2 ASG men killed in Sulu encounter

From the Manila Times (Jul 21): 2 ASG men killed in Sulu encounter

TWO Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members were killed while a soldier was wounded after military troops encountered about 30 fully-armed bandits in Patikul, Sulu on Thursday while on rescue operation for kidnap victims, the commander of Joint Task Force Sulu said on Friday.

In a text message sent to reporters, Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said the fighting took place at about 6 a.m. on Thursday in Sitio Tubig Kawas, Barangay Bungkaong.

The wounded soldier was not immediately identified except that he belongs to the Philippine Army’s 21st Infantry Battalion.

The task force operatives were out to rescue four construction workers earlier abducted by the terrorist band, including other local and foreign tourists being held by the ASG.

Government security forces recovered only one dead bandit, saying two others were wounded during the firefight.

The task force recovered five firearms from the terrorists including one machine gun, two M16 rifles and two M203 grenade launchers, including several rounds of ammunition.

Sobejana said based on information they received, the members of the ASG were under sub-leaders Jamiri Jaong Jawhari and Basaron Awok.

http://www.manilatimes.net/2-asg-men-killed-sulu-encounter/339704/

2 Abu Sayyaf members killed in Sulu firefight

From ABS-CBN (Jul 21): 2 Abu Sayyaf members killed in Sulu firefight

Two members of terror group Abu Sayyaf were killed while a soldier was wounded in clashes in Patikul, Sulu Thursday.

Abu Sayyaf members Benajir Intag and Bassal Mahalli were killed in a firefight at Barangay Bungkaong, Patikul, at around 6:25 a.m.

Intag’s body was recovered by troops along with 5 high-powered firearms, cellphones and other personal belongings.

Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu meanwhile said the wounded soldier was already stable.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/21/17/2-abu-sayyaf-members-killed-in-sulu-firefight

Gov’t troops kill 4, arrest 2 in Western Mindanao

From Business World (Jul 22): Gov’t troops kill 4, arrest 2 in Western Mindanao

GOVERNMENT forces successfully neutralized six enemies and seized eight firearms in Western Mindanao within the past three days, authorities said.

Last Thursday, troops of the 21^st Infantry Battalion heavily engaged the Abu Sayyaf bandits while on focused military operations in Barangay Bungkaong, Patikul, Sulu. The encounter resulted in the death of two members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) named Benajir Intag, whose body was recovered on site, and Bassal Mahalli.

Troops also seized five high-powered firearms, which include one (1) K3 squad automatic weapon, one (1) M16A1 Colt with M203 attached, and one (1) M653 Elisco with M203 attached.

Two cellphones, three solar panels, and 8 backpacks containing assorted food and personal belongings were also found by the troops in the temporary resting area of the ASG members.

“One of our soldiers was wounded and was immediately extricated by the responding troops to be given medical attention,” said Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander. “He is now on stable condition and is already recuperating,” he added.

As of this report, 285 ASG members were neutralized in the entire Western Mindanao. Of the total number, 112 were killed, 103 surrendered to troops, and 70 were apprehended.

Meanwhile, last Tuesday, two communist rebels were killed, six were wounded, and another one was arrested by the elements of the 44^th Infantry Battalion and the Municipal Police Station following the series of armed engagements in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte. They have also recovered ammunition, explosive devices, and subversive documents.

Also on Tuesday, combined forces of the Joint Task Force Central -- 57^th Infantry Battalion and 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion -- were able to apprehend two lawless elements, during the conduct of a law enforcement support operations in Maguindanao.

Among those apprehended include Menta B. Umpan, a suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) member and a certain Tolks Lakim, a lawless element at Lower Meta Village, Datu Unsay.

In his report to Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM), Brig. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega said that the troops were able to recover 3 high-powered firearms that include one (1) M16 rifle, one (1) M653 and one (1) M16 A1 rifle.

Lt. Gen. Carlito G. Galvez, Jr, commander of WESMINCOM, congratulated the armed forces “for their persistence in going after these threat groups and persons within their respective areas of operation.”

“Truly, our troops are very eager to make sacrifices in order to ensure that the people they serve will have a peaceful community,” Mr. Galvez said, adding, “I enjoin all our soldiers to continue the fight. Surely, our Commander-in-Chief (President Rodrigo R. Duterte) will be with us all the way in this given mission of liberating not just Marawi but the entire country from any form of threat.”

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=gov&8217t-troops-kill-4-arrest-2-in-western-mindanao&id=148630

ISIS Leaders in Syria Funded Philippine Militants Before Marawi Takeover

From Newsweek (Jul 21): ISIS Leaders in Syria Funded Philippine Militants Before Marawi Takeover

The leadership of the Islamic State militant group (ISIS) in Syria funded militants in the Philippines to the tune of thousands of dollars before their lightning takeover of the southern city of Marawi in May, according to a new report.

Philippine militants with the Maute group and some from the Abu Sayyaf group swept into Marawi, on the southern island of Mindanao, and two months later the battles are ongoing. The clashes have left hundreds of Islamist fighters dead and forced others to flee, but Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said this week that as many as 220 fighters remain in the city.

The battle for Marawi represents the most significant capture of Asian territory by an ISIS-linked group, and the most notable since ISIS seized the Libyan central coastal city of Sirte in mid-2015.

The report, published Thursday by the Jakarta-based Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict, details new evidence of extensive contact between a Malaysian militant, Dr. Mahmud Ahmad—one of the leaders of ISIS’s East Asia wilayah, or province—and ISIS central command in Syria over the past year. The purpose of the meetings was to funnel money and fighters in a bid to grab territory from Philippine forces.

Ahmad sent ISIS money through Indonesia and used fighters from the outlawed Indonesian militant group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), which the U.S. has designated as an extremist organization. The funding came in payments of tens of thousands of U.S. dollars via Western Union transfers in what amounts to direct support from ISIS.

Isnilon Hapilon, the leader of the Abu Sayyaf militant group—the radical Islamist ally of the Maute group—is leading the battle for Marawi. The Abu Sayyaf group, known for taking hostages to raise funds to boost its aim of creating a de facto Islamic state in the southern Philippines, has pledged allegiance to ISIS and has beheaded several Western nationals, including two Canadian men and a German man, in the last year.

Despite the ISIS support, most of the militants’ money likely came from local donations, and its recruiting was also mostly local, the report found. But the payments demonstrate how ISIS still had the ability to fund its affiliates around the world, even after severe losses in Iraq and Syria.



A Filipino soldier lies on a mattress in a combat area as government troops continue their assault against insurgents from the Maute group in Marawi city, Philippines, on July 1. Reuters/Jorge Silva

The report says the funding that allowed for such an emboldened seizure of one of the country’s cities could lead to a greater problem with extremism in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia, where ISIS-inspired attacks or plots have taken place or been dismantled in recent years. The fear now for security services in Asia is that the various Asian militants waging the battle against Philippine forces in Marawi will return home with greater battlefield experience and expertise to wage jihad in their own countries.

“The risks won’t end when the military declares victory,” Sidney Jones, IPAC director, said in the report. “Indonesia and Malaysia will face new threats in the form of returning fighters from Mindanao, and the Philippines will have a host of smaller dispersed cells with the capacity for both violence and indoctrination.”

The report calls for greater cooperation between Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines in combating extremism, and says the Philippines should be leading the way in supporting Marawi residents who have been displaced. It also recommends reconstructing the city so that ill feeling among the population does not make the area “even more fertile ground for extremist recruitment.”

The report based its findings on messages on the encrypted messaging platform Telegram, interviews with associates of militants in the Philippines and visits to Mindanao.
http://www.newsweek.com/isis-leaders-syria-funded-philippines-militants-ahead-city-takeover-640096

2 Maute suspects arrested, charged

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 21): 2 Maute suspects arrested, charged

Two more suspected members of the Maute terrorist group have been arrested and charged with rebellion.

Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Erickson Balmes identified the two members of the terrorist group as Araji Samindih and Umad Harun.

Balmes indicated the two were “arrested in Tawi Tawi in possession of explosives and were actually involved in the firefights in Marawi.”

He said the two suspected terrorists were taken and subjected to inquest proceedings Thursday afternoon in Cagayan de Oro City.

http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/07/21/2-maute-suspects-arrested-charged/

WATCH | Actual combat footage of a rescue mission in Marawi

From InterAksyon (Jul 21): WATCH | Actual combat footage of a rescue mission in Marawi



Screen capture of actual combat rescue footage in Marawi. Courtesy of Joint Task Force Marawi

Actual combat video footage obtained by News5 shows a rescue mission undertaken by elements of the Philippine Army Special Forces to extricate two wounded combat engineers at the Marawi war zone.

The difficult mission ultimately succeeded, requiring the use of smoke grenades to obfuscate the movements of the government troops from snipers of the holdout Maute terrorist group.

The rescued soldiers have been taken to hospital for medical attention.

Three days after the dramatic rescue, government troops recaptured one more nests of the terrorists even as the military continued to apply pressure on the dwindling capability of the Maute Group.

Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, spokesman of Joint Task Force Marawi, disclosed that another significant milestone was the retaking and complete control of the Mapandi District, including Mapandi Bridge, which used to be an enemy stronghold.

http://www.interaksyon.com/watch-actual-combat-footage-of-a-rescue-mission-in-marawi/

Troops use grenade launcher to take Maute positions

From GMA News (Jul 21): Troops use grenade launcher to take Maute positions

[Video report]

Government troops continued to engage members of the ISIS-inspired Maute group in Marawi City, taking key positions.

A "24 Oras" report by Marisol Abdurahman on Friday showed how government troops used a grenade launcher on opponents at the frontlines.

Airstrikes on enemy positions also continued.

"Mapandi bridge... this was the former stronghold of the enemy and now forces have taken that location," said Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, spokesman of the Joint Task Force Marawi.

"Structures na ang nakiki-clear despite the overwhelming presence of IEDs (improvised explosive devices), fuel bombs and other war materials inside the main battle area," he added.

Six more members of the Maute group on Thursday were added to the death toll of local terrorists following the ongoing clashes.

More than 400 Maute group members have been killed while more than 500 firearms have been recovered by the military.

Ninety-nine government troops have been killed during the hostilities, which began on May 23.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/618970/troops-use-grenade-launcher-to-take-maute-positions/story/

DWDD: WALK THE TALK | NPA threat, mere propaganda

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 21): WALK THE TALK | NPA threat, mere propaganda



NSFA, Panacan, Davao City (DWDD) – The directive of the New People’s Army (NPA) to launch attacks nationwide during the State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte, particularly in Davao Region, is nothing but a way to embarrass the current administration.

The recent attacks and extortion activities perpetrated by the NPA against civilians, particularly against those who are simply living in the villages, are in contradiction to the peace they are claiming to advocate. While their heads are on the table, talking for peace with the government, they are also conducting atrocities which make the almost 50 years of making truce with their group hard.

Meanwhile, the positive actions being done by the government to attain lasting peace like facilitating the development of our people and communities are being reciprocated by the NPAs negatively.



The NPAs does not contribute to the well-being of the communities but rather brings misery, hardship, and chokes the development that has long been anticipated by the Filipinos. Hence, we call on the New People’s Army to walk their talk.

On our end, while we focus on preventing terrorism in Eastern Mindanao, we shall be steadfast in our commitment to secure the communities from other threats, more so with the NPA’s directive to conduct major atrocities.

We shall continue to work with our partners from different agencies through our Community Support Program to facilitate the delivery of services that will help resolve issues faced by our people in the countryside. PIO EMC / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/07/22/walk-the-talk-npa-threat-mere-propaganda/

DWDD: Troops neutralize 6 enemies; seize 8 firearms in Western Mindanao

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 21): Troops neutralize 6 enemies; seize 8 firearms in Western Mindanao

Headquarters Western Mindanao Command, Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City– Two members of the Abu Sayyaf Group were killed and five firearms were seized in a gun battle with the military in Sulu yesterday (July 20).

Troops of the 21st Infantry Battalion heavily engaged the Abu Sayyaf bandits while on focused military operations in Barangay Bungkaong, Patikul, Sulu at 6:25 am Thursday.

Said firefight resulted in the death of two bandits, a certain Benajir Intag and Bassal Mahalli.

Intag’s body was recovered by the troops at the encounter site.

Seized also were 5 high-powered firearms, which include a K3 squad automatic weapon, an M16A1 Colt with M203 attached, and an M653 Elisco with M203 attached.

Two cell phones, 3 solar panels and 8 backpacks containing assorted food stuff and personal belongings were found by the troops in the temporary resting area of the ASG members.

“One of our soldiers was wounded and was immediately extricated by the responding troops to be given medical attention,” said Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu Commander. “He is now in stable condition and is already recuperating.”

As of this report, 285 ASG members were neutralized in the entire Western Mindanao. Of the total number, 112 were killed (including the 2 ASG members killed today), 103 surrendered to troops and 70 were apprehended.

Meanwhile, in Zamboanga del Norte, two communist terrorists were arrested in a pursuit by the government forces on Tuesday (July 18) afternoon.

Elements of the 44th Infantry Battalion and the Municipal Police Station of Leon B. Postigo nabbed the two wounded communist terrorists, one of whom was identified as Rannie, aboard two ambulances along Barangay Cilago, Leon B. Postigo in Zamboanga del Norte at 4:35 pm Tuesday.

“The communist terrorists arrested by the government forces were among those who engaged our soldiers on July 16 in Sitio Biwa, Titik, of the same town (Leon B Postigo),” said Brigadier General Joselito Bautista, Commander of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan.

Two communist terrorists were killed, six were wounded, and another was arrested by the troops following the series of armed engagements in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Further recovered by the soldiers were ammunition, explosive devices, and subversive documents.

The arrested persons were then brought to the nearby hospital for medication and investigation.

On the other hand, troops of the Joint Task Force Central were able to apprehend two lawless elements, during the conduct of a law enforcement support operations in Maguindanao last July 18, 2017.

Combined elements of 57th Infantry Battalion and the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion apprehended a certain Menta B Umpan, a suspected BIFF member, and a certain Tolks Lakim, a lawless element at Brgy Lower Meta, Datu Unsay, Maguindanao at 6 and 7 in the morning respectively.

In his report to Western Mindanao Command, Brigadier General Arnel Delavega said that the troops were able to recover 3 high-powered firearms that include one (1) M16 rifle, one (1) M653 and one (1) M16 A1 rifle.

He further said that the apprehended personnel and firearms were turned-over to the PNP for the filing of appropriate charges.

“I would like to congratulate the Commanders and soldiers of our Joint Task Forces for their persistence in going after these threat groups and persons within their respective areas of operation,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“Truly, our troops are very eager to make sacrifices in order to ensure that the people they serve will have a peaceful community.”

“I enjoin all our soldiers to continue the fight. Surely, our Commander-in-Chief will be with us all the way in this given mission of liberating not just Marawi but the entire country from any form of threat.”

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/07/21/troops-neutralize-6-enemies-seize-8-firearms-in-western-mindanao/

MILF: Bangsamoro Social Enterprise Advocacy Team to visit United Kingdom

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jul 21): Bangsamoro Social Enterprise Advocacy Team to visit United Kingdom



Some members of the advocacy group of Civil Society Organization in Social Enterprise Education and Development (CSO-SEED is set to visit London and Belfast in United Kingdom starting today until July 29 to learn from the UK Social Enterprise sector, and discuss its relevance and possible adaptation to the policy making in ARMM and the proposed Bangsamoro region.

CSO-SEED is a multi-stakeholders group driven by social objective organizations in the Philippines.

The delegation is composed of ten (10) from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and four (4) members of the CSO-SEED Project Team.

The delegates from ARMM led by Honorable Secretary Atty. Anwar Malang of DTI-ARMM together with other government representatives from the ARMM region and Civil Society Leaders will facilitate awareness raisings on social enterprise and promote policy reforms to boost the sector in the regions. Lessons learned and best practices will be shared in support of building viable social enterprises that resolves current challenges such as unemployment and income inequalities.

The CSO-SEED is a project led by the British Council and co-funded by the European Union (EU) in the Philippines which aims to strengthen and improved civil society capacity participation in policy reforms and to develop an environment conducive to decent work, job creation and SMEs development project via social enterprise.

The social enterprises offer a sustainable and empowering community to support inclusive business growth, reducing barriers to economic security particularly for vulnerable groups. It can play a role in supporting the development plan of ARMM and other Bangsamoro areas with key issues such as poverty, lack of access to potable water, energy,

Islamic banking system, farm mechanization, poor education outcomes and hunger among others can be addressed through social enterprises with the support from government and private bodies.

The British Council supports the development of social enterprise around the world like Philippines because they believe it offers a sustainable approach for addressing a wide range of societal challenges and contribute to making societies more prosperous, inclusive and secure.

Mr. Gomer Padong, Executive Director of the Philippines Social Enterprise Network (PhilSEN), expressed that Social Enterprise in the country is changing the paradigm of the transactional activities to transformational enterprise impacting the Lives of the member-beneficiaries.

The study visit expected to increase understanding of how government has developed policy and civil society groups representing social enterprises in the UK have advocated and achieved policy change and influence and how this learning can be applicable in the Philippines. It’s also to build networks with civil society, social enterprise and government between the UK and the Philippines.

The group was also joined by Ms. Angel Abad, Head of Society, British Council, Jay Lacsamana, Executive Director of Foundation for a Sustainable Society, Inc. (FSSI), Gomer Padong from the Philippines Social Enterprise Network, Inc. (PhilSEN), and Ferdinand Fuellos, Project Manager, CSO-SEED.

The United Moro Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (UMCCII) is represented by its Chairman Engr. Toto Laguialaot. The UMCCII is an accredited member of the Federation of Bangsamoro Civil Society Organization (FBCSO) and now become active citizens of the CSO-SEED Advocacy Group to support the coalition building and policy engagement component and contribute to enhancing the SOCIAL ENTERPRISE environment in the Bangsamoro region.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/931/bangsamoro-social-enterprise-advocacy-team-to-visit-united-kingdom

MILF: “There shall be a Bangsamoro country”: Duterte says

MindaNews article posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jul 21): “There shall be a Bangsamoro country”: Duterte says



In his speech during the turn-over of the new draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) by Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) led by Chairman Ghazali Jaafar on July 17 at Malacañang Palace, President Rodrigodo Duterte said that, “There shall a Bangsamoro Country within the context of the Republic of the Philippines”.

In an online post by Mindanews on July 18, it quoted Duterte saying that he commit to “support and husband” the proposed BBL in Congress to ensure the passage of the law that would create the Bangsamoro, a new autonomous political entity that would replace the 27-year old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
The creation of the Bangsamoro is in accordance with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed by the government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on March 27, 2014.

The agreement envisions a new entity called Bangsamoro under a ministerial form of government and shall replace the present ARMM once ratified in a plebiscite to be conducted after the passage of the Bangsamoro Law.

However, never he mentioned in his speech about the CAB but reiterated “there will be no objections (to) the provisions of all that is 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,” Duterte said as quoted by Mindanews.

He noted that after decades of armed struggle and violence, “we will soon come up with a constitutionally consistent legal instrument that will lay the foundation for establishing real and lasting peace in Mindanao.”

The proposed BBL, according to Duterte, “puts into life and spirit the constitutional mandate provided in the 1987 Constitution for the establishment of a truly autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao.”

Aside from MILF leaders headed by Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, MILF Peace Implementing Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal, members of the MILF Central Committee, BTC Commissioners and selected, staff, Senate President Koko Pimentel and HoR Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Jr witnessed the ceremony at the Presidential Palace.

Duterte said the draft BBL, jointly written by Muslims, Christians, and Lumads “shall give rise to a genuine autonomous region as well as bring forth healing and reconciliation to the historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro people.”

MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim said Duterte has been “given the unique privilege of correcting that historical injustice (against the Bangsamoro) by entrenching the Bangsamoro Government – the embodiment of the legitimate aspiration of our people, through the enactment of this Bangsamoro Basic Law.”

“We trust you. We trust that you will shepherd the passage of this law and see through the establishment of the Bangsamoro Government,” he said.

Murad stressed that in passing the BBL, the Duterte administration “would have taken the first step in correcting the historical injustice committed against our people and laid the foundation for a more just country.”

“By this joint action, we have co-founded a new Philippines-a new country firmly set on the unshakable foundation of justice and truth, and bequeath upon our succeeding generation a country united but respecting and drawing strength from its diversity,” he added.

Violent extremism

Violent extremism, Murad warned, is rearing its ugly head and this is evident in what is happening in Marawi, where clashes between government forces and violent extremists such as the Maute Group, entered Day 56 on the same day teh draft BBL was submitted.

“These misguided people have filled the vacuum created by our failure to enact the Basic Law and fed into the frustration of our people,” he explained.

Ghazali Jaafar, 1st Vice Chair of the MILF and concurrent chair of the BTC, said their draft BBL is “the best antidote to violent extremism that has wrought havoc” in the country.

He said their draft is “more inclusive being a product of a commission whose composition also reflects the widest inclusivity” and that it “reflects the diversity of interests of the Bangsamoro people, non-Bangsamoro Indigenous Peoples and settle communities.”

“This BBL is our new formula for the very elusive peace in Mindanao,” Jaafar added.

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) faction under Yusoph Jikiri and Muslimin Sema, participated in the crafting of the draft BBL, with three commissioners among the 21-member BTC.

The MNLF faction under Nur Misuair, however, has a separate peace implementing panel which is drafting along with its government counterpart, a draft amendatory law that would strengthen the ARMM.

The BBL on the other hand will lead to the abolition of the ARMM once the BBL is ratified in a plebiscite.

Convergence

The Bangsamoro peace roadmap that the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) proposed in July 2016 and approved by the President, was for a convergence of the peace agreements government signed with the MNLF (1976 Tripoli Agreement and 1996 Final Peace Agreement) and the MILF (2012 Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and 2014 CAB).


The BTC membership was precisely increased from 15 to 21, purportedly to get the MNLF factions to participate in crafting the BBL. Misuari’s faction did not participate.

Secretary Jesus Dureza, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, said Congress will do the convergence of the BTC’s draft BBL and the MNLF-Misuari faction’s draft amendatory law.

The MNLF-Misuari peace implementing panel has yet to formally meet although they have conducted at least five informal meetings.

In a statement, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman reiterated the region’s support to the ongoing peace process and its commitment to serve the Bangsamoro people.

He expressed hope that the President, who will set the legislative agenda of the national government during his SONA on July 24, “will use this important platform to push for legislation that acknowledges and addresses the historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro people, and to pursue restorative justice and lasting peace in the region.”

He said he hopes the new draft BBL “will also renew the commitment not only of the peace panels, but also the commitment of our legislators in congress to pursuing peace in the region.”

Hataman noted that the proposed law “comes at a time when we are reminded of the costs of delaying our efforts towards peace in the region, as we continue to hurdle old and familiar obstacles along with new challenges.”

“Delays in our collective struggle towards peace make it easy for fear to take root in the hearts of our people. Delays in our shared pursuit of justice make it easier for terror to thrive,” he said. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/930/----there-shall-be-a-bangsamoro-country-----duterte-says

MILF: BM-PUSH holds PressCon in support to BBL Passage

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jul 20): BM-PUSH holds PressCon in support to BBL Passage



In a presscon held last July 18, Mindanao Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s) expressed support the passage of Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañng on Monday, July 17. “Support Lasting Peace, Pass BBL Now!” The slogan of the Coalition of CSO’s Bangsamoro Platform for unity, solidarity and harmony (BM-PUSH) during its Press Conference conducted at Em Manor Convention Center in Cotabato City attended by members of tri-media media both local and national media outlets.

In a Manifesto released by the BM-PUSH, they expressed their gladness and appreciation that the expanded Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) whose membership are composed of representatives from the MILF, MNLF, Christians and Indigenous People accomplished it mandated tasks of drafting an inclusive Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

BM-PUSH is organized by different organizations whose main goal is to support the GPH-MILF peace process. These organizations are the People’s Coalition for ARMM Reform and Transformation represented by Duma M. Mascud ,who is also the Chairperson of the BM-PUSH). Samad P. Macmod, represented Mindanao Alliance for Peace, Mendis A. Hussain – Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, Nas Pulindao of Federation of Bangsamoro Civil Society Organizations (FBCSO), Evhoy B. Villaruel – Community Organizers Multiversity, Naima G. Pendi – Women’s Organizations Movement of the Bangsamoro and Dr. Ombra Imam of the League of Bangsamoro Organizations (LBO).

In the introductory messages, heads of organizations gave insights on the current situation particularly to the submission of the new draft BBL to the Office of President led by BTC Chairman Ghazali Jaafar.

In the first part of the PressCon Dr. Imam read their Manifesto.

Mr. Mascud in his response to the question raised by the media about the stands of CSO on the Martial Law declared by Duterte said that Martial Law declaration is the president’s discretion.

On the other hand, Dr. Imam supplemented the answers of Mr. Mascud and emphasized the importance of the passage of BBL.

Samad P. Macmod for his part delved on the peace roadmap and the approaches that civil society organizations will take to support the smooth passage of the Bangsamoro Law.

Mr. Pulindao took note of the commitment of President Duterte for the passage of BBL and is optimistic of the possibility of the passage of the BBL under the present administration as he attributed the failure of BBL in the 16th Congress due to the Mamasapano fiasco.

The BM-PUSH also called on the respected members of both Houses of Congress of the Philippines to hasten the enactment of the proposed BBL in compliance with the Government of the Philippines (GPH)-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed on March 27, 2014.

They also see and feel the brunt and effect of war now taking place in the Islamic City of Marawi, their conviction that the GPH-MILF shall pass through the path of real and everlasting peace envisioned under the new Bangsamoro Basic Law.

They said that though the new BBL may not be a perfect law but it is the best alternative path to peace, progress and development in Mindanao.

Since the proposed law is already in the hands of President Duterte they appealed to the president to certify it as an URGENT BILL so congress can fast tract its enactment.

The said PressCon was attended by different tri-media outlets.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/929/bm_push_holds_presscon_in_support_to_bbl_passage

NDF: Joma Sison: No need for peace talks amid martial law, killings

Article posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Jul 20): Joma Sison: No need for peace talks amid martial law, killings  



Inquirer » | Published July 20, 2017 5:31pm

Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria Sison on Thursday deemed the peace talks with the government unnecessary due to the Duterte administration’s “obsession with martial law and mass murder.”

Sison’s scathing statement was issued a day after the government canceled its backchannel talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF), the CPP’s negotiating arm, following Wednesday’s rebel attack on a Presidential Security Group convoy in Arakan, Cotabato.

“There is really no need for GRP-NDFP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines-National Democratic Front of the Philippines) peace negotiations if the Duterte regime is obsessed with martial rule and mass murder as the way to solve social, economic and political problems and to frighten in vain the revolutionary forces and people to surrender and give up their revolutionary struggle for national and social liberation,” Sison said in a statement.

President Rodrigo Duterte has put the entire Mindanao under martial rule on May 23 following the attack on Marawi City by Islamic fundamentalist groups sympathetic to the ISIS terrorist organization.

The 60-day martial law will lapse on July 22, but Duterte has asked Congress to extend it until the end of the year.

Attack on PSG

 Regarding the attack on the convoy, Sison questioned why the PSG van was in the area.

“What is the PSG van doing in Arakan, Cotabato? To make provocations or to stage an Enrile-type ambush on the eve of the martial law proclamation by Marcos in 1972? A preparation for martial law nationwide, thus the PSG van is made to appear as the target of NPA ambush?” he asked.

The attack injured five PSG men namely Staff Sergeant Arniel Matunhay, Sergeant Gerry Torsar, Corporal Rodel Ledesma, Corporal Ayam Alia, and a Staff Sergeant Lisondra.

The Duterte administration has kept firm on its stand to discontinue peace talks with the communists if they persist in their hostilities against the government.

The fifth round of talks was put on hold in May after the government peace panel pulled out from it following the CPP’s call for the NPA to intensify attacks on the heels of the martial law declaration in Mindanao. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK/KVD, GMA News

https://www.ndfp.org/joma-sison-no-need-peace-talks-amid-martial-law-killings/

NDF/NPA-NCM: 4 NPA military actions launched within ten days

NPA propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Jul 20): 4 NPA military actions launched within ten days  

WITHIN 10 days, the New People’s Army Front 6, South Central Bukidnon Sub-Regional Command, North Central Mindanao Region (NPA-SCB-NCMR) has launched two tactical offensives against enemy forces and two punitive actions against criminal offenders.



On July 12, 2017, 3:40 a.m., an NPA platoon ambushed Benjamin “Nonong” Salusad, together with his CAFGU associates in Brgy. Dao, San Fernando, Bukidnon. Salusad is a regular member of the 8th IB of the 403rd Brigade, Philippine Army and is active in counter-revolutionary acts and in harassing Lumad communities in San Fernando. Together with his son, Alde “Butsoy” Salusad leading NIPAR (New Indigenous People’s Army for Reform), they are staunch protectors of destructive mining and plantation activities in Mt. Kiranggol and other parts of San Fernando, aside from the fact that the Salusads were the culprit in killing Datu Jimmy Liguyon and other Lumad leaders. But because of the brigade’s protection, they were not arrested given the warrants of arrest issued against them by the Malaybalay city court.

In the said ambush, Joas Licawan and Rolan Lumatay, both CAFGUs, were killed in action (KIA) while Nonong Salusad is in critical medical condition. In a media interview, Lt. Erwin Bugarin, spokesperson of 8th IB, had not claimed Nonong Salusad to be a regular member of the 8th Infantry Battalion as his way of projecting a “clean” image” of 8th IB whose reputation was long tarnished by its record of human rights violations.

Once the AFP had exhausted from their Lumad assets their objective of attacking the revolutionary movement, the usual modus of the AFP is to get their hands clean and disown these assets in public.

Also on July 14, 2017 at 2:15 AM, two squads of the NPA harassed a platoon of the 8th IB, conducting psywar and intelligence operations, in Purok 7, Mahayag, Quezon, Bukidnon. The exchange of fire took only twenty-seven minutes, but the AFP troops continued firing in panic until 2:45 a.m. Two of the 8th IB troopers were confirmed killed in action (KIA) while their wounded was undetermined. On the side of the NPA, one member was martyred and his M-16 issue was seized by the enemy.

Prior to these, on July 5, 2017, an NPA team meted out punishment on Noel “Toto” Madrial, 45, a drug dealer and rapist, in Brgy. Mahayag, Quezon, Bukidnon. Madrial was previously dis-armed with a .40 caliber pistol and was expelled from the community due to cases of harassment, indiscriminate firing and selling illegal drugs. But soon after months, he returned and resumed his illicit activities. In fact, he was reported to have raped a 14 year-old girl in the said place.

On July 8, 2017, another punitive action was meted out by the NPA to an AFP agent, Jory Gonsaga in Brgy. San Jose, Quezon, Bukidnon. Gonsaga committed crimes against the revolutionary movement, one time in 1991, he stole from a comrade an amount worth P10, 000 and another when he surrendered a .45 caliber pistol to the AFP. Since then, he became an active guide of the AFP troops in their military operations and was responsible in the raid of an NPA camp.

These new rounds of NPA military actions would mean to be a victory for the revolutionary movement and for the oppressed and exploited masses.

Ka Malem Mabini
Spokesperson, NPA-NCMR

https://www.ndfp.org/4-npa-military-actions-launched-within-ten-days/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Tindeg Ranao, tumutol sa batas militar ni Duterte

From the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan (July 21): Tindeg Ranao, tumutol sa batas militar ni Duterte

Mahigit 100 biktimang sapilitang pinalikas ng pambobomba ng AFP sa Marawi at deklarasyon ng batas militar sa Mindanao ang nagtipon sa Iligan City noong Hulyo 18 upang buuin ang Tindeg Ranao laban sa pambobomba, pag-alis ng batas militar, igiit ang hustisya sa mga biktima ng batas militar at komprehensibong rehabilitasyon sa Marawi City.

Mayorya sa dumalo ay nagmula sa iba’t ibang sentro ng ebakwasyon sa Iligan City, Lanao del Norte at Lanao del Sur, na nasaklaw ng inilunsad na National Interfaith Humanitarian Mission na pinangunahan ng Kalinaw Mindanao noong Hunyo.

Nakiisa rin sa aktibidad si Jerome Succor Aba, tagapangulo ng Suara Bangsamoro, at si Ms. Aida Ibrahim ng Kalinaw Mindanao-Northern Mindanao Region. Tinalakay dito ang kalagayan nila sa ilalim ng administrasyong Duterte at ang kalagayan ng mga bakwit sa mga komunidad ng Lanao. Mayorya sa mga biktima ang nagpahayag ng kahilingan na agad na makabalik sa kanilang mga tahanan. Dagdag pa rito, hiling nila na magkaroon ng malalim na imbestigasyon sa naganap na atake sa Marawi na nagdulot ng pagkawasak ng syudad, malawakang kagutuman at krisis.

Mahigit 410,000 indibidwal na ang apektado ng panggegera ni Duterte sa Marawi. Bilang resulta, daan-daan ang namatay, habang ilan ang sugatan dulot ng pambobomba.

Binuo rin noong Hulyo 19 ang Dansalan Tano Sa Kalilintad, al-yansa ng mga ulama, propesyunal at iba pang sektor sa Marawi. Isa sa mga unang aktibidad ng alyansa ang paglulunsad ng serye ng konsultasyon sa mga bakwit. Mag-kakaroon din ng talakayan sa pagi-tan ng AFP, mga lokal na upisyal at ARMM. Naglano ang alyansa ng “Peace March to Marawi” sa araw ng SONA ni Duterte sa Hulyo 24.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/ang_bayan/20170721-tindeg-ranao-tumutol-sa-batas-militar-ni-duterte/