From Rappler (Jun 21): COA: Delivery of P3-billion worth of PNP firearms, ammo delayed
State auditors say there are firearms and equipment that have not yet been delivered for 3 or more years
Nearly P3-billion worth of firearms, ammunition, and equipment have not yet been delivered by the Procurement Service (PS) to the Philippine National Police (PNP), state auditors said.
In its report released last June 15, the Commission on Audit (COA) said that between 2013 to 2015, the PNP had paid for some P2.998-billion worth of equipment that have yet to be delivered by the PS, an agency under the budget department.
COA said that around P2.103-billion worth of undelivered items were overdue for two years, including the purchase of motorcycles and patrol years. There were also P893.897 million worth of items that were overdue for 3 or more years, and P1.278 million worth of items that have not yet been delivered for over a year.
These items include the following procurements:
2,680 units motorcycle 125cc et al - P1.04 billion
various equipment (887 units motorcycle 125cc et al) balance - P899.631 million
assorted various equipment balance - P342.838 million
1,021 units Patrol Jeep balance - P130.832 million
12,368 units Cal. 9mm balance - P107.843 million
procurement of various equipment balance - P98.913 million
26,667 rounds of 7.62MM ammo - P11.895 million
240,753 rounds of 9mm - P13.498 million
230,000 rounds of 5.56 M855 ammo - P5.074 million
297 units Ca. 5.56 assault rifles - P43.21 million
318 units patrol jeeps - P43.93 million
48 units handheld dual band communications - P32.005 million
“Analysis of reports monitoring the liquidation/deliveries of APRs (agency procurement requests) showed that only 7.38% (worth P241.784 million) of prior years’ and 0.07% (worth P3.262 million) of CY 2016 purchases/requisitions were delivered during the year,” auditors said.
COA also suggested that the PNP stop transferring funds to the PS, noting that it had transferred P4.112 billion worth of funds last year despite the slow delivery of equipment.
“Almost all of the funds transferred are intended for the procurement of equipment under the Capability Enhancement Program of the Philippine National Police. The additional fund transfer has further increased the outstanding balance by 117.97% or P7,142,087,984.62,” COA said.
Included among the PNP's 2016 purchase requests were various firearms and ammunition, patrol jeeps, and digital handheld radio units.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/173523-coa-delivery-equipment-delay-pnp
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
BIFF attacks North Cotabato village, holds 5 civilians hostage
From Rappler (Jun 21): BIFF attacks North Cotabato village, holds 5 civilians hostage
(3RD UPDATE) Members of the BIFF are holding civilian hostages used as human shields as they fled government forces
(3rd UPDATE) – Clashes between troops and members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in North Cotabato's Pigcawayan town were reported Wednesday morning, June 21.
The BIFF was said to be holding hostage "at least 5 civilians."
An initial police report said that the hostages were students of Malagakit Elementary School, but the military later clarified that none of the hostages were students.
The police said the firefight erupted after 300 "fully armed" BIFF fighters launched early morning attacks on a Barangay People's Augmentation Team (BPAT) outpost in Barangay Malagakit and a CAFGU detachment in Barangay Simsiman.
Pigcawayan Mayor Eliseo Garsesa placed the number of gunmen at around 200.
The police said the gunmen were reportedly led by commanders identified as Abunawas Damiog, Abu Zaiden, and Abu Sala.
The police said Pigcawayan police helped the local government evacuate affected civilians. They had also set up checkpoints, secured the municipal building, and coordinated with barangay officials and the military on the incident.
Around 513 people were evacuated from Barangay Malagakit to the poblacion, and also from Banucagon and Panatan, the police said.
The attack happened as the military accused the BIFF of planning to reinforce the terrorists fighting troops government in Marawi City. (READ: 62 soldiers, cops killed in 4-week Marawi crisis)
Sources said, however, that a BIFF faction responsible for Wednesday's attack had no links to ISIS. The BIFF supposedly suffered a split after the death of founder Ameril Umra Kato in 2015.
Enemy retreat
Military spokesman Brigadier General Restituto Padilla said in a Palace news briefing late Wednesday morning that the incident had been "resolved."
"Umatras na po ang kalaban (The enemy has retreated)....It's already resolved," Padilla said in response to questions about the incident.
He said the area has been secured, and troops were on "pursuit mode" against the BIFF.
Padilla confirmed that the BIFF members had taken hostages which they used as "human shields" as they fled pursuing government troops, but he had yet to receive information on whether they had been released at the time of the news conference, which was before noontime Wednesday.
"In the withdrawal phase of the armed group, they used some civilians as human shields....We are just ascertaining if they have released at least 5 civilians they have held [hostage]," Padilla said.
In an interview on Brigada News FM, BIFF spokesman Abu Misry Mama confirmed their men launched the attack on Pigcawayan but denied that they held the "teachers and students" hostage. He claimed that the BIFF members just "secured" them to "protect them" following the clash.
'Opportunistic' attack
Padilla described the BIFF attack as an "opportunistic activity" rather than a diversionary tactic. He also noted that since the incident happened between 5 am and 6 am, less people were affected.
"They are taking advantage of the situation. [They think] that we have a very lightly defended outpost and they think our forces are elsewhere in the province. Our forces are spread all over. We have been facing many fronts pero maayos na na-assign lahat ng puwersa na harapin ang mga banta (but all the forces have been properly assigned to respond to any threat)," Padilla said.
When asked, he said the attack could not be called a "spillover" of the Marawi clashes, since the BIFF came from elsewhere.
Chief Inspector Realan Mamon did not dismiss the possibility that the attack was meant to veer the military's attention from the Marawi siege. Mamon said in a radio interview that the attack could be a diversionary tactic to ease pressure on local terrorists in Marawi, which is 160 kilometers from the North Cotabato town.
The BIFF is a breakaway group of the dominant Muslim rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which is talking peace with the Philippine government. (READ: 4 PH terror groups link up with pro-ISIS fighters in region)
The BIFF broke away from the MILF as it differed with the latter in its demands from the government.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/173542-biff-attack-pigcawayan-north-cotabato
(3RD UPDATE) Members of the BIFF are holding civilian hostages used as human shields as they fled government forces
(3rd UPDATE) – Clashes between troops and members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in North Cotabato's Pigcawayan town were reported Wednesday morning, June 21.
The BIFF was said to be holding hostage "at least 5 civilians."
An initial police report said that the hostages were students of Malagakit Elementary School, but the military later clarified that none of the hostages were students.
The police said the firefight erupted after 300 "fully armed" BIFF fighters launched early morning attacks on a Barangay People's Augmentation Team (BPAT) outpost in Barangay Malagakit and a CAFGU detachment in Barangay Simsiman.
Pigcawayan Mayor Eliseo Garsesa placed the number of gunmen at around 200.
The police said the gunmen were reportedly led by commanders identified as Abunawas Damiog, Abu Zaiden, and Abu Sala.
The police said Pigcawayan police helped the local government evacuate affected civilians. They had also set up checkpoints, secured the municipal building, and coordinated with barangay officials and the military on the incident.
Around 513 people were evacuated from Barangay Malagakit to the poblacion, and also from Banucagon and Panatan, the police said.
The attack happened as the military accused the BIFF of planning to reinforce the terrorists fighting troops government in Marawi City. (READ: 62 soldiers, cops killed in 4-week Marawi crisis)
Sources said, however, that a BIFF faction responsible for Wednesday's attack had no links to ISIS. The BIFF supposedly suffered a split after the death of founder Ameril Umra Kato in 2015.
Enemy retreat
Military spokesman Brigadier General Restituto Padilla said in a Palace news briefing late Wednesday morning that the incident had been "resolved."
"Umatras na po ang kalaban (The enemy has retreated)....It's already resolved," Padilla said in response to questions about the incident.
He said the area has been secured, and troops were on "pursuit mode" against the BIFF.
Padilla confirmed that the BIFF members had taken hostages which they used as "human shields" as they fled pursuing government troops, but he had yet to receive information on whether they had been released at the time of the news conference, which was before noontime Wednesday.
"In the withdrawal phase of the armed group, they used some civilians as human shields....We are just ascertaining if they have released at least 5 civilians they have held [hostage]," Padilla said.
In an interview on Brigada News FM, BIFF spokesman Abu Misry Mama confirmed their men launched the attack on Pigcawayan but denied that they held the "teachers and students" hostage. He claimed that the BIFF members just "secured" them to "protect them" following the clash.
'Opportunistic' attack
Padilla described the BIFF attack as an "opportunistic activity" rather than a diversionary tactic. He also noted that since the incident happened between 5 am and 6 am, less people were affected.
"They are taking advantage of the situation. [They think] that we have a very lightly defended outpost and they think our forces are elsewhere in the province. Our forces are spread all over. We have been facing many fronts pero maayos na na-assign lahat ng puwersa na harapin ang mga banta (but all the forces have been properly assigned to respond to any threat)," Padilla said.
When asked, he said the attack could not be called a "spillover" of the Marawi clashes, since the BIFF came from elsewhere.
Chief Inspector Realan Mamon did not dismiss the possibility that the attack was meant to veer the military's attention from the Marawi siege. Mamon said in a radio interview that the attack could be a diversionary tactic to ease pressure on local terrorists in Marawi, which is 160 kilometers from the North Cotabato town.
The BIFF is a breakaway group of the dominant Muslim rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which is talking peace with the Philippine government. (READ: 4 PH terror groups link up with pro-ISIS fighters in region)
The BIFF broke away from the MILF as it differed with the latter in its demands from the government.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/173542-biff-attack-pigcawayan-north-cotabato
AFP downplayed ISIS threat as part of psychological ops – Año
From Rappler (Jun 21): AFP downplayed ISIS threat as part of psychological ops – Año
AFP chief General Eduardo Año cites an order to the military to downplay 'news or information' on ISIS 'so as not to give them recognition and fan the flames of rebellion'
AFP chief General Eduardo Año cites an order to the military to downplay 'news or information' on ISIS 'so as not to give them recognition and fan the flames of rebellion'
PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE. AFP Chief General Eduardo Año is a veteran intelligence officer who scored big arrests of communist leaders. Photo from Malacañang
As part of its psychological operations in its war on terror, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was ordered to downplay the presence of global terror group ISIS in the Philippines, according to its chief.
AFP Chief General Eduardo Año admitted this is his affidavit quoted by Solicitor General Jose Calida in a memorandum submitted to the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday, June 19.
"That despite the actual threat of ISIS in the Philippines, there had been a directive to all AFP spokesperson and personnel to downplay any news or information pertaining to this collective group. This is so as not to give them recognition and fan the flames of rebellion," Año said in his affidavit quoted by Calida.
The AFP chief was referring to the repeated statements of AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Marine Colonel Edgard Arevalo on May 24 that the military was in "full control of the situation" of the siege in Marawi City.
In the same statement, Arevalo also said "the armed men we are dealing with are not ISIS but members of a local terrorist group."
After May 24, the military would admit the ISIS links of the Maute terror group which would become the main defense of the government for the sufficient factual basis of President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
Año also said in his affidavit that the statements downplaying ISIS' presence in the country "were made to encourage foreign investments and maintain confidence in the Philippine economy."
According to Calida, this is part of the military's psychological operations in its war against terrorists "to mislead, intimidate, demoralize, or otherwise influence the thinking or behavior of an opponent."
"What Petitioners failed to consider is that while the conflict is real, these statements were made as part of the AFP’s psychological operations," Calida said.
"What Petitioners failed to consider is that while the conflict is real, these statements were made as part of the AFP’s psychological operations," Calida said.
Therefore, Calida said, Arevalo's statements quoted by news reports and used by petitioners against the government are not valid because they were just part of the so-called psywar.
"The unreliability of these news reports to establish facts in a judicial proceeding becomes even more evident in the face of psychological warfare,” Calida said.
During the oral arguments on petitions against martial law in Mindanao, Solicitor General had revealed that the military had prior knowledge of a plot to establish an ISIS caliphate in Mindanao, and even the plot to attack Marawi City.
Calida also claimed there were 20 ISIS cell groups operating in Mindanao, though Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told Rappler these groups have been reduced to an insignificant number and not a cause for panic.
Rommel Banlaoi, chairman of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, had also said that Calida's list of ISIS cell groups may be inaccurate because it includes double entries and the Balik-Islam Group, which is dominated by Muslim converts who "very peaceful, very democratic, and very tolerant."
Joint AFP-PNP council tackle Marawi security, Martial Law
From the Mindanao Times (Jun 21): Joint AFP-PNP council tackle Marawi security, Martial Law
TOP MILITARY and police officials the current peace and order situation and Martial Law implementation during the Mindanao-wide AFP-PNP Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council meeting in Cagayan de Oro City.
Gen. Eduardo Ano, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), told TIMES yesterday that they discussed updates on the ongoing Marawi crisis.
Ano said they also agreed on signing of additional operational guidelines for the AFP and PNP on the implementation of Martial Law.
“The implementation already include the roles of each unit in the arrest or search of target personalities,” he added.
Ano and PNP Director General Ronald Dela Rosa, the the national co-chairs of the council, gave their respective messages during the meeting.
Gen. Eduardo Ano, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), told TIMES yesterday that they discussed updates on the ongoing Marawi crisis.
Ano said they also agreed on signing of additional operational guidelines for the AFP and PNP on the implementation of Martial Law.
“The implementation already include the roles of each unit in the arrest or search of target personalities,” he added.
Ano and PNP Director General Ronald Dela Rosa, the the national co-chairs of the council, gave their respective messages during the meeting.
Present also during the meeting were Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom); Brig. Gen. Ramiro Manuel Rey, commander of Joint Task Force Ranao; Brig. Gen. Isidro Purisima, chief of operations of AFP.
They presented the proposed operational guidelines for the Martial Law implementation in Mindanao, the concept plan for the post-conflict and rehab phase for Marawi city, and the Daesh link to local terrorist groups.
Aside from using and peddling illegal drugs—with the recovery of 11 kilos of shabu in the Maute stronghold in Marawi City–the Maute and ASG terrorists are also using Mosques as sniper positions, logistics hub, and safe havens for the command and control of their core group.
Brig. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, commander of 1st Infantry Division, slammed the terrorists for their continued use of mosques as battle positions and the use of drugs.
They presented the proposed operational guidelines for the Martial Law implementation in Mindanao, the concept plan for the post-conflict and rehab phase for Marawi city, and the Daesh link to local terrorist groups.
Aside from using and peddling illegal drugs—with the recovery of 11 kilos of shabu in the Maute stronghold in Marawi City–the Maute and ASG terrorists are also using Mosques as sniper positions, logistics hub, and safe havens for the command and control of their core group.
Brig. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, commander of 1st Infantry Division, slammed the terrorists for their continued use of mosques as battle positions and the use of drugs.
“We condemn the acts of the Maute/ASG in using Mosques as battle positions as we deplore their use of illegal drugs that is equally evil as both are Un-Islamic,” said Bautista.
BIFF attacks NorthCot town; DepEd orders suspension of classes
From MindaNews (Jun 21): BIFF attacks NorthCot town; DepEd orders suspension of classes
Suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked an Army outpost in a village in the municipality of Pigcawayan, North Cotabato early morning Wednesday, police said.
Chief Insp. Realan Mamon, municipal police station chief, said the armed group traveled from the marsh in nearby Kabuntalan and Northern Kabuntalan towns in Maguindanao and went to Barangay Malagakit in Pigcawayan where they attacked an outpost of the 34th Infantry Battalion.
The attackers, according to the 34IB, were led by a certain Commander Aguila of the BIFF.
The exchange of fires led a number of families in Barangay Malagakit to flee, according to Mamon.
The 34IB, along with staff from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management of the Pigcawayan LGU, reportedly led the rescue of these families and brought them to the town’s poblacion, particularly at the multi-purpose building, as their temporary shelter.
Others are housed at Barangay South Manuangan, also in Pigcawayan, and at Barangay Panatan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.
None was believed wounded or killed on the government side, Mamon said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) in Region 12 said that the armed clashes caused the disruption of classes in Pigcawayan and neighboring Midsayap town.
In a text message, DepEd 12 spokesperson Antonio Maganto said classes were suspended in two elementary schools in Barangay Rapacon and Malingao in Midsayap, North Cotabato. These villages are adjacent to Barangay Malagakit.
He said DepEd 12 also ordered suspension of classes at all levels in Pigcawayan’s west district due to the ongoing clashes between government forces and the BIFF.
Maganto also reported that a school in Barangay Simsiman, also in Pigcawayan, was ransacked by the armed men.
He said they based their report on a statement issued by the security guard assigned at Simsiman High School that said the attack happened around 4 a.m. on Wednesday. The still unidentified guard, according to him, managed to escape and sought refuge at the nearest military detachment at Barangay Malagakit.
The reports from DepEd 12, however, have yet to be verified, according to Mamon.
“So far, based on our monitoring, no school in our area of responsibility had been attacked by the BIFF members,” he said in an interview over DXND.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/06/biff-attacks-northcot-town-deped-orders-suspension-of-classes/
Suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked an Army outpost in a village in the municipality of Pigcawayan, North Cotabato early morning Wednesday, police said.
Chief Insp. Realan Mamon, municipal police station chief, said the armed group traveled from the marsh in nearby Kabuntalan and Northern Kabuntalan towns in Maguindanao and went to Barangay Malagakit in Pigcawayan where they attacked an outpost of the 34th Infantry Battalion.
The attackers, according to the 34IB, were led by a certain Commander Aguila of the BIFF.
The exchange of fires led a number of families in Barangay Malagakit to flee, according to Mamon.
The 34IB, along with staff from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management of the Pigcawayan LGU, reportedly led the rescue of these families and brought them to the town’s poblacion, particularly at the multi-purpose building, as their temporary shelter.
Others are housed at Barangay South Manuangan, also in Pigcawayan, and at Barangay Panatan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.
None was believed wounded or killed on the government side, Mamon said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) in Region 12 said that the armed clashes caused the disruption of classes in Pigcawayan and neighboring Midsayap town.
In a text message, DepEd 12 spokesperson Antonio Maganto said classes were suspended in two elementary schools in Barangay Rapacon and Malingao in Midsayap, North Cotabato. These villages are adjacent to Barangay Malagakit.
He said DepEd 12 also ordered suspension of classes at all levels in Pigcawayan’s west district due to the ongoing clashes between government forces and the BIFF.
Maganto also reported that a school in Barangay Simsiman, also in Pigcawayan, was ransacked by the armed men.
He said they based their report on a statement issued by the security guard assigned at Simsiman High School that said the attack happened around 4 a.m. on Wednesday. The still unidentified guard, according to him, managed to escape and sought refuge at the nearest military detachment at Barangay Malagakit.
The reports from DepEd 12, however, have yet to be verified, according to Mamon.
“So far, based on our monitoring, no school in our area of responsibility had been attacked by the BIFF members,” he said in an interview over DXND.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/06/biff-attacks-northcot-town-deped-orders-suspension-of-classes/
Jihadist group raids Philippine town
From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 21): Jihadist group raids Philippine town
Jihadist fighters armed with automatic weapons swooped down early Wednesday on a southern Filipino town and attacked military posts and schools and escaped with at least 5 civilian hostages used as shield against pursuing army soldiers, officials said.
Officials said more troops were sent to pursue the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Pigcawayan town following the daring raid. Fighting broke out in at least 2 villages and sent civilians fleeing into safer areas to avoid getting trapped in the battle.
At least 200 militants, whose group pledged support to the Islamic State, were said to have attacked and ransacked several schools, but there were no reports of civilian casualties. Abu Misry Mama, a spokesman for the BIFF, confirmed his group launched simultaneous attacks against military targets and said they took several civilians during their escape.
The BIFF raid coincided with the on-going battle between local ISIS fighters and security forces in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur province. But a military spokesman, Brigadier General Restituto Padilla, was quick to say that the BIFF attack was not connected to the Marawi crisis, now entering its second month. “It was purely an opportunistic attack and is not connected to the Marawi fighting,” he said.
The Department of Education in North Cotabato has suspended classes in the town, citing the breakout of violence in the area. It did not say when classes would resume, although the fighting was reported in the villages of Malagakit and Simsiman.
It was unclear how the BIFF managed to launch attacks without being detected by the police and military in the town and during the state of martial law imposed by President Rodrigo Duterte in the region in an effort to quell the ISIS rebellion in Marawi and other parts of the Mindanao. Security officials would not say if there was failure in intelligence gathering or lapses in security in the province.
Just recently, security forces also killed 2 alleged BIFF members in a firefight in Maguindanao’s Shariff Aguak town. Officials said policemen, backed by soldiers, were trying to arrest Raul Angkay and Edz Dalending when they engaged security personnel in a gun battle.
Angkay was also included in the list of wanted terrorists. Troops also recovered a .45-caliber pistol and a fragmentation grenade from Angkay. No other details were made available by officials.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/jihadist-group-raids-philippine-town/
Jihadist fighters armed with automatic weapons swooped down early Wednesday on a southern Filipino town and attacked military posts and schools and escaped with at least 5 civilian hostages used as shield against pursuing army soldiers, officials said.
Officials said more troops were sent to pursue the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Pigcawayan town following the daring raid. Fighting broke out in at least 2 villages and sent civilians fleeing into safer areas to avoid getting trapped in the battle.
At least 200 militants, whose group pledged support to the Islamic State, were said to have attacked and ransacked several schools, but there were no reports of civilian casualties. Abu Misry Mama, a spokesman for the BIFF, confirmed his group launched simultaneous attacks against military targets and said they took several civilians during their escape.
The BIFF raid coincided with the on-going battle between local ISIS fighters and security forces in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur province. But a military spokesman, Brigadier General Restituto Padilla, was quick to say that the BIFF attack was not connected to the Marawi crisis, now entering its second month. “It was purely an opportunistic attack and is not connected to the Marawi fighting,” he said.
The Department of Education in North Cotabato has suspended classes in the town, citing the breakout of violence in the area. It did not say when classes would resume, although the fighting was reported in the villages of Malagakit and Simsiman.
It was unclear how the BIFF managed to launch attacks without being detected by the police and military in the town and during the state of martial law imposed by President Rodrigo Duterte in the region in an effort to quell the ISIS rebellion in Marawi and other parts of the Mindanao. Security officials would not say if there was failure in intelligence gathering or lapses in security in the province.
Just recently, security forces also killed 2 alleged BIFF members in a firefight in Maguindanao’s Shariff Aguak town. Officials said policemen, backed by soldiers, were trying to arrest Raul Angkay and Edz Dalending when they engaged security personnel in a gun battle.
Angkay was also included in the list of wanted terrorists. Troops also recovered a .45-caliber pistol and a fragmentation grenade from Angkay. No other details were made available by officials.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/jihadist-group-raids-philippine-town/
Authorities nab rebel instructor in Surigao City
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 21): Authorities nab rebel instructor in Surigao City
An alleged political instructor was recently apprehended by the joint elements of the Philippine Army (PA) and Philippine National Police (PNP) here.
Civil Military Operations officer 2Lt. Jonel Castillo of the 30th Infantry Battalion, PA identified the suspect as Rovelyn Mahimay a.k.a Apple/Apo, "one of the best political instructors at Medic Samahang Partido sa Platon (SPP) 1, Guerilla Front (GF) 30, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC)."
She was apprehended by virtue of warrant of arrest on June 15, 2017 in Sitio Tumanday II, barangay Rizal, this city.
“The subject person was presently in Surigao City to stabilize the IPO (Ideological, Political, Organizational) works of the SPP 1, GF-30 NEMRC and to train medics of the NPA platoons in Surigao del Norte,” Castillo said.
The authorities recovered from her position one improvised explosive device (IED) with blasting cap and detonating cord.
Castillo, further said the subject person has a pending case of two rebellion and one frustrated murder and is now at the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-13.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2731497905577/authorities-nab-rebel-instructor-in-surigao-city
An alleged political instructor was recently apprehended by the joint elements of the Philippine Army (PA) and Philippine National Police (PNP) here.
Civil Military Operations officer 2Lt. Jonel Castillo of the 30th Infantry Battalion, PA identified the suspect as Rovelyn Mahimay a.k.a Apple/Apo, "one of the best political instructors at Medic Samahang Partido sa Platon (SPP) 1, Guerilla Front (GF) 30, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC)."
She was apprehended by virtue of warrant of arrest on June 15, 2017 in Sitio Tumanday II, barangay Rizal, this city.
“The subject person was presently in Surigao City to stabilize the IPO (Ideological, Political, Organizational) works of the SPP 1, GF-30 NEMRC and to train medics of the NPA platoons in Surigao del Norte,” Castillo said.
The authorities recovered from her position one improvised explosive device (IED) with blasting cap and detonating cord.
Castillo, further said the subject person has a pending case of two rebellion and one frustrated murder and is now at the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-13.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2731497905577/authorities-nab-rebel-instructor-in-surigao-city
BIFF attacks NoCot villages
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21): BIFF attacks NoCot villages
An undetermined number of suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on Wednesday attacked two villages in the borders of North Cotabato and Maguindanao, police said.
Chief Inspector Realan Mamon, chief of Pigcawayan PNP, said the BIFF first harassed the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) outpost in Barangay Malagakit which resulted to a fierce firefight.
The tension now centers in Barangay Malagakit and the adjacent Barangay Simsiman, forcing hundreds of residents to flee.
Mamon said the lawless group was led by Commander Aguila that operates in the boundary of Pigcawayan and Northern Kabuntalan town of Maguindanao.
He also confirmed that nobody was hurt as of posting time.
The LGU quickly suspended classes in all levels in Malagakit, Simsiman and nearby villages to guarantee the safety of students.
Mamon has yet to confirm reports circulating that some students were held hostage by the rebels.
Meantime, joint elements of military and PNP are conducting pursuit operations against the BIFF.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRM) rescued some residents and brought them to an evacuation center nearby.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996599
An undetermined number of suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on Wednesday attacked two villages in the borders of North Cotabato and Maguindanao, police said.
Chief Inspector Realan Mamon, chief of Pigcawayan PNP, said the BIFF first harassed the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) outpost in Barangay Malagakit which resulted to a fierce firefight.
The tension now centers in Barangay Malagakit and the adjacent Barangay Simsiman, forcing hundreds of residents to flee.
Mamon said the lawless group was led by Commander Aguila that operates in the boundary of Pigcawayan and Northern Kabuntalan town of Maguindanao.
He also confirmed that nobody was hurt as of posting time.
The LGU quickly suspended classes in all levels in Malagakit, Simsiman and nearby villages to guarantee the safety of students.
Mamon has yet to confirm reports circulating that some students were held hostage by the rebels.
Meantime, joint elements of military and PNP are conducting pursuit operations against the BIFF.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRM) rescued some residents and brought them to an evacuation center nearby.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996599
Filipinos must unite to defeat terror threats - Lorenzana
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21): Filipinos must unite to defeat terror threats - Lorenzana
As military units continue to capture and neutralize remaining Maute Group positions in Marawi City, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday urged the Filipino people to unite with the government to defeat terrorism.
"As government security forces continue to defeat and retake positions from ISIS-linked local terrorists, we see the need, now more than ever, for the Filipino people to unite against these forces of evil," he added.
Lorenzana also stressed that terrorism is against all ideals and aspirations of peace-loving Filipinos.
"It is anti-environment, anti-people, anti-country, and anti-God," the DND chief added.
In the fourth week of the conflict which started May 23, a total of 258 Maute Group terrorists have been killed along with 65 troops and police officers along with 26 civilians.
Also, a total of 16 buildings, formally occupied by the lawless elements, have been captured in the past few days.
Fighting as of this posting are still confined in four barangays, adding that the use of snipers, improvised explosive devices and rocket-propelled grenades are slowing down the progress of military personnel engaged in clearing operations.
"Let us all show our strong rejection of the terrorists and their sympathizers' futile attempts to sway the hearts and minds of our people by ignoring and reporting terrorist-linked and suspicious social media accounts to the proper authorities. We must also be very discerning in sharing any information that may cause undue panic that would further the enemy's agenda," Lorenzana concluded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996573
As military units continue to capture and neutralize remaining Maute Group positions in Marawi City, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday urged the Filipino people to unite with the government to defeat terrorism.
"As government security forces continue to defeat and retake positions from ISIS-linked local terrorists, we see the need, now more than ever, for the Filipino people to unite against these forces of evil," he added.
Lorenzana also stressed that terrorism is against all ideals and aspirations of peace-loving Filipinos.
"It is anti-environment, anti-people, anti-country, and anti-God," the DND chief added.
In the fourth week of the conflict which started May 23, a total of 258 Maute Group terrorists have been killed along with 65 troops and police officers along with 26 civilians.
Also, a total of 16 buildings, formally occupied by the lawless elements, have been captured in the past few days.
Fighting as of this posting are still confined in four barangays, adding that the use of snipers, improvised explosive devices and rocket-propelled grenades are slowing down the progress of military personnel engaged in clearing operations.
"Let us all show our strong rejection of the terrorists and their sympathizers' futile attempts to sway the hearts and minds of our people by ignoring and reporting terrorist-linked and suspicious social media accounts to the proper authorities. We must also be very discerning in sharing any information that may cause undue panic that would further the enemy's agenda," Lorenzana concluded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996573
Duterte won't allow civil war under his watch
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21): Duterte won't allow civil war under his watch
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday, June 20, said his administration will not allow a civil war to break out among Filipinos suffering the brunt of war.
"Ang malakas na driving force nila mapalitan na itong nationalism o 'yung paghinakit nila nawalaan sila ng lupa at malipat doon sa ISIS na philosophy, gulo na 'yan," the Chief Executive told soldiers during his visit at Camp BGen. Edilberto Evangelista Station Hospital, 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro City.
"Gulo na 'yan kasi ang mga Kristiyano sa Mindanao, mag-a-armas rin. Iyan ang ating hindi na pwedeng payagan kasi 'pag ang mag-armas na ang civilian rin, it will be a civil war," the President noted.
The Chief Executive visited wounded-in-action soldiers and awarded them Wounded Personnel Medals. They also received cash aid, among other assistance.
"So ang trabaho natin dalawa na: How to hold itong mga Kristiyanos na may armas at ito namang IS sa Maute. Kaya ang pag-asa natin diyan mapabilisin natin ang peace talks tapos sabihin ko sa kay Murad pati sa MI, 'Kayo na ang bahala diyan. Tutal kung ‘yan ang gusto ninyong lugar, Central Mindanao -- Lanao, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, 'yan inyo. Huwag na lang tayong mag-away'," he said.
In an interview with reporters following his visit, the Chief Executive said the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is about to submit its version of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.
"The BBL tapos na. And the MI will give it to me, I will sign it doon sa Eid'l Fitr," he told reporters.
"And if I find things in order, I will sign it. And wait for the document, the formal one and I'll send it to Congress," he said, noting that it's the only way to achieve peace in Mindanao is "we go federalism."
Meanwhile, the Commander-in-Chief expressed gratitude to the government troops and expressed condolence to the grieving families, adding that he would have wanted to personally extend his condolences.
"So pasasalamat ako sa serbisyo ninyo at ganoon lang man ang mga… Iyong namatay natin mga kapatid, kasama na ‘yung sundalo, gusto kong puntahan isa-isa ‘yung mga pamilya pero hindi ko lang talaga kaya kasi busy ako," he said.
"But I want to just express to them my sincerest condolence. At ako man ang unang… nasasaktan diyan. Ako ‘yung Commander-in-Chief ninyo," he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996602
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996602
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday, June 20, said his administration will not allow a civil war to break out among Filipinos suffering the brunt of war.
"Ang malakas na driving force nila mapalitan na itong nationalism o 'yung paghinakit nila nawalaan sila ng lupa at malipat doon sa ISIS na philosophy, gulo na 'yan," the Chief Executive told soldiers during his visit at Camp BGen. Edilberto Evangelista Station Hospital, 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro City.
"Gulo na 'yan kasi ang mga Kristiyano sa Mindanao, mag-a-armas rin. Iyan ang ating hindi na pwedeng payagan kasi 'pag ang mag-armas na ang civilian rin, it will be a civil war," the President noted.
The Chief Executive visited wounded-in-action soldiers and awarded them Wounded Personnel Medals. They also received cash aid, among other assistance.
"So ang trabaho natin dalawa na: How to hold itong mga Kristiyanos na may armas at ito namang IS sa Maute. Kaya ang pag-asa natin diyan mapabilisin natin ang peace talks tapos sabihin ko sa kay Murad pati sa MI, 'Kayo na ang bahala diyan. Tutal kung ‘yan ang gusto ninyong lugar, Central Mindanao -- Lanao, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, 'yan inyo. Huwag na lang tayong mag-away'," he said.
In an interview with reporters following his visit, the Chief Executive said the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is about to submit its version of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.
"The BBL tapos na. And the MI will give it to me, I will sign it doon sa Eid'l Fitr," he told reporters.
"And if I find things in order, I will sign it. And wait for the document, the formal one and I'll send it to Congress," he said, noting that it's the only way to achieve peace in Mindanao is "we go federalism."
Meanwhile, the Commander-in-Chief expressed gratitude to the government troops and expressed condolence to the grieving families, adding that he would have wanted to personally extend his condolences.
"So pasasalamat ako sa serbisyo ninyo at ganoon lang man ang mga… Iyong namatay natin mga kapatid, kasama na ‘yung sundalo, gusto kong puntahan isa-isa ‘yung mga pamilya pero hindi ko lang talaga kaya kasi busy ako," he said.
"But I want to just express to them my sincerest condolence. At ako man ang unang… nasasaktan diyan. Ako ‘yung Commander-in-Chief ninyo," he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996602
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996602
Police personnel to be penalized for leaking internal memo
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21): Police personnel to be penalized for leaking internal memo
Sanctions will be meted out against police personnel who allegedly leaked an internal memorandum claiming that ISIS, Maute Group and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters terrorists and their allies are planning to conduct attacks in key cities in Metro Manila this coming June 30.
In the same memorandum, which also circulated in the social media, these same groups will also allegedly hijack petroleum and LPG delivery trucks and convert them into bombs for use in their suicide attacks.
Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos said the information contained in the memorandum was still raw and unverified and still subject for verification.
The same memorandum originated from the PNP Aviation Security Group last June 18.
Sanctions will be meted against police personnel found to have leaked this memorandum as the information is intended for the internal use of the PNP, he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996629
Sanctions will be meted out against police personnel who allegedly leaked an internal memorandum claiming that ISIS, Maute Group and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters terrorists and their allies are planning to conduct attacks in key cities in Metro Manila this coming June 30.
In the same memorandum, which also circulated in the social media, these same groups will also allegedly hijack petroleum and LPG delivery trucks and convert them into bombs for use in their suicide attacks.
Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos said the information contained in the memorandum was still raw and unverified and still subject for verification.
The same memorandum originated from the PNP Aviation Security Group last June 18.
Sanctions will be meted against police personnel found to have leaked this memorandum as the information is intended for the internal use of the PNP, he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996629
Immigration tightens passenger-screening to thwart entry of foreign jihadists
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21): Immigration tightens passenger-screening to thwart entry of foreign jihadists
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday ordered its officers officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other ports of entry in the country to tighten screening of arriving foreign passengers, particularly from countries where jihadists came from.
Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente directed Marc Red Mariñas, the bureau’s port operations division chief, to subject all foreigner nationals to a stringent inspection, following reports that some of the terrorists fighting government troops in Marawi City are foreign nationals.
"Those who have questionable documents or doubtful purposes in coming to the country should be excluded and booked on the first available flight to their port of origin,” he said in a statement.
Morente noted that it was difficult to assess and establish if an arriving foreign visitor was a suspected terrorist, especially if the latter was completely documented and able to satisfactorily answer questions propounded to him by the immigration officer.
"That is why we have in our database the names of thousands of suspected international terrorists that were given to us by the different law enforcement and intelligence agencies here and abroad,” he said.
The BI chief explained that a foreign passenger whose name and description matches the person appearing in our derogatory list is immediately turned back and barred from entering the country.
On the other hand, Mariñas noted that aside from alerting BI personnel in all the international airports, he also issued a similar directive to immigration officers assigned to the southern seaports and border crossing stations in the South.
"They were instructed to coordinate with the military and police authorities in their areas in conducting border screening formalities for foreigners arriving in their respective ports,” he said.
Mariñas believed that most of the foreign jihadists now involve in the Marawi siege entered the country via the backdoor and did not pass inspection by immigration authorities, given the country’s long and porous shorelines.
On the other hand, BI Spokesperson Antonette Mangrobang did not identify the nations that have allegedly links to extremist organizations.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996633
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday ordered its officers officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other ports of entry in the country to tighten screening of arriving foreign passengers, particularly from countries where jihadists came from.
Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente directed Marc Red Mariñas, the bureau’s port operations division chief, to subject all foreigner nationals to a stringent inspection, following reports that some of the terrorists fighting government troops in Marawi City are foreign nationals.
"Those who have questionable documents or doubtful purposes in coming to the country should be excluded and booked on the first available flight to their port of origin,” he said in a statement.
Morente noted that it was difficult to assess and establish if an arriving foreign visitor was a suspected terrorist, especially if the latter was completely documented and able to satisfactorily answer questions propounded to him by the immigration officer.
"That is why we have in our database the names of thousands of suspected international terrorists that were given to us by the different law enforcement and intelligence agencies here and abroad,” he said.
The BI chief explained that a foreign passenger whose name and description matches the person appearing in our derogatory list is immediately turned back and barred from entering the country.
On the other hand, Mariñas noted that aside from alerting BI personnel in all the international airports, he also issued a similar directive to immigration officers assigned to the southern seaports and border crossing stations in the South.
"They were instructed to coordinate with the military and police authorities in their areas in conducting border screening formalities for foreigners arriving in their respective ports,” he said.
Mariñas believed that most of the foreign jihadists now involve in the Marawi siege entered the country via the backdoor and did not pass inspection by immigration authorities, given the country’s long and porous shorelines.
On the other hand, BI Spokesperson Antonette Mangrobang did not identify the nations that have allegedly links to extremist organizations.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996633
Aguirre replaces head of prosecutors handling Maute raps
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21): Aguirre replaces head of prosecutors handling Maute raps
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II replaces the chairman of panel 2 of prosecutors that will conduct the inquest proceedings and preliminary investigations of all cases from Marawi and Lanao del Sur.
In a one-page department order, Aguirre said acting on the letter of Senior Assistant Regional Prosecutor Merlynn Barola-Uy, over-all chairperson, centralized prosecution office for Lanao Del Sur and Marawi City that panel 2 OIC-PP Mangontawar Gubat will be replaced by Celso M. Sarsaba, Deputy City Prosecutor (Officer-in-charge Iligan City) and his members Assistant City Prosecutor Abdullah D. Macagaan (OCP-Cagayan De Oro City) and Assistant Provincial Presecutor Gerald Cecilio P. Roa (OPP-Misamis Oriental).
“Acting on the June 14, 2017 letter of Barola-Uy, over-all chairperson centralized prosecution office for Lanao Del Sur and Marawi City, in connection with the voluntary inhibition of OIC-PP Mangontawar Gubat, as chairperson of Panel 2. This order modified the Department Order nos.348-B dated June 8, 2017 and 348-D dated June 9, 2017 and takes effect immediately and shall remain in force until further,” read the order signed by Aguirre.
The creation of Centralized Prosecution Office for the province of Lanao del Sur and Marawi City will consist of four panels of prosecutors headed by one prosecutor per panel as chairperson.
Uy is one of the chairpersons, the others being City Prosecutor Eduardo Cueto of Iligan, Provincial Prosecutor Chuchi Azis of Misamis Oriental, and Senior State Prosecutor Lilian Doris Alejo of DOJ Manila.
Each panel would have two member-prosecutors and each group will take turns in handling inquest and preliminary investigations of all criminal complaints for rebellion involving the Maute Terror Group in the entire province of Lanao del Sur and Marawi City.
In a separate department order, Aguirre ordered additional of five prosecutors - three from Cagayan de Oro City and two from Misamis Oriental - due to difficulties in accommodating numerous respondents by existing panel of prosecutors.
The pool of prosecutors namely, Alfonso S. Vicente Jr., Louie L. Borja, Ansharey S. Lalia were all Assistant City Prosecutors of Cagayan De Oro City, Assistant Provincial Prosecutors Lito A. Sanchez and Tadeo V. Polestico were both from Misamis Oriental will be assisted in the inquest proceedings of rebellion cases involving the Maute group.
On Tuesday, around 12 suspected members of the Maute terrorist group, who were arrested last June 16 in a hospital in Pagadian City, underwent inquest proceedings for rebellion in Cagayan de Oro city.
Justice Undersecretary Erickson Balmes said the 12 faced the prosecutors handling the case during the proceedings at the headquarters of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division in Camp Evangelista which was earlier designated by the Supreme Court for the trial of the cases against the Mautes and their supporters.
Balmes said originally 13 suspects would have to undergo the proceedings but one of them died in the hospital while undergoing treatment.
Facing charges of rebellion are Racma Macatuon Talib, Lambo Ampaso Ameril, Huwarda Macatuon Talib, Cosnia M. Talib, Sanabae Saliling Macatuon, Amerodin Capga Ameril, Yusoph Taha Halil, Dima Ampaso Ali, Sapacan Mustapha Talib also known as Sapacan Sabar Talibm Halil Saliliing Ali, Mansawi Imam Gumobat and Lanoden Macatuon Dimarugong.
Junaid A. Dimarugong, alias Ameodin Ameril, was also arrested with the 12, but according to Balmes, Dimarugong died in the hospital.
He said that after the inquest, the prosecutors would evaluate whether to elevate the case against the suspects to the regional trial court or not.
Earlier, the Department of Justice (DoJ) approved the filing of rebellion charges against Ominta Tamano "Farhana" Maute, mother of Mauter group leaders Abdullah and Omar, former Marawi City Mayor Fahad Salic and nine others in connection to the ongoing armed conflict in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur before the Cagayan De Oro City Regional Trial Court (RTC).
”The centralized Prosecution Office of Lanao Del Sure and Marawi City accuses [the 11 individuals] of the crime of rebellion under Article 134 of the Revised Penal Code,” read the four-page resolution dated June 13, 2017 was signed by Prosecutors Ramonchito Bienvenido Ocampo Jr. and Liezel Aquiatan.
Rebellion is a non-bailable offense.
Aside from Salic and Maute, also charged in court are Sumaya Bangkit Masakal, Radiea Tugosa Asire, Mariam Ibnu Abubakar, Zafeerah Rosales Musa, Nehreen Macaraya Abdul, Nora Moctar Limgas, Mardiyya Haji Ali, Sumayya Lawi Ali and Noronisa Haji Camal.
All 11 accused were included in the list of over 300 individuals identified as members of the Maute group, the Abu Sayyaf group, and their sympathizers earlier ordered arrested by the government for the crime of rebellion.
They were indicted after investigating prosecutors found probable cause to file the case in court following inquest proceedings held at their temporary detention cell in Camp Evangelista in Cagayan De Oro City.
Marawi city is the site of clashes between security forces and Maute members since the latter attacked the city last month.
DOJ records showed that there were 89 Maute members facing kidnapping and kidnapping with murder cases before the Malabang Regional Trial Court in Lanao Del Sur.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996651
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II replaces the chairman of panel 2 of prosecutors that will conduct the inquest proceedings and preliminary investigations of all cases from Marawi and Lanao del Sur.
In a one-page department order, Aguirre said acting on the letter of Senior Assistant Regional Prosecutor Merlynn Barola-Uy, over-all chairperson, centralized prosecution office for Lanao Del Sur and Marawi City that panel 2 OIC-PP Mangontawar Gubat will be replaced by Celso M. Sarsaba, Deputy City Prosecutor (Officer-in-charge Iligan City) and his members Assistant City Prosecutor Abdullah D. Macagaan (OCP-Cagayan De Oro City) and Assistant Provincial Presecutor Gerald Cecilio P. Roa (OPP-Misamis Oriental).
“Acting on the June 14, 2017 letter of Barola-Uy, over-all chairperson centralized prosecution office for Lanao Del Sur and Marawi City, in connection with the voluntary inhibition of OIC-PP Mangontawar Gubat, as chairperson of Panel 2. This order modified the Department Order nos.348-B dated June 8, 2017 and 348-D dated June 9, 2017 and takes effect immediately and shall remain in force until further,” read the order signed by Aguirre.
The creation of Centralized Prosecution Office for the province of Lanao del Sur and Marawi City will consist of four panels of prosecutors headed by one prosecutor per panel as chairperson.
Uy is one of the chairpersons, the others being City Prosecutor Eduardo Cueto of Iligan, Provincial Prosecutor Chuchi Azis of Misamis Oriental, and Senior State Prosecutor Lilian Doris Alejo of DOJ Manila.
Each panel would have two member-prosecutors and each group will take turns in handling inquest and preliminary investigations of all criminal complaints for rebellion involving the Maute Terror Group in the entire province of Lanao del Sur and Marawi City.
In a separate department order, Aguirre ordered additional of five prosecutors - three from Cagayan de Oro City and two from Misamis Oriental - due to difficulties in accommodating numerous respondents by existing panel of prosecutors.
The pool of prosecutors namely, Alfonso S. Vicente Jr., Louie L. Borja, Ansharey S. Lalia were all Assistant City Prosecutors of Cagayan De Oro City, Assistant Provincial Prosecutors Lito A. Sanchez and Tadeo V. Polestico were both from Misamis Oriental will be assisted in the inquest proceedings of rebellion cases involving the Maute group.
On Tuesday, around 12 suspected members of the Maute terrorist group, who were arrested last June 16 in a hospital in Pagadian City, underwent inquest proceedings for rebellion in Cagayan de Oro city.
Justice Undersecretary Erickson Balmes said the 12 faced the prosecutors handling the case during the proceedings at the headquarters of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division in Camp Evangelista which was earlier designated by the Supreme Court for the trial of the cases against the Mautes and their supporters.
Balmes said originally 13 suspects would have to undergo the proceedings but one of them died in the hospital while undergoing treatment.
Facing charges of rebellion are Racma Macatuon Talib, Lambo Ampaso Ameril, Huwarda Macatuon Talib, Cosnia M. Talib, Sanabae Saliling Macatuon, Amerodin Capga Ameril, Yusoph Taha Halil, Dima Ampaso Ali, Sapacan Mustapha Talib also known as Sapacan Sabar Talibm Halil Saliliing Ali, Mansawi Imam Gumobat and Lanoden Macatuon Dimarugong.
Junaid A. Dimarugong, alias Ameodin Ameril, was also arrested with the 12, but according to Balmes, Dimarugong died in the hospital.
He said that after the inquest, the prosecutors would evaluate whether to elevate the case against the suspects to the regional trial court or not.
Earlier, the Department of Justice (DoJ) approved the filing of rebellion charges against Ominta Tamano "Farhana" Maute, mother of Mauter group leaders Abdullah and Omar, former Marawi City Mayor Fahad Salic and nine others in connection to the ongoing armed conflict in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur before the Cagayan De Oro City Regional Trial Court (RTC).
”The centralized Prosecution Office of Lanao Del Sure and Marawi City accuses [the 11 individuals] of the crime of rebellion under Article 134 of the Revised Penal Code,” read the four-page resolution dated June 13, 2017 was signed by Prosecutors Ramonchito Bienvenido Ocampo Jr. and Liezel Aquiatan.
Rebellion is a non-bailable offense.
Aside from Salic and Maute, also charged in court are Sumaya Bangkit Masakal, Radiea Tugosa Asire, Mariam Ibnu Abubakar, Zafeerah Rosales Musa, Nehreen Macaraya Abdul, Nora Moctar Limgas, Mardiyya Haji Ali, Sumayya Lawi Ali and Noronisa Haji Camal.
All 11 accused were included in the list of over 300 individuals identified as members of the Maute group, the Abu Sayyaf group, and their sympathizers earlier ordered arrested by the government for the crime of rebellion.
They were indicted after investigating prosecutors found probable cause to file the case in court following inquest proceedings held at their temporary detention cell in Camp Evangelista in Cagayan De Oro City.
Marawi city is the site of clashes between security forces and Maute members since the latter attacked the city last month.
DOJ records showed that there were 89 Maute members facing kidnapping and kidnapping with murder cases before the Malabang Regional Trial Court in Lanao Del Sur.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996651
Philippines: Marawi Conflict Displacement Snapshot (20 June 2017)
Posted to the Relief Web (Jun 21): Philippines: Marawi Conflict Displacement Snapshot (20 June 2017)
Infographicfrom UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Published on 21 Jun 2017
Almost one month after the Marawi armed conflict started, over 314,800 people are now displaced. 94 per cent are staying with host families, while 17,700 (6%) people are staying in 83 evacuation centres.
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs:
To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit http://unocha.org/.
http://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/philippines-marawi-conflict-displacement-snapshot-20-june-2017
http://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/philippines-marawi-conflict-displacement-snapshot-20-june-2017
Philippines: Returnees - DREF operation update No. 1 - DREF operation n° MDRPH025
Posted to the Relief Web (Jun 15): Philippines: Returnees - DREF operation update No. 1 - DREF operation n° MDRPH025
DREF update n° 1: 15 June 2017
Timeframe covered by this update: 31 March 2017 – 25 May 2017
This Operation Update informs the extension of the operation’s timeframe by two months (until 31 August 2017). The extension allows the chapter in providing support to the individuals who are not able to return within the initial timeframe of the operation due to issues on documentation and transportation.
A. Situation analysis
Description of the situation
Since 15 February 2017, there has been a rapid increase in the number of Filipino returnees from the state of Sabah in Malaysia arriving in Zamboanga City, Mindanao. Most of the returnees are coming from the eastern part of Sabah such as Semporna, Tawau, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Sandakan- Romero and Sandakan-Kumunak. While repatriations were procedural and common prior to the increase, the sinking of a vessel that previously transported the returnees prompted suspension of the exercise in September 2016. The suspension led to a backlog of repatriations of approximately 7,000 undocumented Filipino migrants in Sabah.
As of 26 May, a total of 2,382 returnees have arrived since the exercise started on 15 February.
Following the arrival of sixth batch of returnees on 22 March, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) leadership and Zamboanga City chapter determined that they needed to increase their capacity to respond to the needs of the returnees. On 23 March, the leadership of PRC communicated formally to seek support from the IFRC Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF). The request was made after a dialogue between the PRC national headquarters, PRC chapters in Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga City, local government counter parts and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Based on assessments conducted through key informant interviews with returnees, the immediate needs were temporary accommodation, food, sleeping materials, hygiene items, medical support and psychosocial support.
By mid-April, the number of returnees began to slow down and PRC have now requested an extension of the operation timeframe until 31 August 2017. There are two main reasons. Firstly, the flow of returnees has slowed down due to congested shipping lines transporting the returnees from Sabah to Zamboanga and the expected number of 7,000 returnees is yet to be reached. Secondly, on 25 May, the Government of Philippines declared a state of Martial Law due to the Marawi crisis which may have an impact in the future.
The extension will also allow PRC to undertake an internal review of the response and lessons learnt workshop. Considering the local context of key information who will be involved in the review and lessons learnt workshop, it is appropriate that these activities are undertaken after the end of Ramadan.
http://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/philippines-returnees-dref-operation-update-no-1-dref-operation-n-mdrph025
DREF update n° 1: 15 June 2017
Timeframe covered by this update: 31 March 2017 – 25 May 2017
This Operation Update informs the extension of the operation’s timeframe by two months (until 31 August 2017). The extension allows the chapter in providing support to the individuals who are not able to return within the initial timeframe of the operation due to issues on documentation and transportation.
A. Situation analysis
Description of the situation
Since 15 February 2017, there has been a rapid increase in the number of Filipino returnees from the state of Sabah in Malaysia arriving in Zamboanga City, Mindanao. Most of the returnees are coming from the eastern part of Sabah such as Semporna, Tawau, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Sandakan- Romero and Sandakan-Kumunak. While repatriations were procedural and common prior to the increase, the sinking of a vessel that previously transported the returnees prompted suspension of the exercise in September 2016. The suspension led to a backlog of repatriations of approximately 7,000 undocumented Filipino migrants in Sabah.
As of 26 May, a total of 2,382 returnees have arrived since the exercise started on 15 February.
Following the arrival of sixth batch of returnees on 22 March, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) leadership and Zamboanga City chapter determined that they needed to increase their capacity to respond to the needs of the returnees. On 23 March, the leadership of PRC communicated formally to seek support from the IFRC Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF). The request was made after a dialogue between the PRC national headquarters, PRC chapters in Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga City, local government counter parts and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Based on assessments conducted through key informant interviews with returnees, the immediate needs were temporary accommodation, food, sleeping materials, hygiene items, medical support and psychosocial support.
By mid-April, the number of returnees began to slow down and PRC have now requested an extension of the operation timeframe until 31 August 2017. There are two main reasons. Firstly, the flow of returnees has slowed down due to congested shipping lines transporting the returnees from Sabah to Zamboanga and the expected number of 7,000 returnees is yet to be reached. Secondly, on 25 May, the Government of Philippines declared a state of Martial Law due to the Marawi crisis which may have an impact in the future.
The extension will also allow PRC to undertake an internal review of the response and lessons learnt workshop. Considering the local context of key information who will be involved in the review and lessons learnt workshop, it is appropriate that these activities are undertaken after the end of Ramadan.
http://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/philippines-returnees-dref-operation-update-no-1-dref-operation-n-mdrph025
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