Philippines: 9 soldiers dead in Maute grenade attack

From Anadolu Agency (Jul 23): Philippines: 9 soldiers dead in Maute grenade attack

Military says attack led to intense day-long firefight in downtown Marawi, some 2 months into crisis

At least nine soldiers have been killed and 49 wounded following a grenade attack by Daesh-linked terrorists in Marawi city on the southern island of Mindanao.

 

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, told reporters on Sunday that the Maute terrorists moved closer to the government troops and hurled a grenade at them.

Galvez said the Maute attack Friday on state troops triggered an intense day-long firefight in downtown Marawi, leaving nine soldiers dead and 49 wounded. He gave no further details.

 

As the prolonged crisis in Marawi City entered its 62nd day, the number of fatalities continues to rise.

Citing data sent by Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs chief Col. Edgar Arevalo, GMA news reported a total of 578 people have died in the conflict.

Of the fatalities, government troops account for 105. Only last Friday, the number of fatalities on the government side was at 99, it said.

As of July 21, a total of 428 members of the terrorist Maute group have been killed. A total of 526 firearms have been recovered by the military.

Arevalo also said the death toll of civilians has remained at 45, while the number of rescued civilians stood at 1,723.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared military rule over the entire island of Mindanao after Maute and Abu Sayyaf terrorists laid siege to Marawi on May 23.

A joint session of Congress on Saturday approved the extension of martial law in Mindanao until year's-end, Dec. 31, 2017.

 

http://aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/philippines-9-soldiers-dead-in-maute-grenade-attack/867855

Maute Group wants to seize schools, take kids as hostages – Sotto

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 23): Maute Group wants to seize schools, take kids as hostages – Sotto

Maute Group has allied with 3 other terror groups for attacks in other parts of Mindanao, says senator
The Maute Group has aligned with three other groups to sow terror in Mindanao and had planned to seize schools in Zamboanga areas and Jolo, and take grade school children there as hostages, Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said.

Sotto, a reserved Philippine Army officer, said he got the intelligence information from his sources and that he expected the military not to confirm this report.

That was why when President Duterte met with senators along with some congressmen last week to pitch for an extension of martial law in Mindanao, he said he understood the Chief Executive when he told them of the seriousness of the problem of the Maute Group which had taken siege of Marawi City last May 23 and which government forces have been doing battle with to this day.

“The President told us that: “This is no longer a problem of Marawi. We are almost able to contain Marawi but they (Maute) are going to branch out,” Sotto said in a phone interview.

He said that they suspected ISIS has been backing the Maute Group, which has linked up with the Abu Sayyaf, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Maguit Group to make up the group calling itself “Da’wahtul Islamiyah Wailayatul Mastiq” or DIWM. The group is believed to have 1,200 members, according to Sotto.
He called the move of Congress to extend martial law in Mindanao until Dec.31 as a “pre-emptive strike” against the DWIM, which he said could have been surprised by the extension of the proclamation.

Last Saturday (July 22), the Senate and the House voted in a joint session to grant President Duterte’s request for an extension of martial law in Mindanao until Dec.31. The extension was granted, a day after his 60-day martial law proclamation covering the entire Mindanao expired.

The military continues to go after the ISIS-inspired group after taking over some of its strongholds in the now ruined city.

Before he talked to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Sotto had told a radio interview on Sunday, that the plan of Maute and other groups to seize Zamboanga and Jolo schools and take the school children there as hostages were disclosed in “captured documents.”

Sotto also said in the same radio interview that he did not think the local terrorists would go to Luzon and Visayas because an intelligence report said Filipino terrorists who were asked to become suicide bombers refused to do so.

When pressed on the report of the planned seizure of Zamboanga and Jolo schools, the senator said he learned from sources of this plan last week or before the President met with some senators and congressmen in Malacañang.

“They (ISIS -inspired groups) planned to take over schools while the (elementary) students are there. So what will the government do? What should we do if they hold the children hostages?” Sotto said in a phone interview.

“They were targetting elementary students.”

Sotto said the groups were already prepared to execute the plan to hold schoolchildren as hostages but apparently this did not happen.

An incident in Jolo last week somehow confirmed the intelligence reports on terrorists’ plan to mount attacks in Zamboanga City and Jolo, the senator said. Sotto was apparently referring to the July 21 attack when Abu Sayyaf members stormed a sawmill and took two men there as hostages.

Of the DIWM, he said the group members were spread out in Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and Saranggani.

“They plan to establish a Daesch there, ” Sotto said.

Sotto added that President Duterte had told them he needed P20-25 billion to arm the military and police against the new terror group.

He said Mr. Duterte has asked Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno to look for excess money in the current national budget so he could provide much needed government “arsenal” to fight the well-armed terror group.

“Because of the large number of our enemies, our bullet reserves are depleted. So we need a buffer to beef up our arsenal,” Sotto said.

Still, he said he believed the government would be able to wipe out this group before Dec.31 and therefore, the martial law proclamation could be lifted earlier.

Sen. Grace Poe, meanwhile, said the government should intensify its intelligence as the enemy has been engaged in guerilla-type warfare.

Poe said the government has so far reported that of the 1,200 enemies, 66 have been arrested; 400 have been killed whil 666 have remained unaccounted for.

“They may be in Marawi, they may be in nearby areas and in other parts of Mindanao,” Poe said in a radio interview on Sunday.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/916418/maute-group-wants-to-seize-schools-take-kids-as-hostages-sotto

Another foreign surveillance plane spotted in Marawi

From GMA News (Jul 23): Another foreign surveillance plane spotted in Marawi

[Video report]

Another foreign surveillance plane was again spotted hovering over Marawi City as the Philippine military continued airstrikes on known Maute group positions.

A report on Balitanghali said the surveillance plane was seen almost at the same time as a Philippine military aircraft dropped bombs into Maute-held areas in the war-torn city.

The report said it was not clear if the surveillance plane belonged to Australia or United States.

Last month, the military confirmed that a US Navy P-3 Orion surveillance aircraft conducted an aerial patrol over Marawi City as part of the country's defense agreements with the US.

Australia had also said it will send surveillance planes to help Philippine troops fight local terrorists in Marawi City.

Aerial assaults continued on Saturday as Congress, in a joint session, tackled President Rodrigo Duterte's request to extend martial law in Mindanao by five months or until December 31.

Voting 261-18, senators and House representatives granted the request.

More than 500 people, mostly militants, have been killed in the ongoing conflict which is now on its 62nd day.

The conflict started after the Maute group attacked the city last May 23, which prompted Duterte's declaration of martial law in Mindanao.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/619123/another-foreign-surveillance-plane-spotted-in-marawi/story/

Maute Group leader seen alive, unhurt July 17

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 23): Maute Group leader seen alive, unhurt July 17

Abdullah (left) and Omarkhayam Maute. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

 

Abdullah Maute, one of the leaders of a homegrown terror group that had pledged allegiance to Islamic State (IS), is still alive and unhurt despite the daily air and ground assault by government security forces on terror positions in Marawi City.

Agakhan Sharief, known in the province as Bin Laden because of his resemblance to the late al-Qaida leader, told the Inquirer on Saturday that he was able to speak with Abdullah Maute on July 17.

“He is unhurt, but the military already cut off the communication signal inside the battle zone,” Sharief said.

He said mobile phone signal inside the war zone was cut on July 18.

Sharief was able to reach Maute after he was asked to lead efforts to bring out civilians and dead bodies through a peace corridor set up with the help of the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Silent on priest
Sharief said that in his conversation with Abdullah, he did not mention the fate of Fr. Teresito “Chito” Suganob, the vicar general of Marawi City.

Suganob and other hostages were seized in a cathedral as gunmen from the Maute terror group laid siege to Marawi City on May 23.

Sharief also said Isnilon Hapilon, the leader of Abu Sayyaf, managed to escape from Marawi.

“He is already outside Marawi City. He was able to get out last week of May,” he said.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Sunday said that Maute members who would surrender to the government would be accepted and given necessary support by the state even as he stressed that soldiers will strive even harder to end the ongoing crisis.
“With the overwhelming vote of confidence from our legislature and the ardent support of the Filipino people, your defense department will strive even more to deal with the rebellion decisively and expeditiously,” Lorenzana said in a statement.
Surrender terms

Lorenzana, administrator of martial law for Mindanao, said the government would help members of the Maute group who wish to reform to return to normal lives.

“But if you persist in your crooked ways, the Armed Forces and the police will come after you without let up,” Lorenzana said.

The military has listed 105 soldiers and police, 428 militants and 45 civilians killed in the fighting since May 23.

The military also reported that 526 firearms from the enemy had been recovered from the battle zone and 1,723 civilians and hostages had been rescued.

The clashes flared up on May 23 when soldiers and policemen moved to arrest Isnilon Hapilon, the acknowledged head of the IS in Mindanao, who is on the list of the US’ most wanted terrorists.

However, they were met by a big force of gunmen composed of militants from the Maute group, backed by an undetermined number of foreign fighters.

The fighting had displaced at least 400,000 people now staying in shelters or with relatives.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/916380/maute-group-leader-seen-alive-unhurt-july-17

NPAs ambush troopers in Ilocos S.; 5 wounded

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 22): NPAs ambush troopers in Ilocos S.; 5 wounded

 NSURGENCY-FREE — Major General Angelito M. de Leon, commander of the army’s 7th Infantry Division, signs a document reaffirming the status of La Union as insurgency-free at the 2nd Quarter Meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) of Region 1 at Diego Silang Hall, Capitol, San Fernando City. Looking on are La Union Governor Francisco Emmanuel Ortega, III (left) and Chief Superintendent Charlo Collado, Police Regional Office 1 director. (Freddie G. Lazaro)

The latest skirmish between soldiers and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels broke out yesterday morning in Barangay Sorioan, here, where at least five government troopers were wounded, the police reported.

Senior Superintendent Jovencio Badua, Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office (PPO) director who rushed to the battle site, said heavily-armed guerrillas ambushed troopers from the army’s 81st Infantry Battalion at 10:15 a.m.

 

The squad of 10 army soldiers led by 2nd Lieutenant Jade Lyzterdan Gavino came under heavy fire that resulted in the wounding of five troopers, but they returned fire and also inflicted casualties on the rebel side, said Badua who was quoting civilian witnesses.

A running gun battle ensued, prompting Lt. Colonel Eugenio Osias, commanding officer of the 81 IB to send additional forces to Barangay Sorioan.

Insurgency-free

The encounter in Ilocos Sur comes two days after high-ranking officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Region 1 declared the neighboring province La Union as insurgency-free.

 

Major General Angelito M. De Leon, the commander of the army’s 7th Infantry Division based in the Ilocos Region, reaffirmed the status of La Union as insurgency-free during the 2nd quarter meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) in Diego Silang in San Fernando City, La Union.

Surrenderers

A couple of days before that in Abra province, still in Northern Luzon, eight NPA guerrillas belonging to the Sangay Organization under the Militia ng Bayan surrendered to the Abra PPO and the army’s 24th Infantry Battalion.
Chief Superintendent Elmo Sarona, regional director of the Cordillera police, said the surrenderers even pledged to support the plans and programs of the government as they laid down their arms.

Likewise, a rebel known as “Ka Belly Joy” and Ka Bibeth” surrendered to the army’s 17th Infantry Battalion based in Masin, Alcala, Cagayan.

 

Lt. Col. Camilo A. Saddam said he hopes more guerrillas will find it in their hearts to return to the fold of the law and enjoy the benefits and privileges of being a citizen under the duly-elected government.

http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/07/22/npas-ambush-troopers-in-ilocos-s-5-wounded/

Joma Sison: Extension a prelude to nationwide martial law

From GMA News (Jul 22): Joma Sison: Extension a prelude to nationwide martial law

The extension of martial law in Mindanao for another five months is a prelude for the implementation of martial rule across the country, Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairperson Jose Ma. Sison said on Saturday.

Sison said this meant more offensives against the New People's Army and "other revolutionary forces."

"It means that the NPA and other revolutionary forces will continue to be targeted on the scale of Mindanao, especially where there are no Bangsamoro armed forces," Sison told GMA News Online.

"This is also a preparation for ML (martial law) nationwide combined with the Tokhang-style EJKs (extra judicial killings) and bombings and shelling of communities," he added.

Congress in joint session approved on Saturday President Rodrigo Duterte's proposal to extend martial law extension until yearend, with 261 affirmative votes from both houses.

Earlier, Sison pronounced that peace talks between the government and the Reds were unnecessary because of the Duterte administration's "obsession with martial law and mass murder."

Duterte then said that he was ready to renew the fight with the communists.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/619051/joma-sison-extension-a-prelude-to-nationwide-martial-law/story/

Australian troops to be deployed to the Philippines to combat terrorism as families are being bought by ISIS for $50

From the Daily Mail (Jul 23): Australian troops to be deployed to the Philippines to combat terrorism as families are being bought by ISIS for $50

Australian troops could be training Filipino anti-terrorist fighters against IS

IS-backed rebels have been fighting in Marawi City for the last three months

Suspected reports of families bought by IS fighters for $50 after many missing

IS fighters told to go to Philippines because it's easier than getting to Syria 

Australian troops will potentially be deployed to the Philippines to help with the fight against Islamic State with fears IS fighters are gathering on one of the islands.

Australian soldiers could be sent to Marawi City to help train Filipino anti-terrorist fighters after IS-backed rebels have been fighting in the city for the last three months, News Corp reports. 

 

ISIS-linked militants took over the city in the country's south in May, killing at least 550 people including 420 terrorists.

 

 

Australian troops could be sent to Philippines to combat IS in Marawi City (pictured)

 

 

Marawi City (pictured) has been fighting IS-linked militants since May, hundreds dead

 

 

Australian soldiers (pictured) could be training the Filipino soldiers to help with fight on terror

 

It is suspected IS fighters are gathering in on Mindanao island with plans to announce a new caliphate.

 

It is believed no official request for training has been received but the Defence Department and Australian Defence Force expect an approach, the publication reports.

 

Australia's Defence Minister Marise Payne condemned the IS-inspired attacks in Marawi, telling Daily Telegraph the country was ready for more. 

'The siege of Marawi City by Daesh (IS) affiliates poses a threat to Australia's interests and regional security,' Ms Payne said.

For about $50, Filipino families are being recruited to support IS with promises of more money if they recruit others, the publication suspects.

 

In late June, about 300,000 residents were reported to be displaced.

 

 

News Corp suspects Filipino families in Marawi (pictured) are being bought by IS for $50 after hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced since May

 

 

It is believed no official request for training was received but Defence Department expect it 

 

More than 500 people have died including more than 400 terrorists since the conflict in Marawi began in May (pictured)

 

'The message from Syria is that if it is getting too difficult to cross over, so if you can't get to Syria, go to the Philippines,' Institute of Policy Analysis of Conflict director Sidney Jones told ABC News.

 

Members of the Maute Islamist group overran Marawi in May leading to hours of pitched gun battles in the streets.

 

A police chief was been beheaded, 21 people killed and a Catholic priest taken hostage when more than 100 fighters stormed the city.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4721602/Australian-troops-teach-Filipino-soldiers-help-combat-ISIS.html

Loot keeps Maute bandits in Marawi

From the Manila Times (Jul 22): Loot keeps Maute bandits in Marawi

A high-ranking government official disclosed that the Islamic State-inspired Maute terrorists who remain in war-torn Marawi City refuse to leave because of their massive loot.

In an interview, the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the government captured the “supposed loot” on video.

“They have 70 bags of loot which is about P20 million per bag,” the source said.

Earlier, the military reported that Maute fighters have collected a cache of gold necklaces, expensive watches and cash from the houses they looted in Marawi.

Last June 5, security forces seized at least P79 million in cash and checks from a house occupied by the Maute fighters in Marawi.

Authorities were still investigating who owns the money and if it was connected to terrorist activities.

Meanwhile, during the new Mindanao Hour briefing in Malacañang on Friday, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said the Maute force is down to about 60 to 70 fighters confined in only three Marawi barangay (villages).

“I would say the area is now constricted to three barangays, it’s about 700 x 700, that’s about 49 hectares. A little small from the – there are 96 barangays in Marawi, by the way, and we used to have the main battle area in 12 barangays,” Esperon told reporters.

He added that President Rodrigo Duterte expressed optimism that the crisis would soon be over.

“The President was able to give the commanders on the ground the way ahead, what he expects to do, what he expects of the troops but he is very positive that we will be able to take Marawi in a few more days and start right off with the reconstruction and rehabilitation,” he said.

Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23, after the Maute extremist group attacked Marawi City that left hundreds killed and thousands of families displaced.

The death toll in the Marawi siege has risen to 571, as of July 20, including the 427 terrorists, 99 government troops, and 45 civilians.

On Thursday, the President fulfilled his promise to visit the city amid the ongoing battle.

http://www.manilatimes.net/loot-keeps-maute-bandits-marawi/340003/

Philippine Navy now has Tethered Aerostat Radar System

From Update Philippines (Jul 22): Philippine Navy now has Tethered Aerostat Radar System

The Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS), low-level airborne ground surveillance system that uses aerostat as radar platform, of Philippine Navy from United States government has finally arrived, MaxDefense Philippines said without giving details where the said platform is stationed and when it arrived.

The aerostats are large fabric envelopes filled with helium, and can rise up to an altitude of 15,000 feet (4,600 m) while tethered by a single cable. The largest lifts a 1000 kg payload to an operating altitude providing low-level, downward-looking radar coverage.

TARS has a Maximum Detection Range of 200 nautical miles.

This is among the military aid provided by US to boost the Philippines’ maritime surveillance capabilities amid West Philippine Sea dispute.

The TARS for Philippine Navy was first announced by US officials in April 2016.

In 2015, the US government announced its five-year Maritime Security Initiative, a commitment to help partner nations like Philippines address common challenges with an overall budget of US$425-million.

“We’ve just released the first tranche of this money, nearly 80 percent of which is going to the Philippines. There it will help modernize the technology and train staff at the Philippines National Coast Watch Center, enhance an information network to enable the sharing of classified communications between U.S. Pacific Command in Hawaii and key Philippines maritime command centers, provide an aerostat reconnaissance platform (airship), and outfit Philippine navy patrol vessels with better sensors so they can see and do more in the region’s waters,” former United States Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said in April 8, 2016.

https://www.update.ph/2017/07/philippine-navy-now-has-tethered-aerostat-radar-system/19325

9 soldiers killed, 41 wounded in bloodbath in Marawi

From Rappler (Jul 24): 9 soldiers killed, 41 wounded in bloodbath in Marawi

(UPDATED) The casualties are recorded on Saturday, July 22, from several incidents in the battle zone

(UPDATED) – The military suffered another bloodbath in Marawi City with up to 9 soldiers killed and 41 others wounded in clashes with local terror groups linked with the Islamic State (SIS).

The casualties were recorded on Saturday, July 22, from several incidents in the battle zone, said Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Lorenzana fears the fighting will continue to drag on. "Nakakalungkot nga. Akala ko minimized na casualties kasi malapit nang matapos. Tumitindi pa lalo labanan. Kung ganiyan matatagalan pa," he said.(It is disheartening. I thought the casualties will be minimized because we're nearing the end of the crisis. But the clashes are getting fiercer. This could take a while.)

In one incident, 4 soldiers were killed when an improvised explosive device (IED) blew up while they were clearing a building, Lorenzana said.

Rappler observed heavy fighting and successive aistrikes on that day when several journalists were allowed to visit military positions less than 300 meters from the main battle area.

"Maraming nakatanim na explosives sa mga buildings (Many explosives were planted in the buildings)," said Lorenzana. He said they detonated when the troops entered the buildings.



It happened a few days after the military scored a major triumph in regaining control of the extension road from Mapandi Bridge.

The military death toll reached the 3-digit mark with at least 114 soldiers killed, based on statements from the government.

The war in Marawi marked its 61st day on Sunday, the first day of the 5-month extension of martial law in Mindanao granted by Congress to President Rodrigo Duterte.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/176495-marawi-bloodbath-urban-warfare

AFP: No letup in fight vs terror as Martial Law extended

From the Mindanao Times (Jul 23): AFP: No letup in fight vs terror as Martial Law extended

THE ARMED Forces of the Philipines (AFP) vows to destroy the Maute terrorist group in Marawi City following the extension of Martial Law in the whole island of Mindanao until Dec. 31 this year.

 

The 17th Congress, voting jointly–261 against 18–favored the extension of the Martial Law and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus until the end of the year.

Gen. Eduardo Año, the AFP Chief, told TIMES yesterday that they are taking the extension seriously.

“It’s an acclamation of the sacrifices of every soldier, airman, sailor, and marine who died, or were wounded or whose limbs were lost fighting or while supporting the fight to retake Marawi and liberate the hostages,” Año said.

Año said the task to neutralize the terrorists-extremists and degrade their capability, to rescue civilians trapped or held hostage, and to set the conditions for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the city is a daunting challenge.

“But your AFP, aware of the enormity of the job that still needs to be done and the great expectations of our people, will measure up to the test,” he added.

The AFP chief also thanked the people for their support, but also urged them to also help the police and military fight terrorism.

In his speech during the joint session of senate and congress on Saturday afternoon, the AFP chief also expressed confidence that their soldiers in Marawi city are disciplined enough to avoid any excesses in the implementation of Martial Law.

Año said they are assessing the situation on the ground to determine if it’s already safe for some families in Marawi to return to their homes. Presently, the AFP said the terrorists are still holed up in four barangays in the city.

In a separate interview, Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan, director of Police Regional Office XI, said the region gives its full support to the extension of Martial Law.

“We will see to it that all PNP personnel will abide by the police operational procedures, uphold the rule of law, respect human rights and international humanitarian law,” Gaerlan said.

The regional police chief said they will support the AFP in the implementation of Martial Law. “The PNP is also calling on all responsible citizens to remain vigilant and alert for terrorist and terrorist cells in their community who are out to sow terror, disrupt our democratic institutions and advance their own selfish cause,” he added.

Sr. Supt. Alexander Tagum, director of Davao City Police Office (DCPO), said he expected the approval of the extension by congress, with the uncontrolled aggression of the Maute, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the New People’s Army.

“It is the only option left to our government and we in the DCPO fully support this, we should fight fire with fire,” Tagum said.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/afp-no-letup-in-fight-vs-terror-as-martial-law-extended/

Speed boats to augment naval assets in Mindanao

From the Mindanao Times (Jul 23): Speed boats to augment naval assets in Mindanao

CLOSE to 30 new speed boats will be distributed to the Philippine Naval Forces that will patrol Davao Gulf and the surrounding waters in Mindanao.

Vice Admiral Joseph Mercado, flag officer-in-command of the Philippine Navy, said last Wednesday that President Rodrigo Duterte, through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), has allocated funds for the augmentation of additional speed boats.

 

Around P600 million was allocated to purchase 10 speed boats for the naval operations group and another 10 to 20 speed boats for the Philippine Marines.

“The President, through DBM, has allocated funds for that and we are trying to acquire it,” Mercado said.

Mercado said there are two areas in Mindanao the Philippine Navy is trying to secure, and make sure that support from Malaysia and Indonesia do not come in to help Maute group in Marawi City.

 

“What we are trying to do is to improve the maritime surveillance,” he said, adding that the maritime area particularly around Marawi City “is very wide.”

Currently, the Philippine Navy has put up their “littoral stations” in the different islands in Mindanao. These are fast vessels that can easily maneuver around waters. These stations contain radars that could detect and identify watercrafts, which in cases would help them capture potential terrorists who will enter the boarders through the water channel.

 

Mercado said, the second area they are working on is moving some of the assets so that there will be more ships patrolling the area. He noted however, that the navy ships are very limited (at present).

Moreover, the Philippine Navy is also conducting a multilateral coordinated patrol together with Indonesia and Malaysia.

 

With the multilateral coordinated patrol, there will be no more sneak-ins in the waters as this will intercept those who will illegally use the entry points to set skirmishes in the area.

Even Malaysia and Indonesia on their part, Vice Admiral Mercado said, “admit that they cannot themselves monitor that particular area that is there is the multilateral patrol.”

He added, “At the very least I can say that the multilateral coordinated patrol is an improved maritime patrol. It will be more difficult for threat personalities to use the sea as a route.”

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/speed-boats-to-augment-naval-assets-in-mindanao/

Photo: Patrol

Posted to MindaNews (Jul 23): Photo: Patrol



Marines patrol a deserted street somewhere in Marawi City. Government forces are engaged in a bitter house-to-house battle with the ISIS-inspired Maute Group and its allies. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2017/07/patrol/

Photo: Prepare

Posted to MindaNews (Jul 23): Photo: Prepare



Marines prepare to fire their 81mm mortar somewhere in Marawi City. Government forces are engaged in bitter house-to-house battle with the ISIS-inspired Maute Group and its allies. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2017/07/prepare/

Martial Law Extended Until End of Year in Mindanao

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 22): Martial Law Extended Until End of Year in Mindanao

Philippine lawmakers have overwhelmingly approved Saturday a resolution that allowed President Rodrigo Duterte to extend martial law until the end of the year in the restive southern region of Mindanao, including three Muslim provinces where Abu Sayyaf militants and pro-ISIS groups actively operate.

It was a “landslide” vote for the joint session of the Senate and House Representatives with 245 congressmen voting to extend the martial rule as against 18 lawmakers, mostly from the opposition and critics of Duterte. And 16 senators also voted in favor of the extension of martial law while four opposition members voted against it.

Majority of lawmakers are allies of Duterte.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who is appointed by Duterte as martial law administrator, said extending martial law is needed to defeat the local ISIS militants who occupied Marawi City on May 23 and are still fighting security forces.

He said martial law is also needed to fight the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, all in the Muslim autonomous region; and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao, also in the autonomous region. The Abu Sayyaf is still holding nearly 2 dozen kidnapped foreigners and Filipinos in the troubled region.

Both the Abu Sayyaf and the BIFF, along with other jihadist groups in the South pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and vowed to put up a caliphate in Mindanao. Some of their leaders participated in the siege of Marawi.

Duterte declared martial law following the siege of Marawi, but he said he never expected the war would take this long. The military insisted it had killed over 400 militants since the start of the war and that nearly 100 soldiers were also slain in the fighting that left about four dozen civilian casualties. The violence displaced over 200,000 people in Marawi, the capital of Lanao del Sur, which is also a part of the Muslim autonomous region.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/martial-law-extended-until-end-of-year-in-mindanao/