From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (May 26): CLEARING OPERATIONS | 31 Terrorists killed in Marawi City
Headquarters Western Mindanao Command, Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City (DWDD) – Elements of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan under Brigadier General Rolly Bautista engaged in an armed confrontation with members of the Local Terrorist Group in Marawi City earlier yesterday.
At 9 am yesterday, operating troops while clearing two bridges heading towards Bangulo area encountered an estimated 30 heavily armed terrorist. Thirteen more terrorist were killed after two hours armed confrontation with the same troops. Three high powered firearms were also recovered from the encounter site.
“As of this report, 31 terrorist were already neutralized and 6 HPFAs were recovered by the troops,” says Brigadier General Bautista.
“Our troops are doing deliberate operations in areas we believe are still occupied or infested with the terrorist’s presence. “I specifically ordered our soldiers to locate and destroy these terrorists as soon as possible,” he adds.
In another area of the city, soldiers also on clearing operations were able to rescue 16 civilians upon reaching Brgy Kilala, Marawi City.
Operating units, through the clearing operations they were conducting, afforded safe passage to the said civilians trapped in the areas where they hid during the height of Maute Group’s occupation of the area.
“The skirmishes and clearing operations today resulted to the unfortunate death of 6 soldiers and wounding of 7 others,” says Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.
“They made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that the City will be cleared from terror threat and immediately restore normalcy in this part of Mindanao.” “We once more call on the people in the community to join us fight terrorism. Provide your security forces with information that will contribute to the neutralization of these agents of deaths and destruction .” “We will exhaust all efforts to crush the remaining Maute members so that the people of Marawi City can go back to their homes the soonest,” adds Lieutenant General Galvez. JTF ZAMPELAN PIO / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/05/26/clearing-operations-31-terrorists-killed-in-marawi-city/
Sunday, May 28, 2017
DWDD: OPENING CEREMONY | Inter-operability Exercise (IOX) PN-PAF “DAGIT” “PAGSASAMA” and “PAGSISIKAP”2017 Opening Ceremony
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (May 26): OPENING CEREMONY | Inter-operability Exercise (IOX) PN-PAF “DAGIT” “PAGSASAMA” and “PAGSISIKAP”2017 Opening Ceremony
HEADQUARTERS WESTERN COMMAND SOCIAL HALL, Camp General Artemio Ricarte, bgy. San Miguel, Puerto Princesa City (DWDD) – The joint annual training exercise between the Philippine Navy (PN) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) dubbed as Interoperability Exercise (IOX) PN-PAF “DAGIT” incorporated with Exercise “PAGSASAMA” and Exercise “PAGSISIKAP” 2017 is scheduled to kick-off on May 29 until June 9, 2017 in different areas of Puerto Princesa City and Palawan.
Exercise DAGIT is a PN-PAF interoperability exercise to improve interoperability in undertaking joint operations in addressing maritime threats. On the other hand, PAGSISIKAP is a Fleet-Marine interoperability exercise specifically conducted to train the PN’s fleet and marine forces in amphibious operations, while PAGSASAMA aims to enhance the readiness and interoperability between the PN Units and the PN Reserve Units.
The participating assets from the PN are composed of one frigate, 2 patrol crafts, one landing craft utility, one naval helicopter, one rigid hull inflatable boat, and personnel from Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG), Naval Air Group (NAG) and PN Reservists.
On the other hand, PAF will be composed of seven aircrafts and personnel from 710th Special Operations Wing (SPOW) and 300 AISG.
The activities will include subject matter expertise exchanges, airfield seizure, maritime interdiction operations/visit board seize and seizure, amphibious raid/ island defense exercises. NFW PAO / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/05/26/opening-ceremony-inter-operability-exercise-iox-pn-paf-dagit-pagsasama-and-pagsisikap2017-opening-ceremony/
HEADQUARTERS WESTERN COMMAND SOCIAL HALL, Camp General Artemio Ricarte, bgy. San Miguel, Puerto Princesa City (DWDD) – The joint annual training exercise between the Philippine Navy (PN) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) dubbed as Interoperability Exercise (IOX) PN-PAF “DAGIT” incorporated with Exercise “PAGSASAMA” and Exercise “PAGSISIKAP” 2017 is scheduled to kick-off on May 29 until June 9, 2017 in different areas of Puerto Princesa City and Palawan.
Exercise DAGIT is a PN-PAF interoperability exercise to improve interoperability in undertaking joint operations in addressing maritime threats. On the other hand, PAGSISIKAP is a Fleet-Marine interoperability exercise specifically conducted to train the PN’s fleet and marine forces in amphibious operations, while PAGSASAMA aims to enhance the readiness and interoperability between the PN Units and the PN Reserve Units.
The participating assets from the PN are composed of one frigate, 2 patrol crafts, one landing craft utility, one naval helicopter, one rigid hull inflatable boat, and personnel from Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG), Naval Air Group (NAG) and PN Reservists.
On the other hand, PAF will be composed of seven aircrafts and personnel from 710th Special Operations Wing (SPOW) and 300 AISG.
The activities will include subject matter expertise exchanges, airfield seizure, maritime interdiction operations/visit board seize and seizure, amphibious raid/ island defense exercises. NFW PAO / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/05/26/opening-ceremony-inter-operability-exercise-iox-pn-paf-dagit-pagsasama-and-pagsisikap2017-opening-ceremony/
Casualties rise to 97 in Marawi City battle
From the Daily Tribune (May 29): Casualties rise to 97 in Marawi City battle
The raging battle for the control of Marawi City, which the Islamic State (IS) symphatizers Maute Group had occupied, had thus resulted in 97 casualties, including 61 militants, 17 state troopers and 19 civilians who were mostly executed by members of the terrorist groups.
AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the figures were based on reports from May 23 to 26.
Of the 61 slain Maute Group members, 42 were confirmed through body count while 19 others came from reports of witnesses.
Government losses included four police officers while 39 other state forces were wounded in battle.
“The AFP focus continues on safely clearing Marawi of terrorist elements still holed up within pockets of the city. Priority of ongoing military action is likewise aimed at aiding residents who are still trapped in the city’s interiors. Significantly, we have successfully rescued and assisted 124 trapped civilian residents since the start of the operations,” Padilla stressed.
Precision airstrikes and artillery fire will likewise continue at specific targets to hasten the clearing operations, he added.
Troops on the ground also recovered 24 high-powered firearms during the last 24 hours of military operations.
“The AFP and the PNP also belies reports of checkpoints being conducted by uniformed elements without badges or identifications. Checkpoints follow strict protocols and are strictly complied with. These reports if true, may be of unauthorized armed elements and should be discretely documented and reported. We have issued orders to our forces to ascertain these reports and deal with it,” Padilla said.
“Our forces are working overtimeto hasten the restoration of the rule of law and Marawi’s return to normalcy. We can only do this if we have the full cooperation of our citizens in these affected areas. We count on everyone to unite as one nation and do their patriotic duty for the restoration of peace in our country,” he said.
Islamist militants were still locked in street-to-street battles with security forces in Marawi city as if yesterday.
The violence prompted President Duterte to declare martial law last Tuesday across Mindanao to quell what he said was a fast-growing threat of militants linked to the IS group.
Authorities said the militants had killed civilians in Marawi, a mostly Muslim-populated city of 200,000 people, who included three women and a child who were found dead near a university.
Deadly rampage
“These are civilians, women. These terrorists are anti-people. We found their bodies while conducting rescue operations (on Saturday),” regional military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera told AFP.
An AFP photographer saw another eight bodies by a road in the outskirts of Marawi on Sunday, with local residents identifying them as employees of a rice mill and a medical college.
Herrera said the military had yet to investigate the reported deaths.
The violence began when dozens of gunmen went on a rampage throughout Marawi after security forces attempted to arrest Isnilon Hapilon, a veteran Filipino militant regarded as the local leader of IS.
The gunmen planted black IS flags, took a priest and up to 14 other people hostage from a church, and set fire to buildings.
Most of the city’s residents have fled because of the fighting, which has seen the military heavily bomb residential areas where the militants were believed to be hiding.
The military announced on Saturday, the start of the Holy month of Ramadan, that it would intensify the bombing campaign.
“In as much as we would like to avoid collateral damage, these rebels are forcing the hand of government by hiding and holding out inside private homes, government buildings and other facilities,” Padilla said.
Duterte and military chiefs have said most of the militants belong to the local Maute group, which they estimate has about 260 armed followers and has declared allegiance to IS. But Duterte has said local criminals are backing the Maute in Marawi.
The group of Hapilon are still holed up within the pockets of Marawi City five days after staging wide-scale atrocities in the city and amid the ongoing massive military operations.
2,000 civilians trapped
Two thousand fearful civilians were believed trapped inside Marawi city where troops are battling Islamist militants, authorities said.
Most of the city’s 200,000 residents have fled because of the fighting, but 2,000 remain trapped in areas controlled by the militants, according to Zia Alonto Adiong, spokesman for the provincial crisis management committee.
“They have been sending us text messages, calling our hotline, requesting us to send rescue teams but we cannot simply go to areas which are inaccessible to us,” Adiong said.
“They want to leave. They are afraid for their safety. Some are running out of food to eat. They fear they will be hit by bullets, by airstrikes,” he said.
The military announced on Saturday, the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, that it would step up the bombing.
“In as much as we would like to avoid collateral damage, these rebels are forcing the hand of government by hiding and holding out inside private homes, government buildings and other facilities,” said military spokesman Brigadier-General Restituto Padilla.
“Their refusal to surrender is holding the city captive. Hence, it is now increasingly becoming necessary to use more surgical airstrikes to clear the city and to bring this rebellion to a quicker end.”
The militants have killed at least 19 civilians, including three women and a child who were found dead near a university, regional military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera told AFP.
“These are civilians, women. These terrorists are anti-people,” Herrera said.
An AFP photographer saw eight bodies dumped off a bridge on the outskirts of Marawi on Sunday, with local residents identifying them as employees of a rice mill and a medical college.
It was unclear whether those eight were included in the military’s count of civilian deaths.
Cooperation between Islamist militants, criminals and corrupt politicians is common across Mindanao, where a Muslim separatist rebellion has claimed more than 120,000 lives since the 1970s.
The main Muslim rebel groups have signed accords with the government aimed at forging a final peace, giving up their separatist ambitions in return for autonomy.
The Maute, Abu Sayyaf and other small hardline groups are not interested in negotiating and have in recent years looked to IS to help them.
Solons start fund drive
Lawmakers from the Liberal Party (LP) yesterday started a fund drive to help the victims of terrorist Maute group in Marawi City.
The fund will be coming from the salaries of lawmakers.
“I will initiate a fund drive among my colleagues and to hopefully pass a multi-party resolution setting aside part of our salaries for the people of Marawi City as well as for the soldiers that died in the line of fire,” said Deputy Speaker and Marikina City Rep. Miro Quimbo.
Quimbo, a member of the Liberal Party (LP) said details of the find drive would be discussed with other political parties in the House.
Deputy Speaker and Batangas Rep. Raneo Abu, of the Nacionalista Party (NP), also urged the nation’s largest corporations to provide cash and food to support the immediate relief efforts in conflict areas in Mindanao.
“The country’s biggest corporations can contribute hugely in extending assistance to the victims and the rebuilding efforts, hopefully the Marawi City crisis will be over very soon,” said Abu.
Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, said “that is a very good gesture. I am all for it.”
Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting, who chairs the House committee on games and amusement, said a fund drive is the best way to help the victims of Marawi City crisis.
“There will be a fund drive. We will pass the hat and also solicit from other well meaning friends who wish to extend assistance to our brothers and sisters in Marawi City,” said Tambunting, a member of the PDP-Laban.
Citizens Battle Against Corruption (Cibac) party-list Rep. Sherwin Tugna, who chairs the House committee on suffrage and electoral reforms, said the fund drive “can be done by members of the House of Representatives by contributing their own personal funds to help our distressed fellow Filipinos.”
Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe and Akbayan party-list Rep. Tom Villarin underscored the necessity of assessing the extent of damage in Marawi City.
“For the Marawi relief, we should hold our horses and purses first. First, we should know the extent of damage. Second, we should ensure that there is a system or conduit of aid to ensure that this will reach the right persons. Third, we make sure that the government can not adequately answer the needs. In the meantime, please channel our generous spirit to the millions of urban and rural poor waiting to be helped,” Batocabe, president of the Party List Coalition.
For his part, Villarin said “we still will discuss concretely how we can help the people of Marawi. It has turn into a big humanitarian crisis with internally displaced persons in thousands.”
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/casualties-rise-to-97-in-marawi-city-battle
The raging battle for the control of Marawi City, which the Islamic State (IS) symphatizers Maute Group had occupied, had thus resulted in 97 casualties, including 61 militants, 17 state troopers and 19 civilians who were mostly executed by members of the terrorist groups.
AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the figures were based on reports from May 23 to 26.
Of the 61 slain Maute Group members, 42 were confirmed through body count while 19 others came from reports of witnesses.
Government losses included four police officers while 39 other state forces were wounded in battle.
“The AFP focus continues on safely clearing Marawi of terrorist elements still holed up within pockets of the city. Priority of ongoing military action is likewise aimed at aiding residents who are still trapped in the city’s interiors. Significantly, we have successfully rescued and assisted 124 trapped civilian residents since the start of the operations,” Padilla stressed.
Precision airstrikes and artillery fire will likewise continue at specific targets to hasten the clearing operations, he added.
Troops on the ground also recovered 24 high-powered firearms during the last 24 hours of military operations.
“The AFP and the PNP also belies reports of checkpoints being conducted by uniformed elements without badges or identifications. Checkpoints follow strict protocols and are strictly complied with. These reports if true, may be of unauthorized armed elements and should be discretely documented and reported. We have issued orders to our forces to ascertain these reports and deal with it,” Padilla said.
“Our forces are working overtimeto hasten the restoration of the rule of law and Marawi’s return to normalcy. We can only do this if we have the full cooperation of our citizens in these affected areas. We count on everyone to unite as one nation and do their patriotic duty for the restoration of peace in our country,” he said.
Islamist militants were still locked in street-to-street battles with security forces in Marawi city as if yesterday.
The violence prompted President Duterte to declare martial law last Tuesday across Mindanao to quell what he said was a fast-growing threat of militants linked to the IS group.
Authorities said the militants had killed civilians in Marawi, a mostly Muslim-populated city of 200,000 people, who included three women and a child who were found dead near a university.
Deadly rampage
“These are civilians, women. These terrorists are anti-people. We found their bodies while conducting rescue operations (on Saturday),” regional military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera told AFP.
An AFP photographer saw another eight bodies by a road in the outskirts of Marawi on Sunday, with local residents identifying them as employees of a rice mill and a medical college.
Herrera said the military had yet to investigate the reported deaths.
The violence began when dozens of gunmen went on a rampage throughout Marawi after security forces attempted to arrest Isnilon Hapilon, a veteran Filipino militant regarded as the local leader of IS.
The gunmen planted black IS flags, took a priest and up to 14 other people hostage from a church, and set fire to buildings.
Most of the city’s residents have fled because of the fighting, which has seen the military heavily bomb residential areas where the militants were believed to be hiding.
The military announced on Saturday, the start of the Holy month of Ramadan, that it would intensify the bombing campaign.
“In as much as we would like to avoid collateral damage, these rebels are forcing the hand of government by hiding and holding out inside private homes, government buildings and other facilities,” Padilla said.
Duterte and military chiefs have said most of the militants belong to the local Maute group, which they estimate has about 260 armed followers and has declared allegiance to IS. But Duterte has said local criminals are backing the Maute in Marawi.
The group of Hapilon are still holed up within the pockets of Marawi City five days after staging wide-scale atrocities in the city and amid the ongoing massive military operations.
2,000 civilians trapped
Two thousand fearful civilians were believed trapped inside Marawi city where troops are battling Islamist militants, authorities said.
Most of the city’s 200,000 residents have fled because of the fighting, but 2,000 remain trapped in areas controlled by the militants, according to Zia Alonto Adiong, spokesman for the provincial crisis management committee.
“They have been sending us text messages, calling our hotline, requesting us to send rescue teams but we cannot simply go to areas which are inaccessible to us,” Adiong said.
“They want to leave. They are afraid for their safety. Some are running out of food to eat. They fear they will be hit by bullets, by airstrikes,” he said.
The military announced on Saturday, the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, that it would step up the bombing.
“In as much as we would like to avoid collateral damage, these rebels are forcing the hand of government by hiding and holding out inside private homes, government buildings and other facilities,” said military spokesman Brigadier-General Restituto Padilla.
“Their refusal to surrender is holding the city captive. Hence, it is now increasingly becoming necessary to use more surgical airstrikes to clear the city and to bring this rebellion to a quicker end.”
The militants have killed at least 19 civilians, including three women and a child who were found dead near a university, regional military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera told AFP.
“These are civilians, women. These terrorists are anti-people,” Herrera said.
An AFP photographer saw eight bodies dumped off a bridge on the outskirts of Marawi on Sunday, with local residents identifying them as employees of a rice mill and a medical college.
It was unclear whether those eight were included in the military’s count of civilian deaths.
Cooperation between Islamist militants, criminals and corrupt politicians is common across Mindanao, where a Muslim separatist rebellion has claimed more than 120,000 lives since the 1970s.
The main Muslim rebel groups have signed accords with the government aimed at forging a final peace, giving up their separatist ambitions in return for autonomy.
The Maute, Abu Sayyaf and other small hardline groups are not interested in negotiating and have in recent years looked to IS to help them.
Solons start fund drive
Lawmakers from the Liberal Party (LP) yesterday started a fund drive to help the victims of terrorist Maute group in Marawi City.
The fund will be coming from the salaries of lawmakers.
“I will initiate a fund drive among my colleagues and to hopefully pass a multi-party resolution setting aside part of our salaries for the people of Marawi City as well as for the soldiers that died in the line of fire,” said Deputy Speaker and Marikina City Rep. Miro Quimbo.
Quimbo, a member of the Liberal Party (LP) said details of the find drive would be discussed with other political parties in the House.
Deputy Speaker and Batangas Rep. Raneo Abu, of the Nacionalista Party (NP), also urged the nation’s largest corporations to provide cash and food to support the immediate relief efforts in conflict areas in Mindanao.
“The country’s biggest corporations can contribute hugely in extending assistance to the victims and the rebuilding efforts, hopefully the Marawi City crisis will be over very soon,” said Abu.
Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, said “that is a very good gesture. I am all for it.”
Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting, who chairs the House committee on games and amusement, said a fund drive is the best way to help the victims of Marawi City crisis.
“There will be a fund drive. We will pass the hat and also solicit from other well meaning friends who wish to extend assistance to our brothers and sisters in Marawi City,” said Tambunting, a member of the PDP-Laban.
Citizens Battle Against Corruption (Cibac) party-list Rep. Sherwin Tugna, who chairs the House committee on suffrage and electoral reforms, said the fund drive “can be done by members of the House of Representatives by contributing their own personal funds to help our distressed fellow Filipinos.”
Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe and Akbayan party-list Rep. Tom Villarin underscored the necessity of assessing the extent of damage in Marawi City.
“For the Marawi relief, we should hold our horses and purses first. First, we should know the extent of damage. Second, we should ensure that there is a system or conduit of aid to ensure that this will reach the right persons. Third, we make sure that the government can not adequately answer the needs. In the meantime, please channel our generous spirit to the millions of urban and rural poor waiting to be helped,” Batocabe, president of the Party List Coalition.
For his part, Villarin said “we still will discuss concretely how we can help the people of Marawi. It has turn into a big humanitarian crisis with internally displaced persons in thousands.”
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/casualties-rise-to-97-in-marawi-city-battle
State forces to say when ML ends — DU30
From the Daily Tribune (May 29): State forces to say when ML ends — DU30
"I will not listen to others"
It will be the police and the armed forces and not the Supreme Court nor Congress that will determine the length of martial law declaration in Mindanao, President Duterte said yesterday before soldiers of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade HQ in Iligan City.
Duterte last Tuesday imposed martial law in the Mindanao region, home to 20 million people, following deadly clashes in Marawi City involving militants he said were trying to establish a caliphate for the Islamic State group.
“Until the police and the armed forces say the Philippines is safe, this martial law will continue. I will not listen to others. The Supreme Court, Congress, they are not here,” Duterte said.
“Are they the ones dying and losing blood, bleeding, hemorrhaging because there is no help, no reinforcement? It’s not them,” he added.
Mr. Duterte also addressed the Supreme Court and a few lawmakerswho are poised to question and oppose his Proclamation no. 216 placing the entire Mindanao group of islands under military rule.
Mr. Duterte’s pronouncement came a day after Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno’s statement that subtly warns of possible abuses that could be committed under martial law.
“The Supreme Court will say they will examine into the factual (basis). Why I don’t know. They are not soldiers. They do not know what is happening on the ground,” Mr. Duterte said.
The President also said that he will only subscribe to what state security forces would recommend to him. Naysayers, he pointed out, are not competent enough to suggest what he should do.
The 1987 constitution imposes limits on martial law to prevent a repeat of the abuses carried out under the regime of dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who was deposed by a famous “People Power” revolution the previous year.
The constitution requires congress to approve a president’s declaration of martial law, and limits military rule for 60 days. If a president wants to extend it, he or she must again get congressional endorsement.
The Supreme Court can also rule on martial law’s legality.
Sereno’s veiled warning
In a commencement speech at the Ateneo De Manila University on Friday, the country’s chief magistrate, Sereno, took exception of Mr. Duterte’s claim that his brand of martial law will be no different to that of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos’ way.
“If President Duterte and the government authorities avoid the gross historical sins of Mister Marcos and his agents, then our country might reap the benefits of the legitimate use of the provision on martial law in the 1987 Constitution,” Sereno said.
“Suffice it to say that the martial law power is an immense power that can be used for good, to solve defined emergencies; but all earthly powers when abused can result in oppression,” she added.
Most of the legislators, on the other hand, that oppose Mr. Duterte’s decree are arguing on its necessity which appears to belittle military officials’ claim that the “government remains on the top of the situation”.
Critics of Mr. Duterte also questioned the imposition saying that previous presidents did not declare martial law despite insurgency crises in Mindanao such as then President Joseph Estrada’s all-out war against Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels which successfully led to the government overruning the separatists’ largest base, Camp Abu Bakr. Also, President Aquino did not opt for military rule to quell the Moro National Liberation Front’s (MNLF) attempt to seize Zamboanga City.
Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella, moreover, said that Mr. Duterte has no time to attend to what critics has to say.
“The President’s focus is on addressing the terrorist threat in Mindanao, not on the misguided commentaries of critics,” Abella said in a text message to Palace reporters.
“He is committed to succeed in this mission and to restoring peace and order so that people throughout Mindanao can fully participate in our nation’s development,” he added.
Duterte also told soldiers on Friday they would be allowed to conduct searches and arrests without warrants.
“During martial law, your commanders, you, you can arrest any person, search any house. There is no more warrant needed,” Duterte told troops on Friday.
Duterte’s comments contradicted a government statement released on Saturday to explain martial law.
“Warrants of arrest or search warrants should be issued,” the statement from the government’s information agency said.
“No person may be arrested and detained without orders coming from these civil courts.”
Duterte has overwhelming support in congress, which is this week widely expected to endorse his initial declaration of martial law.
However the Supreme Court chief justice, Maria Lourdes Serreno, on Friday expressed concerns about martial law.
Palace to name Maranao spokesman
The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) will appoint a civilian Maranao spokesman to specifically address the Lanao region on updates on the government’s ongoing offensive against the Maute terror group in Marawi City.
The move is part of the PCOO’s establishment of the “Mindanao Hour” Communications Center in Davao City which will serve as the main source of accurate and reliable information on the declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
“In this time of crisis, it is strategically wise for us to expand our communications language from national to regional in order to avoid marginalizing those who are most affected by the declaration of Martial Law,” PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar said.
Communication flow will emanate from this center to and from the national government, including information released to the media.
All processed information from conflict areas will be relayed to the Mindanao Hour Communications Center in Davao and to Malacañang for the regular press briefings in Manila and Davao.
The Mindanao Hour Communications Center in Davao will be headed by Andanar while the Iligan Mindanao Hour Communications Center will be headed by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Harold Clavite.
The PCOO and its attached agencies including PIA, People’s Television (PTV), Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS), Philippine News Agency (PNA) and Radio TV Malacanang (RTVM) will be on board and daily press briefings will be organized at the Mindanao Hour Communications Center in Davao.
The Mindanao Hour Daily Briefings will be aired live on PCOO’s attached agencies and on their Facebook pages.
“The Mindanao Hour” and “The Maranao Hour Segment” updates will be available online through PIA’s Mindanao Hour microsite and Mindanao Hour Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts and is scheduled to air starting on first week of June.
Rape joke sick — critics
Mr. Duterte’s critics in the Senate, meanwhile, slammed Mr. Duterte over his latest faux pas, joking about answering for soldiers misdeed including rape under his declared martial law in Mindanao.
Senators Leila de Lima and Antonio Trillanes IV chastised the President’s pronouncements, describing him as a sick man who could even poke fun of rape, in this trying time.
“Duterte’s statement assuring legal absolution for soldiers who commit rape during martial law is as dangerous as it is sick. At a time when our people are looking for assurances that the abuses of the past martial rule would not resurface anymore, the Commander in Chief, in fact, does the opposite. How I long for the day the people would realize that they have a madman for President,” Trillanes said.
De Lima said the same as she urged the public to express outrage over this latest rape joke of the President.
“My fellow Filipinos, why do we allow him to get away with so much?” she asked in a statement.
“Speak up. Do not allow this to continue. This is not right. Say so, for the sake of all that we hold as sacred and deserving of respect, do not be passive in the face of monstrosity. Otherwise, in the end, we might find that his sickness has become ours and our children’s,” De Lima said.
In giving a pep talk to soldiers last Friday, the President joked about soldiers committing rape with impunity under martial law.
“I will be imprisoned for you. If you rape three (women) I will say that I did it. But if you marry four, son of a whore you will be beaten up,” he was quoted saying.
De Lima noted how the President about all the people he killed and had killed, even telling copes to commit more killings.
“He curses at and disrespects people and institutions just because they ask him to respect the law and deliver justice, and not respond to every problem with even more heinous criminal acts. He promises to defend our sovereignty, but willingly surrenders more and more of our rights, territories and even the future of our children to foreign powers,” she said.
“Now, he jokes about allowing soldiers to get away with raping women. The more, the better. In the middle of a crisis that he himself has characterized as being of such gravity that it necessitated the declaration of Martial Law over the whole of Mindanao, he insults women, soldiers and our entire nation with a sick “joke” that once again draws back the curtain and allows us to see the beast that lurks behind,” she added.
In a radio interview, Trillanes said the President cannot claim that he made the comment in jest saying that issues such as martial law and rape are not taken lightly especially by a Commander in Chief.
Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, in a separate interview, said Duterte should get used to fact that he’s the president and anything he says is a reflection of his presidency.
Escudero said that while the public should get the hang of it, the way the President speaks in public, Duterte himself should also get accustomed to the fact that everything he says could easily be given color .
While the President was obviously not egging the soldiers to commit rape and was not serious what he uttered those words, the senator said it’s unfortunate that Duterte has to crack a joke about a highly sensitive issue such rape.
War veterans back Rody
The Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP), however, declared its full support to President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to place Mindanao under Martial Law.
This was part of VFP president ret. Col. Bonifacio de Garcia’s statement on Sunday in the recently concluded National Presidents’ Convention (CY-2017) participated in by the country’s veterans’ leaders from Regions 1 to 13, including Cordillera Administrative Region, NCR, Charter, and Affiliate Organizations of the government-owned and -controlled corporation.
De Gracia, speaking before veterans’ presidents, said that the President “(He) may not have been here physically, but we can greatly feel his presence and concerns about veterans. Through the power vested in him by the people, as head of the state, he has pushed for the expedition of AFP Retirees’ pension. And as of late, his decision to declare Mindanao under Martial Law is one of the best decisions ever for the welfare of the people.”
Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana was the guest of honor and speaker of the event hosted by the VFP which was also participated in by World War II veterans and their descendants.
The Secretary also quoted former President Carlos P. Garcia’s words spoken during the organization’s first ever National Convention in 1958 when he said, “Obstacles can never be overcome if the various organizations continue to exist serving their own individual ends and working, more often than not, at cross purposes.”
“VFP has its set of ups and downs, but it is the truth and unity that save you from all the trials such as the criminal case filed against the VFP that was formally dismissed by the Ombudsman last January 2016' Lorenzana said
“At the end, it is the truth and your genuine service to the veterans that prevailed.”he added.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/state-forces-to-say-when-ml-ends-du30
"I will not listen to others"
It will be the police and the armed forces and not the Supreme Court nor Congress that will determine the length of martial law declaration in Mindanao, President Duterte said yesterday before soldiers of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade HQ in Iligan City.
Duterte last Tuesday imposed martial law in the Mindanao region, home to 20 million people, following deadly clashes in Marawi City involving militants he said were trying to establish a caliphate for the Islamic State group.
“Until the police and the armed forces say the Philippines is safe, this martial law will continue. I will not listen to others. The Supreme Court, Congress, they are not here,” Duterte said.
“Are they the ones dying and losing blood, bleeding, hemorrhaging because there is no help, no reinforcement? It’s not them,” he added.
Mr. Duterte also addressed the Supreme Court and a few lawmakerswho are poised to question and oppose his Proclamation no. 216 placing the entire Mindanao group of islands under military rule.
Mr. Duterte’s pronouncement came a day after Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno’s statement that subtly warns of possible abuses that could be committed under martial law.
“The Supreme Court will say they will examine into the factual (basis). Why I don’t know. They are not soldiers. They do not know what is happening on the ground,” Mr. Duterte said.
The President also said that he will only subscribe to what state security forces would recommend to him. Naysayers, he pointed out, are not competent enough to suggest what he should do.
The 1987 constitution imposes limits on martial law to prevent a repeat of the abuses carried out under the regime of dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who was deposed by a famous “People Power” revolution the previous year.
The constitution requires congress to approve a president’s declaration of martial law, and limits military rule for 60 days. If a president wants to extend it, he or she must again get congressional endorsement.
The Supreme Court can also rule on martial law’s legality.
Sereno’s veiled warning
In a commencement speech at the Ateneo De Manila University on Friday, the country’s chief magistrate, Sereno, took exception of Mr. Duterte’s claim that his brand of martial law will be no different to that of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos’ way.
“If President Duterte and the government authorities avoid the gross historical sins of Mister Marcos and his agents, then our country might reap the benefits of the legitimate use of the provision on martial law in the 1987 Constitution,” Sereno said.
“Suffice it to say that the martial law power is an immense power that can be used for good, to solve defined emergencies; but all earthly powers when abused can result in oppression,” she added.
Most of the legislators, on the other hand, that oppose Mr. Duterte’s decree are arguing on its necessity which appears to belittle military officials’ claim that the “government remains on the top of the situation”.
Critics of Mr. Duterte also questioned the imposition saying that previous presidents did not declare martial law despite insurgency crises in Mindanao such as then President Joseph Estrada’s all-out war against Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels which successfully led to the government overruning the separatists’ largest base, Camp Abu Bakr. Also, President Aquino did not opt for military rule to quell the Moro National Liberation Front’s (MNLF) attempt to seize Zamboanga City.
Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella, moreover, said that Mr. Duterte has no time to attend to what critics has to say.
“The President’s focus is on addressing the terrorist threat in Mindanao, not on the misguided commentaries of critics,” Abella said in a text message to Palace reporters.
“He is committed to succeed in this mission and to restoring peace and order so that people throughout Mindanao can fully participate in our nation’s development,” he added.
Duterte also told soldiers on Friday they would be allowed to conduct searches and arrests without warrants.
“During martial law, your commanders, you, you can arrest any person, search any house. There is no more warrant needed,” Duterte told troops on Friday.
Duterte’s comments contradicted a government statement released on Saturday to explain martial law.
“Warrants of arrest or search warrants should be issued,” the statement from the government’s information agency said.
“No person may be arrested and detained without orders coming from these civil courts.”
Duterte has overwhelming support in congress, which is this week widely expected to endorse his initial declaration of martial law.
However the Supreme Court chief justice, Maria Lourdes Serreno, on Friday expressed concerns about martial law.
Palace to name Maranao spokesman
The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) will appoint a civilian Maranao spokesman to specifically address the Lanao region on updates on the government’s ongoing offensive against the Maute terror group in Marawi City.
The move is part of the PCOO’s establishment of the “Mindanao Hour” Communications Center in Davao City which will serve as the main source of accurate and reliable information on the declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
“In this time of crisis, it is strategically wise for us to expand our communications language from national to regional in order to avoid marginalizing those who are most affected by the declaration of Martial Law,” PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar said.
Communication flow will emanate from this center to and from the national government, including information released to the media.
All processed information from conflict areas will be relayed to the Mindanao Hour Communications Center in Davao and to Malacañang for the regular press briefings in Manila and Davao.
The Mindanao Hour Communications Center in Davao will be headed by Andanar while the Iligan Mindanao Hour Communications Center will be headed by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Harold Clavite.
The PCOO and its attached agencies including PIA, People’s Television (PTV), Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS), Philippine News Agency (PNA) and Radio TV Malacanang (RTVM) will be on board and daily press briefings will be organized at the Mindanao Hour Communications Center in Davao.
The Mindanao Hour Daily Briefings will be aired live on PCOO’s attached agencies and on their Facebook pages.
“The Mindanao Hour” and “The Maranao Hour Segment” updates will be available online through PIA’s Mindanao Hour microsite and Mindanao Hour Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts and is scheduled to air starting on first week of June.
Rape joke sick — critics
Mr. Duterte’s critics in the Senate, meanwhile, slammed Mr. Duterte over his latest faux pas, joking about answering for soldiers misdeed including rape under his declared martial law in Mindanao.
Senators Leila de Lima and Antonio Trillanes IV chastised the President’s pronouncements, describing him as a sick man who could even poke fun of rape, in this trying time.
“Duterte’s statement assuring legal absolution for soldiers who commit rape during martial law is as dangerous as it is sick. At a time when our people are looking for assurances that the abuses of the past martial rule would not resurface anymore, the Commander in Chief, in fact, does the opposite. How I long for the day the people would realize that they have a madman for President,” Trillanes said.
De Lima said the same as she urged the public to express outrage over this latest rape joke of the President.
“My fellow Filipinos, why do we allow him to get away with so much?” she asked in a statement.
“Speak up. Do not allow this to continue. This is not right. Say so, for the sake of all that we hold as sacred and deserving of respect, do not be passive in the face of monstrosity. Otherwise, in the end, we might find that his sickness has become ours and our children’s,” De Lima said.
In giving a pep talk to soldiers last Friday, the President joked about soldiers committing rape with impunity under martial law.
“I will be imprisoned for you. If you rape three (women) I will say that I did it. But if you marry four, son of a whore you will be beaten up,” he was quoted saying.
De Lima noted how the President about all the people he killed and had killed, even telling copes to commit more killings.
“He curses at and disrespects people and institutions just because they ask him to respect the law and deliver justice, and not respond to every problem with even more heinous criminal acts. He promises to defend our sovereignty, but willingly surrenders more and more of our rights, territories and even the future of our children to foreign powers,” she said.
“Now, he jokes about allowing soldiers to get away with raping women. The more, the better. In the middle of a crisis that he himself has characterized as being of such gravity that it necessitated the declaration of Martial Law over the whole of Mindanao, he insults women, soldiers and our entire nation with a sick “joke” that once again draws back the curtain and allows us to see the beast that lurks behind,” she added.
In a radio interview, Trillanes said the President cannot claim that he made the comment in jest saying that issues such as martial law and rape are not taken lightly especially by a Commander in Chief.
Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, in a separate interview, said Duterte should get used to fact that he’s the president and anything he says is a reflection of his presidency.
Escudero said that while the public should get the hang of it, the way the President speaks in public, Duterte himself should also get accustomed to the fact that everything he says could easily be given color .
While the President was obviously not egging the soldiers to commit rape and was not serious what he uttered those words, the senator said it’s unfortunate that Duterte has to crack a joke about a highly sensitive issue such rape.
War veterans back Rody
The Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP), however, declared its full support to President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to place Mindanao under Martial Law.
This was part of VFP president ret. Col. Bonifacio de Garcia’s statement on Sunday in the recently concluded National Presidents’ Convention (CY-2017) participated in by the country’s veterans’ leaders from Regions 1 to 13, including Cordillera Administrative Region, NCR, Charter, and Affiliate Organizations of the government-owned and -controlled corporation.
De Gracia, speaking before veterans’ presidents, said that the President “(He) may not have been here physically, but we can greatly feel his presence and concerns about veterans. Through the power vested in him by the people, as head of the state, he has pushed for the expedition of AFP Retirees’ pension. And as of late, his decision to declare Mindanao under Martial Law is one of the best decisions ever for the welfare of the people.”
Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana was the guest of honor and speaker of the event hosted by the VFP which was also participated in by World War II veterans and their descendants.
The Secretary also quoted former President Carlos P. Garcia’s words spoken during the organization’s first ever National Convention in 1958 when he said, “Obstacles can never be overcome if the various organizations continue to exist serving their own individual ends and working, more often than not, at cross purposes.”
“VFP has its set of ups and downs, but it is the truth and unity that save you from all the trials such as the criminal case filed against the VFP that was formally dismissed by the Ombudsman last January 2016' Lorenzana said
“At the end, it is the truth and your genuine service to the veterans that prevailed.”he added.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/state-forces-to-say-when-ml-ends-du30
US affirms continued aid for Mindanao dev’t
From the Daily Tribune (May 27): US affirms continued aid for Mindanao dev’t
Funding which estimates to $100 million heavily focused on Mindanao development will continue as programmed, said United States Charges d’ Affaires Michael Klecheski Thursday night.
“We have no indication that there is any change in programs. We focus a tremendous amount, and I at least do not know of any plans to change anything,” he said in an interview at the sidelines of a US Agency for International Development’s (USAid) event in Makati.
According to the official, USAid is mainly procuring funds to environmental and fishing programs.
As revealed by the US Embassy, USAid’s P800-million project for the past five years has successfully worked with national and local governments, the private sector and local communities to conserve marine biodiversity, enhance ecosystem productivity, and improve fisheries and livelihoods in the Philippines.
“In partnership with the Philippine government, the ECOFISH (Ecosystems Improved for Sustainable Fisheries) project improved biodiversity conservation in eight critical locations, ensuring that Filipinos, both today and in the future, benefit from productive fisheries and the robust ecosystem services that healthy marine environments provide,” Klecheski said during his speech.
But among others, Klecheski said Washington also supports education projects focused in Mindanao.
“We are doing a lot. I know for the country it’s $100 million.”
As Mindanao faces an ordeal with an ongoing clash between Maute group and government forces, US expressed solidarity with the Philippine government.
“The United States will continue to provide support and assistance to Philippine counterterrorism efforts.”
“The United States is a proud ally of the Philippines, and we will continue to work with the Philippines to address shared threats to the peace and security of our countries,” it said in a statement.
US denounced the Maute group’s terror activity in Marawi City, saying Washington “condemns” the violence perpetrated by these ISIS-linked terrorist group.
“These cowardly terrorists killed Philippine law enforcement officials and endangered the lives of innocent citizens.”
Meanwhile, despite situation in Southern Philippines, Klecheski cleared that President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to the Philippines for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in November will push through as planned.
“He has announced that he is coming and we’re expecting it to come. You know this is for Asean. We have nothing to change that,” he added.
He explained that for Washington Asean is a “big deal.”
“To put it in simple terms, and he has announced that he is coming, usually, presidents do not announce that far in advance that they’re gonna come so we’re actually very impressed and it shows that Asean is important, that the Philippines is important to our president,” he added.
Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Robespierre Bolivar also told The Tribune that despite the Marawi clash, scheduled Asean meet with dialog partners “remains as is.”
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/us-affirms-continued-aid-for-mindanao-dev-t
Funding which estimates to $100 million heavily focused on Mindanao development will continue as programmed, said United States Charges d’ Affaires Michael Klecheski Thursday night.
“We have no indication that there is any change in programs. We focus a tremendous amount, and I at least do not know of any plans to change anything,” he said in an interview at the sidelines of a US Agency for International Development’s (USAid) event in Makati.
According to the official, USAid is mainly procuring funds to environmental and fishing programs.
As revealed by the US Embassy, USAid’s P800-million project for the past five years has successfully worked with national and local governments, the private sector and local communities to conserve marine biodiversity, enhance ecosystem productivity, and improve fisheries and livelihoods in the Philippines.
“In partnership with the Philippine government, the ECOFISH (Ecosystems Improved for Sustainable Fisheries) project improved biodiversity conservation in eight critical locations, ensuring that Filipinos, both today and in the future, benefit from productive fisheries and the robust ecosystem services that healthy marine environments provide,” Klecheski said during his speech.
But among others, Klecheski said Washington also supports education projects focused in Mindanao.
“We are doing a lot. I know for the country it’s $100 million.”
As Mindanao faces an ordeal with an ongoing clash between Maute group and government forces, US expressed solidarity with the Philippine government.
“The United States will continue to provide support and assistance to Philippine counterterrorism efforts.”
“The United States is a proud ally of the Philippines, and we will continue to work with the Philippines to address shared threats to the peace and security of our countries,” it said in a statement.
US denounced the Maute group’s terror activity in Marawi City, saying Washington “condemns” the violence perpetrated by these ISIS-linked terrorist group.
“These cowardly terrorists killed Philippine law enforcement officials and endangered the lives of innocent citizens.”
Meanwhile, despite situation in Southern Philippines, Klecheski cleared that President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to the Philippines for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in November will push through as planned.
“He has announced that he is coming and we’re expecting it to come. You know this is for Asean. We have nothing to change that,” he added.
He explained that for Washington Asean is a “big deal.”
“To put it in simple terms, and he has announced that he is coming, usually, presidents do not announce that far in advance that they’re gonna come so we’re actually very impressed and it shows that Asean is important, that the Philippines is important to our president,” he added.
Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Robespierre Bolivar also told The Tribune that despite the Marawi clash, scheduled Asean meet with dialog partners “remains as is.”
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/us-affirms-continued-aid-for-mindanao-dev-t
Marawi crisis: What we know—and don't know—so far
From the Philippine Star (May 29): Marawi crisis: What we know—and don't know—so far
Here are the things we know about the clash in Marawi City.
Editor's note: This is a developing story. We will update this as new information comes in.
Under Marcos rule, peace and order in Mindanao deteriorated with accounts of massacre of men and rape of women.
MANILA, Philippines (First published May 24, 2017, 12:04 p.m.) — On the seventh day of the Marawi crisis, we take a look at the questions at the heart of the issue.
Why was martial law declared?
President Rodrigo Duterte has declared martial law for 60 days over Mindanao—and even threatened to extend coverage to Visayas and Luzon and lengthen it to a year—following the firefight between military forces and the ISIS-inspired Maute fighters on Tuesday. The privilege of habeas corpus was also suspended.
The declaration was announced in Russia where the president was supposed to spend five days for an official visit. Duterte’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin was brought forward to allow his hasty return to the Philippines and deal with the crisis, cutting short his trip.
Information on what is happening on the ground is muddled by conflicting statements.
At the beginning of the crisis, Lorenzana said dozens of gunmen occupied the city hall—a claim countered by the Marawi City mayor. Numbers on how many Maute reinforcements entered the city also varied. Most recently, a police chief Duterte claimed was beheaded by militants said that he is safe.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the declaration would help government forces carry out searches and arrests and detain rebel suspects more quickly.
What was the basis of the declaration?
Duterte cited rebellion as justification for the declaration, perceived to be a knee-jerk and extreme reaction to a manageable crisis. Constitutional and security experts said the situation does not require martial law—a measure of last resort—as defined under Philippine laws.
On Friday, Solicitor General Jose Calida said what’s happening in Marawi is no longer a rebellion citing the discovery of Indonesian and Malaysian fighters.
"It has transmogrified into an invasion by foreign terrorists who heeded the clarion call of ISIS," he said.
However, foreign militants, including some of Asia’s most wanted, have had a presence in Mindanao for decades.
Where are the jitters toward the declaration rooted?
Opposition towards the president’s declaration also stems from memories of rights abuses suffered by the country under Ferdinand Marcos’ martial rule over three decades ago.
Under Marcos rule, peace and order in Mindanao deteriorated with accounts of massacre of men and rape of women.
The declaration is further clouded by concerns with Duterte’s quip on absolving soldiers who would rape civilians.
What started the clash?
The gunbattle began after government troops raided the hideout of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon in Marawi City, a largely Muslim city with a population of over 200,000.
Hapilon, who is still recovering from wounds sustained in a military airstrike in January, and more than a dozen of his men called for reinforcement from its ally, the Maute. The Maute was blamed for the bomb attack in Duterte's hometown of Davao City last September which killed 15.
Who is Isnilon Hapilon and where is he now?
The military said Hapilon is still inside Marawi, as of Friday. Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año said Islamic State-inspired militants are trying to find a way to extricate the Abu Sayyaf leader.
Washington has offered a $5 million reward for information leading to Hapilon's capture, but he has proved elusive. He was wounded and suffered a stroke in a Philippine airstrike in January but got away.
Is there ISIS presence in the Philippines?
Hapilon, an Arabic-speaking preacher known for his expertise in commando assaults, has pledged allegiance to ISIS in 2014, according to security officials. He reportedly has been chosen to lead an ISIS branch in Southeast Asia.
Duterte has mentioned that the Maute and ISIS are also the same.
But Philippine and US security officials assert there is no formal ISIS presence in the Philippines, citing the "worldwide phenomenon" where existing terror groups affiliate themselves with ISIS.
"We have not seen any concrete evidence of material support from IS," military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said Thursday. He added that the smaller groups "are working to really get that recognition and funds, of course."
What is the situation on the ground?
As of Sunday, the death toll from six days of fighting in Marawi neared 100. Aside from civilians, 61 militants, 11 soldiers and four police were among the dead.
Troops found corpses in the streets Sunday, including at least eight civilians who appeared to have been executed. Thousands of civilians have streamed out of Marawi and more than 2,000 were still trapped inside the city.
Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said a total of 12,509 families or 59,665 persons are displaced in Northern Mindanao and ARMM as of Monday.
Many sent desperate text messages begging to be rescued and reporting that their homes had been destroyed, said Zia Alonto Adiong, an official in Lanao del Sur, one of the country's poorest provinces.
Looting and burning of homes were also reported by eyewitnesses who have evacuated the city. The militants also burned the St. Mary's Church, the city jail, the Ninoy Aquino school and Dansalan College.Ninoy Aquino school and Dansalan College.
Much of the city is a no-go zone. Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said that combat operations were still going on, but that the militants were weakening.
"We believe they're now low on ammunition and food," he said, speaking by phone from Manila, the capital. "Compared to the initial days, there has been increasingly less resistance from the militants within Marawi."
Philippine fighter aircraft unleashed rocket fire against militants on Saturday, prompting villagers to hoist white flags to avoid being targeted as the military turned to airstrikes to try to end the siege.
Año predicted that the military operation would take about a week as soldiers go house to house to clear the city of militants.
Chinese jets intercept US surveillance plane
From Malaya Business Insight (May 29): Chinese jets intercept US surveillance plane
Two Chinese fighter jets intercepted a US Navy surveillance plane over the South China Sea on Wednesday, with one coming within 200 yards (180 meters) of the American aircraft, US officials told Reuters.
The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said initial reports showed that the US P-3 Orion surveillance plane was 150 miles (240 km) southeast of Hong Kong in international airspace when the Chinese aircraft carried out the unsafe intercept. One Chinese aircraft flew in front of the American plane, restricting its ability to maneuver.
The Pentagon confirmed that two Chinese jets had carried out the intercept, saying it was “unsafe and unprofessional.”
“We continue to review the facts of this incident and will convey our concerns through appropriate channels with the Chinese government,” Pentagon spokesman Navy Commander Gary Ross said in a statement.
China’s defense ministry said on Sunday that the US account of the interception was inaccurate.
The Chinese jets operated in a professional and safe manner, the ministry said on its official account on China’s Twitter-like Weibo.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/chinese-jets-intercept-us-surveillance-plane
Two Chinese fighter jets intercepted a US Navy surveillance plane over the South China Sea on Wednesday, with one coming within 200 yards (180 meters) of the American aircraft, US officials told Reuters.
The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said initial reports showed that the US P-3 Orion surveillance plane was 150 miles (240 km) southeast of Hong Kong in international airspace when the Chinese aircraft carried out the unsafe intercept. One Chinese aircraft flew in front of the American plane, restricting its ability to maneuver.
The Pentagon confirmed that two Chinese jets had carried out the intercept, saying it was “unsafe and unprofessional.”
“We continue to review the facts of this incident and will convey our concerns through appropriate channels with the Chinese government,” Pentagon spokesman Navy Commander Gary Ross said in a statement.
China’s defense ministry said on Sunday that the US account of the interception was inaccurate.
The Chinese jets operated in a professional and safe manner, the ministry said on its official account on China’s Twitter-like Weibo.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/chinese-jets-intercept-us-surveillance-plane
3 Abu Sayyaf men surrender in Basilan
From Malaya Business Insight (May 29): 3 Abu Sayyaf men surrender in Basilan
THREE members of the Abu Sayyaf group surrendered to the military in Ungkaya Pukan town in Basilan on Saturday, four days after President Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao.
The military’s Western Mindanao Command named the four as Usman Mussa, alias Akkus; Balie Kasaran, alias Balie; Sadar Tutuh Kasaran, alias Sadan; and Sarwin Askalin Kasaran, alias Win.
The four, all residents of Al Barka town in Basilan, turned over two M16 rifles and one cal .30 M1 Garand rifle during their surrender, said Wesmincom spokesperson Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay.
Petinglay said the four surrendered at around 2 p.m. Saturday to the officials of the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion at the headquarters in Sitio Camalig, Barangay Bohe Pahu.
She said the four were under with Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Nurhassan Jamiri whose group is being blamed by officials for numerous atrocities against military and civilian targets in Basilan.
“The martial law declaration made them more fearful for their safety as soldiers can already knock at their doorstep without the necessary warrants,” said Petinglay, citing one of the reasons the four surrendered.
President Duterte placed the entire Mindanao last Tuesday night, hours after members of the Maute Group sowed violence in Marawi City. Government forces are still trying to resolve the conflict as of yesterday.
Quoting Joint Task Force Basilan commander Col. Juvymax Uy, Petinglay said the four surrendered also after they learned of the recent killing of Abu Sayyaf sub-leaders Muammar Askali and Alhabsy Missay Misaya in Bohol and Sulu.
The military is targeting to defeat the Abu Sayyaf by next month.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/3-abu-sayyaf-men-surrender-basilan
THREE members of the Abu Sayyaf group surrendered to the military in Ungkaya Pukan town in Basilan on Saturday, four days after President Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao.
The military’s Western Mindanao Command named the four as Usman Mussa, alias Akkus; Balie Kasaran, alias Balie; Sadar Tutuh Kasaran, alias Sadan; and Sarwin Askalin Kasaran, alias Win.
The four, all residents of Al Barka town in Basilan, turned over two M16 rifles and one cal .30 M1 Garand rifle during their surrender, said Wesmincom spokesperson Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay.
Petinglay said the four surrendered at around 2 p.m. Saturday to the officials of the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion at the headquarters in Sitio Camalig, Barangay Bohe Pahu.
She said the four were under with Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Nurhassan Jamiri whose group is being blamed by officials for numerous atrocities against military and civilian targets in Basilan.
“The martial law declaration made them more fearful for their safety as soldiers can already knock at their doorstep without the necessary warrants,” said Petinglay, citing one of the reasons the four surrendered.
President Duterte placed the entire Mindanao last Tuesday night, hours after members of the Maute Group sowed violence in Marawi City. Government forces are still trying to resolve the conflict as of yesterday.
Quoting Joint Task Force Basilan commander Col. Juvymax Uy, Petinglay said the four surrendered also after they learned of the recent killing of Abu Sayyaf sub-leaders Muammar Askali and Alhabsy Missay Misaya in Bohol and Sulu.
The military is targeting to defeat the Abu Sayyaf by next month.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/3-abu-sayyaf-men-surrender-basilan
Duterte plans to tap MNLF, MILF, NPA against Maute
From Malaya Business Insight (May 29): Duterte plans to tap MNLF, MILF, NPA against Maute
PRESIDENT Duterte on Saturday said he is planning to hire members of the Moro National Liberation Front, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the New People’s Army in the fight against the Maute Group in Marawi City
The President issued the statement during a talk with the military in Busbus in Jolo.
He said he would provide the fighters of the MNLF, MILF and NPA the same pay and benefits that the government is providing the Armed Forces of the Philippines if they will join the “Republic.”
The Communist Party of the Philippines, just last Thursday, ordered its armed wing, the NPA, to carry out more attacks in Mindanao because of Duterte’s move to place the area under martial law. The order led to the cancellation last Saturday of the fifth round of peace negotiations between government and the communist group.
Duterte said he would tap the MNLF, MILF and NPA forces if the Marawi conflict drags on.
“I am announcing to all na lahat ng sundalo ng MI (MILF), MN (MNLF), kung matagal pa ito at gusto ninyong sumali, makipagsapalaran sa Republika, I am offering them, kunin ko kayong sundalo, same pay, same privileges, and I will build houses for you in some areas.
At lahat ng NPA nakikinig ngayon, kung iwanan ninyo iyan, (I am announcing to all the soldiers of MI, MN, if this drags on, and you want to join, take your chance with the Republic, I am offering them, I will hire you as soldiers - same pay, same privileges, and I will build houses for you in some areas. And all the NPA, listen now, if you leave the fight against government),” he said.
Duterte said he is willing to create a special division composed of the fighters of the MILF, MNLF and NPA.
He said the idea stemmed from the offer of MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari, through a letter, who volunteered the men under him to support the government’s campaign against the Maute group in Marawi and the other parts of the Lanao region.
The President said he does not want to declare martial law but the situation had forced him to do it. He said he is prepared to ignore the opinion of the Supreme Court and Congress about the imposition of martial law because they are not aware of the actual situation in Mindanao.
Duterte also said he will come up with a general order amending the martial law proclamation to include illegal drugs as among the reasons for imposing military rule.
“I have no other recourse but to declare martial law. When will it end? I do not know. Hanggang hindi sinabi ng pulis pati Armed Forces na safe na ang Philippines, this martial law will continue. Hindi ako makinig sa iba. Mga Supreme Court, iyung mga congressman, wala man sila dito. (I have no other recourse but to declare martial law. When will it end? I do not know. Until the police and the Armed Forces say the Philippines is safe, this martial law will continue. I will not listen to others. The Supreme Court, the congressmen, they are not here. I will not listen to them),” he said.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/duterte-plans-tap-mnlf-milf-npa-against-maute
PRESIDENT Duterte on Saturday said he is planning to hire members of the Moro National Liberation Front, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the New People’s Army in the fight against the Maute Group in Marawi City
The President issued the statement during a talk with the military in Busbus in Jolo.
He said he would provide the fighters of the MNLF, MILF and NPA the same pay and benefits that the government is providing the Armed Forces of the Philippines if they will join the “Republic.”
The Communist Party of the Philippines, just last Thursday, ordered its armed wing, the NPA, to carry out more attacks in Mindanao because of Duterte’s move to place the area under martial law. The order led to the cancellation last Saturday of the fifth round of peace negotiations between government and the communist group.
Duterte said he would tap the MNLF, MILF and NPA forces if the Marawi conflict drags on.
“I am announcing to all na lahat ng sundalo ng MI (MILF), MN (MNLF), kung matagal pa ito at gusto ninyong sumali, makipagsapalaran sa Republika, I am offering them, kunin ko kayong sundalo, same pay, same privileges, and I will build houses for you in some areas.
At lahat ng NPA nakikinig ngayon, kung iwanan ninyo iyan, (I am announcing to all the soldiers of MI, MN, if this drags on, and you want to join, take your chance with the Republic, I am offering them, I will hire you as soldiers - same pay, same privileges, and I will build houses for you in some areas. And all the NPA, listen now, if you leave the fight against government),” he said.
Duterte said he is willing to create a special division composed of the fighters of the MILF, MNLF and NPA.
He said the idea stemmed from the offer of MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari, through a letter, who volunteered the men under him to support the government’s campaign against the Maute group in Marawi and the other parts of the Lanao region.
The President said he does not want to declare martial law but the situation had forced him to do it. He said he is prepared to ignore the opinion of the Supreme Court and Congress about the imposition of martial law because they are not aware of the actual situation in Mindanao.
Duterte also said he will come up with a general order amending the martial law proclamation to include illegal drugs as among the reasons for imposing military rule.
“I have no other recourse but to declare martial law. When will it end? I do not know. Hanggang hindi sinabi ng pulis pati Armed Forces na safe na ang Philippines, this martial law will continue. Hindi ako makinig sa iba. Mga Supreme Court, iyung mga congressman, wala man sila dito. (I have no other recourse but to declare martial law. When will it end? I do not know. Until the police and the Armed Forces say the Philippines is safe, this martial law will continue. I will not listen to others. The Supreme Court, the congressmen, they are not here. I will not listen to them),” he said.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/duterte-plans-tap-mnlf-milf-npa-against-maute
Marawi conflict: Air strikes continue; 61 Maute men killed
From Malaya Business Insight (May 29): Marawi conflict: Air strikes continue; 61 Maute men killed
SIXTY-ONE members of the Maute Group have been killed since Tuesday last week when clashes with government forces erupted in Marawi City.
Aerial fire continued yesterday to dislodge the armed group from the city.
Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the firefights have also resulted in the death of 15 soldiers and policemen and 19 civilians, with 16 bodies retrieved on Saturday and yesterday.
Attack helicopters continued to deliver machine gun fire and rockets toward positions of the Maute members who, Padilla said, are “still held up within the pockets of the city.”
“Precision air strikes and artillery fire will likewise continue at specific targets to hasten the clearing,” he said. The military began aerial attack of enemy positions last Thursday.
Plumes of smoke were seen on the horizon and helicopters fired at least eight rockets on rebel positions. A surveillance drone circled the sky above Marawi City.
Some civilians left on foot, others were seen tying white cloths to poles to distinguish themselves from militants as soldiers huddled behind armored vehicles slowly advanced. An ambulance was seen speeding away from the fighting and soldiers said a captured militant
was inside.
Tens of thousands of people have fled Marawi since Tuesday, when militants went on the rampage seizing a school, a hospital, and a cathedral.
Christians were taken hostage, according to church leaders, and more than 100 inmates, among them militants, were freed when rebels took over two jails.
Padilla said 124 trapped civilian residents have been rescued by government forces since the start of the operations. He implied more residents are trapped as he said the “priority of ongoing military action is likewise aimed at aiding residents who are still trapped in the city’s interiors.”
Padilla appealed to civilians for cooperation.
“Our forces are working overtime to hasten the restoration of the rule of law and Marawi’s return to normalcy. We can only do this if we have the full cooperation of our citizens in these affected areas,” he said.
Asked if government forces are close to clearing Marawi City of Maute men, Padilla said, “We’re leaning forward to do that. But if there are changes on the ground, complications that will crop up, that will not be hastened.”
On Wednesday last week, the military said it is eyeing to clear the city of Maute men in two to three days. Padilla said “tactical considerations on the ground” affect the timeline.
“So right now, we are not giving any timeline because of the developments,” he said.
Padilla said of the 61 slain Maute members, only 42 bodies were recovered. The 19 other deaths were confirmed by eyewitness accounts, he said.
On the government side, he said 11 of the 15 fatalities were soldiers. One of the four slain policemen was beheaded by the Maute, he also said. Thirty-nine soldiers and policemen were wounded.
Padilla reported that eight civilians -- three women, a child and four males -- were found dead along a roadway about 300 meters away from the Mindanao State University on Saturday. He said eight more male cadavers were retrieved yesterday near a bridge.
“This development validates a series of reports of atrocities committed by the militants earlier and brings to 19 total number of civilians killed by the terrorists. We are still validating other reports of atrocities,” he said.
Padilla said authorities earlier confirmed the death of an ambulance driver and two more civilians.
Previous reports said nine civilians were also slain by the Maute Group but the military has yet to validate this. “It’s possible that this is separate from the nine workers reportedly killed whose remains have yet to be recovered,” he said.
“If there are more, they will be added to the (casualty) figures but there is still no basis to add these because they are yet to be reported (by the PNP),” he said.
Bodies of what appeared to be executed civilians were found in a ravine outside the city.
The eight dead men, most of them shot in the head and some with hands tied behind their backs, were laborers who were stopped by the Maute men on the outskirts of Marawi City while trying to flee clashes, according to police.
Nine spent bullet casings were found on a blood-stained patch of road at the top of the ravine. Attached to one of the bodies was a sign that said “Munafik” (traitor).
Marawi police officer Jamail C Mangadang told Reuters the eight men found dead were carpenters who were part of an evacuation convoy stopped by rebels late on Saturday.
Recalling information provided by their manager, Mangadang said the victims were pulled off a truck because they were unable to cite verses of the Koran, the Islamic Holy text.
“We heard gunfire, although I’m not sure if it was the same people who were shot,” he said at the scene.
The violence erupted in the moments after a failed attempt by security forces to capture Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf bandit group who the government believes is Islamic State’s point-man in the Philippines.
The military is certain the Maute are protecting Hapilon and had narrowed down his location.
Islamic State’s Amaq news agency last week claimed responsibility for the Maute’s brazen siege. Unverified statements claiming to be from the extremists have appeared online, declaring the city of 200,000 people the “Islamic City of Marawi”.
Padilla belied reports that soldiers and policemen who are manning checkpoints in the city have no badges or identification.
“Checkpoints follow strict protocols and are strictly complied with. These reports if true, may be of unauthorized armed elements and should be discretely documented and reported. We have issued orders to our forces to ascertain these reports and deal with it,” said Padilla.
Some of those trapped in Marawi had called and text-messaged a hotline pleading with the military to stop the air strikes, according to Zia Alonto Adiong, a local politician coordinating complex efforts to evacuate civilians, dead and alive.
“Some have no food at all. Some fear for their lives,” he told Reuters.
“This is a conflict that has gone beyond proportion. The magnitude of the degree of the damage and the people that are affected ... it’s really massive.”
Deputy Speaker Miro Quimbo of Marikina said he would spearhead a fundraising campaign to help the victims of Marawi City crisis by asking his colleagues to donate money from their salaries.
Rep. Sherwin Tugna (PL, Cibac) backed the fund drive as well as Rep. Ben Evardone (PDP-Laban, Eastern Samar).
Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu of Batangas called on huge corporations to provide cash and food items to support the immediate relief efforts in conflict areas.
“The country’s biggest corporations can contribute hugely in extending assistance to the victims and the rebuilding efforts, hopefully the Marawi City crisis will be over very soon,” said Abu.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/marawi-conflict-air-strikes-continue-61-maute-men-killed
SIXTY-ONE members of the Maute Group have been killed since Tuesday last week when clashes with government forces erupted in Marawi City.
Aerial fire continued yesterday to dislodge the armed group from the city.
Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the firefights have also resulted in the death of 15 soldiers and policemen and 19 civilians, with 16 bodies retrieved on Saturday and yesterday.
Attack helicopters continued to deliver machine gun fire and rockets toward positions of the Maute members who, Padilla said, are “still held up within the pockets of the city.”
“Precision air strikes and artillery fire will likewise continue at specific targets to hasten the clearing,” he said. The military began aerial attack of enemy positions last Thursday.
Plumes of smoke were seen on the horizon and helicopters fired at least eight rockets on rebel positions. A surveillance drone circled the sky above Marawi City.
Some civilians left on foot, others were seen tying white cloths to poles to distinguish themselves from militants as soldiers huddled behind armored vehicles slowly advanced. An ambulance was seen speeding away from the fighting and soldiers said a captured militant
was inside.
Tens of thousands of people have fled Marawi since Tuesday, when militants went on the rampage seizing a school, a hospital, and a cathedral.
Christians were taken hostage, according to church leaders, and more than 100 inmates, among them militants, were freed when rebels took over two jails.
Padilla said 124 trapped civilian residents have been rescued by government forces since the start of the operations. He implied more residents are trapped as he said the “priority of ongoing military action is likewise aimed at aiding residents who are still trapped in the city’s interiors.”
Padilla appealed to civilians for cooperation.
“Our forces are working overtime to hasten the restoration of the rule of law and Marawi’s return to normalcy. We can only do this if we have the full cooperation of our citizens in these affected areas,” he said.
Asked if government forces are close to clearing Marawi City of Maute men, Padilla said, “We’re leaning forward to do that. But if there are changes on the ground, complications that will crop up, that will not be hastened.”
On Wednesday last week, the military said it is eyeing to clear the city of Maute men in two to three days. Padilla said “tactical considerations on the ground” affect the timeline.
“So right now, we are not giving any timeline because of the developments,” he said.
FATALITIES
Padilla said of the 61 slain Maute members, only 42 bodies were recovered. The 19 other deaths were confirmed by eyewitness accounts, he said.
On the government side, he said 11 of the 15 fatalities were soldiers. One of the four slain policemen was beheaded by the Maute, he also said. Thirty-nine soldiers and policemen were wounded.
Padilla reported that eight civilians -- three women, a child and four males -- were found dead along a roadway about 300 meters away from the Mindanao State University on Saturday. He said eight more male cadavers were retrieved yesterday near a bridge.
“This development validates a series of reports of atrocities committed by the militants earlier and brings to 19 total number of civilians killed by the terrorists. We are still validating other reports of atrocities,” he said.
Padilla said authorities earlier confirmed the death of an ambulance driver and two more civilians.
Previous reports said nine civilians were also slain by the Maute Group but the military has yet to validate this. “It’s possible that this is separate from the nine workers reportedly killed whose remains have yet to be recovered,” he said.
“If there are more, they will be added to the (casualty) figures but there is still no basis to add these because they are yet to be reported (by the PNP),” he said.
`TRAITOR’
Bodies of what appeared to be executed civilians were found in a ravine outside the city.
The eight dead men, most of them shot in the head and some with hands tied behind their backs, were laborers who were stopped by the Maute men on the outskirts of Marawi City while trying to flee clashes, according to police.
Nine spent bullet casings were found on a blood-stained patch of road at the top of the ravine. Attached to one of the bodies was a sign that said “Munafik” (traitor).
Marawi police officer Jamail C Mangadang told Reuters the eight men found dead were carpenters who were part of an evacuation convoy stopped by rebels late on Saturday.
Recalling information provided by their manager, Mangadang said the victims were pulled off a truck because they were unable to cite verses of the Koran, the Islamic Holy text.
“We heard gunfire, although I’m not sure if it was the same people who were shot,” he said at the scene.
The violence erupted in the moments after a failed attempt by security forces to capture Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf bandit group who the government believes is Islamic State’s point-man in the Philippines.
The military is certain the Maute are protecting Hapilon and had narrowed down his location.
Islamic State’s Amaq news agency last week claimed responsibility for the Maute’s brazen siege. Unverified statements claiming to be from the extremists have appeared online, declaring the city of 200,000 people the “Islamic City of Marawi”.
Padilla belied reports that soldiers and policemen who are manning checkpoints in the city have no badges or identification.
“Checkpoints follow strict protocols and are strictly complied with. These reports if true, may be of unauthorized armed elements and should be discretely documented and reported. We have issued orders to our forces to ascertain these reports and deal with it,” said Padilla.
Some of those trapped in Marawi had called and text-messaged a hotline pleading with the military to stop the air strikes, according to Zia Alonto Adiong, a local politician coordinating complex efforts to evacuate civilians, dead and alive.
“Some have no food at all. Some fear for their lives,” he told Reuters.
“This is a conflict that has gone beyond proportion. The magnitude of the degree of the damage and the people that are affected ... it’s really massive.”
PASS THE HAT
Deputy Speaker Miro Quimbo of Marikina said he would spearhead a fundraising campaign to help the victims of Marawi City crisis by asking his colleagues to donate money from their salaries.
Rep. Sherwin Tugna (PL, Cibac) backed the fund drive as well as Rep. Ben Evardone (PDP-Laban, Eastern Samar).
Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu of Batangas called on huge corporations to provide cash and food items to support the immediate relief efforts in conflict areas.
“The country’s biggest corporations can contribute hugely in extending assistance to the victims and the rebuilding efforts, hopefully the Marawi City crisis will be over very soon,” said Abu.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/marawi-conflict-air-strikes-continue-61-maute-men-killed
Marine Scout Sniper Rifles deployed to be used in Marawi
From Update Philippines (May 27): Marine Scout Sniper Rifles deployed to be used in Marawi
Government Arsenal photo
Government Arsenal, an agency under the Department of National Defense (DND), has turned over on May 26 10 units of 4rth Generation 5.56mm Marine Scout Sniper Rifle (MSSR) with thousands of rounds of its 69 grain match ammunition, the Government Arsenal (GA) said.
Moreover, one unit of Machine Gun 7.62mm was also turned over to Philippine Marine Corps at the Small Arms Repair and Upgrade Unit of GA.
“All items will be for immediate deployment to Marawi City for the utilization of the government troops who are currently fighting the terrorist group,” GA said.
Government Arsenal is a civilian line bureau of DND located at Camp General Antonio Luna, Limay, Bataan.
It is tasked to produce basic weapons, ammunition and other munitions for the use of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, and for the sale and export of products in excess of AFP/PNP requirements.
Government Arsenal photo
https://www.update.ph/2017/05/marine-scout-sniper-rifles-deployed-to-be-used-in-marawi/17775
Government Arsenal photo
Government Arsenal, an agency under the Department of National Defense (DND), has turned over on May 26 10 units of 4rth Generation 5.56mm Marine Scout Sniper Rifle (MSSR) with thousands of rounds of its 69 grain match ammunition, the Government Arsenal (GA) said.
Moreover, one unit of Machine Gun 7.62mm was also turned over to Philippine Marine Corps at the Small Arms Repair and Upgrade Unit of GA.
“All items will be for immediate deployment to Marawi City for the utilization of the government troops who are currently fighting the terrorist group,” GA said.
Government Arsenal is a civilian line bureau of DND located at Camp General Antonio Luna, Limay, Bataan.
It is tasked to produce basic weapons, ammunition and other munitions for the use of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, and for the sale and export of products in excess of AFP/PNP requirements.
Government Arsenal photo
https://www.update.ph/2017/05/marine-scout-sniper-rifles-deployed-to-be-used-in-marawi/17775
AFP CentCom anticipating spillover of Maute terrorists
From the Visayan Daily Star (May 27): AFP CentCom anticipating spillover of Maute terrorists
While President Rodrigo Duterte has declared martial law only in Mindanao, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the Central Command in the Visayas, is gearing up in case it will be expanded to other areas in the country.
Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, deputy commander of the Central Command, yesterday made the announcement as he called on Governor Roel Degamo at the Capitol and told him he was in Negros Oriental to visit the troops in the province, specifically the 79th Infantry Battalion and the 2nd Negros Island Geographical Battalion.
There is a possibility that martial law will be extended in the Visayas, based on the pronouncements made by President Duterte following his arrival from Russia.
Arrojado said there is still no Implementing Rules and Regulations of the martial law declared by the President, but nevertheless, he has started talking to troops in the province on “what to expect”.
He said the Central Command is anticipating a spillover of Muslim extremist groups from Mindanao, saying terrorists of the Maute Group, who engaged government security forces in Marawi, might seek shelter in the Visayas or bring their wounded here for treatment.
The possibility is remote, but the threat remains that is why Arrojado said he is meeting with the governor and the troops here to sustain efforts to ensure that Negros Oriental will not be the next target of these Muslim extremists.
“So far, they are on the run and negotiating to have a ceasefire because some of their members have been held captive. But, I don't think the government would give in”, he added.
On apprehensions raised by many regarding possible abuses in relation to the martial law declaration, Arrojado assured that the troops are constantly reminded to observe human rights at the highest level.
“We know for a fact that the intent of the commander-in-chief, the President, is to defeat the terrorists and contain or stop the drug abuse and criminality, so that is why the (declaration of) the martial law”, he stressed.
As deputy commander, it is part of his job to visit the units, give lectures on human rights, about gender sensivity, violence against women and the like, so troops would adhere to existing laws, he added.
Arrojado stressed that unlike the martial law days of former strongman Ferdinand Marcos, there are a lot of safeguards in the present dispensation, saying the Ombudsman and Commission on Human Rights are there as well as active social media to monitor the implementation of today's martial rule.
Soldiers now are well-trained and a lot different from back then, plus there are internal controls to ensure that no human rights violations are committed,he added.
Degamo assured Arrojado that he is all-out in supporting the President's decision to declare Martial Law in Mindanao and even in the Visayas, if necessary, to protect and defend the interest of the Filipino people.
The governor reiterated his marching orders to sustain the gains of Task Force Leon Kilat and Task Force Deter to make sure the boundaries are sealed from terrorist groups coming from Mindanao.
Task Force Deter commander, Navy Capt. Jorge Ibarra, said that immediately upon the guidance of the President, patrols are conducted to prevent a naval vacuum especially in the northern part of Mindanao.
Navy patrols are becoming frequent between the southern part of Negros and Dapitan and Dipolog, as well as in the seawaters between Siquijor and Bohol, and then Bohol down to the northern Mindanao area.
However, even if the navy patrols are refocused, Ibarra assured the province that it is stretching its security down to the level of the fisherfolk in coastal areas, to help them in information gathering.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/May/27/negor1.htm
While President Rodrigo Duterte has declared martial law only in Mindanao, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the Central Command in the Visayas, is gearing up in case it will be expanded to other areas in the country.
Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, deputy commander of the Central Command, yesterday made the announcement as he called on Governor Roel Degamo at the Capitol and told him he was in Negros Oriental to visit the troops in the province, specifically the 79th Infantry Battalion and the 2nd Negros Island Geographical Battalion.
There is a possibility that martial law will be extended in the Visayas, based on the pronouncements made by President Duterte following his arrival from Russia.
Arrojado said there is still no Implementing Rules and Regulations of the martial law declared by the President, but nevertheless, he has started talking to troops in the province on “what to expect”.
He said the Central Command is anticipating a spillover of Muslim extremist groups from Mindanao, saying terrorists of the Maute Group, who engaged government security forces in Marawi, might seek shelter in the Visayas or bring their wounded here for treatment.
The possibility is remote, but the threat remains that is why Arrojado said he is meeting with the governor and the troops here to sustain efforts to ensure that Negros Oriental will not be the next target of these Muslim extremists.
“So far, they are on the run and negotiating to have a ceasefire because some of their members have been held captive. But, I don't think the government would give in”, he added.
On apprehensions raised by many regarding possible abuses in relation to the martial law declaration, Arrojado assured that the troops are constantly reminded to observe human rights at the highest level.
“We know for a fact that the intent of the commander-in-chief, the President, is to defeat the terrorists and contain or stop the drug abuse and criminality, so that is why the (declaration of) the martial law”, he stressed.
As deputy commander, it is part of his job to visit the units, give lectures on human rights, about gender sensivity, violence against women and the like, so troops would adhere to existing laws, he added.
Arrojado stressed that unlike the martial law days of former strongman Ferdinand Marcos, there are a lot of safeguards in the present dispensation, saying the Ombudsman and Commission on Human Rights are there as well as active social media to monitor the implementation of today's martial rule.
Soldiers now are well-trained and a lot different from back then, plus there are internal controls to ensure that no human rights violations are committed,he added.
Degamo assured Arrojado that he is all-out in supporting the President's decision to declare Martial Law in Mindanao and even in the Visayas, if necessary, to protect and defend the interest of the Filipino people.
The governor reiterated his marching orders to sustain the gains of Task Force Leon Kilat and Task Force Deter to make sure the boundaries are sealed from terrorist groups coming from Mindanao.
Task Force Deter commander, Navy Capt. Jorge Ibarra, said that immediately upon the guidance of the President, patrols are conducted to prevent a naval vacuum especially in the northern part of Mindanao.
Navy patrols are becoming frequent between the southern part of Negros and Dapitan and Dipolog, as well as in the seawaters between Siquijor and Bohol, and then Bohol down to the northern Mindanao area.
However, even if the navy patrols are refocused, Ibarra assured the province that it is stretching its security down to the level of the fisherfolk in coastal areas, to help them in information gathering.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/May/27/negor1.htm
Govt troops find 8 bodies, all women, near MSU Marawi campus
From InterAksyon (May 28): Govt troops find 8 bodies, all women, near MSU Marawi campus
Two soldiers aim their rifles toward a suspected enemy position. (Fil photo by Erwin Mascarinas, InterAksyon)
Government forces on a twin mission to flush out Maute Group terrorists from Marawi and saving residents still trapped in the besieged city stumbled Saturday on a grim find: the bodies of eight civilians, all women and including a child.
The dead, found just 300 meters outside the Mindanao State University (MSU) Marawi campus, were apparently “mercilessly killed by Maute-Daesh,” said the Armed Forces spokesman, Gen. Restituto Padilla. The government had said the Maute Group was bent on getting full recognition from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS, also known as “Daesh”) by setting up a stronghold.
Precisely to prevent this symbolic takeover, the Marawi LGU had made sure not to abandon the key government offices in the city, despite the state of siege, Padilla said.
According to Padilla, the discovery of the bodies of the eight women was apparently different from earlier reports that nine civilians had been killed. Those nine people, whom Padilla described as workers, have not yet been found until press time.
Also on Saturday, Padilla said the government troops rescued 100 civilians stranded in the city, having been trapped when violence broke out Tuesday afternoon (May 24). Sixteen others were also rescued earlier, on Thursday. Authorities earlier estimated that 90 percent of the city’s 200,000 residents have already evacuated to Iligan City and nearby areas.
Padilla said the troops continued the difficult task of flushing out the Maute members house by house, street by street, and restore order in the city.
This, as surgical air strikes are still being resorted to as well, to add to the pressure on the militants.
http://www.interaksyon.com/govt-troops-find-8-bodies-all-women-near-msu-marawi-campus/
Two soldiers aim their rifles toward a suspected enemy position. (Fil photo by Erwin Mascarinas, InterAksyon)
Government forces on a twin mission to flush out Maute Group terrorists from Marawi and saving residents still trapped in the besieged city stumbled Saturday on a grim find: the bodies of eight civilians, all women and including a child.
The dead, found just 300 meters outside the Mindanao State University (MSU) Marawi campus, were apparently “mercilessly killed by Maute-Daesh,” said the Armed Forces spokesman, Gen. Restituto Padilla. The government had said the Maute Group was bent on getting full recognition from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS, also known as “Daesh”) by setting up a stronghold.
Precisely to prevent this symbolic takeover, the Marawi LGU had made sure not to abandon the key government offices in the city, despite the state of siege, Padilla said.
According to Padilla, the discovery of the bodies of the eight women was apparently different from earlier reports that nine civilians had been killed. Those nine people, whom Padilla described as workers, have not yet been found until press time.
Also on Saturday, Padilla said the government troops rescued 100 civilians stranded in the city, having been trapped when violence broke out Tuesday afternoon (May 24). Sixteen others were also rescued earlier, on Thursday. Authorities earlier estimated that 90 percent of the city’s 200,000 residents have already evacuated to Iligan City and nearby areas.
Padilla said the troops continued the difficult task of flushing out the Maute members house by house, street by street, and restore order in the city.
This, as surgical air strikes are still being resorted to as well, to add to the pressure on the militants.
http://www.interaksyon.com/govt-troops-find-8-bodies-all-women-near-msu-marawi-campus/
AFP vice chief urges PMA cadets to continue protecting the country
From the Philippine News Agency (May 29): AFP vice chief urges PMA cadets to continue protecting the country
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Salvador Melchor Mison on Sunday reminded cadets of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to always protect the country and the Filipinos during the incorporation of 286 fourth class cadets in the Cadet Corps of the AFP (CCAFP).
Mison, who was guest of honor and speaker during the event, said the oath of the soldiers including the cadets of the country’s premier military academy remains the same. “Remain true to your oath because your mission remains the same.
He also told the fourth classmen to maintain a good relationship with each other. “To the upper classmen, you may be upper class now but who knows, your underclass might become your superior. “What is important is that you maintain a healthy relationship with each other,” Mison said.
The police said the country faces challenges which is varying but the mission remain the same.
Meanwhile, PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen Donato San Juan II told the parents of the cadets to support their children and ward. “The strong partnership to raise the future leaders of this country is what we need. Your faith in us, encouragement to our cadets and fervent prayers is very much needed he said.
The incorporation of the cadets is a stage in the life of PMAers where they are conferred completion of the rigid training stage from the first day during the reception in April 1 during their formal entry in the academy. Prior to incorporation, the plebe goes through the adaptation process on the cadet and military life.
Members of Class 2021 were received in the academy last April 1, 2017 with 301 aspiring cadets who joined the seven-week summer camp. There were 261 males and 40 females who arrived during the reception. From the group, 15 cadets have left the academy due to different reasons.
of the number, a total of 246 male and 40 female cadets belonging to the class were incorporated in the Cadet Corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991654
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Salvador Melchor Mison on Sunday reminded cadets of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to always protect the country and the Filipinos during the incorporation of 286 fourth class cadets in the Cadet Corps of the AFP (CCAFP).
Mison, who was guest of honor and speaker during the event, said the oath of the soldiers including the cadets of the country’s premier military academy remains the same. “Remain true to your oath because your mission remains the same.
He also told the fourth classmen to maintain a good relationship with each other. “To the upper classmen, you may be upper class now but who knows, your underclass might become your superior. “What is important is that you maintain a healthy relationship with each other,” Mison said.
The police said the country faces challenges which is varying but the mission remain the same.
Meanwhile, PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen Donato San Juan II told the parents of the cadets to support their children and ward. “The strong partnership to raise the future leaders of this country is what we need. Your faith in us, encouragement to our cadets and fervent prayers is very much needed he said.
The incorporation of the cadets is a stage in the life of PMAers where they are conferred completion of the rigid training stage from the first day during the reception in April 1 during their formal entry in the academy. Prior to incorporation, the plebe goes through the adaptation process on the cadet and military life.
Members of Class 2021 were received in the academy last April 1, 2017 with 301 aspiring cadets who joined the seven-week summer camp. There were 261 males and 40 females who arrived during the reception. From the group, 15 cadets have left the academy due to different reasons.
of the number, a total of 246 male and 40 female cadets belonging to the class were incorporated in the Cadet Corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991654
BIFF bandits injure 1 civilian while harassing Maguindanao police
From the Philippine News Agency (May 29): BIFF bandits injure 1 civilian while harassing Maguindanao police
The outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) injured one civilian in an attempt to overrun the Maguindanao police provincial office here on Sunday.
Senior Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police provincial director, said the BIFF who positioned in the forested area of Shariff Aguak fired four shoulder-fired rifle grenades toward Camp Datu Aklan, the police headquarters, beginning 6:00 p.m. Saturday and the whole of Sunday until evening.
"No police casualties were reported but a civilian was hit by shrapnel," Tello told reporters. One of the rifle grenades overshot and landed in residential areas near the police office.
The 70-year-old Bualan Munib was rushed to Maguindanao provincial hospital located 500 meters away and is now out of danger.
Tello said the last rifle grenade fired by BIFF landed at the back of the provincial office, about 200 meters away.
Following the incident, the police put up perimeter security detachment around the provincial police office in anticipation of more harassment.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991698
The outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) injured one civilian in an attempt to overrun the Maguindanao police provincial office here on Sunday.
Senior Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police provincial director, said the BIFF who positioned in the forested area of Shariff Aguak fired four shoulder-fired rifle grenades toward Camp Datu Aklan, the police headquarters, beginning 6:00 p.m. Saturday and the whole of Sunday until evening.
"No police casualties were reported but a civilian was hit by shrapnel," Tello told reporters. One of the rifle grenades overshot and landed in residential areas near the police office.
The 70-year-old Bualan Munib was rushed to Maguindanao provincial hospital located 500 meters away and is now out of danger.
Tello said the last rifle grenade fired by BIFF landed at the back of the provincial office, about 200 meters away.
Following the incident, the police put up perimeter security detachment around the provincial police office in anticipation of more harassment.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991698
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)