Photo: Destruction in Marawi

From MindaNews (Aug 30): Photo: Destruction in Marawi



Damaged buildings loom in the background as Philippine Marines backed by a V300 armored vehicle cross Mapandi Bridge in Marawi City on Wednesday (Aug. 30, 2017), 100 days since the Islamic State-inspired Maute group started a siege that has made the city a ghost town. Government troops recaptured the bridge from the militants late last month. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2017/08/destruction-in-marawi/

Army prohibits civilians from using Maguindanao river

From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 29): Army prohibits civilians from using Maguindanao river

The Philippine Army has prohibited residents in 3 municipalities in the southern Maguindanao province to cross or use the river to go to nearby towns.

It said the restriction was imposed because of on-going military operations against terrorists in the province. It took effect of August 28.

“In connection with the on-going and sustained military operations in Datu Salibu, Shariff Saidona Mustapha and Datu Piang municipalities please advise everyone that water transportation in the vicinity and adjoining municipalities will be restricted.”

“All civilians are therefore advised to refrain if not avoid the use of water/river as mode of transportation. This action is being implemented for the safety of civilians. We will continue our efforts in fighting the insurgents in order to disrupt the group that threatens the security operations,” Capt. Arvin Encinas, the army spokesman, said without further elaborating.

Residents frequently use the river to cross to nearby villages and towns and to transport commodities and farm produce. The governor of Maguindanao, Esmael Mangudadatu, did not release any statement on the army restriction for the transportation use of the river.

It was unknown if Mangudadatu or municipal mayors and officials were consulted on this matter.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/army-prohibits-civilians-from-using-maguindanao-river/

Military allows journos to go near Marawi battle area

From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 30): Military allows journos to go near Marawi battle area

The Philippine military on Wednesday allowed journalists covering the war in Marawi to cross a bridge previously under the control of local ISIS militants and see the devastation that ruined the historic Islamic city.

Tanks and armoured carriers rolled onto the Mapandi Bridge as journalists from various news outlets followed as security officials assured their safety following days of clearing operations to ensure that no bombs or improvised devices had been left behind by militants.

Although the area had been free from ISIS fighters, gunshots can still be heard from afar where government soldiers are still battling dozens of militants who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.

The face of a destroyed city – blasted buildings covered in bullet holes – and debris scattered all around was a sight that resembled the war-ravaged city of Mosul in Iraq where ISIS battled government forces.

The fighting in Marawi has entered its 4th month and military chief Eduardo Año said this would be over soon, but the agony of tens of thousands of Muslim residents displaced by the deadly violence will stay longer in their hearts as they suffer in cramped and filthy evacuation camps not far away from here.

Bringing journalists at the doorstep of the battle area also served as big boost to military’s effort in showing the public the difficult task of retaking part of the besieged city from ISIS. More than 100 soldiers had so far died in the battle with the military claiming to have killed over 600 militants since May 23 when ISIS occupied Marawi in an effort to put up an Islamic State province in the provincial capital. Dozens of civilians were also slain in the clashes.

On Tuesday, the military deployed 102 female soldiers and policewomen to help local efforts in addressing the needs of families displaced by the crisis. The contingent is composed of 40 policewomen and 62 army members – mostly Muslims – who will be assigned to different evacuation centers in Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte and in Iligan City.

They all underwent special training on gender and development and studied modules on cultural sensitivity prior to their deployment and will also assist in the many aspects of recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of Marawi. They were trained in Psycho Social Intervention and Peace Education to assist in the implementation of programs to help the evacuees.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/military-allows-journos-to-go-near-marawi-battle-area/

MILF fighters arrest 3 BIFF men

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): MILF fighters arrest 3 BIFF men

Three more members of ISIS-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were arrested by Moro rebel group in Maguindanao as manhunt against local jihadists has continued.

The three were arrested while trying to slip past members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in a river at sitio Butalo, Barangay Sambulawan, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao on Tuesday afternoon, according to Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac, police regional director for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm).

They were on board a wooden-hulled banca posing as fishermen when the MILF Task Force Ittihad (Unity) members noticed firearms covered with black cloth beside them.

When checked, the MILF, which signed a peace agreement with the government and obliged to get rid of terrorists in Mindanao, found several firearms.

Sr. Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police director, identified the arrested BIFF members as Mahmod Alimudin, 43, Oting Kaligan, 27 and Akmad Jacaria, 18, all residents of Barangay Sambulawan.

They are reportedly followers of Commander Abu Toraype, a BIFF sub-leader, who pledge allegiance to ISIS.

More than 50 peple have been killed in the on-going Army-backed MILF pursuit operations against the BIFF.

Fighting between former comrades erupted in mid-August when the local terrorists encroached MILF identified communities in Datu Salibo.

Al Haj Murad, MILF chair, said the MILF, in keeping with the 1997 ceasefire agreement with the government, will continue to prevent BIFF from influencing MILF members and sympathizers.

The three will be turned over to the Maguindanao police for filing of appropriate charges.

It can be recalled that 10 MILF fighters were hurt when the BIFF set off an improvised bomb and are being treated in a military hospital inside Camp Siongco, Maguindanao.

Earlier, Lt. Colonel Gerry Besana, chief of the Army's 6th Infantry Division's Civil Military Operations, said the Army banned civilians to use water transportation in the marshland to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.

Ustadz Esmael Abdulmalik, leader of a faction of the BIFF, was injured during the firefight, according to spokesmen of two other factions.

More police and military detachments have been established in Maguindanao to prevent the BIFF from carrying out diversionary and sympathy attacks after Abu Toraype was killed in a clash with the MILF last week.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1007981

Women uniformed personnel arrive in Marawi

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): Women uniformed personnel arrive in Marawi

One-hundred-two female soldiers and policewomen have been deployed to Marawi City to specifically assist female evacuees, elderly and youngsters with special needs, who need utmost attention.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, on Wednesday said they are assigned to different evacuation centers in the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte and Iligan City.

“These female personnel underwent special training on gender and development, and studied modules on cultural sensitivity prior to their deployment,” Galvez said.

“Something has to be done with the situation of the female refugees and the children, that is why we opted to best address the problem by designating female soldiers and cops,” Galvez added.

He said they will also clean houses and streets when rehabilitation is already in full swing.

The female personnel, consisting of 62 Philippine Army and 40 policewomen, arrived Tuesday, August 29, aboard a C-130 Hercules plane in Laguindingan, Cagayan de Oro City.

Galvez, Chief Supt. Raul Boac, deputy regional director for administration of the Police Regional Office-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao; Marawi City administrator Camid Gandarma and Sultan Macmod Dalidig, chair of the 16 sultanates in Lanao, welcomed them.

Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, Westmincom information officer, said they were placed on orientation program and “will be deployed tomorrow (August 31).”

Some of them, who are nurses and medics, will be assigned to the medical stations inside the evacuation centers.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1008013

Army blocks rebels' drive to recover Leyte villages

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): Army blocks rebels' drive to recover Leyte villages

The Philippine Army has assured Leyte villagers that they will not allow communist rebels to recover former strongholds.

Brig. Gen. Francisco Mendoza, Army’s 802nd brigade commander, said on Wednesday that recent clashes in the mountains of Burauen, Leyte do not mean that rebels are gaining strength in the province.

“The three encounters in Burauen town in the past few weeks happened in the mountains and far from communities. This is an indication that rebels are no longer welcome in villages,” Francisco said.

The official said the clashes happened because villagers reported to the military the sightings of armed rebels in the mountains.

A soldier was wounded during clashes from August 15 to August 20. These encounters led the discovery of camps of New People’s Army (NPA), and driving rebels upland, farther from settlements. Mendoza revealed there are about 50 rebels in Leyte province, 40 of them armed.

The NPA has stepped up their insurgency drive within the mountain range of central Leyte, he said citing intelligence report.

“We will not give them the opportunity to recover the areas already recovered by our government forces from rebel influences,” assured Mendoza despite the recent deployment of the 19th Infantry Battalion to Mindanao.

Burauen Mayor Juanito Renomeron confirmed on Wednesday, the efforts of rebels to penetrate far-flung villages of Roxas, Candag-on, Cagbana, and Mahagnao.

He said these rebels are not from his town, but from Samar, Luzon, and Mindanao provinces.

“I told residents to return to their communities and teachers to resume classes because the military is on top of the situation. We also identified safe evacuation centers within their village if in case there would be encounters between soldiers and rebels,” Renomeron said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1008035

Rebels open line for release of captured cop

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): Rebels open line for release of captured cop

A town mayor in North Cotabato Wednesday said the communist rebels, who seized a police officer, already sent feelers to negotiate for his possible release.

“Hopes are high for the release of PO1 Bristol Catalan,” said Mayor Rody Caoagdan of Makilala, North Cotabato.

In a radio interview, Caoagdan said an emissary of NPA Front 53, which operates in the borders of North Cotabato and Davao del Sur, sent him information that the rebels who captured Catalan wanted to open communication with him.

Caoagdan refused to give more details except raising hopes for Catalan’s upcoming freedom from captivity.

“I continue hoping PO1 Catalan will be with his family soon,” he said in the vernacular.

Catalan, a member of intelligence unit of Makilala Municipal Police Office, was driving his two sons to school in Barangay Katipunan, Makilala when three gunmen seized him.

His children were unharmed but were traumatized, the police officer’s wife Jessa said.

Jessa said she has not received word from her husband or from his captors since he was snatched on August 16.

Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of the Diocese of Kidapawan also appealed to the communist rebels to free PO1 Catalan as soon as possible without condition.

“I appeal to the CPP/NPA/NDF to free PO1 Catalan soonest so that he will be reunited with his family and children,” Bagaforo said in a radio interview.

Jessa also appealed for his husband's release since “he is our only bread winner” and his captivity has affected her children who have stopped schooling.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1008028

'MILF commander' arrested

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): 'MILF commander' arrested

Elements of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CIDG-Armm) and PNP Public Safety Battalion arrested Wednesday a man for possession of high-powered firearms.

Supt. James Allan Logan, CIDG-Armm director, said government forces were armed with a search warrant when it raided the house of Hadji Amid Maraging in Barangay Tamontaka Mother, Cotabato City at around 6 a.m.

Maraging, who claimed to be a battalion commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), did not resist arrest.

Seized from Maraging were two M-16 Armalite rifle, an M-16 rifle, two hand grenades, rifle grenades and assorted ammunition.

Maraging is facing charges of violation of Republic Act 10591 or illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

The MILF and its military wing – Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, could not be reached for comment.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1008027

Photo: Marawi-Bound

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): Photo: Marawi-Bound



MARAWI-BOUND. An all-female team composed of 100 members from the military and police are ready to board the C-130 bound for Marawi City at Villamor Air Base, Pasay City on August 29, 2017. The 60 enlisted personnel from the Philippine Army and 40 non-commissioned police officers will assist in the rehabilitation and recovery programs for Internally Displaced Persons in the battle-stricken city. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/photos

Photo: New Generals

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): Photo: New Generals



NEW GENERALS. Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III (center) poses with newly promoted generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, (from left) Lieutenant General Rafael Valencia, Major General Casiano Monilla, Major General Arnel Duco, and Brigadier General Fidel Igmedio Cruz, at the Senate plenary hall in Pasay City on August 30, 2017. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

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

Taguiwalo denies diverting 4Ps funds to NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): Taguiwalo denies diverting 4Ps funds to NPA

Former secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Judy Taguiwalo, on Tuesday refuted insinuations that she diverted funds from one of the department’s programs to the New People's Army (NPA).

She also appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte not to legitimize the baseless accusations leveled against her by members of the Commission on Appointments (CA) that rejected her.

Duterte on Monday said reports had reached him that funds from the conditional cash transfer program or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) were diverted to the NPA.

Taguiwalo said it is impossible to channel 4Ps funds to the NPA.

"For the record and for the president's own awareness, not a single peso of the 4Ps program passed through my hands," she said in a statement, pointing out that the 4Ps funds are directly coursed through the Landbank and its conduits, which then make direct pay-outs to Pantawid beneficiaries.

"All financial transactions involving the 4Ps program are recorded and COA (Commission on Audit) regularly audits the program," she said.

The former social welfare chief lamented that insinuations are being made to justify her rejection by Duterte's allies in Congress.

She said that had the president’s allies questioned her regarding the issue during the CA hearings, or even during the congressional deliberations on the 2018 budget, she would have given them “answers that are easily verifiable”.

“When I first arrived in the DSWD, among my first declarations and actions was to say that the 4Ps program would not be expanding. The 4.4 million beneficiary-households of 4Ps did not increase. Members are from the DSWD Listahanan based on a nationwide assessment of the poor. The list was already in place when I became secretary," Taguiwalo added.

She said that as far as she knows, those who were added to the 4Ps were families of soldiers killed or wounded in action who have children aged 0 to 18 years.

This, she noted, was in compliance with the president's order.

Taguiwalo also said that as former DSWD chief, she lived up to the President's instruction to ensure that the department provides prompt service to the poor, regardless of political affiliation and without corruption.

"I have tried my best to ensure that the department fulfills its mandate of protecting and promoting the rights of the poor and to shield it from becoming an instrument of corruption and patronage,” she said.

"I have done my best as a member of the president's Cabinet and his government, and served the people with humility and full transparency. The least I asked of him is to not legitimize baseless accusations against me."

The DSWD’s 4Ps provides cash grants to poor families who have children 0 to 18 years old as a form of investment on the children’s health and education.

The program provides every child PHP300 to PHP500 a month and the parents, PHP500 and rice subsidy in the form of cash. In return, the parents are required to attend the monthly family development sessions, bring their children to health centers for check-up and immunization, and send them to school.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1007832

Pressing need for snipers noted in Marawi conflict

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): Pressing need for snipers noted in Marawi conflict

There is a pressing need for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to train and deploy more snipers.

This is one of the apparent lessons learned in the ongoing clearing operations in Marawi City which is now on its 100th day, Joint Task Force Ranao deputy commander, Col. Romeo Brawner said Wednesday.

Brawner said most of the fighting in the city was conducted by snipers from the Maute group and military side.

"Because of the urban setting of the conflict, (there are lot of structures where snipers can take cover) and fighting is mostly done by snipers from both sides," Brawner said in Filipino.

Snipers are specialized troops trained to operate in front or back of an enemy force and are tasked to shoot down strategic targets like leadership, communications and counter-sniping units.

There is a pressing need to train more snipers as the military does not have that many of these specialized shooters in its rosters, he said.

Earlier, the AFP announced that there is an immediate need for military units to undergo training in urban warfare in wake of the ongoing Marawi City crisis.

It also admitted that Filipino troops are more attuned to fighting in the jungle due to its long history of operating against insurgents and lawless elements.

Meanwhile, AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the entire military is calling for continued support for all Filipino soldiers fighting in Marawi City.

"Today, the 30th of August 2017 marks the 100th day of the Battle for Marawi. The AFP calls upon all our citizens from all walks and whatever faith to continue to manifest their support for our troops and unceasingly pray for an early resolution of this conflict," he added.

Fighting in the city started after government troops tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and his cohorts last May 23.

"Our troops are doing their best and working overtime to end hostilities with the hope of rescuing the remaining hostages and expediting the road to normalcy of the City of Marawi. We owe it to each and every peace loving Filipino to liberate Marawi at the soonest possible time from the clutches of the remaining terrorists who continue to defy our laws," Padilla said.

While the conflict is very unfortunate, the AFP spokesperson is confident that it will make the country and its people much stronger.

"Unfortunate as this event is, we are confident that we will, as a country and as a people, rise up stronger! Together we will be better, we will be stronger and soar again," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1008023

AFP promotion cycle to continue despite Marawi conflict

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): AFP promotion cycle to continue despite Marawi conflict

Despite the military's preoccupation in neutralizing the remaining Maute group members and other lawless elements, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) promotion cycle will continue as planned, AFP Chief of Staff, Gen. Eduardo Año said late Tuesday.

The promotion cycle also shows that the AFP remains a professional and dynamic institution with qualified officers getting important and plum posts.

The AFP chief said the promotion cycle is being monitored and deliberated by the Board of Senior Officers of Major Services and the Board of Generals.

Año is scheduled to retire on October 26.

Also scheduled to leave the service after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 are Northern Luzon Command head Lt. Gen. Romeo Tanalgo, who is set to retire this coming Sept. 5; Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda on Oct. 8; Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina, on Nov. 1; Central Command chief Lt. Gen. Oscar Lactao, on Dec. 11; and Eastern Mindanao Command’s Lt. Gen Rey Leonardo Guerrero, on Dec. 17.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1007979

PA gets replica of 'Mother of All Philippine Maps'

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): PA gets replica of 'Mother of All Philippine Maps'

The Philippine Army (PA) formally received an official replica of the so-called "Mother of All Philippine Maps" or the first-ever scientific map of the country Tuesday.

The replica was handed by Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) chair Mel V. Velarde to PA commanding general, Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda, during simple ceremonies at the Army Museum in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

“The importance of this map cannot be denied. This will form part of our heritage right. We are going to take care of it and sooner or later the future generation would know who we really are,” the PA chief said.

“It is not only a donation, it is a reawakening item telling us who we really are.”

The "Mother of All Philippine Maps" otherwise known as the 1734 Murillo Velarde Map was procured by Velarde through an auction by Sotheby’s in the United Kingdom in 2014.

The Scarborough Shoal and Spratly Islands are visible in the map. It serves as a reminder of the country’s sovereignty and territorial rights which the PA has pledged to protect.

“This contribution is nothing compared to the contribution you are doing. One day your contribution will be more than enough and what you individually can do, collectively you will be triumphant and we are sure of that,” the AIJC chief stressed.

Velarde donated the original copy of the map to the national government through the Office of the Solicitor General.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1007976

4 fishermen nabbed after letting Maute group members use their boats

From GMA News (Aug 29): 4 fishermen nabbed after letting Maute group members use their boats

After receiving reports of attempts of the ISIS-inspired Maute group to enter and leave Marawi City through Lake Lanao, government troops and the local government unit continue to impose strict security measures in the area, according to a "24 Oras" report by GMA News' Sandra Aguinaldo.

 

The troops conducted an operation in Marantao town, Lanao del Sur early Monday morning as they tried to find boat operators who rent out their banca to the terrorists.

Two small boats were held by government troops in Lanao Lake as they attempted to enter Marawi City. There were ten men onboard who were all killed when they engaged in gunfire with the troops.

 

On Tuesday, at least four men were arrested in Marantao town, Lanao del Sur after they supposedly allowed Maute group members to use their boats to enter the city.

According to the report, residents related that the terrorists were willing to pay as much as P50,000 for the use of the boats, which the poor fishermen accept.

"'Yung Lanao lake, we tried to seal it so that they cannot go out anymore. Nag-reposition sila so we are trying to seal off 'yung possible exit and entry points," said Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, chief of the Western Mindanao Command.

The suspects were arrested for allowing terrorists the use of their boats. the same suspects were also caught using illegal drugs.

 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines or AFP reported that several sachets of suspected shabu and firearms were recovered from the suspects.

President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under martial law after the terrorists attacked Marawi City on May 23.

As of August 28, a total of 133 soldiers and police have been killed in the firefight while 614 were killed on the enemy side.

A total of 45 civilians have also perished while 1,728 have been rescued.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/623773/4-fishermen-nabbed-after-letting-maute-group-members-use-their-boats/story/