More soldiers deployed to Davao

From the Mindanao Times (May 15): More soldiers deployed to Davao

THE ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has deployed a battalion of soldiers as additional force in Davao region, particularly in the city.

 

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has requesting the AFP for additional force in the city to combat insurgency and terroristic attack.

General Eduardo Año, AFP chief of staff, told TIMES yesterday that the troopers of the 16th Infantry (Maglilingkod) Battalion (IB) will serve as an additional troop to the 1003rd Infantry Brigade (IB) under the 10th Infantry Division (ID), which covers the whole area of Davao.

 

“So far, that’s the additional force until we will hold our security assessment this June,” Año said.

Maj. Gen. Rafael Valencia, 10th ID commander, said some of the Maglilingkod troopers arrived in the region last Friday from Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom).

 

Valencia said they are still conducting evaluation on where to deploy the additional battalion.

“No specific area (where to assign them) but we will adjust accordingly,” Valencia said, adding that the additional soldiers will possibly be deployed to areas without security forces in the city.

The 16th IB is under the 2nd ID, the Army’s Jungle Fighter Division based in Tanay Rizal. Before coming to Davao, they were assigned at the WesMinCom based in Zamboanga City.

 

At WesMinCom, the Maglilingkod soldiers served under the operational control of 1st ID in Sulu in running after Abu Sayyaf Group in the area.

The Maglilingkod also served in Surigao del Sur under the 4th ID, helping pressing the insurgency situation in the area.

For now, the 16th IB will augment the 1003rd IB of 10ID.

 

The Davao-based 10 ID (Agila) is composed of one task force, four brigades, 11 battalions and two engineer battalions, covering the Region XI and parts of Region 12. It has a capacity of around 6,000 soldiers.

Each battalion is composed of about 500 soldiers.

Valencia said they already requesting to recall back to Davao three 10th ID battalions that have been detailed Sulu since last year.

 

“Through the cooperation with the local government and businessmen, we will activate additional SCAAs (militias) and later on, we will return the troops that we sent to Sulu here (in Region XI),” Año said.

The additional deployment of government troopers in Davao came after the recent attacks staged by the New People’s Army (NPA) in the city.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/more-soldiers-deployed-to-davao/

Security forces raid terrorists’ hideout in Lanao Sur, 11 people arrested

From the Mindanao Examiner (May 15): Security forces raid terrorists’ hideout in Lanao Sur, 11 people arrested

Security forces raided a hideout of a Filipino jihadist Maute group and arrested 11 people in Lanao del Sur on Monday as operations continue against their companions in the troubled province, officials said.

Officials said policemen and soldiers also seized assorted weapons, including a machine gun and an anti-tank rocket from the hideout in the village of Romagondong in Marogong town. The operation was so carefully hatched that all those arrested were caught by surprise by the raid and were not able to fight back security forces.

Those arrested have been identified as Abdullah Daos, Nasif Esmael, Gutingon Alah, Tayro Mamanoc, Ekmad Esmail, Alvin Adam, Monib Gutumongan, Ibrahim Caronan, Cayrodin Ditarongan, Camsi Lao, and Gaso Mazo Badua. All of them were being interrogated by authorities and initial investigations showed that the group may be planning to launch fresh attacks.

“As per initial debriefing from the arrested personalities, the Maute group is using the place as staging areas whenever they plan to conduct atrocities and bombing of different targets. They also revealed that most of the time, they provide and prepare the logistical requirements of their fellow Maute group members when planning for a specific terror act,” said Major General Arnel dela Vega, commander of the 6th Infantry Division.

He said the raiders seized one 60mm mortar, one M60 machine gun, one Barrette sniper rifle, one B40 rocket-propelled grenade, one M14 rifle, one M16 rifle, one Garand rifle, and one Carbine rifle.

Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez Jr, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, praised the capture of the militants and lauded troops for the successful mission. He said the Maute group continues to recruit members, especially the youth, and is believed to be working with other militants from the Ansar Khilafah Philippines operating in Mindanao.

Just over the weekend, Governor Mujiv Hataman, of the Muslim autonomous region, convened some 300 Ulama or Islamic scholars and religious leaders to seek help in an effort to fight extremism and terrorism, especially the violent influence of the Islamic State.

The three-day summit held in Cotabato City was also attended by police and military officials and other peace advocates and other stakeholders not only in the autonomous region, but also in Mindanao. Hataman said terrorists use inappropriate interpretations of Islamic principles to strengthen their cause and encourage the commission of vicious acts.

“We urge our Ulama that if we are on the right position, we should move to show what is right, and let’s condemn what is wrong,” he said, adding, the Philippines now ranked 12th among the countries heavily affected by terrorism according to the 2016 Global Terrorism Index of the Institute for Economics and Peace.

He said the presence of the Abu Sayyaf and the Maute group, including other terrorist groups in the region brings the whole of ARMM at the forefront of the fight against terrorism in the country. Hataman said Muslim scholars can contribute to the advocacy against terrorism by educating people about the true teachings of Islam most especially on the principles of justice, compassion, peace and harmony.

Hataman emphasized that Islam means peace “and this can automatically counter terrorism and extremism, because peace in Islam is a key of association not isolation; it is a key of accommodation not marginalization.”

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/security-forces-raid-terrorists-hideout-in-lanao-sur-11-people-arrested/

Capiz nakabenepisyo sa ‘Balikatan’

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 15): Capiz nakabenepisyo sa ‘Balikatan’ (Capiz benefits from "Balikatan"

Duha ka mga pampubliko nga eskwelahan sa Capiz ang nakabenepisyo sa programa sang Balikatan Exercise sini nga tuig.

Ang Duran Elementary School sa banwa sang Dumalag kag Malitbog Elementary School sa banwa sang Tapaz ang nakaagom sang tag-isa ka bag-o nga school building.

Ang konstruksyon sang amo nga mga classroom building ang ginpatigayon sang mga soldado gikan sa Estados Unidos sang Amerika kag sang pungsod Pilipinas.

Ginpahayag ni 1st Lt. Hazel Joy Durotan, tagpamaba sang 61st Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, nga kalakip sa mga ginpatigayon sa idalom sang Balikatan Exercise 2017 ang paghatag ihibalo kag paghanas sa mga pumoluyo, lideres sa komunidad, health workers kag iban pa nga mga service providers tuhoy sa pagpanghanda sa tion sang kalamidad.

Kalakip man sa amo nga paghanas ang sa Basic Life Support, basic hand washing, food storage, food safety kag DRR management and response.

Tinutuyo man sang amo nga Balikatan Exercise ang paghatag sang ila ihibalo sa mga pumoluyo tuhoy sa humanitarian assistance kag disaster relief, counter-terrorism kag ang madasig nga pagresponde sa emerhensya.

Sang nagligad nga tuig, ang buluthuan sa Barangay Jaena Norte sa banwa sang Jamindan kag sa San Nicolas sa Tapaz ang nabuligan man sang Balikatan Exercise 2016 para sa pagpakaayo sang ila eskwelahan kag iban pa nga mga programa subong sang pagpanghanda sa kalamidad kag para sa ikaayong-lawas.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/991494806424/capiz-nakabenepisyo-sa-balikatan-

Troops nab Abu Sayyaf bandit in Tawi-Tawi

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): Troops nab Abu Sayyaf bandit in Tawi-Tawi

Government troops nabbed a member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Tawi-Tawi province following a tip from residents during a community meeting over the weekend.

In a statement Monday, the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi said that soldiers under the Marine Battalion Landing Team-10 (MBLT-10) on Saturday nabbed Sahidul Bandhala Jikiri in Sitangkai town.

“The MBLT-10 troops were having a ‘pulong-pulong’ among the local populace when the information on the identity of Jikiri was volunteered by one of the concerned residents,” Brig. Gen. Custodio Parcon, Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi, said.

“In coordination with the PNP (Philippine National Police), we immediately invited Jikiri for an interview. In the course of questioning, Jikiri confessed to be an ASG/KFRG (kidnap-for-ransom group) member under ASG/KFRG sub leaders Idang Susukan and Sihata Latip, whose groups are operating in Sulu Province,” Parcon said.

The suspect eventually admitted to have participated in “the crafting of plans for kidnapping and cross-border seajacking, targeting mostly foreign nationals and vessels,” the military said.

The suspect is now in the custody of the police for documentation and the filing of appropriate charges.

“This is a very good example of a community that is united in fighting the Abu Sayyaf,” Parcon said.

“We urge other towns and communities all over the BaSulTa (Basilan, Sulu Tawi-Tawi) area to do the same, so that the Abu Sayyaf and their supporters will be forced to surrender,” he added.

Last month, 11 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrendered to the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi and turned over seven high-powered firearms.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/987780

Army arrests 11 Maute terror group members in Lanao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): Army arrests 11 Maute terror group members in Lanao Sur

Eleven suspected members of the Lanao del Sur-based Maute terror group were arrested by the military Monday morning, an official said.

The raiding team, composed of personnel from the 6th Infantry Battalion (IB), also confiscated eight unlicensed high-powered firearms during the 5:15 a.m. raid on three houses in the village of Maragondong, Marogong town in Lanao del Sur, said Major General Arnel dela Vega, commander of the 6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division

Dela Vega said the military received a tip from local residents about the presence of "new faces" in their communities who were "armed to the teeth."

After receiving the information and verified through a week-long surveillance, a law enforcement operation was carried out.

Dela Vega said the guns recovered from the arrested suspects include a homemade sniper Barret rifle, 60 mm mortar launcher, a cal. M-60 machine gun, M-14 rifle, M-16 rifle, M1 Garand rifle, carbine and ammunition.

Dela Vega said the operation "was bloodless because the suspects were caught by surprise and failed to react."

The names of the arrested suspects were not available as of posting time, as follow-up operations are still ongoing.

Dela Vega said the suspects are now undergoing interrogation at the 6th IB's main camp in Malabang, Lanao del Sur.

Also seized from the suspects were flags used by the Maute Group -- which pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria --- mobile phones and military fatigue uniforms. The Maute Group is also allied with the Abu Sayyaf Group.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/987802

Army vows to maintain rebel-free status in Eastern Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): Army vows to maintain rebel-free status in Eastern Samar

The Philippine Army based in this province has intensified their monitoring in upland communities to deter activities of the New People’s Army (NPA), especially in poverty-stricken communities.

Lt. Col. Manuel Leo Gador, commander of the Army 14th Infantry Battalion based in Dao village in this town, said the entire Eastern Samar province was peaceful as military took full control of areas considered to be rebel-infested in the past.

Of the 22 towns in Eastern Samar, only four (Jipapad, Maslog, Mac Arthur, and Giporlos) were not yet declared as manageable conflict-affected and development-ready by the provincial government and military.

“The peace and order of Eastern Samar is manageable compared to other provinces in the region where the NPA rebels have been waging war against government troops over the past years,” Gador told PNA on Monday.

The official made the statement days after fresh clashes between the military and communist rebels in neighboring Northern Samar and Leyte provinces as NPA makes effort to renew presence in Eastern Visayas region.

Meanwhile, the army official assured the safety of members of the United States Armed Forces in Eastern Samar for the Balikatan military exercise focused on humanitarian works.

More soldiers have been deployed to secure Guiuan town where post-disaster rehabilitation activities have been conducted as part of this year’s Philippines-US Balikatan.

“We do value our relationships with the US Armed Forces and we are working together to accomplish common objectives of the Balikatan in Guiuan. Our intent is to do what is necessary to improve the stability and security of the province. It’s by working together that we can achieve our goal of lasting peace,” Gador added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/987808

Gen. Gentiles gets two-star rank assignment as DIPO head for 3 Mindanao regions

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): Gen. Gentiles gets two-star rank assignment as DIPO head for 3 Mindanao regions



Two months short of turning a year old in his former post as director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO 6), Chief Superintendent Jose L. Gentile has been promoted to head the Directorate of Integrated Police Operations (DIPO) in Eastern Mindanao on Monday.

He was tasked to oversee the operations of the regional police offices of Regions 10, 11 and 13.

“I will be executing all the requirements of the Chief PNP as far as the operational activities of these three regions,” he said in an interview from the sidelines of Monday's turnover of command to the incoming PRO 6 director held at the Camp Martin Delgado here.

Along with his promotion is an additional star on his shoulders, making him a two-star general. He will be based in Camp Crame but will maintain satellite offices in Butuan, Cagayan De Oro and Davao City.

His promotion was due to the retirement of the DIPO chief last Friday. Gentiles, once assigned in these three assignments during his lieutenant days, was handpicked as replacement.

Gentiles described his new assignment to be more challenging given the huge coverage when compared with Western Visayas.

He said that he has to deal with problems on insurgency as well as Muslim extremist activity, different from the issues in Western Visayas.

“I was already resigned to the thought that I will be retiring here because I have already mastered PRO 6, may comfort zone. I would like to interpret it that the CPNP would like to give me a job,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/987820

Ulama to help reform former Abu Sayyaf bandits

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): Ulama to help reform former Abu Sayyaf bandits

Muslim clerics and scholars (ulama) have vowed to help former members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) become productive citizens.

Alih Aiyub, Ulama Council of the Philippines secretary-general, said Monday efforts are underway to help reform the ASG members who surrendered to the government.

Aiyub said they will help in the “aspect of psychological” needs of the former Abu Sayyaf members.

“Our approach will mainly (focus) on the debriefing process, especially in the orientation and reeducation,” Aiyub said.

He said they are looking at various mechanisms where the Ulama can play an active role in the fight against radicalism and extremism particularly in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), where there is a heavy presence of the terror group. Aiyub said the ASG surrenderers, who numbered to 50 individuals, can “effectively convince those active members to turn in themselves" and become productive citizens.

Aiyub, however, admitted that the long-term solution to counter and totally eradicate terrorism is a challenging task.

During the summit, the Ulama council has issued a declaration against terrorism, saying that “It is Haram (forbidden and unlawful) to use Islam to justify or legitimize violent extremism and terrorism.”

The Ulama also challenged themselves “to reeducate our constituents to rediscover our Islamic faith for justice, compassion, harmony and peace.” “It is imperative upon us all to cooperate and collaborate with the stakeholders in preventing and countering violent extremism and terrorism in its many forms and manifestations,” the declaration said.

To operationalize the declaration, among the efforts are to adopt a uniform or central theme of Khutbah (sermon) and reform curriculum in Islamic schools.

“We are coming up with uniform Khutbah, especially during dhuhr (noon) congregation prayer on Fridays,” Aiyub said, adding that “there should be a standard messaging on the Khutbah, so that there will be no hate speeches.”

During the summit, the workshops were focused on seven thematic concerns since there are different dimensions of the drivers and causes of terrorism.

Aiyub said these include the issues of poverty, political, socio-cultural and injustices.

Efforts are also underway to reach an agreement with different line agencies on how to “spread the message of peace and harmony.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/987828

Gov’t troops pursue rebels who attacked hydro power plant in Majayjay, Laguna

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): Gov’t troops pursue rebels who attacked hydro power plant in Majayjay, Laguna

Government troops are still pursuing on Monday the fleeing undetermined number of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who were out to burn and destroy equipment of a hydro power plant project in this town.

Reports from the Philippine Army 2nd Infantry Division (PA-2ID) in Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal disclosed Monday that the Army troopers engaged the subversives in gun battle when the rebels launched their attack around 6:30 p.m.

The NPAs attempted to torch a hydro power equipment owned by the Global Heavy Equipment and Construction Corporation which is commissioned by the Department of Energy (DOE) to undertake a hydro power project in Majayjay, Laguna.

Military authorities said the company has been the target of extortion activities by the NPAs since the start of the project.

According to the Army camp, the company has received several threats from the NPAs since March this year.

However, instead of giving up to the NPA's demand, the company sought help from the Army units of the 2ID through the 202nd Infantry Brigade in the area for protection.

Reports from the 2ID said the NPAs tried to attack the three project sites of the company simultaneously in the area but their attempts were foiled by government troops.

A soldier and one CCA were slightly wounded, but no civilian worker of the construction company was harmed nor hurt in the firefight. Also, no heavy equipment was burned or damaged during the attack.

Majayjay Mayor Carlo Invinzor “Jojo” Clado also confirmed that the military operations continued on Monday morning although no casualty was reported.

He said that the NPAs have been extorting the company allegedly in the amount of Php 9 million.

Clado also reported that there was no civilian displaced during the firefight. The site of the attack is located in the outskirts of the highland town.

He also advised his constituents to remain vigilant, report any tension and never compromise their security and safety, especially as seven barangays are set to celebrate their fiesta in honor of the patron saint of the farmers, “San Isidro de Labrador.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/987903

Two suspected Abu Sayyaf members killed in Bohol firefight

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): Two suspected Abu Sayyaf members killed in Bohol firefight

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army have confirmed the deaths of the last two remaining members of the terror group Abu Sayyaf in Bohol during a firefight in Pangangan Island, Calape on Monday.

Major Sandro Sereño of the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Bohol said the alleged Abu Sayyaf bandit who was first killed during an encounter with government troops Monday afternoon was identified as alias "Ubayda". The other suspected Abu Sayyaf bandit, alias "Asis", was wounded but eluded arrest during the initial exchange of gunfire.

However, hot pursuit operations later resulted in the killing of Asis around 5:25 p.m. in Lawis, Pangangan in Calape, Bohol, said Maj. Sereño.

The Army major said Ubayda was identified through a wedding ring on his left forefinger as well as from a description from an informant.

Both Asis and Ubayda were reportedly the last two alleged Abu Sayyaf bandits in Bohol from among at least 10 armed men who arrived in the town of Inabanga early last month to purportedly carry out kidnapping activities.

The others were killed in separate encounters with government troops since they arrived in Inabanga, Bohol.

Chief Supt. Noli Taliño, PNP Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) regional director, said that at around 12:30 p.m. Monday, two suspected ASG members were spotted at Barangay Cahayag in Pangangan Island, Bohol.

They initially took hostage a resident of the said town, who was later released.

They commandeered a motorcycle upon sensing that government troops were nearing, said Taliño. After noticing a PNP checkpoint, the two parted ways, he added.

A blocking force of both PNP and Army personnel arrived and a firefight ensued. Apart from the body of the first slain suspected Abu Sayyaf bandit, government troopers also recovered an M-16 armalite rifle and two magazines.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/987915

CMA-S activities off Aurora unrelated to Benham Rise issue

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): CMA-S activities off Aurora unrelated to Benham Rise issue



The decision to hold Civil-Military Activities from the Sea (CMA-S) off Casiguran town, Aurora has nothing to do with the country's decision to highlight its jurisdiction of the resource-rich Benham Rise.

This was stressed by "Balikatan" Philippine spokesperson Major Frank Sayson Monday during the sidelights of the CMA-S activities which was held off Barangay Dibacong which was hypothetically devastated and isolated from help by a "Category 5" typhoon.

The latter event is one of the key features of the 33rd iteration of the "Balikatan" exercises which started May 8 and will end on the 19th.

This year's maneuvers are heavy on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions as per the request of the Philippine government.

Sayson said the area was selected by planners for the CMA-S exercises as it is one of the most easily isolated areas in the country in the event of major calamity as roads leading to it are cut down the mountains and could be easily blocked by debris, making it the ideal location for the exercise.

He said that aid and resupply to Dibacong could only be done through air and sea hence Monday's exercises centered on using naval and air assets of American and Filipino to relieve the hypothetically devastated area.

Assets used by Philippine and US troops in Monday's CMA-S activities off Barangay Dibacong, Casiguran town include the brand-new strategic sealift vessel, the BRP Tarlac (LD-601), AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" combat utility helicopters, landing craft utilities, and rigid-hull inflatable boat for the Filipino side and the USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE-2), a Lewis-and-Clark class dry cargo ship, the Bell Boeing V-22 "Osprey" tilt-rotor aircraft, Sikorsky UH-60 "Blackhawk", and Boeing C-47 "Chinook" helicopters.

These assets were used to bring relief goods, aid, medical and dental care and other necessaries which are instrumental in stabilizing the typhoon devastated community of Dibacong, Sayson pointed out.

He also said the above-mentioned operations are seamless as they are inter-service in nature.

Prior to the exercise, Sayson said US subject matter experts briefed their Filipino counterparts on various tactics and strategies which can expedite in providing relief aid to the typhoon devastated community.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/987810

PNP thwarts NPA attack on Pahiyas eve

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): PNP thwarts NPA attack on Pahiyas eve

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has thwarted an attempt of the New People's Army (NPA) to disrupt a town fiesta in Majayjay, Laguna on the eve of the celebration of the annual Pahiyas Festival in the nearby town of Lucban, Quezon.

PNP Public Information Office (PIO) chief and spokesman Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos on Monday reported that the tactical units of the Quezon Provincial Public Safety Company and the Alpha Company of the Philippine Army's 80th Infantry Battalion are now conducting "hot pursuit operations" against the NPA terrorists who had an encounter with the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) in Barangay Piit, Majayjay, Laguna on Sunday night.
The responding Army and CAFGU exchanged gunfires during the attack of the NPA in a construction site in the area where they burned a heavy equipment of the construction company, with whom they were allegedly extorting money.

The encounter created monstrous traffic in the Majayjay-Lucban Road, which inconvenienced the motorists going to Lucban for the Pahiyas Festival.

Carlos said that as of Monday, the Majayjay-Lucban Road is now "cleared", adding that, the Police Regional Office (PRO) Calabarzon (Cavite/Laguna/Batangas/Rizal/Quezon) are already conducting "mobile checkpoints" in support of the ongoing "hot pursuit operations" against the fleeing NPA terrorists.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/987833

DND chief signs letter of intent with Chinese arm exporter Poly Group Corporation

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): DND chief signs letter of intent with Chinese arm exporter Poly Group Corporation

The Department of National Defense (DND), representing the Philippine government, has signed Monday a letter of intent (LOI) for the purchase of weapons and other equipment from China's arms exporter, Poly Group Corporation.

This was confirmed by DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana saying this is separate from the USD14 million grant given to the Philippines last year.

"Yes, I signed a letter of intent with Poly Group. No specific equipment or arms yet. We'll let the services decide what they went to acquire from China. This is not the USD14 million grant. It is a separate deal," he said.

Signing on behalf of Poly Group Group was it's president, Zhengao Zhang.

When asked whether it is in the interest of the Philippines to acquire Chinese-made weapons when most of the equipment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is Western made, the DND chief said it will not be a problem.

"Weapons (nowadays) are all similar. They are used the same way. They can also be tailor-made for our specific requirements. Doctrine and training is peculiar to an Army so it won't be affected," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/987837

Military denies spying on Tiamzon couple

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): Military denies spying on Tiamzon couple

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) strongly denies allegations that its operatives are tailing or spying on National Democratic Front (NDF) consultants Benito and Wilma Tiamzon.

This was disclosed by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo in an interview Monday.

"For the record, we deny effort being alluded to the military that we are tailing or spying on the Tiamzon couple," he said.

The Tiamzon couple were among the jailed 21 peace consultants who were granted conditional bail so they can participate in the peace talks.

Arevalo stressed that the AFP, as a whole, remains committed to primacy of the peace process and will not do anything to sabotage this.

He also called the NDF accusation as baseless as the group does not have enough basis or evidence to support their accusations other than that they saw two riders aboard aboard a motorcycle allegedly tailing them.

Arevalo also said the AFP is focused on ensuring the safety and security of the Filipino people against terrorism and other threats to just tail members of the NDF consultants for no apparent reason.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/987844

Sole surviving ASG bandit in Bohol to be bagged soon -- AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): Sole surviving ASG bandit in Bohol to be bagged soon -- AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday expressed confidence that the sole surviving Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandit, out of the 11 that landed in Inabanga town, Bohol last April 10 for a kidnapping foray, will be arrested very soon.

This was after government forces shot and killed his companion during an encounter at Barangay Kahayag, Calape town 12:30 p.m. Monday.

"Following a tip off from a concerned Boholano, combined elements from the AFP Central Command and the PNP encountered at Barangay Kahayag, Calape, Bohol at around 12:30 p.m. today the last two remaining lawless elements who entered Bohol early in April this year," said AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla.

These bandits were headed by ASG sub-leader Muamar Askali alias "Abu Rami" and Joselito Milloria.

During containment efforts of the military and police from April 11 upwards, nine of them were killed along with three soldiers, a police officer and an elderly couple.

"One of them was killed, and the other, though reportedly wounded, was able to elude and now the subject of pursuit operations. The remains of the killed bandit was recovered along with an M-16 rifle. No one among the government forces were hurt. The identity of the bandit killed is still subject for validation," he added.

The AFP spokesperson also expressed belief that the sole survivors will be either arrested soon.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/987869