Soldiers kill 10 Maute terrorists trying to sneak into main battle area in Marawi – Wesmincom report

From News 5/InterAksyon (Aug 28): Soldiers kill 10 Maute terrorists trying to sneak into main battle area in Marawi – Wesmincom report



Photo shows one of the boats recovered by soldiers after a 3-hour firefight with Maute Group members who tried to sneak into the main battle area through Lake Lanao. HANDOUT PHOTO FROM WESTERN MINDANAO COMMAND

Soldiers of the Joint Task Force Marawi intercepted, and killed, at dawn Monday members of the Daesh-inspired Maute terror group on board two motorized pump boats as they tried to sneak into the main battle area.

A three-hour fire fight and pursuit operations immediately ensued between forces of the Joint Task Group Lawa and the fleeing terrorists, according to a report by the Western Mindanao Command.

Troops who searched the area about 5am recovered five bodies of the enemy; one M16 rifle; and one motorized pump boat.

The soldiers were also able to shoot and neutralize five more terrorists but were unable to recover the bodies. One of the pump boats was also seen sinking during the pursuit operation.

Patrolling soldiers and policemen were still looking for the dead bodies and sunken boat.

“The recent accomplishment of our ground forces only shows the successful coordination made by our troops and the local government units,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“The plan of the terrorists was earlier reported to us; that is why it was easier for patrolling special forces riverine units and maritime policemen to detect and neutralize the movement.”

“Let this be a warning to those who have the intention to escape and to enter, our troops are ready for you,” added LtGen Galvez. “We will definitely get you.”

http://www.interaksyon.com/soldiers-kill-10-maute-terrorists-trying-to-sneak-into-main-battle-area-in-marawi-wesmincom-report/

X-ray, hi-tech equip for TFD likely in 2018

From the Mindanao Times (Aug 25): X-ray, hi-tech equip for TFD likely in 2018

THE TASK Force Davao will have to wait until 2018 for its request for border crossing-type equipment at the critical entry points in the city.

In an earlier interview, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said the procurement of the walkthrough scanners for passengers and vehicle x-rays were ongoing.

However, in an interview aired over DXAB, Task Force Davao chief Col. Bernard Erwin Neri said the procurement will take longer.

 

“It’s because of the bidding process,” Neri said.

According to Neri, the best that the TFD could do is wait for the results of the bidding process.

Public Safety and Security Command Center chief Benito de Leon said the proposed equipment would be similar to the border crossing at the United States-Mexico border.

The request for a more sophisticated border checkpoint came after the Sept. 2 Roxas Night Market blast that killed 15 and injured 69 others.

The local government is now making preparations for the commemoration of the Sept. 2 event

The blast was blamed to the Maute Group, with at least five members already under the custody of authorities.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/x-ray-hi-tech-equip-for-tfd-likely-in-2018/

DCPO: Man who smuggled firearms into city a member of the NPA

From the Mindanao Times (Aug 28): DCPO: Man who smuggled firearms into city a member of the NPA

AUTHORITIES have identified a person of interest in the attempted smuggling of guns into the city based on the CCTV footage that linked him to the crime.

 

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director, Sr. Supt. Alexander Tagum, said the person of interest has been known to be a member of the New People’s Army, which reportedly attempted to smuggle the guns into the city.

Earlier, authorities claimed that the guns were to be used by liquidation forces reminiscent of SPARU Units (Special Partisan Unit) which killed police, soldiers, government officials and anti-communists during the Marcos era.

According to Tagum, the police will be distributing a clear copy of the footage to help determine the identity of the alleged member of the NPA.

“The investigation is still ongoing,” Tagum said. “We received information where the guns are meant to be delivered so the police officers remain prepared to counter the plan.”

Police are waiting for the warrant of arrest to be issued against the person of interest, likely for violation of illegal possession of firearms or Republic Act 10591.

Found in one bag during a routine checkpoint in Barangay Lasang, Bunawan District earlier this month were seven caliber .45 pistols and one 9mm Ingram machine pistol.

 

Tagum said there was only one person who carried the bag with the guns. The firearms were not new as evidenced by the rust.

“These were already used before the inspection,” Tagum said.

Tagum added that the court will determine in 60 days if the evidence warrants an arrest since the case will be docketed under regular filing.
Earlier this month, passengers of a bus from Tacloban were held by police after one of the bags inspected at the Task Force Davao checkpoint yielded guns. Police said the perpetrator may have escaped after realizing that the police dogs detected the guns.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/dcpo-man-who-smuggled-firearms-into-city-a-member-of-the-npa/

3 alleged communist rebels fall

From the Mindanao Times (Aug 28): 3 alleged communist rebels fall

THREE reported members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were apprehended by the combined elements of the 1st Special Forces Battalion and the Bukidnon Provincial Public Safety Company in Barangay Licoan, Sumilao, Bukidnon 11:50 a.m. on Aug. 23.

 

Capt. Norman Tagros, the civil-military-operations (CMO) officer of 403rd Infantry Brigade, told the TIMES that the troops responded to a tip from residents about the presence of armed men in the area.

The operation resulted to the apprehension of Rey S. Lomingka alias Patrick or Tikboy and Roger D. Ayombo alias Delfin, both residents of Licoan; and Romeo B. Salilo alias Piolo or Rose, a resident of Barangay Nangka, Libona, Bukidnon.

 

Also seized from their possession were an M653 rifle with two magazines and 45 live ammunition; one M14 rifle with two magazines and 40 live ammunition; one caliber .22 rifle; two grenades; one .38 caliber revolver and subversive documents.

They were turned over to the PNP of Bukidnon for filing of appropriate charge.

In a separate incident, an NPA member surrendered to the 1st Special Forces Battalion on Aug. 24 around 4 p.m. The rebel brought along his one M653 rifle, two magazines, and 37 bullets.

 

Alias Brendo (not his real name) confessed that he got tired of the false promises of the NPA.

He will be enrolled into the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the government, where he can receive immediate assistance of P15,000 and a livelihood assistance of P50,000. He will also get cash for the gun he surrendered.

Meanwhile, Col. Eric C. Vinoya, commander of 403rd Infantry Brigade, encouraged the other members of the NPA to surrender.

 

“I congratulate our troops, as well as our PNP counterparts, not only for the successful conduct of this operation, but also for the high level of professionalism that they displayed in the performance of their mandate by respecting the provisions of human rights, and by upholding the provisions of the International Humanitarian Law during this incident,” he added.

“With this, I would like to encourage all those who are still entangled with the ill-motivated armed struggle and false promises of the NPA to lay down their arms, surrender, and return to the folds of the law,” he said.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/3-alleged-communist-rebels-fall/

Photo: Battle Update

From MindaNews (Aug 28): Photo: Battle Update



Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, chief of the Armed Forces’ Western Mindanao Command, briefs reporters on suspected positions of the Maute Group at the Lanao del Sur provincial capitol complex in Marawi City on Monday, 28 August 2017, Day 98 of the Marawi Crisis. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2017/08/battle-update/

5 militants trying to reinforce Maute in Marawi slain — AFP

From MindaNews (Aug 28): 5 militants trying to reinforce Maute in Marawi slain — AFP



Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, chief of the Armed Forces’ Western Mindanao Command, briefs reporters on suspected positions of the Maute Group at the Lanao del Sur provincial capitol complex in Marawi City on Monday, 28 August 2017, Day 98 of the Marawi Crisis. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

Government troops killed five suspected militants reportedly trying to reinforce the Islamic State-inspired Maute gunmen fighting in Marawi City on Monday.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez said the slain militants were part of a 10-man group trying to sneak into Marawi on board two motorized boats around 2:30 am dawn.

Galvez said soldiers engaged the militants in a three-hour firefight killing five of them.

He said the troops recovered the bodies of their slain adversaries.

He said the troops were still searching for the remaining five terrorists and recovered an M16 rifle and a motorized boat.

“The terrorists are trying to sneak in some reinforcements to help their beleaguered companions in Marawi,” he added.

Galvez said that by sending reinforcements in small batches, the militants were hoping to evade Army and police units guarding Lake Lanao which has a surface area of 340 square kilometers.

Lake Lanao is the country’s second largest lake.

Galvez said the remaining 50 to 60 Maute gunmen in Marawi have stepped up use of improvised explosive devices and some hostages they have pressed into fighting the government troops.

He said the fighting is now concentrated in some 400 houses and structures in the villages near the lake.

“We have cleared 32 buildings yesterday and we suffered no casualties in the past 10 days. We see this as a weakening of their resistance,” Galvez said.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/08/5-militants-trying-to-reinforce-maute-in-marawi-slain-afp/

Malaysia arrests 8 Filipinos who illegally enter Sabah

From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 28): Malaysia arrests 8 Filipinos who illegally enter Sabah

Malaysia arrested 8 Filipinos who illegally entered Sabah on Monday despite strict security patrol in southern Philippines near the border, reports said.

It said the skipper of the speedboat who brought the Filipinos managed to escape shortly after policemen intercepted the passengers in Kampung Padas. This was also confirmed by Sabah Region 4 marine police commander Assistant Commissioner Mohd Yazib Abd Aziz in a report by the New Straits Times.

Yazib said those who have been arrested, whose ages are between 13-53, are mostly from Basilan, a province in the Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines. They all have no travel documents and were carrying various identification cards when policemen searched them.

The identities of the Filipinos were not immediately known, but all of them were being interrogated in a detention cell. It was unknown how they managed to pass through strict security patrol in southern Philippines, but there had been numerous reports that many Filipinos still crossed the border illegally to find for jobs, mostly in palm plantations and construction sites.

Many of them crossed Sabah from Sitangkai Island and Bongao in Tawi-Tawi, also in the autonomous region.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/malaysia-arrests-8-filipinos-who-illegally-enter-sabah/

5 ISIS fighters killed in Lake Lanao clash

From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 28): 5 ISIS fighters killed in Lake Lanao clash

Five alleged ISIS militants were killed in a clash early Monday with soldiers following an attempt to reinforce other fighters in the besieged city of Marawi in southern Philippines, officials said.

Officials said the militants were in two boats when soldiers intercepted them and a firefight ensued killing the gunmen. Troops recovered the bodies of the slain fighters and one of the boats. The other boat allegedly sank.

Fighting still continues in Marawi as the battle is now on its 4th month with the military chief Eduard Ano saying this could be over soon. The military insisted that security forces had allegedly killed a total of 603 ISIS members since fighting began on May 23 when militants occupied Marawi in an effort to declare it a province of the Islamic State.

Despite the huge number of enemy casualties, the military did not provide evidence to back up its claims, except saying that all these kills were based on intelligence reports. It said 130 soldiers and 45 civilians also perished in the clashes.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/5-isis-fighters-killed-in-lake-lanao-clash/

Armed man killed in firefight

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): Armed man killed in firefight

A suspected member of an armed group involved in extortion activities was killed while another managed to escape in a brief firefight in a remote village in Zamboanga del Norte, the police reported Monday.

Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, identified the slain suspect as Abdusalam Wahab alias Boyong, of Panabotan, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

Galvez said Wahab was killed in a brief encounter with joint police and military forces around 2:30 p.m. Sunday in Barangay Doña Cecilia, Sirawai municipality.

She said the troops were on security patrol when they chanced upon two lawless elements and engaged them in a brief firefight that resulted in Wahab’s death.

She said Wahab has a standing warrant of arrest for attempted murder issued by the court in the municipality of Siocon, an adjoining town of Sirawai.

She said the troops recovered from the possession of Wahab a caliber .45 pistol and a hand grenade.

She said Wahab’s group is allegedly engaged in criminal activities in Barangay Doña Cecilia, Sirawai.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1007734

Woman says Maute child warrior could be her missing son

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): Woman says Maute child warrior could be her missing son

A woman said she may have found her long-lost son, who disappeared seven years ago, after seeing a social media photo of alleged child warriors of the Maute terrorist group.

Rowhanisa Abdul Jabar, resident of Tondo, Manila, said she was stunned upon seeing the Facebook photo in question, which showed three teenage boys brandishing high-powered firearms.

One of the boys, she said, had eerie similarities with her son Azramie, who was abducted when he was only three on July 4, 2010 at their rented apartment in Manila.

A househelp named Ula Urada was arrested in connection with the boy's disappearance, though her other accomplices remain at-large.

Authorities said the Maute terrorist group has been known to use child warriors in their months-long siege of Marawi City.

Last month, a captured 17-year-old Maute member said that as part of their training, child warriors are asked to perform beheading before they can "graduate."

Faisal (not his real name) said he has been training with the group since he was 10 years old.

Jabar appealed to the military to bring the child, whom she believed to be her son, alive.

“It's difficult to attain closure with this kind of situation, that's why I had mixed emotions when I saw that picture," she said in a phone interview.

She added that she was torn between feeling happy with the prospect of reuniting with her son, and at the same time sad if she finds out that her child is a terrorist.

Army Col. Romeo Brawner, deputy commander of Task Group Ranao, said Maute's use of child warriors has brought challenges to government troops in their drive to flush out the group's remaining members from Marawi.

“Our soldiers have a soft spot for young fighters, but they are forced to shoot them when they get violent with their arms," Col. Brawner said.

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm) Assemblyman Zia Alonto Adiong, spokesman of the Provincial Crisis Management Committee, blasted the Maute group for using children in warfare, describing the practice as "un-Islamic."

“This is illegal, immoral and anti-Islamic. Pero so far, wala pang mga magulang (na nag-identify na anak nila ang mga nasa pictures) na lumalapit sa atin upang magpatulong,” Adiong said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1007750

Military hosts 5-day educ tour for 35 Marawi kids

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): Military hosts 5-day educ tour for 35 Marawi kids

The Joint Task Force Marawi is hosting a five-day educational tour for 35 children in Manila, a top military official announced Monday.

Brig. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, Joint Task Force Marawi commander, said the tour is from August 28, to Sept. 1, which kicked off with a simple send off ceremony at the Lanao del Sur provincial capitol.

Dubbed as “Tabak Educational Tour: Peaceful Environment for Marawi Children,” the Manila tour is expected to provide the children-participants, who live in conflict-affected areas, with educational experience, social and cultural values for peace-building, and exposure to peaceful environments.

Bautista said the participants, ranging from 7-13 years old, were identified as among those vulnerable and susceptible to violent extremism.

“This is one of the initiatives of the armed forces to ensure that those children displaced by the crisis in Marawi City are given adequate support and psycho-social treatment by the government. It is imperative that at the initial stage, those deemed vulnerable are being guided and educated to know their roles in the mainstream society,” said Bautista, who is also the Army’s 1st Infantry Division.

He noted that the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute group recruited and use child warriors in the main battle area and “are still recruiting minors until now.”

The Joint Task Force Marawi has tapped the assistance of the Lanao del Sur provincial government, Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Desk, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Teach Peace Build Peace Movement, and the Kilos Kabataan Livelihood Foundation, Inc. to realize the educational tour project.

The task force also coordinated with concerned government agencies, offices, and partners in Manila.

“Rather than hold guns and become combatants, we want these children to foster a sense of responsibility and, in the future, become leaders of a peaceful Marawi,” Bautista said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1007770

Duterte pays tribute to country's national heroes

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27): Duterte pays tribute to country's national heroes

President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday, August 27, paid homage to the country's national heroes recognizing their contributions to nation building and independence.

In his National Heroes Day message, President Duterte urged the Filipinos to honor the nation's heroes by emulating them.

"Today, we pay homage to the men and women who helped lay the foundations of this nation. Their courage, leadership and wisdom paved the way for us to enjoy the blessings of freedom, independence and democracy," the President said.

"They have dedicated their lives to ensure that future generations will have a life that is full and comfortable," he added.

"Let us honor them by upholding the rule of law, protecting our nation and fostering goodwill among ourselves. We will harness the same virtues as we continue to fight against lawlessness, criminality and poverty that hinders us from achieving our full potential," he further said.

The President said the country will be forever grateful to noble deeds and sacrifices of the national heroes.

"As we commemorate the life and works of our national heroes, we must continue to embrace their ways in our daily undertakings. Let us emulate their examples as we continue to realize our ideals and aspirations for ourselves and for our country," he said.

The country will commemorate the National Heroes Day on Monday, August 28.

Also on Sunday, Malacañan congratulated all the Filipino athletes who won and brought honor to the country in the Southeast Asia Games (SEA Games) in Kuala Lumpur.

"The whole country cheered when Team Pilipinas Gilas Men’s Basketball Team unleashed their top form and once again asserted our basketball supremacy in Southeast Asia by clinching the gold last night," according to the statement of Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella read over Radyo Pilipinas.

"Kiyomi Watanabe and the Philippine taekwondo poomsae team composed of Rodolfo Reyes Jr., Dustin Jacob Mella and Raphael Mella likewise got gold in the 63kg division in women’s judo and taekwondo male poomsae, respectively," he added.

Abella encouraged Filipinos to continue supporting the athletes competing in the SEA Games in Malaysia.

The Philippines now has 18 gold, 25 silver and 47 bronze medals, as of August 26, 11 p.m.

On the burial of Kian delos Santos, Abella said the public must allow "the law to take its due course."

He noted that authorities are already investigating the killing of delos Santos.

"A criminal complaint against the Caloocan policemen involved in the incident has already been filed. Investigation is now in process. Let us allow the law to take its due course," Abella said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1007687

AFP regrets Maute patriarch death

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): AFP regrets Maute patriarch death

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) would rather have Cayamora Maute face the courts and be tried for his alleged involvements in the Marawi City crisis so that justice can be given to all victims of the terrorist attack.

"This is an unfortunate incident for his family; but more so to the victims of terrorism in Marawi and their relatives who are awaiting justice and expecting that Mr. Cayamora would answer/atone for his involvement in the Marawi rebellion," AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año said in a message forwarded by the military's public affairs office.

The Maute patriarch died at the Taguig-Pateros Hospital due to various health complications around 3:07 p.m. Sunday.

Cayamora Maute is the father of Omar and Abdullah Maute, leaders of the Maute Group responsible for attacking and killing civilians and government troops in the ongoing Marawi City crisis that started last May 23.

Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) spokesperson, Senior Insp. Xavier Solda, said the Maute patriarch was rushed to the Taguig-Pateros Hospital around 4:30 a.m. after complaining of weakness and difficulty in breathing.

The older Maute was immediately given antibiotics and constantly monitored, he added.

"He complained again of difficulty in breathing at around 12:30 p.m. Jail nurse conducted nebulization twice. He was supported with oxygen," Solda added.

Shortly after his detention at the BJMP facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, last June 8, Cayamora was diagnosed to be suffering from hypertension, diabetes, pneumonia and viral hepatitis.

Last Aug. 9, the 64-year-old Maute complained of "body weakening and 'manas' (edema) and was placed in full medication and monitoring for a week until his medical condition improved," the BJMP spokesperson added.

On Aug. 13, another medical examination revealed that Cayamora was suffering from hypertension type 2, diabetes type 2, uncontrolled gastroenteritis and ascites.

Shortly after the senior Maute's death, his remains were immediately brought to the BJMP facility in Taguig for viewing of his family.

Solda said a "family representative" claimed Cayamora's body around 7:15 p.m. and brought to Bulacan for Muslim burial.

Cayamora was arrested in Davao City and brought to Metro Manila about two months ago following the May 23 Marawi City siege.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1007696

Philanthropist donates P68-M to fallen Army soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): Philanthropist donates P68-M to fallen Army soldiers

In line with the country's observance of National Heroes Day, the Philippine Army (PA) on Sunday handed over PHP68 million in checks to the families and loved ones of 68 troopers who died in the ongoing efforts to liberate Marawi City from the clutches of Maute Group.

The turnover ceremony took place at Ricarte Hall, PA Officers Club, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto said.

Families and loved ones of the fallen troops were given PHP1 million check each.

The money was initially donated by an anonymous donor to the Armed Forces of the Philippines who then forwarded it to the PA, Ileto added.

The number of beneficiaries of this unnamed philanthropist has now climbed to 76.

Family members of the remaining Army fatalities will be given the same assistance once their documents and other requirements are processed.

“The Philippine Army is grateful for the support extended to the families of our fallen soldiers. This will surely serve as an inspiration to our troops still fighting in Marawi City,” Ileto added.

As of this posting, a total of 130 troops, from the various armed services, have been reported killed in the ongoing Marawi crisis.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1007710

AFP preparing for 'one big battle' in Marawi

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): AFP preparing for 'one big battle' in Marawi

After regaining the Marawi City police station and the Grand Mosque last week, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año said the military is now preparing for the "one big battle" that will liberate the locality from the clutches of the remaining Maute Group terrorists.

This is possible as the area, where the terrorists are holed in, have grown much smaller, the AFP chief said Monday.

He added that he is expecting the Maute Group remnants to resist as the latter are forced to consolidate into much smaller positions which they will use in fighting to the end.

"Formerly, they (Maute Group terrorists) were spread out (but with the capture of the Marawi City police station and Grand Mosque) they are now consolidating their remaining fighters and positions," Año said in Filipino.

He also declined to give the date or timeframe for this so-called "one big battle" preferring that the ground and tactical commanders decide and plan on the operation.

As of this writing, military units in Marawi have so far neutralized 603 terrorists and recovered 665 weapons.

Government losses were placed at 130 troops along with 45 civilians executed or killed by the terrorists.

Rescued civilians totaled 1,728 while 1,270 improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnances have been recovered so far.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1007730