Wanted Singaporean militant at large in Central Mindanao: Security source

From Channel News Asia (Nov 8): Wanted Singaporean militant at large in Central Mindanao: Security source

KUALA LUMPUR: A Singaporean militant, wanted by the Philippines authorities, is believed to be at large in Central Mindanao together with three Uighurs, according to a Manila security source.

“Muawiya, a Singaporean, is still at large together with three Turkish believed to be Uighurs in Central Mindanao,” a security source from Manila told Channel NewsAsia.

The source gave no further details.

Last May, Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said in a statement that Muhamad Ali Abdul Rahiman @ Muawiya, has been in the southern Philippines since the 1990s.

 

MHA said there was no information about whether he is involved in the armed insurgency in Marawi City on Mindanao island which was seized by pro-Islamic State (IS) militants led by the Maute Group and Isnilon Hapilon of the Abu Sayyaf Group on May 23.

The siege lasted five months and left more than 1,100 people dead.

"We take a serious view of anyone who supports, promotes, undertakes or makes preparations to undertake armed violence regardless of where the violence takes place,” said an MHA spokesperson in May.

"We will continue to work with the Philippines authorities to identify any Singaporean who may be involved in terrorism-related activities in the Philippines,” the statement added.

Lieutenant-Colonel Gerry Besana, spokesman from the military’s Joint Task Force Central, told Channel NewsAsia the military has detected the presence of foreign fighters in Central Mindanao and is working to identify them.

“We are verifying the reported presence of foreign fighters. Unfortunately, the foreigners are mostly sporting long beards and have their faces covered most of the time,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Besana.

In 2015, Philippines’ authorities said Muawiya is a member of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and is believed to be protected by the pro-Islamic State (IS) Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a breakaway faction of the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

 

BIFF is seen as one of the most dangerous pro-IS groups in Mindanao. JI is the Al-Qaeda-linked regional terror group behind 2002 devastating Bali bombings.

According to former JI leader Malaysian Nasir Abas and founder of the JI para-military training camp in southern Philippines which has since been shut down, Muawiya has been in Mindanao since 1995.

Abas described him as small in stature, standing at around 155-160 centimetres tall.

“I met Muawiya in the nineties. He has been there since 1995. He wasn’t a member of JI. At that time, he was a preacher and was pretty much on his own. I don’t know what happened to him after that,” Abas told Channel NewsAsia.

“He is an Indian Muslim and is married to a Filipino woman,” Abas added.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/wanted-singaporean-militant-at-large-in-central-mindanao-9387888

MILF invites Christians, Lumad to attend Bangsamoro Assembly

From Davao Today (Nov 8): MILF invites Christians, Lumad to attend Bangsamoro Assembly

After its postponement last November 3, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) will push through with the Bangsamoro Assembly this month to gather the stakeholders of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

The assembly will be held on November 26-27 at the Old Provincial Capitol Compound in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao province.

“We are encouraging the Bangsamoros, indigenous people, and Christian settlers to attend this historic event that would mark our common aspiration to have genuine peace in our homeland,” said BTC Chairman and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Vice Chairman Ghadzali Jaafar on Wednesday, November 8.

The assembly was originally scheduled on November 3-4 but was postponed due to what Jaafar described as “reasons beyond control.”



The BTC crafted the new BBL which aims to establish a new political entity called the Bangsmoro that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The BBL was supposedly passed during the term of former President Benigno Aquino III when the Mamasapano clash erupted.

President Rodrigo Duterte on October 29, vowed to push for the passage of BBL in Congress saying that its non-passage might cause trouble in the country.

The MILF sees the passage of the BBL as one of the steps that can provide long-term solutions against violent extremism.

MILF Peace Implementing Panel Chairperson Mohagher Iqbal previously said: “There is a continuing risk of youths being enticed by violent and extremist ideologies and join local ISIS-inspired groups as a result of existing global and domestic injustices.”

He said the lack of political settlement to address the clamor of the Moro people for autonomy is one reason which the MILF sees as fuel for discontent among young Muslims.

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/milf-invites-christians-lumad-to-attend-bangsamoro-assembly/

1 rebel dead, 8 soldiers wounded in military-NPA clash in N. Vizcaya

From InterAksyon (Nov 9): 1 rebel dead, 8 soldiers wounded in military-NPA clash in N. Vizcaya



An NPA guerrilla stands guard at a rebel camp in this file photo . INTERAKSYON FILE PHOTO

DUPAX DEL SUR, Philippines – Eight soldiers were seriously wounded and one member of the New People’s Army died in a gun battle early Thursday morning in Barangay Sanguit in this town in Nueva Vizcaya province.

According to Maj. Gen. Felimon Santos, commanding general of the 7ID, his troops engaged in battle with an undetermined number of communist rebels under the Venerando Villacillio Command.

Santos said his troops were conducting security patrols after getting information on the presence of communist rebels in the area.

High-powered firearms were seized from the slain unidentified rebel.

Government troops are still conducting pursuit operations against the rebels.

http://www.interaksyon.com/1-rebel-dead-8-soldiers-wounded-in-military-npa-clash-in-n-vizcaya/

Turkish company providing gun system for PH navy’s upcoming frigates

From Update Philippines (Nov 8): Turkish company providing gun system for PH navy’s upcoming frigates

Aerospace, defence and security business information outlet Shephard Media reported that Aselsan will supply the 30mm SMASH remote-controlled naval gun system as secondary gun for the two Philippine Navy future frigates ordered from Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).

According to MaxDefense Philippines, the 30mm Aselsan SMASH conforms to the Technical Specifications of Navy frigate acquisition program as it was part of HHI’s Alternative Configuration.

“But since the PN is already using the MSI Defence Seahawk and BAE Systems Mk.38 Mod.2 remote operated stabilized guns, the PN originally wanted the MSI Defence 30mm Seahawk which was offered by Hyundai as part of their Baseline Configuration,” it added.

“Cost could be the issue since sources confirmed that the Aselsan SMASH is around $300,000 cheaper than the MSI Defence Seahawk,” MaxDefense said.

Aselsan is a Turkish defense corporation that produces defense systems for the Turkish Armed Forces.

https://www.update.ph/2017/11/turkish-company-providing-gun-system-for-ph-navys-upcoming-frigates/22415

Philippines sends largest warship, frigate for ASEAN war games

From Update Philippines (Nov 8): Philippines sends largest warship, frigate for ASEAN war games

The Philippine Navy on Wednesday, November 8 sent off its Tarlac-class landing platform dock BRP Tarlac (LD601) and Del Pilar-class frigate BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF15) to participate in the first-ever ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise (AMNEX) on November 13 to 22 in Thailand hosted by Royal Thai Navy (RTN).

Navy the Vice Commander Rear Admiral Allan Ferdinand V. Cusi led the send-off of the approximately 600-man contingent composed of sailors and Marines, as well as students from naval training institutions.

According to Navy AMNEX is the maritime security collaboration of navies in Southeast Asia Region.



“It is in conjunction with the commemoration of the 50thASEAN founding anniversary along with International Fleet Review and the 11th ASEAN Navy Chiefs’ Meeting (ANCM),” the Navy said.

“It will be participated by the ten ASEAN countries and nine non-ASEAN countries such as Australia, Bangladesh, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Sri Lanka, and the United States of America,” it added.

https://www.update.ph/2017/11/philippines-sends-largest-warship-frigate-for-asean-wargames/22422

AFP chief gets 4-star rank

From Update Philippines (Nov 9): AFP chief gets 4-star rank

Newly-appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero was formally promoted to four-star rank Wednesday.

In the Philippine military, a four-star rank is equivalent to a full general, the highest position in the AFP.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and AFP Vice Chief-of-Staff Lt. Gen. Melchor Mison Jr. donned Guerrero’s fourth star during a ceremony held at the new Philippine Air Force Hall of Flags, Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.


PAF photo

Guerrero, who was appointed AFP chief last Oct. 26, is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1984.

Prior to his appointment as AFP chief, he led the Eastern Mindanao Command, Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division, 701st Infantry Brigade, and Task Force Davao.

He also served as chief-of-staff of the Philippine Army.

Guerrero has also been awarded the Distinguished Service Star four times; the Order of Lakandula (Degree of Commander); the Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Officer); and the Honorary Airborne Wings from the Royal Thai Army.

https://www.update.ph/2017/11/afp-chief-gets-4-star-rank/22455

LOOK: Philippine Air Force C-130 travels to Singapore

From Update Philippines (Nov 9): LOOK: Philippine Air Force C-130 travels to Singapore

One of the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) C-130 military transport aircraft operated by 220th Airlift Wing ferried the Philippine Army Shooting Contingent to Singapore on November 6 to participate in the 27th ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet (AARM).

The aircraft is being commanded by Air Force Colonel Bienvenido J. Casaclang PAF with Pilots-in-Command Major Elias Garry Gregorio and Major Claire Belle Clua.


220AW photo

“International sorties of this kind are not new to 220th Airlift Wing considering its recent flights include long-haul transpacific sorties,” the 220AW said.


220AW photo

“Through these sorties, the airlifters continue to improve their techniques and procedures especially on flying over international airspace and has enhanced air mobility operations,” it added.

220AW said that with increasing frequency of international flights, its pilots and crew have greatly improved their skills and ultimately, put to test the full spectrum of capabilities Air Mobility Command provides the nation.

https://www.update.ph/2017/11/look-philippine-air-force-c-130-travels-to-singapore/22460

Mega rehab facility may be turned over to Armed Forces

From Update Philippines (Nov 9): Mega rehab facility may be turned over to Armed Forces



Malacanang on Thursday welcomed Sen. Vicente Sotto III’s suggestion to use the mega drug rehabilitation and treatment center located in Nueva Ecija as a ‘drug enforcement academy’.

“We welcome the suggestion of Senator Vicente Sotto III on the mega drug rehabilitation and treatment center in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

Roque said the long-term goal of the government to make use of the facility for other purposes.

“Our long-term vision is once the drug problem has been resolved, this can be turned over to the military who owns the land or other agencies of government that can utilize, manage and optimize the facility,” Roque added.

Sotto earlier said the facility can be used as an extension of the existing Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) academy.

The construction of the facility started in July 2016 and can accommodate 10,000 patients once completed.

The Department of Health earlier said the center will have 2,000 drug dependents for its first batch of patients coming from other overcrowded facilities in the country.

https://www.update.ph/2017/11/mega-rehab-facility-may-be-turned-over-to-armed-forces/22481

DND strengthens partnerships in Asia Pacific

From Update Philippines (Nov 9): DND strengthens partnerships in Asia Pacific

 

The Department of National Defense (DND) is now collaborating with more countries in the Asia-Pacific region while maintaining relations with its long-standing allies.

“To broaden our international defense and security engagements and in relation to the directive of the President to establish an independent foreign policy, the DND collaborates with more countries in the Asia-Pacific Region, while maintaining our long-standing relation with traditional allies,” DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.

The Philippines has successfully hosted the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM)-Plus last October.

Lorenzana said this is in connection with the country’s ASEAN chairmanship this year.

The National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) also hosted two international conferences such as the 1st ASEAN Regional Forum Heads of Defense Universities, Colleges, Institutions Meeting, and the 10th Track II Network of ASEAN Defense and Security Institutions Meeting.

In line with these efforts, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has also organized the ASEAN Joint Task Group on Emergency Preparednesss and Response Under the Committee on Security, Peace and Order, and Emergency Preparedness to Ensure the successful hosting of the ASEAN meetings in the Philippines.

“Moreover, to immediately address security issues particularly on terrorism in the maritime areas of concern, a Framework on Trilateral Cooperative Arrangements among the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia was signed last July 2016 and was launched in June of this year,” Lorenzana added.

“This program was started by Secretary (Voltaire) Gazmin together with the Defense Chiefs of Indonesia and Malaysia, we have also formally launched the Joint Trilateral Air Patrol last October 12 of this year at Royal Malaysian Air Force, Subang Air Base in Malaysia,” he further stressed.

https://www.update.ph/2017/11/dnd-strengthens-partnerships-in-asia-pacific/22486

AFP, DND assure Robredo: No support for revolutionary government

From Rappler (Nov 8): AFP, DND assure Robredo: No support for revolutionary government

Vice President Leni Robredo is also briefed by the AFP and the DND on the ongoing rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City

SECURITY BRIEFING. Vice President Leni Robredo receives a national security briefing from Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and AFP chief of staff Rey Leonardo Guerrero. Photo by the OVP

The chiefs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of National Defense (DND) said they will not be supporting any moves to establish a revolutionary government.

 

This was the assurance given by AFP chief of staff Rey Leonardo Guerrero and DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to Vice President Leni Robredo during a security briefing at the Philippine Air Force headquarters in Pasay City on Wednesday, November 8.

The Vice President said she asked Guerrero and Lorenzana where the AFP stands on President Rodrigo Duterte’s warning he will declare a revolutionary government once he senses that a destabilization plot is about to install a new leader to replace him.

 

“In-assure tayo, in no uncertain terms, both ni Secretary Lorenzana saka ni AFP chief of staff Guerrero, na hindi sila susuporta sa revolutionary government at [sa] kahit anong threat sa ating Konstitusyon,” Robredo told reporters after the briefing. (We were assured, in no uncertain terms, both by Secretary Lorenzana and AFP chief of staff Guerrero that they will not be supporting a revolutionary government and any other similar threats to our Constitution.)

“Nagtatanong pa din tayo kasi may mga opisyal ng pamahalaan na involved sa usapin ng revolutionary government. Pero this afternoon, na-assure tayo, at madiin iyong assurance na hindi sila susuporta sa ganiyan[g mga plano],” she added. (We asked because government officials are involved in the talks on a revolutionary government. But there was an assurance this afternoon that they will not support a plan like that.)

Opposition group Tindig Pilipinas, whose politician members are part of Robredo’s Liberal Party, had called Duterte a "paranoid and insecure little man" for eyeing a revolutionary government. The Vice President, however, is not a member of this opposition coalition.

During the security briefing, Robredo also asked the AFP and the DND for updates on the ongoing rehabilitation efforts in Marawi City, where government troops engaged in a months-long battle with homegrown terrorists led by the Maute Group and a faction of the Abu Sayaff Group.

On October 17, Duterte declared the liberation of Marawi City after soldiers killed siege leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute.

The Office of the Vice President already sent a team to Marawi to determine how they can assist in the rehabilitation efforts through Robredo’s flagship anti-poverty program Angat Buhay.

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/187780-afp-dnd-assurance-robredo-no-support-revolutionary-government

Return Balangiga bells, Trump told ahead of PH trip

From Rappler (Nov 9): Return Balangiga bells, Trump told ahead of PH trip

'At the end of the day, that is not owned by the United States or the Philippines. It's owned by the Catholic Church,' ex-DFA chief Roberto Romulo tells Rappler

US President Donald Trump should order the return of the historic Balangiga bells to the Philippines as he visits Manila from November 12 to 14, a former Philippine top diplomat said.

"I personally believe that President Trump should, once and for all, return the Balangiga bells," former Philippine foreign secretary Roberto Romulo told Rappler on Wednesday,

"At the end of the day, that is not owned by the United States or the Philippines. It's owned by the Catholic Church," Romulo added.

Trump will visit the Philippines to join the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings, and to meet with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte earlier called on the US to return the Balangiga bells. In response, the US vowed to resolve the Balangiga bells issue, but without a specific timeframe in mind.

The Balangiga bells, once found in Balangiga Church in Eastern Samar, had been taken by the Americans as spoils of war. The tolling of these bells in 1901 had led to the massacre of American troops, in the US military's worst single defeat in the Philippines.

 

Trump can make orders, Romulo says
Staunch opposition in the US has prevented the return of the Balangiga bells.

 

Romulo, however, said that "as commander in chief of the US armed forces," Trump "can tell them, 'Return it,' despite the opposition."

Romulo served as secretary of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) from 1992 to 1995 under then president Fidel V. Ramos, who sought the return of the Balangiga bells, to no avail.

In his column for the Philippine Star on Wednesday, Romulo quoted a letter by his American friend Henry Howard to Trump on October 12, 2017, about the Balangiga bells.

Howard told Trump: "There is no political downside for you in Wyoming by returning the bells since you won so overwhelmingly there and there is tremendous upside for you as president of the United States in the Philippines by returning the bells before or during your trip to the Philippines in November."

"As the president of the United States and commander in chief of the US Army and US Air Force, you have the command and legal authority to permit the prompt return of the 3 bells," Howard said.

Romulo wrote: "If President Trump does indeed send the bells back, it would be an important step in Philippine-US relations and it would remove this long and deep wound between our two countries."

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/187819-trump-return-balangiga-bells-asean-summit-2017-philippines

6 soldiers killed in clash with Abu Sayyaf in Basilan

From Rappler (Nov 9): 6 soldiers killed in clash with Abu Sayyaf in Basilan

The fighting lasted for about 4 hours, leading to an undetermined number of casualties among the Abu Sayyaf, says Colonel Juvymax Uy

BASILAN, Philippines – Six soldiers were killed and 4 others wounded in a clash with Abu Sayyaf members and their supporters in Sumisip town on Wednesday, November 8.

 

Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez Jr, Western Mindanao Command chief, reported the outcome of the encounter on Thursday, November 9.

“We are sad to report the death of 6 of your soldiers during the encounter yesterday in Basilan,” Galvez said.

He said combat operations against the Abu Sayyaf "will be intensified with our intelligence operations and sustained campaign."

Elements of the 18th Infantry Battalion conducted a strike operation against the Abu Sayyaf under Siar Alhamsirol and Parong Tedi in Barangay Upper Cabengbeng, Sumisip at 12:41 pm on Wednesday.

The Abu Sayyaf got reinforcement from lawless elements that engaged the troops near the Basilan circumferential road in Sumisip, said Colonel Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force Basilan.

 

“As they edged towards the circumferential road, operating troops were met with heavy fire by lawless elements believed to be relatives and sympathizers of the Abu Sayyaf bandits,” said Uy.

The firefight lasted for about 4 hours, leading to an undetermined number of casualties on the other side, the military officer said.

 

The Air Force provided close air support past 2 pm on Wednesday, while troops of the 64th and 68th Infantry Battalions augmented the government forces in the engagement area, Uy said.

The remains of the 6 soldiers had been transported to Zamboanga City.

The wounded were evacuated to the headquarters of the 64th Infantry Battalion and received medical treatment at the Camp Navarro General Hospital and a private hospital.

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/187837-soldiers-killed-clash-abu-sayyaf-basilan

12 bags of IED components recovered at NPA clash site

From the Mindanao Times (Nov 9): 12 bags of IED components recovered at NPA clash site

THE 66TH Infantry Battalion recovered 12 bags of improvised explosive device (IED) components after two encounters with around 30 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Sarayon, Barangay Araibo, Pantukan, Compostela Valley on Wednesday.

 

Capt. Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, said the soldiers received a report from concern citizens about rebel presence in the barangay.

At around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Lamosao said a platoon of 66th IB clashed with the rebels, believed to be Section Committee (Sec Com) 18 of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) and Pulang Bagani Command (PBC) 6.

“Despite the presence of their top leaders, the enemy withdrew to south direction from the encounter site,” he said.

Around 1:30 p.m on the same day, another platoon clashed with the same group during a pursuit operation at the vicinity of Sitio Sarayon.

 

The platoon called for air support which forced the NPAs to scamper to different directions. The firefight lasted for about one hour and ten minutes.

The operation resulted in the recovery of 12 bags of IED component and wires. There are no reported casualties from the soldiers.

Maj. Gen Noel Clement, the 10th ID commander, said they will continue their offensives against the NPA. He also credited the help of the community in pinning down the rebels.

“The 10ID is grateful to the people of Sitio Sarayon and whole of Barangay Araibo especially the local officials for their continued support to the government by timely reporting the presence of NPAs,” he said.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/12-bags-of-ied-components-recovered-at-npa-clash-site/

Sayyafs kill 6 soldiers, wounds 4 more in Basilan

From the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 9): Sayyafs kill 6 soldiers, wounds 4 more in Basilan

Abu Sayyaf gunmen killed 6 army soldiers and wounded 4 others in an ambush in Basilan, one of 5 provinces under the restive Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines, officials said Thursday.

Officials said the soldiers were pursuing a band of militants when gunmen – mostly supporters and relatives of Abu Sayyaf fighters – ambushed them Wednesday in Upper Cabengbeng village in Sumisip, hometown of ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman.

“As they edged towards the circumferential road, operating troops were met with heavy fire by lawless elements believed to be relatives and sympathizers of the Abu Sayyaf bandits,” said Colonel Juvymax Uy, commander of the anti-terror Joint Task Force Basilan.

He said two of the Abu Sayyaf leaders involved in the fighting have been identified as Siar Alhamsirol and Parong Tedi who managed to escape the military operation.

The heavy fighting, according to Uy, lasted over 4 hours and needed air force bombers to support ground troops battling the militants. The clashes were so intense that the army had to deploy the 64th and 68th Infantry Battalions to augment members of the 18th Battalion fighting the Abu Sayyaf.

The Western Mindanao Command on Thursday said the bodies of the slain soldiers were handed over to the grieving families. And the wounded soldiers are now in a military hospital here where they are being treated for gunshot wounds.

“We are sad to report the death of six of your soldiers during the encounter yesterday in Basilan,” said Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez, Jr., chief of the Western Mindanao Command.

He said military operations against the Abu Sayyaf and their support groups are continuing in Basilan, just several nautical miles south of Zamboanga City. “As we mourn, combat operations against the bandits will be intensified with our intelligence operations and sustained campaign to defeat the remaining terrorists. Rest assured that this will not stop us from crushing the enemies of the state,” Galvez said.

Both Galvez and Hataman have previously trumpeted victory against the Abu Sayyaf and the surrender of many of its fighters in Sumisip and other parts of Basilan and claiming the government is winning the war against terrorism in the province.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/sayyafs-kill-6-soldiers-wounds-4-more-in-basilan/

Armed men torch passenger van in Sarangani

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 8): Armed men torch passenger van in Sarangani

Unidentified armed men burned a passenger van from this city in a coastal village in Maasim town in Sarangani Province on Tuesday night.

Sr. Insp. Nemesio Calipjo Jr., chief of the Maasim municipal police station, said Wednesday the van was en route to Maitum town in Sarangani when it was flagged down and torched by the suspects at a portion of the national highway in Barangay Lumasal at around 8 p.m.

Citing accounts from witnesses, he said one of the van’s passengers initially requested to disembark at the barangay proper of Lumasal.

But Calipjo said a group of armed were already waiting in the area and ordered the van’s driver and passengers to disembark.

“They poured gasoline on the van, set it on fire and hastily left the scene,” Calipjo said.

The police official said they are currently determining the identity of the suspects and their possible affiliation.

Several passenger buses, vans and company delivery trucks had been torched since late last year in parts of Sarangani in daring attacks claimed by New People’s Army (NPA).

Last month, suspected NPA rebels burned a delivery van of the KCC Mall of GenSan at a portion of Barangay Tuyan in Malapatan, Sarangani.

In all instances, the suspects, who introduced themselves as NPA members, did not harm any of the drivers and passengers.

But in the latest incident in Maasim town, none of the suspects reportedly made any claim nor declared affiliation to any group.

“The investigation is still ongoing and a (police) team is currently in the area to track down the suspects,” Calipjo said.

Investigators are still in the process of identifying the owner of the Toyota Hi-Ace passenger van as it was totally burned and no recognizable markings were found on the unit.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1015167