Troops find abandoned Abu Sayyaf camp in Basilan

From the Philippine Star (Apr 20): Troops find abandoned Abu Sayyaf camp in Basilan

Troops found the abandoned camp while on a tracking operation against the bandit group. Westmincom, released, file

 

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Government troops seized an Abu Sayyaf camp during operations Sunday in the hinterland of Sumisip town in Basilan, a military official said Thursday.

 

The ground forces also recovered assorted war materiel and camouflage attire belonging to the Abu Sayyaf group in the nearby town of Maluso on the same day, said Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr.

 

He said the elements of the 68th Infantry Battalion under Joint Task Force Basilan chief Col. Juvymax Uy were on a tracking operation when they discovered the Abu Sayyaf lair at Barangay Cabcaban, Sumisip town Sunday afternoon.

 

Galvez said the troops reported the camp was hastily abandoned by the Abu Sayyaf militants who detected the approaching soldiers.

 

The government troops initially encountered the Abu Sayyaf in the same area on April 11. Eight militia members were killed and 11 others — six soldiers and five militiamen — were wounded in the clash.

 

The soldiers described the abandoned camp as having three guard posts and 38 bunkers.

 

Separate forces, composed of Army Rangers and militia also recovered a single-shot rifle, a shotgun, assorted ammunition, a radio transceiver, and battle dress attire (BDA) uniforms belonging to the Abu Sayyaf at uphill Barangay Abong Abong, Maluso town.

 

Galvez said soldiers from the 15th Special Forces Company also stumbled on an arms cache while tracking down the Abu Sayyaf militants along the mangrove area of Langas Island off Maluso town last Tuesday.

 

They found an M16 rifle with a magazine, and an M1 Garand with an ammunition clip and a bandolier wrapped in a sack.

 

Locals told the troops they noticed two people bringing the sack with the suspicious items.

 

According to Uy, the civilians also said one of the two had his arm wrapped with a bandage.

 

The military suspects that the two suspects were among the followers of Abu Sayyaf group sub-leader Furuji Indama, who was himself wounded in the encounter Tuesday last week at Barangay Cabcaban.

 

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2017/04/20/1692168/troops-find-abandoned-abu-sayyaf-camp-basilan

Upwardly mobile Philippine terror group

From the Asia Times (Apr 20): Upwardly mobile Philippine terror group

The Abu Sayaff Group bids to extend its kidnapping-for-ransom racket into new central region tourist areas outside of its usual southern stronghold



Soldiers distribute pictures of a member of extremist group Abu Sayyaf Isnilon Hapilon, who has a US government bounty of US$5 million for his capture in the southern Philippines. Picture taken February 1, 2017. Photo: Reuters/Marconi B Navales

Abu Sayyaf Group, the Philippines most lethal and disruptive terror organization, is expanding its reach across the island nation. The expansion comes in apparent response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s military drive to eliminate the group entirely within this year.

It’s an increasingly important government imperative since ASG openly affiliated with Islamic State, raising the prospect the Islamist group could shelter and support fighters fleeing or returning from the battlefields of Iraq and Syria. ASG finances itself through kidnapping-for-ransom activities that have often targeted Western nationals.

Duterte has sought public support for both his peace initiatives and counterinsurgency campaigns to prevent ISIS from joining forces with local Islamist groups, many of which have fought against Manila for decades. Dozens of small armed groups have recently declared their allegiance to ISIS’ global jihadist cause.



Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (C) raises a clenched fist with military top brass as he visits troops in Nanagun, Lombayanague in Lanao del Sur in Mindanao island on November 30, 2016. Photo: AFP / Richel Umel

Earlier this month, the Philippine defense establishment was caught off-guard when for the first time in ASG’s history it’s fighters launched a week-long surprise attack in the central Philippines – an upward migration to a traditionally peaceful region outside of the group’s volatile and wild southernmost stronghold in the Sulu peninsula.

Security officials reported that around 11 heavily armed ASG members sailed from Sulu and landed in the early dawn on the central island of Bohol in apparent search for possible kidnapping targets. The central island region, including Bohol and Cebu provinces, is home to several sites and destinations popular with foreign tourists.

A week before ASG’s attack, the US embassy in Manila had warned its nationals to in the region be vigilant when traveling in the central region due to heightened risks of possible ASG kidnapping activities in Cebu and Bohol. The Australian foreign ministry also recently released a travel advisory on the rising risks to its nationals in the Philippines.


A file map of Abu Sayyaf’s past kidnapping-for-ransom areas.
Renowned for its kidnapping-for-ransom activities, and more recently piracy in the Sulu Sea, ASG’s head-on attack with government forces was staged well outside its traditional areas of operation. The gun battle reportedly killed six ASG fighters and four government soldiers near the once peaceful village of Napo Bohol’s Inabanga town.

The fighting displaced around 3,200 villagers who fled their home to avoid being caught in the crossfire. Many have stayed in evacuation centers due to fears of possible indiscriminate ASG reprisals.

Those fears seem justified. ASG sub-leader Muammar Askali, also known as Abu Rami, the son of a police officer who was previously a teacher in Sulu, was shot and killed in the firefight. Rami was believed to be responsible for beheading kidnapped Western tourists whose relatives failed or refused to pay ransom money for their release.

He is held responsible for the kidnapping of two Canadians, a Norwegian and a Filipina on Davao City’s Samal Island in September 2015. Rami’s group later beheaded Canadians Robert Hall and John Ridsdel when ransom negotiations failed. Norwegian Kjartan Serkingstad and Filipina Maritess Flor were freed after a huge ransom was paid to Rami’s group.



Abu Sayyaf kidnapping-for-ransom hostages Canadian national Robert Hall (R) and Norwegian national Kjartan Sekkingstad (L) before their release. Photo: Handout via Reuters

While Rami’s death has been trumpeted by security forces as a win in the fight against terrorism, some Sulu residents will view his demise with a measure of remorse. The Philippine Inquirer, a local English newspaper, quoted a local source saying that Rami had used some of his ransom money to feed impoverished communities where he resided.

Rami was reportedly being groomed to eventually take-over ASG’s leadership, which could explain his daring maneuver to expand the group’s franchise to Bohol.

Government sources say that Rami’s group had collected at least US$12 million since it accelerated and expanded its kidnap-for-ransom activities beginning in 2012. Those funds have reportedly afforded ASG’s leaders and top operatives increasingly luxurious lifestyles in one of the sprawling country’s most impoverished regions.

Philippine defense officials claim to have killed 116 ‘terrorists’ in the country’s restive southern regions since Duterte handed down last year a June 2017 deadline to eradicate ASG. His government has deployed 10,000 battle-tested soldiers to Basilan and Sulu in pursuit of that still elusive goal.



Abu Sayyaf, with links to the Islamic State, has been involved in frequent acts of piracy in the Philippines and has beheaded captives when ransom demands have not been met. File image: Interpol.

Indeed, ASG’s apparent recent expansion to the central Philippines has sent a dangerously different message that, rather than being contained, the terror group is instead expanding its kidnapping-for-ransom franchise into new regions popular with Western tourists and retirees.

Last week, 11 alleged ASG members surrendered to security officials in the southernmost province of Tawi-Tawi after government forces overran their remote secret hideouts. Tawi-Tawi’s southernmost town is situated just 30 kilometers from Malaysia in a maritime region that has recently become a globally recognized piracy hotspot.

But while government forces claim certain successes in known ASG-infested areas, it’s increasingly unclear where the shadowy terror group might strike next.

http://www.atimes.com/article/upwardly-mobile-philippine-terror-group/

PNP denies Abu Sayyaf presence in Negros Oriental

From the Sun Star-Dumaguete (Apr 20): PNP denies Abu Sayyaf presence in Negros Oriental

The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Negros Oriental debunked reports on Thursday that members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have reached the shores of Dauin, a town located south of this capital and brimming with tourists.

 

The 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army has released the names and description of Abu Sayyaf members in Inabanga, Bohol still "on the run" to alert the public.

 

Acting Provincial Police Director Senior Superintendent Henry Biñas said there were enough troops to secure the resorts in Dauin and nearby areas, especially the world-renowned dive destination Apo Island.

 

Biñas gave the reassurance following false reports spreading on social media that Abu Sayyaf members were arrested in Dauin.

 

Dauin has the bulk of tourists in the entire province, and has the most number of resorts as well.

 

Government forces have reassured of tight security especially in Apo Island, after it was identified as among the Abu Sayyaf’s target areas in the Visayas.

 

Biñas urged the public to not circulate false or unverified information about the Abu Sayyaf as it will cause unnecessary panic.

 

Additional Philippine Army troops, members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (Swat), and the Provincial Public Safety Company of the Negros Oriental PNP provincial office have been deployed to Dauin to conduct routine patrols, he said.

 

Biñas also denied previous reports of Abu Sayyaf being arrested in Dumaguete, the capital of Negros Oriental.

 

"It is good for the people to be vigilant but they must also be responsible in filtering out information before sharing it on social media, especially when authorities have not verified it yet," Biñas added.

 

The military is asking the public to report to the nearest police station or to any government authority if there are sightings of armed men who might fit the description of alleged Abu Sayyaf members who figured in the Inabanga, Bohol clash.

 

The Army battalion said this is based on the revelations of a resident in Bohol who was “temporarily captured” by the ASG.

 

The description of the alleged Abu Sayyaf bandits still believed to be hiding in Bohol are as follows:

 

Joselito Melloria, wearing sweatshirt colored fatigue, wounded on left back shoulder and left foot, with an M-16 rifle with two long magazines and M203 grenade launcher with undetermined number of rounds.

 

Identified only as a certain Richard, (in the gallery), carrying an M14 rifle with numerous rounds of ammunition, semi-bald, wearing black T-shirt, not wounded.

 

Identified only as a certain Asis (in the gallery), no firearms, carrying a sling bag, has a cellphone (analog) with reserved battery, money, wearing a black jacket and not wounded.

 

One person aged at least 18, has wound on right leg, bald and carrying an M16 rifle.

 

Another person also aged 18, with no firearm and has wound on right butt portion.

 

And two other persons without firearms aged at least 18.

 

Any information leading to the whereabouts of these suspected Abu Sayyaf members are asked to be forwarded to the nearest police station or to call the 79th IB hotline numbers 09481469257 and 09556996981.

 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/dumaguete/local-news/2017/04/20/pnp-denies-abu-sayyaf-presence-negros-oriental-537493

Security forces to stay in Bohol until last delegate is out

From Sun Star-Dumaguete (Apr 20): Security forces to stay in Bohol until last delegate is out

Government security forces is set to stay in Bohol until the last Asean delegate is out of the country, according to the regional director of the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Central Visayas.

 

Chief Superintendent Noli Taliño said in a telephone interview on Thursday that they would be monitoring the arrival and departures of the Asean delegates, "accredited or unaccredited," from Bohol.

 

The Asean meetings that were held in one of the resort in Panglao, will be until Saturday, however, some delegates are expected to stay behind even after the meetings are over.

 

A send-off ceremony of composite security forces headed by Chief Superintendent Taliño as task group commander of Task Group Bohol together with Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto was held last Wednesday, a day ahead from the Asean 2017 meetings.

 

Taliño also emphasized his previous statement of Bohol being safe amid the terror threat posed by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

 

He disclosed that there were about six or seven stragglers still in that Central Visayas province, although they are closely monitored.

 

Three of them are believed to be wounded but these Abu Sayyaf members are allegedly in hiding in or within the vicinity of Inabanga, a town in Bohol far from the Asean venue, Taliño said.

 

Taliño also debunked previous media reports that there were sixty (60) armed men, believed to be Abu Sayyaf bandits in Bohol.

 

The PRO-Central Visayas regional director reassures the tight security in Bohol for the safety of the Asean delegates.

 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/dumaguete/local-news/2017/04/20/security-forces-stay-bohol-until-last-delegate-out-537492

2 suspected MNLF members found with guns

From the Sun Star-Davao (Apr 20): 2 suspected MNLF members found with guns

TWO suspected members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) were taken into custody by the police after they were caught at a checkpoint for bringing firearms without supporting documents.

Around 3:55 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, Alexander Mercado, 52, and Mc Arthur Veloso, 35, both residents of Barangay Katubao, Kiamba, Sarangani Province, were taken to Toril Police Station after they were caught by the police and Task Force (TF) Davao.

 It was reported that the two were about to enter Davao City on a blue Ford Nissan Pick-up with plate number LCR-823 from Sarangani.

The two were in possession of two calibre .45 pistols loaded with a magazine containing six bullets.

Also recovered were 65 live ammunition without firearm licenses and permit to carry.

The two are facing charges for violating Republic Act 10591 or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act at the court.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2017/04/20/2-suspected-mnlf-members-found-guns-537431

Investigation focus: How did Abu Sayyaf infiltrate Bohol

From the Manila Bulleting (Apr 19): Investigation focus: How did Abu Sayyaf infiltrate Bohol

The Police Regional Office (PRO) in Central Visayas has launched an inter-agency investigation on last week’s clash between the Abu Sayyaf and government troops in Inabanga, Bohol, that will focus mainly on how the terrorist group was able to infiltrate the province and kept a covert presence there.

The PRO regional director, Chief Supt. Noli Taliño, said the military and the police were still conducting follow-up operations in Inabanga.

The sweep has already netted Joselit Melloria, said to belong to the extremist group ISIS.

Taliño said the encounter in Barangay Napo, Inabanga, is an isolated case and that Bohol remains safe and secure.

Chief Insp. Hector Amancia, deputy regional director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), one of the agencies involved in the investigation, said they are looking for evidence that the Abu Sayyaf group in Bohol was planning to detonate bombs.
Among the items seized from the group were an 81-mm mortar cartridge, three detonating cords, 49 blasting caps, blasting caps with cords, and eight improvised explosive device assemblies.

Amancia said murder charges will be filed against the Abu Sayyaf members and residents who connived with the terrorist group by letting them to stay in their houses.

The clash in Inabanga killed government troopers 2nd Lt. Estilito Saldua, Sgt. John Dexter Duero, PO2 Rey Anthony Nazareno, and Cpl. Meljune Cajaban.
Four members of the terrorist group were also killed: Mouamar Askali alias Abu Rami, a sub-leader; a certain alias Abu Sufyan, a bomb expert; a certain Edimar Isnain; and an unidentified armed man.

Based on latest information, eight out of 12-member Abu Sayyaf are still at large.

The incident in Inabanga has sent officials in Central Visayas scrambling to assure visitors and the local populace that they are safe.

In Cebu province, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale said she has received assurance from Cebu Provincial Police Office director Senior Supt. Eric Noble that his men are securing coastal towns in Cebu that face Bohol.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has also said it is confident the military and the police were on top of the security situation in Central Visayas, following the recent travel advisory issued by the Korean Embassy warning its citizens against traveling to Bohol.

“We are actively coordinating for updates with our local and national security and law enforcement agencies who are fully capable of putting travelers concerns ease,” said DOT regional officer-in-charge Judy Gabato.

Early this week, the consulate of South Korea in Cebu had issued a travel advisory for Bohol, citing the fighting in Inabanga.

P1M for every Abu captured, ‘dead or alive’

From the Sun Star-Cebu (Apr 20): P1M for every Abu captured, ‘dead or alive’

On top of the situation. President Rodrigo Duterte is briefed by local officials on the peace and order situation in Bohol during his visit yesterday. (SunStar Foto/Alan Tangcawan)

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte offered a bounty of P1 million for each of the eight remaining Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members who engaged government troops in a gunfight in Barangay Napo, Inabanga, Bohol last week.

 

 In a visit to Bohol yesterday, Duterte ordered the capture of the seven bandits “dead or alive.” “My order to the police, sa lahat, even civilians to fight. And my order is dead or alive,” he said.

 

Duterte said that any report given to the police or military that will lead to the bandits’ arrest will earn the tipster a P1-million reward, per ASG member. “Sabihin nyo lang kung saan sila, police at military na ang bahala,” he added.

 

The president was in Bohol yesterday and was briefed on the current situation in the province, particularly on the security aspect since the ministerial meetings of the Asean 2017 officially start today.

 

On the concerns that the incident in Inabanga, Bohol may result in the presence of more Abu Sayyaf Group members in the Visayas, Duterte said he intends to arm the civilians.

 

 Duterte has yet to reveal the full details of his plan to arm the civilians, saying there are still ongoing discussions on this.

 

Despite what happened, Duterte assured the public that Bohol is safe because there are enough law enforcers in the area.

 

 The clash in Inabanga left three soldiers and a policeman dead. Four Abu Sayyaf members were also killed.

 

Meanwhile, the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) is taking charge of the humanitarian efforts in Barangay Napo in Inabanga, to make sure the lives of the residents return to normal.

 

In an interview with SunStar Cebu, Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino said they are closely working with the local government unit of Inabanga and the line agencies to address the concerns of those affected by the gunfight.

 

 “Definitely we want everything to go back to normal,” he said.

 

One of the concerns that OPAV is focusing on is the livelihood of those affected by the gunfight.

 

Dino said they’re in the process of downloading funds for loom weavers in Napo who were affected by the conflict. Dino, who accompanied the president yesterday, said the visit of the president yesterday will show that Bohol is safe.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2017/04/20/p1m-every-abu-captured-dead-or-alive-537418

Info on ASG trickle in after offer of reward

From the Sun Star-Cebu (Apr 20): Info on ASG trickle in after offer of reward
POLICE Regional Office 7 Director Noli Taliño said they received several information about the eight suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf after a P100,000 bounty was put up for each of them. The official said they are verifying the tip-off.

Before the reward money was put up by an anonymous individual, Taliño said they received information on the whereabouts of the Abu Sayyaf members.
Intelligence units of the military and the police are tracking the location of the bandits, who escaped during their gunfight with government troops in Inabanga, Bohol last week.

Taliño said the investigators are validating reports that Joselito Melloria, an Inabanga native who joined the ASG, was the leader, and not Maumar Askali, also known as Abu Rami.

The official said their security is tight in Bohol, Cebu and Siquijor. Over 3,200 police and military personnel were deployed in Bohol to secure the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit meetings in Panglao Island, which ends on Saturday.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2017/04/20/info-asg-trickle-after-offer-reward-537417

‘Abu Rami of ASG had contacts in Cebu’

From the Sun Star-Cebu (Apr 20): ‘Abu Rami of ASG had contacts in Cebu’

MAUMAR Askali, also known as Abu Rami, reportedly studied in a university in downtown Cebu City nearly two decades ago.

 

An intelligence official believes that Askali had classmates who served as his contacts in Cebu when he was still alive.

 

 The official said they still have to trace where Askali lived in Cebu when he was in college.

 

The alleged sub-leader of Abu Sayyaf Group took up Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in the first semester of school year 2000-2001, according to the document obtained by Superbalita Cebu.

 

The dean certified that Askali took up pharmacy, but did not finish the course.

 

The school official was stunned to learn of Askali’s involvement with the ASG.

 

He reportedly enrolled in two other universities, but the officials of these schools did not certify he was their student.

 

Askali, a native of Jolo, was killed during the gunfight between his group and government troops in Barangay Napo, Inabanga, Bohol last week.

 

Askali’s name surfaced sometime in September 2015, after the police and intelligence units received information that his group planned to kidnap foreigners in Central Visayas, particularly Dumaguete City.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2017/04/20/abu-rami-asg-had-contacts-cebu-537415

Roadside bomb explodes in Maguindanao

From ABS-CBM (Apr 19): Roadside bomb explodes in Maguindanao


Photo courtesy of Shariff Saydona Mustapha Municipal Police

SHARIFF SAYDONA MUSTAPHA – A roadside bomb exploded in the national highway along Barangay Nabundas, Wednesday morning.

Nobody was hurt in the blast, said Maguindanao Deputy Provincial Police Director, Police Superintendent Jibin Bongcayao.

Maguindanao police said the target of the bomb might have been police officers and soldiers who regularly patrol the area.

According to Bongcayao, Barangay Nabundas, Shariff Saydona Mustapha in Maguindanao is an area occupied by Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

However, BIFF spokesperson Abu Amir said they are not involved with explosions in South Central Mindanao because bombing is against the policy of their organization.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/19/17/roadside-bomb-explodes-in-maguindanao

Know how C-130s support FA-50PHs operations

From Update Philippines (Apr 19): Know how C-130s support FA-50PHs operations



Philippine Air Force 220th Airlift Wing is providing support every time FA-50PH Fighting Eagles conducts operations. The latest is sorties conducted April 18 held at Clark Air Base.

“Whether familiarization flights or air strike missions anytime the FA-50ph aircraft will conduct its sorties, the C-130s led by the Airlifters are expected to support and ferry all the ground equipment which also includes the operators and other maintenance crew,” the Air Force said.

“This kind of activity is part of the Transformation Road Map of the PAF Flight Plan 2028 which is to basically perform a supporting roles to territorial defense operations,” the Air Force explained.

The 220th Airlift Wing’s main role is to provide tactical airlift and air transport to all Armed Forces of the Philippines units, and government agencies. It also provides airlift for para-drop/airdrop of personnel, equipment and supplies.

220th Airlift Wing also conducts aero-medical evacuation, long range maritime patrol, air reconnaissance and aerial searches.

 http://www.update.ph/2017/04/know-how-c-130s-support-fa-50phs-operations/16921

Duterte offers P1M reward for suspects behind foiled Bohol attack

From Rappler (Apr 19): Duterte offers P1M reward for suspects behind foiled Bohol attack

During a security briefing in Bohol, the President orders security forces to contain the terror threat    



JOLO 'INVASION'? President Rodrigo Duterte warns he will 'invade' Jolo if the terror threat in the country spins out of control. Malacañang file photo

President Rodrigo Duterte is ready to give P1 million as reward for the apprehension, "dead or alive", of each Abu Sayyaf member behind the foiled terror attack in Bohol.

"I have a P1-million offer, per person. Even just a tip, give it to the police and military, no questions asked," he said on Wednesday, April 19, during a chance interview in Tagbilaran, Bohol.

He was there to attend a security briefing for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit. Some ASEAN 2017 events will be held in Bohol this week.

"Dead or alive man 'yan, may reward, pero mas gusto ko 'yung dead kasi 'yung alive, magpakain pa ako ma'am, magastos masyado," said the President.  (Dead or alive there will be a reward, but I prefer dead because you'd have to feed the living, it's more costly.)

He said 6 Abu Sayyaf members are thought to have escaped during a clash between government forces and their group on April 11.

Military and police, with the help of locals, were able to foil a terror attack by the group.

Duterte said the terror attack was targeting ASEAN meetings to be held in Bohol this month.

Arming civilians

The President also intends to empower civilians to carry arms so they can effectively carry out his orders against the terrorists. If they end up facing legal cases for having killed someone, Duterte said he would pardon them. It's the same promise he gave to military and police who will face cases as they implement his drug war.

"I intend to also arm the civilians and I will include the civilians, if you kill, you do not have to worry, you just go to the police and make a report and state your truth and you won't have any problem, I'll take care of you. I'll pardon you," he said.

But he said he still has to consult local government officials who may have issues with such an order.

"I have to talk to local officials, they might have some objections," he added.

Contain terror threat

During the security briefing, Duterte gave orders to security forces to contain the terror threat in Mindanao.

"They must not reach the places well beyond the Mindanao Sea, dapat doon lang sila (they should just stay there)," he said.

The foiled terror attack in Bohol has sparked concern about Abu Sayyaf presence in regions outside Mindanao. (READ: Bad or good intel? 5 questions on Abu Sayyaf presence in Bohol)

Duterte expressed confidence with the capability of cops and soldiers to monitor the movements of terrorists using a satellite-based tagging system.

If the terror threat spins out of control, he warned that he would not hesitate to take his "last option": to invade the terrorist-infested areas of Jolo, Sulu.

"'Pag naipit na ang bayan, I will order the invasion of Jolo. Lahat ng army, lahat ng navy magpunta doon," he said. (If the country is pushed against a corner, I will order the invasion of Jolo. All of the army, all of the navy will go there.)

Jolo is a stronghold of terror groups, with the Abu Sayyaf known to be hiding in its mountains and jungles.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/167360-duterte-offers-reward-abu-sayyaf-bohol-attack

New Duterte EO clips DND chief's powers on defense deals

From Rappler (Apr 19): New Duterte EO clips DND chief's powers on defense deals

Executive Order Number 18 repeals an Arroyo EO that 'resulted in bureaucratic impediments and unnecessary delays' in the procurement process at the defense department, says Malacañang   



CLIPPED POWERS. President Rodrigo Duterte and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana attend the 75th Commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan and Veterans Week in Bataan on April 9, 2017. Malacañang file photo

President Rodrigo Duterte issued an executive order removing the authority of the defense chief to sign defense contracts.

Executive Order (EO) Number 18, released on Monday, April 17, intends to "streamline" rules and procedures governing defense contracts entered into by the Philippine government by repealing EO 235, signed by then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2003.

In issuing EO 18, Duterte blamed EO 235 for "bureaucratic impediments and unnecessary delays" in the procurement process at the defense department.

Arroyo issued EO 235 in 2003 to streamline procedures on defense contracts by authorizing the defense secretary to sign contracts except for those that, by law, only the president can approve.

EO 235 also allowed the secretary to "delegate in writing" officials he has empowered to sign contracts below P50 million. For Philippine military contracts below P50 million, the chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was given the authority to sign.

EO 235 also established a single Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for the AFP.

Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella could not give examples of the supposed delays and impediments caused by EO 235 that convinced Duterte to repeal it.

He only said, "The President wants effective and efficient delivery of service which runs contrary with the setup of EO 235."

EO 18 noted that EO 235 "limited" the defense chief's authority "to delegate approvals of procurement contracts."

Under EO 18, the defense secretary was tasked to "effectively monitor the operations of the separate Bids and Awards Committees" which may be created under Republic Act (RA) No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act for transparency and accountability purposes.

In a text message to Rappler, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said EO 18 "merely gives SND (Secretary of National Defense) the flexibility to create and/or delegate other Bids and Awards Committees (BAC) in the DND or its agencies in accordance with RA 9184."

Malacañang earlier issued Memorandum Circular No. 16, reminding agencies under the executive department to secure approval from the President before signing or negotiating international agreements, and foreign grants or borrowings.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/167341-duterte-executive-order-18-defense-chief-contracts

Child amazon surrenders to army battalion in Kapalong

From the Mindanao Times (Apr 19): Child amazon surrenders to army battalion in Kapalong

A 15-YEAR-OLD girl rebel and 18-year-old New People’s Army member surrendered to the Bravo company of the 60th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Patil, Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong in Davao del Norte on Monday.

2Lt. Amadeuz Vj Celestial, civil-military operations (CMO) officer of 60th IB, identified the girl only as alias Rose, medic of the Pulang Bagani Command 4. Prior to his surrender, alias Junjun was the squad leader of Primera, Abe, Carlos of Pulang Bagani Command 4, Sub-Regional Committee of the Southern Mindanao Regional Command.

They both belong to the Dibabawon tribe. They initially made contact with a tribal leader in the area and the commander of a Cafgu Active Auxiliary Detachment in Kapalong.

 

Accordingly, Junjun was recruited by certain alias Pai and Rose was recruited by certain Emilies Bat-ao who promised to support their schooling in Davao City.

Rose claimed that she grew tired of always escaping the authorities, and she didn’t fully grasp the ideology of the NPA. Junjun claimed that he experienced abuse at the hands of the senior rebel leaders. He was made to carry heavy packs and personal belongings from the time he was 15.

He also claimed to have stayed in UCCP Haran in Davao City for about a month. They both revealed that there are four still four Lumad child-soldiers in their command.

Lt. Col. Emmanuel Canilla, the battalion commander, said that recruiting Rose and Junjun only showed that the NPA continues to disregard international laws on the use of child soldiers.

Based on their records, Rose was the fifth underage rebels who surrendered to their battalion.

Two more members surrender in Bukidnon

Meanwhile, two NPA members are set to participate in the 3rd Infantry Battalion’s Arm-to-Farm program after their surrender on Sunday in Impasugong, Bukidnon. Under the program, the two would be working in the farm for their initial subsistence.

 

Lt. Erwin Bugarin, civil-military operations (CMO) officer of 3rd IB, said the two rebel returnees, whose names are withheld for security purposes, brought with them four firearms with bullets.

“Despite of the holidays, we work to keep threats away from the community,” he said. “We may be mandated to go after armed groups but we never get tired of helping those who saw a brighter path and are seeking a better future.”

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/child-amazon-surrenders-to-army-battalion-in-kapalong/

NPA frees 2 Army soldiers in Davao Sur

From MindaNews (Apr 19): NPA frees 2 Army soldiers in Davao Sur

Two non-commissioned officers of the Philippine Army regained their freedom on Wednesday, after almost three months of captivity in the hands of communist rebels.

Sgt Soliman Calocop and Pfc Samuel Garay, who were captured by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, were released to their wives and relatives somewhere in Matanao, Davao del Sur.



Sgt Solaiman Calocop (2nd from left, partly hidden) and Pfc Samuel Garay (2nd from R) of the 39th Infantry Battalion are reunited with their wives after the two soldiers were turned over and released to government officials and peace advocates in the hinterlands of Matanao, Davao del Sur on April 19, 2017. Garay and Calocop were abducted by the New People’s Army on February 2, 2017 in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat while they were on their way to Makilala, North Cotabato. MindaNews photo by Manman Dejeto

Garay’s wife Jessa Mae and Calocop’s wife Normalia wept as they embraced their husbands when they were presented and released to local government officials. Both sat on the laps of their husbands wiping their tears and then thanked the custodial unit of the NPA Mt. Alip Command for sparing the lives of their loved ones.

Calocop and Garay, members of the 39th Infantry Battalion, when they were ‘arrested’ by the NPA in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat on Feb. 2 this year on their way to their headquarters in Makilala, North Cotabato.

Their capture came days after the NPA General Command headed by Jorge Madlos alias Ka Oris announced it was withdrawing the unilateral ceasefire it declared when the peace talks with the Philippine government were resumed in August last year.

Ka Macario Dilaab, spokesperson of the Mt. Alip Command of the NPA Far South Mindanao Regional Command said they release the two soldiers on humanitarian grounds and in support to the peace talks between the Philippine Government and the National Democratic Front (NDF).

Ka Macario said the NPA would have released their captives earlier had their been a suspension of police and military operations in the area.

He said the two were actively engaged in gathering information on the movement of the rebels but showed remorse and thus were spared from punishment.

The captives were turned over to Columbio Vice Mayor Edwin Bermudez, South Cotabato Board Member Romulo Solivio and members of the peace advocacy group Sowing the Seeds of Peace represented by Bishop Redeemer Yañez, who facilitated their release.

Also present were Davao del Sur provincial administrator and former representative Marc Douglas Cagas who represented his father Gov. Douglas Cagas.

Calocop thanked the NPA for releasing them unharmed. Garay, on the other hand, thanked the NPA for letting them return to their respective families.

Garay added: “Wala mi nila gipasagdan sulod sa hapit mi mag-tulo ka bulan sa ilaha. Wala gyud mi katilaw ug mga pasakit sa ilaha. Bisan gamayng istorya nga pasakit sa amoa, wala mi nila gihilabtan (They took care of us in the close to three months that we were with them (NPA). They never harmed us. They did not even say words that would hurt us, they never touched us).”

Garay’s wife said it was the longest period that she was away from her husband who she said would visit their home in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur at least once a month.

“When I learned they were to be released I couldn’t sleep. I was just waiting for the moment we were to travel to meet them,” said Jessa Mae, who is five months pregnant with their first child.

Ka Macario defended their continuing collection of “revolutionary taxes” as an authority of the revolutionary movement which is similar to the government’s practice of collecting taxes from the people.

President Rodrigo Duterte had told the rebels to stop collecting “revolutionary taxes” as a precondition for the resumption of peace talks.

The government and the NDF have resumed negotiations after these were terminated in February following allegations of violations of the unilateral ceasefire declared by both sides last year.

But in The Netherlands last month, both parties agreed to explore the possibility of a bilateral ceasefire agreement after defining its mechanics and parameters.

The fifth round of peace negotiations will take place in late May, also in The Netherlands.

http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2017/04/npa-frees-2-army-soldiers-in-davao-sur/