From Malaya Business Insight (Jun 20): Military: No order to stop offensives vs NPA
THE Armed Forces yesterday said it has yet to get an order from higher authorities to stop offensive operations against the communist New People’s Army in any part of the country.
On Sunday, government chief negotiator Silvestre Bello said the government is suspending offensive operations against the NPA in response to an earlier statement of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.
NDFP chief negotiator Fidel Agcaoili has said the NDFP has recommended to the Communist Party of the Philippines that it order the communist group’s armed wing, the NPA, to refrain from attacking government forces in Mindanao so soldiers can focus on the campaign against the Maute Group and other terrorist groups.
The CPP has not issued any statement in response to Agcaoili’s statement.
“There is still no such order. Our offensives against the NPA are still continuing,” said Arevalo in a phone interview.
“Insofar as we are concerned, we have not received any formal orders for a cessation of military operation against the NPA,” he added.
Earlier yesterday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said notwithstanding Bello’s statement, the AFP “will continue to fulfill its mandate and conduct support to law enforcement operations all over the Philippines.”
“Recent events have shown that the upper echelons of the communist movement do not have actual control of NPA units on the ground, which continue to commit atrocities even while their comrades talk peace with the government,” said Lorenzana.
Lorenzana cited the NPA raid of the Maasin town police station in Iloilo last Sunday.
“Thus, any member of the NPA who continues to commit terroristic acts such as extortion, burning of property, kidnapping, roaming around with firearms to intimidate people, and attacks on government forces will be pursued, apprehended, and brought to justice,” said Lorenzana.
Presidential adviser on the peace process Jesus Dureza said the planned suspension of offensives will be limited to Mindanao, which means government troops can go after and even take decisive and immediate actions against the NPA if it attacks.
Dureza also said he was disheartened by the NPA attack in Iloilo, which he said would have a negative impact on the mutual commitment of government and communist peace panels to provide an enabling environment conducive to the continuation of peace negotiations.
“The ‘impact’ is not just on the peace negotiations, it illustrates the tragedy of the insurgency. Hopefully, the attack is just part of the birth pains of the agreement to stop offensive military actions, even if it covers only Mindanao as of now. It is an argument for a nation-wide ceasefire,” he added.
In Quezon Sunday night, NPA rebels attacked a Globe cell site and injured two soldiers pursuing them in Catanauan town.
Lt. Xy-zon Meneses, spokesman of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, said about 10 rebels wearing “Army pattern camouflage uniform” swooped down at the Globe cell site in Barangay Tuhian at around 8 p.m. and burned two generator sets.
Meneses said the Globe cell site remained functioning because there was a third generator set.
The military said they are eyeing extortion as the motive in the attack.
Troops from the Army’s 85th Infantry Battalion were deployed to pursue the perpetrators after receiving information about the rebel atrocity.
However, Meneses said, the rebels waylaid the soldiers in Barangay Ajos, also in Catanauan town, while approaching the Globe cell site at around 8:30 p.m. A brief firefight followed.
Meneses said the rebels detonated an improvised explosive device on the soldiers’ truck, wounding two Army troopers. The injured soldiers were brought to a hospital for shrapnel wounds and are now in stable condition.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/military-no-order-stop-offensives-vs-npa
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
2 BIFF men in arrest list killed in Maguindanao
From Malaya Business Insight (Jun 20): 2 BIFF men in arrest list killed in Maguindanao
Two members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, including a medical officer, were killed following a firefight with soldiers and policemen in Shariff Aguak town in Maguindanao on Sunday night.
The medical officer was identified as Raul Angkay alias Dok while the other slain BIFF member is yet to be identified, said Capt. Arvin Encinas, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.
Encinas said Angkay is included in Arrest Order No. 2 issued by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who is also administrator of martial law in Mindanao. The list includes members of the Maute Group and other terrorist groups.
President Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under martial law on May 23 hours after the Maute Group engaged government forces in a firefight in Marawi City. The armed conflict is ongoing.
Encinas said Angkay is in the arrest order for rebellion but clarified he is not part of the Marawi City siege.
“Arrest Order No. 2 includes personalities who are members of lawless groups such as the BIFF,” he said.
The BIFF, the Maute Group, and the Abu Sayyaf have all pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
Encinas said troops from the Army’s 601st and 603rd brigades, the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and Shariff Aguak police found Angkay and one of his men in Barangay Poblacion at around 9:30 p.m. Sunday but they resisted arrested, leading to a brief firefight that led to the killing of the two BIFF men.
Seized from the suspects’ possession were a cal. 45 pistol and a fragmentation grenade.
Encinas said cadavers of the two suspects were turned over to the police.
PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa said the declaration of martial law in Mindanao made it easy for authorities to arrest Maute Group members and their sympathizers.
Without martial law, he said, suspected Maute members or their sympathizers cannot just be arrested because a trial court has to first issue a warrant of arrest after a case has been filed.
Among those who have been arrested were Cayamora Maute, father of Omar and Abdullah Maute who are leading the Marawi siege; Farhana Maute, mother of the Maute brothers; a sister of the Maute brothers; Mohammad Noaim Maute alias Abu Jadid, Maute bomb-maker and a cousin of the Maute brothers; and former Marawi City Mayor Fajad Salic.
The Maute parents are detained in separate cells in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno gave her support to his appeal for the transfer to Taguig City of the cases and detention of Maute members and their sympathizers charged with rebellion.
Aguirre made the disclosure after his meeting with Sereno at the high court where he said they agreed to hold the trial of the cases inside the Special Intensive Care Area of Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig.
He said they also agreed to establish two courtrooms for the trial, adding he would be asking the PNP, the military, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the Armed Forces to see if this is feasible.
Aguirre said holding trials inside Camp Bagong Diwa is still subject to the approval of the Court en banc since it was the en banc which issued the resolution designating Cagayan de Oro courts to handle the cases against the Maute group members and their supporters.
The SC will hold its regular en banc session today, Tuesday.
The DOJ wants the transfer, citing security risks of holding the trial in Cagayan de Oro.
Aguirre said Sereno also proposed the conduct of continuous trial to expedite the resolution of the cases. Under the continuous trial system, postponements of hearings are prohibited unless on exceptional grounds. It also directs courts to promulgate a decision not later than 90 days from the submission of the case for decision.
Sought for comment, SC spokesman Theodore Te said the high court has yet to order the transfer of the cases to Taguig.
“The SC resolution stays until the SC says otherwise. It has not issued another resolution. The letter of the Secretary of Justice asking for reconsideration has not yet been granted by the SC,” Te said.
Te stressed that a matter like that would not be decided by the Chief Justice alone but by all the magistrates, meaning the en banc.
“I don’t know how they would act on it. If there’s a letter it would be tackled during the en banc session and until they say otherwise, the resolution stays,” he added.
No en banc session took place last week as the Court held three days of oral arguments on the martial law declaration in Mindanao.
Aguirre has yet to respond to Te’s clarification.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/2-biff-men-arrest-list-killed-maguindanao
Two members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, including a medical officer, were killed following a firefight with soldiers and policemen in Shariff Aguak town in Maguindanao on Sunday night.
The medical officer was identified as Raul Angkay alias Dok while the other slain BIFF member is yet to be identified, said Capt. Arvin Encinas, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.
Encinas said Angkay is included in Arrest Order No. 2 issued by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who is also administrator of martial law in Mindanao. The list includes members of the Maute Group and other terrorist groups.
President Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under martial law on May 23 hours after the Maute Group engaged government forces in a firefight in Marawi City. The armed conflict is ongoing.
Encinas said Angkay is in the arrest order for rebellion but clarified he is not part of the Marawi City siege.
“Arrest Order No. 2 includes personalities who are members of lawless groups such as the BIFF,” he said.
The BIFF, the Maute Group, and the Abu Sayyaf have all pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
Encinas said troops from the Army’s 601st and 603rd brigades, the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and Shariff Aguak police found Angkay and one of his men in Barangay Poblacion at around 9:30 p.m. Sunday but they resisted arrested, leading to a brief firefight that led to the killing of the two BIFF men.
Seized from the suspects’ possession were a cal. 45 pistol and a fragmentation grenade.
Encinas said cadavers of the two suspects were turned over to the police.
PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa said the declaration of martial law in Mindanao made it easy for authorities to arrest Maute Group members and their sympathizers.
Without martial law, he said, suspected Maute members or their sympathizers cannot just be arrested because a trial court has to first issue a warrant of arrest after a case has been filed.
Among those who have been arrested were Cayamora Maute, father of Omar and Abdullah Maute who are leading the Marawi siege; Farhana Maute, mother of the Maute brothers; a sister of the Maute brothers; Mohammad Noaim Maute alias Abu Jadid, Maute bomb-maker and a cousin of the Maute brothers; and former Marawi City Mayor Fajad Salic.
The Maute parents are detained in separate cells in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno gave her support to his appeal for the transfer to Taguig City of the cases and detention of Maute members and their sympathizers charged with rebellion.
Aguirre made the disclosure after his meeting with Sereno at the high court where he said they agreed to hold the trial of the cases inside the Special Intensive Care Area of Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig.
He said they also agreed to establish two courtrooms for the trial, adding he would be asking the PNP, the military, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the Armed Forces to see if this is feasible.
Aguirre said holding trials inside Camp Bagong Diwa is still subject to the approval of the Court en banc since it was the en banc which issued the resolution designating Cagayan de Oro courts to handle the cases against the Maute group members and their supporters.
The SC will hold its regular en banc session today, Tuesday.
The DOJ wants the transfer, citing security risks of holding the trial in Cagayan de Oro.
Aguirre said Sereno also proposed the conduct of continuous trial to expedite the resolution of the cases. Under the continuous trial system, postponements of hearings are prohibited unless on exceptional grounds. It also directs courts to promulgate a decision not later than 90 days from the submission of the case for decision.
Sought for comment, SC spokesman Theodore Te said the high court has yet to order the transfer of the cases to Taguig.
“The SC resolution stays until the SC says otherwise. It has not issued another resolution. The letter of the Secretary of Justice asking for reconsideration has not yet been granted by the SC,” Te said.
Te stressed that a matter like that would not be decided by the Chief Justice alone but by all the magistrates, meaning the en banc.
“I don’t know how they would act on it. If there’s a letter it would be tackled during the en banc session and until they say otherwise, the resolution stays,” he added.
No en banc session took place last week as the Court held three days of oral arguments on the martial law declaration in Mindanao.
Aguirre has yet to respond to Te’s clarification.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/2-biff-men-arrest-list-killed-maguindanao
AFP deploys equipment, personnel for Marawi City rehab
From Update Philippines (Jun 21): AFP deploys equipment, personnel for Marawi City rehab
Military engineering equipment and personnel are now being deployed to Marawi City to help in the rehabilitation of areas devastated by the ongoing conflict with Maute Group terrorists, said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla on Tuesday.
This deployment is based on an earlier order by AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año, he added.
Military engineering units and personnel will help other government agencies in the proposed rehabilitation once the last Maute Group terrorists is neutralized or driven away.
“They are preparing (engineering units) already. In fact, there are already engineering personnel in the area… They are slowly building up (personnel and assets)… They are readying for the rehab,” Padilla pointed out.
However, the AFP spokesperson cannot give exact figures for engineering equipment and personnel already in Marawi City but added that the military is planning to deploy at least two engineering battalions.
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, and 26 civilians.
Also, Padilla said a total of 16 buildings, formerly occupied by the lawless elements, have been captured in the past few days.
However, he declined to comment on how many buildings are needed to be captured to ensure the total elimination of the lawless bandits in Marawi City.
“Enemy resistance continues to wane and the enemy held areas continue to diminish as government security forces press its advance… Troops continue to get deeper into once enemy held positions,” the AFP spokesperson pointed out.
https://www.update.ph/2017/06/afp-deploys-equipment-personnel-for-marawi-city-rehab/18295
Military engineering equipment and personnel are now being deployed to Marawi City to help in the rehabilitation of areas devastated by the ongoing conflict with Maute Group terrorists, said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla on Tuesday.
This deployment is based on an earlier order by AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año, he added.
Military engineering units and personnel will help other government agencies in the proposed rehabilitation once the last Maute Group terrorists is neutralized or driven away.
“They are preparing (engineering units) already. In fact, there are already engineering personnel in the area… They are slowly building up (personnel and assets)… They are readying for the rehab,” Padilla pointed out.
However, the AFP spokesperson cannot give exact figures for engineering equipment and personnel already in Marawi City but added that the military is planning to deploy at least two engineering battalions.
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, and 26 civilians.
Also, Padilla said a total of 16 buildings, formerly occupied by the lawless elements, have been captured in the past few days.
However, he declined to comment on how many buildings are needed to be captured to ensure the total elimination of the lawless bandits in Marawi City.
“Enemy resistance continues to wane and the enemy held areas continue to diminish as government security forces press its advance… Troops continue to get deeper into once enemy held positions,” the AFP spokesperson pointed out.
https://www.update.ph/2017/06/afp-deploys-equipment-personnel-for-marawi-city-rehab/18295
Attacks scare ‘hoax' but vigilance urged
From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 21): Attacks scare ‘hoax' but vigilance urged
Army and police officials yesterday said an alleged warning of attacks from the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency on key cities nationwide by Islamist terrorists on June 30 is a hoax, but said they are not letting their guard down and are continuing to strengthen security measures.
The alleged NICA warning circulating on social media networks and through text messages, also alleges that some of the terrorists were monitored in Negros and Guimaras.
Maj. Gen. Jon Aying, 3 rd Infantry Division commander, and Senior Supt. Rodolfo Castil, Negros Occidental OIC police director, both denied receiving such intelligence report.
It's a hoax, but we are not letting our guard down, Aying said, as he reiterated the appeal for civilians to immediately report any unusual activity or unfamiliar persons in their communities.
“Whether it is a hoax or a fact we just have to be vigilant. Everyone should do their share to help secure our communities,” he said.
“Definitely there is no reason to panic, but there is always a reason to be careful, vigilant, and to cooperate with each other, especially in the sharing of information,” Aying added.
The Army and police are also on alert against theNew People's Army after they raided a police station in Maasin town in Iloilo province on Sunday,and took high-powered firearms.
B arangay tanod Romeo Cabalong was also wounded when government soldiers clashed with suspected NPA rebels in Barangay Lampaya in Leon town, Iloilo, yesterday.
Aying said the NPA rebels who staged the raid Sunday took advantage of the vacuum as the Army was distracted by the movement of 82nd IB soldiers to Marawi, and the PNP is preparing to send forces if needed, to Mindanao.
Government troops have been reminded not to let their guard down, although there is no cause for alarm as the NPA is a declining force, he added.
Chief Supt Edmund Gonzales, Negros Island police director, has been inspecting the security preparedness of police stations in the island in the wake of the rebel raid in Iloilo.
Castil said the police have been on alert and a reiteration of the need not to let their guard down was just being made.
They have not received any confirmation from the police intelligence community of the alleged NICA warning on June 30 attacks but remain prepared, Castil said.
Aying said ahoax warning was also circulated earlier of June 12 attacks that did not happen, and now it has been moved to June 30.
The alleged NICA document being circulated on social media since Monday, requests for validation and monitoring of information that a “joint ISIS Maute, BIFF terror group will launch major attacks over key cities nationwide on June 30.”
It also said petroleum lorry trucks and LPG delivery trucks will be hijacked and used as vehicle bombs with populated areas such as shopping malls and churches as their targets.
It said foreign terrorists from the ISIS group will carry out suicide attacks and that 20 Maute special units are already in place and mosques will not be spared.
Aying said they have no confirmation of such document, but remain vigilant as they strengthen their intelligence networks.
“It's more of a hoax, but, on the other hand, we should not underestimate possibilities,” he added.
Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. yesterday convened Task Force Buglas at his office at the Capitol in Bacolod for an organizational meeting.
Buglas, a task force on peace and security, was created by the governor amid the rising threat posed by Islamic extremism.
The governor reminded those present to stay vigilant and not to let their guard down.
Present at the meeting were officials of the Army, Coast Guard, Navy,other line agencies and representatives of civil society. Only the Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office failed to send a representatives, Ma. LinaSanogal, Task Force Buglas executive director, said.
Ayingsaid the meeting discussed strengthening of communication lines between the various security forces, line agencies and communities to secure Negros from terror threats.
At the Task Force Buglas organizational meeting various suggestions were made that will be included in an amended version of the order of the governor on its creation, Sanogal said.
The task force will hold a one-day planning workshop to flesh out the functions of its various task groups next week, and an anti-terror summit is being eyed for July, Sanogal added.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/June/21/topstory1.htm
Army and police officials yesterday said an alleged warning of attacks from the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency on key cities nationwide by Islamist terrorists on June 30 is a hoax, but said they are not letting their guard down and are continuing to strengthen security measures.
The alleged NICA warning circulating on social media networks and through text messages, also alleges that some of the terrorists were monitored in Negros and Guimaras.
Maj. Gen. Jon Aying, 3 rd Infantry Division commander, and Senior Supt. Rodolfo Castil, Negros Occidental OIC police director, both denied receiving such intelligence report.
It's a hoax, but we are not letting our guard down, Aying said, as he reiterated the appeal for civilians to immediately report any unusual activity or unfamiliar persons in their communities.
“Whether it is a hoax or a fact we just have to be vigilant. Everyone should do their share to help secure our communities,” he said.
“Definitely there is no reason to panic, but there is always a reason to be careful, vigilant, and to cooperate with each other, especially in the sharing of information,” Aying added.
The Army and police are also on alert against theNew People's Army after they raided a police station in Maasin town in Iloilo province on Sunday,and took high-powered firearms.
B arangay tanod Romeo Cabalong was also wounded when government soldiers clashed with suspected NPA rebels in Barangay Lampaya in Leon town, Iloilo, yesterday.
Aying said the NPA rebels who staged the raid Sunday took advantage of the vacuum as the Army was distracted by the movement of 82nd IB soldiers to Marawi, and the PNP is preparing to send forces if needed, to Mindanao.
Government troops have been reminded not to let their guard down, although there is no cause for alarm as the NPA is a declining force, he added.
Chief Supt Edmund Gonzales, Negros Island police director, has been inspecting the security preparedness of police stations in the island in the wake of the rebel raid in Iloilo.
Castil said the police have been on alert and a reiteration of the need not to let their guard down was just being made.
They have not received any confirmation from the police intelligence community of the alleged NICA warning on June 30 attacks but remain prepared, Castil said.
Aying said ahoax warning was also circulated earlier of June 12 attacks that did not happen, and now it has been moved to June 30.
The alleged NICA document being circulated on social media since Monday, requests for validation and monitoring of information that a “joint ISIS Maute, BIFF terror group will launch major attacks over key cities nationwide on June 30.”
It also said petroleum lorry trucks and LPG delivery trucks will be hijacked and used as vehicle bombs with populated areas such as shopping malls and churches as their targets.
It said foreign terrorists from the ISIS group will carry out suicide attacks and that 20 Maute special units are already in place and mosques will not be spared.
Aying said they have no confirmation of such document, but remain vigilant as they strengthen their intelligence networks.
“It's more of a hoax, but, on the other hand, we should not underestimate possibilities,” he added.
Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. yesterday convened Task Force Buglas at his office at the Capitol in Bacolod for an organizational meeting.
Buglas, a task force on peace and security, was created by the governor amid the rising threat posed by Islamic extremism.
The governor reminded those present to stay vigilant and not to let their guard down.
Present at the meeting were officials of the Army, Coast Guard, Navy,other line agencies and representatives of civil society. Only the Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office failed to send a representatives, Ma. LinaSanogal, Task Force Buglas executive director, said.
Ayingsaid the meeting discussed strengthening of communication lines between the various security forces, line agencies and communities to secure Negros from terror threats.
At the Task Force Buglas organizational meeting various suggestions were made that will be included in an amended version of the order of the governor on its creation, Sanogal said.
The task force will hold a one-day planning workshop to flesh out the functions of its various task groups next week, and an anti-terror summit is being eyed for July, Sanogal added.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/June/21/topstory1.htm
3rd ID ADC for reservists, retirees named
From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 21): 3rd ID ADC for reservists, retirees named
Colonel Aniano Orap-Orap, former deputy commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, has been promoted as the 3 rd Infantry Division assistant division commander for Reservist and Retiree Affairs.
Orap-Orap was installed Monday by Maj. Gen. Jon Aying, 3ID commanding general, in a ceremony held at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz.
Lt. Col. Arnel Cabugon, 3ID Public Affairs Office chief, said that the ADC for Reservist and Retiree Affairs is a new position created by the Philippine Army in the Division level to invigorate the development program of the Army's Reserve component in its area of responsibility.
Aying emphasized the crucial roles of the RRA, not only to the AFP but to the country and the people.
“The utilization and employment of the AFP Reserve Forces in support to the AFP Development Support Security Plan must be given full support and attention,” Aying said during the installation of Orap-Orap.
Two Army Geographical Battalions were also organized by Aying in the Negros Island Region to support the non-traditional military activities of the Army in the newly-created region.
Orap-Orap promised to do his best in the performance of his duties and responsibilities in support to the attainment of the objectives of the AFP's Development Support Plan.
Col. Inocencio Pasaporte replaced Orap-Orap as the 303 rd Infantry Brigade deputy commander.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/June/21/negor3.htm
Colonel Aniano Orap-Orap, former deputy commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, has been promoted as the 3 rd Infantry Division assistant division commander for Reservist and Retiree Affairs.
Orap-Orap was installed Monday by Maj. Gen. Jon Aying, 3ID commanding general, in a ceremony held at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz.
Lt. Col. Arnel Cabugon, 3ID Public Affairs Office chief, said that the ADC for Reservist and Retiree Affairs is a new position created by the Philippine Army in the Division level to invigorate the development program of the Army's Reserve component in its area of responsibility.
Aying emphasized the crucial roles of the RRA, not only to the AFP but to the country and the people.
“The utilization and employment of the AFP Reserve Forces in support to the AFP Development Support Security Plan must be given full support and attention,” Aying said during the installation of Orap-Orap.
Two Army Geographical Battalions were also organized by Aying in the Negros Island Region to support the non-traditional military activities of the Army in the newly-created region.
Orap-Orap promised to do his best in the performance of his duties and responsibilities in support to the attainment of the objectives of the AFP's Development Support Plan.
Col. Inocencio Pasaporte replaced Orap-Orap as the 303 rd Infantry Brigade deputy commander.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/June/21/negor3.htm
NPA hitmen kill ex-Army soldier
From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 21): NPA hitmen kill ex-Army soldier
Three suspected New People's Army members yesterday shot and killed a former Army sergeant in Brgy. Lumapao, Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.
The victim was identified by the 303rd Infantry Brigade as former Army Sgt. Ronnie Montejo, formerly of the 11th Infantry Battalion.
Montejo was riding a motorcycle when he was gunned down by three suspects believed to be members of the NPA Special Partisan Unit, two days after the rebel group also raided a police station in Maasin town, Iloilo.
Lt. Col. Arnel Cabugon, Public Affairs Office chief of the 3rd Infantry Division, yesterday said that the motive of the shooting incident is still being determined.
Montejo was reported as an intelligence operative of the 11IB when he was still active in the military service.
Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza, in a statement issued by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, said the NPA attack in Maasin, Iloilo, and elsewhere must be dealt with accordingly and decisively by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the National Police.
It is disheartening to note that such attacks provide a negative impact in our mutual commitment with the National Democratic Front to provide that enabling environment conducive to the continuation of peace negotiations with them, Dureza said.
Since the latest statements of the NDF and the government to mutually refrain from taking offensive operations against each other cover only Mindanao, Dureza clarified that there is yet no mutually agreed bilateral ceasefire agreement in place nationwide.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also criticized the communist hierarchy for failing to rein in its forces after the New People's Army attacked the Maasin police station.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/June/21/negor2.htm
Three suspected New People's Army members yesterday shot and killed a former Army sergeant in Brgy. Lumapao, Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.
The victim was identified by the 303rd Infantry Brigade as former Army Sgt. Ronnie Montejo, formerly of the 11th Infantry Battalion.
Montejo was riding a motorcycle when he was gunned down by three suspects believed to be members of the NPA Special Partisan Unit, two days after the rebel group also raided a police station in Maasin town, Iloilo.
Lt. Col. Arnel Cabugon, Public Affairs Office chief of the 3rd Infantry Division, yesterday said that the motive of the shooting incident is still being determined.
Montejo was reported as an intelligence operative of the 11IB when he was still active in the military service.
Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza, in a statement issued by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, said the NPA attack in Maasin, Iloilo, and elsewhere must be dealt with accordingly and decisively by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the National Police.
It is disheartening to note that such attacks provide a negative impact in our mutual commitment with the National Democratic Front to provide that enabling environment conducive to the continuation of peace negotiations with them, Dureza said.
Since the latest statements of the NDF and the government to mutually refrain from taking offensive operations against each other cover only Mindanao, Dureza clarified that there is yet no mutually agreed bilateral ceasefire agreement in place nationwide.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also criticized the communist hierarchy for failing to rein in its forces after the New People's Army attacked the Maasin police station.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/June/21/negor2.htm
Metro Manila bomb plot memo 'chismis' – police official
From Rappler (Jun 20): Metro Manila bomb plot memo 'chismis' – police official
The cop who signed the internal memorandum – which made the rounds in public – is also sacked pending investigation
A police official whose subordinate signed a memorandum about an alleged Metro Manila bomb plot said it was "raw intel".
"In short, chismis (rumors)," said Chief Superintendent Roberto Fajardo, chief of the Northern Police District (NPD), referring to a memorandum supposedly written by the Valenzuela City police offices' intelligence chief, Chief Inspector Jowielouie Bonaobra Bilaro.
The memo, which was dated June 16 and supposedly written by Bilaro, detailed an alleged plot by the Maute Group to "conduct bombing in Trinoma, Quezon City, SM Cubao, Quezon City Circle, certain places in Quiapo and Makati."
Fajardo confirmed the authenticity of the document but clarified that it was merely "raw intel." He said in a text message to Rappler on Tuesday, June 20, "But we double check even if it's just chismis (rumors), just to make sure."
Still, Bilaro has been relieved from his post pending investigation.
"That's our question too," said Fajardo when asked how the memorandum went viral through social media and online messaging platforms.
In the supposed memo, the Valenzuela City Police Station's intelligence branch informed community precincts about a "Plan Bombing in Metro Manila."
It reminded community precincts to "initiate counter security measures to prevent government casualty and attacks from the enemy, particularly PNP stations/AFP units and vital installations in your respective AORs (areas of responsibility)."
Metro Manila police chief Director Oscar Albayalde had earlier said they would investigate the memorandum while reminding the public not to share unverified information.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on June 20 also reminded its officers to handle confidential and internal documents properly.
The supposed memo comes as government troops continue to flush out terrorists in Marawi, who attempted to take control of the city on May 23.
President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Mindanao island under martial law, partly to quell the threat of the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups, which earlier pledged allegiance to international terror group Islamic State (ISIS). (READ: 20 ISIS cell groups operate in Mindanao – Calida)
Police in the National Capital Region have remained on alert following a string of high-profile events and the declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/173512-metro-manila-bomb-plot-valenzuela
The cop who signed the internal memorandum – which made the rounds in public – is also sacked pending investigation
UNVERIFIED. The chief of the NPD says the information in this memorandum is unverified or 'chismis' (rumors).
A police official whose subordinate signed a memorandum about an alleged Metro Manila bomb plot said it was "raw intel".
"In short, chismis (rumors)," said Chief Superintendent Roberto Fajardo, chief of the Northern Police District (NPD), referring to a memorandum supposedly written by the Valenzuela City police offices' intelligence chief, Chief Inspector Jowielouie Bonaobra Bilaro.
The memo, which was dated June 16 and supposedly written by Bilaro, detailed an alleged plot by the Maute Group to "conduct bombing in Trinoma, Quezon City, SM Cubao, Quezon City Circle, certain places in Quiapo and Makati."
Fajardo confirmed the authenticity of the document but clarified that it was merely "raw intel." He said in a text message to Rappler on Tuesday, June 20, "But we double check even if it's just chismis (rumors), just to make sure."
Still, Bilaro has been relieved from his post pending investigation.
"That's our question too," said Fajardo when asked how the memorandum went viral through social media and online messaging platforms.
In the supposed memo, the Valenzuela City Police Station's intelligence branch informed community precincts about a "Plan Bombing in Metro Manila."
It reminded community precincts to "initiate counter security measures to prevent government casualty and attacks from the enemy, particularly PNP stations/AFP units and vital installations in your respective AORs (areas of responsibility)."
Metro Manila police chief Director Oscar Albayalde had earlier said they would investigate the memorandum while reminding the public not to share unverified information.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on June 20 also reminded its officers to handle confidential and internal documents properly.
The supposed memo comes as government troops continue to flush out terrorists in Marawi, who attempted to take control of the city on May 23.
President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Mindanao island under martial law, partly to quell the threat of the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups, which earlier pledged allegiance to international terror group Islamic State (ISIS). (READ: 20 ISIS cell groups operate in Mindanao – Calida)
Police in the National Capital Region have remained on alert following a string of high-profile events and the declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/173512-metro-manila-bomb-plot-valenzuela
COA: Delivery of P3-billion worth of PNP firearms, ammo delayed
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
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
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
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