Military casualties mounting in Marawi City

From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 9): Military casualties mounting in Marawi City





Military photos released to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner show an abandoned armoured vehicle used by local ISIS militants in one of the building previously held by jihadists in Marawi City. And the 4 men – three from Zamboanga City and a native of Iligan City – who escaped recently from ISIS in the besieged city.

The number of military casualties continue to mount as security forces battle local ISIS militants nearly 3 months after jihadists occupied Marawi City in southern Philippines.

Captain Jo-ann Petinglay, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command, said some 122 soldiers had died since fighting broke out on May 23 that also killed 45 civilians. It said 539 militants were allegedly slain, but most of the reports came from unverified intelligence sources and not based from bodies recovered in the battlefield.

Petinglay did not disclose the total number of soldiers wounded in the fighting despite efforts to get the information from her, but security sources said more than 1,000 soldiers had been injured in fierce clashes with ISIS. Troops had rescued over 1,700 civilians – including four men, three of them from Zamboanga City and other a native of Iligan City, who recently escaped from ISIS – in the besieged city since fighting began, according to military reports.

Security officials have repeatedly said about 5 dozens militants are still fighting troops in Marawi despite heavy aerial bombings and army artillery fire on their hideouts.

Petinglay said troops were getting closer to the ISIS group which is holding dozens of civilian hostages, including a Catholic priest. “Fighting continue in about a square kilometer general area where the terrorists are currently held up. It is also believed that there are still hostages with the group numbering to an estimated 50 to 70 people,” she said.

Soldiers also occupied a fortified building previously under ISIS control and recovered an abandoned armoured car used by militants. “The building where it was found was believed used by the terrorists as a storage area and temporary base that houses most of their wounded. Found also in the building is a tunnel where the Maute remnants store their food, bullets, and weapons,” Petinglay said.

“The recent capture of one of the terrorist’s strongholds connotes that the troops are advancing towards the battle positions of Maute remnants, signifying that the terrorists are already contained in a narrower engagement area,” she added.

The United States said armed drones are ready to strike ISIS positions in Marawi. In June, President Rodrigo Duterte said he would order the military to carpet bomb the besieged city to finish off the ISIS militants once and for all.

 http://mindanaoexaminer.com/military-casualties-mounting-in-marawi-city/

Army, PNP nab 2 NPA bandits in Bukidnon clash

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 8): Army, PNP nab 2 NPA bandits in Bukidnon clash

Two suspected New People’s Army (NPA) bandits were apprehended early Wednesday in an armed clash between the NPA and the combined troops of 1st Special Forces Battalion, 8th Infantry Battalion, and the Bukidnon Provincial Public Safety Company of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The encounter occurred around 6:30 a.m, 02 August 2017, near Zone 8 of Kiburiao village in Quezon, Bukidnon after the government troops conducting security patrol received a tip from residents of the presence of more or less seven NPAs in the area.

The five-minute battle resulted to the apprehension of two NPA members after the troopers found them lurking in the grove of young trees within the encounter site.

The two NPAs were identified as Ruel Calolot, a known IED-making expert, and his younger brother Ramil Calolot.

Found in their possession were one 57mm recoilless rifle (rocket launcher), three laptops, electrical wires, a switch box, an ANAK PAWIS ID card owned by Ruel Calolot, and various subversive documents.

After a thorough search, the troops also uncovered 24 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs); 51 rounds of caliber 30 ammunition; two .38 caliber revolvers; 200 meters detonating cord; 10 meters safety fuse; five blasting caps; and other IED paraphernalia in the encounter site where the two bandits were found in hiding.

The apprehending troopers immediately turned over the said bandits to PNP for filing of criminal charges, while the 403rd Infantry Brigade’s operating units continuously conduct focused military operations in order to secure communities and pre-empt threats feigned by NPAs.

No reported casualties on the government troops, while it is believed that the firefight wounded the bandits with the bloodstains found on their escape routes.

In a statement, Col. Eric C. Vinoya, 403rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade Commander, 4ID, PA, emphasized Brigade’s commitment to continuously secure the communities against NPA threats.

He denounced the NPA's utmost disregard to the provisions of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and the NPA’s continued use of violence against the government and the peace-loving people of Bukidnon.

"The NPA's recent provocations and threats to continue with their violent attacks against government troops and civilians have only inspired our troops to work even harder in order to hit them before they could launch any atrocity. The 403rd Infantry Brigade is always committed to perform our mandate of serving the people and securing our communities, particularly in the provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and Camiguin. We denounce the deceitful acts NPA rebels and all their cohorts for committing themselves to the peace process while continuously fueling their violent armed struggle. The recovery of these numerous Improvised Explosive Devices and other IED paraphernalia are but a semblance of their insincerity and disrespect to the provisions of Human Rights and the International Humanitarian Law. These IEDs would have put the lives of not only soldiers but also innocent civilians in grave jeopardy. Most importantly, they prepared for war and violence while we talked about peace," Col. Vinoya said. (Norman M. Tagros, CMO, 403rd Infantry Peacemaker Brigade, 4ID, PA)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1501502176520/army-pnp-nab-2-npa-bandits-in-bukidnon-clash

New multi-role response vessel from Japan now in Manila

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 9): New multi-role response vessel from Japan now in Manila

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) received on Monday its newest Multi-Role Response Vessel – Suluan (MRRV-4406) from Japan at the Headquarters Philippine Coast Guard, South Harbor, Port Area in Manila.

Commodore Joel S. Garcia PCG Ph.D., H.D., Al-Haj, Officer-in Charge of the Philippine Coast Guard lauded the men of BRP Suluan for bringing the ship safe inspite of typhoon in Southern Japan.

The MRRV- Suluan with assigned bow number 4406 is a 44-meter multi-role response vessel which was built and delivered by the Japan Marine United Corporation (JMUC) Yokohama shipyard in Japan.

She (ship) is named after the Suluan Lighthouse situated in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. She will be an additional floating asset to the search and rescue vessels being utilized by the Philippine Coast Guard to further strengthen the agency’s capability in the performance of its mandated functions such as the maritime law enforcement, maritime security, maritime search and rescue, marine environmental protection, and maritime safety administration within the country’s maritime domain.

According to PCG, five more brand new MRRVs will be built and will also be named after primary lighthouses in the country to denote its significance as one of the navigational aids in the maritime industry.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/241502243673/new-multi-role-response-vessel-from-japan-now-in-manila

54th IB turns-over rehabilitated school buildings, supplies

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 9): 54th IB turns-over rehabilitated school buildings, supplies

Building peace through education is one of the many strategies employed by the 54th Infantry (MAGILAS) Battalion stationed here for the promotion of peace and stability in the region.

The 54th IB recently turned-over two rehabilitated school buildings including school equipment and supplies to Mount Pulag Elementary School of Sitio Babalak, Bashoy, Kabayan, Benguet last July 29. This is part of the Development Support and Security Plan dubbed “Kapayaan”.

The turn-over ceremony was graced by Lt. General Romeo Tanalgo, commander, Northern Luzon Command and Major General Paul Atal, 5th Infantry Division Commander.

Part of the program was the distribution of awards to the military personnel of the 54IB, 5ID, PA and civilian partner stakeholders who took part in the construction and rehabilitation of the said school.

Lt. Colonel Nicolas Quemada, 54th IB commanding officer, commended the ­troops involved in the said project. He also encouraged the teachers and the parents to maintain and preserve the school buildings as a symbol of good partnership of the soldiers, the stakeholders and the community.

“I and my men are very much honored to become an instrument in rehabilitating your school building. For these buildings will hone young minds and will serve as their foundation as they go along in their studies. I also encourage civilian stakeholders to engage in projects like this to support the government programs especially in far flung areas.” Quemado said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/161502243657/54th-ib-turns-over-rehabilitated-school-buildings-supplies

USAID donates learning materials to public schools

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 9): USAID donates learning materials to public schools



Dr. Susan Brems (top, sixth from left), USAID mission director for the Philippines, Pacific Islands, and Mongolia, joins Minglanilla Municipal Mayor Elanito Peña (top, seventh from left) and principals of the different public schools in Cebu Province during the turnover of learning materials on Wednesday. (USJR intern Levirose Caballero/PNA)

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) handed out teaching and learning materials to several Department of Education (DepEd) schools in the province of Cebu on Wednesday.

Dr. Susan Brems, USAID mission director for the Philippines, Pacific Islands and Mongolia, said all learning materials are product of the friendship between the Philippines and the United States.

"All of these were donated by the people of America, from the US government and the American people's taxes. Our goal is to improve the future generation’s reading skills," Brems said.

Irenita Navarro, principal of Vito Elementary School in Minglanilla town where the turnover of learning materials was held, said they have been using high-quality learning materials for the past three years because of the USAID.

"We are empowered with the learning materials given by USAID. Thank you for investing for these children and for their future," Navarro said.

Ellen Villacencio, principal of the neighboring Cadulawan Elementary School, for her part, said this was the first time for them to receive teaching materials from the USAID.

She said they are very grateful because books are a big help to their pupils, most especially if they are of good quality and very nice, which can easily attract the students’ attention because of their colorful contents.

The US government have donated almost PHP2 billion to the Philippines through this project which started in 2013.

All DepEd school members in the province of Cebu and in Mandaue City are among the beneficiaries of this USAID program.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1005488

DFA: Joint communique on South China Sea reflects ASEAN sentiment

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 9): DFA: Joint communique on South China Sea reflects ASEAN sentiment



Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday said the joint communiqué that called for non-militarization and self-restraint in South China Sea (SCS) activities reflects the sentiment of majority members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Cayetano issued this statement even as the Philippines initially did not want to include land reclamation and militarization activities in the document.

“I didn’t want to include it. It’s not reflective of the present position. They (China) are not reclaiming land anymore. So why will you put it again this year?,” he said in a press briefing here at the end of the 50th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and Related Meetings.

Cayetano said the joint communiqué is a “negotiated document” agreed by all member states.

“It does not matter what we put, what we don’t put at the zero draft because what matters reflect what the majority wants…The strength and weakness of the ASEAN is the centrality meaning, we decide on consensus. It has to be 10-0,” he said.

ASEAN members and China on Sunday approved the framework for a code of conduct in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea and targeted to start the negotiations on the actual code by the end of the year.

The DFA chief also agreed with China’s proposal to have “generally stable and no major disruption from outside parties” before they could announce the official start of the COC consultation during the ASEAN leaders meeting in November.

“I look it at more as a prerequisite and it is a logical prerequisite for me. What’s why, if you look at our statement, it is directed to all states that we shouldn’t do anything in the area unilaterally and shouldn’t do anything that will make us regret and lose trust and lead to conflict,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1005382

Duterte abolishes Negros Island Region

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 9): Duterte abolishes Negros Island Region

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order (EO) abolishing the Negros Island Region (NIR) that was created during the term of his predecessor, former President Benigno Aquino III.

EO No. 38, which was signed by the President on August 7, repealed Aquino’s EO No. 183 which the latter signed in 2015.

In abolishing the NIR, Duterte stressed that there is a need to ensure that priority government programs and projects are sufficiently funded.

“The establishment of regional offices of departments and agencies in the NIR requires substantial appropriation to be fully operational, thus competing with government priority programs and projects funding,” Duterte said.

As provided by EO 38, which takes effect upon publication in a newspaper of general publication, the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental shall revert to Region VI and Region VII respectively.

All regional offices and regional councils established under EO 183 are likewise abolished.

All affected personnel are ordered to return to their previous units of deployment or reassigned to other offices within their respective departments or agencies.

Furthermore, the winding up of operations of the NIR regional offices, including the final disposition of their functions, positions, personnel, assets and liabilities, shall be done immediately and completed not later than 60 days from the effectivity of the EO.

All orders, proclamations, rules, regulations and issuances, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provision of EO 38 are likewise repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

On May 29, 2015, Aquino signed EO 183 that separated Negros Occidental from Region 6 (Western Visayas) and Negros Oriental from Region 7 (Central Visayas).

The creation of one region for Negros was supported by then Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II.

Roxas said the creation of the NIR would hasten the development of the two Negros provinces.

But last December, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the appropriation for the NIR has not been included in the 2016 and proposed 2017 national budgets.

The 2016 General Appropriations Act (GAA) was the last national budget signed by Aquino.

In an ambush interview in Malacañang, Diokno told reporters that the NIR would cost the government at least PHP19 billion, and called it an “expensive exercise” for two provinces.

However, he also said then that the abolition of the NIR would not affect basic services in the two Negros provinces.

“The services will be provided by existing regions before the creation of NIR. We go back to the status quo,” Diokno said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1005417

No military officials protecting drug, crime gangs

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 9): No military officials protecting drug, crime gangs



As far as the military is concerned, none of its ranking military officers are providing protection to the Parojinog clan's illegal businesses in Ozamiz City.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo made this statement in wake of claims that a former military general has a relationship with Ozamiz Vice Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog and one of the family's protectors.

Nova is the daughter of slain Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog who was killed along with 14 others during an anti-drug operation in their family's house in San Roque Lawis last July 30.

Her father was earlier pinpointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as one of the country's top narco-politicians.

During the operation, the vice mayor was arrested along with brother Reynaldo Jr. They are now both at the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

In line with this, Arevalo urged the PNP to identity the alleged military officer so that appropriate actions can be taken.

Arevalo stressed that the AFP is not tolerating such actions from any officers or enlisted personnel, and that sanctions await personnel found collaborating with illegal drug syndicates or crime gang for that matter.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1005402

Kins of 5 troops killed in Marawi gets P1-M each from philanthropist

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 9): Kins of 5 troops killed in Marawi gets P1-M each from philanthropist



The families of five soldiers killed in the ongoing fighting in Marawi City against Maute Group remnants, have received PHP1 million each, from an anonymous philantropist, Wednesday.

The donation is part of the PHP98 million the latter earmarked for military troops killed in the fighting.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said the five families were formally handed the money by AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año during short ceremonies at the General Headquarters Conference Room in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Last Aug. 2, the AFP chief handed PHP1 million each to the families of three soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division, who were killed in action in Marawi City, during his visit to Camp Evangelista in Cagayan De Oro City.

Arevalo said the PHP90 million will be turned over to the Major Services for distribution to other beneficiaries.

“What is immensely admirable with this anonymous donor, apart from his or her selflessness in giving away such an enormous sum of money, is the continuing commitment to provide PHP1 million each to the family of soldiers who may be KIA (killed-in-action), God forbid, in the continuing crisis in Marawi. The number of soldiers KIA has now reached 122 from 98 at the time of the pledge,” he added.

The donation was deposited in the account name "AFP Marawi Casualty" in Land Bank of the Philippines. The account was opened in June for those who have expressed desire to help the families of soldiers who died in battle.

“On behalf of the AFP, our soldiers, and their families, I wish to commend the generosity of our benefactor who chose to remain anonymous despite the enormity of this gesture,” Año said.

“This, and the countless other gestures of goodwill, sympathy, and support that we have received in this time when our resolve is being challenged manifest the true spirit of Bayanihan that is kindled in each one of us,” the AFP chief said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1005463

Sanctions await AFP members in PRRD's narco-list

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 9): Sanctions await AFP members in PRRD's narco-list

While still to review President Rodrigo Duterte's latest narco-list, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured the public that sanctions will be meted out to military personnel found in cahoots with the illegal drugs syndicates.

But prior that, a detailed investigation will be conducted against these individuals found in the Chief Executive's narco-list, said AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo on Wednesday.

If found guilty, these personnel will be subjected to summary dismissal proceedings after which they will be charged and prosecuted by authorities.

"We will not allow the AFP to be tainted by personnel involved in the illegal drugs trade," Arevalo said in Filipino.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1005420

AFP says nothing new on alleged plot to kill 'Joma'

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 9): AFP says nothing new on alleged plot to kill 'Joma'

This was the apparent sentiment of the military following claims made by Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chair Jose Maria "Joma" Sison that government forces, with the assistance of the US Central Intelligence Agency, is planning to assassinate him.
"I believe Sison needs professional psychiatric help to treat his hallucinations. His statement is another (figment) of his imagination," said AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año in a statement Wednesday.

The CPP founding chair also alleged that the military is planning to oust President Rodrigo Duterte.

"If I remember right, 'yan din ang kuwento nya nung 1999 during the time of former President (Joseph) Estrada where he also alleged that a hit team was sent to Netherland(s) by President Estrada and former Chief PNP Director Gen Panfilo Lacson to kill him using former ABB and RJ Faction operatives," Año emphasized.

This is almost, if not the same plot, Sison is claiming now, the AFP chief said.

"Exactly the same plot as narrated by Sison. Sison is not only a criminal and master of deception but a congenital liar," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1005406

DWDD: Pangulong Duterte, ginawaran ng parangal ang mga natatanging pulis sa pagdiriwang ng 116th Police Service Anniversary

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Aug 9): Pangulong Duterte, ginawaran ng parangal ang mga natatanging pulis sa pagdiriwang ng 116th Police Service Anniversary

Pangungunahan ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang pagbigay ng karangalan sa mga natatanging opisyal ng Philippine National Police (PNP) ngayong araw, Agosto 9,2017.
Ang mga sumusunod ay ang mga Unit Awards na natanggap sa 116th Police Service Anniversary Rites

1. Best Police Regional Office – Police Regional Office 1 na pinamumunuan ni Regional Director PCSupt. Charlo C. Collado.
2. Best Police Provincial Police – Sorsogon Police Provincial Office, PRO 5 na pinamumunan ni Provincial Director PSSupt. Ronald R. Cabral.
3. Best City Police Office – Iligan City Police Office? PRO 10 na pinamumunuan ni City Director PSSupt. Leony Roy G. Ga
4. Best City Police Station – Vigan City Police Station, PRO 1 na pinamumunuan ni Chief of Police PSupt. Marlo Castillo Jr.
5. Best Municipal Police Station – San Jose De Buenavista Municipal Police Station, Antique Police Provincial Office, PRO 6 na pinamumunuan ni Chief of Police PCInsp. Juvy E. Cordero
6. Best Regional Public Safety Batallion – Regional Public Safety Batallion 12, PRO 12 na pinamumunuan ni Batallion Commander PSupt Michael F. Lebanan
7. Best Provincial Public Safety Company – Bukidnon Provincial Public Safety Company, PRO 11 na pinamumunuan ni company Commander, PSupt. Gervacio O. Balmaceda, Jr.
8. Best City Public Safety Company – Davao City Public Safety Company, PRO 11 pinapinamumunuan ni Psupt Ireneo G. Caburnay
9. Best National Operational Support Unit – Maritime Group na pinamumunuan ni Director, PSupt. Marcelo C. Morales.
10. Best National Administrative Support Unit – Information Techonology Management Service na pinamumunuan ni PCSupt. Edwin Jose G. Nemenzo.
11. Best Women and Children Protection Desk – Regional Children and Protection Desk, PRO 7 na pinamumunuan ni PCInsp. Marilou A. Cuizon.
12. Best Regional Police Human Rights Desk – Regional Police Human Rights Desk, PRO 7 na pinamumunuan ni PSupt. Maribel B. Getigan.
13. Best Police Strategy Management Unit – Regional Police Strategy Management Unit, PRO 13 na pinamumunuan ni Chief, PSSupt. Gimili L. Macaraeg.

Nagbigay  rin ng mga Special Unit Award sa PNP Counter-Intelligence Task Force sa ilalim ni PSSupt Jose Chiquito M. Malayo para sa magaling na pagsasagawa ng mga Counter-Intelligence Operations.

Kasabay nito, mayroong tatlong Regional Director na nakatanggap ng parangal para sa Accounting ng mga Illegal Drug Personalities. Ang mga Regional Director ay sina

1. PDir Oscar D. Albayalde ng National Capital Region Police Office,
2. Aaron N. Aquino mula sa PRO 3, at si
3. Mao R. Aplasca ng PRO 4A.

Ang mga sumusunod ay ang mga indibidwal na parangal na ibinigay  naman sa 116th Police Service Anniversary Rites:

1. PSSupt Jonnel C. Estomo, ang Directorate for Controllership Management Division Chief, bilang Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer for Administration.
2. Rene P. Pamuspusan, ang Directorate for Operations Executive Officer, bilang Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer for Operation.
3. Ford B. Sudaypan, ang SAF Strategy Review Scorecard Chief, bilang best Junior Police Commissioned Officer for Administration.
4. Ritchie Y. Yandug, ang PRO 10 Manolo Fortich MPS Officer-in-charge, bilang Best Junior Police Commissioned Officer for Operation.
5. SPO4 Francisco L. Alfeche, ang PRO 12 Malapatan MPS Municipal Executive Senior Police Officer, bilang Best Senior Police Non-Commissioned Officer for Administration.
6. SPO2 Harold V. Nicolas, ng PRO 1 Intelligence PNCO, bilang Best Senior Police Non-Commissioned Officer for Operation.
7. PO1 Juan Carlos C. Ventura, ng PRO 1 Regional Public Information Office, bilang Best Junior Police Non-Commissioned Officer for Administration
8. PO2 Jhan Lay P. Apostol, ng PRO 1 Investigator PNCO, bilang Best Junior Police Non-Commissioned Officer for Operation.
9. NUP Grace W. Abalde, ang PRO 10 Admin Officer V, bilang Best Non-Uniformed Personnel for Supervisory Level.
10. NUP Sheena Lyn B. Montiero, isang Police Community Relations Group Communication Development Officer 1, bilang Best Non-Uniformed Personnel for Non-Supervisory Level.
11. Jovie E. Espinido, ang PRO 10 Ozamis City Police Station OIC, na bibigyan ng Individual Award for Anti-Illegal Drugs Operation.
12. Rolando B. Anduyan, ang PRO ARMM Deputy Regional Director for Operations, na bibigyan ng Individual Award for Crisis Management sa Marawi City.

Ginawaran din ng Pangulo ang mga PNP Personnel na natatangi dahil sa kanilang pagtulong sa pagpapatupad ng batas sa Marawi City. Sila ay ang mga sumusunod:

1. Rex Arvin T. Malimban, ang Deputy Chief ng Logistics Management Division ng PNP-SAF.
2. Lambert A. Suerte, ang Commanding Officer ng Rapid Deployment Battalion ng PNP-SAF.
3. SPO1 Erwin V. Garalde, ang Company Executive Senior Police Officer ng 84th Special Action Company, RDB, PNP-SAF.
4. SPO1 Jethro L. Amengan, ang Senior Counter Terrorist Operative and Extended Range Support Team ng 83rd Special Action Company, RDB, PNP-SAF.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/08/09/116th-anniverary/

DWDD: PAGBAWI SA MGA BIHAG NG MAUTE, TINIYAK NG KASUNDALUHAN

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Aug 9): PAGBAWI SA MGA BIHAG NG MAUTE, TINIYAK NG KASUNDALUHAN

Kumpiyansa ang mga kasundaluhan na kanilang mababawi ang mga bihag na nasa kamay ng mga ISIS-inspired Maute sa itinakda nitong “last lap” ng sagupaan sa Marawi City.

Matatandaang pumutok ang labanan ng mga kasundaluhan kontra Maute noong Mayo 23 at nasa ikatlong buwan na ito ngayon.

Ayon sa mga kasundaluhan na naroon sa Marawi, umabot na sa daan-daan ang mga bihag na nasa puder ng teroristang grupong ito.

Ayon kay Armed Forces Chief General Eduardo Año, nasa kamay pa rin ng mga terorista si Father Teresito Soganub at iba pang mga sibilyan na ginagawang human shield ng mga Maute sa kasagsagan ng bakbakan.

Sinabi naman ni Chief of the Military Public Affairs Office Colonel Edgard Arevalo na kanilang sinisiguro ang pagkakabawi sa mga bihag bago magtapos ang labanan sa Marawi.

Sa mga ulat na nakalap ng mga kasundaluhan sa Marawi, tumutulong na sina Father Chito at ang iba pang mga bihag sa mga terorista dahil sa tinatawag na Stockholm Syndrome o ang pagsanib sa grupong bumihag sa kanila na dulot ng stress o takot.

Kaugnay nito, sinabi ni Arevalo na ituturing na ng mga kasundaluhan na “combatants” ang mga bihag dahil sa hindi inaasahang sitwasyon na pagsanib ng mga bihag sa mga terorista.

Samantala, nagpapatuloy ang bakbakan sa Marawi City at inaasahang humupa na sa susunod na mga araw.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/08/09/pagbawi-sa-mga-bihag-ng-maute-tiniyak-ng-kasundaluhan/

DWDD: ACCOMPLISHMENT | Airlifters Fly more than 100% Flying Time

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Aug 9): ACCOMPLISHMENT  |  Airlifters Fly more than 100% Flying Time



COL JESUS VILLAMOR AIRBASE, Pasay City (DWDD) – Through the years, your 220th Airlift Wing has remained committed in its mandate to provide tactical airlift operations in support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Apart from that, the airlifters have also proven their responsiveness to their stakeholders, particularly when there are missions that contribute to socio-economic development.

As a proof of this commitment, the airlifters have accomplished more than100% flying time for the first semester. From January to July this year, the 220th Airlift Wing has flown a staggering 6,272.1 flying hours compared to the program of 3,745.76 or roughly 167% flying time accomplishment.

Of all the Wing’s assets and in terms of “program vs actual flying time”, the N-22 aircraft is leading the pack with 195% flying time accomplishment followed by the C-130 aircraft with 169%. Coming in closely are the C-295 and F-27 aircraft with 158% and 148%, respectively.

This substantial increase in the actual flight time was largely brought about the heavy airlift operations of the Wing such as troops deployment and reinforcements, particularly the ongoing military campaign in Marawi, AFP and PAF logistic flights, humanitarian and disaster relief missions, support to fighter aircraft operations or territorial defense operations, aero-medical evacuation sorties, maritime patrols, support to national development efforts and socio-economic initiatives, international flight missions and VVIP/VIP flights.

This trend shall continue and may increase rapidly depending on various circumstances and military campaigns. Records revealed that this early, the Wing has, in fact, reached more than the annual flying time accomplishment in recent years. Thus, the Wing is expected to break the 10,000 flying hours mark or more at the end of the year and will be the highest ever recorded than any other time.

One may say that these are just mere numbers. However, keep in mind that behind these numbers are our people. These accomplishments speak highly of the quality of our human resource and the systemic improvements we put in place. Our keen understanding of logistics and maintenance enabled us to push our aircraft to the limits without breaking down.

The Wing’s pilots fly 24/7 to ensure that missions are carried out. Our maintenance personnel work for prompt maintenance operations to keep all the aircraft flying. Our logisticians continuously monitor aircraft spares and ensure these are up to date and accurate. Our personnel work on innovative maintenance equipment to enhance our maintenance capabilities and lastly, our diligent staff who labor for the extensive preparation of all administrative and logistical requirements. It’s no doubt that without our excellent personnel, these sustained flight operations would not have been possible. Courtesy of 220th AW / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/08/09/accomplishment-airlifters-fly-more-than-100-flying-time/

DWDD: UPDATE | JTF Marawi releases latest report

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Aug 9): UPDATE  |  JTF Marawi releases latest report 

JOINT TASK FORCE MARAWI, Camp Ranao, Marawi City (DWDD) – As of last night, it is with grief that we report 122 soldiers were already killed due to the continuous fighting in the Main Battle area.



JTF Marawi have recorded 539 terrorists killed and the recovery of 607 firearms. A total of 45 civilians were killed by the terrorist and 1,728 civilians were rescued. Fighting continuous in about a square kilometer general area where the terrorists are currently hold up. It is also believed that there are still hostages with the group numbering to an estimated 50 to 70.



“Dasia” security Armored Vehicle recovered

A blue armored vehicle with the word “DASIA” printed in front, was recovered by soldiers last week in one of the structures being cleared by soldiers in the main battle area.

The vehicle was recovered by troops of the Joint Task Force Marawi, following heavy gunfire with Maute remnants in a strategic structure previously held by terrorists.

During the first month of fighting, a picture was posted in the internet showing Abdullah Maute riding the vehicle in one of the streets of Marawi with an ISIS flag in front of the vehicle.

Soldiers also said that they have seen terrorists using the same armored car when attacking soldier’s positions. Last Week, the car was found in one of the strategic structures believed to be utilized as a stronghold of the Daesh-inspired Maute terror Group.

Further, the building where it was found is believed to be used by the terrorists as a storage area and temporary base, that houses most of their wounded. Found also in the building is a tunnel where the Maute remnants store their food, bullets, and weapons. The recent capture of one of the terrorist’s strongholds connotes that the troops are advancing towards the battle positions of Maute remnants, signifying that the terrorists are already contained in a narrower engagement area.

Rescue of four (4) civilian hostages from the MBA

Last August 4 at 4 in the morning, four (4) civilian hostages who were able to escape from the main battle area (MBA) were rescued in vicinity of Lake Lanao.

The rescued civilians were immediately brought to the nearest army headquarters and were given immediate medical attention. They were however found healthy and unharmed. Three of them are from Zamboanga City and the one from Iligan City.

Their escape and rescue was made possible due to the close coordinations made by the wife of one of the civilians to the our Navy in Zamboanga and eventually coordinations with the units under JTF Marawi.

Rescued civilian hostages were immediately attended to by medical personnel and are now in a safe area for the conduct of a debriefing and other necessary procedures. JTF Marawi / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/08/09/update-jtf-marawi-releases-latest-report/