From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 30): PILLAR OF HOPE | AFP recognized for Heroism and Dedication
PICC, Manila (DWDD) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines, through representatives 1Lt Yvonne Altamera (FA) PA, 1Lt Mark Joseph Tonido PN(M), Sgt Renier Gaqui (SC) PA, Cpl Ayutullah Hamid (Inf) PA, and Sgt Jimlie Villanueva PN(M), receives the Pillar of Hope Award from the ETON International School during their United Nations Day celebration at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Sunday, October 29, 2017.
The award is given to all the soldiers who fought in the Marawi siege, their heroism and dedication serve as an inspiration to the student body.
“This award is for the soldiers who stood and fought for the freedom of Marawi City.
“Maraming salamat po at naway patuloy po nating suportahan ang AFP sa pagkamit po ng isang mapayapa at maunlad na Pilipinas.,” Lt. Altamera said. Photo/s by AFP/MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/30/pillar-of-hope-afp-recognized-for-heroism-and-dedication/
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
DWDD: PEACE AND SECURITY | New CSAFP: Finish Off Remaining Threats
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 30): PEACE AND SECURITY | New CSAFP: Finish Off Remaining Threats
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The newly installed Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Lieutenant General Rey Leonardo Guerrero echoed orders from the Commander in Chief and President Rodrigo Duterte to end all threats to peace and security.
AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Marine Colonel Edgard Arevalo said that the top military officer has the experience and the current operational tempo of the AFP to undertake that task.
“Lt. Gen. Guerrero welcomes his new responsibilities with strong momentum from his leadership of the Eastern Mindanao Command, a similarly tall order given the area’s susceptibility from terror threats and insurgency,” Col Arevalo said.
As Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, LtGen Guerrero’s primary task is to dismantle NPA’s guerilla fronts that are concentrated in the Davao Region, Caraga Region, and Northern Mindanao.
He was also tasked to prevent the spread of violence and terrorism in his area of responsibility, especially during the Marawi City siege by the Maute-IS.
“The priorities in the area of peace and security are clear: finish the remaining terrorist groups, neutralize the communist insurgency threat, and support law enforcement against lawless armed groups,” Lt. Gen. Guerrero said in his assumption speech during the Change of Command Ceremony on Thursday, 26 October 2017.
The turnover was just less than a week from the termination of combat operations in Marawi City and takes off strong with gains against the Abu Sayyaf Group, characterized by numerous surrenders.
Lt. Gen. Guerrero also said that the AFP must continue with its reform programs, improve capability, and revisit war-fighting doctrines in light of new “battlefield environments.”
“We will aggressively implement our modernization program and fast-track the procurement of advance weapons systems that provide cost-effective and precise target engagement, long-range and high-endurance unmanned systems, and modern air and naval platforms,” Lt. Gen. Guerrero said.
Moreover, the AFP chief seeks to refine internal processes including improvements on services and transparency and accountability of transactions.
“My gratitude knows no bounds, and I think that the best way to show our President and our countrymen is to serve our country with selfless dedication and to lead the AFP with purpose,” Lt. Gen. Guerrero added. PAO AFP/MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/30/peace-and-security-new-csafp-finish-off-remaining-threats/
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The newly installed Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Lieutenant General Rey Leonardo Guerrero echoed orders from the Commander in Chief and President Rodrigo Duterte to end all threats to peace and security.
AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Marine Colonel Edgard Arevalo said that the top military officer has the experience and the current operational tempo of the AFP to undertake that task.
“Lt. Gen. Guerrero welcomes his new responsibilities with strong momentum from his leadership of the Eastern Mindanao Command, a similarly tall order given the area’s susceptibility from terror threats and insurgency,” Col Arevalo said.
As Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, LtGen Guerrero’s primary task is to dismantle NPA’s guerilla fronts that are concentrated in the Davao Region, Caraga Region, and Northern Mindanao.
He was also tasked to prevent the spread of violence and terrorism in his area of responsibility, especially during the Marawi City siege by the Maute-IS.
“The priorities in the area of peace and security are clear: finish the remaining terrorist groups, neutralize the communist insurgency threat, and support law enforcement against lawless armed groups,” Lt. Gen. Guerrero said in his assumption speech during the Change of Command Ceremony on Thursday, 26 October 2017.
The turnover was just less than a week from the termination of combat operations in Marawi City and takes off strong with gains against the Abu Sayyaf Group, characterized by numerous surrenders.
Lt. Gen. Guerrero also said that the AFP must continue with its reform programs, improve capability, and revisit war-fighting doctrines in light of new “battlefield environments.”
“We will aggressively implement our modernization program and fast-track the procurement of advance weapons systems that provide cost-effective and precise target engagement, long-range and high-endurance unmanned systems, and modern air and naval platforms,” Lt. Gen. Guerrero said.
Moreover, the AFP chief seeks to refine internal processes including improvements on services and transparency and accountability of transactions.
“My gratitude knows no bounds, and I think that the best way to show our President and our countrymen is to serve our country with selfless dedication and to lead the AFP with purpose,” Lt. Gen. Guerrero added. PAO AFP/MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/30/peace-and-security-new-csafp-finish-off-remaining-threats/
DWDD: HOME SAFE | Western Mindanao Troops back Home
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 30): HOME SAFE | Western Mindanao Troops back Home
BAGONG CALARIAN, Zamboanga City (DWDD) – “We are now home and safe”, The Civil Military
Operations Unit-Western Mindanao, Field Artillery Battalion, Motor Pool Transport Battalion, Service Support Battalion, Combat Service Support Brigade, Marine Special Operations Group, Philippine Marine Corps and Special Boat Unit-Western Mindanao was welcome by the Commander Naval Forces Western Mindanao, Rear Admiral Rene V Medina and his Staff at BGen Asuncion Beaching Area, Naval Forces Western Mindanao, Bagong Calarian, Zamboanga City via LC-289 on October 30, 2017.
A ceremony was tendered to the returning troops from Marawi City and awarding of Bronze Cross Medal and Ribbon to this unit for a gallant service, and also a warm handshake from the Commander, family and friends.
“God Bless Us All”. CMOU-WM/MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/30/home-safe-western-mindanao-troops-back-home/
BAGONG CALARIAN, Zamboanga City (DWDD) – “We are now home and safe”, The Civil Military
Operations Unit-Western Mindanao, Field Artillery Battalion, Motor Pool Transport Battalion, Service Support Battalion, Combat Service Support Brigade, Marine Special Operations Group, Philippine Marine Corps and Special Boat Unit-Western Mindanao was welcome by the Commander Naval Forces Western Mindanao, Rear Admiral Rene V Medina and his Staff at BGen Asuncion Beaching Area, Naval Forces Western Mindanao, Bagong Calarian, Zamboanga City via LC-289 on October 30, 2017.
A ceremony was tendered to the returning troops from Marawi City and awarding of Bronze Cross Medal and Ribbon to this unit for a gallant service, and also a warm handshake from the Commander, family and friends.
“God Bless Us All”. CMOU-WM/MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/30/home-safe-western-mindanao-troops-back-home/
Military’s ‘Sir PR’ hit for being ‘unprofessional’
From the Daily Tribune (Oct 30): Military’s ‘Sir PR’ hit for being ‘unprofessional’
A mid-ranking Army officer is earning the ire of stakeholders in Mindanao for his alleged penchant of “soliciting” support from them.
Officials from various private and cause-oriented groups refused to identify the official, but said he has the rank of lieutenant colonel.
“This officer is fast earning the moniker ‘sir PR’ from stakeholders who are already losing patience with him for his ways of soliciting support to various activities,” one source said.
“While soliciting support to worthy activities is good, this officer does not care going directly to principals to seek such...putting the stakeholders on the spot,” the source added, citing instances when the officer would ask for favors at the expense of his colleagues anda displaced Marawi residents.
Representatives of a Quezon City-based organization expressed concerns that if not reminded, the officer may drag the military organization to bad light for his “unprofessionalism.”
“We doubt if his superiors are aware of what he is doing. For sure, they will not allow such ungentlemanly conduct of their subordinates,” they said.
“While we are all out in supporting the AFP as an organization, this officer’s ways only discourage stakeholders from doing more for the troops,” they added.
The sources lamented that while the military leadership has worked very hard, some troops even pay the ultimate sacrifice, just to maintain the good image of the organization, there are officers like the lieutenant colonel who tarnish the reputation of the AFP.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/military-s-sir-pr-hit-for-being-unprofessional
A mid-ranking Army officer is earning the ire of stakeholders in Mindanao for his alleged penchant of “soliciting” support from them.
Officials from various private and cause-oriented groups refused to identify the official, but said he has the rank of lieutenant colonel.
“This officer is fast earning the moniker ‘sir PR’ from stakeholders who are already losing patience with him for his ways of soliciting support to various activities,” one source said.
“While soliciting support to worthy activities is good, this officer does not care going directly to principals to seek such...putting the stakeholders on the spot,” the source added, citing instances when the officer would ask for favors at the expense of his colleagues anda displaced Marawi residents.
Representatives of a Quezon City-based organization expressed concerns that if not reminded, the officer may drag the military organization to bad light for his “unprofessionalism.”
“We doubt if his superiors are aware of what he is doing. For sure, they will not allow such ungentlemanly conduct of their subordinates,” they said.
“While we are all out in supporting the AFP as an organization, this officer’s ways only discourage stakeholders from doing more for the troops,” they added.
The sources lamented that while the military leadership has worked very hard, some troops even pay the ultimate sacrifice, just to maintain the good image of the organization, there are officers like the lieutenant colonel who tarnish the reputation of the AFP.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/military-s-sir-pr-hit-for-being-unprofessional
Duterte: Female soldiers who fought in Marawi now in HK
From ABS-CBN (Nov 1): Duterte: Female soldiers who fought in Marawi now in HK
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said some of the female soldiers who fought Islamic State-inspired terrorists in Marawi City are now in Hong Kong enjoying their well-deserved vacation.
“Nandoon na sila. Ano ka man. Nauna pa sa amin… Nag-asawa na nga ang iba pagbalik eh,” Duterte told reporters in Davao City in a news conference upon his arrival from Japan.
Duterte had promised to give all-expense paid Hong Kong trips to soldiers who risked life and limb to eliminate members of terrorist groups Abu Sayyaf and Maute.
According to the President, low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific offered to give free flights to the soldiers.
"Somebody, but sabihin ko na lang, and it should really be made public," he said. "It was Cebu Pacific who answered for… Nung nalaman niya na… na sabi ko, sabi niya, 'Sige, ako na lang ang --- iyo na lang ang baon pati hotel.'"
The government declared an end to the hostilities in Marawi last October 23, when leaders of the IS-linked fighters were killed in a fierce final stand.
The fighting has taken a heavy toll, reducing buildings to skeletons of mangled steel and rubble, and killing more than 1,100 people, mostly Islamist extremists.
Some 6,500 families are due to return this week in a phased repatriation, a fraction of the 77,000 that fled to evacuation camps or nearby towns.
Many face a lengthy wait for vast swathes of Marawi to be rebuilt.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/01/17/duterte-female-soldiers-who-fought-in-marawi-now-in-hk
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said some of the female soldiers who fought Islamic State-inspired terrorists in Marawi City are now in Hong Kong enjoying their well-deserved vacation.
“Nandoon na sila. Ano ka man. Nauna pa sa amin… Nag-asawa na nga ang iba pagbalik eh,” Duterte told reporters in Davao City in a news conference upon his arrival from Japan.
Duterte had promised to give all-expense paid Hong Kong trips to soldiers who risked life and limb to eliminate members of terrorist groups Abu Sayyaf and Maute.
According to the President, low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific offered to give free flights to the soldiers.
"Somebody, but sabihin ko na lang, and it should really be made public," he said. "It was Cebu Pacific who answered for… Nung nalaman niya na… na sabi ko, sabi niya, 'Sige, ako na lang ang --- iyo na lang ang baon pati hotel.'"
The government declared an end to the hostilities in Marawi last October 23, when leaders of the IS-linked fighters were killed in a fierce final stand.
The fighting has taken a heavy toll, reducing buildings to skeletons of mangled steel and rubble, and killing more than 1,100 people, mostly Islamist extremists.
Some 6,500 families are due to return this week in a phased repatriation, a fraction of the 77,000 that fled to evacuation camps or nearby towns.
Many face a lengthy wait for vast swathes of Marawi to be rebuilt.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/01/17/duterte-female-soldiers-who-fought-in-marawi-now-in-hk
LOOK, COMPARE | Beijing seen poised for fresh assertiveness as it undertakes more construction in South China Sea
From InterAksyon (Oct 31): LOOK, COMPARE | Beijing seen poised for fresh assertiveness as it undertakes more construction in South China Sea
Satellite photo shows Chinese-controlled North Island, part of the Paracel Islands group in the South China Sea, on September 29, 2017. Planet Labs/Handout via REUTERS
China has quietly undertaken more construction and reclamation in the South China Sea, recent satellite images show, and is likely to more powerfully reassert its claims over the waterway soon, regional diplomats and military officers say.
With global attention focused on North Korea and Beijing engrossed in its Party Congress, tensions in the South China Sea have slipped from the headlines in recent months.
But with none of the underlying disputes resolved and new images reviewed by Reuters showing China continuing to develop facilities on North and Tree islands in the contested Paracel islands, experts say the vital trade route remains a global flashpoint.
Combination of satellite photos show Chinese-controlled Tree Island, part of the Paracel Islands Group in the South China Sea on Nov. 11, 2015 (top) and Oct. 12, 2017. Planet Labs/Handout via REUTERS
Some expect China to land its first deployments of jet fighters onto its runways in the Spratly islands in coming months, while regional military officers say it is already using the new facilities to expand naval and coast guard deployments deep into Southeast Asia.
“They’ve built these extensive facilities and both Chinese civilian and PLA experts have always made it clear that when the strategic time is right, they’re going to start using them more fully,” said Bonnie Glaser, a China security expert at Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies.
“I think it is a question of when, rather than if, China will start to assert its interests more forcefully in the South China Sea … and that is likely to be at a time of China’s choosing,” Glaser told Reuters.
Rival claimant Vietnam, meanwhile, is nearing completion of reclamations and an extended runway on its base on Spratly Island, the satellite images show.
CALM AFTER THE STORM
The build-up of the Spratlys symbolizes China’s growing assertiveness over the South China Sea during President Xi Jinping’s first term and was highlighted in his address to the Communist Party Congress this month.
“Construction on islands and reefs in the South China Sea has seen steady progress,” Xi told the Congress.
BEFORE: Satellite photo shows Chinese-controlled Tree Island, part of the Paracel Islands Group in the South China Sea on Nov. 11, 2015. Planet Labs/Handout via REUTERS
AFTER: Satellite photo shows Chinese-controlled Tree Island, part of the Paracel Islands Group in the South China Sea on Oct. 12, 2017. Planet Labs/Handout via REUTERS
The issue is likely to come up during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Asia, which begins this week.
“We remain concerned about tensions in the South China Sea, in particular those caused by land reclamation and militarization of disputed outposts and the willingness of some to resort to coercive tactics to assert their claims,” said Michael Cavey, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department.
“We have consistently called on China, as well as other claimants, to refrain from any further land reclamation, construction of new facilities, and militarization of the disputed features.”
Responding to Reuters’ questions, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang reiterated the islands were irrefutably Chinese territory.
“You can’t say that the construction on our islands and reefs in the South China Sea and the building of necessary defensive facilities is an expansion of military deployments,” he said.
“We believe that at present the situation in the South China Sea is generally good, and all relevant parties should work hard together to protect the peace and stability of the South China Sea.”
China’s ambassador to Washington, Cui Tiankai, said on Monday the United States should not try to “interfere” in regional efforts to resolve disputes in the South China Sea.
China has been seeking to soothe fellow claimant the Philippines and accelerating talks with the wider ASEAN grouping, amid concerns in Washington about the long-term security of the waterway through which some $3 trillion in trade a year passes.
In a speech in Singapore earlier this month, the most senior U.S. military chief in the region said even while Washington pushed Beijing for help on North Korea, it would still hold China accountable for actions that countered international rules and norms.
“We also want Beijing to do more to stop provocative actions in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, where the Chinese are building up combat power and positional advantage in an attempt to assert de-facto sovereignty over disputed maritime features,” Admiral Harry Harris, commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, said.
China claims much of the area through its controversial nine-dash line, which overlaps rival maritime claims by Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei.
TACTICS NOT STRATEGY
A recent study by the U.S. government-linked RAND Corp weighing the risks of a conflict between the United States and China moved the South China Sea up its list of potential flashpoints.
Placing it above Taiwan but below the Korean peninsula, the study notes the waterway has “become the unanticipated focal point of U.S.-Chinese … rivalry”.
While the Pentagon has embarked on more regular freedom-of-navigation patrols, or FONOPS, to challenge Beijing’s claims, some analysts believe Washington is struggling to counter China’s creeping domination of the area.
“China appears to be pursuing a well-thought out and long-term strategy to achieve dominion over the South China Sea while America responds with ad hoc tactical maneuvers,” said Ian Storey, a South China Sea expert at Singapore’s Yusof Ishak Institute.
“FONOPS are tactics not strategy, and they have not made China rethink its plans for the South China Sea one iota.”
Ni Lexiong, a naval expert at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, said there was little need for China to dramatically increase deployments now, but much depended on the actions others.
“As long as others don’t intentionally go and provoke clashes, things will be fine,” he added. “The issue is that some countries, like the United States, go and stir things up.”
Satellite photo shows Chinese-controlled North Island, part of the Paracel Islands group in the South China Sea, on September 29, 2017. Planet Labs/Handout via REUTERS
China has quietly undertaken more construction and reclamation in the South China Sea, recent satellite images show, and is likely to more powerfully reassert its claims over the waterway soon, regional diplomats and military officers say.
With global attention focused on North Korea and Beijing engrossed in its Party Congress, tensions in the South China Sea have slipped from the headlines in recent months.
But with none of the underlying disputes resolved and new images reviewed by Reuters showing China continuing to develop facilities on North and Tree islands in the contested Paracel islands, experts say the vital trade route remains a global flashpoint.
Combination of satellite photos show Chinese-controlled Tree Island, part of the Paracel Islands Group in the South China Sea on Nov. 11, 2015 (top) and Oct. 12, 2017. Planet Labs/Handout via REUTERS
Some expect China to land its first deployments of jet fighters onto its runways in the Spratly islands in coming months, while regional military officers say it is already using the new facilities to expand naval and coast guard deployments deep into Southeast Asia.
“They’ve built these extensive facilities and both Chinese civilian and PLA experts have always made it clear that when the strategic time is right, they’re going to start using them more fully,” said Bonnie Glaser, a China security expert at Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies.
“I think it is a question of when, rather than if, China will start to assert its interests more forcefully in the South China Sea … and that is likely to be at a time of China’s choosing,” Glaser told Reuters.
Rival claimant Vietnam, meanwhile, is nearing completion of reclamations and an extended runway on its base on Spratly Island, the satellite images show.
CALM AFTER THE STORM
The build-up of the Spratlys symbolizes China’s growing assertiveness over the South China Sea during President Xi Jinping’s first term and was highlighted in his address to the Communist Party Congress this month.
“Construction on islands and reefs in the South China Sea has seen steady progress,” Xi told the Congress.
BEFORE: Satellite photo shows Chinese-controlled Tree Island, part of the Paracel Islands Group in the South China Sea on Nov. 11, 2015. Planet Labs/Handout via REUTERS
AFTER: Satellite photo shows Chinese-controlled Tree Island, part of the Paracel Islands Group in the South China Sea on Oct. 12, 2017. Planet Labs/Handout via REUTERS
The issue is likely to come up during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Asia, which begins this week.
“We remain concerned about tensions in the South China Sea, in particular those caused by land reclamation and militarization of disputed outposts and the willingness of some to resort to coercive tactics to assert their claims,” said Michael Cavey, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department.
“We have consistently called on China, as well as other claimants, to refrain from any further land reclamation, construction of new facilities, and militarization of the disputed features.”
Responding to Reuters’ questions, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang reiterated the islands were irrefutably Chinese territory.
“You can’t say that the construction on our islands and reefs in the South China Sea and the building of necessary defensive facilities is an expansion of military deployments,” he said.
“We believe that at present the situation in the South China Sea is generally good, and all relevant parties should work hard together to protect the peace and stability of the South China Sea.”
China’s ambassador to Washington, Cui Tiankai, said on Monday the United States should not try to “interfere” in regional efforts to resolve disputes in the South China Sea.
China has been seeking to soothe fellow claimant the Philippines and accelerating talks with the wider ASEAN grouping, amid concerns in Washington about the long-term security of the waterway through which some $3 trillion in trade a year passes.
In a speech in Singapore earlier this month, the most senior U.S. military chief in the region said even while Washington pushed Beijing for help on North Korea, it would still hold China accountable for actions that countered international rules and norms.
“We also want Beijing to do more to stop provocative actions in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, where the Chinese are building up combat power and positional advantage in an attempt to assert de-facto sovereignty over disputed maritime features,” Admiral Harry Harris, commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, said.
China claims much of the area through its controversial nine-dash line, which overlaps rival maritime claims by Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei.
TACTICS NOT STRATEGY
A recent study by the U.S. government-linked RAND Corp weighing the risks of a conflict between the United States and China moved the South China Sea up its list of potential flashpoints.
Placing it above Taiwan but below the Korean peninsula, the study notes the waterway has “become the unanticipated focal point of U.S.-Chinese … rivalry”.
While the Pentagon has embarked on more regular freedom-of-navigation patrols, or FONOPS, to challenge Beijing’s claims, some analysts believe Washington is struggling to counter China’s creeping domination of the area.
“China appears to be pursuing a well-thought out and long-term strategy to achieve dominion over the South China Sea while America responds with ad hoc tactical maneuvers,” said Ian Storey, a South China Sea expert at Singapore’s Yusof Ishak Institute.
“FONOPS are tactics not strategy, and they have not made China rethink its plans for the South China Sea one iota.”
Ni Lexiong, a naval expert at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, said there was little need for China to dramatically increase deployments now, but much depended on the actions others.
“As long as others don’t intentionally go and provoke clashes, things will be fine,” he added. “The issue is that some countries, like the United States, go and stir things up.”
Undas 2017: PH military remembers Marawi heroes
From Rappler (Oct 31): Undas 2017: PH military remembers Marawi heroes
'Captain Sandoval left behind a wife who was anxiously waiting for a long overdue vacation abroad with her husband. She will instead stand vigil at the cemetery.'
The Philippine military issued a statement honoring the heroism of soldiers slain in Marawi City as Filipinos trooped to cemeteries nationwide to remember dead loved ones.
Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Major General Restituto Padilla condoled with the widows and orphans of 165 government forces who gave their lives to liberate the city from armed groups linked with international terrorist network Islamic State (ISIS).
"The commemoration of All Souls Day this year becomes doubly significant for the widows, orphans and families of 158 AFP and 7 PNP warrior heroes who died in Marawi during the siege of the city by Daesh-inspired rebels." Padilla said.
Padilla honored Captain Rommel Sandoval of the Army Scout Rangers, the highest-ranking officer to die in Marawi. Sandoval was rescuing one of his men when he was hit by enemy snipers. (READ: How an Army captain died saving his soldier's life in Marawi)
"Captain Sandoval left behind a wife who was anxiously waiting for a long overdue vacation abroad with her husband. She will instead stand vigil at the LIbingan Ng Mga Bayani this Undas," said Padilla.
Padilla also remembered the sacrifice of Second Lieutenant Harold Mark Juan of the Army Special Forces. He was wounded but chose to return to the battle area. He was killed by sniper fire in the final days of the war.
"Juan was killed by sniper fire, leaving his fiancé behind whom he promised to marry once he goes back from Marawi," said Padilla.
Juan appeared in Rappler's video report "Final Push: Inside the Marawi battle area." At 4:32 in the report, the young officer is seen in action inside the battle area, analyzing a map of the terrain.
"We would commemorate their sacrifices and honor each of our fallen heroes who fought not only in Marawi, but in various places in the country, this All Souls Day," Padilla said.
According to the Padilla, the successful military campaign in Marawi "was the longest operation of the Philippine military in over 4 decades."
Watch Rappler's documentary on Marawi below.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/186953-undas-philippine-military-marawi-heroes
'Captain Sandoval left behind a wife who was anxiously waiting for a long overdue vacation abroad with her husband. She will instead stand vigil at the cemetery.'
The Philippine military issued a statement honoring the heroism of soldiers slain in Marawi City as Filipinos trooped to cemeteries nationwide to remember dead loved ones.
Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Major General Restituto Padilla condoled with the widows and orphans of 165 government forces who gave their lives to liberate the city from armed groups linked with international terrorist network Islamic State (ISIS).
"The commemoration of All Souls Day this year becomes doubly significant for the widows, orphans and families of 158 AFP and 7 PNP warrior heroes who died in Marawi during the siege of the city by Daesh-inspired rebels." Padilla said.
Padilla honored Captain Rommel Sandoval of the Army Scout Rangers, the highest-ranking officer to die in Marawi. Sandoval was rescuing one of his men when he was hit by enemy snipers. (READ: How an Army captain died saving his soldier's life in Marawi)
"Captain Sandoval left behind a wife who was anxiously waiting for a long overdue vacation abroad with her husband. She will instead stand vigil at the LIbingan Ng Mga Bayani this Undas," said Padilla.
Padilla also remembered the sacrifice of Second Lieutenant Harold Mark Juan of the Army Special Forces. He was wounded but chose to return to the battle area. He was killed by sniper fire in the final days of the war.
"Juan was killed by sniper fire, leaving his fiancé behind whom he promised to marry once he goes back from Marawi," said Padilla.
Juan appeared in Rappler's video report "Final Push: Inside the Marawi battle area." At 4:32 in the report, the young officer is seen in action inside the battle area, analyzing a map of the terrain.
"We would commemorate their sacrifices and honor each of our fallen heroes who fought not only in Marawi, but in various places in the country, this All Souls Day," Padilla said.
According to the Padilla, the successful military campaign in Marawi "was the longest operation of the Philippine military in over 4 decades."
Watch Rappler's documentary on Marawi below.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/186953-undas-philippine-military-marawi-heroes
Clan war eyed in DavSur town ambush
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 31): Clan war eyed in DavSur town ambush
Police are eyeing pangayaw or clan war of the B’laan tribe as the motive behind the ambush staged by undetermined number of armed men on Sunday night in Kimlawis, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur.
"According sa mga katigulangan diri nga B’laan kay mostly mga B’laan adunay pangayaw nga dugay na na kaso nila (According to the B’laan elders here, there is a clan war already existed in this town. Most of the victims belong to the B’laan tribe),” Kiblawan police acting chief Senior Insp. Erich Von C. Requilman said.
Requilaman said based on his interview with the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), clan wars and family feud within the B’laan tribe already existed in different barangays in the town.
This as death rose to two after one of the critically injured students died Monday. He said they are now looking at the angle of pangayaw or clan war as the motive of the crime.
Victims identified by Kiblawan Municipal Police Station (MPS) as Jimboy Linkanay, 16, who was immediately killed right after the ambush while Neilbert Malason who was confined at Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City, died after suffering complications due to serious injuries.
The wounded were identified as James Paul Samo, 18; Mildred Linkanay, 15; Jiv Cris Malalay,17; Jimboy Sumali,25; Marlon Malanson; Mark Gil Tol, truck driver and Aries Caluyan, 15.
Although the victims were mostly students, the police could not point out that they are targeting someone, but maybe one of the students is a member of the family who has feud with other clan.
“Maybe, one of the families of the victims involved in pangayaw and the suspects took vengeance on these students,” he said.
In an interview at Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital, victim Jimboy Sumali said they were surprised with the gun burst when they were about to reach the area.
Sumali said that during the ambush, they did not notice the suspects because the area was so dark.
He said after the suspects successfully turned-down the truck, they immediately fled from the area.
For his part, Balansina Linkanay, father of Jimboy, confirmed that the ambush was really a pangayaw. “It hurts me (because) my son is not at fault on this,” he said.
He said that the one who ambushed him before was maybe the group who attacked the students that killed his son.
Requilman recalled that around 8 p.m. of October 29, his station received a call on the incident which happened in area, as the truck that brought the students from Kiblawan Proper was allegedly ambushed.
“Ang mga estudyante sa Kimlawis National High School, nag apil sila sa Maral de Dalan or Street Dancing sa B’laan para sa Damsu Festival diri nga three days (These students of Kimlawis National High School joined the Maral de Dalan or Street Dancing in B’laan for the three-day Damsu Festival of the town),” he said.
Requilman said that after 150 meters away from Kimlawis Proper, the group of men fired on the vehicle.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1014438
Police are eyeing pangayaw or clan war of the B’laan tribe as the motive behind the ambush staged by undetermined number of armed men on Sunday night in Kimlawis, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur.
"According sa mga katigulangan diri nga B’laan kay mostly mga B’laan adunay pangayaw nga dugay na na kaso nila (According to the B’laan elders here, there is a clan war already existed in this town. Most of the victims belong to the B’laan tribe),” Kiblawan police acting chief Senior Insp. Erich Von C. Requilman said.
Requilaman said based on his interview with the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), clan wars and family feud within the B’laan tribe already existed in different barangays in the town.
This as death rose to two after one of the critically injured students died Monday. He said they are now looking at the angle of pangayaw or clan war as the motive of the crime.
Victims identified by Kiblawan Municipal Police Station (MPS) as Jimboy Linkanay, 16, who was immediately killed right after the ambush while Neilbert Malason who was confined at Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City, died after suffering complications due to serious injuries.
The wounded were identified as James Paul Samo, 18; Mildred Linkanay, 15; Jiv Cris Malalay,17; Jimboy Sumali,25; Marlon Malanson; Mark Gil Tol, truck driver and Aries Caluyan, 15.
Although the victims were mostly students, the police could not point out that they are targeting someone, but maybe one of the students is a member of the family who has feud with other clan.
“Maybe, one of the families of the victims involved in pangayaw and the suspects took vengeance on these students,” he said.
In an interview at Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital, victim Jimboy Sumali said they were surprised with the gun burst when they were about to reach the area.
Sumali said that during the ambush, they did not notice the suspects because the area was so dark.
He said after the suspects successfully turned-down the truck, they immediately fled from the area.
For his part, Balansina Linkanay, father of Jimboy, confirmed that the ambush was really a pangayaw. “It hurts me (because) my son is not at fault on this,” he said.
He said that the one who ambushed him before was maybe the group who attacked the students that killed his son.
Requilman recalled that around 8 p.m. of October 29, his station received a call on the incident which happened in area, as the truck that brought the students from Kiblawan Proper was allegedly ambushed.
“Ang mga estudyante sa Kimlawis National High School, nag apil sila sa Maral de Dalan or Street Dancing sa B’laan para sa Damsu Festival diri nga three days (These students of Kimlawis National High School joined the Maral de Dalan or Street Dancing in B’laan for the three-day Damsu Festival of the town),” he said.
Requilman said that after 150 meters away from Kimlawis Proper, the group of men fired on the vehicle.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1014438
Another Maute financier arrested in Quezon City
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 31): Another Maute financier arrested in Quezon City
Another terrorist financier was arrested in Quezon City following the arrest of a suspected supporter of the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria)-inspired Maute terror group last week.
Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) National Capital Region (NCR) director Senior Superintendent Wilson Asueta identified the suspect as Abulbatta Abubakar alias “Kitong” or “Imran”, who is an alleged member and financier of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
According to Asueta, Abubakar was arrested for kidnapping and serious illegal detention for his alleged involvement in the Sipadan kidnapping incident in Sabah, Malaysia in 2000.
The PNP claimed that Abubakar sent money to ASG leaders Radullan Sahiron and Isnilon Hapilon while he was in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from 1997 until this year.
Abubakar was earlier arrested on Sept. 26, 2017 when he arrived in the country from Saudi Arabia, however, he was immediately released by the Bureau of Immigration for lack of evidence.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1014485
Another terrorist financier was arrested in Quezon City following the arrest of a suspected supporter of the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria)-inspired Maute terror group last week.
Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) National Capital Region (NCR) director Senior Superintendent Wilson Asueta identified the suspect as Abulbatta Abubakar alias “Kitong” or “Imran”, who is an alleged member and financier of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
According to Asueta, Abubakar was arrested for kidnapping and serious illegal detention for his alleged involvement in the Sipadan kidnapping incident in Sabah, Malaysia in 2000.
The PNP claimed that Abubakar sent money to ASG leaders Radullan Sahiron and Isnilon Hapilon while he was in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from 1997 until this year.
Abubakar was earlier arrested on Sept. 26, 2017 when he arrived in the country from Saudi Arabia, however, he was immediately released by the Bureau of Immigration for lack of evidence.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1014485
Monday, October 30, 2017
After Marawi battle, ISIS begins recruitment drive
From the International Business Times (Oct 30): After Marawi battle, ISIS begins recruitment drive
After arresting ISIS financier Rasdy Malawani in Quezon City, Philippine security forces are now hunting an online ISIS recruiter involved in regrouping new ISIS-inspired fighters to continue their armed struggle for a caliphate in the Southern Philippines.
When Philippine military officials announced that ISIS-inspired leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute were killed after a five-month battle with Philippine soldiers, it was surmised to be the end of ISIS but President Rodrigo Duterte told the people on a nationally televised coverage to prepare for possible retaliation from the local ISIS group.
Just a few days after Duterte made this announcement, Philippine intelligence officials said that the local ISIS franchisee in the Philippines has begun its recruitment drive.
Col Romeo Brawner of the Army's Joint Task Group in Marawi said that the local ISIS group has begun recruiting new fighters online by using the photos of the Marawi destruction. "There are new moves to recruit fresh fighters and it is being done through the social media," said Brawner.
Military intelligence community identified a certain "Abu Dar" who is now on the military's watchlist and is being pursued by military agents.
Last October 11, government agents also arrested 36-year-old Karen Aisha Hamidon who reported to recruit fighters to join the ISIS fight in Marawi. Hamidon was responsible for the recruitment of Indian nationals to fight for ISIS in Marawi.
Another government agency, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) noted that Hamidon had 296 messages seeking new recruits for the Marawi battle. The NBI will be using the phone messages as evidence against Hamidon for inciting rebellion.
Hamidon was reported to be the wife of Mohammad Jaafar Maguid, the leader of another ISIS-linked militant group known as Ansar Al Khilafa.
Hamidon will be facing charges that include 14 counts of inciting to rebellion. She will also be tried for her involvement in the recruitment of IS fighters.
Brawner said the online recruitment drive is still ongoing and they are targeting the youth.
Military authorities also announced that the arrest of the ISIS financier and recruiter is part of the government's security drive in preparation for the 31st ASEAN Summit which will be held in Manila this November 2017.
Though ISIS leaders Hapilon and Maute have already been killed, the government is facing another group of ISIS-inspired militant organizations in Mindanao. They are the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).Like the Maute-ISIS group, The BIFF is fighting for the establishment of an Islamic caliphate in Maguindanao.
Duterte ordered the deployment of 10 new army battalions to go after the remaining ISIS groups in the Southern Philippines but Mindanao academicians believe that the solution to Mindanao's rising insurgency cannot be done by military alone but it should involve a holistic approach.
Dr. Adrian Semorlan, a Mindanao-based Sociology professor, said, the industries, the business and the academics can also play a huge role in addressing this social challenge.
http://www.ibtimes.sg/after-marawi-battle-isis-begins-recruitment-drive-philippines-terrorism-duterte-jihadi-battle-18938
After arresting ISIS financier Rasdy Malawani in Quezon City, Philippine security forces are now hunting an online ISIS recruiter involved in regrouping new ISIS-inspired fighters to continue their armed struggle for a caliphate in the Southern Philippines.
When Philippine military officials announced that ISIS-inspired leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute were killed after a five-month battle with Philippine soldiers, it was surmised to be the end of ISIS but President Rodrigo Duterte told the people on a nationally televised coverage to prepare for possible retaliation from the local ISIS group.
Just a few days after Duterte made this announcement, Philippine intelligence officials said that the local ISIS franchisee in the Philippines has begun its recruitment drive.
Col Romeo Brawner of the Army's Joint Task Group in Marawi said that the local ISIS group has begun recruiting new fighters online by using the photos of the Marawi destruction. "There are new moves to recruit fresh fighters and it is being done through the social media," said Brawner.
Military intelligence community identified a certain "Abu Dar" who is now on the military's watchlist and is being pursued by military agents.
Last October 11, government agents also arrested 36-year-old Karen Aisha Hamidon who reported to recruit fighters to join the ISIS fight in Marawi. Hamidon was responsible for the recruitment of Indian nationals to fight for ISIS in Marawi.
Another government agency, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) noted that Hamidon had 296 messages seeking new recruits for the Marawi battle. The NBI will be using the phone messages as evidence against Hamidon for inciting rebellion.
Hamidon was reported to be the wife of Mohammad Jaafar Maguid, the leader of another ISIS-linked militant group known as Ansar Al Khilafa.
Hamidon will be facing charges that include 14 counts of inciting to rebellion. She will also be tried for her involvement in the recruitment of IS fighters.
Brawner said the online recruitment drive is still ongoing and they are targeting the youth.
Military authorities also announced that the arrest of the ISIS financier and recruiter is part of the government's security drive in preparation for the 31st ASEAN Summit which will be held in Manila this November 2017.
Though ISIS leaders Hapilon and Maute have already been killed, the government is facing another group of ISIS-inspired militant organizations in Mindanao. They are the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).Like the Maute-ISIS group, The BIFF is fighting for the establishment of an Islamic caliphate in Maguindanao.
Duterte ordered the deployment of 10 new army battalions to go after the remaining ISIS groups in the Southern Philippines but Mindanao academicians believe that the solution to Mindanao's rising insurgency cannot be done by military alone but it should involve a holistic approach.
Dr. Adrian Semorlan, a Mindanao-based Sociology professor, said, the industries, the business and the academics can also play a huge role in addressing this social challenge.
http://www.ibtimes.sg/after-marawi-battle-isis-begins-recruitment-drive-philippines-terrorism-duterte-jihadi-battle-18938
Maute straggler killed in fresh firefight in Marawi
From GMA News Online (Oct 31): Maute straggler killed in fresh firefight in Marawi
A Maute straggler was killed in a firefight Tuesday morning with government troops at the main battle area in Marawi City.
Army Colonel Romeo Brawner, Joint Task Force Ranao deputy commander, confirmed the fatality in a text message to GMA News Onlline.
The firefight happened around 6 a.m.
No other details were available as of posting time.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines terminated its combat operations in the area last October 23 after President Rodrigo Duterte announced the liberation of Marawi on October 17.
Maute siege leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute were killed by the military in an operation on October 16.
Latest data showed that a total of 47 civilians, 165 soldiers and police officers, and 920 Maute members have been killed in the firefight in Marawi City since May 23.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/631442/maute-straggler-killed-in-fresh-firefight-in-marawi/story/
A Maute straggler was killed in a firefight Tuesday morning with government troops at the main battle area in Marawi City.
Army Colonel Romeo Brawner, Joint Task Force Ranao deputy commander, confirmed the fatality in a text message to GMA News Onlline.
The firefight happened around 6 a.m.
No other details were available as of posting time.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines terminated its combat operations in the area last October 23 after President Rodrigo Duterte announced the liberation of Marawi on October 17.
Maute siege leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute were killed by the military in an operation on October 16.
Latest data showed that a total of 47 civilians, 165 soldiers and police officers, and 920 Maute members have been killed in the firefight in Marawi City since May 23.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/631442/maute-straggler-killed-in-fresh-firefight-in-marawi/story/
Why Japan’s New Military Aircraft Gift to the Philippines Matters
From The Diplomat (Oct 31): Why Japan’s New Military Aircraft Gift to the Philippines Matters
The subtle change is not without significance for both sides and the wider region.
Last week, Japan disclosed that, following a change in Japanese law, it will now be donating five aircraft to the Philippines rather than leasing them as previously agreed. Though the move represents just one change in a broader relationship that has already been deepening in the defense realm, its significance for both sides and the wider region ought not to be underestimated.
As I have noted in previous pieces, though relations between Japan and the Philippines date back decades, ties in the defense domain were strengthening significantly under former Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, in part due to common concerns about China’s growing assertiveness in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. Despite lingering concerns about Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s drift toward China, the commitments between Tokyo and Manila have continued and advances are still being made (See: “Japan-Philippines Defense Relations Under Duterte: Full Steam Ahead?”).
In March 2016, the two countries signed a landmark agreement on defense equipment and technology transfer, making the Philippines just the fourth country Japan has ever inked such a pact with and paving the way for more defense-related developments following Tokyo’s lifting of a self-imposed ban on weapons exports. In September 2016, Japan and the Philippines agreed to a deal where JMSDF would lease two aircraft to the Philippines for a year starting in March.
Parts of that bilateral deal are already ongoing. The Philippines received the first two TC-90 aircraft on March 27. And the training of Philippine naval pilots has been underway as well, with the first of three batches of training occurring from November 2016 to March 2017 and the second completed on October 20 at JMSDF Tokushima Air Base. But the Philippines was hoping for a switch from a leasing agreement to free of charge use of the aircraft. That became possible following a change in Japanese law during the last session of parliament, which significantly paved the way for the donating of secondhand defense equipment to developing countries.
On October 23, Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera reportedly conveyed to Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during their bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the 4th ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) that Tokyo had decided to officially donate five TC-90s to Manila: the two currently being leased and three upcoming ones.
Though this may seem like a small change, its significance should not be underestimated. As I have noted before, despite some improvements, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) still remains one of the region’s weakest militaries, and Manila continues to try to boost its capabilities with a limited budget (See: “Where is the Philippines Coast Guard in its Military Modernization?”). In that context, any help that partner countries like Japan can provide is welcome, especially if it is free or at low cost.
More specifically, the TC-90s, as I have noted before, can be deployed for a variety of purposes ranging from disaster response missions to maritime security operations. Manila does not have enough aircraft to conduct regular patrols in the South China Sea, and these planes could be fitted with basic surface and air radar for surveillance as Manila responds to China’s threat to Philippine claims there. With a range of about 1,900 kilometers, the TC-90s will roughly double the area that Philippine aircraft can now patrol.
In addition, this move is no doubt significant for Japan as well. Under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan has been trying to boost its defense ties with individual Southeast Asian states and ASEAN as a whole (See: “Japan Reveals First ASEAN Defense Initiative With Vientiane Vision”). One of the more challenging areas for this is the transfer of defense equipment, since Japan is a newcomer to this, having just lifted decades-old restrictions.
The TC-90 deal is thus a breakthrough for Japan on this front. The agreement effectively marks the first instance in which excess defense equipment was transferred to another country completely free of charge, proving that Tokyo can in fact make some inroads in the region despite the difficulties of being a newcomer in the defense market, as has been evident in some other cases (See: “Australia-Japan Defense Ties are Deeper than a Sunken Submarine Bid”). It also further cements the Philippines’ role as one of the key countries that Japan can advance defense ties with within the broader Southeast Asian context despite the lingering uncertainties in the Duterte era.
https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/why-japans-new-military-aircraft-gift-to-the-philippines-matters/
The subtle change is not without significance for both sides and the wider region.
Last week, Japan disclosed that, following a change in Japanese law, it will now be donating five aircraft to the Philippines rather than leasing them as previously agreed. Though the move represents just one change in a broader relationship that has already been deepening in the defense realm, its significance for both sides and the wider region ought not to be underestimated.
As I have noted in previous pieces, though relations between Japan and the Philippines date back decades, ties in the defense domain were strengthening significantly under former Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, in part due to common concerns about China’s growing assertiveness in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. Despite lingering concerns about Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s drift toward China, the commitments between Tokyo and Manila have continued and advances are still being made (See: “Japan-Philippines Defense Relations Under Duterte: Full Steam Ahead?”).
In March 2016, the two countries signed a landmark agreement on defense equipment and technology transfer, making the Philippines just the fourth country Japan has ever inked such a pact with and paving the way for more defense-related developments following Tokyo’s lifting of a self-imposed ban on weapons exports. In September 2016, Japan and the Philippines agreed to a deal where JMSDF would lease two aircraft to the Philippines for a year starting in March.
Parts of that bilateral deal are already ongoing. The Philippines received the first two TC-90 aircraft on March 27. And the training of Philippine naval pilots has been underway as well, with the first of three batches of training occurring from November 2016 to March 2017 and the second completed on October 20 at JMSDF Tokushima Air Base. But the Philippines was hoping for a switch from a leasing agreement to free of charge use of the aircraft. That became possible following a change in Japanese law during the last session of parliament, which significantly paved the way for the donating of secondhand defense equipment to developing countries.
On October 23, Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera reportedly conveyed to Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during their bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the 4th ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) that Tokyo had decided to officially donate five TC-90s to Manila: the two currently being leased and three upcoming ones.
Though this may seem like a small change, its significance should not be underestimated. As I have noted before, despite some improvements, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) still remains one of the region’s weakest militaries, and Manila continues to try to boost its capabilities with a limited budget (See: “Where is the Philippines Coast Guard in its Military Modernization?”). In that context, any help that partner countries like Japan can provide is welcome, especially if it is free or at low cost.
More specifically, the TC-90s, as I have noted before, can be deployed for a variety of purposes ranging from disaster response missions to maritime security operations. Manila does not have enough aircraft to conduct regular patrols in the South China Sea, and these planes could be fitted with basic surface and air radar for surveillance as Manila responds to China’s threat to Philippine claims there. With a range of about 1,900 kilometers, the TC-90s will roughly double the area that Philippine aircraft can now patrol.
In addition, this move is no doubt significant for Japan as well. Under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan has been trying to boost its defense ties with individual Southeast Asian states and ASEAN as a whole (See: “Japan Reveals First ASEAN Defense Initiative With Vientiane Vision”). One of the more challenging areas for this is the transfer of defense equipment, since Japan is a newcomer to this, having just lifted decades-old restrictions.
The TC-90 deal is thus a breakthrough for Japan on this front. The agreement effectively marks the first instance in which excess defense equipment was transferred to another country completely free of charge, proving that Tokyo can in fact make some inroads in the region despite the difficulties of being a newcomer in the defense market, as has been evident in some other cases (See: “Australia-Japan Defense Ties are Deeper than a Sunken Submarine Bid”). It also further cements the Philippines’ role as one of the key countries that Japan can advance defense ties with within the broader Southeast Asian context despite the lingering uncertainties in the Duterte era.
https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/why-japans-new-military-aircraft-gift-to-the-philippines-matters/
School being run by NPAs ordered closed
From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 30): School being run by NPAs ordered closed
Banga, South Cotabato — Local authorities have ordered the closure of a local educational institution which is being run by New People’s Army in a remote village here.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
Sr. Supt. Franklin Alvero, South Cotabato police director, said village officials of Barangay Lam-afus here sought the assistance of Department of Education (DepEd) officials, as well as police and military authorities, to close down the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc. Academy (MISFIA) in the area after it was found that the school was operating without the required permit from the DepEd.
He said the barangay council, headed by Chair Erencio Simpal, had earlier passed a resolution which ordered the closure of the said school as it lacked the necessary permit from the DepEd.
MISFIA currently has 15 students who are from the T’boli and Manobo tribal groups from nearby Sultan Kudarat province.
Military and police authorities said the school, which offers curriculum for elementary pupils, reportedly serves as front of the NPA, the armed-wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
The military claimed the school, which is headed by Muhamed Makina Manslaw of Cotabato City, was teaching the school children to raise arms against the government.
South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Fuentes said village officials of Barangay Lam-afus were clothed with the authority to order the closure of the school since it was operating without a DepEd permit and was also catering to students not from South Cotabato.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/10/30/school-being-run-by-npas-ordered-closed/
Banga, South Cotabato — Local authorities have ordered the closure of a local educational institution which is being run by New People’s Army in a remote village here.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
Sr. Supt. Franklin Alvero, South Cotabato police director, said village officials of Barangay Lam-afus here sought the assistance of Department of Education (DepEd) officials, as well as police and military authorities, to close down the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc. Academy (MISFIA) in the area after it was found that the school was operating without the required permit from the DepEd.
He said the barangay council, headed by Chair Erencio Simpal, had earlier passed a resolution which ordered the closure of the said school as it lacked the necessary permit from the DepEd.
MISFIA currently has 15 students who are from the T’boli and Manobo tribal groups from nearby Sultan Kudarat province.
Military and police authorities said the school, which offers curriculum for elementary pupils, reportedly serves as front of the NPA, the armed-wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
The military claimed the school, which is headed by Muhamed Makina Manslaw of Cotabato City, was teaching the school children to raise arms against the government.
South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Fuentes said village officials of Barangay Lam-afus were clothed with the authority to order the closure of the school since it was operating without a DepEd permit and was also catering to students not from South Cotabato.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/10/30/school-being-run-by-npas-ordered-closed/
Under the Radar: Security in the Sulu Sea is set to improve
From Global Risk Insights (Oct 29): Under the Radar: Security in the Sulu Sea is set to improve
The region of the Sulu Sea, just last year branded the ‘New Somalia’, is benefiting from a new trilateral security initiative. However, key challenges remain.
Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines launched the INDOMALPHI Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement (TCA) this past summer. The stated goal is to address “the security challenges associated with each country’s border waters”. The initiative is showing promise as a first step towards improving the security architecture in an area where terrorist activity has had major economic impact.
Cargo at risk
Border security is a serious problem in the Sulu Sea, which separates the Southern Philippine region of Mindanao from the island of Borneo.
Each year, 55 million tonnes of cargo and 18 million people transit these waters. But cooperation between surrounding countries’ governments, navies and maritime law enforcement organisations has been weak. Transnational organized crime has proliferated, along with smuggling operations and terrorist activity. Together these activities inflict extensive damage to the economy, tourism and civilian life.
The island clusters surrounding the Sulu and Celebes Seas
The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) is a threat in the Sulu and Celebes Seas. Though small-scale and locally-oriented, the ASG is prolific, and targets fishing vessels for lucrative kidnap-for-ransom operations. In 2016, ASG coordinated a number of ship hijackings and kidnappings, taking hostage not only Indonesian and Malaysian fishermen, but also several westerners.
These attacks led Indonesia to temporarily ban coal exports to the Philippines, an $800 million industry, a decision that harmed both economies. This ban was pivotal to moving INDOMALPHI forward.
Seige of Marawi
Another tipping point was the siege of Marawi, a major city in Mindanao. Raging for over five months, this was the first coordinated and sustainable operation involving multiple IS-aligned regional groups – representing a new, asymmetric threat. The Philippine military just recently liberated the city, with most of Marawi completely destroyed.
The Marawi siege underscored how accessible the islands in this region are, an issue all three nations are attempting to address amid continuing emerging risks. For instance, the township of Sarangani, a backwater in the Celebes Sea, has been pinpointed as a critical security flashpoint.
Returning control?
On 16 October, Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana claimed the trilateral maritime patrol was going well: ‘We have not had incidents, piracy or kidnappings in the maritime areas of common concern’. There does seem to be evidence to support this assertion, namely the greater speed and accuracy of intra-regional information exchanges, which proved useful in apprehending militants attempting to escape from Marawi. Moreover, military officers recently shot dead the ASG leader and self-declared emir of Southeast Asia, Isnilon Hapilon.
INDOMALPHI builds on several positive security developments in the region in recent years. There was Indonesian President Jokowi’s revised global maritime vision, which adopted a more outward focus, with greater emphasis on interconnectivity and broader collective security.
Jakarta and Manila’s landmark 2014 maritime boundary agreement was also a key step forward, ending an age-old dispute over the Celebes Sea. Similar commitments are now required between Malaysia and the Philippines. These countries have had multiple disputes over Sabah (nominally a Malaysian state in the north of Borneo), notably the military standoff in Lahad Datu in 2013.
Broadening partnerships
There is scope to include other members and organisations in the initiative, in view of the broader regional security challenges. ASEAN has the potential to address border threats. Assistance could also be forthcoming from Australia, Japan, and the United States, given its support for Singapore in the Straits of Malacca. Indeed, Singapore is a particularly strong potential partner, given its staunch defense capabilities.
Singapore already has the required infrastructure and technologies in place from past joint initiatives with Indonesia and Malaysia. Established in April 2009, Singapore’s Information Fusion Centre (IFC) is an important hub for cooperation on maritime security threats.
The Maritime Command Centres in Tarakan (Indonesia), Tawau (Malaysia) and Bongao (Philippines) are not of equal calibre, since these centers possess less advanced radar network capabilities. Without the IFC, a better quality of infrastructure is necessary to facilitate real-time information sharing and the inter-operability of emergency protocols.
Tempered optimism
Ultimately, the goal is to increase land cooperation between all affected countries. This includes plans to strengthen border controls and immigration checks in and around the Sulu region, curbing covert militant movements.
Malaysia and Indonesia will construct five command posts at key points along the Sabah, Sarawak and Kalimantan borders. A newly-renovated border post on Balut Island, Sarangani, will function as an inter-agency monitoring station on the Celebes Sea.
Success will depend on whether each country trusts the collaborative process and periodically convenes with partners to discuss progress and targets. Over time, familiarity with operational routines and processes, such as cross-nation hand-offs and emergency protocols, should develop.
But the biggest risk to INDOMALPHI is that the initiative remains at the mercy of political transitions in each country. Only sustained efforts will decrease the multiple risks discussed.
http://globalriskinsights.com/2017/10/can-sulu-sea-become-secure-new-initiative/
The region of the Sulu Sea, just last year branded the ‘New Somalia’, is benefiting from a new trilateral security initiative. However, key challenges remain.
Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines launched the INDOMALPHI Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement (TCA) this past summer. The stated goal is to address “the security challenges associated with each country’s border waters”. The initiative is showing promise as a first step towards improving the security architecture in an area where terrorist activity has had major economic impact.
Cargo at risk
Border security is a serious problem in the Sulu Sea, which separates the Southern Philippine region of Mindanao from the island of Borneo.
Each year, 55 million tonnes of cargo and 18 million people transit these waters. But cooperation between surrounding countries’ governments, navies and maritime law enforcement organisations has been weak. Transnational organized crime has proliferated, along with smuggling operations and terrorist activity. Together these activities inflict extensive damage to the economy, tourism and civilian life.
The island clusters surrounding the Sulu and Celebes Seas
The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) is a threat in the Sulu and Celebes Seas. Though small-scale and locally-oriented, the ASG is prolific, and targets fishing vessels for lucrative kidnap-for-ransom operations. In 2016, ASG coordinated a number of ship hijackings and kidnappings, taking hostage not only Indonesian and Malaysian fishermen, but also several westerners.
These attacks led Indonesia to temporarily ban coal exports to the Philippines, an $800 million industry, a decision that harmed both economies. This ban was pivotal to moving INDOMALPHI forward.
Seige of Marawi
Another tipping point was the siege of Marawi, a major city in Mindanao. Raging for over five months, this was the first coordinated and sustainable operation involving multiple IS-aligned regional groups – representing a new, asymmetric threat. The Philippine military just recently liberated the city, with most of Marawi completely destroyed.
The Marawi siege underscored how accessible the islands in this region are, an issue all three nations are attempting to address amid continuing emerging risks. For instance, the township of Sarangani, a backwater in the Celebes Sea, has been pinpointed as a critical security flashpoint.
Returning control?
On 16 October, Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana claimed the trilateral maritime patrol was going well: ‘We have not had incidents, piracy or kidnappings in the maritime areas of common concern’. There does seem to be evidence to support this assertion, namely the greater speed and accuracy of intra-regional information exchanges, which proved useful in apprehending militants attempting to escape from Marawi. Moreover, military officers recently shot dead the ASG leader and self-declared emir of Southeast Asia, Isnilon Hapilon.
INDOMALPHI builds on several positive security developments in the region in recent years. There was Indonesian President Jokowi’s revised global maritime vision, which adopted a more outward focus, with greater emphasis on interconnectivity and broader collective security.
Jakarta and Manila’s landmark 2014 maritime boundary agreement was also a key step forward, ending an age-old dispute over the Celebes Sea. Similar commitments are now required between Malaysia and the Philippines. These countries have had multiple disputes over Sabah (nominally a Malaysian state in the north of Borneo), notably the military standoff in Lahad Datu in 2013.
Broadening partnerships
There is scope to include other members and organisations in the initiative, in view of the broader regional security challenges. ASEAN has the potential to address border threats. Assistance could also be forthcoming from Australia, Japan, and the United States, given its support for Singapore in the Straits of Malacca. Indeed, Singapore is a particularly strong potential partner, given its staunch defense capabilities.
Singapore already has the required infrastructure and technologies in place from past joint initiatives with Indonesia and Malaysia. Established in April 2009, Singapore’s Information Fusion Centre (IFC) is an important hub for cooperation on maritime security threats.
The Maritime Command Centres in Tarakan (Indonesia), Tawau (Malaysia) and Bongao (Philippines) are not of equal calibre, since these centers possess less advanced radar network capabilities. Without the IFC, a better quality of infrastructure is necessary to facilitate real-time information sharing and the inter-operability of emergency protocols.
Tempered optimism
Ultimately, the goal is to increase land cooperation between all affected countries. This includes plans to strengthen border controls and immigration checks in and around the Sulu region, curbing covert militant movements.
Malaysia and Indonesia will construct five command posts at key points along the Sabah, Sarawak and Kalimantan borders. A newly-renovated border post on Balut Island, Sarangani, will function as an inter-agency monitoring station on the Celebes Sea.
Success will depend on whether each country trusts the collaborative process and periodically convenes with partners to discuss progress and targets. Over time, familiarity with operational routines and processes, such as cross-nation hand-offs and emergency protocols, should develop.
But the biggest risk to INDOMALPHI is that the initiative remains at the mercy of political transitions in each country. Only sustained efforts will decrease the multiple risks discussed.
http://globalriskinsights.com/2017/10/can-sulu-sea-become-secure-new-initiative/
Scout Rangers new mission Abu Sayyaf
From the Visayan Daily Star (Oct 30): Scout Rangers new mission Abu Sayyaf
Its Mission Accomplished for the 5th Scout Ranger (Crusaders) Battalion in Marawi, and the bandit Abu Sayaff Group in Sulu is next.
After its successful operations against ISIS-inspired Maute terrorist group in Marawi,the 5SRB, led by Negrense Lt. Col. Marlo Jomalesa, is heading for another fight?this time with the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group in Sulu.
The 5SRB was among the Philippine Army units pulled out from Marawi City, after its liberation from the Maute terrorist group.
After a month-long rest in Zamboanga, Jomalesa said yesterday that they are slated for deployment in Sulu.
In almost two months of deployment in Marawi City, the 5SRB had not incurred any casualty. The unit also participated in the rescue of kidnapped Filipino priest Fr. Teresito Soganub, and several other Maute terrorist group hostages, as well as in the liberation of Marawi, including the killing of two local terrorist leaders,Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute,
Another marked accomplishment of 15th Scout Ranger Company, that is under the supervision of 5SRB, was the heroism of Capt. Jeffrey Buada.
Buada,15th SRC commander, successfully managed to negotiate with the Maute for the release of 30 hungry and thirsty hostages. But before doing so, he removed his bullet proof vest, helmet and laid down his firearm.
The gunmen released the hostages, in exchange for food and water, after which the gunbattle resumed.
Aside from being the commander of the 5SRB, Jomalesa was also designated as officer-in-charge of the 63rd Infantry Battalion, following injuriesto its commander.
In the final days and assault in the last strong hold of the Maute, who occupied a mosque, a Roman Catholic church, and two big buildings, Jomalesa reported that 75 Maute members died.
Jomalesa said the Roman Catholic church, that the Maute desecrated on their first day of attack in Marawi, was also occupied by ISIS foreigners, who were also wiped out.
The military operations against Maute ended Oct. 23, five months after the terrorist group occupied Marawi City.
At about 4:15 p.m. of Oct.24, Jomalesa said “ Musang this is Crusader (referring to his battalion), last stronghold of ISIS/Maute cleared. Mission Accomplished”.
Asked for his assessment of their Marawi assignment, Jomalesa said all the high value target foreigners, who had joined the Maute group, died.
“The ISIS will be facing a hard time in operating in the Philippines, as we already learned from the hybrid warfare in Zamboanga and learned so many lessons in Marawi,” he added.
The 5SRB is now taking much-needed rest and recreation in Zamboanga, in preparation for another battle with a local terrorist group, andhave also called for prayers from Negrenses for their next mission.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/October/30/topstory2.htm
Its Mission Accomplished for the 5th Scout Ranger (Crusaders) Battalion in Marawi, and the bandit Abu Sayaff Group in Sulu is next.
After its successful operations against ISIS-inspired Maute terrorist group in Marawi,the 5SRB, led by Negrense Lt. Col. Marlo Jomalesa, is heading for another fight?this time with the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group in Sulu.
The 5SRB was among the Philippine Army units pulled out from Marawi City, after its liberation from the Maute terrorist group.
After a month-long rest in Zamboanga, Jomalesa said yesterday that they are slated for deployment in Sulu.
In almost two months of deployment in Marawi City, the 5SRB had not incurred any casualty. The unit also participated in the rescue of kidnapped Filipino priest Fr. Teresito Soganub, and several other Maute terrorist group hostages, as well as in the liberation of Marawi, including the killing of two local terrorist leaders,Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute,
Another marked accomplishment of 15th Scout Ranger Company, that is under the supervision of 5SRB, was the heroism of Capt. Jeffrey Buada.
Buada,15th SRC commander, successfully managed to negotiate with the Maute for the release of 30 hungry and thirsty hostages. But before doing so, he removed his bullet proof vest, helmet and laid down his firearm.
The gunmen released the hostages, in exchange for food and water, after which the gunbattle resumed.
Aside from being the commander of the 5SRB, Jomalesa was also designated as officer-in-charge of the 63rd Infantry Battalion, following injuriesto its commander.
In the final days and assault in the last strong hold of the Maute, who occupied a mosque, a Roman Catholic church, and two big buildings, Jomalesa reported that 75 Maute members died.
Jomalesa said the Roman Catholic church, that the Maute desecrated on their first day of attack in Marawi, was also occupied by ISIS foreigners, who were also wiped out.
The military operations against Maute ended Oct. 23, five months after the terrorist group occupied Marawi City.
At about 4:15 p.m. of Oct.24, Jomalesa said “ Musang this is Crusader (referring to his battalion), last stronghold of ISIS/Maute cleared. Mission Accomplished”.
Asked for his assessment of their Marawi assignment, Jomalesa said all the high value target foreigners, who had joined the Maute group, died.
“The ISIS will be facing a hard time in operating in the Philippines, as we already learned from the hybrid warfare in Zamboanga and learned so many lessons in Marawi,” he added.
The 5SRB is now taking much-needed rest and recreation in Zamboanga, in preparation for another battle with a local terrorist group, andhave also called for prayers from Negrenses for their next mission.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/October/30/topstory2.htm
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