Military says no need for foreign reinforcement to liberate Marawi

From ABS-CBN (Aug 9): Military says no need for foreign reinforcement to liberate Marawi



Soldiers are seen on board military vehicles in Marawi City on Tuesday, as government troops continue their assault against insurgents from the Maute group. Romeo Ranoco, Reuters

The military on Wednesday said Filipino soldiers could liberate war-torn Marawi City even without the help of foreign troops.

Col. Romeo Brawner, Deputy Task Group Commander of Joint Task Group Ranao, said ending the long-drawn siege at the Islamic city is the responsibility of the Philippine military.

His comments came amid the reported plan of the United States, the Philippines' strongest defense ally, to conduct air strikes against Islamic State-linked terrorists in Marawi City.

READ: PH says no formal notice yet of US plan for Marawi air strikes

"Hindi na kailangan ng additional troops from other countries. AFP is capable, we have enough ammunition and troops. Kayang kaya po ng tropa natin to finish the mission," he said.

"Basically, sa ating Constitution, it is the responsibility of the Philippine government to protect our territory and our people, at [ang] pag-employ ng foreign troops in our territory is against our Constitution," he added.

Brawner thumbed down possible US help in conducting air strikes, citing legal impediments to having a manned or unmanned US aircraft undertake such a mission in Marawi City.

"In the mutual defense treaty, US comes to our aid if there is an external aggression. In the case of Marawi, hindi ito external aggression. In fact, we call them local terror group," he explained.

Brawner said the role of US forces in Philippine military operations is limited to technical, educational and training support.

His statements echoed that of Armed Forces Chief of Staff Eduardo Año, who said Tuesday that direct military action by the US, a Philippine treaty ally, "may only be allowed during actual invasion of the Philippines by another state actor."

The Provincial Crisis Management Committee also rejected US help in undertaking air strikes, citing the concern of civilians that even more properties may be damaged in the war-ravaged city.

Joint Task Force Marawi spokeperson Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay said firefights have lessened since the clashes have been contained within a square kilometer of the conflict zone.

"Kung ikukumpara exchange of fires, medyo humina sila. Bakit bumaba casualty sa amin? Probably bumababa na logistical supplies nila, wala na silang resources" she said.

STILL ALIVE?

There are, however, still strong indications that terrorist leaders Isnilon Hapilon and brothers Omar and Abdullah Maute are still in the conflict zone despite previous reports that the leaders have been killed.

President Rodrigo Duterte previously offered a P10 million reward for the "neutralization" of Hapilon, the anointed ISIS leader in the Philippines, and P5 million each for Abdullah and his brother Omar, leaders of the terror group under their name.

Around 50 to 70 hostages are still believed to be trapped in the besieged city.

The military said 4 more civilians were rescued by the military and have already been subjected to debriefing.

Fighting between government forces and Maute extremists in Marawi City broke out on May 23 and has left at least 539 terror suspects and 122 soldiers dead.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/09/17/military-says-no-need-for-foreign-reinforcement-to-liberate-marawi

AFP general to Maute: Spare MSU

From GMA News (Aug 8): AFP general to Maute: Spare MSU

Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command chief Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez Jr. on Tuesday called on terror group Maute to spare Mindanao State University in Marawi and the establishments near it as the institution gears up for the resumption of classes.

“I challenge the Maute, if you still have some goodness left in your heart, spare MSU from any harm,” Galvez said in a press statement.

“I dare the Daesh-inspired Maute Group to cease and desist from this and any other atrocious acts that tend to terrorize students and members of the faculty of MSU. That is the least they can do for the youth,” he added.

On Monday afternoon, Galvez and other military officials met with faculty members of MSU where they discussed the security arrangement and the schedule of classes.

Among those present were Brigadier General Ramiro Rey, commander of Joint Task Group Ranao; Dr. Habib Macaayong, MSU president; Dr. Berua, vice president for academic affairs; Dr. Paca, vice president for operation; and the other directors of the school.

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Assemblyman Zia Alonto Adiong, a member of the school's Board Regents, was also present during the meeting.

During the two-hour meeting, the attendees agreed in crafting a security plan involving everyone who has a stake in the MSU.

It was also initially agreed that the school can go on accepting enrolees until such time classes open in two weeks or on a later date.

Galvez personally explained to the attendees the need for MSU to resume classes:

“The Mindanao State University is the symbol and life of Marawi City. This is the bastion of knowledge and we will have to open classes the soonest,” he said.

“Continuing talks and assessments will be held to weigh things and ascertain the date of opening. We might have to delay it, but we will definitely have to open the MSU for our students and for our people,” he added.

According to the military statement, the MSU president and staff lauded the soldiers for listening [to their concerns] and for giving the school a chance to start classes despite the difficult circumstances.

Macaayong vowed that the school administration will actively take part in securing the inner layer of the campus utilizing hired security personnel.

The fighting between government security forces and the ISIS-Maute group has been going on for more than two months now.

A total of 528 Maute members, 122 government troops and 45 civilians have been killed in the conflict as of August 6. The whole of Mindanao remains under martial rule.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/621111/afp-general-to-maute-spare-msu/story/

Troops constrict movement of Maute group

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Aug 9): Troops constrict movement of Maute group

THE Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) announced that the fighting in Marawi City is now confined in about a square kilometer “general area.”

 

Captain Jo-ann Petinglay, Wesmincom information officer, said the Maute group is believed to be holding an estimated 50 to 70 hostages while holed up in the one square kilometer area.

 

The fighting entered on the 79th day Wednesday, August 9. It started on May 23 when the Maute group went berserk and occupied several establishments in Marawi City.

 

Petinglay said they have recorded 539 Maute group members killed and 607 firearms recovered as of Wednesday, August 9. The terrorists killed a total of 45 civilians while 1,728 others were rescued.

 

Four of the 1,728 civilians were rescued on Friday, August 4, in the vicinity of Lake Lanao. They were able to escape from the main battle area. Three of the four are from this city while the other one from Iligan City. They were given immediate medical attention.

 

Petinglay said that 122 soldiers were killed as of Tuesday, August 8, due to the continuous fighting in the Main Battle area.

 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2017/08/09/troops-constrict-movement-maute-group-557620

Troops recover armored van seized by Maute gunmen

From GMA News (Aug 9): Troops recover armored van seized by Maute gunmen

An armored vehicle seized by ISIS-inspired Maute group leader Abdullah Maute during the early days of the Marawi City siege has been recovered by the government, the AFP Western Mindanao Command announced Wednesday.

Westmincom spokesperson Captain Jo-ann Petinglay said the vehicle was recovered at an abandoned building in the war-torn city after heavy gunfire between the militants and the military on August 4.

"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," Petinglay said.

The blue armored vehicle, owned by the Davao Security and Investigation Agency Inc., went viral on social media as the terrorists hoisted an ISIS flag on it as they roam Marawi City.

Petinglay said soldiers also saw the Maute group use the same vehicle in attacking government law enforcers.

"Soldiers also said that they have seen terrorists using the same armored car when attacking soldiers' positions," Petinglay said.

She added that a tunnel used for food storage, bullets, and weapons were also found in the building

Meanwhile, Petinglay said four "healthy and unharmed" male civilians were rescued in the vicinity of Lake Lanao and underwent debriefing procedures.

"The rescued civilians were immediately brought to the nearest Army headquarters and were given immediate medical attention," Petinglay said.

As of August 6, a total of 528 Maute members, 122 government troops and 45 civilians have been killed since the clashes broke out last May 23.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/621281/troops-recover-armored-van-seized-by-maute-gunmen/story/

Philippines: Military kills terrorists in gunfights

Anadolu Agency (Aug 8): Philippines: Military kills terrorists in gunfights

Hundreds of thousands continue to be displaced by the war, including 200,000 children

Philippine military forces continued their offensive against Daesh-linked terror groups in Marawi on Thursday, the military said.

Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson for the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command, told Anadolu Agency at least nine Maute and Abu Sayyaf terrorists were killed in the latest battles.

 

She said the troops continued to engage in more intense firefights against the terrorists with military airstrikes and artillery fire starting at around 7 p.m. local time Thursday (2300GMT Wednesday).

 

"Those enemies who died in the offensives include men of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon who are digging for a tunnel under a mosque trying to escape the battle zone or reach the lake [Agus River]," she added.

The military confirmed earlier that Hapilon was still alive and inside the battle zone, despite earlier reports he had escaped along with Abdullah and Omar Maute, local leaders of the Daesh group.

According to Petinglay, the number of deaths on the side of Maute and Abu Sayyaf terrorists has increased to 548 due to continuous fighting in the main battle area.

At least 122 soldiers have been killed and 45 civilians have died. The remaining terrorists -- said to be 50 - 70, including foreign fighters -- have 100 civilian hostages. Four were recently rescued.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law on the whole island of Mindanao after the Maute group attacked Marawi on May 23.

The armed conflict has resulted in 359,680 people displaced, as of 29 July, with many living in host communities or in 75 evacuation centers.

More than 200,000 children have been displaced. Many of those living in host-communities are affected by scarcity of household resources, including food and school supplies, in one of the poorest areas in the country.

 

http://aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/philippines-military-kills-terrorists-in-gunfights/881167

A Trial Balloon Over Mindanao: The Philippines Weighs US UCAVs in Counterinsurgency

From The Diplomat (Aug 9): A Trial Balloon Over Mindanao: The Philippines Weighs US UCAVs in Counterinsurgency (By Blanchard E. Neuman)

Would U.S. unmanned combat aerial vehicles change the game in Mindanao counterinsurgency?

The U.S. proposition to conduct unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) airstrikes against Islamic State-affiliated militants in the Philippines, if ultimately accepted by the host government led by President Rodrigo Duterte, will alter both the military and political character of the ongoing counterinsurgency campaign in Mindanao.

There is no question that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is straining from simultaneous battles with Islamic State (ISIS) affiliates, communist rebels, and various outlaw groups. The country is a formal military ally of the United States under a 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.

Filipino nationalists are deeply sensitive to foreign soldiers on their soil, although these are not strictly prohibited by the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Successive Filipino presidents have had to manage public opinion carefully when cooperating with the United States on security matters. Duterte’s popularity does not exempt him from the same basic dilemma.

Unnamed Pentagon officials intimated their thinking to NBC’s national security reporter in Washington DC less than 12 hours after Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s warm audience at the presidential palace in Manila. The Philippine broadsheets, awash with the pageantry of the ASEAN Regional Forum and past press time, did not cover it the next morning.

Philippine online coverage later in the day carried official caveats that no such agreement was in place, but neither the defense secretary nor the AFP chief of staff rejected the idea outright. Their equivocation reflects a basic uncertainty about the merits as well as a desire to gauge public reaction.

At this point in the battle to retake Marawi City on Mindanao Island, the Duterte administration has already accepted U.S. small arms, battlefield advisers, and overflights by U.S. and Australian surveillance aircraft. Political opposition to this has so far been muted by the shock of seeing a city captured by ISIS and prospect of the country sliding into chaos.

U.S. UCAV deployment will redraw perceptions just as it promises to deliver new capabilities to the AFP. Strategically, it becomes even easier for ISIS to frame the Philippines as a new front against the United States. There is no shortage of latent anti-outsider sentiment in Mindanao.

Tactically, insurgents will seek to maximize perceptions of danger and civilian casualties from overhead. Clerics may question the morality of inflicting death by remote control. And in the ruthless arena of Philippine elite competition, both old resentments and the latest UCAV strikes may become weapons.

Against this, Duterte’s government must balance potential advantages. As pointed out earlier in The Diplomat, UCAVs are unlikely to be strategically decisive in urban counterinsurgency. Their main utility will be in the rural and mountain settings to which most insurgents will return after the bombing finally stops in Marawi.

Past AFP operations have evidenced a capability to track the movements of both groups and particular individuals of interest. However, the time needed to deploy ground forces often meant such information became stale. Insurgents have also learned to track the AFP’s platoons and helicopters, and know generally how often they must move.

With a population density of about 240 persons per square kilometer, Mindanao is similar to the U.S. state of Maryland (the fifth densest). Most infantry operations thus entail advance coordination with local power centers, including well-armed but non-ISIS groups who are partners in a critical ongoing peace process. This makes surprise all but impossible to achieve.

The United States clearly hopes to employ its 15 years of experience with a much shorter kill chain. A loitering UCAV could be quickly tasked at targets identified by it or other assets. To take one example UCAV, the MQ-1 Predator’s 14-hour loiter, more than double that of the AFP’s manned OV-10 aircraft, means that just one pair can provide round-the-clock coverage within a certain radius.

The challenge will be killing only legitimate targets. The highest value targets will be employing tactics honed elsewhere, as they have to the AFP’s dismay in Marawi. These may include tactics specifically intended to undermine the political legitimacy of UCAVs and of U.S. involvement in general.

Another issue is the security of UCAV bases. U.S. personnel, facilities, and aircraft will be priority targets for ISIS. Secondary targets will be the power lines and other support.

A final issue is whether UCAV missions will be limited to ISIS-affiliated fighters only. Fighting with the New People’s Army (NPA) has intensified recently, and includes clashes on Luzon, where Manila is located, and other islands.

The Duterte government can probably afford to limit any UCAVs to Mindanao. But the question it must be weighing carefully is whether it can afford to decline the United States altogether, caught as it is between stalemate in Marawi, escalation from ISIS, budgetary limits, and the passions of its own people. Duterte did not have to swallow his pride this week, because he already did so in July. Thus, when welcoming the emissary from Donald Trump, it was perhaps with resigned irony that he called himself “your humble friend in Southeast Asia.”

[Blanchard E. Neuman is the pseudonym of a Philippine-based analyst of military affairs]

http://thediplomat.com/2017/08/a-trial-balloon-over-mindanao-the-philippines-weighs-us-ucavs-in-counterinsurgency/

Avail of Duterte offer, Aying urges Negros' NPA groups

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 9): Avail of Duterte offer, Aying urges Negros' NPA groups

A package of benefits being offered by President Rodrigo Dutertefor New People's Army groups or individuals in Negros Island who give up their armed struggle and return to the folds of the law, which includes free housing in resettlement villages and livelihood opportunities, is now available.

This was announced by Maj. Gen. Jon Aying, Army 3ID commander, at a press conference held at the provincial Capitol in Bacolod City yesterday.

Aying said the president is calling on NPA members or groups composed of entire platoons or front organizations to surrender and they will be provided with resettlement areas or villages, free house and lots with livelihood trainings for skills development.

The president said this will empower the former rebels to live normal lives, Ayingadded.

The president also said the firearms of the returning rebels will not be confiscated, they will be allowed to keep them for community protection and self-defense, Aying said. The firearms will only be profiled or accounted for, he added.

The rebel returnees at resettlement areas will also be provided with community security forces from the governmentto protect them from possible retaliation from their former comrades, Aying said.

Individual rebels will be provided assistance of P65,000 each under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program, free house and lots in resettlement villages, and an additional P50,000 for each high powered rifle that they bring with them, he added.

The president announced the package of benefits in a meeting with law enforcement officers in Dumaguete City on July 27, after he visited the wake of policemen slain in an NPA ambush in Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental, Aying said.

The Negros Occidental provincial government is also offering an additional P100,000 to each rebel returnee, plus another P300,000, depending on the caliber of the firearms they bring with them, Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. said.

Aying also said a reward of P100,000 will also be given to whoever can give information that will result in the surrender, imprisonment and the killing of an NPA rebel, Mindanao-based ISIS extremists and local terrorists, private armed groups and other groups with high powered and illegal firearms.

Aying said the NPA Negros currently has about 200 armed rebels who are kept as a maintaining force to justify the continued existence of the rebel movement.

Since 2010, the NPA rebels in Negros have killed more than 100 persons, most of whom were defenseless and innocent persons, he said.

The latest of which was the killing of six policemen in an ambush in Guihulngan on July 21; and the liquidation of planter Norberto Lumayno and his driver,Danilo Braga, in Calatrava, Negros Occidental on June 22, retired Staff Sergeant Ronnie Montejo in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental on June 20, and civilian Eliodoro Alvarado in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental on May 26, Aying added.

He said the NPA members today are nolonger theidealistic revolutionary fighters of the past, they are bandits, terrorists, thieves and extortionists.

In the last 50 years, the NPA rebels have remained blind and deaf to the changes government has brought to the lives of people for the better, he said.

Aying said those interested to avail of the offer of government to the rebel forces may call 0935-852-5490or0999-109-2829.

Col. EliezerLosañes, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the people should unite and make a stand against the NPA to hasten the end of their existence.

Senior Supt. Rodolfo Castil Jr., Negros Occidental police director, said that after the Guihulngan ambush, the people have been more active in reporting the presence of rebel forces in their areas, which they validate.

Aying said people should peacefully reject the NPA when they go to their barangays, refuse to give them food and pay taxes to them, and to report the presence of rebels.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/August/09/topstory2.htm

‘No imminent terror threat inVisayas'

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 9): ‘No imminent terror threat inVisayas'

There is no imminent threat. Attack is possible, but not likely.

The assessment was made yesterday by the Army's 3rd Infantry Division on the threat posed by the Mindanao-based extremist groups on the Visayas, that is considered at Level 2 category in peace and security.

“That is why, we have to improve our structures, coordination and resiliency to insulate our provinces and regions from the Mindanao spill over,” Maj. Gen. Jon Aying, ID commanding general, who supervises the security of 10 provinces in Western and Central Visayas, as well as Negros Island Region, said.

Three months ago, the 3ID and police managed to contain the expansion of operations of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group in Bohol. Eleven ASG members were killed, and two others arrested, including a policewoman with the rank of superintendent.

This prompted the Armed Forces of the Philippines to organize task forces in 10 provinces of the three Visayas regions, to address possible spillover of terrorist groups from Mindanao.

In a security briefing held at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City yesterday Aying said that the newly-created Task Force Buglas can be a medium for making all sectors come together and become active and responsive in addressing all security threats.

Task Force Buglas was given a budget of P25 million by the provincial government of Negros Occidental for the training of security personnel and to buy equipment to combat terrorism, with the bulk of the security effort focused on the coastal areas of southern Negros.

Senior Supt. Rodolfo Castil, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, yesterday said he is proposing additional training for SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) personnel, such as in hostage negotiation, and creation of K9 units, to support the Task Force Buglas.

Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Col. Eliezer Losañes, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, Police Regional Office 18, Regional Public Safety Battalion 18, Philippine Navy and Coast Guard, as well as the Maritime Command, also assured their all-out support to the task force.

Citing the Bohol experience, Aying said their campaign against the terrorists would not have succeeded, if there was no critical collaboration from the community.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/August/09/topstory4.htm

Troops push to rescue Marawi hostages in 'last lap' operations

From Rappler (Aug 9): Troops push to rescue Marawi hostages in 'last lap' operations

'Father Chito and the rest are still being kept as hostages and utilized as human shields inside the main battle area. Part of our priorities is the safe rescue of Father Chito,' says Armed Forces chief General Eduardo Año



The Philippine military is poised to rescue hostages in Marawi City as it announces the "last lap" of its operations against local terror groups linked with the Islamic State (ISIS).

The clashes that erupted on May 23 are now on its 3rd month. The military estimated that the terrorists have kept about a hundred hostages, including Catholic priest Father Teresito Soganub.

"Father Chito and the rest are still being kept as hostages and utilized as human shields inside the main battle area. Part of our priorities is the safe rescue of Father Chito," Armed Forces chief General Eduardo Año told Rappler when asked about the situation of the hostages.

The military has information on the hostages based on reports from village officials and relatives of missing residents, according to Colonel Edgard Arevalo, chief of the military Public Affairs Office.

Arevalo said the objective is to rescue them before troops launch a final push to eliminate the terrorists, particularly its leaders.

"Ang atin pong action sa ngayon ay to ensure na bago tayo dumating sa mismong concluding part ng ating operation ay ma-rescue muna natin ang hostages na ito (Our course of action is to ensure that we rescue the hostages before we push for the concluding part of our operation)," Arevalo said.

Last week, Año and President Rodrigo Duterte made back-to-back visits to the main battle area and spoke of the war supposedly nearing its end. They did not issue a timeline but instead told troops to take it slow to avoid more casualties.

 

Stockholm syndrome?

Arevalo said the military is aware that some of the hostages may have been turned by their captors to join the battle. He said troops will still aim to rescue them, knowing that they may be suffering from Stockholm Syndrome or acting under duress.

"May mga balita din na talagang tumutulong na rin si Father Chito at kanyang parishioners [sa mga terorista] (There are raw reports that Father Chito and his parishioners are already aiding the terrorists). There is a possibility they are doing so under duress. Hopefully we are able to rescue them notwithstanding the possiblity that they are already fighting us," said Arevalo.

"We’d rather err on the side of caution, by treating them as non-combatants who are turned combatants by force of circumstances," Arevalo said.

The military has reported on the second month of the clashes that the hostages were forced to bear firearms and carry explosives to various target areas. They have also supposedly been ordered to loot buildings for guns, gear, food, money, and jewelry.

The battle area is now reportedly less than one square kilometer. But it's a densely commercial area and the buildings are made of hard concrete, factors that slow down the advance of troops.

The terrorists are also heavily armed despite the clashes dragging on for over two months. Recently, the military said it has suffered a growing number of deaths in the battle area due to improvised explosive devices that terrorists leave behind buildings they have been forced to abandon due to military advances.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/178137-rescue-marawi-hostages-last-lap-operations

Don't tell us what to do, PH tells countries on sea dispute

From Rappler (Aug 9): Don't tell us what to do, PH tells countries on sea dispute

'The problem of territorial disputes between China and the Philippines is between China and the Philippines,' says Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano

The Philippines criticized the United States, Japan, and Australia for releasing a joint statement that urged both Manila and Beijing to heed a 2016 international ruling on the South China Sea.

"We expect nations not to tell us what to do," Cayetano said in a press conference on Tuesday, August 8.

It was only 3 days after Cayetano and other Southeast Asian ministers told North Korea what to do: to stop its missile tests.

Cayetano said: "Japan, Australia, and the US are our friends. The US is our treaty ally. But we have told all countries around the world: We are a sovereign nation. We will decide what is good for us, what strategy is good for us, because we are a sovereign nation."

The Philippine foreign secretary was reacting to a joint statement issued by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono, and Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop on Monday, August 7.

In the joint statement issued after a trilateral meeting in Manila, the 3 foreign ministers "called on China and the Philippines to abide by the Arbitral Tribunal's 2016 Award in the Philippines-China arbitration, as it is final and legally binding on both parties."

The ruling, issued by a Hague tribunal in July 2016, invalidated China's expansive claim over the South China Sea, parts of which the Philippines claims as the West Philippine Sea.

"We respect their views," Cayetano said. "But the problem of territorial disputes between China and the Philippines is between China and the Philippines."

The Philippine foreign secretary made these remarks at the end of the 50th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings hosted by the Philippines.

After their meeting, the ASEAN foreign ministers released a statement that cited criticism of China's island building activities and also urged the "non-militarization" of the disputed South China Sea.

Cayetano admitted that the Philippines initially wanted to exclude China's reclamation and militarization activities from the joint statement, because "it's not reflective of the present position."

http://www.rappler.com/nation/178267-philippines-us-japan-australia-statement-south-china-sea-ruling

No rants this time: Duterte tells Tillerson he’s a ‘humble friend’ of America

From InterAksyon (Aug 8): No rants this time: Duterte tells Tillerson he’s a ‘humble friend’ of America



President Duterte welcomes US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson at Malacañang Palace Monday (Aug. 7, 2017). REUTERS


Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte called himself a “humble friend” of the United States on Monday, taking a break from his notorious hostility towards Washington to grant a warm reception to visiting US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Duterte’s often profanity-laden tirades against the United States has become his trademark during his year-old presidency, but he appeared happy to meet Tillerson, who was in Manila to attend a regional security meeting dominated by North Korea’s missile tests, and maritime squabbles.

“I am happy to see you … and you have come at a time when the world is not so good, especially in the Korean peninsula, and of course, the ever nagging problem of South China Sea,” Duterte told Tillerson at the presidential palace.

“I know you’re worried there, because you also have domestic problems … We are friends. We are allies,” said Duterte.

“I am your humble friend in Southeast Asia,” he said.

The maverick leader makes no attempt to hide his grudge against the United States, which he has repeatedly chided for what he says is a history of hypocritical foreign policy, and for treating the Philippines like a dog.

He last year announced to China his “separation” from Washington, has complained about being given “hand-me-down” US military hardware, and once invited American investors jittery about his remarks to pack their bags and leave.

But Duterte’s biggest anger was directed at former President Barack Obama, whose administration spoke out against his signature war on drugs, a fierce crackdown that has killed thousands of Filipinos.

Duterte’s warm words for Tillerson indicates Philippines-US ties under US President Donald Trump may be in better shape.

Though Duterte still vents about Washington, he has spoken positively about Trump, who praised him for doing “an unbelievable job on the drug problem”.

Trump in an April phone call told Duterte he would invite him to the White House. But when a US lawmaker recently said he would try to block that, Duterte said he would never go to the United States because “I’ve seen America and it’s lousy”.

Duterte said he and Tillerson discussed “many things” on Monday, but he did not give details.

The defense treaty alliance between the two countries remains strong and US forces have been providing the Philippines with technical assistance to fight militants allied with Islamic State. He last year repeatedly threatened to eject US military trainers and advisers.

Asked prior to his meeting if helping the Philippine military meant the United States was endorsing the government’s bloody anti-drugs campaign, Tillerson said the two were unrelated.

“I see no conflict, no conflict at all in our helping them with that situation and our views of other human rights concerns we have with respect to how they carry out their counter-narcotics activities,” he said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/no-rants-this-time-duterte-tells-tillerson-hes-a-humble-friend-of-america/

P3-M reward in Roxas blast case remains unclaimed: city

From the Mindanao Times (Aug 8): P3-M reward in Roxas blast case remains unclaimed: city

THE P3 MILLION reward dangled by the local government for the successful prosecution of the suspects in the Roxas night market bombing has not been awarded yet as the first year of the tragic terror attack is quickly approaching.

City Legal Office head Raul Nadela, Jr., in an interview, said it’s the Office of the City Prosecutor that will decide to whom the P3 million cash would be awarded. “But this will depend on the successful prosecution of the suspects of the blast,” Nadela said.

There are currently 14 suspects identified in the case. Two were dropped from the list of suspects after they submitted extrajudicial confessions. Seven of the identified suspects have been apprehended.

Charges of multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder, and terrorism have been filed against the 12 suspects.

The cases of multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder are being tried at the Branch 33 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) here, while the cases of terrorism will be handled at RTC’s branch 10.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, in earlier interviews, said the local government and private investors have passed the hat and raised the amount to expedite the justice for the 15 slain victims and 69 injured.

The prosecutors, meanwhile, will base their decision on the recommendation of the police and military.

Meanwhile, the local government will be distributing livelihood and cash assistance to the survivors and families of the casualties of last year’s blast.

Nadela said the distribution will be on Friday, August 11, at 10 a.m. at the Grand Men Seng hotel.

According to Nadela, the local government has so far collected around P8 million to P9 million from the bank account set up for the purpose. Around P7 million has already been spent for the families of the 15 slain victims and around 69 survivors who were injured in the blast last Sept. 2, 2016.

Among the recent assistance given by the government was for follow up surgery of some of the survivors. National and local labor agencies have also assisted in linking the victims with jobs.

The victims will receive at least P50,000 in cash, as well as livelihood assistance in a simple ceremony this Friday.

http://mindanaotimes.net/p3-m-reward-in-roxas-blast-case-remains-unclaimed-city/

Commander escapes dragnet but NPA driver caught for gun

From the Mindanao Times (Aug 7): Commander escapes dragnet but NPA driver caught for gun

AN ALLEGED member of New People’s Army (NPA), believed to be the driver of a top commander, was arrested after a gun was found in his possession at a Task Force Davao (TFD) checkpoint in Barangay Lacson, Calinan District on Saturday.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Sr. Supt. Alexander Tagum identified the suspect as Fernando Artiz, 40, with no permanent address in the city.

 

Tagum said Artiz is the driver of Kumander Bobby of Front Committee 54 who was the initial target of the dragnet.

 

The DCPO director said they received information that Kumander Bobby was onboard a vehicle that passed the city in going to Lorega, Bukidnon on Saturday.

“We received the tip late so we intercepted them on their way back to the city,” Tagum said.

When the vehicle passed by at the TFD checkpoint in Purok 9, Barangay Lacson around 6:30 p.m. that day,

TFD personnel flagged down the vehicle.

Only the driver, later identified as Artiz, was inside the city-bound vehicle, a gray pick-up with plate no. LGY 317.

During the inspection, a Mark IV .45 caliber pistol, serial number FLO3656, loaded with magazine and ammunition, was found inside the vehicle.

Artiz was turned over to the Calinan police station as he will be charged for violating RA 10591 (illegal possession of firearm).

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/commander-escapes-dragnet-but-npa-driver-caught-for-gun/

Photo: Kadayawan Security Exercise

From the MindaNews (Aug 8): Photo: Kadayawan Security Exercise



Combined elements of the Davao City Police Special Weapons and Tactics and Task Force Davao participate in a simulation exercise on Tuesday ( 8 Augusto 2017) as part of the security preparation for the Kadayawan Festival next week. MindaNews Photo

http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2017/08/kadayawan-security-exercise/

200 Chinese-made M-16 rifles now with Region 12 cops

From the MindaNews (Aug 9): 200 Chinese-made M-16 rifles now with Region 12 cops

The anti-terrorism campaign and efforts to ensure public safety in Region 12 received a big boost with the distribution of 200 new Chinese-made M-16 rifles to police personnel across the region.

Chief Supt. Cedrick Train, Police Regional Office-12 (PRO-12) director, confirmed Wednesday the M-16 rifles manufactured by China North Industries Corporation (Norinco) have been turned over to various Provincial Public Safety Companies (PPSC) in the region.

A 7.62 mm Dragunov sniper rifle was also distributed to the Regional Public Safety Battalion-12, he added.

“These firearms and ammunition package will be a big help in PRO-12’s capability build up and in enhancing security measures,” Train said.

Twenty-nine M-16 rifles were distributed to the South Cotabato PPSC, 25 pieces to the Sultan Kudarat PPSC, 40 pieces to the Sarangani PPSC, 26 pieces to the North Cotabato PPSC and 40 pieces to the General Santos City public safety company, said Supt. Romeo Galgo Jr., PRO-12 spokesperson.

Included in the distribution were three reloading machines for the police stations in the cities of Kidapawan, Tacurong and Koronadal, he added.

Galso said 72,000 rounds of ammunition and 400 magazines accompany the 200 units of Norinco M-16 rifles.

The 7.62 mm Dragunov sniper rifle goes with 400 rounds and three magazines, Galgo said.
Train thanked the Philippine National Police (PNP) higher headquarters for beefing up PRO-12’s security capability.

He said the distribution of the M-16 rifles was part of PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s campaign to fight terrorism and criminality across the country.

The distribution of the new M-16 and sniper rifles came on the heels of the deployment of hundreds of new cops across the region.

Last month, about 500 new cops joined the Region 12 police force.

Train said that 378 men and 111 women, or a total of 489, have taken their oath as PNP members in Region 12 after surviving the rigid police officers’ training.

“They are expected to serve and protect the people from whom they derived their power and authority to enforce the laws of the land without fear or favor,” the official said.

“They are (tasked) to look after the general welfare of the people and ensure that peace and order is maintained at all times, and act as the protector of the weak, defender of the innocent and advocates of human rights,” he added. 

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/08/200-chinese-made-m-16-rifles-now-with-region-12-cops/