PH Navy sends officers to Japan for international course

From Update Philippines (Jul 17): PH Navy sends officers to Japan for international course

 

The Philippine Navy sent two of its officials to Japan to attend the recently concluded Asia-Pacific Navy Planning Process International Course (APNIC) 2017 held June 19 to July 1 at Japan Maritime Self Defense (JMSDF) Command and Staff College in Tokyo.

The Navy said Lieutenant Commander Edgardo G. Sargento and Lieutenant Henry D. Geron joined 21 other navy officers from seven countries.

“Through this participation, PN delegates were able to learn the process leading to the enhancement of understanding, cooperation, and effectiveness of regional navies in the execution of wide range maritime operations,” the Philippine Navy said.

US Navy said APNIC is an annual educational course that provides staff level naval officers from various countries a forum to study and discuss enhanced multilateral cooperation and increase the effectiveness of regional navies in the execution of maritime operations.

It aims to strengthen ties among the like-minded navies in the region and continue to educate and train naval leaders.

https://www.update.ph/2017/07/ph-navy-sends-officers-to-japan-for-international-course/19106

Duterte to certify new Bangsamoro law as urgent

From Rappler (Jul 17): Duterte to certify new Bangsamoro law as urgent

(UPDATED) 'I have requested both the Senate President and the Speaker to consider it immediately,' Duterte says during a media interview on Monday, July 17 in Malacañang.



 (UPDATED) – President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, July 17, promised to certify as urgent the new draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that will create a new Bangsamoro region in Mindanao.

"Yes, certify and I have requested both the Senate President and the Speaker to consider it immediately," said Duterte during a media interview on Monday in Malacañang.

Duterte is hopeful the proposed law creating a Bangsamoro region will be passed by the end of the year.

"It takes time but I will also try to hurry up so that we can have something to show the people before the year ends," said the President.

Bangsamoro region

The new Bangsamoro region is envisioned to replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and complete the peace process with the rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

MILF vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar handed the draft law to Duterte in a well-attended ceremony in Malacañang that gathered MILF leaders, lawmakers, peace advocates, the diplomatic community, and representatives of the rival group Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Duterte, the first president from Mindanao, committed to push the legislation before Congress. In the presence of MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Duterte also said he will certify it as urgent to send the signal that it is a priority bill.

The MILF signed a peace agreement with the government in 2014, but the Aquino administration failed to complete the process when Congress withdrew support for the bill. Questions were raised on the constitutionality of powers given to the new region.

Jaafar said the revised bill is "faithful to letter and spirit of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro" that was signed in 2014. Sources said the controversial provisions were revised.

Passing the bill

Duterte promised during the campaign to make sure the law would be passed – a commitment that the rebel group and peace advocates are counting on.

He reiterated this promise on Monday, although he said the draft law must conform to the limits of the Constitution. Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez both attended the ceremony in Malacañang.

During the turn-over ceremony, in the presence of leaders of Muslim separatist groups, Duterte promised to "husband" the bill.

"May I say to you, my brother Moros, that I commit to support – in front of everybody – my covenant with you that I will support and husband this instrument as it goes in the legislator for its consideration," he said in his speech.

He gave assurances there would be "no objections" to all of the BBL's provisions which are "consistent with the Constitution and the aspiration of the Moro people."

"I am for this. Within the context of the Republic of the Philippines, there shall be a Bangsamoro country," he said, in closing.

Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, the leader of the Muslim rebel group that has fought violent wars in the past decades, said he trusts the government will finally fulfill its promise to the rebel group.

"We put our trust and confidence in the process of government. We hold on to our covenant with the government," said Murad.

Murad underscored the urgency of the creation of the new Bangsamoro region. He said the war in Mindanao is partly a result of the frustration over the peace process. (READ: MILF, Maute Group battle for legitimacy)

http://www.rappler.com/nation/175875-revised-bangsamoro-law-submitted-duterte

More dangerous union: Abu Sayyaf Sulu and ISIS East Asia finally align

From Rappler (Jul 17): More dangerous union: Abu Sayyaf Sulu and ISIS East Asia finally align (By Michael Quinones)

Why is this significant?

Claims for the 25 May 2017 Sulu attack. Image courtesy TRAC

At 5:30 am on May 25, 2017 in the Pakitul area of Sulu, Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) militants opened fire on the Philippine troops sent to search for them. A military spokesman reported 11 soldiers wounded, with one dying from his injuries. That day the Islamic State (ISIS) caliphate-run Amaq News Agency released a statement on Telegram claiming ISIS fighters killed 10 soldiers on Sulu, including 4 officers.

This was the first attack on Sulu ever claimed Islamic State. First, by the quasi-official Islamic State media outlet “Amaq" and the official ISIS statement confirmed the Amaq claim later in their Rumiyah (“Rome”) magazine, both distributed on Telegram channels.

Why is this significant?

ASG factions

It is the conventional wisdom among analysts that the Abu Sayyaf Group, since 2014’s ISIS caliphate declaration, had splintered into a pro-ISIS faction – the Basilan contingent led by Isnilon Hapilon – and a Sulu-based, locally-focused faction, tethered to ASG cofounder and figurehead Radullon Sahiron. Back in September 2016, an attack in Basilan was claimed by ISIS and reprinted in Rumiyah’s premiere issue. It wouldn’t be until the magazine’s 10th issue that Sulu received the same recognition.

 

ISIS-designated emir Isnilon Hapilon, in a photo in Rumiyah magazine's 10th issue. Photo courtesy TRAC

As Victor Taylor of Canada’s Mackenzie Institute has written for MindaNews, ASG Sulu is made up of loosely linked groups nominally under the gaze of Sahiron, who has not welcomed foreign fighters. Taylor notes what TRAC and other ASG watchers have concluded: that Sulu groups sometimes mimic the stereotypical ISIS imagery for their videos and use ISIS flags, but this, “is more a part of the negotiating tactics adopted when demanding ransom payments, rather than an indication of affiliation with ISIS.”

Sulu ASG, a triple threat

If any faction (or group of subfactions) is more infamous, successful and dangerous, it is the non-ISIS-linked Sulu bandits.

ASG Sulu groups do not need ISIS backing due to their booming kidnapping-for-ransom trade and local support. They have earned their fearsome reputation by beheading foreign nationals and seajacking the vessels of various countries (they still hold nearly two dozen hostages). And they can fight on land as well: In April, an attempt by Philippine Army to rescue Vietnamese hostages on Sulu ended with “32 wounded soldiers” according to officials, which likely means at least several died.

All that said, since the Basilan ASG under ISIS-designated emir Isnilon Hapilon joined with the Maute Group began the Marawi City siege, their Islamic State East Asia/Philippines franchise (ISEA) has overshadowed Sulu on the international stage. Rumiyah magazine issue 10 was dedicated to ISEA, including an interview with Hapilon.

Another ISIS Sulu claim

 

The July 8, 2017 claim for the Sulu attack. Image courtesy TRAC

 

The May 25 IS Sulu claim was not a fluke. A second Amaq statement, claiming a mortar attack against the Philippine army in the same area of Pakitul, Sulu, was released on June 8 and disseminated in Rumiyah 11 on Telegram just last week (13 July). Coming in the middle of the whopping 48 claims from ISIS caliphate media since the Battle of Marawi began on May 23, the two Sulu claims were subtle and easily missed. However, these two Sulu claims are critical to understand how ISIS in East Asia is changing and refortifying.

As Isnilon Hapilon and ISEA have gained global attention and cemented the Islamic State brand in the Philippines, the emir’s influence might have brokered the consolidation of the Abu Sayyaf Group under the Islamic State banner, merging at least some local armed groups with the international movement. In his Rumiyah interview, Hapilon stated the biggest problem for the Muslims of the Mindanao archipelago was their factionalism and lack of unity.

ASG Sulu losing leaders

Aside from the Marawi siege, which Hapilon orchestrated, there is another reason the timing is right for an ASG Sulu shift toward the Islamic State: Aging ASG cofounder Radullon Sahiron has opened talks with the Philippine government to turn himself in.
Sahiron long distrusted foreign fighters and did not need foreign funds due to a lucrative KFR trade. Still on the run, he is pressured by a Philippine Army campaign on Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi islands since January following President Duterte’s promise to wipe out ASG in 6 months.

Sahiron reportedly would make a deal with Manila on the condition that he not be turned over to the United States, which has a $1 million bounty on his head.

Muammar Askali connection

 

Muammar Askali aka Abu Rami. Image courtesy TRAC

 

News of Sahiron possible capitulation came on the heels of the April 2017 death of Sulu subcommander and spokesman Muammar Askali (aka Abu Rami) in a firefight during an ambitious but failed raid in the Bohol region.

Reportedly close to Hapilon and trained by the infamous Malaysian bomb-maker Marwan (Zulkifli bin Hir), Askali pledged allegiance to ISIS but still remained close to Sahiron. Notorious for the kidnapping and beheading of foreign nationals, including a German sailor in February 2017, he was another important link between local families on Sulu (where his uncle was a Moro National Liberation Front leader) and the Pacific Rim jihadists from Malaysia and Indonesia converging in the region. There are reports he was being groomed to replace Sahiron as Sulu chief.

After the Bohol attack became a media spectacle for its representative threat to northern Philippine tourist spots, the government stepped up the military campaign on Sulu. Another Askali associate and bomb-maker, Alhabsy Misaya, was shot down in Sulu. ASG militants on Basilan and Tawi-Tawi islands are reported to be surrendering in droves due to Army pressure.

Force multiplier

There are doubtless many connections among ambitious jihadis on Sulu with those from Mindanao to Malaysia; yet these new claims speak to stronger, more formal ties among groups.

The merging of ASG Sulu crews with the official media houses of the “Khilafah” (not to mention the legions of ISIS fans on social media) could act as a force multiplier for both in international propaganda, recruitment and resources. It is a significant win for those such as Hapilon and the Mautes who have been trying to unite all South Philippines Muslim insurgents under the ISIS banner and create a beacon of jihad in the region.

ASG Sulu could use more foreign fighters to swell its ranks and more sanctuaries to escape to. As Islamic State East Asia struggles to establish itself, any increase in cooperation from Sulu or coordinated attacks across the Mindanao archipelago would further sap the strength of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and embarrass Manila.

[Michael Quinones is a Research Associate who specializes in jihadist activity in the Pacific Rim, Middle East and Turkey for TRAC: Terrorism Research & Analysis Consortium. TRAC is a digital intelligence repository on political violence and terrorism and can be accessed at http://www.tracterrorism.org/. Follow us on Twitter at @TRACterrorism]

http://www.rappler.com/nation/175812-trac-abu-sayyaf-isis-alignment

Duterte asks lawmakers for 60-day martial law extension

From Rappler (Jul 17): Duterte asks lawmakers for 60-day martial law extension

(UPDATED) The President also asks the Senate and the House to hold a special session to tackle his request. This session will be on Saturday, July 22.

DUTERTE ALLIES. Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III (left) and Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez (right) look at President Rodrigo Duterte during a press conference on March 13, 2017. Malacañang file photo

(UPDATED) – During his meeting with lawmakers on Monday, July 17, President Rodrigo Duterte asked for a 60-day extension of martial law still covering the entire Mindanao. He also requested that the Senate and the House of Representatives hold a special session to discuss this request.

"Sixty days of martial law extension and still over entire Mindanao," said Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III in a message to Rappler.

He was asked what Duterte verbally requested from lawmakers during the meeting.

Duterte's requested period of extension was not heard by all lawmakers he met with. He mentioned it while seated with Pimentel, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, and Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.

Two other officials in that table confirmed that the President wants a 60-day extension.

Pimentel, however, said that the President's letter to Congress with the final details on his request for martial law extension is yet to be transmitted.

 

Special session
Fariñas, meanwhile, announced that both chambers of the 17th Congress will convene jointly on Saturday, July 22, to consider the President's request.

"The President will call the Congress to a special session on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 9 am to consider the extension of martial law," said Fariñas.

The 1987 Constitution only allows Duterte to declare martial law for a maximum of 60 days or until July 22 in this case. Any extension would require approval from both the Senate and the House, where Duterte counts most lawmakers as his allies.

The joint session will be held at the plenary session hall of the Batasang Pambansa.

Earlier on Monday, Deputy Speakers Fredenil Castro and Gwen Garcia said Congress will likely approve the extension of martial law.

Despite criticism, Congress had previously refused to convene jointly to discuss the merits of Proclamation No. 216.

Instead, both the Senate and the House received briefings from national security officials and issued separate resolutions expressing support for the martial law in Mindanao.

Battle goes on
Nearly two months since Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are still trying to flush out the remaining terrorists in Marawi City.

 

This is why PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said the police and the military asked Duterte for an extension of martial law in Mindanao.

In a media interview right before his meeting with lawmakers on Monday, Duterte said he had not yet read the martial law recommendation of the AFP and the PNP.

Clashes between government troops and homegrown terrorists from the Maute Group and Abu Sayyaf Group began in Marawi City on May 23, prompting Duterte to declare martial law in the entire Mindanao.

Petitions against martial law were filed before the Supreme Court, but the justices upheld the proclamation in a vote of 11-3-1.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/175888-duterte-asks-congress-special-session-martial-law-extension

WATCH | Bangsamoro Transition Commission submits Draft BBL to Palace

From InterAksyon (Jul 17): WATCH | Bangsamoro Transition Commission submits Draft BBL to Palace



Turnover of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law at Malacañang. Philippine Star.

Not Martial Law but genuine autonomy for Muslim Mindanao. That is only viable solution to the Mindanao Problem, according to the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Monday on the occasion of its transmittal to Malacañang of the Draft Bangsamoro Basic Law.

The BTC counts among its components representatives from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

BTC turned over the BBL draft to President Rodrigo Duterte, who promised to support it through the legislative process.

“In front of everybody,” Duterte said, “I commit to support my covenant with you. I will support and husband this instrument.”

BTC Chairman Ghazali Jaafar described this version as more inclusive than the previous bill that had failed to hurdle the 16th Congress.

Jaafar observed that the turmoil in Mindanao would only get worse with the continued use of armed force.

“Better for the government to pass BBL into law, rather than continue applying military solution to a political problem. Bombs are known to be the best recruiters of revolutionaries. Now, the best and viable way of resolving the Bangsamoro issue is by passing or enacting a law by Congress. No other way!”

He remarked that pouring billions of pesos in funds to rebuild Marawi will not bring a new face to the old Islamic City.

“Cement can be bought in the hardware store. But, in this case, what’s impossible to rehabilitate is the broken soul of the Maranao and the Moro people. How can you rehabilitate a broken soul?”

In terms of territory, the new proposed version of the BBL will include the traditional areas existing under the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, plus the cities of Isabela and Cotabato, and six municipalities in the province of Lanao Del Norte and 39 barangays in Cotabato.

The BTC council of leaders also includes representatives from the Christian community, the indigenous people, youth and women leaders.

Jaafar said BBL would be future proof in the sense that, when the country’s system of government shifts to a federal model, the Banagsamoro autonomous framework will be ready for it.

President Duterte is expected to certify the BBL as an urgent piece of proposed legislation.

Click and watch the video report below:

http://www.interaksyon.com/bangsamoro-transition-commission-submits-draft-bbl-to-palace/

NDFP ready with draft industrialization programs

From the Mindanao Times (Jul 17): NDFP ready with draft industrialization programs

THE NATIONAL Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) said it is ready to show its counterparts from the GPH panel its draft national industrialization program as among the deals being worked on by both parties amid plans of resumption of talks by August.

 

In a statement, NDFP reciprocal working committee on social and econominc reforms (RWC SER) member Randall Echanis said that both parties are crafting measures to benefit various industries.

These are the industries of coconut, sugar, abaca, bamboo and rattan, clothing and textile, pottery, furniture and the processing of meat, dairy, spices, fish, fruits, vegetable and other agricultural by-products shall be developed.

The NDFP member called the industries “essential mainly to ensure food production for local consumption and develop an agri-based economy.”

 

“In our discussion with farmers, they reiterated that particular crop lines and rural-based industries can be developed depending on the actual needs of the people and with the objective of establishing rural industries that will lay the ground for national industrialization. Raising agricultural productivity, and provision of agricultural research and development and support services to farmers were also proposed.”

“Correct policy framework is significant in order to reinvigorate rural areas. The sooner we resume with the negotiations, the sooner we can address the needs of the people and the ailing local economy,” Echanis said.

He added that rural-based sectors are looking forward to the resumption of the formal peace negotiations that will discuss and firm-up unities on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development and fast-track discussions on other pertinent sections of the proposed Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER).

“The people’s strong clamor for the continuation of the formal peace talks is enough conducive environment for the GPH and NDFP to return to the negotiating table and discuss thoroughly concrete and doable reforms.”

“Genuine development and industrialization of vast rural areas is possible. If a genuine agrarian reform program, rural infrastructure and support services are in place, farmers can unleash their full productive capabilities.”

“Farmers have the experience and capacity to develop the countryside and create rural industries that will benefit millions. Free land distribution is the necessary first step towards this goal,” said Echanis.

He also challenged the Duterte administration to “walk the talk” on its declaration that free land distribution and support services to farmers are essential in achieving genuine agrarian reform.

“If we are to discuss agrarian reform and rural development in upcoming meetings, the GPH should make concrete its recognition of free land distribution.”

The NFDP RWC-SER technical working group recently consulted farmers and peasant leaders nationwide regarding concrete proposals on rural development particularly in the enhancement of major crop lines and rural industries.

The consultation was held in preparation for the forthcoming bilateral team meetings of the GPH and NDFP RWC-SER working groups to come up with a tentative CASER draft to accelerate the talks, with the target of completing the negotiations by the first quarter of 2018.

During the consultation, farmers from the Ilocos region said they are willing to gradually shift from tobacco to other crops, particularly to food crops for domestic consumption like rice, corn, vegetables and others. “If there is irrigation in Ilocos, farmers can produce crops other than tobacco,” Echanis said.

“Since time immemorial, only foreign-owned tobacco companies have benefited from tobacco plantations in Ilocos and Cagayan Valley. Worse, corrupt officials in Ilocos Norte led by Governor Imee Marcos were found to have misused the fund of the Tobacco Excise Tax or RA 7171 that is intended for tobacco farmers and the tobacco industry, now considered as a sunset industry.”

“While we are at it, it is also preposterous for the GPH panel to continue rubbing in the never-ending issue of revolutionary tax at this point to parry CASER when one of their own is accused of plundering people’s tax money,” Echanis said referring to Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos’ alleged excise tax corruption.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/ndfp-ready-with-draft-industrialization-programs/

2 soldiers killed, 8 wounded in NPA clash in Zamboanga

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 17): 2 soldiers killed, 8 wounded in NPA clash in Zamboanga

Two army soldiers were killed and 8 others wounded in fierce clashes with communist rebels in Zamboanga del Norte province in southern Philippines, police said on Monday.

Police said the fighting erupted over the weekend in Tinaplan village in Sindangan town. It said the clashes between members of the 44th Infantry Battalion and New People’s Army also left a still undetermined number of casualties on the rebel side.

“The second encounter resulted to the killed in action of two and wounded in action of eight members of the Philippine Army with undetermined body count from enemy side. The wounded elements of 44th Infantry Battalion were already transported via ambulance to Dipolog City for immediate medication,” police said in a report sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

It said Special Forces soldiers also clashed with about 40 rebels in Leon Postigo town earlier in the day and the firefight lasted only 10 minutes. “The firefight lasted for ten minutes with no reported harmed or injured (on the military side) after which the troops were able to recovered three M203 (rifle grenade) ammunition, fifteen improvised explosives, medical paraphernalia and subversive documents,” police said.

But the military’s Western Mindanao Command said a rebel was killed and that 6 more gunmen had been wounded in the fighting in Leon Postigo town. And it did not report its own casualties. Army Captain Jo-ann Petinglay, its spokeswoman, said rebels also commandeered a vehicle and briefly hostage its driver who allegedly told the military that the gunmen escaped with their casualties.

“The driver who was forced by the communists to extract them away from the engagement area informed the security forces that he saw them carrying one killed communist and six wounded,” Petinglay said, adding, no soldiers were hurt from in fighting.

She said another rebel, Allen Condez, also surrendered to the military in Guipos town in the neighboring province of Zamboanga del Sur. Petinglay said the rebel yielded to the 53rd Infantry Battalion and is currently being interrogated. There was no immediate statement from the communist group.

Peace talks between the government and rebels stalled with the NPA accusing President Rodrigo Duterte of failing to release all political prisoners as a precondition to the signing of a ceasefire agreement. The military, on the other hand, blamed the rebels for deadly attacks despite the peace negotiations.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/2-soldiers-killed-8-wounded-in-npa-clash-in-zamboanga/

Troops clash with NPA rebels in Zamboanga town

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 17): Troops clash with NPA rebels in Zamboanga town 

Government soldiers clashed with communist rebels in the southern Filipino province of Zamboanga del Norte, an army spokeswoman said Monday.

Captain Jo-ann Petinglay said the weekend clash erupted in the village of Titik in Leon Postigo town after patrolling soldiers ran into a group of New People’s Army rebels and firefight ensued.

She said rebels also commandeered a vehicle and briefly hostage its driver who later told the military that the gunmen escaped with their casualties. “The driver who was forced by the communists to extract them away from the engagement area informed the security forces that he saw them carrying one killed communist and six wounded,” Petinglay said, adding, no soldiers were hurt from in fighting.

But police said no rebels were killed in the fighting.

Petinglay said troops also recovered 3 rounds of 40 mm grenades, 15 improvised explosives and medical paraphernalia, including anti-government propaganda. She said another rebel, Allen Condez, also surrendered to the military in Guipos town in the neighboring province of Zamboanga del Sur.

She said the rebel yielded to the 53rd Infantry Battalion and is currently being interrogated. There was no immediate statement from the communist group, but last week the NPA said it captured 2 policemen PO1 Alfredo Basabica and SPO2 George Rupinta in the restive region.

It said both officers are now “prisoners of war.” Basabica was captured at a rebel checkpoint in the village of Panansialan in Compostela Valley’s Compostela town while travelling to Davao City.

Rupinta was also taken captive in the town of Lupon in Davao Oriental province. The NPA also released a video of Rupinta appealing to the government to stop the military offensives against the rebel group and resume stalled peace talks with rebels.

He also told his family that rebels were treating him fairly and that they have nothing to worry about his safety in the hands of his captors. The rebels also accused the military of murdering innocent civilians suspected of being rebels or supporters of the NPA in the provinces.

There was no immediate statement or reaction from the military or police on the capture of Basabica and Rupinta. But their arrest came just days after security officials said at least 8 rebels were dead in a firefight in Davao. Troops also recovered the bodies of the slain rebels and 6 automatic rifles and a machine gun.

Peace talks between the government and rebels stalled with the NPA accusing President Rodrigo Duterte of failing to release all political prisoners as a precondition to the signing of a ceasefire agreement. The military, on the other hand, blamed the rebels for deadly attacks despite the peace negotiations.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/troops-clash-with-npa-rebels-in-zamboanga-town/

MILF: New BBL draft has better chances

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 17): MILF: New BBL draft has better chances

The new draft of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) has greater chances of becoming a law once it is certified as an urgent bill by President Duterte, the ever optimistic Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Monday said.

Drafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), composed of government and MILF representatives, the draft enabling law of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed in 2014 by the government and the MILF, will also be submitted to President Duterte early this evening (July 17) in Malacanang.

Ghazali Jaafar, MILF vice chair for political affairs, said in an interview that “all systems go for the submission of draft bill.”

Jaafar will also hand over the new 112 page, 18 articles draft BBL, to Senate President Aquilino Koko Pimentel and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, one after the other.

Jaafar has visibly shown how excited he was and his panel. “Truth is that we are anticipating for endorsements when the president makes his speech during the BBL turnover today,” he added.

“More seriously, we expect him to make a categorical statement that he is certifying the BBL as urgent bill. Less than that would only bring back old memories when the previous BBL was never formally certified as urgent bill by President Aquino,” the MILF said in an editorial posted on its website.

The MILF website enumerated six reasons why it strongly believed the draft to have smooth journey into becoming a law that will pave the way for the attainment of acceptable and lasting solution to the so called decades-old Mindanao Moro problem.

First, it said President Duterte has all the time to push for it because he still has five years left in office as against then President Aquino, already on his final year in the Palace when BBL was presented to Congress.

It added the former president’s popularity was on a downswing mode while Duterte’s is currently at its peak.

Second, the President, Senate president and House speaker are all from Mindanao – and the problem is in Mindanao, which makes it more dramatic.

Third, it said during Aquino’s term, the BBL was on the agenda after the midterm of Aquino when the need for him is lesser especially from those running for Congress; meaning, it was election fever already. Today, practically everybody including politicians need the president, who is the most powerful person in this country.

Fourth, the new draft BBL is more inclusive both in process and content, because at least one-half of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) was already on board.

“In fact, those BTC commissioners from the MNLF (Yusuf Jikiri’s faction) were overheard to have said that their concerns are already addressed in the new BBL,” the MILF said.

MNLF, led by Nur Misuari, forged a peace deal with Manila in 1996 but Duterte want an inclusive peace deal that includes all Moro fronts with legitimate struggle under one agreement with the government.

Fifth, the Mamasapano incident, that left 44 elite police and 17 Moro rebels killed, worked against the BBL and the MILF, while the current Marawi crisis has given the MILF better image especially its humanitarian intervention, it added.

Sixth, there is no logical way forward except the way of peace – and for government to comply with what it had committed.

“The longer the conflict protracts the better chance for the violent extremists like the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups to recruit and strengthen, because they feast on our failures,” the MILF said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1001210

5 slain, 16 hurt in Zambo clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 17): 5 slain, 16 hurt in Zambo clash

Five were killed, including two soldiers, while 16 were wounded and one rebel was captured in two separate clashes in a remote area of Zamboanga del Norte, the military said Monday, July 17.

The Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade said in a statement that a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed and six others were wounded in the first encounter that took place at around 4:50 a.m. Sunday in Biwa, Barangay Titik, Leon Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte.

Soldiers from the Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion and 20th Special Forces Company were conducting security patrol when they clashed with a group of NPA rebels belonging to the Section Committee FLX “Bravo.”

The troops were detailed to secure a government road construction project linking the town of Leon Postigao, Zamboanga del Norte to the municipality of Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur.

The firefight lasted about 20 minutes that resulted to the death of an NPA rebel and injured six others. No troops were either killed or wounded.

The troops recovered 15 improvised bombs, three rounds of caliber .40 millimeter ammunition, medical supplies and other personal belongings that NPA rebels abandoned as they fled to different directions.

Another clash happened at around 1:25 p.m. Sunday as the troops pursued the fleeing NPA rebels to disrupt their plans in burning heavy equipment of the construction firm undertaking the road construction project.

The encounter happened when the troops sighted around 40 NPA rebels in Sitio Lubi, Barangay Tinaplan, in the adjacent town of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Two NPA rebels were killed while one was captured in the second clash.

On the government side, two soldiers were killed while 10 were wounded. The injured soldiers were rushed to the hospital in Dipolog City.

Troops continue to pursue the NPAs who fled towards the hinterland.

Col. Jacinto Bareng, Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, condemned the acts of the NPAs that caused disruption in the implementation of vital infrastructure projects in Zamboanga del Norte.

Bareng assured the protection of the workers implementing the project.

He said the completion of the road construction project will provide easy access for the residents in the hinterlands in bringing their farm products to the towns centers of Leon Postigo and Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte and Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1001229

DND chief dares ML 'victims' in Mindanao: Show up, file raps

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 17): DND chief dares ML 'victims' in Mindanao: Show up, file raps

While skeptical of reports claiming human rights abuses being perpetuated by security troops deployed for martial law duty in Mindanao, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has urged alleged victims to surface and file complaints so that they can be given legal redress.

To this, I strongly encourage these groups and alleged victims of excesses by government security forces to come forward, present your evidence, and file charges in the proper courts. Huwag po kayong matakot. If indeed some of our soldiers are found guilty of committing excesses under martial law, then we will not hesitate to administer the appropriate sanctions against these individuals, while ensuring that due process is followed," he said in a statement Monday.

In the same vein, the DND chief stressed that they will never condone such violations, adding that such acts damage the reputation of the military and defense establishments.

"We will never allow anyone within the defense and security establishments to tarnish the good image and reputation that we have painstakingly built over the years. That is why we have decided in the past that only our best men and women should be allowed to operate in critical areas such as Marawi City and elsewhere in Mindanao, and that our Muslim brothers and sisters should not be singled out in our operations since terrorism goes beyond any religion or creed," he added.

Martial law in Mindanao was declared after Maute Group terrorists conducted a series of unprovoked attacks against civilian and military targets in Marawi City after a botched attempt to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader and ISIS emir in Southeast Asia, Isnilon Hapilon, last May 23.

"We have made it clear from the very start that all our operations under martial law will be based on the rule of law and respect for human rights of all, regardless of religion, ethnicity or ideology. That is why we have also opposed calls for an ID system for Muslims only since this is discriminatory. We believe that if an ID system is adopted, it should be national in scope, and should apply to every citizen of the republic," Lorenzana pointed out.

And in line with efforts to prevent abuses, the DND chief said the military has deployed human rights officers and lawyers on the ground to help soldiers in performing their expanded duties and responsibilities under martial law.

"My trust and confidence in the professionalism and integrity of the Armed Forces, however, remains strong. Naniniwala akong gagawin ng ating kasundaluhan kung ano ang nararapat alinsunod sa batas at hindi nila kailanman tatalikuran ang kanilang sinumpaang tungkulin - ang ipagtanggol ang bansa at sambayanang Pilipino, kahit kapalit ang sarili nilang buhay," Lorenzana pointed out.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1001198

Lorenzana fully trusts President Duterte decision on ML in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 17): Lorenzana fully trusts President Duterte decision on ML in Mindanao

Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he fully trusts whatever decision President President Rodrigo Duterte will make on the matter of extending the implementation of martial law in Marawi and the rest of Mindanao.

"I fully trust the President's judgment on this whether he considers my recommendations or not," the defense chief said in a statement Sunday night.

Lorenzana said they have already forwarded their recommendations to Duterte last July 13.

This is six days ahead of the 60-day Martial Law period Proclamation No. 216, which ends on Saturday.

Martial Law in Marawi and the rest of Mindanao was declared nighttime of May 23 following the attacks of Maute Group terrorists in the locality.

"We have submitted our position on Martial Law in Mindanao to the President," the defense chief said.

Lorenzana, however, did not give additional details so as not to pre-empt the President.

"We will have to wait for the President's final decision on the matter. What I submitted to him was my recommendation from the security sector as Administrator of Martial Law in Mindanao after consulting with the CSAFP (Chief-of-Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines) Gen. (Eduardo) Año. The President has a lot more to consider," he said,

These includes inputs from the Department of Interior and Local Government and Philippine National Police, other government agencies and the people of Mindanao.

Lorenzana, who is also designated as chairperson of Task Force "Bangon Marawi" to rebuild and rehabilitate Marawi, acknowledges that the work ahead after the fighting is even more daunting considering the extent of damage wrought into the city.

"While we have already begun laying the foundation for the reconstruction, recovery, and rehabilitation of Marawi City through community engagement, coordination with various agencies and making post disaster assessments, we earnestly look forward to the end of fighting because we want our Maranao brothers and sisters who have left their homes to go back, reconstitute their interrupted lives and partner with us on how we can best rebuild Marawi into a better and more beautiful city," he added.

“There is still a lot of work to do but I am very confident that together, as one nation, we can all help Marawi rise up from the ashes of conflict and be a better place," the DND chief pointed out.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1001221

Wounded troops in Marawi City tiff now at 852

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 17): Wounded troops in Marawi City tiff now at 852

The number of troops wounded in the ongoing battle to clear Marawi City of the remaining Maute Group terrorists is now placed at 852, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said Monday.

This was offset by the number of lawless elements killed which is now placed at 411, he added.

Arevalo said that these figures are as of 7 p.m. Sunday.

Troopers killed in action were placed at 97 along with 45 civilians.

Arevalo said that number of recovered firearms is placed at 511 while civilians rescued from the clutches of the terrorists is pegged at 1,723.

A soldier is also reported missing-in-action but this is still being confirmed.

Fighting broke out in Marawi City after government troops tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and ISIS "emir" in Southeast Asia last May 23.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1001218

DND to hosts 3-day EWG for cybersecurity

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 17): DND to hosts 3-day EWG for cybersecurity

With lawless elements now using the Internet as a platform to launch their attacks, the Philippines will be hosting the inaugural meeting of the Experts Working Group (EWG) for Cybersecurity of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM)-Plus from Monday to Wednesday.

The event will be held at the Hotel Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. The activity is part of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN, DND Management Information System Service head Jesus Lomeda said.

The ADMM-Plus is a platform for ASEAN and its eight dialogue partners to strengthen security and defence cooperation for peace, stability, and development in the region.

It includes 10 ASEAN member states, namely, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic , Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, and eight other countries, namely Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States.

The DND through Lomeda, holds the co-chairmanship of the said EWG, together with Mike Thompson, Director (Asia) of the International Branch, Ministry of Defence of New Zealand.

Meanwhile, DND Assistant Secretary for Assessments and International Affairs Raymund Jose G. Quilop is the Working Group Leader of the ASEAN Defense Senior Officials’ Meeting (ADSOM) Plus.

The first leg of the inaugural meeting aims to establish confidence-building and rapport among ADMM-Plus countries by designating a point-of-contact for each member country.

Expert delegates will be presenting their respective country’s cyber security structure, concerns, and current focus to fellow member-countries.

In addition, the meeting will provide a venue for experts to examine the current state of existing cyber security policies and capabilities, enhance awareness on cyber security challenges, responsibilities of each nation and the international community to address such challenges, and how to leverage on the capabilities of each nation in addressing cyber security threats.

The group will also endeavor to encourage the ASEAN member statements and the international community to take a common stand and exert efforts for the protection of cyberspace, and develop appropriate mechanisms for cooperation among the defense and military establishments of ADMM Plus in addressing cyber security.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1001242

Congress urged to prioritize fine tuning of BBL

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 17): Congress urged to prioritize fine tuning of BBL

A senator on Monday urged the Congress to prioritize the fine tuning of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) noting that it was long overdue.

"The BBL is long overdue. We should be prioritizing the fine tuning of the law, adopting what we've already learned from all the consultations, hearings, and 17 years of negotiations," Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV said in a statement.

Aquino made this remark as the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) is expected to submit to Pres. Rodrigo Duterte a draft of the revised BBL on Monday.

The President is expected to endorse it to the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Aquino believes that the passage of the BBL would help achieve peace and end terrorism in Mindanao. Moreover, he said that it could help fight terrorism, rebellion and crime through peace and development, education and jobs.

"If prosperity for every Filipino is the goal, let's pass the best possible version of the BBL," he added.

On February, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) announced that members of the expanded BTC that will draft an “inclusive” version of the earlier BBL that failed to pass Congress in the previous Aquino administration.

The draft of the new enabling law to Congress will be submitted in time for Pres. Duterte's second State of the Nation Address (SONA) and the resumption of session of Congress.

Enactment of the BBL will create a new political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The proposed Bangsamoro territory will have greater autonomy than the present ARMM but will remain part of the Republic of the Philippines.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1001257