release of the certificate of detention for the detained members. Only 34 of the detained 40 were also officially recognized by the police.
“Kayo nang-aresto, kayo nanghuli tapos biglang hindi niyo pala kilala?” Arellano asked. (You arrested them. You detained them despite failing to identify all of them?)
Quezon City Police District head Chief superintendent Guillermo Eleazar denied Kadamay’s claim that the detainees have already posted bail.
“They haven't posted bail yet. Since the court only operated until afternoon today, Wednesday, they can't make it that is why they are requesting for them not to be transferred to the city jail as there is already commitment order from the court,” Eleazar explained in mixed Filipino and English.
Eleazar said that Gabriela Representative Emmi De Jesus and National Anti-Poverty Commission head Liza Maza visited Camp Karingal and requested the police to delay the transfer of the 40 Kadamay members to the city jail.
The police agreed despite a court order to transfer the detainees to the custody of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), according to Eleazar. “Iva-violate ang commitment ng order ng court. I will take the risk for their humanitarian concern. Pinagbibigyan na nga sila eh,” Eleazar added. (We will violate the commitment stated in the court order for humanitarian reasons.)
DSWD visit
On Monday, April 10, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Malou Turalde, together with some employees of the DSWD Central Office, also checked the condition of the 8 detained senior citizens.
SENIOR CITIZENS. DSWD Undersecretary Malou Turalde appeals for the release of the senior citizens for humanitarian reasons. Photo from DSWD
Turalde expressed concern over the senior citizens' plight. Their age ranges from 64 to 83.
“Sa kanilang dating sitwasyon ay mahirap na, ngunit mas malubha pa ngayong sila ay nasa Camp Karingal. Ang mga matatanda at may sakit ay naghihirap sa loob, kung kaya’t umaapela kami na sila sana ay palayain na, bilang malasakit sa kanilang katandaan at dinaranas na karamdaman,” Turalde said. (Their situation prior to detention is already difficult, and being detained at Camp Karingal is even more deplorable. We appeal for their release as a show of compassion considering their old age and well-being.)
Some of the detained senior citizens are suffering from heart ailment, hypertension, and diabetes. (READ: Taguiwalo appeals for release of detained elderly Kadamay members)
The release of the 40 detained Kadamay members comes ahead of the courts’ closure for the Holy Week
DETAINED. Around 50 members of Kadamay are detained in Camp Karingal in Quezon City over charges of trespassing and coercion. Photo by Adrian Portugal/Rappler
After spending 9 days in Camp Karingal, the 40 Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) members who were detained over a housing protest were released on bail on Wednesday, April 12.
The release comes ahead of the courts' closure for the Holy Week.
Quezon City Police District head Chief superintendent Guillermo Eleazar confirmed the receipt of a release order for detained Kadamay members after 6:00 pm on Wednesday.
Earlier, Kadamay said the police employed “delaying tactics” to prevent their release – an accusation police officials denied.
“While they should have already been released on bail, authorities have been blatantly delaying the process so that they may be transferred to the Quezon City Jail,” Kadamay said in a statement.
Police arrested on April 3 some 80 members of Kadamay after they occupied a vacant housing area in Barangay Apollo, Tandang Sora, that was demolished last year before President Rodrigo Duterte took his oath. The oldest from the group is 83-year old Epifana Rufa. (READ: Daughter of oldest detained Kadamay member seeks mother's release)
The detained protesters face trespassing and coercion charges.
Kadamay chairperson Gloria Arellano said they occupied the area since they did see any project being built there 9 months after they were driven away. (WATCH: Kadamay's #OccupyPabahay: Anarchy or just cause?)
Delaying tactics?
KADAMAY questioned the police about the delay in the release of the certificate of detention for the detained members. Only 34 of the detained 40 were also officially recognized by the police.
“Kayo nang-aresto, kayo nanghuli tapos biglang hindi niyo pala kilala?” Arellano asked. (You arrested them. You detained them despite failing to identify all of them?)
Quezon City Police District head Chief superintendent Guillermo Eleazar denied Kadamay’s claim that the detainees have already posted bail.
“They haven't posted bail yet. Since the court only operated until afternoon today, Wednesday, they can't make it that is why they are requesting for them not to be transferred to the city jail as there is already commitment order from the court,” Eleazar explained in mixed Filipino and English.
Eleazar said that Gabriela Representative Emmi De Jesus and National Anti-Poverty Commission head Liza Maza visited Camp Karingal and requested the police to delay the transfer of the 40 Kadamay members to the city jail.
The police agreed despite a court order to transfer the detainees to the custody of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), according to Eleazar. “Iva-violate ang commitment ng order ng court. I will take the risk for their humanitarian concern. Pinagbibigyan na nga sila eh,” Eleazar added. (We will violate the commitment stated in the court order for humanitarian reasons.)
DSWD visit
On Monday, April 10, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Malou Turalde, together with some employees of the DSWD Central Office, also checked the condition of the 8 detained senior citizens.
SENIOR CITIZENS. DSWD Undersecretary Malou Turalde appeals for the release of the senior citizens for humanitarian reasons. Photo from DSWD
Turalde expressed concern over the senior citizens' plight. Their age ranges from 64 to 83.
“Sa kanilang dating sitwasyon ay mahirap na, ngunit mas malubha pa ngayong sila ay nasa Camp Karingal. Ang mga matatanda at may sakit ay naghihirap sa loob, kung kaya’t umaapela kami na sila sana ay palayain na, bilang malasakit sa kanilang katandaan at dinaranas na karamdaman,” Turalde said. (Their situation prior to detention is already difficult, and being detained at Camp Karingal is even more deplorable. We appeal for their release as a show of compassion considering their old age and well-being.)
Some of the detained senior citizens are suffering from heart ailment, hypertension, and diabetes. (READ: Taguiwalo appeals for release of detained elderly Kadamay members)
Bad or good intel: 5 questions on Abu Sayyaf presence in Bohol
From Rappler (Apr 13): Bad or good intel: 5 questions on Abu Sayyaf presence in Bohol
The military foils an Abu Sayyaf attack in Bohol. But it's hard to cheer when it let a notorious terrorist leader slip out of its watch.
Abu Sayyaf leader Muamar Askali and 10 of his men boarded 3 pump boats from Indanan, Sulu, the night of April 6, "insiders" told the military. When they went missing for several days, the generals got worried.
Four days later, on the night of April 10, residents of Inabanga town in faraway Bohol reported the presence of boats and heavily armed men who were purportedly welcomed into 3 houses owned by Muslim converts in the community.
A day later, at 5 am, clashes began between authorities and the terrorists led by the notorious Muamar Askali, the daring and media-savvy Abu Sayyaf leader who collected multi-million-dollar ransom money in exchange for their foreign hostages.
Askali was among the 6 terrorists killed. Armed Forces chief General Eduardo Año congratulated his men for dealing a blow to the terrorist group they had been working hard to eliminate. He assured the public that the 5 remnant Abu Sayyaf are being pursued and no longer pose threat. (READ: 10 killed as gov't forces foil Abu Sayyaf attack in Cebu)
"Abu Rami is an Abu Sayyaf subleader and their known spokesman. Abu Rami is a young, aggressive, and upcoming leader of the Abu Sayyaf who has the potential of being the next leader of the group," Año said.
But it's hard to cheer for the military that let a notorious Abu Sayyaf leader slip out of its watch.
1. Was there good intel?
Año, a veteran intelligence officer, acknowledged the military could have done more with better intelligence information.
"It's very ideal if we are able to intercept them before they arrived in Inabanga, Bohol. But intelligence work is like solving a big puzzle. You only have bits of parts from one end to the other. Your job is to project or paint the picture," Año said.
When they received information that Askali and his men left Indanan on April 6, he said they had no idea where they planned to go.
"When we receive an intel report, we validate it. We cross-check. It's not like we're watching a CCTV and we see everything. We have to validate the intent of the Abu Sayyaf, whether they will go to Sabah, Palawan, Iloilo, or as far as Luzon. Those are the immediate questions," said Año.
They waited for the information on where Askali and his men were going. It came late. Meanwhile, the military put its units nationwide on heightened alert.
"Sometimes information would come late so you react late also. But still it’s not late because we are able to counter them," Año said.
2. What was the Abu Sayyaf's plan?
INABANGA, BOHOL. The Abu Sayyaf Group led by Muamar Askali was reportedly welcomed by Muslim converts in the community
The alternate scenario, if the local residents did not report the presence of the armed men, would have been a national crisis that would again raise the international profile of the Abu Sayyaf and put the country in a bad light.
Año had pictured the Abu Sayyaf's plan in his mind. It was to be an Easter Sunday attack in a nearby resort in the wee hours of the morning. The local terrorist group had often taken advantage of the Holy Week break because of high tourist arrivals.
They arrived in Bohol on Monday, but they had to acclimatize to the area first, be familiar with the surroundings, and send the contacts to targeted resorts.
"Each boat is good for 10 to 12 persons. If they are 11, they are expecting another 4 or 5 persons per boat. That is 10 to 12 kidnap victims," he said.
Año said they tried to repeat their feat in Samal Island in September 2015. Askali's group kidnapped two Canadians and a Norwegian at an upscale resort in Davao province. Canadians John Risdell and Robert Hall were beheaded after failing to meet ransom demands. They released Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad after receiving US$638,000 in ransom.
"It's like Samal. Hindi kidnapping kaagad (It's not immediate kidnapping). It would take days, probably Easter. Our counteractions are very fast They were immediately neutralized," said Año.
3. Why Bohol?
But why did the Abu Sayyaf target Bohol? Authorities are now investigating a resident, who married a woman from Lanao and converted to Islam, and one of those who allegedly welcomed the Abu Sayyaf to the community.
He escaped during the siege.
The Abu Sayyaf planned to attack the same route before, according to former Philippine Navy chief Alexander Pama.
"The ASG operating in Bohol? This is not surprising at all," Pama said in a Facebook post.
Pama said he was the commander of the Naval Task Group Stingray when intel provided them a "detailed sea jacking plan of a passenger fast craft plying the Siquijor-Dumaguete-Dipolog route" after the notorious Dos Palmas kidnapping incident in 2001.
"We, TG Stingray, were waiting for them to come up particularly in the Bohol-Siquijor-Dumaguete-Dipolog corridors. They never ventured up though. I guess we deterred and preempted their plans," Pama narrated.
Bohol is the perfect target because of the influx of tourists, said Año.
"If you look at the mind of the Abu Sayyaf, they are just simple people. They just want to get kidnap victims for money. Where can they get victims? They assess kung saan mas madali (where it is easiest). Nakita nila (They saw that) Bohol and Cebu are tourist destinations during the summer," Año said.
It was harder for them to operate in their traditional areas in the waters in southern Philippines because of the better coordination between the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
4. Did US have specific information about the planned attack?
On Sunday, April 9, the United States embassy issued a travel warning against Central Visayas. Año said part of the embassy's information came from the military.
"We monitored several plans and we shared that with our foreign counterparts. What they do with that information is entirely their own," said Año.
Año said both the military and the police have "for some time now" been following up on a "series of information" on the Abu Sayyaf's plans to target "tourist areas to sow terror and potentially abduct people.
While they downplayed the US advisory, Año said the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City and the Central Command in Cebu had been "zealously" working with their local counterparts.
"On our part, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, we made these preparations as early as Friday. On Saturday we already sent alert warning memo to our troops. That's why mabilis 'yung reaction ng mga tropa natin (That was why our troops were quick to respond)."
4. Why deploy so many assets against 11 Abu Sayyaf?
KILLED IN ACTION. 2Lt Estelito Saldua belongs to the 47th Infantry Battalion that clashed with the Abu Sayyaf Group in Bohol. He is a member of PMA Class 2015.
When they confirmed the presence of the Abu Sayyaf in Bohol, Año called Centcom chief Lieutenant General Oscar Lactao to tell him that all assets were available to him.
They flew in from Manila a team from the Joint Special Operations Group (JSOG), the most elite among the military's elite units, along with several choppers to conduct air strikes against the small but heavily armed terrorists.
"At that moment, we still didn’t know the whole picture if there was really just 11 of them. As they say, when you fight an enemy, you should be prepared and make all available forces ready. 'Yung makita lang nila mag-surrender na sila sa takot (You want to impress them with your firepower and force them to surrender out of fear). If they choose to fight it out, we have very good air assets in our possession," Año said.
They did fight it out in Inabanga, Bohol. Three soldiers and a cop – including junior officer Second Lieutenant Estelito Saldua who graduated from the military academy only last 2015 – were killed.
Most of them were killed in the first salvo of the fight on Tuesday morning.
5. How can the military improve?
The Abu Sayyaf's foray into Bohol underscores the need to boost the assets of the Philippine Navy.
"Our country is an archipelagic nation. We really need naval assets to conduct maritime security. In our modernization program, the priority is the Philippine Navy," Año said.
The best operation
No matter its shortcomings, the military succeeded in foiling the Abu Sayyaf's planned attack in Bohol. The operation in Inabanga will surely win medals for the soldiers who saved the country from another internatioal embarrassment.
But the best military operations are those that don't really win awards, said Pama.
"Very good intel and effective deterrence will always be the best option although there will be no medals because there are no encounters. More importantly, however, there are no lives lost as in this incident."
http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/166855-abu-sayyaf-philippines-bohol-military-intelligence
The military foils an Abu Sayyaf attack in Bohol. But it's hard to cheer when it let a notorious terrorist leader slip out of its watch.
Abu Sayyaf leader Muamar Askali and 10 of his men boarded 3 pump boats from Indanan, Sulu, the night of April 6, "insiders" told the military. When they went missing for several days, the generals got worried.
Four days later, on the night of April 10, residents of Inabanga town in faraway Bohol reported the presence of boats and heavily armed men who were purportedly welcomed into 3 houses owned by Muslim converts in the community.
A day later, at 5 am, clashes began between authorities and the terrorists led by the notorious Muamar Askali, the daring and media-savvy Abu Sayyaf leader who collected multi-million-dollar ransom money in exchange for their foreign hostages.
Askali was among the 6 terrorists killed. Armed Forces chief General Eduardo Año congratulated his men for dealing a blow to the terrorist group they had been working hard to eliminate. He assured the public that the 5 remnant Abu Sayyaf are being pursued and no longer pose threat. (READ: 10 killed as gov't forces foil Abu Sayyaf attack in Cebu)
"Abu Rami is an Abu Sayyaf subleader and their known spokesman. Abu Rami is a young, aggressive, and upcoming leader of the Abu Sayyaf who has the potential of being the next leader of the group," Año said.
But it's hard to cheer for the military that let a notorious Abu Sayyaf leader slip out of its watch.
1. Was there good intel?
Año, a veteran intelligence officer, acknowledged the military could have done more with better intelligence information.
"It's very ideal if we are able to intercept them before they arrived in Inabanga, Bohol. But intelligence work is like solving a big puzzle. You only have bits of parts from one end to the other. Your job is to project or paint the picture," Año said.
When they received information that Askali and his men left Indanan on April 6, he said they had no idea where they planned to go.
"When we receive an intel report, we validate it. We cross-check. It's not like we're watching a CCTV and we see everything. We have to validate the intent of the Abu Sayyaf, whether they will go to Sabah, Palawan, Iloilo, or as far as Luzon. Those are the immediate questions," said Año.
They waited for the information on where Askali and his men were going. It came late. Meanwhile, the military put its units nationwide on heightened alert.
"Sometimes information would come late so you react late also. But still it’s not late because we are able to counter them," Año said.
2. What was the Abu Sayyaf's plan?
INABANGA, BOHOL. The Abu Sayyaf Group led by Muamar Askali was reportedly welcomed by Muslim converts in the community
The alternate scenario, if the local residents did not report the presence of the armed men, would have been a national crisis that would again raise the international profile of the Abu Sayyaf and put the country in a bad light.
Año had pictured the Abu Sayyaf's plan in his mind. It was to be an Easter Sunday attack in a nearby resort in the wee hours of the morning. The local terrorist group had often taken advantage of the Holy Week break because of high tourist arrivals.
They arrived in Bohol on Monday, but they had to acclimatize to the area first, be familiar with the surroundings, and send the contacts to targeted resorts.
"Each boat is good for 10 to 12 persons. If they are 11, they are expecting another 4 or 5 persons per boat. That is 10 to 12 kidnap victims," he said.
Año said they tried to repeat their feat in Samal Island in September 2015. Askali's group kidnapped two Canadians and a Norwegian at an upscale resort in Davao province. Canadians John Risdell and Robert Hall were beheaded after failing to meet ransom demands. They released Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad after receiving US$638,000 in ransom.
"It's like Samal. Hindi kidnapping kaagad (It's not immediate kidnapping). It would take days, probably Easter. Our counteractions are very fast They were immediately neutralized," said Año.
3. Why Bohol?
But why did the Abu Sayyaf target Bohol? Authorities are now investigating a resident, who married a woman from Lanao and converted to Islam, and one of those who allegedly welcomed the Abu Sayyaf to the community.
He escaped during the siege.
The Abu Sayyaf planned to attack the same route before, according to former Philippine Navy chief Alexander Pama.
"The ASG operating in Bohol? This is not surprising at all," Pama said in a Facebook post.
Pama said he was the commander of the Naval Task Group Stingray when intel provided them a "detailed sea jacking plan of a passenger fast craft plying the Siquijor-Dumaguete-Dipolog route" after the notorious Dos Palmas kidnapping incident in 2001.
"We, TG Stingray, were waiting for them to come up particularly in the Bohol-Siquijor-Dumaguete-Dipolog corridors. They never ventured up though. I guess we deterred and preempted their plans," Pama narrated.
Bohol is the perfect target because of the influx of tourists, said Año.
"If you look at the mind of the Abu Sayyaf, they are just simple people. They just want to get kidnap victims for money. Where can they get victims? They assess kung saan mas madali (where it is easiest). Nakita nila (They saw that) Bohol and Cebu are tourist destinations during the summer," Año said.
It was harder for them to operate in their traditional areas in the waters in southern Philippines because of the better coordination between the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
4. Did US have specific information about the planned attack?
On Sunday, April 9, the United States embassy issued a travel warning against Central Visayas. Año said part of the embassy's information came from the military.
"We monitored several plans and we shared that with our foreign counterparts. What they do with that information is entirely their own," said Año.
Año said both the military and the police have "for some time now" been following up on a "series of information" on the Abu Sayyaf's plans to target "tourist areas to sow terror and potentially abduct people.
While they downplayed the US advisory, Año said the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City and the Central Command in Cebu had been "zealously" working with their local counterparts.
"On our part, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, we made these preparations as early as Friday. On Saturday we already sent alert warning memo to our troops. That's why mabilis 'yung reaction ng mga tropa natin (That was why our troops were quick to respond)."
4. Why deploy so many assets against 11 Abu Sayyaf?
KILLED IN ACTION. 2Lt Estelito Saldua belongs to the 47th Infantry Battalion that clashed with the Abu Sayyaf Group in Bohol. He is a member of PMA Class 2015.
When they confirmed the presence of the Abu Sayyaf in Bohol, Año called Centcom chief Lieutenant General Oscar Lactao to tell him that all assets were available to him.
They flew in from Manila a team from the Joint Special Operations Group (JSOG), the most elite among the military's elite units, along with several choppers to conduct air strikes against the small but heavily armed terrorists.
"At that moment, we still didn’t know the whole picture if there was really just 11 of them. As they say, when you fight an enemy, you should be prepared and make all available forces ready. 'Yung makita lang nila mag-surrender na sila sa takot (You want to impress them with your firepower and force them to surrender out of fear). If they choose to fight it out, we have very good air assets in our possession," Año said.
They did fight it out in Inabanga, Bohol. Three soldiers and a cop – including junior officer Second Lieutenant Estelito Saldua who graduated from the military academy only last 2015 – were killed.
Most of them were killed in the first salvo of the fight on Tuesday morning.
5. How can the military improve?
The Abu Sayyaf's foray into Bohol underscores the need to boost the assets of the Philippine Navy.
"Our country is an archipelagic nation. We really need naval assets to conduct maritime security. In our modernization program, the priority is the Philippine Navy," Año said.
The best operation
No matter its shortcomings, the military succeeded in foiling the Abu Sayyaf's planned attack in Bohol. The operation in Inabanga will surely win medals for the soldiers who saved the country from another internatioal embarrassment.
But the best military operations are those that don't really win awards, said Pama.
"Very good intel and effective deterrence will always be the best option although there will be no medals because there are no encounters. More importantly, however, there are no lives lost as in this incident."
http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/166855-abu-sayyaf-philippines-bohol-military-intelligence
Army dares left groups: File criminal charges
From the Mindanao Times (Apr 12): Army dares left groups: File criminal charges
CONDENMING “unfounded allegations” of left-leaning groups pinning government soldiers to the number of death of farmers in the provinces, the Army’s 10th Infantry Division has challenged communist drumbeaters to file charges in court instead of waging a propaganda.
Capt. Alexandre Cabales, the acting chief of the division’s public affairs office (DPAO), said groups identified with the National Democratic Front (NDF) should filed proper charges against the perpetrators – may be soldiers or civilians — before the appropriate government bodies so that justice could be served.
“We urge these NDF-allied organizations to go beyond their usual communist propaganda lines (by seeking) justice for these alleged victims through the rule of law and not through press releases and statements,” Cabales said.
“If the suspects of these alleged killings are members of the 10ID, we will welcome, cooperate and support the investigations and judicial process,” Cabales said.
The official said they do not condone any misbehavior or abuses of its members and will be very grateful to those who will help them purge the ranks from misfits.
From March 2 up to April 6, at least nine farmers in Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte were killed.
Reportedly killed were couple Ramon and Leonila Pesadilla in Compostela; couple Arlene and Arman Alcominar and Cora Lina in Laak; Pedro Pandagay in Mabini; Danilo Nadal and Edwin Catog in Pantukan; all in Compostela Valley and Elias Pureza in San Isidro, Davao del Norte.
Jay Apiag, Karapatan in Southern Mindanao Region spokesperson, said Pureza was the 23rd victim of such attack in the region in the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. Apiag said the death of Pureza night have been carried by soldiers.
But Cabales said Apiag should to bring the evidence to the police, instead of waging a media campaign.
Police are still facing blank wall on its investigation as they could not establish the identity of the perpetrators due to lack of witnesses.
“These NDF-allied groups should come forward and provide the police or any other government investigating bodies with the information or evidence they have,” Cabales said.
Otherwise, Cabales added, they should stop their “cowardly act of besmirching the good name of our soldiers, the 10ID and the AFP with their usual communist propaganda lies.”
Capt. Alexandre Cabales, the acting chief of the division’s public affairs office (DPAO), said groups identified with the National Democratic Front (NDF) should filed proper charges against the perpetrators – may be soldiers or civilians — before the appropriate government bodies so that justice could be served.
“We urge these NDF-allied organizations to go beyond their usual communist propaganda lines (by seeking) justice for these alleged victims through the rule of law and not through press releases and statements,” Cabales said.
“If the suspects of these alleged killings are members of the 10ID, we will welcome, cooperate and support the investigations and judicial process,” Cabales said.
The official said they do not condone any misbehavior or abuses of its members and will be very grateful to those who will help them purge the ranks from misfits.
From March 2 up to April 6, at least nine farmers in Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte were killed.
Reportedly killed were couple Ramon and Leonila Pesadilla in Compostela; couple Arlene and Arman Alcominar and Cora Lina in Laak; Pedro Pandagay in Mabini; Danilo Nadal and Edwin Catog in Pantukan; all in Compostela Valley and Elias Pureza in San Isidro, Davao del Norte.
Jay Apiag, Karapatan in Southern Mindanao Region spokesperson, said Pureza was the 23rd victim of such attack in the region in the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. Apiag said the death of Pureza night have been carried by soldiers.
But Cabales said Apiag should to bring the evidence to the police, instead of waging a media campaign.
Police are still facing blank wall on its investigation as they could not establish the identity of the perpetrators due to lack of witnesses.
“These NDF-allied groups should come forward and provide the police or any other government investigating bodies with the information or evidence they have,” Cabales said.
Otherwise, Cabales added, they should stop their “cowardly act of besmirching the good name of our soldiers, the 10ID and the AFP with their usual communist propaganda lies.”
“ Otherwise, it will only confirm the notion that the existence of KARAPATAN is to support the CPP-NPA armed struggle by undermining the successful efforts of the government against the communist violent insurgency through all these baseless and unfounded allegations,” he added.
Heightened alert
From the Mindanao Times (Apr 13): Heightened alert
5,000 cops and 1,500 soldiers deployed
5,000 cops and 1,500 soldiers deployed
LAW ENFORCEMENT units have raised their security alert in time for the observance of the Holy Week.Sr. Insp. Maria Theresa Gaspan, Davao City Police Office spokesperson, told TIMES yesterday police units have been deployed in public areas, among them churches to preempt possible terrorist threats. Gaspan said that police units will also help supervise the traffic, set up checkpoints in coordination with the Task Force Davao and the City Public Safety Command Center.
She added that about half of those 5,000 uniformed personnel that were deployed came from the police office while the others were security volunteers.
She added that the heightened alert is a preventive measure as the police unit has not received any information about any threat.
“We might not have received any report but let us not be complacent,” she said, adding that law enforcers have also intensified intelligence gathering by linking with other law enforcement units.
Gaspan also reminded the residents to secure their houses before embarking on a vacation. “If you are traveling, my caution is for you to be vigilant at all times and make sure that you entrust your homes to your neighbors,” she added.
She also urged the public not to share information about whereabouts in social media because unscrupulous individuals might take advantage.
Col Erwin Bernard Neri, Task Force Davao commander, added that the military has augmented his unit, doubling the number of soldiers deployed in the city to 1,500.
“We have added security personnel in terminals sea ports and airports and we have also intensified checkpoint operations,” Neri said.
She added that the heightened alert is a preventive measure as the police unit has not received any information about any threat.
“We might not have received any report but let us not be complacent,” she said, adding that law enforcers have also intensified intelligence gathering by linking with other law enforcement units.
Gaspan also reminded the residents to secure their houses before embarking on a vacation. “If you are traveling, my caution is for you to be vigilant at all times and make sure that you entrust your homes to your neighbors,” she added.
She also urged the public not to share information about whereabouts in social media because unscrupulous individuals might take advantage.
Col Erwin Bernard Neri, Task Force Davao commander, added that the military has augmented his unit, doubling the number of soldiers deployed in the city to 1,500.
“We have added security personnel in terminals sea ports and airports and we have also intensified checkpoint operations,” Neri said.
3 rebels, 2 of them minors, surrender
From the Mindanao Times (Apr 13): 3 rebels, 2 of them minors, surrender
TWO minors and another member of the New People’s Army surrendered to the Alfa Company of the 60th Infantry Battalion in Brgy. Sto. Niño,Talaingod, Davao del Norte on Tuesday.
Second Lt. Amadeuz Vincent John Celestial, civil military operations officer of 60thIB, identified the older rebel only as Marito, 27; while the minors were just 17 and 14.
The three, said Celestial, are members of the Ata Manobo tribe.
The military reported that the three first contacted a community leader in the area, who also happened to be a member of a paramilitary unit in the town.
The report said that a certain Jimboy recruited them with a promise of paying them salaries, something that never happened as they were made to join the rebel units in the Southern Mindanao Regional Command.
The three, said Celestial, are members of the Ata Manobo tribe.
The military reported that the three first contacted a community leader in the area, who also happened to be a member of a paramilitary unit in the town.
The report said that a certain Jimboy recruited them with a promise of paying them salaries, something that never happened as they were made to join the rebel units in the Southern Mindanao Regional Command.
The minors claimed they decided to separate themselves from the rebel and gave up to authorities because their units did not treat them humanely. They also feared the possibility of getting caught or killed.
The military report said the three have undergone medical examinations and stress debriefing as the minors will also undergo special psychological debriefing.
Lt. Colonel Emmanuel Canilla, commander of 60th IB said he was disheartened with the NPA’s use of the minors.
Canilla said that it was a clear manifestation of the NPA’s disregard of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law which the rebel group also signed.
Last March, two other child soldiers of the NPA also surrendered to 60IB in Kapalong.
The military report said the three have undergone medical examinations and stress debriefing as the minors will also undergo special psychological debriefing.
Lt. Colonel Emmanuel Canilla, commander of 60th IB said he was disheartened with the NPA’s use of the minors.
Canilla said that it was a clear manifestation of the NPA’s disregard of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law which the rebel group also signed.
Last March, two other child soldiers of the NPA also surrendered to 60IB in Kapalong.
EastMinCom on heightened alert status to deter Abu, prevent NPA
From MindaNews (Apr 13): EastMinCom on heightened alert status to deter Abu, prevent NPA
The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMincom) has placed all its units on heightened alert status two days after an armed encounter between military forces and the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group in Inabanga, Bohol Tuesday.
In a press release, Maj. Ezra L. Balagtey, chief of Public Information Office of the EastMincom, said they raised the alert level to deter any possible diversionary act by the Abu Sayyaf and prevent members of the New People’s Army (NPA) from taking “advantage of the situation and conduct atrocities” while the communities are observing Holy Week.
He said their troops are closely coordinating with different local government units and other law enforcement agencies to strengthen the security of various communities, installations, and infrastructure while some of their personnel and equipment had been sent to Central Command on April 12 to provide additional naval capability in their operations.
On April 11, the same day of the encounter with the terrorist group in Bohol, the Tactical Operations Group (TOG) 10 of the Philippine Air Force based in Cagayan de Oro City dispatched two aircrafts and additional reinforcement to Bohol.
On April 10, a day before the Bohol attack, President Rodrigo Duterte was asked during a press conference at the Davao International Airport before he flew to the Middle East for state visits, if he had information similar to the US Embassy’s advisory against a possible terror attack in Central Visayas, particularly Bohol and Cebu.
Duterte replied: “I have read it, not from the military but from the newspaper. And besides kaya natin. Kaya natin (We can take care of this).
He said that during a debate at the Dela Salle University last year where only he showe dup among the Presdiential cnadidates, Duterte said he was asked how he would deal with terrorism and his answer as “harshly.”
In Northern Mindanao, Philippine National Police (PNP) 10 spokesperson Supt. Lemuel Gonda said security forces were also on full alert status and started monitoring the hospitals and clinics for possible presence of ASG members who escaped from Bohol.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/04/eastmincom-on-heightened-alert-status-to-deter-abu-prevent-npa/
The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMincom) has placed all its units on heightened alert status two days after an armed encounter between military forces and the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group in Inabanga, Bohol Tuesday.
In a press release, Maj. Ezra L. Balagtey, chief of Public Information Office of the EastMincom, said they raised the alert level to deter any possible diversionary act by the Abu Sayyaf and prevent members of the New People’s Army (NPA) from taking “advantage of the situation and conduct atrocities” while the communities are observing Holy Week.
He said their troops are closely coordinating with different local government units and other law enforcement agencies to strengthen the security of various communities, installations, and infrastructure while some of their personnel and equipment had been sent to Central Command on April 12 to provide additional naval capability in their operations.
On April 11, the same day of the encounter with the terrorist group in Bohol, the Tactical Operations Group (TOG) 10 of the Philippine Air Force based in Cagayan de Oro City dispatched two aircrafts and additional reinforcement to Bohol.
On April 10, a day before the Bohol attack, President Rodrigo Duterte was asked during a press conference at the Davao International Airport before he flew to the Middle East for state visits, if he had information similar to the US Embassy’s advisory against a possible terror attack in Central Visayas, particularly Bohol and Cebu.
Duterte replied: “I have read it, not from the military but from the newspaper. And besides kaya natin. Kaya natin (We can take care of this).
He said that during a debate at the Dela Salle University last year where only he showe dup among the Presdiential cnadidates, Duterte said he was asked how he would deal with terrorism and his answer as “harshly.”
In Northern Mindanao, Philippine National Police (PNP) 10 spokesperson Supt. Lemuel Gonda said security forces were also on full alert status and started monitoring the hospitals and clinics for possible presence of ASG members who escaped from Bohol.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/04/eastmincom-on-heightened-alert-status-to-deter-abu-prevent-npa/
11 Sayyafs fighters wanted in Sabah surrender in Philippines (Photos)
From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 12): 11 Sayyafs fighters wanted in Sabah surrender in Philippines
Military photo shows Abu Sayyaf members following their surrender to the Western Mindanao Command in southern Philippines.
The Philippine military announced Wednesday the surrender of 11 notorious Abu Sayyaf fighters wanted for piracy and kidnappings in Sabah in Malaysia; and gruesome crimes in southern Philippines.
Army Captain Jo-ann Petinglay, a spokesperson for the Western Mindanao Command, said two of those who yielded to the military were sub-leaders involved in cross-border raids in Malaysia’s eastern state of Sabah.
“Two notorious sub-leaders of the Abu Sayyaf group and nine more Abu Sayyaf bandits tagged in cross-border kidnappings and other nefarious activities surrendered to the troops of the Joint Task Forces Tawi-Tawi and Basilan under the Western Mindanao Command as all-out military offensives ensue in Mindanao,” she said.
Petinglay said the duo – Berong Sariol and Ben Sariol – were commanders of the ISIS-affiliate group operating in Tawi-Tawi. The others have been identified by the military as Jasim Dambong, Mujil Dambong, Magelan Langal, Kael Sariol, Nurhamin Sariol, Alhan Sariol, Amnisain Sariol, Akmad Sariol, and Benasil Sariol – all from Tawi-Tawi.
Both sub-leaders had been previously arrested by authorities in Tawi-Tawi’s Bongao town in May 2009, but freed due to the failure of law enforcers to present arrest warrants. All those who surrendered were also wanted in Sabah for piracy and kidnappings, the military said.
Petinglay said the Sariol group was tagged as behind the January 2008 brutal murder of a Catholic priest, Reynaldo Roda, in South Ubian in Tawi-Tawi and the April 2014 kidnappings in Sabah of Chinese tourist Gao Hua Yun and Filipina resort worker Marcy Dayawan, including Mayor Kuyoh Pajiji, of Tawi-Tawi’s Sibutu town in June 2003; and Korean ship captain Chul Hong Park and his Filipino crew Glen Alendajao, also in Tawi-Tawi last year.
“The Sariol group is wanted in Sabah for various piracy and kidnapping offenses,” she said, adding, all of them were being interrogated by the military before handing them over to the local police.
Just recently, one Abu Sayyaf member, Ferdauz Asgari, a follower of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Nurhassan Jamiri in Basilan province also surrendered to the 74th Infantry Battalion in Tipo-Tipo town. He also yielded a Garand rifle. The military said 16 Abu Sayyaf fighters had surrendered since January in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, three of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.
The government has not offered any amnesty to the Abu Sayyaf and other jihadist groups fighting for the establishment of a caliphate in the restive region.
On Tuesday, ssecurity forces killed at least 11 Abu Sayyaf fighters in fierce clashes that also left 3 soldiers dead and two more injured in Bohol province in central Philippines. Among those killed was a notorious jihadist leader, Muammar Askali alias Abu Rami, who was implicated in the beheading of several foreign hostages of the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu province.
The fighting erupted in the village of Ilaya in Inabanga town where civilians reported to the police the presence of heavily-armed jihadists who arrived in several speedboats. The Western Mindanao Command said it provided intelligence to its counterpart in the Visayas on the movement of the Abu Sayyaf.
It said continuous military operations against the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan and Sulu constricted or limited the capability of the group to mount ransom kidnappings or terrorism in the region and forced the jihadists to strike in other areas.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/11-sayyafs-fighters-wanted-in-sabah-surrender-in-philippines/
Military photo shows Abu Sayyaf members following their surrender to the Western Mindanao Command in southern Philippines.
The Philippine military announced Wednesday the surrender of 11 notorious Abu Sayyaf fighters wanted for piracy and kidnappings in Sabah in Malaysia; and gruesome crimes in southern Philippines.
Army Captain Jo-ann Petinglay, a spokesperson for the Western Mindanao Command, said two of those who yielded to the military were sub-leaders involved in cross-border raids in Malaysia’s eastern state of Sabah.
“Two notorious sub-leaders of the Abu Sayyaf group and nine more Abu Sayyaf bandits tagged in cross-border kidnappings and other nefarious activities surrendered to the troops of the Joint Task Forces Tawi-Tawi and Basilan under the Western Mindanao Command as all-out military offensives ensue in Mindanao,” she said.
Petinglay said the duo – Berong Sariol and Ben Sariol – were commanders of the ISIS-affiliate group operating in Tawi-Tawi. The others have been identified by the military as Jasim Dambong, Mujil Dambong, Magelan Langal, Kael Sariol, Nurhamin Sariol, Alhan Sariol, Amnisain Sariol, Akmad Sariol, and Benasil Sariol – all from Tawi-Tawi.
Both sub-leaders had been previously arrested by authorities in Tawi-Tawi’s Bongao town in May 2009, but freed due to the failure of law enforcers to present arrest warrants. All those who surrendered were also wanted in Sabah for piracy and kidnappings, the military said.
Petinglay said the Sariol group was tagged as behind the January 2008 brutal murder of a Catholic priest, Reynaldo Roda, in South Ubian in Tawi-Tawi and the April 2014 kidnappings in Sabah of Chinese tourist Gao Hua Yun and Filipina resort worker Marcy Dayawan, including Mayor Kuyoh Pajiji, of Tawi-Tawi’s Sibutu town in June 2003; and Korean ship captain Chul Hong Park and his Filipino crew Glen Alendajao, also in Tawi-Tawi last year.
“The Sariol group is wanted in Sabah for various piracy and kidnapping offenses,” she said, adding, all of them were being interrogated by the military before handing them over to the local police.
Just recently, one Abu Sayyaf member, Ferdauz Asgari, a follower of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Nurhassan Jamiri in Basilan province also surrendered to the 74th Infantry Battalion in Tipo-Tipo town. He also yielded a Garand rifle. The military said 16 Abu Sayyaf fighters had surrendered since January in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, three of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.
The government has not offered any amnesty to the Abu Sayyaf and other jihadist groups fighting for the establishment of a caliphate in the restive region.
On Tuesday, ssecurity forces killed at least 11 Abu Sayyaf fighters in fierce clashes that also left 3 soldiers dead and two more injured in Bohol province in central Philippines. Among those killed was a notorious jihadist leader, Muammar Askali alias Abu Rami, who was implicated in the beheading of several foreign hostages of the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu province.
The fighting erupted in the village of Ilaya in Inabanga town where civilians reported to the police the presence of heavily-armed jihadists who arrived in several speedboats. The Western Mindanao Command said it provided intelligence to its counterpart in the Visayas on the movement of the Abu Sayyaf.
It said continuous military operations against the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan and Sulu constricted or limited the capability of the group to mount ransom kidnappings or terrorism in the region and forced the jihadists to strike in other areas.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/11-sayyafs-fighters-wanted-in-sabah-surrender-in-philippines/
86IB holds series of security awareness fora
From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 13): 86IB holds series of security awareness fora
The 86 Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Jones, Isabela and in Nagtipunan, Quirino has embarked on a series of security awareness fora in Maddela and Jones secondary schools.
Lt Col Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, commanding officer, said the series of fora aims to inform the students about the programs and advocacies of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Cagara said through the conduct of such activities, youth's awareness about the ongoing activities of the New People’s Army in Maddela such as the recruitment of members from the youth sector will be heightened.
He said hundreds of students and teachers from the Maddela Comprehensive High School, Dipintin National School and Dumabato Integrated School and Isabela State University in Jones, Isabela attended the series of fora.
“We believe that by educating the youth about the government’s programs and enlightening them about some misleading information, they will not become an easy prey for propaganda,” the commanding officer said as he urged the parents and teachers to guide them as the NPA groups are using some issues just to lure the youth to join the organization.
He recalled that the members of the NPA are openly recruiting would-be members by hanging tarpaulins in public places urging the youth to join the organization.
In the PNP’s Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis radio program, the Quirino Provincial Public Safety Company 2nd Maneuver Platoon based in Dipantan, Nagtipunan headed by Police Chief Inspector Jaime Benedicto, Jr. has reported that some pieces of paper bearing messages of inviting residents to become members of the NPA were scattered in front of their camp recently.
Both the 86 IB and the 2nd Maneuver Platoon assured that they have strengthened their programs to ensure peace and security as they also urged the residents to report to authorities any untoward incidents to pre-empt any plans to sow terrorism in their places.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/451491538569/86ib-holds-series-of-security-awareness-fora-
The 86 Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Jones, Isabela and in Nagtipunan, Quirino has embarked on a series of security awareness fora in Maddela and Jones secondary schools.
Lt Col Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, commanding officer, said the series of fora aims to inform the students about the programs and advocacies of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Cagara said through the conduct of such activities, youth's awareness about the ongoing activities of the New People’s Army in Maddela such as the recruitment of members from the youth sector will be heightened.
He said hundreds of students and teachers from the Maddela Comprehensive High School, Dipintin National School and Dumabato Integrated School and Isabela State University in Jones, Isabela attended the series of fora.
“We believe that by educating the youth about the government’s programs and enlightening them about some misleading information, they will not become an easy prey for propaganda,” the commanding officer said as he urged the parents and teachers to guide them as the NPA groups are using some issues just to lure the youth to join the organization.
He recalled that the members of the NPA are openly recruiting would-be members by hanging tarpaulins in public places urging the youth to join the organization.
In the PNP’s Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis radio program, the Quirino Provincial Public Safety Company 2nd Maneuver Platoon based in Dipantan, Nagtipunan headed by Police Chief Inspector Jaime Benedicto, Jr. has reported that some pieces of paper bearing messages of inviting residents to become members of the NPA were scattered in front of their camp recently.
Both the 86 IB and the 2nd Maneuver Platoon assured that they have strengthened their programs to ensure peace and security as they also urged the residents to report to authorities any untoward incidents to pre-empt any plans to sow terrorism in their places.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/451491538569/86ib-holds-series-of-security-awareness-fora-
Tagalog news: WESCOM, naka-heightened alert laban sa banta ng terorismo sa Palawan
From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 13): Tagalog news: WESCOM, naka-heightened alert laban sa banta ng terorismo sa Palawan
Upang matiyak ang kapayapaan, seguridad at kaligtasan ng mga mamamayan ng Palawan sa ano mang gawain ng mga terorista, nagdeklara ng heightened alert status ang Western Command sa lalawigan.
Ang deklarasyon ay kasunod ng naganap na engkuwentro sa Bohol sa pagitan ng tropa ng pulis at sundalo ng pamahalaan at mga bandidong Abu Sayyaf.
Sa isinagawang press conference kahapon sa WESCOM headquarters, tinuran ni Lt. General Raul del Rosario, commander ng WESCOM, na pinalakas ngayon ng kanilang hanay ang pagmamanman upang maiwasan ang posibleng puntirya ng kidnap-for-ransom group (KFRG) lalo na sa mga lugar na dinarayo ng mga turista.
Ani del Rosario, nakahanda na ang kanilang naval at air assets at sinimulan na rin nila ang pagsasagawa ng random check point, pagpapatrolya at mas pinaigting na military visibility.
“Pinosisyon na natin sila sa key areas. We are wasting no time to come up with our coordinated actions. While the coastguard, the PNP are doing inspections on their respective areas, we are coming up with plans on how to conduct joint operations particularly on those prone areas like seaports, airports and other areas where there could be ASG or KFRG supporters (Hindi tayo nag-aaksaya ng panahon sa ating mga pinagsama-samang gawain. Habang ang coastguard at PNP ay nagsasagwa ng masusing inspeksiyon sa kanilang mga lugar, kami naman ay nagpaplano kung paanong mapagsasanib-pwersa, partikular sa mga lugar na prone sa mga taga-suporta ng ASG o KRFG gaya ng pier o paliparan)”, pahayag pa ng opisyal.
Kaugnay nito, nagsagawa rin kahapon ng pagpupulong ang interagency security na binubuo ng Philippine National Police (PNP), Maritime group, Philippine Coast Guard at Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) na pinangunahan ng WESCOM Commander.
“Nandito kami to get our acts together to prevent terrorism happening in Palawan. While we have been vigilant in doing our respective jobs, it is best if we coordinate all our efforts together,” dagdag pa ni del Rosario.
Nanawagan din ang WESCOM ng pakikipagtulungan mula sa mga komunidad upang makatuwang ng pamahalaan sa pagsawata sa mga terorismong Gawain.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3321491980704/tagalog-news-wescom-naka-heightened-alert-laban-sa-banta-ng-terorismo-sa-palawan
Upang matiyak ang kapayapaan, seguridad at kaligtasan ng mga mamamayan ng Palawan sa ano mang gawain ng mga terorista, nagdeklara ng heightened alert status ang Western Command sa lalawigan.
Ang deklarasyon ay kasunod ng naganap na engkuwentro sa Bohol sa pagitan ng tropa ng pulis at sundalo ng pamahalaan at mga bandidong Abu Sayyaf.
Sa isinagawang press conference kahapon sa WESCOM headquarters, tinuran ni Lt. General Raul del Rosario, commander ng WESCOM, na pinalakas ngayon ng kanilang hanay ang pagmamanman upang maiwasan ang posibleng puntirya ng kidnap-for-ransom group (KFRG) lalo na sa mga lugar na dinarayo ng mga turista.
Ani del Rosario, nakahanda na ang kanilang naval at air assets at sinimulan na rin nila ang pagsasagawa ng random check point, pagpapatrolya at mas pinaigting na military visibility.
“Pinosisyon na natin sila sa key areas. We are wasting no time to come up with our coordinated actions. While the coastguard, the PNP are doing inspections on their respective areas, we are coming up with plans on how to conduct joint operations particularly on those prone areas like seaports, airports and other areas where there could be ASG or KFRG supporters (Hindi tayo nag-aaksaya ng panahon sa ating mga pinagsama-samang gawain. Habang ang coastguard at PNP ay nagsasagwa ng masusing inspeksiyon sa kanilang mga lugar, kami naman ay nagpaplano kung paanong mapagsasanib-pwersa, partikular sa mga lugar na prone sa mga taga-suporta ng ASG o KRFG gaya ng pier o paliparan)”, pahayag pa ng opisyal.
Kaugnay nito, nagsagawa rin kahapon ng pagpupulong ang interagency security na binubuo ng Philippine National Police (PNP), Maritime group, Philippine Coast Guard at Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) na pinangunahan ng WESCOM Commander.
“Nandito kami to get our acts together to prevent terrorism happening in Palawan. While we have been vigilant in doing our respective jobs, it is best if we coordinate all our efforts together,” dagdag pa ni del Rosario.
Nanawagan din ang WESCOM ng pakikipagtulungan mula sa mga komunidad upang makatuwang ng pamahalaan sa pagsawata sa mga terorismong Gawain.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3321491980704/tagalog-news-wescom-naka-heightened-alert-laban-sa-banta-ng-terorismo-sa-palawan
Troops pursue NPA rebels in North Cotabato
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12): Troops pursue NPA rebels in North Cotabato
Government forces intensified Wednesday their operation against a band of New People's Army (NPA) rebels who recently attacked and seized officials of a remote community in North Cotabato province.
Elements of the 39th Infantry Battalion (IB) and North Cotabato police public safety battalion clashed Tuesday morning with about 50 NPA rebels belonging to Guerilla Front 53 in Barangay (village) Balite, Magpet town, said Lt. Colonel Harold Argamosa, 39th IB chief.
"Our combat operation will continue even during this Holy Week," he said.
Argamosa said the government troops were conducting combat operation against the NPAs who attacked the village of Mahongcog on Sunday. The communist rebels seized village chair Michael Lingaro and 10 of his "tanods" (village watchmen).
The rebels later freed the village chair and his men. About 32 assorted firearms were taken by the rebels from the village.
Argamosa said the Army suffered a fatality and two wounded in the one-hour firefight Tuesday morning in Barangay Balite, which is close to Barangay Mahongcog.
"The NPAs suffered a fatality and three injured," Argamosa said, adding that the wounded rebels were residents of the village recruited by the NPA before the clash.
About 200 families have fled to safer grounds with the local government of Magpet providing emergency assistance to the affected families. They were from the village of Balite who moved to the adjacent villages of Katindu and Anuling in nearby Arakan town, also in North Cotabato.
Argamosa said the attack in Barangay Mahongcog was well planned with the attackers coming in the village using Toyota Fortuner vehicles and passenger vans.
Argamosa vowed to continue pressing the rebels who he condemned "for taking advantage of the government's peace initiative to build forces and collect revolutionary taxes from innocent civilians."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=979662
Government forces intensified Wednesday their operation against a band of New People's Army (NPA) rebels who recently attacked and seized officials of a remote community in North Cotabato province.
Elements of the 39th Infantry Battalion (IB) and North Cotabato police public safety battalion clashed Tuesday morning with about 50 NPA rebels belonging to Guerilla Front 53 in Barangay (village) Balite, Magpet town, said Lt. Colonel Harold Argamosa, 39th IB chief.
"Our combat operation will continue even during this Holy Week," he said.
Argamosa said the government troops were conducting combat operation against the NPAs who attacked the village of Mahongcog on Sunday. The communist rebels seized village chair Michael Lingaro and 10 of his "tanods" (village watchmen).
The rebels later freed the village chair and his men. About 32 assorted firearms were taken by the rebels from the village.
Argamosa said the Army suffered a fatality and two wounded in the one-hour firefight Tuesday morning in Barangay Balite, which is close to Barangay Mahongcog.
"The NPAs suffered a fatality and three injured," Argamosa said, adding that the wounded rebels were residents of the village recruited by the NPA before the clash.
About 200 families have fled to safer grounds with the local government of Magpet providing emergency assistance to the affected families. They were from the village of Balite who moved to the adjacent villages of Katindu and Anuling in nearby Arakan town, also in North Cotabato.
Argamosa said the attack in Barangay Mahongcog was well planned with the attackers coming in the village using Toyota Fortuner vehicles and passenger vans.
Argamosa vowed to continue pressing the rebels who he condemned "for taking advantage of the government's peace initiative to build forces and collect revolutionary taxes from innocent civilians."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=979662
Bohol incident sends Palawan on ‘heightened security alert’
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12): Bohol incident sends Palawan on ‘heightened security alert’
The Western Command (WESCOM) and other law enforcement authorities in Palawan are now on “heightened security alert” following Tuesday’s clash in Inabanga town in Bohol between members of the kidnap terrorist group Abu Sayyaf and government troops.
At the same time, WESCOM called on the people of Palawan to “remain vigilant, calm, and immediately report any suspicious-looking individuals to the nearest AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippine) and PNP (Philippine National Police) stations for appropriate action.
“The key to a secure and safe Palawan is the collaborative and synergistic actions of all stakeholders,” said WESCOM commander Lt. General Raul del Rosario to the local press following and interagency law enforcement security meeting early Wednesday morning.
The WESCOM commander said that while they “have been vigilant in doing” their “respective jobs, “it is best” that “all efforts” of the military and other law enforcement agencies “are coordinated” in light of what happened in Bohol.
“We are all here to really get our acts together to prevent terrorism from happening in Palawan. While we have been vigilant in doing our respective jobs, it is best if we coordinate all our efforts. So far, what we have done is analyze the past experiences,” Del Rosario said, telling the local press that they had just briefed themselves regarding the Dos Palmas Island Resort incident in May 2001.
Included in the briefing were the sailing routes which could be “probable targets for the Abu Sayyaf and other kidnap-for-ransom groups,” and a review of the recent clash in Bohol.
“From here, we will draw our security posture in Palawan… based on all the lessons learned, and the things that we noted that the Abu Sayyaf did in Bohol,” he stated.
For WESCOM, Del Rosario said Tuesday’s incident in “Bohol was a success story because government troops were able to stop the plan of the Abu Sayyaf to kidnap their targets.”
Good lessons learned from the episode was the sharing of intelligence reports when there were indications that there were members of the terrorist group in Inabanga; second was the immediate reporting of the sightings by the barangay to the military and other law enforcement authorities; and instantaneous response by those that received the intelligence reports.
“While we speak, we have been dispersing our naval assets. It’s already done; we’ve prepositioned them in key areas… areas that are frequented by tourists considering the season… we have deployed our assets. Our air assets are also on standby,” he said.
Del Rosario stated further that they are coming up with plans on the conduct of joint operations, particularly in susceptible zones, such as seaports, where there could be Abu Sayyaf or kidnap-for-ransom group supporters.
Since resorts, especially those located on remote islands in Palawan are considered vulnerable areas, where kidnappings could be done, Del Rosario said that as early as December last year, they have been coordinating with resort owners and managers, and their security personnel to ensure WESCOM knows their security protocols.
“Last December, there were already reports that kidnappings could be done, and even during that time we already started coordinating with resort and hotel owners’ security personnel to advise to report immediately any suspicious activity or personality, and we exchanged contact numbers or hotline numbers,” he claimed, adding they intend to talk to them again to review the SOPs (standard operating procedures) that were established with them in the past.
If requests for additional security personnel are from WESCOM, he said, an evaluation will have to be done to determine the nature of the problem before a plan is created with other law enforcement agencies.
On standby to provide quick response are naval and coast guard floating assets, special operations units of the Philippine Navy (PN) and troops from the PNP and the Philippine Marines.
Where they are exactly deployed was not given in details by Del Rosario. “They are now in position,” he said.
Lawyer and Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) chair Atty. Teodoro Jose Matta, who was also at WESCOM, said that for the provincial government, Governor Jose Alvarez’ direction is “not to have a repeat of the Dos Palmas Island Resort incident.”
“Ever since the peace and order program was spawned, the initial instruction of the governor was not to have a repeat of the Dos Palmas incident. Added to that, since way back, we have intensified our barangay networks. This is through various provincial government agencies not just the peace and order program; mostly, rescue and then of course, livelihood programs, where we have touched based with the barangays. However, this is not full proof. That is why maybe after this meeting, we will reestablish our connections with the crucial barangays, and then maybe, establish a communication network where any stranger, who goes in may be relayed to the various agencies,” he said.
Asked where the crucial areas are in the province, Matta said they are still discussing and they do not want the information out.
“Some of these areas remain under deliberation whether or not we treat them as critical/crucial areas,” Matta stated.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=979825
The Western Command (WESCOM) and other law enforcement authorities in Palawan are now on “heightened security alert” following Tuesday’s clash in Inabanga town in Bohol between members of the kidnap terrorist group Abu Sayyaf and government troops.
At the same time, WESCOM called on the people of Palawan to “remain vigilant, calm, and immediately report any suspicious-looking individuals to the nearest AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippine) and PNP (Philippine National Police) stations for appropriate action.
“The key to a secure and safe Palawan is the collaborative and synergistic actions of all stakeholders,” said WESCOM commander Lt. General Raul del Rosario to the local press following and interagency law enforcement security meeting early Wednesday morning.
The WESCOM commander said that while they “have been vigilant in doing” their “respective jobs, “it is best” that “all efforts” of the military and other law enforcement agencies “are coordinated” in light of what happened in Bohol.
“We are all here to really get our acts together to prevent terrorism from happening in Palawan. While we have been vigilant in doing our respective jobs, it is best if we coordinate all our efforts. So far, what we have done is analyze the past experiences,” Del Rosario said, telling the local press that they had just briefed themselves regarding the Dos Palmas Island Resort incident in May 2001.
Included in the briefing were the sailing routes which could be “probable targets for the Abu Sayyaf and other kidnap-for-ransom groups,” and a review of the recent clash in Bohol.
“From here, we will draw our security posture in Palawan… based on all the lessons learned, and the things that we noted that the Abu Sayyaf did in Bohol,” he stated.
For WESCOM, Del Rosario said Tuesday’s incident in “Bohol was a success story because government troops were able to stop the plan of the Abu Sayyaf to kidnap their targets.”
Good lessons learned from the episode was the sharing of intelligence reports when there were indications that there were members of the terrorist group in Inabanga; second was the immediate reporting of the sightings by the barangay to the military and other law enforcement authorities; and instantaneous response by those that received the intelligence reports.
“While we speak, we have been dispersing our naval assets. It’s already done; we’ve prepositioned them in key areas… areas that are frequented by tourists considering the season… we have deployed our assets. Our air assets are also on standby,” he said.
Del Rosario stated further that they are coming up with plans on the conduct of joint operations, particularly in susceptible zones, such as seaports, where there could be Abu Sayyaf or kidnap-for-ransom group supporters.
Since resorts, especially those located on remote islands in Palawan are considered vulnerable areas, where kidnappings could be done, Del Rosario said that as early as December last year, they have been coordinating with resort owners and managers, and their security personnel to ensure WESCOM knows their security protocols.
“Last December, there were already reports that kidnappings could be done, and even during that time we already started coordinating with resort and hotel owners’ security personnel to advise to report immediately any suspicious activity or personality, and we exchanged contact numbers or hotline numbers,” he claimed, adding they intend to talk to them again to review the SOPs (standard operating procedures) that were established with them in the past.
If requests for additional security personnel are from WESCOM, he said, an evaluation will have to be done to determine the nature of the problem before a plan is created with other law enforcement agencies.
On standby to provide quick response are naval and coast guard floating assets, special operations units of the Philippine Navy (PN) and troops from the PNP and the Philippine Marines.
Where they are exactly deployed was not given in details by Del Rosario. “They are now in position,” he said.
Lawyer and Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) chair Atty. Teodoro Jose Matta, who was also at WESCOM, said that for the provincial government, Governor Jose Alvarez’ direction is “not to have a repeat of the Dos Palmas Island Resort incident.”
“Ever since the peace and order program was spawned, the initial instruction of the governor was not to have a repeat of the Dos Palmas incident. Added to that, since way back, we have intensified our barangay networks. This is through various provincial government agencies not just the peace and order program; mostly, rescue and then of course, livelihood programs, where we have touched based with the barangays. However, this is not full proof. That is why maybe after this meeting, we will reestablish our connections with the crucial barangays, and then maybe, establish a communication network where any stranger, who goes in may be relayed to the various agencies,” he said.
Asked where the crucial areas are in the province, Matta said they are still discussing and they do not want the information out.
“Some of these areas remain under deliberation whether or not we treat them as critical/crucial areas,” Matta stated.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=979825
CPP/NPA-SM: NPA ruse disarms brgy. captain, paramilitary group in North Cotabato, seizes 32 firearms
NPA propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 10):
NPA ruse disarms brgy. captain, paramilitary group in North Cotabato, seizes 32 firearms
Rigoberto F. Sanchez, Spokesperson
NPA-Southern Mindanao
10 April 2017
Without firing a single shot and posing as enemy troops, Red fighters of the Mt. Apo Sub-Regional Command-NPA in Southern Mindanao disarmed a barangay captain and his men, confiscating 32 firearms and other military hardware in Brgy. Mahongkog, Magpet in North Cotabato yesterday, April 9, at around 9:00 in the morning.
There is absolutely no truth to the AFP’s pathetic and desperate claims that the NPA unit abducted Brgy. Captain Michael Lingaro and his men or used them as “human shield” following the successful disarming.
In fact, Lumad and peasant masses, rejoice the NPA’s punitive action against the paramilitary group that has long been used by the AFP in its counter-insurgency and anti-people campaign.
The confiscated arms cache is composed of 2 M16 rifles, 1 M4 Bushmaster assault rifle, 2 M14, 2 Garand, 4 Carbine, 2 M79 grenade launchers, 4 .45 caliber pistols, 2 9mm pistols, 1 Uzi sub-machine gun, 12 shot guns, 91 assorted magazines, 12 vests and 4 military radios.
Red fighters talked to the masses and explained the purpose of the successful disarming before they safely withdrew from the barangay.
It is evident that the fascist enemy is weaving tales in the media in order to smokescreen its direct recruitment of civilians for counter-insurgency and anti-people campaign. Lingaro and his group are being used by the Army’s 39th IB to conduct counter-revolutionary terror on civilians in the hinterlands.
Prior to the disarming operation, masses reported that during the conduct of the Army’s PDOP (Peace and Development Outreach Program) operations in Mahongkog last year, not only did the 39th IB know of the existence of these firearms but also encouraged their use for counterrevolution and anti-people activities.
It is in the interest of pursuing just and lasting and peace that the AFP is prevented from further arming and using civilians against their fellow Lumad and peasants in the countryside. The NPA, especially in Southern Mindanao, will continue to launch disarming operations as part of its duty of protecting the masses and defending its territories under the auspices of the People’s Democratic Government.
NPA ruse disarms brgy. captain, paramilitary group in North Cotabato, seizes 32 firearms
Rigoberto F. Sanchez, Spokesperson
NPA-Southern Mindanao
10 April 2017
Without firing a single shot and posing as enemy troops, Red fighters of the Mt. Apo Sub-Regional Command-NPA in Southern Mindanao disarmed a barangay captain and his men, confiscating 32 firearms and other military hardware in Brgy. Mahongkog, Magpet in North Cotabato yesterday, April 9, at around 9:00 in the morning.
There is absolutely no truth to the AFP’s pathetic and desperate claims that the NPA unit abducted Brgy. Captain Michael Lingaro and his men or used them as “human shield” following the successful disarming.
In fact, Lumad and peasant masses, rejoice the NPA’s punitive action against the paramilitary group that has long been used by the AFP in its counter-insurgency and anti-people campaign.
The confiscated arms cache is composed of 2 M16 rifles, 1 M4 Bushmaster assault rifle, 2 M14, 2 Garand, 4 Carbine, 2 M79 grenade launchers, 4 .45 caliber pistols, 2 9mm pistols, 1 Uzi sub-machine gun, 12 shot guns, 91 assorted magazines, 12 vests and 4 military radios.
Red fighters talked to the masses and explained the purpose of the successful disarming before they safely withdrew from the barangay.
It is evident that the fascist enemy is weaving tales in the media in order to smokescreen its direct recruitment of civilians for counter-insurgency and anti-people campaign. Lingaro and his group are being used by the Army’s 39th IB to conduct counter-revolutionary terror on civilians in the hinterlands.
Prior to the disarming operation, masses reported that during the conduct of the Army’s PDOP (Peace and Development Outreach Program) operations in Mahongkog last year, not only did the 39th IB know of the existence of these firearms but also encouraged their use for counterrevolution and anti-people activities.
It is in the interest of pursuing just and lasting and peace that the AFP is prevented from further arming and using civilians against their fellow Lumad and peasants in the countryside. The NPA, especially in Southern Mindanao, will continue to launch disarming operations as part of its duty of protecting the masses and defending its territories under the auspices of the People’s Democratic Government.
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