BBL certified urgent in legislative agenda

From the Business World (Sep 22): BBL certified urgent in legislative agenda



President Rodrigo R. Duterte calls for a meeting with the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) in Malacañan Palace on September 20, 2017. Among the subjects discussed include the anti-corruption drive of the government, amendments to the Government Procurement Reform Act as well as the Bangsamoro Basic Law. -- ROBINSON NIÑAL JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday, Sept. 20, certified as urgent the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in the legislative priorities identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) which met that night.

The proposed BBL was not part of the 28 measures in the Common Legislative Agenda approved by the LEDAC Full Council on Aug. 29. But Mr. Duterte, chair of the council, had assured the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that the BBL will be given “highest priority” among those measures.

The BBL is the outcome of peace negotiations between the MILF and the government, particularly under the previous administration of Benigno S.C. Aquino III. The draft law aims to establish for Muslims in Mindanao a new autonomous region, with the aim of developing its economic potential.

Mr. Duterte received a new draft of the BBL on July 17, amid a LEDAC meeting that time. Two months later, Mr. Duterte, together with other officials including the top leaders of Congress, Senate President Aquilino Martin L. Pimentel III and House Speaker Pantaleon D. Alvarez, met with chairman Mohagher Igbal of the MILF peace panel to discuss the BBL.

House Majority Leader Rodolfo C. Fariñas, for his part, said in a text message to House reporters on Thursday, “We will file next week the bill for the BBL submitted by the BTC (Bangsamoro Transition Commission). The President informed us that he will leave to the wisdom of the Congress the final version of the BBL.”

At Wednesday night’s meeting, LEDAC also tackled the tax reform program being pushed by Mr. Duterte’s administration of which a Senate version was readied on Tuesday for that chamber’s approval.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), for its part, in a statement on Wednesday called for “the crafting of a road map, aligned with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017–2022, for the Philippines’ possible transition to a federal type of government.”

The statement, citing a speech on Tuesday by NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon quoted her as saying that federalism is a “long-term endeavor requiring a sustained commitment.”

The BBL is assumed to be a component of the federal system if approved in a plebiscite.

http://bworldonline.com/bbl-certified-urgent-legislative-agenda/

Navy, Air Force launch maritime exercises

From Malaya Business Insight (Sep 22): Navy, Air Force launch maritime exercises

THE Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force have started a pilot maritime exercise to improve interoperability in internal security and territorial defense operations in Western Mindanao.

Rear Adm. Rene Medina, commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao, yesterday said the drill called “Exercise Ayudahan 2017” formally opened last Monday in Zamboanga City.

Medina said   the exercise is also meant to “enhance the overall coordination and responsiveness in the conduct of joint maritime operations in support to Internal Security Operations and Territorial Defense Operations.”

The military is facing several threat groups in Western Mindanao, including the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Maute Group which attacked Marawi City on May 23. The conflict is ongoing.

Military units in Western Mindanao are complementing the overall territorial defense operations of the Armed Forces in the disputed areas in the South China Sea which is on the other side of the Sulu Sea.

The drill, which will run until October 16, involves the Naval Forces Western Mindanao’s Naval Task Force 61, Naval Special Operations Unit 6, Naval Air Unit-Western Mindanao, Naval Intelligence and Security Group-Western Mindanao, Maritime Situational Awareness Center-Western Mindanao and the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon.

Participating units from the PAF’s Tactical Operations Command are the 15th Strike Wing, 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, 304th Air Intelligence and Security Squadron (AISS), 722nd Special Operations Squadron, 505th Search and Rescue Group, Edwin Andrews Air Base Hospital and Philippine Air Force Engineering Construction Group.

Medina said the Naval Forces Western Mindanao is “hopeful that each participating unit will take Ayudahan 2017 as an opportunity to learn and develop their capabilities during the conduct of joint maritime patrols, surveillance and search patrols, and rescue operations in the Western Mindanao region.”

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/navy-air-force-launch-maritime-exercises

China concerned Chinese may be fighting in Marawi

From Update Philippines (Sep 22): China concerned Chinese may be fighting in Marawi

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries and dialogue partners are worried that foreign terrorists fighting in Marawi City might go back and spread terror to their respective countries.

This was noted by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Officer-in-Charge Catalino Cuy during the press conference at the closing of 11th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) and its Related Meetings and Second Special ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Rise of Radicalization and Violent Extremism held in Pasay City.

Cuy, who is the current leader of AMMTC, said member countries expressed during the meetings that “they were concerned that the fighters who might be fighting in Marawi might go back to their respective countries and spread the terror when they get back home.”

“Because there are some identified Malaysian and Indonesian fighters in Marawi. So that’s one of the concerns of our neighbors,” he added.

“Even China, expressed concern that there might be Chinese nationals already in Marawi and they are worried that afterwards when the situation is resolved in Marawi they might find another place and they go back to their respective countries,” Cuy added.

https://www.update.ph/2017/09/china-concerned-chinese-may-be-fighting-in-marawi/21046

LOOK: PCG receives new twin-engine speedboat

From Update Philippines (Sep 22): LOOK: PCG receives new twin-engine speedboat


Photo

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) received a twin-engine 200Hp Yamaha Speedboat for use of PCG in southwestern Mindanao on Wednesday, September 20.

PCG District Southwestern Mindanao acting commander Captain Ronnie Gil L. Gavan received the said speedboat from the provincial government of Tawi-Tawi led by Governor Rashidin Matba.

“The said speedboat will be used for maritime security patrol as one of the main functions of the PCG,” PCG said.

 

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PCG photo

https://www.update.ph/2017/09/look-pcg-receives-new-twin-engine-speedboat/21062

LOOK: Scout Rangers use improvised giant slingshot in Marawi, Angry Birds style

From Update Philippines (Sep 21): LOOK: Scout Rangers use improvised giant slingshot in Marawi, Angry Birds style


Scout Ranger Books photo. Facebook.com/scoutrangerbooks

Philippine Army Special Operations Command’s Scout Rangers showed the ‘Angry Ranger’ giant slingshot in the official social networking page of Scout Ranger Books. The Angry Ranger is being used in Marawi City.

“Meron po kaming giant slingshot na tinatawag namin na Angry Ranger. Ang bala niya ay granada,” said in the Scout Ranger Books page. “Kada may papasukin na building ang isang Scout Ranger unit, pinapaulanan muna ni Angry Ranger ng mga granada para ma detonate ang mga IED dun.”

It added that due to Angry Ranger’s effectiveness many lives were already saved. “Dahil epektibo si Angry Ranger, marami na rin na save na buhay ito,” it said.

Officially the First Scout Ranger Regiment, is Philippine Army Special Operations Command unit trained for anti-guerrilla jungle warfare, raids, ambushes, and sabotage.

The First Scout Ranger Regiment has four fighting battalions with 21 companies.

https://www.update.ph/2017/09/look-scout-rangers-use-improvised-giant-slingshot-in-marawi-angry-birds-style/20991

9 NPAs killed by Army troopers

From Update Philippines (Sep 21): 9 NPAs killed by Army troopers

Nine members of NPA were killed, while one was wounded in government side after 84th Infantry Battalion, of 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army encountered approximately 15 NPAs at Sitio Barat, Barangay Burgos, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija at around 7:25 am, September 20.
“Acting on reports from local residents fed up with the NPAs extortion activities, 703rd Brigade Commander Colonel Abraham Claro C Casis directed the conduct of a focused military operation to the 84IB,” 7ID said.

“The Charlie Company of 84IB was sent to inspect said area, and on nearing the vicinity, they were suddenly fired upon. The troops immediately assumed defense position and firefight ensued,” it added.

7ID said after the firefight subsided, troops clearing the area were able to recover 10 high-powered firearms and nine (9) backpacks with subversive documents.

https://www.update.ph/2017/09/9-npas-killed-by-army-troopers/21019

LOOK: 7 Abu Sayyaf terrorists surrender

From Update Philippines (Sep 22): LOOK: 7 Abu Sayyaf terrorists surrender



Seven members of Abu Sayyaf terrorist group have surrendered to government through 2nd Special Forces Battalion at its Headquarters in Barangay Bayog, Talipao, Sulu on September 16 and 18. 2nd Special Forces Battalion is currently being led by acting commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Jessie R. Montoya.

The seven surrendered with their firearms consisting of two M16 rifles, four M1 Garand rifles, and one Caliber .45 pistol.

The Civil Relations Service (CRS) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said surrendering of firearms shows their sincere commitment to return to the folds of law, rejoin the society, and live peacefully with their families.

“This is through the efforts of 3rd Sulu Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary (CAA) and Special Forces Intelligence Team (SFIT) led by Captain Heinrich B. Ambrocio who negotiated for the surrender of these ASG members belonging to the slain ASG Sub-Leader Alhabsy Misaya,” CRS said.

CRS said among the surrenderees are Aldin Hadil Akmad, 25 years old; Willing Ibba Jaabal, 45 years old; Ijal Samsain Sadjal, 25 years old; and Emar Ladjar Y Udjah, 17 years old who surrendered last September 16.

It added that last September 18, three more ASG members namely: Musoy Elani, 25 years old; Tayong Bahala AKA Freeman, 50 years old; and Muknan Basir, 30 years old surrendered.

https://www.update.ph/2017/09/look-7-abu-sayyaf-terrorists-surrender/21056

Budget for Korean corvette’s transfer to PH navy approved

From Update Philippines (Sep 22): Budget for Korean corvette’s transfer to PH navy approved



The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved and forwarded the budget request worth PHP250 million to the Office of the President for the transfer of former Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy Flight III Pohang-class corvette ROKS Chungju (PCC-762) to the Philippine Navy, MaxDefense Philippines said.

ROKS Chungju was decommissioned from South Korean navy service in December 2016.

The Philippine government will be paying the South Korean government with token fee of USD100.

However, the Philippine government will handle the cost for the ship’s refurbishment to make it safe to sail from South Korea to Philippines.

“We have sent a letter to the Government of South Korea expressing our intent to acquire one Pohang class corvette. We are hoping to receive the vessel within the year,” DND public affairs chief Arsenio Andolong told PNA in April 2017.

“The transfer will be in the form of a donation, however, we will pay a token fee of USD100. The corvette will still undergo refurbishment, the cost of which we will shoulder,” he added.

https://www.update.ph/2017/09/budget-for-korean-corvettes-transfer-to-ph-navy-approved/21059

House to file Bangsamoro commission version of BBL next week

From Rappler (Sep 21): House to file Bangsamoro commission version of BBL next week

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to certify as urgent the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law

LEDAC MEETING. President Rodrigo Duterte meets with the with the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) at the Malacañang Palace on September 20, 2017. Photo by Robinson Niñal Jr/Presidential Photo

A revised version of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will be filed at the House of Representatives by next week, nearly two months after the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) first submitted it to Malacañang.

Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo Fariñas made the statement on Thursday morning, September 21, after he and other Congress leaders attended a Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting on Wednesday night, September 20.
"We will file the bill for the BBL submitted by the BTC next week," Fariñas said.

He added, “The President informed us that he will leave to the wisdom of the Congress the final version of the BBL."

President Rodrigo Duterte had earlier committed to push for the legislation of the BBL, which failed to pass Congress during the previous Aquino administration because of the botched Mamasapano operation.

The proposed Bangsamoro region, which will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), is a fulfillment of a 2014 peace deal between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Duterte has yet to certify the BBL as urgent, but he has repeatedly made the promise. Once certified as urgent, Congress is expected to pass ithe controversial measure within the year.

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez earlier said that he wants to file the BBL himself at the House. He said in an interview early September that the BTC version of the BBL might be consolidated with other House versions of the bill.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/182864-btc-bangsamoro-basic-law-house

7 Filipino militant suspects arrested in Malaysia

From Rappler (Sep 21): 7 Filipino militant suspects arrested in Malaysia

The arrests last week brings to 41 the number of foreigners suspected of being 'terrorist fighters' who have been detained in Malaysia this year



Malaysian police have detained 7 Filipinos suspected of involvement with the Abu Sayyaf militant group, an official said Thursday, September 21, the latest arrest of extremist suspects in the Muslim-majority country.

The 7 men, aged between 22 and 38, were working as private security guards in and around the capital Kuala Lumpur, said national police chief Mohamad Fuzi Harun.

One had fought Filipino troops and was previously involved in abductions in the southern Philippines. Police did not give details about the other suspects.

The arrests last week bring to 41 the number of foreigners suspected of being "terrorist fighters" who have been detained in Malaysia this year, he said.

Fears have been growing in Malaysia that Muslim militants are ramping up their activities, inspired by the Islamic State group and a conflict in the Philippine city of Marawi between followers of the jihadists and authorities.

"The police will continue to launch operations to detect and catch foreign terrorist elements that infiltrate Malaysia," Mohamad Fuzi said in a statement.

The men caught in the latest arrests had entered Malaysia via Sabah state on Borneo island in September 2015 before heading to the capital city using fake documents, the police chief said.

The Abu Sayyaf are Islamist militants engaged mainly in kidnappings for ransom who have operated out of the southern Philippines for years.

They have raided Malaysian parts of Borneo, not far from the southern Philippines, and abducted foreign tourists.

One faction has pledged allegiance to IS and joined militants battling security forces since May in Marawi, the main Muslim city in the mostly Catholic Philippines.

Malaysian police earlier this month said they had arrested 19 suspects including 11 foreigners who had been plotting to disrupt the 2017 Southeast Asian Games and the country's independence day celebrations.

https://www.rappler.com/world/regions/asia-pacific/182902-filipino-militant-suspects-arrested-malaysia

Release order out for Nur after posting bail

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 21): Release order out for Nur after posting bail

THE REGIONAL Trial Court Branch 16 issued the release order after Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari posted bail on Tuesday for the four cases filed against him.

 

Misuari posted a bail of P460,000 before the RTC Branch 16 under Executive Judge Emmanuel Carpio for his cases of graft and malversation through falsification of public documents.

His bail amounted to P200,000 for each of malversation through falsification charges, and P30,000 for each of the graft charges.

 

The release order was then forwarded yesterday to the Sandiganbayan pending for approval.

 

Last Aug. 31, the Sandiganbayan has issued a warrant of arrest against the former governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao for graft and malversation through falsification charge.

Misuari, along with other officials, was charged with two counts of graft and two counts of malversation for the allegedly anomalous purchase of educational materials in 2000.

The Sandiganbayan then issued a warrant of arrest vs. Misuari.

Meanwhile, in September 2016, the Office of the Ombudsman charged Misuari and former local officials with graft and malversation for the anomalous purchase of P137.5 million worth of textbooks and educational materials in 2000 back when he was still the ARMM governor.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/release-order-out-for-nur-after-posting-bail/

Cops in NorthCot town under ‘NPA threats’ – police official

From MindaNews (Sep 21): Cops in NorthCot town under ‘NPA threats’ – police official

A police officer in Makilala, North Cotabato has disclosed that his men are under threats of abduction by the New People’s Army (NPA).

Chief Insp. Johnny Rick Felongco Medel, Makilala police station chief, said he based his report from the information he gathered from the intelligence community. “We have been receiving reports that some members of the Makilala Police would be the next target of the NPA,” he said.

To counter this, Medel has heightened security alert among his men.

He said he doesn’t want a repeat of what happened to his subordinates, PO1 Bristol Catalan, who was abducted by NPA rebels last August 16 in a remote village in Kidapawan City.

Catalan, up to this writing, is still being held captive by the NPA despite calls from Kidapawan Bishop Colin Bagaforo and local officials from Makilala and Kidapawan City.

Bagaforo said he has sought the help of three priests from the Diocese of Kidapawan and a pastor from another religious congregation to negotiate for Catalan’s safe release.

On August 26, Bishop Bagaforo recorded his urgent appeal addressed to the leaders of the NPA, Communist Party of the Philippines, and the National Democratic Front operating in the provinces of North Cotabato, Davao del Sur, and Bukidnon for Catalan’s release.

The appeal has been playing daily over the Catholic-run DXND. “The appeal would be aired over DXND until such time Catalan is released from captivity,” said the radio station’s management.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/09/cops-in-northcot-town-under-npa-threats-police-official/

NorthCot’s ‘most wanted’ killed

From MindaNews (Sep 21): NorthCot’s ‘most wanted’ killed

North Cotabato’s most wanted fugitive and suspected gun-for-hire was killed in Carmen town around 10 p.m. Wednesday, a village official said.

Killed was Nasser Omar, also known as Commander Derby, who was believed behind the killing in 2010 of Pol Dulay, vice-mayor of Kabacan, North Cotabato.

Nestor Salama, chair of Barangay Batongkaya in Montawal, Maguindanao confirmed Omar’s death in an interview Thursday with radio station DXND.

Salama said that Nasser, who carried a P2.5-million reward money on his head, was killed in Barangay Nasapian, Carmen by his close-in bodyguard whom he refused to name for his “security”.

In 2010, the municipal government of Kabacan offered a P1.5-million reward for his arrest or death after witnesses tagged him as Dulay’s killer.

In May 2017, another P1-million reward was dangled for his capture after he led the escape of at least 157 inmates from the North Cotabato District Jail (NCDJ) on January 4, 2017.

Omar was allegedly hired to take Melvin Casangyao out of NCDJ.

Casangyao is an alleged drug lord operating in North Cotabato and neighboring provinces, reports from the police said.

But Senior Supt. Agustin Tello, provincial director of the Maguindanao Provincial Police Office, said he wants proof of Omar’s death.

Also, Inspector Pandulo, chief of Pagalungan (Maguindanao) police, said he would only believe the report if he he saw Omar’s body.

But Salama said the fugitive was already been buried on Thursday morning in keeping with Islamic tradition.

He said Omar was shot while sleeping inside the house of his mother-in-law in Nasapian.

His wife and son were also hit but survived the attack. Both were being treated in a hospital in Kabacan, a town next to Carmen.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/09/northcots-most-wanted-killed/

Police kill notorious bandit allied with Abu Sayyaf

From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 20): Police kill notorious bandit allied with Abu Sayyaf

Police forces killed a notorious criminal whose group is affiliated with the Abu Sayyaf following a firefight in the southern Philippine province, officials said Wednesday.

The fighting broke out in the village of Mamagon in Naga town after civilians tipped off police on the presence of gunmen in the area, according to Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, a regional police spokesperson.

She said a team of policemen were sent to the village and caught up with a band of armed men and a firefight erupted that killed the 44-year old Moner Jikiri Timbol, a member of the Abdusalam Group, blamed for the spate of ransom kidnappings and banditry in Zamboanga Peninsula. Timbol was also wanted for murders in the province.

“Elements of Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Public Safety Company conducted prophylactic patrol after receiving reports the regarding presence of armed men at Sitio Pulo Panjang and upon reaching the area, the operating troops encountered seven men armed with high powered firearms which led to a ten-minute firefight,” Galvez said.

There was no report of police casualties, she said, adding, Chief Superintendent Billy Beltran, the regional police commander, praised the successful operation. Police forces were still hunting down at least 6 other gunmen who managed to escape during the running gun battle.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/police-kill-notorious-bandit-allied-with-abu-sayyaf/

7 Abu Sayyaf militants captured in Kuala Lumpur

From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 21): 7 Abu Sayyaf militants captured in Kuala Lumpur

Malaysian authorities are holding 7 Filipino militants who are members of the notorious jihadist group Abu Sayyaf following their capture in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia did not release the identities of the militants, but police said their ages are between 22 and 38, who managed to slip into the capital from the eastern state of Sabah near Tawi-Tawi, a province in the Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines.

Their capture was the result of a careful operation and an offshoot of the arrest of 2 other Abu Sayyaf and six Malaysian militants in August in Kuala Lumpur, but it was unclear how the militants managed to sneak into Sabah. Although Malaysian authorities said some of those captured were working as private security guards for some companies in Kuala Lumpur and had faked their identities.

There was no immediate statement from the Philippine foreign ministry office or the military authorities in connection to the capture of the militants whose group is allied with the Islamic State.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/7-abu-sayyaf-militants-captured-in-kuala-lumpur/