From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21): BIFF attacks in N. Cotabato now contained — AFP
The incident involving the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Pigcawayan town, North Cotabato is now contained despite sporadic skirmishing with government security forces.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo, in a press briefing Wednesday, however, clarified that the BIFF attack is no way connected with the ongoing clearing operations in Marawi City.
The BIFF attacks centered on Barangays Malagakit and Simsiman where a militia detachment was located.
The bandits were aided by their private armed group allies in these series of attacks.
"Skirmishes are still ongoing as they withdrew in a nearby school but what we can say is the incident is now contained. There is nothing to be worried about," he added in Filipino.
Arevalo said he has no information on the number of BIFF attackers and the hostages they are holding right now.
He added that the attacks are a way of the BIFF showing that they are still a force to reckon with and has nothing to do with ongoing government efforts to clear Marawi City of its remaining Maute Group attackers.
The military official stressed that operations in Marawi City are now nearing its conclusion but did not give exact figures nor date for its completion, adding that military units only need to capture a few remaining holdouts of the terrorist group, stressing that progress is only being impeded by snipers, improvised explosive devices and the deplorable use of the bandits of human shields.
Arevalo also said these unprovoked attacks disrupted the peace and disturbed the religious observance of the Ramadhan.
The AFP public affairs office chief added that the military has planned contingency measures for such incidents.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996673
Thursday, June 22, 2017
AFP: North Cotabato school cleared of BIFF
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21): AFP: North Cotabato school cleared of BIFF
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday announced that responding security forces have already cleared the school in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and are now conducting pursuit operations.
AFP spokesperson Restituto Padilla Jr. said that BIFF bandits who had earlier tried to harass a Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) outpost near Malagkit Elementary School have retreated with no casualties reported.
“It’s already resolved actually. They (BIFF) have withdrawn from the area. They are no longer there. The school area is again safe. The patrol base is well-secured,” Padilla said during the Mindanao Hour press briefing in Malacañang.
The bandits staged the attack early Wednesday morning at the barangay augmentation team outpost before retreating to the nearby school after a firefight with quick responding Army troopers.
Padilla branded the attack as an “opportunistic activity” by the BIFF.
“They were taking advantage of the situation that we have a very lightly defended outpost and that they think our forces are elsewhere in the province,” he said.
“So sinubukan nilang pasukin ito at hindi sila nagtagumpay dahil simula’t sapul na nagsimula po itong Marawi crisis eh handa na po lahat ng pwersa sa buong Mindanao na harapin kung anuman ‘yung mga bantang nangyayari,” Padilla said.
However, the military official confirmed that five civilians are being held as human shields by the retreating bandits to slow down pursuing troops.
“Unfortunately, in the withdrawal phase of the armed elements, of the armed group, they used some civilians to cover their withdrawal. Ginamit nilang human shield kaya medyo pigil po ‘yung mga pwersa na humabol,” Padilla said.
Earlier, a BIFF spokesman said the civilians are safe and would be released later.
Padilla said state forces are currently ascertaining if the BIFF have already released the five civilians that they have held.
In the meantime, the AFP spokesman assured that the military have enough forces in Mindanao to respond to any threats posed by various rebel groups.
“Our forces are spread all over. We may be facing many fronts, ibig sabihin madami tayong kinakaharap na kalaban pero maayos po nating na-i-assign ang lahat ng ating mga pwersa para harapin po itong mga iba’t-ibang banta,” Padilla said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996693
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday announced that responding security forces have already cleared the school in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and are now conducting pursuit operations.
AFP spokesperson Restituto Padilla Jr. said that BIFF bandits who had earlier tried to harass a Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) outpost near Malagkit Elementary School have retreated with no casualties reported.
“It’s already resolved actually. They (BIFF) have withdrawn from the area. They are no longer there. The school area is again safe. The patrol base is well-secured,” Padilla said during the Mindanao Hour press briefing in Malacañang.
The bandits staged the attack early Wednesday morning at the barangay augmentation team outpost before retreating to the nearby school after a firefight with quick responding Army troopers.
Padilla branded the attack as an “opportunistic activity” by the BIFF.
“They were taking advantage of the situation that we have a very lightly defended outpost and that they think our forces are elsewhere in the province,” he said.
“So sinubukan nilang pasukin ito at hindi sila nagtagumpay dahil simula’t sapul na nagsimula po itong Marawi crisis eh handa na po lahat ng pwersa sa buong Mindanao na harapin kung anuman ‘yung mga bantang nangyayari,” Padilla said.
However, the military official confirmed that five civilians are being held as human shields by the retreating bandits to slow down pursuing troops.
“Unfortunately, in the withdrawal phase of the armed elements, of the armed group, they used some civilians to cover their withdrawal. Ginamit nilang human shield kaya medyo pigil po ‘yung mga pwersa na humabol,” Padilla said.
Earlier, a BIFF spokesman said the civilians are safe and would be released later.
Padilla said state forces are currently ascertaining if the BIFF have already released the five civilians that they have held.
In the meantime, the AFP spokesman assured that the military have enough forces in Mindanao to respond to any threats posed by various rebel groups.
“Our forces are spread all over. We may be facing many fronts, ibig sabihin madami tayong kinakaharap na kalaban pero maayos po nating na-i-assign ang lahat ng ating mga pwersa para harapin po itong mga iba’t-ibang banta,” Padilla said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996693
Situation in Marawi continues to improve, says AFP
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21): Situation in Marawi continues to improve, says AFP
As fighting in Marawi entered its fifth week, the situation in the strife-torn city continues to improve, a military spokesman said Wednesday.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson Brigadier General Restituto Padilla Jr. reported that government security forces continue to gain foothold in areas previously under the control of the Maute terror group.
“There are areas that we have not covered before that we have already overcome at this moment and the process of clearing is what we are concentrating on in the succeeding days,” Padilla said during the regular Mindanao Hour press briefing in Malacañang.
The military official said as of Tuesday, at least 16 buildings have already been cleared of the presence of the militants, who laid siege in Marawi City last May 23.
“We are prioritizing the areas that are built up or heavily built up which means to say those that are constructed well and can withstand attacks and bombardments and potentially may have basement areas or hidden areas underneath that can protect them from any kind of assault from the air,” Padilla said.
He also said government troops are also carefully assessing the situation in the outlying areas in preparation for the rehabilitation of Marawi but he has yet to give concrete estimate of the damage in the once peaceful and orderly city.
Padilla said Joint Task Force Ranao led by its commander Brigadier General Ramiro Rey is continuously conducting consultations with other members of the community to iron out their participation in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi once the hostilities have ended.
Asked by reporters about possible threats in different parts of the country, Padilla said threats will remain even after the Marawi crisis is resolved calling on the public to remain vigilant and alert at all times.
“But as we have been saying previously, threats remain. Lagi pong may banta na nanatili. Hindi po nawawala ‘yung mga banta. Maski saan po tayo may banta na nariyan,” he said.
He stressed anew the importance of shared responsibility and security to prevent any untoward incident.
“At nais ko lang pong ulitin ‘no, pagkatapos po na maresolba itong Marawi crisis, hindi po mawawala ang banta na haharapin natin,” he said.
During the same briefing, Padilla said the military fended off attack by Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato on Wednesday morning forcing the rebels to withdraw.
“Now, ito pong ginawa ng BIFF ay isang opportunistic activity. Nakita nila na may pagkakataon so ipinamalas nila ‘yung kanilang kakayahan na kaya nilang gawin ito pero sa mabuting palad, hindi nila matagumpay na nagawa ito,” Padilla said.
The BIFF harassed a barangay augmentation team in North Cotabato. The attack was not successful, Padilla said, citing the readiness of military forces.
“So sinubukan nilang pasukin ito at hindi sila nagtagumpay dahil simula’t sapul na nagsimula po itong Marawi crisis eh handa na po lahat ng pwersa sa buong Mindanano na harapin kung anuman ‘yung mga bantang nangyayari,” he said.
Reports said the rebels used civilians to cover their withdrawal. The military, however, is assessing whether the BIFF has freed the civilians, according to Padilla.
Meanwhile, Padilla issued a warning to the public regarding the increase in number of scammers trying to deceive people by raising money for the soldiers killed or injured in the Marawi fighting.
He encouraged the public to report these scammers to telecommunications companies who might then block the cellphone numbers they were using.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella reminded the public that the two accounts the government setup in Land Bank of the Philippines are the only official depository account for families of soldiers killed-in-action and for internally displaced persons.
The account names are: AFP Marawi Casualty for slain soldiers (account no: 00000552107128) and Marawi IDP (account no: 00000552107136) for evacuees.
Abella reported that the donation for the families of the fallen soldiers has increased to P508,500 from P224,000 as of June 20, while donation for the evacuees went up to P187,500 from P21,000.
The Palace official also gave an update on the situation in Marawi noting that as of 12 noon Tuesday, June 20, there are 1,645 civilians rescued or an increase of 8 from 1,637 while government casualties grew by one to 66.
The recovered firearms by government troops from terrorists increased to 271 from 255, while the number of terrorists killed rose by 10 to 268.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996696
As fighting in Marawi entered its fifth week, the situation in the strife-torn city continues to improve, a military spokesman said Wednesday.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson Brigadier General Restituto Padilla Jr. reported that government security forces continue to gain foothold in areas previously under the control of the Maute terror group.
“There are areas that we have not covered before that we have already overcome at this moment and the process of clearing is what we are concentrating on in the succeeding days,” Padilla said during the regular Mindanao Hour press briefing in Malacañang.
The military official said as of Tuesday, at least 16 buildings have already been cleared of the presence of the militants, who laid siege in Marawi City last May 23.
“We are prioritizing the areas that are built up or heavily built up which means to say those that are constructed well and can withstand attacks and bombardments and potentially may have basement areas or hidden areas underneath that can protect them from any kind of assault from the air,” Padilla said.
He also said government troops are also carefully assessing the situation in the outlying areas in preparation for the rehabilitation of Marawi but he has yet to give concrete estimate of the damage in the once peaceful and orderly city.
Padilla said Joint Task Force Ranao led by its commander Brigadier General Ramiro Rey is continuously conducting consultations with other members of the community to iron out their participation in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi once the hostilities have ended.
Asked by reporters about possible threats in different parts of the country, Padilla said threats will remain even after the Marawi crisis is resolved calling on the public to remain vigilant and alert at all times.
“But as we have been saying previously, threats remain. Lagi pong may banta na nanatili. Hindi po nawawala ‘yung mga banta. Maski saan po tayo may banta na nariyan,” he said.
He stressed anew the importance of shared responsibility and security to prevent any untoward incident.
“At nais ko lang pong ulitin ‘no, pagkatapos po na maresolba itong Marawi crisis, hindi po mawawala ang banta na haharapin natin,” he said.
During the same briefing, Padilla said the military fended off attack by Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato on Wednesday morning forcing the rebels to withdraw.
“Now, ito pong ginawa ng BIFF ay isang opportunistic activity. Nakita nila na may pagkakataon so ipinamalas nila ‘yung kanilang kakayahan na kaya nilang gawin ito pero sa mabuting palad, hindi nila matagumpay na nagawa ito,” Padilla said.
The BIFF harassed a barangay augmentation team in North Cotabato. The attack was not successful, Padilla said, citing the readiness of military forces.
“So sinubukan nilang pasukin ito at hindi sila nagtagumpay dahil simula’t sapul na nagsimula po itong Marawi crisis eh handa na po lahat ng pwersa sa buong Mindanano na harapin kung anuman ‘yung mga bantang nangyayari,” he said.
Reports said the rebels used civilians to cover their withdrawal. The military, however, is assessing whether the BIFF has freed the civilians, according to Padilla.
Meanwhile, Padilla issued a warning to the public regarding the increase in number of scammers trying to deceive people by raising money for the soldiers killed or injured in the Marawi fighting.
He encouraged the public to report these scammers to telecommunications companies who might then block the cellphone numbers they were using.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella reminded the public that the two accounts the government setup in Land Bank of the Philippines are the only official depository account for families of soldiers killed-in-action and for internally displaced persons.
The account names are: AFP Marawi Casualty for slain soldiers (account no: 00000552107128) and Marawi IDP (account no: 00000552107136) for evacuees.
Abella reported that the donation for the families of the fallen soldiers has increased to P508,500 from P224,000 as of June 20, while donation for the evacuees went up to P187,500 from P21,000.
The Palace official also gave an update on the situation in Marawi noting that as of 12 noon Tuesday, June 20, there are 1,645 civilians rescued or an increase of 8 from 1,637 while government casualties grew by one to 66.
The recovered firearms by government troops from terrorists increased to 271 from 255, while the number of terrorists killed rose by 10 to 268.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996696
Duterte kept promise to use presidential plane as air ambulance — AFP
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21): Duterte kept promise to use presidential plane as air ambulance — AFP
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday expressed gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte for fulfilling his promise to use his presidential plane to ferry soldiers wounded in the battlefield.
"I'd like to give notice that as the President has promised, for the use of his presidential aircraft last night on our way back to Manila from Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. Those who were required by our medical professionals to be evacuated to Manila, used the presidential aircraft and other aircraft of the Air Force to be transported to Manila," AFP spokesperson Brig, Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr. said at the Mindanao Hour press briefing in Malacañang.
"A fulfillment of his commitment to have the presidential plane used by the soldiers. And we'd like to pass on the thanks of our Armed Forces on behalf of the Chief of Staff and the wounded warriors that we brought to Manila for further treatment," Padilla said.
According to Palace officials, President Duterte took nine wounded soldiers with him aboard the F-28 presidential plane on the way to Manila after his visit to troops at Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City Tuesday night.
The nine soldiers were among security forces battling terrorist in Marawi City.
After winning the elections, Duterte said he wants all aircraft assigned to the Presidential Airlift Wing to be converted as "air ambulances".
He followed it up sometime in August 2016 when he asked Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana to convert the presidential plane into an air ambulance.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996708
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday expressed gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte for fulfilling his promise to use his presidential plane to ferry soldiers wounded in the battlefield.
"I'd like to give notice that as the President has promised, for the use of his presidential aircraft last night on our way back to Manila from Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. Those who were required by our medical professionals to be evacuated to Manila, used the presidential aircraft and other aircraft of the Air Force to be transported to Manila," AFP spokesperson Brig, Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr. said at the Mindanao Hour press briefing in Malacañang.
"A fulfillment of his commitment to have the presidential plane used by the soldiers. And we'd like to pass on the thanks of our Armed Forces on behalf of the Chief of Staff and the wounded warriors that we brought to Manila for further treatment," Padilla said.
According to Palace officials, President Duterte took nine wounded soldiers with him aboard the F-28 presidential plane on the way to Manila after his visit to troops at Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City Tuesday night.
The nine soldiers were among security forces battling terrorist in Marawi City.
After winning the elections, Duterte said he wants all aircraft assigned to the Presidential Airlift Wing to be converted as "air ambulances".
He followed it up sometime in August 2016 when he asked Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana to convert the presidential plane into an air ambulance.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996708
PH, Indonesia, Malaysia forge collective effort vs terrorism, extremism
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21): PH, Indonesia, Malaysia forge collective effort vs terrorism, extremism
The Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia are intensifying defense and intelligence collaboration in the wake of the recent attack of the IS-affiliated Maute group in Marawi City.
Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter S. Cayetano announced Wednesday that foreign ministers, top security and intelligence officials will meet on Thursday, June 22, in Manila to discuss plans for intense trilateral cooperation aimed at preventing extremists from establishing operational bases in the Southeast Asian region.
“The aim is to make a team effort, rather than each country fending off extremism by themselves,” Cayetano said.
Joint maritime operations by Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines to fight transnational crimes and terrorism in the Sulu Sea were launched Monday, June 19, in Tarakan, North Kalimantan, Indonesia.
The Trilateral Maritime Patrol was inaugurated in the Tarakan Naval Base in a ceremony attended by Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu and Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.
As security concerns threaten the robust economic growth of the region, countries are forging a collective effort against terrorism and extremism.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996706
The Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia are intensifying defense and intelligence collaboration in the wake of the recent attack of the IS-affiliated Maute group in Marawi City.
Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter S. Cayetano announced Wednesday that foreign ministers, top security and intelligence officials will meet on Thursday, June 22, in Manila to discuss plans for intense trilateral cooperation aimed at preventing extremists from establishing operational bases in the Southeast Asian region.
“The aim is to make a team effort, rather than each country fending off extremism by themselves,” Cayetano said.
Joint maritime operations by Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines to fight transnational crimes and terrorism in the Sulu Sea were launched Monday, June 19, in Tarakan, North Kalimantan, Indonesia.
The Trilateral Maritime Patrol was inaugurated in the Tarakan Naval Base in a ceremony attended by Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu and Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.
As security concerns threaten the robust economic growth of the region, countries are forging a collective effort against terrorism and extremism.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996706
President Duterte rejects civilian help vs Maute in Marawi, says it could lead to civil war
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22): President Duterte rejects civilian help vs Maute in Marawi, says it could lead to civil war
President Rodrigo Duterte refused to accept offers of help from civilians who volunteered to arm themselves and join the fight against Maute terrorists in Marawi City.
This was the reply of the President when he was asked to comment on the reported offer of the “Ilaga” group to go to Marawi and join government troops in ridding the city of the remaining Maute fighters.
The “Ilaga” is a group of Christian extremists who gained notoriety in the 1970s for fighting Moro insurgents in southern Mindanao.
“I do not think at this time that we have to include the civilian sector.
The last thing that I would want to happen is a communal war. ‘Yung mag-armas-armas na kanya-kanya. I know that some of the Christians are getting insecure and that is why a lot of them have been looking for heavy firearms. Pero sinabi ko sa mga gun store, 'bawal'. You’re only limited to a (caliber) .22 to a shotgun,” the President said.
Duterte warned that if civilians are allowed to join the fighting, it would make the situation in Mindanao more complicated.
He also pointed out that a civil war would not be far off if he allowed elements outside of the military and police to enter the war on terror.
The commander-in-chief then expressed confidence that the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police can hold its own in Marawi.
“But ‘yung offer na ‘yan would only add to the convoluted thing that’s happening now. Let the Armed Forces and the police deal with the problem," he said.
"I know that they’re capable of doing it. And I said, they are winding up in Marawi except for a few snipers left behind. But I do not think that it would last a little longer than expected. ‘Yung anarchy and communal wars, they call it. Civil war, communal wars. Mahirap po ‘yan. Let the Armed Forces deal with it. Tutal kaya naman talaga ng (mga) sundalo," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996712
President Rodrigo Duterte refused to accept offers of help from civilians who volunteered to arm themselves and join the fight against Maute terrorists in Marawi City.
This was the reply of the President when he was asked to comment on the reported offer of the “Ilaga” group to go to Marawi and join government troops in ridding the city of the remaining Maute fighters.
The “Ilaga” is a group of Christian extremists who gained notoriety in the 1970s for fighting Moro insurgents in southern Mindanao.
“I do not think at this time that we have to include the civilian sector.
The last thing that I would want to happen is a communal war. ‘Yung mag-armas-armas na kanya-kanya. I know that some of the Christians are getting insecure and that is why a lot of them have been looking for heavy firearms. Pero sinabi ko sa mga gun store, 'bawal'. You’re only limited to a (caliber) .22 to a shotgun,” the President said.
Duterte warned that if civilians are allowed to join the fighting, it would make the situation in Mindanao more complicated.
He also pointed out that a civil war would not be far off if he allowed elements outside of the military and police to enter the war on terror.
The commander-in-chief then expressed confidence that the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police can hold its own in Marawi.
“But ‘yung offer na ‘yan would only add to the convoluted thing that’s happening now. Let the Armed Forces and the police deal with the problem," he said.
"I know that they’re capable of doing it. And I said, they are winding up in Marawi except for a few snipers left behind. But I do not think that it would last a little longer than expected. ‘Yung anarchy and communal wars, they call it. Civil war, communal wars. Mahirap po ‘yan. Let the Armed Forces deal with it. Tutal kaya naman talaga ng (mga) sundalo," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996712
Gov't forces also clearing Marawi of IEDs, other explosives
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22): Gov't forces also clearing Marawi of IEDs, other explosives
Aside from clearing the remaining Maute Group remnants in Marawi City, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday announced that part of the ongoing operations is involved at clearing and removing improvised explosive devices (IEDs), landmines and unexploded ordnance in the locality.
This is to ensure that no civilians will be hurt nor killed once residents started returning in order to rebuild their city, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.
"When we say clearing operations, it does not only involved flushing the remaining Maute Group members, this includes removal of IEDs, landmines, and unexploded ordnance. This will take a while to ensure that no injury nor death will be inflicted to returning civilians," he said in Filipino.
Arevalo declined to give an exact timeline or deadline in neutralizing the remaining Maute Group terrorists but stressed that this will not take much more time.
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, AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla earlier said that a total of 16 buildings, formally 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 band 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 innto once enemy held positions," the AFP spokesperson pointed out.
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.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996787
Aside from clearing the remaining Maute Group remnants in Marawi City, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday announced that part of the ongoing operations is involved at clearing and removing improvised explosive devices (IEDs), landmines and unexploded ordnance in the locality.
This is to ensure that no civilians will be hurt nor killed once residents started returning in order to rebuild their city, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.
"When we say clearing operations, it does not only involved flushing the remaining Maute Group members, this includes removal of IEDs, landmines, and unexploded ordnance. This will take a while to ensure that no injury nor death will be inflicted to returning civilians," he said in Filipino.
Arevalo declined to give an exact timeline or deadline in neutralizing the remaining Maute Group terrorists but stressed that this will not take much more time.
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, AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla earlier said that a total of 16 buildings, formally 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 band 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 innto once enemy held positions," the AFP spokesperson pointed out.
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.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996787
Military wants public assistance in beating terror threats
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22): Military wants public assistance in beating terror threats
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is urging the public to report the presence of suspicious looking individuals and packages to authorities as part of efforts to curb terror threats in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.
In the same vein, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said they also coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to further beef up the security of the metropolis.
Arevalo added that measures are already instituted but the AFP still needs the help of the civilians to make these foolproof.
And when asked why the military is not sharing all the information, the AFP official said this is because they don't want to cause panic.
The AFP public affairs office chief also assured the public that security forces are doing their job in going after local terrorists.
Earlier, AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla they have not so far receive any intelligence information that members of the Maute Group are planning to conduct bombings in Metro Manila.
He issued this statement following the circulation of a memorandum coming from the Valenzuela Police Station-Station Intelligence Branch of the alleged Maute plot to conduct bombings in Trinoma, SM Cubao, and Quezon City Circle, all in Quezon City and certain places in Quiapo, Manila and Makati.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996801
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is urging the public to report the presence of suspicious looking individuals and packages to authorities as part of efforts to curb terror threats in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.
In the same vein, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said they also coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to further beef up the security of the metropolis.
Arevalo added that measures are already instituted but the AFP still needs the help of the civilians to make these foolproof.
And when asked why the military is not sharing all the information, the AFP official said this is because they don't want to cause panic.
The AFP public affairs office chief also assured the public that security forces are doing their job in going after local terrorists.
Earlier, AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla they have not so far receive any intelligence information that members of the Maute Group are planning to conduct bombings in Metro Manila.
He issued this statement following the circulation of a memorandum coming from the Valenzuela Police Station-Station Intelligence Branch of the alleged Maute plot to conduct bombings in Trinoma, SM Cubao, and Quezon City Circle, all in Quezon City and certain places in Quiapo, Manila and Makati.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996801
Troops, residents in Marawi get free texts, calls for 15 days
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22): Troops, residents in Marawi get free texts, calls for 15 days
Troops battling the terrorist Maute Group in Marawi City got a much-needed boost in morale after telecommunications company, Globe, announced it is providing 15 days of free texts to all networks and free calls to Globe and TM subscribers in the locality, starting Thursday afternoon.
"Communication is of extreme importance in any instance of disaster, be it natural or man-made. As a telecommunication company with the purpose of treating people right, Globe fully supports the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and DICT (Department of Information and Communication Technology) who are experiencing these challenges by reconnecting them with their families and helping make the situation a little easier to bear," Globe president and chief executive officer Ernest Cu said.
He said the free services for their Globe and TM pre-paid subscribers in Marawi City will allow residents and soldiers to communicate with their loved ones even if they do not have pre-paid load.
The ceremonial switching of service took place at the AFP Cyber Center in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Cu said they are amenable to extending their free service if needed.
AFP deputy chief-of-staff for communications, electronics and information systems, Maj. Gen. Jose Tanjuan Jr., lauded Globe's gesture as this will afford troopers an open line of communication with their loved ones.
"We would like to thank the DICT and Globe Telecom for affording us this avenue for our embattled in Marawi to maintain communication lines with their families and loved ones during this critical time as they defend the Republic against lawless elements," he said.
On the fourth week of the conflict, which began May 23, a total of 258 Maute Group terrorists have been killed, along with 65 troops and police officers, and 26 civilians.
AFP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, earlier said that a total of 16 buildings, formerly occupied by the lawless elements, have been retaken in the past few days.
He however declined to comment on how many buildings need to be retaken to ensure the total elimination of the Maute elements in Marawi City.
"Enemy resistance continues to wane and the enemy-held areas continue to diminish as government security forces press their advance... Troops continue to get deeper into once enemy-held positions," Padilla said.
Fighting as of this posting was confined to four barangays.
Padila said the use of snipers, improvised explosive devices, and rocket-propelled grenades were slowing down the military's clearing operations.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996878
Troops battling the terrorist Maute Group in Marawi City got a much-needed boost in morale after telecommunications company, Globe, announced it is providing 15 days of free texts to all networks and free calls to Globe and TM subscribers in the locality, starting Thursday afternoon.
"Communication is of extreme importance in any instance of disaster, be it natural or man-made. As a telecommunication company with the purpose of treating people right, Globe fully supports the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and DICT (Department of Information and Communication Technology) who are experiencing these challenges by reconnecting them with their families and helping make the situation a little easier to bear," Globe president and chief executive officer Ernest Cu said.
He said the free services for their Globe and TM pre-paid subscribers in Marawi City will allow residents and soldiers to communicate with their loved ones even if they do not have pre-paid load.
The ceremonial switching of service took place at the AFP Cyber Center in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Cu said they are amenable to extending their free service if needed.
AFP deputy chief-of-staff for communications, electronics and information systems, Maj. Gen. Jose Tanjuan Jr., lauded Globe's gesture as this will afford troopers an open line of communication with their loved ones.
"We would like to thank the DICT and Globe Telecom for affording us this avenue for our embattled in Marawi to maintain communication lines with their families and loved ones during this critical time as they defend the Republic against lawless elements," he said.
On the fourth week of the conflict, which began May 23, a total of 258 Maute Group terrorists have been killed, along with 65 troops and police officers, and 26 civilians.
AFP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, earlier said that a total of 16 buildings, formerly occupied by the lawless elements, have been retaken in the past few days.
He however declined to comment on how many buildings need to be retaken to ensure the total elimination of the Maute elements in Marawi City.
"Enemy resistance continues to wane and the enemy-held areas continue to diminish as government security forces press their advance... Troops continue to get deeper into once enemy-held positions," Padilla said.
Fighting as of this posting was confined to four barangays.
Padila said the use of snipers, improvised explosive devices, and rocket-propelled grenades were slowing down the military's clearing operations.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996878
Philippines, Indonesia, agree to step up cooperation to combat terrorism
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22): Philippines, Indonesia, agree to step up cooperation to combat terrorism
Malacañang on Thursday said President Rodrigo Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo agreed to step up the Philippines and Indonesia’s cooperation against terrorism and violent extremism.
Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the two leaders had a phone conversation on Wednesday.
He then described the phone call between President Duterte and President Widodo as productive and fruitful, with the Indonesian leader reaffirming his support for the Philippines’s fight against terrorism and quest for Mindanao peace.
“The call was productive and fruitful. They both reaffirmed the need to step up cooperation to address threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism,” Abella said during a press briefing in Malacañang.
Abella also said that both leaders noted the importance of the trilateral meeting between Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
He said the meeting is aimed at fostering cooperation on countering terrorism among regional neighboring states, noting that President Widodo reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to support the Philippines in countering terrorism, as well as restoring peace and stability in the Southern Philippines.
“The President also welcomed the Indonesian President’s expression of commitment and emphasized the Philippine government’s full resolve to work closer together with Indonesia and like-minded states to address these issues,” Abella said.
Meanwhile, Abella said the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Embassy of China in the Philippines have signed the Minutes of Discussion covering a full financial grant for the design and construction of Binondo-Intramuros and Estrella-Pantaleon Bridges in Manila and Makati/Mandaluyong, respectively.
According to the initial project design, the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge will have four lanes and a total length of 807 meters. The Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge will also be a four-lane bridge.
Likewise, Abella said the Department of Agrarian Reform has distributed on June 15, 2017 certificates of land ownership awards covering more than 700 hectares of agricultural lands in Kalinga Apayao, Benguet and Ifugao to 1,163 agrarian reform beneficiaries or ARBs.
In addition, three farm-to-market roads and five communal irrigation projects amounting to PHP137.4 million has been turned over which would improve the performance of agricultural production in the areas, he said.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is doing its best to respond to Marawi crisis.
The DSWD has so far spent PHP294 million in kind, food and non-food items and cash augmentation to address the needs of families affected by the Marawi crisis.
As chair of the Response Cluster, DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said the DSWD is in charge of providing food and non-food items as well as camp coordination and management to the evacuees. As of June 21, there have been 69,434 families displaced by the conflict.
Of the entire population affected by the conflict, only about 5 percent are actually in the evacuation centers and the majority stays in their homes, according to Taguiwalo.
The DSWD chief said they are in the process of procuring family-sized tents, one tent for every family, in preparation for the return of the evacuees to Marawi City, she said.
At the same time, the DSWD also distributed PHP1,000 in cash assistance based on the request from ARMM to provide assistance to the evacuees for the observance of Ramadan.
“We have started the distribution of PHP1,000 each, all of the families will be provided that. Another PHP4,000 per family has been budgeted already once they are allowed to go back to Marawi to help them start anew,” Taguiwalo said.
The DSWD also prepared Ramadan food pack that will be distributed starting Monday, which is the end of Ramadan.
According to Taguiwalo, the Department of Budget and Management has downloaded PHP662,500,000 to the DSWD as of June 6, enabling it to purchase the needed family food packs as well as to augment hygiene kits and non-food items.
She added that the private sector and representatives from different volunteer groups have been assisting the government in the relief effort. Among those in the field include humanitarian groups, the International Red Cross, UN-related agencies, and Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, which offered free hauling of cargoes to Iligan City.
San Miguel Foundation also offered toll-free passage of DSWD’s cargo trucks going to Mindanao at STAR Tollway and SLEX. Also, UP students in Manila and the Visayas initiated relief efforts for the evacuees.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996881
Malacañang on Thursday said President Rodrigo Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo agreed to step up the Philippines and Indonesia’s cooperation against terrorism and violent extremism.
Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the two leaders had a phone conversation on Wednesday.
He then described the phone call between President Duterte and President Widodo as productive and fruitful, with the Indonesian leader reaffirming his support for the Philippines’s fight against terrorism and quest for Mindanao peace.
“The call was productive and fruitful. They both reaffirmed the need to step up cooperation to address threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism,” Abella said during a press briefing in Malacañang.
Abella also said that both leaders noted the importance of the trilateral meeting between Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
He said the meeting is aimed at fostering cooperation on countering terrorism among regional neighboring states, noting that President Widodo reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to support the Philippines in countering terrorism, as well as restoring peace and stability in the Southern Philippines.
“The President also welcomed the Indonesian President’s expression of commitment and emphasized the Philippine government’s full resolve to work closer together with Indonesia and like-minded states to address these issues,” Abella said.
Meanwhile, Abella said the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Embassy of China in the Philippines have signed the Minutes of Discussion covering a full financial grant for the design and construction of Binondo-Intramuros and Estrella-Pantaleon Bridges in Manila and Makati/Mandaluyong, respectively.
According to the initial project design, the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge will have four lanes and a total length of 807 meters. The Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge will also be a four-lane bridge.
Likewise, Abella said the Department of Agrarian Reform has distributed on June 15, 2017 certificates of land ownership awards covering more than 700 hectares of agricultural lands in Kalinga Apayao, Benguet and Ifugao to 1,163 agrarian reform beneficiaries or ARBs.
In addition, three farm-to-market roads and five communal irrigation projects amounting to PHP137.4 million has been turned over which would improve the performance of agricultural production in the areas, he said.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is doing its best to respond to Marawi crisis.
The DSWD has so far spent PHP294 million in kind, food and non-food items and cash augmentation to address the needs of families affected by the Marawi crisis.
As chair of the Response Cluster, DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said the DSWD is in charge of providing food and non-food items as well as camp coordination and management to the evacuees. As of June 21, there have been 69,434 families displaced by the conflict.
Of the entire population affected by the conflict, only about 5 percent are actually in the evacuation centers and the majority stays in their homes, according to Taguiwalo.
The DSWD chief said they are in the process of procuring family-sized tents, one tent for every family, in preparation for the return of the evacuees to Marawi City, she said.
At the same time, the DSWD also distributed PHP1,000 in cash assistance based on the request from ARMM to provide assistance to the evacuees for the observance of Ramadan.
“We have started the distribution of PHP1,000 each, all of the families will be provided that. Another PHP4,000 per family has been budgeted already once they are allowed to go back to Marawi to help them start anew,” Taguiwalo said.
The DSWD also prepared Ramadan food pack that will be distributed starting Monday, which is the end of Ramadan.
According to Taguiwalo, the Department of Budget and Management has downloaded PHP662,500,000 to the DSWD as of June 6, enabling it to purchase the needed family food packs as well as to augment hygiene kits and non-food items.
She added that the private sector and representatives from different volunteer groups have been assisting the government in the relief effort. Among those in the field include humanitarian groups, the International Red Cross, UN-related agencies, and Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, which offered free hauling of cargoes to Iligan City.
San Miguel Foundation also offered toll-free passage of DSWD’s cargo trucks going to Mindanao at STAR Tollway and SLEX. Also, UP students in Manila and the Visayas initiated relief efforts for the evacuees.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996881
Duterte, Widodo reaffirm commitment vs terrorism — Palace
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22): Duterte, Widodo reaffirm commitment vs terrorism — Palace
Malacañang on Thursday said the phone call between President Rodrigo Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo reaffirmed their commitment to fight the rising threat of terrorism and violent extremism in the region.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Duterte and Widodo had a “productive and fruitful” phone conversation Wednesday night with both leaders vowing to further strengthen ties in the fight against terrorism.
“They both reaffirmed the need to step up operation to address threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism,” Abella said in a Palace briefing.
He added that the Indonesian leader also vowed his continuing support for a lasting peace in Mindanao peace process.
“And Widodo also reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to support the Philippines in countering terrorism, including restoring peace and stability in the Southern Philippines,” Abella said.
Meanwhile, the Palace official said Duterte and Widodo are also looking forward to the trilateral meeting between Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines to be held Thursday in Manila.
The trilateral meeting is aimed at fostering cooperation on countering terrorism among regional neighboring states.
“The President welcomed the Indonesian President’s expression of commitment and emphasized the Philippine government’s full resolve to work closer together with Indonesia and like-minded states to address these issues,” Abella said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996898
Malacañang on Thursday said the phone call between President Rodrigo Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo reaffirmed their commitment to fight the rising threat of terrorism and violent extremism in the region.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Duterte and Widodo had a “productive and fruitful” phone conversation Wednesday night with both leaders vowing to further strengthen ties in the fight against terrorism.
“They both reaffirmed the need to step up operation to address threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism,” Abella said in a Palace briefing.
He added that the Indonesian leader also vowed his continuing support for a lasting peace in Mindanao peace process.
“And Widodo also reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to support the Philippines in countering terrorism, including restoring peace and stability in the Southern Philippines,” Abella said.
Meanwhile, the Palace official said Duterte and Widodo are also looking forward to the trilateral meeting between Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines to be held Thursday in Manila.
The trilateral meeting is aimed at fostering cooperation on countering terrorism among regional neighboring states.
“The President welcomed the Indonesian President’s expression of commitment and emphasized the Philippine government’s full resolve to work closer together with Indonesia and like-minded states to address these issues,” Abella said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996898
CPP sees resumption of talks with gov’t in August or September
From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Jun 21): CPP sees resumption of talks with gov’t in August or September
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/cpp-sees-resumption-of-talks-with-govt-in-august-or-september/
HOPEFUL. Members of the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines peace panels pose for a photo op together with the officials of the Royal Norwegian Government hosting the fifth round of talks at the Radisson Blu Palace Hotel in Noordwijk Aan Zee in the Netherlands on Saturday evening, May 27 (around 12 am PHT, May 28). The much-awaited panel to panel meeting will decide on the continuation of the talks given the condition set by the government for the communists to recall the order to intensify attacks amid Martial Law in Mindanao.
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The resumption of peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines may happen in August or September this year, the Communist Party of the Philippines said Wednesday.
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The resumption of peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines may happen in August or September this year, the Communist Party of the Philippines said Wednesday.
In a statement, the CPP said it “anticipates the fifth round of the peace negotiations to resume in two or three months providing sufficient time for preparations” by both Parties.
Read related story: GRP cancels 5th round of talks due to ‘lack of compelling reason’
The CPP said the Party acknowledges the statement of the GRP negotiating panel chief Silvestre Bello III expressing the government’s commitment to proceed with the peace negotiations with the NDFP.
“It is a welcome development and is well appreciated by the revolutionary forces,” the CPP said.
Bello’s statement came following the reiteration of the NDFP that it supports the Philippine government’s fight against terrorist organizations in Marawi City and other parts of the country.
Confidence-building
Both the GRP and NDFP recommended not to launch attacks against each party’s military force to pave way for the resumption of the fifth round of talks which was stalled last May.
In its statement on June 17, the NDFP recommended to the CPP to order all other NPA units to refrain from carrying out offensive operations against the Army and the police “provided that the GRP order the AFP and PNP likewise to refrain from carrying out offensive operations against the NPA and people’s militia.”
The NDFP said this will enable all forces “to concentrate against Maute, Abu Sayyaf and AKP groups.”
Read related story: NDFP orders Moro group, NPA, to defend vs Maute, Abu Sayyaf
The CPP also said it acknowledged the reiteration of the GRP to adhere to previously signed agreements including the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), which enables NDFP negotiators and personnel to travel and participate in talks without threat of arrest or reprisal.
It also said that it acknowledged Bello’s declaration that the government will not to undertake offensive operations against the NPA.
But the CPP said their action on the NDFP recommendation “can be undertaken once conditions for it exist concretely.”
The CPP also called on the government to lift Martial Law in Mindanao to avoid further destruction of Marawi.
Skirmishes
The CPP said government troops in Mindanao “remain on the offensive mode, carrying out reconnaissance, patrol and search and destroy operations against the NPA and the revolutionary masses.”
“According to the Mindanao-based commands of the NPA, AFP offensive operations against the NPA have heightened since the declaration of martial law and are currently ongoing in Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao City, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato, Davao del Sur, Bukidnon, Maguindanao, Zamboanga del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and still other Mindanao provinces,” it said.
Latest skirmishes between government troops and the NPA were reported in Compostela Valley on Sunday, June 18.
In a report by Mindanao Times on Tuesday, June 20, two soldiers were killed while four others were wounded after an encounter with NPA fighters in Barangay New Barili, Maco, Compostela Valley around 11:26.
Another encounter was reported around 3 pm on the same day. The military said an undetermined number of casualties among the NPAs were hit by reinforcements from the Army in the same village.
A 30-minute firefight between members of the military in Barangay Sto. Niño, Talaingod Davao del Norte was also reported Sunday afternoon.
Two encounters between the NPA and government troops were reported in Cateel and Banaybanay towns in Davao Oriental over last weekend.
The first incident happened Saturday morning in Barangay Taytayan in Cateel where three alleged NPA members were killed during the encounter.
The second encounter took place in Barangay Causwagan in Banaybanay at 6:30 am Saturday.
The NPAs also attacked the police station in Maasin, Iloilo on Sunday which Malacañang condemned.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella called the attack “opportunistic.”
“First and foremost, it’s unfortunate that the NPA raid of the station inIloilo happened on the same day that the government reciprocated the NDF’s declaration to refrain from undertaking offensive operations in Mindanao. However, although the attack was not in Mindanao, the act was clearly, like we said opportunistic,” he said.
Abella said the NDFP should call on the NPA to show genuine sincerity on the confidence-building measure initiated by both parties.
“So basically, we want a firmer response,” he said.
Baseless
But the NDFP said Abella’s statement was “baseless, unfair and unwarranted.”
In a statement on Tuesday, Fidel Agcaoili, NDFP peace panel chairperson said there was no ceasefire in place between the forces.
“What is in place are recommendatory gestures of goodwill by both Parties to refrain from carrying out offensive operations against each other’s forces in Mindanao,” he said. Agcaoili cited the offensive operations of the military against the NPAs in Mindanao.
“Last Sunday, 18 June, the day of the GRP reciprocal announcement to refrain from conducting offensive operations against the NPA in Mindanao, the AFP publicly announced that their forces had killed four NPA fighters, including an alleged NPA Front Secretary, in three separate military operations conducted by the 67th Infantry Battalion, the 104th Division Reconnaissance Company and the 66th Infantry Battalion in the towns of Cateel and Banaybanay in Davao Oriental and the town of Pantukan in Compostela Valley,” he said.
Despite the continuing word war and the clashes between the government and the NPAs, Abella said there is no instruction from President Rodrigo Duterte to discontinue the government’s peace negotiations.
Read related story: GRP cancels 5th round of talks due to ‘lack of compelling reason’
The CPP said the Party acknowledges the statement of the GRP negotiating panel chief Silvestre Bello III expressing the government’s commitment to proceed with the peace negotiations with the NDFP.
“It is a welcome development and is well appreciated by the revolutionary forces,” the CPP said.
Bello’s statement came following the reiteration of the NDFP that it supports the Philippine government’s fight against terrorist organizations in Marawi City and other parts of the country.
Confidence-building
Both the GRP and NDFP recommended not to launch attacks against each party’s military force to pave way for the resumption of the fifth round of talks which was stalled last May.
In its statement on June 17, the NDFP recommended to the CPP to order all other NPA units to refrain from carrying out offensive operations against the Army and the police “provided that the GRP order the AFP and PNP likewise to refrain from carrying out offensive operations against the NPA and people’s militia.”
The NDFP said this will enable all forces “to concentrate against Maute, Abu Sayyaf and AKP groups.”
Read related story: NDFP orders Moro group, NPA, to defend vs Maute, Abu Sayyaf
The CPP also said it acknowledged the reiteration of the GRP to adhere to previously signed agreements including the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), which enables NDFP negotiators and personnel to travel and participate in talks without threat of arrest or reprisal.
It also said that it acknowledged Bello’s declaration that the government will not to undertake offensive operations against the NPA.
But the CPP said their action on the NDFP recommendation “can be undertaken once conditions for it exist concretely.”
The CPP also called on the government to lift Martial Law in Mindanao to avoid further destruction of Marawi.
Skirmishes
The CPP said government troops in Mindanao “remain on the offensive mode, carrying out reconnaissance, patrol and search and destroy operations against the NPA and the revolutionary masses.”
“According to the Mindanao-based commands of the NPA, AFP offensive operations against the NPA have heightened since the declaration of martial law and are currently ongoing in Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao City, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato, Davao del Sur, Bukidnon, Maguindanao, Zamboanga del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and still other Mindanao provinces,” it said.
Latest skirmishes between government troops and the NPA were reported in Compostela Valley on Sunday, June 18.
In a report by Mindanao Times on Tuesday, June 20, two soldiers were killed while four others were wounded after an encounter with NPA fighters in Barangay New Barili, Maco, Compostela Valley around 11:26.
Another encounter was reported around 3 pm on the same day. The military said an undetermined number of casualties among the NPAs were hit by reinforcements from the Army in the same village.
A 30-minute firefight between members of the military in Barangay Sto. Niño, Talaingod Davao del Norte was also reported Sunday afternoon.
Two encounters between the NPA and government troops were reported in Cateel and Banaybanay towns in Davao Oriental over last weekend.
The first incident happened Saturday morning in Barangay Taytayan in Cateel where three alleged NPA members were killed during the encounter.
The second encounter took place in Barangay Causwagan in Banaybanay at 6:30 am Saturday.
The NPAs also attacked the police station in Maasin, Iloilo on Sunday which Malacañang condemned.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella called the attack “opportunistic.”
“First and foremost, it’s unfortunate that the NPA raid of the station inIloilo happened on the same day that the government reciprocated the NDF’s declaration to refrain from undertaking offensive operations in Mindanao. However, although the attack was not in Mindanao, the act was clearly, like we said opportunistic,” he said.
Abella said the NDFP should call on the NPA to show genuine sincerity on the confidence-building measure initiated by both parties.
“So basically, we want a firmer response,” he said.
Baseless
But the NDFP said Abella’s statement was “baseless, unfair and unwarranted.”
In a statement on Tuesday, Fidel Agcaoili, NDFP peace panel chairperson said there was no ceasefire in place between the forces.
“What is in place are recommendatory gestures of goodwill by both Parties to refrain from carrying out offensive operations against each other’s forces in Mindanao,” he said. Agcaoili cited the offensive operations of the military against the NPAs in Mindanao.
“Last Sunday, 18 June, the day of the GRP reciprocal announcement to refrain from conducting offensive operations against the NPA in Mindanao, the AFP publicly announced that their forces had killed four NPA fighters, including an alleged NPA Front Secretary, in three separate military operations conducted by the 67th Infantry Battalion, the 104th Division Reconnaissance Company and the 66th Infantry Battalion in the towns of Cateel and Banaybanay in Davao Oriental and the town of Pantukan in Compostela Valley,” he said.
Despite the continuing word war and the clashes between the government and the NPAs, Abella said there is no instruction from President Rodrigo Duterte to discontinue the government’s peace negotiations.
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/cpp-sees-resumption-of-talks-with-govt-in-august-or-september/
Militia involved in Lumad school attack now in Army’s custody
From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Jun 21): Militia involved in Lumad school attack now in Army’s custody
A member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit who fired at the Salugpungan Ta Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center in Sitio Nasilaban, Barangay Palma Gil in Talaingod, Davao Del Norte is currently in the custody of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade on Wednesday, an army spokesman said.
In a press conference on Wednesday, army spokesman Capt. Rhyan Batchar said they have not yet verified the events surrounding the shooting of the school, but said Rodel Buntanlog would be readily available for questioning if appropriate charges are already filed against him.
“We are waiting for the appropriate charges will be filed against him. But he is readily made available by the battalion to answer charges against him,” Batchar said.
On Tuesday, Ramil Miguel, a school teacher of the STTICLC sent a frantic text message to his colleagues in the Association of Community Educators, requesting rescue after Buntanlog allegedly fired upon the school three times at around 10 am on Tuesday.
At 4 pm on Tuesday, a fact finding mission sent to Talaingod by the Save Our Schools Network filed a blotter against Buntanlog (alias Ang-Angoy) and the Alamara for firing at the school “where around 50 students and 5 teachers are holding classes.”
When asked of the possible motive behind the shooting, Batchar said it was most likely “personal.” Batchar said the information they have, which was mostly based on hearsay, indicates that Buntanlog was a former teacher of the school.
Ricky Balilid, vice chairperson of the Association of Community Educators, denied this claim in a telephone interview with Davao Today on Tuesday
Read related story: CAFGU member fires at Lumad school in Talaingod
In previous interviews, Balilid claimed that Buntanlog, aside from being CAFGU, was also a member of the paramilitary group Alamara.
The Alamara, according to previous interviews with Lumad groups, are Lumad militias armed by the military to hunt for communist sympathizers among even their Lumad kin.
The military in several instances have denied knowledge of the Alamara’s existence.
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/militia-involved-in-lumad-school-attack-now-in-armys-custody/
A member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit who fired at the Salugpungan Ta Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center in Sitio Nasilaban, Barangay Palma Gil in Talaingod, Davao Del Norte is currently in the custody of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade on Wednesday, an army spokesman said.
In a press conference on Wednesday, army spokesman Capt. Rhyan Batchar said they have not yet verified the events surrounding the shooting of the school, but said Rodel Buntanlog would be readily available for questioning if appropriate charges are already filed against him.
“We are waiting for the appropriate charges will be filed against him. But he is readily made available by the battalion to answer charges against him,” Batchar said.
On Tuesday, Ramil Miguel, a school teacher of the STTICLC sent a frantic text message to his colleagues in the Association of Community Educators, requesting rescue after Buntanlog allegedly fired upon the school three times at around 10 am on Tuesday.
At 4 pm on Tuesday, a fact finding mission sent to Talaingod by the Save Our Schools Network filed a blotter against Buntanlog (alias Ang-Angoy) and the Alamara for firing at the school “where around 50 students and 5 teachers are holding classes.”
When asked of the possible motive behind the shooting, Batchar said it was most likely “personal.” Batchar said the information they have, which was mostly based on hearsay, indicates that Buntanlog was a former teacher of the school.
Ricky Balilid, vice chairperson of the Association of Community Educators, denied this claim in a telephone interview with Davao Today on Tuesday
Read related story: CAFGU member fires at Lumad school in Talaingod
In previous interviews, Balilid claimed that Buntanlog, aside from being CAFGU, was also a member of the paramilitary group Alamara.
The Alamara, according to previous interviews with Lumad groups, are Lumad militias armed by the military to hunt for communist sympathizers among even their Lumad kin.
The military in several instances have denied knowledge of the Alamara’s existence.
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/militia-involved-in-lumad-school-attack-now-in-armys-custody/
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
CAFGU member fires at Lumad school in Talaingod
From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Jun 21): CAFGU member fires at Lumad school in Talaingod
http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/cafgu-member-fires-at-lumad-school-in-talaingod/
Ramil Miguel of the Association of Community Educators in Mindanao during a press conference last May 20, 2016 at the UCCP Haran compound where displaced Lumads from Davao del Norte take refuge due to the militarization in their community. (Ace R. Morandante/davaotoday.com)
“Please rescue me, karon na” (right now).
This was the frantic text message sent by teacher Ramel Miguel to Ricky Balilid, moments after the Salugpongan Ta Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center in Sitio Nasilaban, Talaingod, Davao del Norte was fired upon by a certain Rodel Buntanlog on Tuesday, 10 am.
“Sir ned (sic) na gyod namu rescue gianhian me ni Rodel S. Buntanlog Alamara gitiunan ug gpabuthan ko ug pusil 3 times (Sir we really need to be rescued. Rodel S. Buntanlog, an Alamara member came here, pointed a gun at me and fired three times),” he added.
Miguel is the chairperson of the Association of Community Educators, a group of volunteer teachers working in IP schools. Balilid is the group’s vice-chairperson.
This was the frantic text message sent by teacher Ramel Miguel to Ricky Balilid, moments after the Salugpongan Ta Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center in Sitio Nasilaban, Talaingod, Davao del Norte was fired upon by a certain Rodel Buntanlog on Tuesday, 10 am.
“Sir ned (sic) na gyod namu rescue gianhian me ni Rodel S. Buntanlog Alamara gitiunan ug gpabuthan ko ug pusil 3 times (Sir we really need to be rescued. Rodel S. Buntanlog, an Alamara member came here, pointed a gun at me and fired three times),” he added.
Miguel is the chairperson of the Association of Community Educators, a group of volunteer teachers working in IP schools. Balilid is the group’s vice-chairperson.
In the same text message, Miguel said Buntanlog left after 15 minutes, but not before vowing to torch the school upon his return. The gunfire claimed no lives or injuries.
In a phone interview with Davao Today, Balilid said Buntanlog had been hunting for Miguel for some time, and threatened to kill the teacher should they meet face to face.
“Sa pagkakaron si Sir Miguel naa pa gihapon kahadlok ug na-trauma siya tungod sa panghitabo. Wala pa gihapon naulian sa iyang kahadlok (Right now, sir Miguel is still in a state of trauma because of the shooting. He has yet to recover from the fright he experienced),” he said.
Balilid said Buntanlog wanted to prevent the students from studying in the school, as he believed the school was run by the New People’s Army.
In a phone interview with Davao Today, Balilid said Buntanlog had been hunting for Miguel for some time, and threatened to kill the teacher should they meet face to face.
“Sa pagkakaron si Sir Miguel naa pa gihapon kahadlok ug na-trauma siya tungod sa panghitabo. Wala pa gihapon naulian sa iyang kahadlok (Right now, sir Miguel is still in a state of trauma because of the shooting. He has yet to recover from the fright he experienced),” he said.
Balilid said Buntanlog wanted to prevent the students from studying in the school, as he believed the school was run by the New People’s Army.
Balilid said Buntanlog was a member of the Alamara, a paramilitary group allegedly armed by the military to hunt for NPA sympathizers among Manobos in Talaingod, most of whom are relatives.
In a separate phone interview, 60th Infantry Battalion officer-in-charge and 1001st Infantry Brigade Deputy Brigade Commander Col. Gilbert Saret confirmed that Buntanlog is a member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit. Saret however, denied any knowledge of Buntanlog’s links with the Alamara.
“As far as the military is concerned, wala kaming alam na may Alamara (As far as the military is concerned, we do not know anything about the Alamara),” he said.
Saret confirmed that they have received reports of the incident, but are still trying to locate Buntanlog as of press time.
“Should we know of his whereabouts, we’ll verify the allegations. We will investigate. We’ll also look into his psychological and emotional well being,” he added.
Based on Buntanlog’s claims, Saret also told Davao Today that Buntanlog was a regular NPA fighter for almost 14 years, but had surrendered to the 1003rd Brigade in 2013.
Saret said Buntanlog claimed to have participated in the founding of the school, and also taught there for some period of time.
But Balilid denied this claim and said it is a way of the army’s vilification of the school.
Balilid said the army has been consistently accusing the STTICLC of being run by the communist guerrillas, even though they have been issued operational permits by the Department of Education.
In previous reports, other teachers of the school have claimed of being harassed by military intelligence operatives.
In July last year, STTICLC executive director Ronnie Garcia claimed he and his family were harassed by military agents in Tagum City.
Read related story: Army intel “visits” Lumad school admin’s family
Balilid added that on June 2, an Alamara member barged in on a class in STTICLC looking for a 17-year old student named Lando.
The Alamara said the military was looking for Lando who had a standing warrant of arrest. Miguel confronted the Alamara and refused to release Lando.
Angered, the Alamara member issued death threats to Miguel, who has since then gone into hiding in Baranggay Nasilaban, Talaingod where the school was located.
In several instances, the army denied any links to the group, reducing the conflict as mere “pangayaw” (tribal wars) between rival groups.
On that same day in Baganga, another school teacher, Jiper Marson left his duties as a school teacher of the MISFI Academy there after an intel soldier allegedly threatened to harm him and his family if he continues to work for the school.
Balilid said they have been unable to contact Marson since then.
“It’s possible he may still be processing the trauma and gone hiding, or that there is simply no phone coverage there,” he said.
The two schools have claimed to be the butt of attacks since their inception. In 2015, a MISFI school in Kitaotao, Bukidnon, was ordered shut down by village chief, Felipe Cabugnason, who also accused the school of being run by the NPAs.
Read related story: Bukidnon barangay captain closes tribal school
Balilid called for a stop to the harassment and the vilification of their schools.
Balilid also denied links with the communist guerrillas, saying that the schools were born out of the Lumad’s will to provide education to their children.
The schools also received initial funding from local and international humanitarian groups. STTICLC for example, was built in partnership with the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines.
“Sila pa ang nagbayanihan ana (They built the schools themselves),” he added.
“As far as the military is concerned, wala kaming alam na may Alamara (As far as the military is concerned, we do not know anything about the Alamara),” he said.
Saret confirmed that they have received reports of the incident, but are still trying to locate Buntanlog as of press time.
“Should we know of his whereabouts, we’ll verify the allegations. We will investigate. We’ll also look into his psychological and emotional well being,” he added.
Based on Buntanlog’s claims, Saret also told Davao Today that Buntanlog was a regular NPA fighter for almost 14 years, but had surrendered to the 1003rd Brigade in 2013.
Saret said Buntanlog claimed to have participated in the founding of the school, and also taught there for some period of time.
But Balilid denied this claim and said it is a way of the army’s vilification of the school.
Balilid said the army has been consistently accusing the STTICLC of being run by the communist guerrillas, even though they have been issued operational permits by the Department of Education.
In previous reports, other teachers of the school have claimed of being harassed by military intelligence operatives.
In July last year, STTICLC executive director Ronnie Garcia claimed he and his family were harassed by military agents in Tagum City.
Read related story: Army intel “visits” Lumad school admin’s family
Balilid added that on June 2, an Alamara member barged in on a class in STTICLC looking for a 17-year old student named Lando.
The Alamara said the military was looking for Lando who had a standing warrant of arrest. Miguel confronted the Alamara and refused to release Lando.
Angered, the Alamara member issued death threats to Miguel, who has since then gone into hiding in Baranggay Nasilaban, Talaingod where the school was located.
In several instances, the army denied any links to the group, reducing the conflict as mere “pangayaw” (tribal wars) between rival groups.
On that same day in Baganga, another school teacher, Jiper Marson left his duties as a school teacher of the MISFI Academy there after an intel soldier allegedly threatened to harm him and his family if he continues to work for the school.
Balilid said they have been unable to contact Marson since then.
“It’s possible he may still be processing the trauma and gone hiding, or that there is simply no phone coverage there,” he said.
The two schools have claimed to be the butt of attacks since their inception. In 2015, a MISFI school in Kitaotao, Bukidnon, was ordered shut down by village chief, Felipe Cabugnason, who also accused the school of being run by the NPAs.
Read related story: Bukidnon barangay captain closes tribal school
Balilid called for a stop to the harassment and the vilification of their schools.
Balilid also denied links with the communist guerrillas, saying that the schools were born out of the Lumad’s will to provide education to their children.
The schools also received initial funding from local and international humanitarian groups. STTICLC for example, was built in partnership with the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines.
“Sila pa ang nagbayanihan ana (They built the schools themselves),” he added.
http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/cafgu-member-fires-at-lumad-school-in-talaingod/
AFP starts preparing for Marawi rehab
From Malaya Business Insight (Jun 20): AFP starts preparing for Marawi rehab
THE Armed Forces has started deploying engineering personnel and equipment to Marawi City in preparation for rehabilitation of areas devastated by the ongoing armed conflict with members of the terrorist Maute Group, the military said yesterday.
The Armed Forces still has not set a deadline for ending the conflict which has been going on for almost a month now.
AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the deployment of the engineering personnel and assets was based on a directive issued by Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año, and the rehabilitation of the city will be pursued by the military in collaboration with government agencies.
He said rehabilitation work will start when the city is completely cleared of Maute members.
“They are preparing 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,” said Padilla.
Padilla could not immediately say the extent of rehabilitation work needed to be done. “I have no estimate because those who are doing the estimate cannot go in yet because of the firefight.”
Asked when the conflict will end, Padilla said: “We’re not providing any timelines, knowing the complexity of the environment but we will do our best to expedite it... We are doing our best to expedite the liberation of Marawi at the soonest time possible,” said Padilla.
“We’re getting nearer each day... We’re getting closer to totally liberating Marawi because we are continually are working to degrade the capability of the enemy to hold on to their spaces and at the same time sustain their fight,” he also said.
President Duterte said a P20-billion rehabilitation plan is being finalized for conflict-affected areas like Marawi.
He also apologized to Marawi City residents, particularly those displaced by the fighting, and explained to them he had to impose martial law in the whole of Mindanao because the Maute is already destroying their city.
“I will help you, I will rehabilitate Marawi, it will be a beautiful city again,” he said during a visit to displaced families now staying at an evacuation center in Iligan City.
“I would like to say to the Maranao people that I am very, very, very sorry na nangyari ito sa atin. Sana kung madaling panahon, you will find a new heart to forgive my soldiers, ang gobyerno, pati ako for declaring martial law. (I would like to say to the Maranao people that I am very, very, very sorry that this happened to us. I hope in the near future, you will find a new heart to forgive my soldiers, the government, even me for declaring martial law),” he also said.
“Wala akong choice, sinisira na ang Marawi. I have to drive them out. But I am very sorry (I have no choice, they are destroying Marawi. I have to drive them out),” he added
Duterte placed Mindanao under martial law for 60 days on May 23 and suspended the writ of habeas corpus following an attack by the Maute Group which had pledged allegiance to the Islamic state of Iraq and Syria.
Padilla could not immediately say the number of engineering personnel and assets already in the city. He said the military is planning to send at least two engineering battalions for the rehabilitation phase.
“The AFP chief of staff has directed the mobilization of engineering units in preparation for the rehabilitation, reconstruction and rebuilding of Marawi as soon as the conflict is over,” said Padilla.
On Monday, the Navy’s BRP Davao del Sur arrived at the Iligan City port, carrying relief goods and supplies for Marawi City, said Navy spokesman Capt. Lued Lincuna.
Lincuna said the ship was loaded with five tons of relief goods, AFP mobile kitchen, heavy equipment for the rehabilitation of Marawi City, and “other items to support our troops.”
Zia Alonto Adiong, a member of the ARMM regional assembly representing the first district of Lanao del Sur, said military operations in the city were continuing yesterday.
“As of now, (the military) can’t still give an actual date,” said Adiong when asked when the conflict will end.
“But they are hoping that it will be over the soonest possible time because our recovery plan is dependent on this. We cannot proceed (with the rehabilitation) while the fighting are still ongoing,” said Adiong.
‘MASSIVE’ REHAB WORK
Adiong said they have already laid out rehabilitation plan for Marawi. He said coordination has been made with the United Nations Development Program.
“It (rehabilitation) is going to be massive because of the damage caused by air strikes and bombardment on both civilian and government properties. The damage is indeed massive,” he said.
The fighting has so far resulted in the death of 258 Maute members, 65 soldiers and policemen and 26 civilians.
Padilla said 16 high-rise buildings occupied by Maute members have been recovered by government soldiers in the past days and “two (are) in progress.” He could not say how many buildings are still due for clearing.
“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,” said Padilla.
Padilla said the conflict remains confined in four barangays. He said the Maute Group’s use of snipers, improvised bombs, and rocket propelled grenades from the their remaining vantage positions “still remain a challenge.”
AUSTRALIAN AID
The Australian Embassy in Manila said Australia will provide $920,000 in humanitarian assistance to displaced civilians.
It will also provide some 500 tons of rice through the World Food Program to help feed 60,000 children over the next three months.
“Our support includes the provision of tarpaulins, sleeping mats, mosquito nets and water and sanitation kits through the Philippine Red Cross to assist 1,000 displaced families,” said foreign minister Julie Bishop. “This assistance is in addition to the package of support for the peace process and education in Mindanao that I announced when I visited in March 2017,” she added.
The Australian government is also providing hygiene items, torches and whistles for protection, sanitary supplies and clothes as well as clean birthing kits through the United Nations Population Fund, to assist over 6,400 women and girls affected by the fighting.
INTENSE FIGHTING
Fighting was intense early yesterday as security forces made a push to drive the militants, entrenched in Marawi’s commercial district, south towards a lake on the edge of the city.
Planes flew overhead dropping bombs while on the ground, automatic gunfire was sustained with occasional blasts from artillery. Armored vehicles fired volleys of shells while the militants responded with gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades.
Fighting later died down as heavy rain fell but resumed by evening.
Military sources said troops were attacking the militants from three sides and trying to box them towards the lake.
“We’re gaining ground and we’re expanding our vantage positions,” said Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, another military spokesman, although he declined to comment on specifics.
“We are moving towards the center of gravity,” he added, referring to the militants’ command and communications center.
An army corporal near the front line told Reuters soldiers were tagging houses and buildings that had been cleared.
“We still have to clear more than 1,000 structures,” he said, adding infantry units were left behind at “cleared” areas to prevent militants from recapturing lost ground.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/afp-starts-preparing-marawi-rehab
THE Armed Forces has started deploying engineering personnel and equipment to Marawi City in preparation for rehabilitation of areas devastated by the ongoing armed conflict with members of the terrorist Maute Group, the military said yesterday.
The Armed Forces still has not set a deadline for ending the conflict which has been going on for almost a month now.
AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the deployment of the engineering personnel and assets was based on a directive issued by Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año, and the rehabilitation of the city will be pursued by the military in collaboration with government agencies.
He said rehabilitation work will start when the city is completely cleared of Maute members.
“They are preparing 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,” said Padilla.
Padilla could not immediately say the extent of rehabilitation work needed to be done. “I have no estimate because those who are doing the estimate cannot go in yet because of the firefight.”
Asked when the conflict will end, Padilla said: “We’re not providing any timelines, knowing the complexity of the environment but we will do our best to expedite it... We are doing our best to expedite the liberation of Marawi at the soonest time possible,” said Padilla.
“We’re getting nearer each day... We’re getting closer to totally liberating Marawi because we are continually are working to degrade the capability of the enemy to hold on to their spaces and at the same time sustain their fight,” he also said.
President Duterte said a P20-billion rehabilitation plan is being finalized for conflict-affected areas like Marawi.
He also apologized to Marawi City residents, particularly those displaced by the fighting, and explained to them he had to impose martial law in the whole of Mindanao because the Maute is already destroying their city.
“I will help you, I will rehabilitate Marawi, it will be a beautiful city again,” he said during a visit to displaced families now staying at an evacuation center in Iligan City.
“I would like to say to the Maranao people that I am very, very, very sorry na nangyari ito sa atin. Sana kung madaling panahon, you will find a new heart to forgive my soldiers, ang gobyerno, pati ako for declaring martial law. (I would like to say to the Maranao people that I am very, very, very sorry that this happened to us. I hope in the near future, you will find a new heart to forgive my soldiers, the government, even me for declaring martial law),” he also said.
“Wala akong choice, sinisira na ang Marawi. I have to drive them out. But I am very sorry (I have no choice, they are destroying Marawi. I have to drive them out),” he added
Duterte placed Mindanao under martial law for 60 days on May 23 and suspended the writ of habeas corpus following an attack by the Maute Group which had pledged allegiance to the Islamic state of Iraq and Syria.
Padilla could not immediately say the number of engineering personnel and assets already in the city. He said the military is planning to send at least two engineering battalions for the rehabilitation phase.
“The AFP chief of staff has directed the mobilization of engineering units in preparation for the rehabilitation, reconstruction and rebuilding of Marawi as soon as the conflict is over,” said Padilla.
On Monday, the Navy’s BRP Davao del Sur arrived at the Iligan City port, carrying relief goods and supplies for Marawi City, said Navy spokesman Capt. Lued Lincuna.
Lincuna said the ship was loaded with five tons of relief goods, AFP mobile kitchen, heavy equipment for the rehabilitation of Marawi City, and “other items to support our troops.”
Zia Alonto Adiong, a member of the ARMM regional assembly representing the first district of Lanao del Sur, said military operations in the city were continuing yesterday.
“As of now, (the military) can’t still give an actual date,” said Adiong when asked when the conflict will end.
“But they are hoping that it will be over the soonest possible time because our recovery plan is dependent on this. We cannot proceed (with the rehabilitation) while the fighting are still ongoing,” said Adiong.
‘MASSIVE’ REHAB WORK
Adiong said they have already laid out rehabilitation plan for Marawi. He said coordination has been made with the United Nations Development Program.
“It (rehabilitation) is going to be massive because of the damage caused by air strikes and bombardment on both civilian and government properties. The damage is indeed massive,” he said.
The fighting has so far resulted in the death of 258 Maute members, 65 soldiers and policemen and 26 civilians.
Padilla said 16 high-rise buildings occupied by Maute members have been recovered by government soldiers in the past days and “two (are) in progress.” He could not say how many buildings are still due for clearing.
“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,” said Padilla.
Padilla said the conflict remains confined in four barangays. He said the Maute Group’s use of snipers, improvised bombs, and rocket propelled grenades from the their remaining vantage positions “still remain a challenge.”
AUSTRALIAN AID
The Australian Embassy in Manila said Australia will provide $920,000 in humanitarian assistance to displaced civilians.
It will also provide some 500 tons of rice through the World Food Program to help feed 60,000 children over the next three months.
“Our support includes the provision of tarpaulins, sleeping mats, mosquito nets and water and sanitation kits through the Philippine Red Cross to assist 1,000 displaced families,” said foreign minister Julie Bishop. “This assistance is in addition to the package of support for the peace process and education in Mindanao that I announced when I visited in March 2017,” she added.
The Australian government is also providing hygiene items, torches and whistles for protection, sanitary supplies and clothes as well as clean birthing kits through the United Nations Population Fund, to assist over 6,400 women and girls affected by the fighting.
INTENSE FIGHTING
Fighting was intense early yesterday as security forces made a push to drive the militants, entrenched in Marawi’s commercial district, south towards a lake on the edge of the city.
Planes flew overhead dropping bombs while on the ground, automatic gunfire was sustained with occasional blasts from artillery. Armored vehicles fired volleys of shells while the militants responded with gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades.
Fighting later died down as heavy rain fell but resumed by evening.
Military sources said troops were attacking the militants from three sides and trying to box them towards the lake.
“We’re gaining ground and we’re expanding our vantage positions,” said Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, another military spokesman, although he declined to comment on specifics.
“We are moving towards the center of gravity,” he added, referring to the militants’ command and communications center.
An army corporal near the front line told Reuters soldiers were tagging houses and buildings that had been cleared.
“We still have to clear more than 1,000 structures,” he said, adding infantry units were left behind at “cleared” areas to prevent militants from recapturing lost ground.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/afp-starts-preparing-marawi-rehab
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