From the Manila Times (Jan7): Military clarifies 6 dead from clan feud in Lanao del Sur wounded only
THE military clarified on Sunday that six people who reportedly died from “rido” (clan feud) in Lanao del Sur on Friday were merely wounded.
Col. Romeo Brawner Jr., deputy commander of Joint Task Force Ranao, identified the injured as coming from the clans of Dipatuan and Amanodin.
Five of the six were identified as: Hisam Pukunum Dipatuan, 34; Abdulbarie Macaborod, 22; Samsudin Malawad, 41; Casain Pangcoga, 55; and Jamel Panggoga, 35.
Brawner said in his report over the weekend that an exchange of gunfire between the two clans happened at Barangay (village) Gandamato, Bacolod Calawi.
The firefight lasted for about an hour and disrupted traffic flow along the highway of the town.
He added that personnel from the Philippine Army’s 65th Infantry Battalion led by Maj. Invinzor Meneses responded to the incident but were fired upon by unidentified armed men, prompting the soldiers to shoot back.
A ceasefire was declared after the Army unit “was able to control the situation.”
Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, said the military would not tolerate any similar incidents and would continue to implement the law with the Philippine National Police (PNP).
http://www.manilatimes.net/military-clarifies-6-dead-clan-feud-lanao-del-sur-wounded/372781/
Sunday, January 7, 2018
11 BIFF patay sa miltary assault sa Maguindanao
From the Radio Mindanao Network (Jan 7): 11 BIFF patay sa miltary assault sa Maguindanao
Abot sa 11 miembro ng Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) ang namatay sa halos magdamagang pagpapaulan ng mortar at rocket assault na isinagawa ng militar sa Maguindanao. Ayon sa Tactical Command Post ng 601st Brigade, mahigit sa 50 miembro ng BIFF ang sumalakay sa Kato Detachment ng 57th Infantry Battalion ng Philippine Army at CAGFU sa Mount Firis sa hangganan ng mga bayan ng Datu Hofer, Datu Unsay at Datu Saudi sa Maguindanao.
Dahil dito ay rumesponde ang dalawang Agusta 109 helicopter gunship ng Philippine Air Force at binomba ang kinaroroonan ng mga amado na pinangungunahan ni Kumander Bungos.
Nagpakawala rin ng mga bala ng 105mm howitzers cannon and artillery battalion ng Philippine Army sa posisyon ng BIFF.
Natigil ang putukan alas dos ng madaling araw kahapon ng umatras ang BIFF.
Sa ngayon ay mahigit 300 pamilya mula sa katutubong Teduray ang lumikas sa Mount Firis dahil sa kaguluhan .
https://rmn.ph/11-biff-patay-sa-miltary-assault-sa-maguindanao/
Abot sa 11 miembro ng Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) ang namatay sa halos magdamagang pagpapaulan ng mortar at rocket assault na isinagawa ng militar sa Maguindanao. Ayon sa Tactical Command Post ng 601st Brigade, mahigit sa 50 miembro ng BIFF ang sumalakay sa Kato Detachment ng 57th Infantry Battalion ng Philippine Army at CAGFU sa Mount Firis sa hangganan ng mga bayan ng Datu Hofer, Datu Unsay at Datu Saudi sa Maguindanao.
Dahil dito ay rumesponde ang dalawang Agusta 109 helicopter gunship ng Philippine Air Force at binomba ang kinaroroonan ng mga amado na pinangungunahan ni Kumander Bungos.
Nagpakawala rin ng mga bala ng 105mm howitzers cannon and artillery battalion ng Philippine Army sa posisyon ng BIFF.
Natigil ang putukan alas dos ng madaling araw kahapon ng umatras ang BIFF.
Sa ngayon ay mahigit 300 pamilya mula sa katutubong Teduray ang lumikas sa Mount Firis dahil sa kaguluhan .
https://rmn.ph/11-biff-patay-sa-miltary-assault-sa-maguindanao/
9 BIFF men, 1 soldier dead in clash in Maguindanao
From Malaya Business Insight (Jan 8): 9 BIFF men, 1 soldier dead in clash in Maguindanao
NINE members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and a soldier were killed while another soldier was wounded in a firefight in Datu Unsay town in Maguindanao on Saturday, the military reported yesterday.
Capt. Arvin Encinas, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao, said a group of about 50 BIFF men was planning to attack a military detachment when they met soldiers from the Army’s 64th Division Reconnaissance Company, who were conducting security patrol in Barangay Maitumaig at around at 7:20 p.m. Saturday.
Encinas said the encounter BIFF group belongs to the faction of BIFF leader Kagui Karialan but could not immediately say if Karailan was among those engaged by the operating troops.
Encinas said soldiers and the BIFF men traded fire until around midnight when the enemy withdrew. He said aircraft and artillery assets conducted fire missions in support of the soldiers during the firefight.
Encinas said soldiers recovered at the encounter site five bodies of BIFF members. He said four other BIFF men were reported killed, based on intelligence information and reports from civilians.
“We were able to hit the group that is planning to harass our detachment,” said Encinas of the encountered BIFF group, without elaborating on the unit which is supposed to be attacked by the BIFF men.
Government forces have stepped up operations against the BIFF since August last year, in collaboration with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which signed a peace accord with government in 2014.
The military classifies the BIFF as a terrorist organization. Along with the Abu Sayyaf and the Maute Group, it has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria a few years ago.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/9-biff-men-1-soldier-dead-clash-maguindanao
NINE members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and a soldier were killed while another soldier was wounded in a firefight in Datu Unsay town in Maguindanao on Saturday, the military reported yesterday.
Capt. Arvin Encinas, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao, said a group of about 50 BIFF men was planning to attack a military detachment when they met soldiers from the Army’s 64th Division Reconnaissance Company, who were conducting security patrol in Barangay Maitumaig at around at 7:20 p.m. Saturday.
Encinas said the encounter BIFF group belongs to the faction of BIFF leader Kagui Karialan but could not immediately say if Karailan was among those engaged by the operating troops.
Encinas said soldiers and the BIFF men traded fire until around midnight when the enemy withdrew. He said aircraft and artillery assets conducted fire missions in support of the soldiers during the firefight.
Encinas said soldiers recovered at the encounter site five bodies of BIFF members. He said four other BIFF men were reported killed, based on intelligence information and reports from civilians.
“We were able to hit the group that is planning to harass our detachment,” said Encinas of the encountered BIFF group, without elaborating on the unit which is supposed to be attacked by the BIFF men.
Government forces have stepped up operations against the BIFF since August last year, in collaboration with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which signed a peace accord with government in 2014.
The military classifies the BIFF as a terrorist organization. Along with the Abu Sayyaf and the Maute Group, it has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria a few years ago.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/9-biff-men-1-soldier-dead-clash-maguindanao
Southern Philippine clash kills 10
From Xinhua (Jan 7): Southern Philippine clash kills 10
At least 10 people, including an army soldier, have died in clashes between government troops and anti-government militants in southern Philippines, an army officer said on Sunday.
Army Capt. Arvin Encinas said government forces foiled an attack of some 50 Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on Saturday night, triggering a firefight that killed nine members of the notorious extremist group.
He said a soldier was also killed and another wounded in the clash that took place around 7:20 p.m. local time in Maitumaig, a remote village in Datu Unsay town in Maguindanao province in southern Philippines.
Encinas said soldiers and the BIFF men traded fires until around midnight, until the rebels withdrew. The military used aircraft and artillery assets to fight the BIFF rebels.
"We were able to hit the group that is planning to harass our army detachment," Encinas said.
The military has stepped up operations against the BIFF since August last year, in collaboration with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which signed a peace accord with the government in 2014. BIFF is a MILF splinter group which opposes the peace pact.
The military classifies the BIFF as a terrorist organization. Like the Abu Sayyaf and the Maute Group, the BIFF has also pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) group.
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-01/07/c_136878272.htm
At least 10 people, including an army soldier, have died in clashes between government troops and anti-government militants in southern Philippines, an army officer said on Sunday.
Army Capt. Arvin Encinas said government forces foiled an attack of some 50 Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on Saturday night, triggering a firefight that killed nine members of the notorious extremist group.
He said a soldier was also killed and another wounded in the clash that took place around 7:20 p.m. local time in Maitumaig, a remote village in Datu Unsay town in Maguindanao province in southern Philippines.
Encinas said soldiers and the BIFF men traded fires until around midnight, until the rebels withdrew. The military used aircraft and artillery assets to fight the BIFF rebels.
"We were able to hit the group that is planning to harass our army detachment," Encinas said.
The military has stepped up operations against the BIFF since August last year, in collaboration with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which signed a peace accord with the government in 2014. BIFF is a MILF splinter group which opposes the peace pact.
The military classifies the BIFF as a terrorist organization. Like the Abu Sayyaf and the Maute Group, the BIFF has also pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) group.
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-01/07/c_136878272.htm
De la Rosa ‘mistah’ is new Army special operations commander
From the Manila Times (Jan 7): De la Rosa ‘mistah’ is new Army special operations commander
A “MISTAH” (classmate) of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald de la Rosa has been assigned to head the Army’s Special Operations Command, the military said on Sunday.
Maj. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista, former commander of the Armed Forces’ Civil Relations Service (CRS), will replace Lt. Gen. Danilo Pamonag, who was assigned in December to the military’s Southern Luzon Command (Solcom).
Evangelista assumed the CRS post on November 2016, replacing Maj. Gen. Rhoderick Parayno, now the commander of the Philippine Army’s Rizal-based 2nd Infantry Division.
Prior to being the CRS commander, Evangelista was a battalion commander until he became a regiment commander from November 2013 to January 2016.
He was also designated deputy commander of the military’s Davao-based Eastern Mindanao Command until his appointment to the CRS.
“One of his very significant assignments is at the 6th Special Forces Battalion (SFBN) where, as Commander, he was able to lead his men to calculated campaigns against insurgency in Bohol. With his competent leadership, the province was liberated from agitations and attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels,” his profile read.
It was during his stint at the CRS when the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) launched the sale of “Support Our Troops” t-shirts for soldiers who fought the Islamic State-linked Maute terrorists in Marawi City.
Evangelista belongs to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sinagtala” Class of 1986, which counts de la Rosa as a member.
Maj. Gen. Alvin Parreno, commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, is also a “mistah.”
Pamonag is a member of the PMA “Sandiwa” Class of 1985.
A change of command ceremony will be held today, Monday, at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.
http://www.manilatimes.net/de-la-rosa-mistah-new-army-special-operations-commander/372875/
A “MISTAH” (classmate) of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald de la Rosa has been assigned to head the Army’s Special Operations Command, the military said on Sunday.
Maj. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista, former commander of the Armed Forces’ Civil Relations Service (CRS), will replace Lt. Gen. Danilo Pamonag, who was assigned in December to the military’s Southern Luzon Command (Solcom).
Evangelista assumed the CRS post on November 2016, replacing Maj. Gen. Rhoderick Parayno, now the commander of the Philippine Army’s Rizal-based 2nd Infantry Division.
Prior to being the CRS commander, Evangelista was a battalion commander until he became a regiment commander from November 2013 to January 2016.
He was also designated deputy commander of the military’s Davao-based Eastern Mindanao Command until his appointment to the CRS.
“One of his very significant assignments is at the 6th Special Forces Battalion (SFBN) where, as Commander, he was able to lead his men to calculated campaigns against insurgency in Bohol. With his competent leadership, the province was liberated from agitations and attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels,” his profile read.
It was during his stint at the CRS when the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) launched the sale of “Support Our Troops” t-shirts for soldiers who fought the Islamic State-linked Maute terrorists in Marawi City.
Evangelista belongs to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sinagtala” Class of 1986, which counts de la Rosa as a member.
Maj. Gen. Alvin Parreno, commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, is also a “mistah.”
Pamonag is a member of the PMA “Sandiwa” Class of 1985.
A change of command ceremony will be held today, Monday, at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.
http://www.manilatimes.net/de-la-rosa-mistah-new-army-special-operations-commander/372875/
Landmine blast hits truckload of soldiers in Compostela Valley
From the Cebu Daily News (Jan 7): 
Landmine blast hits truckload of soldiers in Compostela Valley
Maj. Ezra Balagtey, the spokesperson of the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), confirmed the incident but refused to give details, saying reports from the ground were still sketchy.
But police sources revealed the bomb went off moments after a military truck – which was carrying soldiers from the Army’s 25th Infantry Battalion on their way back to their headquarters in the town proper – passed through a road in Sitio Libuton past 11 a.m.
https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/159624/landmine-blast-hits-truckload-soldiers-compostela-valley
DAVAO CITY — A landmine blast nearly hit a group of soldiers on a military truck in Monkayo town, Compostela Valley on Sunday, authorities and witnesses said.
But police sources revealed the bomb went off moments after a military truck – which was carrying soldiers from the Army’s 25th Infantry Battalion on their way back to their headquarters in the town proper – passed through a road in Sitio Libuton past 11 a.m.
https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/159624/landmine-blast-hits-truckload-soldiers-compostela-valley
New Bicol army chief preaches peace not war
From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 7): New Bicol army chief preaches peace not war
Pili, Camarines Sur — The newly installed general to head the Philippine Army in the Bicol Region said yesterday he is advocating peace with – not war against – the New People’s Army (NPA).
Major General Jesus A. Manangquil Jr. said he is set on meeting with local chief executives and other stakeholders in the region to make a united call on rebel groups scattered across Bicol to return to the fold of the law.
He said peace and tranquility in the community should prevail and that the help and support of all Bicolanos, including those who have gone astray, are needed in order to attain further progress in the region.
Manangquil took over from Brig. Gen. Danilo Chad D. Isleta in a simple ceremony last Friday at Camp Elias Angeles – the headquarters of the army’s 9th Infantry “Spear” Division in this town. Isleta is the new Philippine Army chief.
Prior to his assignment in Bicol, Manangquil was the commander of the Joint Task Force National Capital Region.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/01/07/new-bicol-army-chief-preaches-peace-not-war/
NEW COMMANDER — Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, commanding general of the Philippine Army, hands over the command saber of the 9th Infantry ‘Spear’ Division to Maj. Gen. Jesus A. Manangquil Jr. who is installed as the new army commander in Bicol at Camp Elias Angeles in Pili, Camarines Sur last Friday. (Ruel Saldico)
Pili, Camarines Sur — The newly installed general to head the Philippine Army in the Bicol Region said yesterday he is advocating peace with – not war against – the New People’s Army (NPA).
Major General Jesus A. Manangquil Jr. said he is set on meeting with local chief executives and other stakeholders in the region to make a united call on rebel groups scattered across Bicol to return to the fold of the law.
He said peace and tranquility in the community should prevail and that the help and support of all Bicolanos, including those who have gone astray, are needed in order to attain further progress in the region.
Manangquil took over from Brig. Gen. Danilo Chad D. Isleta in a simple ceremony last Friday at Camp Elias Angeles – the headquarters of the army’s 9th Infantry “Spear” Division in this town. Isleta is the new Philippine Army chief.
Prior to his assignment in Bicol, Manangquil was the commander of the Joint Task Force National Capital Region.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/01/07/new-bicol-army-chief-preaches-peace-not-war/
NPA fighter slain in clash with Army in Bukidnon
From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 7): NPA fighter slain in clash with Army in Bukidnon
A New People’s Army (NPA) terrorist was killed, while undetermined numbers of other communist terrorists were believed critically wounded, when troops of the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade clashed with the rebels late Saturday afternoon in Sitio Mahan-aw, Barangay Bulonay, Impasug-ong town, Bukidnon province.
In a flash report received here, the troops were able to seize an AK 47 rifle and live ammunition from the slain NPA.
The gunbattle between the 403rd Brigade troops and NPA terrorists happened at 5:30.m. on Saturday.
“We have been proactively monitoring their (NPA terrorists) activities in the area with the help of the concerned citizens and we caught them this time,” explained 403rdBrigade commander Brig. Gen. Eric Vinoya, in a statement sent to The Manila Bulletin late Saturday afternoon.
“Sad to say that because of the selfish interest of the terrorists’ leadership, who victimize and lure innocent people to join their money making group, one NPA has to die,” the brigade commander added.
Capt. Joe Patrick A. Martinez, regional Army spokesperson, said the remains of the slain NPA will be turned over to the Impasug-ong local government for identification so that it could facilitate decent burial for the rebel.
As of press time, troops are still conducting pursuit and clearing operations in upper Bulonay area, also in Impasug-ong town of that same province.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/01/07/npa-fighter-slain-in-clash-with-army-in-bukidnon/
A New People’s Army (NPA) terrorist was killed, while undetermined numbers of other communist terrorists were believed critically wounded, when troops of the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade clashed with the rebels late Saturday afternoon in Sitio Mahan-aw, Barangay Bulonay, Impasug-ong town, Bukidnon province.
In a flash report received here, the troops were able to seize an AK 47 rifle and live ammunition from the slain NPA.
The gunbattle between the 403rd Brigade troops and NPA terrorists happened at 5:30.m. on Saturday.
“We have been proactively monitoring their (NPA terrorists) activities in the area with the help of the concerned citizens and we caught them this time,” explained 403rdBrigade commander Brig. Gen. Eric Vinoya, in a statement sent to The Manila Bulletin late Saturday afternoon.
“Sad to say that because of the selfish interest of the terrorists’ leadership, who victimize and lure innocent people to join their money making group, one NPA has to die,” the brigade commander added.
Capt. Joe Patrick A. Martinez, regional Army spokesperson, said the remains of the slain NPA will be turned over to the Impasug-ong local government for identification so that it could facilitate decent burial for the rebel.
As of press time, troops are still conducting pursuit and clearing operations in upper Bulonay area, also in Impasug-ong town of that same province.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/01/07/npa-fighter-slain-in-clash-with-army-in-bukidnon/
Troops recover weapons used in bloody Lanao clan war
From the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 7): Troops recover weapons used in bloody Lanao clan war
Western Mindanao Command releases to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner on Sunday, January 7, 2018 this photo of weapons recovered by troops in Bacolod Kalawi town in Lanao del Sur province, scene of deadly clashes between two warring Muslim clans.
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine military said it recovered assorted automatic weapons believed used in deadly fighting by warring clans in Lanao del Sur province in southern Philippines, officials announced on Sunday.
Army Captain Jo-ann Petinglay, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command here, said soldiers who responded to clashes in Madanding village on the town of Bacolod Kalawi on Saturday recovered three M14 rifles; three M16 rifles; two M653 rifles; one caliber .22 rifle; and assorted magazines and ammunition.
There were no reports of arrests, but she said the clashes were between Amanodin and Dipatuan clans who engaged in a firefight that caused temporary disruption to the flow of traffic along the highway. She said troops were also attacked by the warring clans and that the fighting lasted an hour.
“The responding soldiers were fired upon by the unidentified armed men upon their arrival at the encounter site prompting them to fire back. After an hour of fighting, the clash subsided bringing back the flow of traffic to normal,” Petinglay said.
She also quoted Major General Roseller Murillo, commander of the Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) as saying that there were civilian casualties.
“Our soldiers acted immediately since we received reports that there were civilian casualties and many civilians in the area panicked due to the fighting. We would not tolerate any incidents of rido anywhere in our area of operation and we will continue to conduct support to law enforcement operations together with the PNP (Philippine National Police),” Petinglay quoted Murillo as saying.
At least four people from Amanodin clan were killed in the fighting which stemmed from a longtime feud. Petinglay said authorities were investigating the outbreak of violence.
But it was unclear how the warring clan members managed to pass through military and police checkpoints in the town or whether authorities were unaware or failed in their intelligence gathering that could have prevented the fighting.
Petinglay also quoted Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command, as saying that the “warring parties will be immediately disarmed and charged in order to prevent the unnecessary loss of innocent lives and strictly observe the rule of law.”
Clan war or locally known as “rido” is not uncommon in the restive region, especially in Muslim areas where many families are locked in bitter feud traced to land and political dispute.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/troops-recover-weapons-used-in-bloody-lanao-clan-war/
Western Mindanao Command releases to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner on Sunday, January 7, 2018 this photo of weapons recovered by troops in Bacolod Kalawi town in Lanao del Sur province, scene of deadly clashes between two warring Muslim clans.
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine military said it recovered assorted automatic weapons believed used in deadly fighting by warring clans in Lanao del Sur province in southern Philippines, officials announced on Sunday.
Army Captain Jo-ann Petinglay, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command here, said soldiers who responded to clashes in Madanding village on the town of Bacolod Kalawi on Saturday recovered three M14 rifles; three M16 rifles; two M653 rifles; one caliber .22 rifle; and assorted magazines and ammunition.
There were no reports of arrests, but she said the clashes were between Amanodin and Dipatuan clans who engaged in a firefight that caused temporary disruption to the flow of traffic along the highway. She said troops were also attacked by the warring clans and that the fighting lasted an hour.
“The responding soldiers were fired upon by the unidentified armed men upon their arrival at the encounter site prompting them to fire back. After an hour of fighting, the clash subsided bringing back the flow of traffic to normal,” Petinglay said.
She also quoted Major General Roseller Murillo, commander of the Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) as saying that there were civilian casualties.
“Our soldiers acted immediately since we received reports that there were civilian casualties and many civilians in the area panicked due to the fighting. We would not tolerate any incidents of rido anywhere in our area of operation and we will continue to conduct support to law enforcement operations together with the PNP (Philippine National Police),” Petinglay quoted Murillo as saying.
At least four people from Amanodin clan were killed in the fighting which stemmed from a longtime feud. Petinglay said authorities were investigating the outbreak of violence.
But it was unclear how the warring clan members managed to pass through military and police checkpoints in the town or whether authorities were unaware or failed in their intelligence gathering that could have prevented the fighting.
Petinglay also quoted Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command, as saying that the “warring parties will be immediately disarmed and charged in order to prevent the unnecessary loss of innocent lives and strictly observe the rule of law.”
Clan war or locally known as “rido” is not uncommon in the restive region, especially in Muslim areas where many families are locked in bitter feud traced to land and political dispute.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/troops-recover-weapons-used-in-bloody-lanao-clan-war/
Teduray natives trapped in Maguindanao conflict now safe
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 7): Teduray natives trapped in Maguindanao conflict now safe
Over a thousand Teduray natives trapped in ongoing clashes between state forces and the IS-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the border of three towns in Maguindanao are now safe and have been extended with food aid.
Fatima Kanakan, executive director of Office of Southern Cultural Communities in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OSCC-ARMM), said the surroundings of three neighboring sub-villages in the boundaries of Datu Hofer, Datu Unsay and Datu Saudi towns in Maguindanao had been quiet the past two days.
“They (natives) moved out already, they are now being served by government relief agencies,” Kanakan told PNA in an interview.
She said the trapped villagers, numbering some 1,200 individuals, were scared to go out of their houses when intermittent fighting erupted anew the past three days between government forces and BIFF militants in Mt. Firis, an ancestral domain of the Tedurays in Maguindanao.
“They (natives) could not move out to other communities for fear they might step on landmines planted by lawless elements,” Kanakan explained as to how the ‘lumads” were trapped.
“Relief workers could not reach them for food and water because the military refused to give clearance due to possible landmines along the route,” she added.
Since Friday, relief workers from the ARMM Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (HEART) and the Maguindanao Peoples Medical Team, have distributed food and non-food items to affected families.
The military remained on alert as the outlawed BIFF would harass military detachments every now and then, according to Capt. John Arvin Encinas, Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesman.
“There were sightings of BIFF fighters under Commander Bungos trying to get closer to Army positions so artillery and airstrike offensives were conducted,” Encinas said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1020745
Over a thousand Teduray natives trapped in ongoing clashes between state forces and the IS-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the border of three towns in Maguindanao are now safe and have been extended with food aid.
Fatima Kanakan, executive director of Office of Southern Cultural Communities in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OSCC-ARMM), said the surroundings of three neighboring sub-villages in the boundaries of Datu Hofer, Datu Unsay and Datu Saudi towns in Maguindanao had been quiet the past two days.
“They (natives) moved out already, they are now being served by government relief agencies,” Kanakan told PNA in an interview.
She said the trapped villagers, numbering some 1,200 individuals, were scared to go out of their houses when intermittent fighting erupted anew the past three days between government forces and BIFF militants in Mt. Firis, an ancestral domain of the Tedurays in Maguindanao.
“They (natives) could not move out to other communities for fear they might step on landmines planted by lawless elements,” Kanakan explained as to how the ‘lumads” were trapped.
“Relief workers could not reach them for food and water because the military refused to give clearance due to possible landmines along the route,” she added.
Since Friday, relief workers from the ARMM Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (HEART) and the Maguindanao Peoples Medical Team, have distributed food and non-food items to affected families.
The military remained on alert as the outlawed BIFF would harass military detachments every now and then, according to Capt. John Arvin Encinas, Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesman.
“There were sightings of BIFF fighters under Commander Bungos trying to get closer to Army positions so artillery and airstrike offensives were conducted,” Encinas said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1020745
AFP adds 500 more personnel to secure 'Traslacion'
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 7): AFP adds 500 more personnel to secure 'Traslacion'
The number of military personnel, tasked to secure this year's "Traslacion" or Black Nazarene Procession in Quiapo, Manila, has climbed to 1,000, doubling the original 500, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced late Saturday.
These troops will augment the 5,613 police officers deployed to secure the festivities on January 9.
The soldiers are under the AFP's Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) commanded by Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado.
Arrojado, in a statement, said that they have activated Joint Task Group (JTF) "Nazareno" to help the police in ensuring the peaceful celebration and conclusion of the "Traslacion".
"JTG 'Nazareno' includes combined personnel from the Army, Air Force, Navy, NOLCOM (Northern Luzon Command), SOLCOM (Southern Luzon Command) and AFP Reserve Command. They will form part of the forces for Security, Medical, K-9, Explosives and Ordnance Disposal, and Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Explosives (CBRNE) Teams," he added.
The JTF-NCR chief said these units will be deployed from Quirino Grandstand to St. John the Baptist Church, Quiapo, Manila starting Monday.
“As the Metro Sentinel of the National Seat of Government, the JTF NCR, AFP will actively support the Philippine National Police in ensuring a safe and peaceful celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene 'Traslacion' 2018. At the same time, our forces will remain alert in thwarting threat groups that may take advantage of the celebration,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1020743
The number of military personnel, tasked to secure this year's "Traslacion" or Black Nazarene Procession in Quiapo, Manila, has climbed to 1,000, doubling the original 500, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced late Saturday.
These troops will augment the 5,613 police officers deployed to secure the festivities on January 9.
The soldiers are under the AFP's Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) commanded by Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado.
Arrojado, in a statement, said that they have activated Joint Task Group (JTF) "Nazareno" to help the police in ensuring the peaceful celebration and conclusion of the "Traslacion".
"JTG 'Nazareno' includes combined personnel from the Army, Air Force, Navy, NOLCOM (Northern Luzon Command), SOLCOM (Southern Luzon Command) and AFP Reserve Command. They will form part of the forces for Security, Medical, K-9, Explosives and Ordnance Disposal, and Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Explosives (CBRNE) Teams," he added.
The JTF-NCR chief said these units will be deployed from Quirino Grandstand to St. John the Baptist Church, Quiapo, Manila starting Monday.
“As the Metro Sentinel of the National Seat of Government, the JTF NCR, AFP will actively support the Philippine National Police in ensuring a safe and peaceful celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene 'Traslacion' 2018. At the same time, our forces will remain alert in thwarting threat groups that may take advantage of the celebration,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1020743
P25 B set aside for 2018 AFP modernization program
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 7): P25 B set aside for 2018 AFP modernization program
The government has set aside for 2018 some PHP25 billion for the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that will include the acquisition of brand new attack helicopters, tanks and other military hardware.
Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr., AFP deputy chief of staff for plans and programs, said the acquisition of new military hardware was long overdue for the country’s national security.
For several years now since the enactment of the AFP Modernization Act in 1995, the AFP modernization has been at snail pace because of budgetary constraints.
Padilla told the Philippine News Agency Sunday that the amount for the AFP’s modernization program was allocated in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2018.
Padilla said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was giving top priority to the AFP’s modernization program during his term of office.
He pointed out that the modernization program was long overdue.
Padilla also assured the public that all transactions or dealings in the acquisition of new military equipment would be above board.
He said the President was keen on the modernization program so that the Philippines would earn the respect of other nations.
At the same time, he said Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero gave their full support to the military’s modernization program.
Out of the PHP25 billion for 2018, the AFP would procure brand new attack and utility helicopters for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and tanks for the Philippine Army, Padilla said.
He said other armaments would be acquired also to modernize the AFP.
The PAF had recently acquired a dozen brand new FA-50 jets from South Korea for PHP18.9 billion.
But this was still a far cry from its inventory years back when PAF was second to none in Southeast Aisa in defense capability with squadrons of jet fighters such as F-5s, F-8s, and Sabre jets, but all of these warplanes had been retired long ago.
There was also a time when the PAF had in its inventory over 140 helicopters but had drastically reduced over the years due to wear and tear.
PAF pilots are looking forward to an Air Force that will soon acquire supersonic jet fighters to boost the air defense capability of the Armed Forces.
Aside from planes acquisition, the Philippine Navy is also in dire need of brand new ships to secure the country’s long sea lane which is twice as long as that of the United States.
The Navy used to have a large number of ships but through the years many of them have been mothballed due to old age.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1020752
The government has set aside for 2018 some PHP25 billion for the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that will include the acquisition of brand new attack helicopters, tanks and other military hardware.
Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr., AFP deputy chief of staff for plans and programs, said the acquisition of new military hardware was long overdue for the country’s national security.
For several years now since the enactment of the AFP Modernization Act in 1995, the AFP modernization has been at snail pace because of budgetary constraints.
Padilla told the Philippine News Agency Sunday that the amount for the AFP’s modernization program was allocated in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2018.
Padilla said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was giving top priority to the AFP’s modernization program during his term of office.
He pointed out that the modernization program was long overdue.
Padilla also assured the public that all transactions or dealings in the acquisition of new military equipment would be above board.
He said the President was keen on the modernization program so that the Philippines would earn the respect of other nations.
At the same time, he said Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero gave their full support to the military’s modernization program.
Out of the PHP25 billion for 2018, the AFP would procure brand new attack and utility helicopters for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and tanks for the Philippine Army, Padilla said.
He said other armaments would be acquired also to modernize the AFP.
The PAF had recently acquired a dozen brand new FA-50 jets from South Korea for PHP18.9 billion.
But this was still a far cry from its inventory years back when PAF was second to none in Southeast Aisa in defense capability with squadrons of jet fighters such as F-5s, F-8s, and Sabre jets, but all of these warplanes had been retired long ago.
There was also a time when the PAF had in its inventory over 140 helicopters but had drastically reduced over the years due to wear and tear.
PAF pilots are looking forward to an Air Force that will soon acquire supersonic jet fighters to boost the air defense capability of the Armed Forces.
Aside from planes acquisition, the Philippine Navy is also in dire need of brand new ships to secure the country’s long sea lane which is twice as long as that of the United States.
The Navy used to have a large number of ships but through the years many of them have been mothballed due to old age.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1020752
JTF-NCR cranks up preparedness measures for Traslacion
From News 5/InterAksyon (Jan 6): JTF-NCR cranks up preparedness measures for Traslacion
Devotee holds up replica of the image of the Nazarene outside Quiapo Church after the First Friday Mass on Jan. 5. Photographed by EDD GUMBAN / PHIL. STAR
MANILA – Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR), the military contingent assigned to support the Philippine National Police (PNP) in securing Tuesday’s “Traslacion” or the Procession of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila, is all set to deploy its full array of capabilities for ensuring a safe observance of the religious tradition.
“Our forces are all geared up, from crowd disturbance management to humanitarian assistance and disaster response to counter-terrorism, with the designation of relevant combat forces and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) reservists,” JTF-NCR commander Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado said before the weekend.
Arrojado added that the counter-terrorist unit will be augmented by elite forces coming from the major services of the AFP.
JTF-NCR has tasked a battalion-sized formation, or about 500 troops, “for the mission of protecting Metro Manila from all forms of threats, including terrorism.”
This early, according to Police Director Oscar Albayalde of the PNP National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), “there is already a preliminary skeleton deployment. The activities are picking up. People and visitors are increasing. There will eventually be 5,613 police officers on duty, including the vice squads and plainclothes lawmen, one company from the Police Special Action Force, K9 teams, sharpshooters and explosive ordnance units. All units are at ready status. Everything is taken care of.”
There will also be a Gun as well as Liquor Ban period, and a declared NO-FLY-ZONE over the area in and around the Traslacion route.
Various security measures will come into full play on January 8, a day before the Traslacion, to last until Jan. 10.
Albayalde said that, for good measure, police would be conducting random checks on persons carrying backpacks, and security units will be on the lookout for possible so-called “lone wolf” attacks.
There will be 23 medical stations, 65 ambulances, and 15 rescue boats to lend assistance during the Traslacion.
Devotee holds up replica of the image of the Nazarene outside Quiapo Church after the First Friday Mass on Jan. 5. Photographed by EDD GUMBAN / PHIL. STAR
MANILA – Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR), the military contingent assigned to support the Philippine National Police (PNP) in securing Tuesday’s “Traslacion” or the Procession of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila, is all set to deploy its full array of capabilities for ensuring a safe observance of the religious tradition.
“Our forces are all geared up, from crowd disturbance management to humanitarian assistance and disaster response to counter-terrorism, with the designation of relevant combat forces and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) reservists,” JTF-NCR commander Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado said before the weekend.
Arrojado added that the counter-terrorist unit will be augmented by elite forces coming from the major services of the AFP.
JTF-NCR has tasked a battalion-sized formation, or about 500 troops, “for the mission of protecting Metro Manila from all forms of threats, including terrorism.”
This early, according to Police Director Oscar Albayalde of the PNP National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), “there is already a preliminary skeleton deployment. The activities are picking up. People and visitors are increasing. There will eventually be 5,613 police officers on duty, including the vice squads and plainclothes lawmen, one company from the Police Special Action Force, K9 teams, sharpshooters and explosive ordnance units. All units are at ready status. Everything is taken care of.”
There will also be a Gun as well as Liquor Ban period, and a declared NO-FLY-ZONE over the area in and around the Traslacion route.
Various security measures will come into full play on January 8, a day before the Traslacion, to last until Jan. 10.
Albayalde said that, for good measure, police would be conducting random checks on persons carrying backpacks, and security units will be on the lookout for possible so-called “lone wolf” attacks.
There will be 23 medical stations, 65 ambulances, and 15 rescue boats to lend assistance during the Traslacion.
Hope flows: safe water in Sulu’s Panglima Estino
From MindaNews (Jan 7): Hope flows: safe water in Sulu’s Panglima Estino
Sulu has the most breathtakingly lovely sunsets. It still has lush forests, unspoilt beaches and fertile soil good for planting a variety of crops in. The simple life in Sulu is a haven.
For all its beauty, Sulu has also been called a hotbed of radicalism, with groups like the Abu Sayyaf also calling this lush land home. The lack of government services over the past decades has made it so — though this is a situation that is changing progressively, with committed work by people from the government who are focused on that making change.
SULU SUNSET. Sulu has the most breathtakingly lovely sunsets such as this in Panglima Estino town. Photo by AMIR MAWALLIL / ARMM BPI
Sulu is a storied place, rich with history as the seat of the Sultanate of Sulu and its fierce people who have never been defeated by any colonial forces, be the colonizers Spanish or American. This is a province where the people are at once proud of their history as Moros who resisted all efforts to take their freedom and their land, and are focused on working toward a good future — one where they and their children can enjoy their dream of a peaceful and productive life, simple as that life may be.
A simple life now also means having access to the basics of life — like potable water on tap sourced from a safe water system. Access to safe water, along with other efforts by the government to provide for its people, will go a long way toward building trust between the people and the government. This is vital work toward weakening the foothold of radical groups in Sulu and literally paving the way toward a lasting peace there.
There is a town here called Panglima Estino that consists of 12 barangays and is home to more than 30,000 people. Until recently, the townsfolk still had to dig wells to gain access to water. The water from these hand-pump wells in this 5th class coastal town was unsafe for drinking and was salty because of the town’s proximity to the sea. You see, the beautiful sunsets against the stunning backdrop of Tutu Bay also mean that there is saltwater intrusion into the water table in this town.
WATER SYSTEM. Boys in Punay village in Panglima Estino, Sulu enjoy the blessings of a water system. ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman led the formal turnover of the water system to Panglima Estino Mayor Benshar Estino on January 4. Photo by AMIR MAWALLIL / ARMM BPI
Panglima Estino now has its own water system. With that in place, the townsfolk can now spend the time they used to take digging their hand-pump wells and fetching water from those wells on the other things that make life good: Work, business, study and strengthening their bonds with family and friends and building their community.
This new water system means less worry over the water-borne diseases endemic to Sulu, including outbreaks of deadly cholera. Safe water means better productivity for the people who benefit from it, since the risks of falling ill from water-borne ailments is greatly reduced. It also means more privacy for women and children because the people no longer need to make forays to the wells for water.
The Sagay-Sagay Water Supply System Level II was installed in Panglima Estino with funding from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and is the first and only water system of its kind in Panglima Estino. ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman led the formal turnover of the water system to Panglima Estino Mayor Benshar Estino on Jan. 4. With them were ARMM Public Works Secretary Don Loong and Sulu Rep. Munir Arbison.
Estino thanked the ARMM officials for the water system and for the other vital infrastructure it is building in Panglima Estino, saying the residents of the town will now have better water quality and be less vulnerable to water-borne diseases. He said they intend to establish a water district that will facilitate and manage their water services.
A total of P323.77 million in infrastructure projects has been built in Panglima Estino since 2012 by the ARMM under Hataman’s stewardship — and the infrastructure investments will continue this year with the paving of 5.5 kilometers of road in the town worth P109.5 million.
A resident of Panglima Estino helps her family dry agar-agar. Photo by AMIR MAWALLIL / ARMM BPI
Building roads and water systems is a strong start to showing the people of Sulu that the government can and does work for them. These changes will surely go a long way toward opening up opportunities for growth that will replace the discontent sown by radical groups in the area — the people have better choices for better lives now.
This new water system and the other infrastructure projects will definitely drive economic growth in Panglima Estino because it will set the townsfolk free to focus on building stronger communities and lives. The best investments a government can make, after all, are in its people.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/01/hope-flows-safe-water-in-sulus-panglima-estino1/
Sulu has the most breathtakingly lovely sunsets. It still has lush forests, unspoilt beaches and fertile soil good for planting a variety of crops in. The simple life in Sulu is a haven.
For all its beauty, Sulu has also been called a hotbed of radicalism, with groups like the Abu Sayyaf also calling this lush land home. The lack of government services over the past decades has made it so — though this is a situation that is changing progressively, with committed work by people from the government who are focused on that making change.
SULU SUNSET. Sulu has the most breathtakingly lovely sunsets such as this in Panglima Estino town. Photo by AMIR MAWALLIL / ARMM BPI
Sulu is a storied place, rich with history as the seat of the Sultanate of Sulu and its fierce people who have never been defeated by any colonial forces, be the colonizers Spanish or American. This is a province where the people are at once proud of their history as Moros who resisted all efforts to take their freedom and their land, and are focused on working toward a good future — one where they and their children can enjoy their dream of a peaceful and productive life, simple as that life may be.
A simple life now also means having access to the basics of life — like potable water on tap sourced from a safe water system. Access to safe water, along with other efforts by the government to provide for its people, will go a long way toward building trust between the people and the government. This is vital work toward weakening the foothold of radical groups in Sulu and literally paving the way toward a lasting peace there.
There is a town here called Panglima Estino that consists of 12 barangays and is home to more than 30,000 people. Until recently, the townsfolk still had to dig wells to gain access to water. The water from these hand-pump wells in this 5th class coastal town was unsafe for drinking and was salty because of the town’s proximity to the sea. You see, the beautiful sunsets against the stunning backdrop of Tutu Bay also mean that there is saltwater intrusion into the water table in this town.
WATER SYSTEM. Boys in Punay village in Panglima Estino, Sulu enjoy the blessings of a water system. ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman led the formal turnover of the water system to Panglima Estino Mayor Benshar Estino on January 4. Photo by AMIR MAWALLIL / ARMM BPI
Panglima Estino now has its own water system. With that in place, the townsfolk can now spend the time they used to take digging their hand-pump wells and fetching water from those wells on the other things that make life good: Work, business, study and strengthening their bonds with family and friends and building their community.
This new water system means less worry over the water-borne diseases endemic to Sulu, including outbreaks of deadly cholera. Safe water means better productivity for the people who benefit from it, since the risks of falling ill from water-borne ailments is greatly reduced. It also means more privacy for women and children because the people no longer need to make forays to the wells for water.
The Sagay-Sagay Water Supply System Level II was installed in Panglima Estino with funding from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and is the first and only water system of its kind in Panglima Estino. ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman led the formal turnover of the water system to Panglima Estino Mayor Benshar Estino on Jan. 4. With them were ARMM Public Works Secretary Don Loong and Sulu Rep. Munir Arbison.
Estino thanked the ARMM officials for the water system and for the other vital infrastructure it is building in Panglima Estino, saying the residents of the town will now have better water quality and be less vulnerable to water-borne diseases. He said they intend to establish a water district that will facilitate and manage their water services.
A total of P323.77 million in infrastructure projects has been built in Panglima Estino since 2012 by the ARMM under Hataman’s stewardship — and the infrastructure investments will continue this year with the paving of 5.5 kilometers of road in the town worth P109.5 million.
A resident of Panglima Estino helps her family dry agar-agar. Photo by AMIR MAWALLIL / ARMM BPI
Building roads and water systems is a strong start to showing the people of Sulu that the government can and does work for them. These changes will surely go a long way toward opening up opportunities for growth that will replace the discontent sown by radical groups in the area — the people have better choices for better lives now.
This new water system and the other infrastructure projects will definitely drive economic growth in Panglima Estino because it will set the townsfolk free to focus on building stronger communities and lives. The best investments a government can make, after all, are in its people.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/01/hope-flows-safe-water-in-sulus-panglima-estino1/
Filipinos of the Year 2017: The defenders of Marawi
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 7): Filipinos of the Year 2017: The defenders of Marawi
KEEPING WATCH Philippine Marines patrol the highway at Barangay Bubong Madaya, Marawi City, which saw the main battles between government troops and the Islamic State-inspired Maute terrorist group. —Divina M. Suson
A total of 17 editors voted to name the soldiers and policeofficers who defended Marawi City as Filipinos of the Year.
Their gallantry in action, tested in over five months of highly dangerous close-quarter combat, stopped the Maute-led attempt to turn the country’s only Islamic city into a caliphate of the Islamic State (IS).
While coverage of the conflict was highly restricted, the daily images and footage and then the documentaries that followed brought many Filipinos virtually shoulder-to-shoulder with the government forces.
One editor noted: “We felt some sort of kinship with the valiant troops fighting an uncertain war; we felt proud of them. So in death, we grieved with their families. In victory, we cheered with them. And all throughout the imposition of martial law, the military remained professional.”
Another editor wrote: “The Filipino soldiers who fought in Marawi have shown us what true bravery and professionalism can do to defeat an enemy like [IS]. They were able to minimize the losses to civilian lives while ensuring the liberation of Marawi. There have also been many untold stories of soldiers dying to save their comrades’ lives, making the ultimate sacrifice for their country and fellowmen.”
At a time when, and in a general media environment where, feats are exaggerated, experience is reduced to same-day video highlights and language is inflated beyond recognition, the 165 troops killed in the Marawi conflict showed us — or rather proved to us—the true meaning of the ultimate sacrifice. They paid the highest price imaginable to defeat terrorists and preserve Philippine territory.
HERO President Duterte pins a medal on a soldier wounded in action in Marawi City. —Jigger J. Jerusalem
HOMEBOUNDA jubilant battalion during a send-off ceremony. —Richel V. Umel
FALLEN HEROES Pallbearers salute fellow Marines who perished in the siege of Marawi City. — GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/958080/filipinos-of-the-year-2017-the-defenders-of-marawi
KEEPING WATCH Philippine Marines patrol the highway at Barangay Bubong Madaya, Marawi City, which saw the main battles between government troops and the Islamic State-inspired Maute terrorist group. —Divina M. Suson
A total of 17 editors voted to name the soldiers and policeofficers who defended Marawi City as Filipinos of the Year.
Their gallantry in action, tested in over five months of highly dangerous close-quarter combat, stopped the Maute-led attempt to turn the country’s only Islamic city into a caliphate of the Islamic State (IS).
While coverage of the conflict was highly restricted, the daily images and footage and then the documentaries that followed brought many Filipinos virtually shoulder-to-shoulder with the government forces.
One editor noted: “We felt some sort of kinship with the valiant troops fighting an uncertain war; we felt proud of them. So in death, we grieved with their families. In victory, we cheered with them. And all throughout the imposition of martial law, the military remained professional.”
Another editor wrote: “The Filipino soldiers who fought in Marawi have shown us what true bravery and professionalism can do to defeat an enemy like [IS]. They were able to minimize the losses to civilian lives while ensuring the liberation of Marawi. There have also been many untold stories of soldiers dying to save their comrades’ lives, making the ultimate sacrifice for their country and fellowmen.”
At a time when, and in a general media environment where, feats are exaggerated, experience is reduced to same-day video highlights and language is inflated beyond recognition, the 165 troops killed in the Marawi conflict showed us — or rather proved to us—the true meaning of the ultimate sacrifice. They paid the highest price imaginable to defeat terrorists and preserve Philippine territory.
HERO President Duterte pins a medal on a soldier wounded in action in Marawi City. —Jigger J. Jerusalem
HOMEBOUNDA jubilant battalion during a send-off ceremony. —Richel V. Umel
FALLEN HEROES Pallbearers salute fellow Marines who perished in the siege of Marawi City. — GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/958080/filipinos-of-the-year-2017-the-defenders-of-marawi
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)