From ABS-CBN (Feb 21): Abu Sayyaf leader who tried to set up cell in Sabah arrested in Malaysia
9 others arrested in 3 separate raids
KUALA LUMPUR- Malaysian police have arrested 10 people on suspicion of aiding the movement of militants between the eastern state of Sabah and the southern Philippines, a hotbed of Islamic insurgency, the second batch of arrests this year.
The Muslim-majority Southeast Asian nation has been on high alert since gunmen linked to Islamic State launched several attacks in Jakarta, the capital of neighboring Indonesia, in January 2016.
Police arrested the 10 suspects in three separate raids between Jan. 25 and Feb. 6, inspector-general of police Mohamad Fuzi Harun said in a statement.
Among the suspects is a 27-year-old Filipino believed to be a senior leader of the Abu Sayyaf, and another Filipino, 32, believed to have arranged passage of foreign nationals to the southern Philippines to join Islamic State.
"Preliminary information gleaned from the 10 suspects revealed an attempt by the Abu Sayyaf group to establish a cell in Sabah," Mohamad Fuzi said.
Mohamad Fuzi said Abu Sayyaf had intended to bring in IS fighters from Southeast Asia to the southern Philippines for military training.
"The same cell members would then be used to launch attacks on Sabah in the future," he said.
Malaysia has arrested hundreds of people over the past few years for suspected links to militant groups.
A grenade attack on a bar on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur in June 2016 wounded eight people. Islamic State claimed responsibility.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/21/18/abu-sayyaf-leader-who-tried-to-set-up-cell-in-sabah-arrested-in-malaysia
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Islamic State Operatives in the Philippines
From the Asia Sentinel (Feb 20): Islamic State Operatives in the Philippines
The February 16 arrest in Manila’s Ermita area of an Egyptian national named Fehmi Lassqued, along with the seizure of illegal firearms and explosives, is a disturbing validation of concerns that the Islamic State, decimated and driven out of Syria and Iraq by combined western forces, is seeking to move its operations elsewhere.
Fehmi, who is said to have been attempting to recruit adherents among Muslim families in Manila, is the second IS combatant to be arrested recently in the Philippines. In January, a suspected Spanish terrorist named Abdelkhakim Labidi Adib was arrested in Basilan province, roughly 1,400 km south of Manila.
With the growing collapse of Islamic State, hundreds of defectors were reported to have massed on Syria’s northeastern border with Turkey in recent months, stripping off their gear and adopting civilian clothing in an effort to blend in with refugees fleeing the fighting.
Turkish officials, according to Sidney Jones, the Jakarta-based director of the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict, have done an effective job of rounding up the fleeing former fighters and deporting them to their home countries to be incarcerated and that few have escaped the dragnet. Media reports say several dozen former fighters have made it across the heavily patrolled Turkish border. Reportedly scores of infiltrators have been shot dead by border guards.
Last June, Jones reported that in a Jakarta presentation that IS activists had created a video encouraging sympathizers from across Southeast Asia to go to the Philippines in the hope of recreating a Caliphate, or state under the leadership of an Islamic steward, in the Muslim-dominated areas of Mindanao island.
Indeed, foreign nationals from Yemen, Pakistan, Malaysia and Indonesia are said to have been killed in the five-month-long struggle for the Mindanao city of Marawi, which was destroyed in bitter house-to-house fighting. The attempt to establish an Islamic government in Marawi was led by members of the Maute Group, a fundamentalist Islamic clan and ultimately cost the lives of more than 800 Islamic combatants, including the group’s leaders, as well as 160 Philippine Army troops and dozens of civilians.
Killed along with the Maute brothers were Isnilon Hapilon and Muamar Askali, both leaders of the notorious Abu Sayyaf gang, which law enforcement authorities describe more as a gang of kidnappers sailing under the false flag of Islam. Abu Sayyaf members have since been limited in their ability and intent to conduct offensive attacks against security forces although some have taken place.
Some 200,000 people were driven out of the destroyed city. The refugee population has dispersed across cities in Mindanao and other areas of the southern Philippines, with suspected combatants having blended in with the fleeing evacuees. It is unclear how many combatants escaped from Marawi, but some did, having looted the city’s banks and a wide range of other establishments including homes, making away with tens of millions of dollars, according to the military. They were said to have been led by Humam Abdul Najib, also known as Abu Dar, who is said to have used the money to recruit as many as 250 new combatants. Reuters, in a report last November, said hardened mercenaries are joining, lured by the promise of the looted money.
Across the southern Philippines, insurgent and insurgent and terrorist activity is fractured across several groups, according a report by Pacific Strategies & Assessments, or PSA, a Manila-based regional country risk firm, each with a typical geographic range of operations and different levels of capability, raising the risk of small-scale bombings resembling those in the Manila area of Quiapo in April and May of last year or in Davao in September 2016.
“In terms of intent, radical groups may continue to be motivated to conduct such small-scale bombing attacks to display their relevancy despite the end of the Marawi siege and the death of important Islamic State-affiliated leadership,” PSA said in a Feb. 13 report to paid subscribers.
Unlike the threat pattern in other parts of the world like the United States or Europe, the threat in the Philippines is not characterized by low-sophistication/high-impact methods such as vehicle ramming attacks or mass shootings, PSA said. “Suicidal attacks and suicide bombings have not yet been a feature of the threat environment in the Philippines. However, it remains to be seen how long the Philippines can be insulated from global trends in terror attacks, and the possibility of such attacks, or complex armed assaults in the style of Paris 2015, cannot be ruled out.”
“Muslim terrorist- and insurgent-related violence will likely fall into similar patterns in the short term,” PSA said. “Another high-profile event like the Marawi siege is unlikely for the time being, due to the degradation of the capabilities of these groups through the operations by security forces. However, the driving forces for the violence – lack of economic development, radicalization among the Muslim population, and the weakening of the MILF through failure to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law – cannot be addressed through military action.”
https://www.asiasentinel.com/society/islamic-state-operatives-philippines/
The February 16 arrest in Manila’s Ermita area of an Egyptian national named Fehmi Lassqued, along with the seizure of illegal firearms and explosives, is a disturbing validation of concerns that the Islamic State, decimated and driven out of Syria and Iraq by combined western forces, is seeking to move its operations elsewhere.
Fehmi, who is said to have been attempting to recruit adherents among Muslim families in Manila, is the second IS combatant to be arrested recently in the Philippines. In January, a suspected Spanish terrorist named Abdelkhakim Labidi Adib was arrested in Basilan province, roughly 1,400 km south of Manila.
With the growing collapse of Islamic State, hundreds of defectors were reported to have massed on Syria’s northeastern border with Turkey in recent months, stripping off their gear and adopting civilian clothing in an effort to blend in with refugees fleeing the fighting.
Turkish officials, according to Sidney Jones, the Jakarta-based director of the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict, have done an effective job of rounding up the fleeing former fighters and deporting them to their home countries to be incarcerated and that few have escaped the dragnet. Media reports say several dozen former fighters have made it across the heavily patrolled Turkish border. Reportedly scores of infiltrators have been shot dead by border guards.
Last June, Jones reported that in a Jakarta presentation that IS activists had created a video encouraging sympathizers from across Southeast Asia to go to the Philippines in the hope of recreating a Caliphate, or state under the leadership of an Islamic steward, in the Muslim-dominated areas of Mindanao island.
Indeed, foreign nationals from Yemen, Pakistan, Malaysia and Indonesia are said to have been killed in the five-month-long struggle for the Mindanao city of Marawi, which was destroyed in bitter house-to-house fighting. The attempt to establish an Islamic government in Marawi was led by members of the Maute Group, a fundamentalist Islamic clan and ultimately cost the lives of more than 800 Islamic combatants, including the group’s leaders, as well as 160 Philippine Army troops and dozens of civilians.
Killed along with the Maute brothers were Isnilon Hapilon and Muamar Askali, both leaders of the notorious Abu Sayyaf gang, which law enforcement authorities describe more as a gang of kidnappers sailing under the false flag of Islam. Abu Sayyaf members have since been limited in their ability and intent to conduct offensive attacks against security forces although some have taken place.
Some 200,000 people were driven out of the destroyed city. The refugee population has dispersed across cities in Mindanao and other areas of the southern Philippines, with suspected combatants having blended in with the fleeing evacuees. It is unclear how many combatants escaped from Marawi, but some did, having looted the city’s banks and a wide range of other establishments including homes, making away with tens of millions of dollars, according to the military. They were said to have been led by Humam Abdul Najib, also known as Abu Dar, who is said to have used the money to recruit as many as 250 new combatants. Reuters, in a report last November, said hardened mercenaries are joining, lured by the promise of the looted money.
Across the southern Philippines, insurgent and insurgent and terrorist activity is fractured across several groups, according a report by Pacific Strategies & Assessments, or PSA, a Manila-based regional country risk firm, each with a typical geographic range of operations and different levels of capability, raising the risk of small-scale bombings resembling those in the Manila area of Quiapo in April and May of last year or in Davao in September 2016.
“In terms of intent, radical groups may continue to be motivated to conduct such small-scale bombing attacks to display their relevancy despite the end of the Marawi siege and the death of important Islamic State-affiliated leadership,” PSA said in a Feb. 13 report to paid subscribers.
Unlike the threat pattern in other parts of the world like the United States or Europe, the threat in the Philippines is not characterized by low-sophistication/high-impact methods such as vehicle ramming attacks or mass shootings, PSA said. “Suicidal attacks and suicide bombings have not yet been a feature of the threat environment in the Philippines. However, it remains to be seen how long the Philippines can be insulated from global trends in terror attacks, and the possibility of such attacks, or complex armed assaults in the style of Paris 2015, cannot be ruled out.”
“Muslim terrorist- and insurgent-related violence will likely fall into similar patterns in the short term,” PSA said. “Another high-profile event like the Marawi siege is unlikely for the time being, due to the degradation of the capabilities of these groups through the operations by security forces. However, the driving forces for the violence – lack of economic development, radicalization among the Muslim population, and the weakening of the MILF through failure to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law – cannot be addressed through military action.”
https://www.asiasentinel.com/society/islamic-state-operatives-philippines/
Malaysia police nab 11 suspected militants, including seven Filipinos
From the Straits Times (Feb 21): Malaysia police nab 11 suspected militants, including seven Filipinos
KUALA LUMPUR - Eleven suspects were arrested in the latest swoop in recent weeks as Malaysia stepped up its security following growing concerns over the threat of militants using the country as a transit point and forged documents to stay off the radar.
The suspects - 10 men and a woman - were detained in a series of operations in Johor and Sabah between Jan 25 and Feb 6.
They included seven Philippine nationals.
They were arrested for their suspected links to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terror group, which is also called IS, and involvement in arranging for the safe passage of militants to the southern Philippines.
Malaysia's top cop Mohamad Fuzi Harun in a statement said five men, including three Filipinos, were detained in the first round of arrests in Sandakan, Sabah, on Jan 25 and 26.
"Two of them worked as labourers, one an unlicensed moneylender, one a boat operator and another was unemployed.
"One of them, a 39-year-old Filipino, had pledged his alliance and received orders from a senior IS militant in southern Philippines to arrange safe passage for militants from Sandakan to Zamboanga, where they would join the IS faction there," he said.
These suspects were aged between aged 33 and 50 .
Tan Sri Fuzi said the same Filipino man had received military style training from the terror group.
The other four suspects are believed to have assisted the 39-year-old Filipino to smuggle militants into the southern Philippines via Sandakan, he said.
In a separate arrest, police detained another four individuals - three male Filipinos and a Malaysian woman aged between 27 and 32 - in Penampang, Sabah, on Feb 4.
One of them is a 27-year-old senior member of the Abu Sayyaf militant group, which is based in Basilan.
Another suspect, a 32-year-old Malaysian, had helped a foreign militant make his way to the southern Philippines, he said.
The arrests led the authorities to detain a 49-year-old Filipino man, who worked as a cab driver and holds a Malaysian permanent resident status, on Feb 6 in Sandakan.
Mr Fuzi said based on the arrests in Sabah, it is learnt that the Abu Sayyaf group was attempting to form a terror cell in Sabah so that they could successfully arrange for the safe passage of ISIS militants in the region to the southern Philippines.
"The militants were to receive weapons training in the Philippines. The same terror cell in Sabah would later have been used to launch attacks in the state," he said.
The arrests were announced two days after Malaysia's Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he had ordered random checks to be carried out on people travelling between Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia to catch those who might be using fake Malaysian identity cards, including militants.
Datuk Seri Zahid, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said random checks at airports were necessary to identify holders of fake identity cards. This was in response to news reports that a suspected militant had been found living in Peninsular Malaysia using a fake identity card obtained from Sabah.
In a separate case, a 38-year-old Malaysian man was previously detained in Singapore on Jan 18 was also arrested after he was deported to Malaysia on Feb 2.
The man, who is from Penang, was believed to have planned to head to Syria to join ISIS.
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-police-nab-11-suspected-militants-including-filipinos
KUALA LUMPUR - Eleven suspects were arrested in the latest swoop in recent weeks as Malaysia stepped up its security following growing concerns over the threat of militants using the country as a transit point and forged documents to stay off the radar.
The suspects - 10 men and a woman - were detained in a series of operations in Johor and Sabah between Jan 25 and Feb 6.
They included seven Philippine nationals.
They were arrested for their suspected links to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terror group, which is also called IS, and involvement in arranging for the safe passage of militants to the southern Philippines.
Malaysia's top cop Mohamad Fuzi Harun in a statement said five men, including three Filipinos, were detained in the first round of arrests in Sandakan, Sabah, on Jan 25 and 26.
"Two of them worked as labourers, one an unlicensed moneylender, one a boat operator and another was unemployed.
"One of them, a 39-year-old Filipino, had pledged his alliance and received orders from a senior IS militant in southern Philippines to arrange safe passage for militants from Sandakan to Zamboanga, where they would join the IS faction there," he said.
These suspects were aged between aged 33 and 50 .
Tan Sri Fuzi said the same Filipino man had received military style training from the terror group.
The other four suspects are believed to have assisted the 39-year-old Filipino to smuggle militants into the southern Philippines via Sandakan, he said.
In a separate arrest, police detained another four individuals - three male Filipinos and a Malaysian woman aged between 27 and 32 - in Penampang, Sabah, on Feb 4.
One of them is a 27-year-old senior member of the Abu Sayyaf militant group, which is based in Basilan.
Another suspect, a 32-year-old Malaysian, had helped a foreign militant make his way to the southern Philippines, he said.
The arrests led the authorities to detain a 49-year-old Filipino man, who worked as a cab driver and holds a Malaysian permanent resident status, on Feb 6 in Sandakan.
Mr Fuzi said based on the arrests in Sabah, it is learnt that the Abu Sayyaf group was attempting to form a terror cell in Sabah so that they could successfully arrange for the safe passage of ISIS militants in the region to the southern Philippines.
"The militants were to receive weapons training in the Philippines. The same terror cell in Sabah would later have been used to launch attacks in the state," he said.
The arrests were announced two days after Malaysia's Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he had ordered random checks to be carried out on people travelling between Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia to catch those who might be using fake Malaysian identity cards, including militants.
Datuk Seri Zahid, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said random checks at airports were necessary to identify holders of fake identity cards. This was in response to news reports that a suspected militant had been found living in Peninsular Malaysia using a fake identity card obtained from Sabah.
In a separate case, a 38-year-old Malaysian man was previously detained in Singapore on Jan 18 was also arrested after he was deported to Malaysia on Feb 2.
The man, who is from Penang, was believed to have planned to head to Syria to join ISIS.
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-police-nab-11-suspected-militants-including-filipinos
Army, NPA clash anew in Bukidnon
From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Feb 21): Army, NPA clash anew in Bukidnon
SOLDIER is in critical condition after an encounter with suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels in a remote area in Bukidnon Monday evening, February 19.
SOLDIER is in critical condition after an encounter with suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels in a remote area in Bukidnon Monday evening, February 19.
First Lieutenant Erwin Bugarin, civil-military operations officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB), said 9 of their soldiers were patrolling in between the boundaries of Cabanglasan town and Malaybalay City at about 8:30 pm when they encountered 5 communist insurgents.
Bugarin said the wounded soldier, whom he refused to identify, was hit in the head. The firefight lasted for about 10 minutes.
"We regularly conduct patrolling if and when there is a threat in the area, and even if there is no threat we do it to keep the community nearby safe," Bugarin said.
The soldier is still under observation at the Camp Evangelista Station Hospital, Cagayan de Oro. Bugarin said they are conducting pursuit operations against the communist rebels.
"We still don't have evidence that proved there was casualty or wounded in the NPA side," he said.
Bugarin admitted that troops are more aggressive now following President Rodrigo Duterte's pronouncements to intensify the crackdown against the NPA, calling them "terrorists."
He added that they will also charge sympathizers found to be aiding the NPA.
"We have always been aggressive, but we are more aggressive now because it is the orders of our commander-in-chief, we should act on it accordingly," he said.
Balweg’s brothers, ex-comrades: Autonomy first, before federalism
From ABS-CBN (Feb 21): Balweg’s brothers, ex-comrades: Autonomy first, before federalism
Brothers and ex-comrades of the late "rebel priest" Conrado Balweg continue his fight for autonomy in the Cordilleras. From right: Balweg's former aide John Blue; Jovencio Balweg; Gaspar Cayat, former chair of the defunct Cordillera Executive Board; and Bienvenido Balweg during an interview at a restaurant in Baguio city. ABS-CBN News
BAGUIO CITY—There are voices in the wilderness of the Cordilleras seemingly long forgotten after the death of "rebel priest" Conrado Balweg 18 years ago, but all seeking to be heard amid renewed calls for federalism.
Balweg’s brother, Jovencio, a former hitman of the New People’s Army (NPA); their elder brother, Bienvenido; and the slain leader’s former comrades at the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) met with ABS-CBN News for an interview last week to remind President Rodrigo Duterte of the government's promise to provide autonomy to the people of Cordilleras 32 years ago.
“The government has a standing covenant with the people of the Cordilleras to grant us an autonomy,” said the 72-year-old Jovencio, referring to the peace agreement Balweg forged with President Corazon Aquino in September 1986.
Called the Mount Data Peace Accord, the covenant paved the way for Aquino's Executive Order No. 220 (E0 220) in July 1987, creating the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and integrating Cordillera rebels with the police and the Armed Forces in hunting down NPA rebels.
The CPLA leaders have since been hoping that the CAR would give birth to an autonomous region, as mandated by the 1987 Constitution.
It is ironic, however, that Jovencio is now at the forefront of those seeking the implementation of the peace agreement.
Under Conrado Balweg, the CPLA broke away from the NPA after the EDSA Revolution, alleging that the armed group of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) had overlooked the plight of the Cordilleras.
Then still with the CPP-NPA, Jovencio took the blame for the rebel priest's death on December 31, 1999, at the height of violent conflict between the NPA and splinter group CPLA. (Police later identified another NPA leader, a member of Jovencio’s squad, linked to Conrado Balweg's murder several days later).
NO REGRETS
Jovencio currently serves as municipal councilor in Malibcong town in Abra.
“I have no regrets of the things I learned from the NPA,” he told ABS-CBN News when the interview tackled Balweg’s death. “It still hurts me.”
Jovencio said he and his remaining brothers want the government to grant them autonomy first, federalism later, if federalism would at all be acceptable to the Cordillerans, he said.
“I am very supportive of any individual or group advocating autonomy in the Cordilleras,” he said.
Besides Bienvenido and Jovencio, Balweg had 2 other brothers and 3 sisters.
One of Balweg's children was a CPLA member who was integrated into the Philippine Army in 2012.
The CPLA leaders and comrades had let go of their arms while holding on to that covenant, Bienvenido said, hoping to live their lives the way the Cordillerans should after 2 government projects in the Cordilleras resulted in violent deaths of their leaders and displaced of hundreds of residents toward the end of the Marcos regime.
"We want to choose our leaders," he said.
NOT READY FOR FEDERALISM
The Balweg brothers, the rebel priest’s CPLA comrade and aide John Blue, and Balweg’s right-hand man Junior Briones said it would greatly disadvantage the Cordilleras if the government pushes through with a proposal putting together the CAR, the Cagayan Valley, and the Ilocos Region into one federal state.
In all aspects of development, the 81-year-old Bienvenido said, the government puts its money where there is a great land area and population. The CAR would thus be prioritized the least, it being the smallest of the 3 regions, he added.
“We want autonomy, we are not ready for federalism,” he said.
Bienvenido said the CPLA leaders fear that the proposed federal setup would get in the way of the promised autonomy to the Cordillera’s six provinces — Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province, with Baguio City as the regional center, all rich in mines and rivers.
The 1987 Constitution provides for autonomy in the Cordilleras. Yet two plebiscites held separately in 1989 and 1990 failed to get enough affirmative votes, a precondition under the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
But the CAR has suffered from the national government’s neglect, according to the Balwegs, owing to the changing political climes in Manila.
Under Aquino’s EO 220, the CAR received an annual appropriation of P36 million.
In February 2000, Joseph Estrada signed the national budget reducing the CAR budget to P1, rendering the body inutile.
In July 2001, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued another executive order creating the Regional Development Council in the Cordillera Administrative Region with an annual budget of P18 million.
WAITING FOR "DU30"
In April 2016, the CPLA leaders sent then-presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte a letter calling his attention to their plight.
Since he became president, they have sent him two other letters through Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza. The last one was on February 8. They're still waiting for a reply.
Bienvenido said he has not lost hope that Duterte would soon pay attention to the region.
“Now that there is no more violence or rebellion here, the government is ignoring us. We don’t kill each other here, unlike in the South,” he said.
"That is our dilemma here: Should we create noise here? Should we create fireworks here? Everybody is a warrior here and everybody can be called upon to fight for autonomy. But we want peace here. We want progress here now."
http://news.abs-cbn.com/focus/02/21/18/balwegs-brothers-ex-comrades-autonomy-first-before-federalism
Brothers and ex-comrades of the late "rebel priest" Conrado Balweg continue his fight for autonomy in the Cordilleras. From right: Balweg's former aide John Blue; Jovencio Balweg; Gaspar Cayat, former chair of the defunct Cordillera Executive Board; and Bienvenido Balweg during an interview at a restaurant in Baguio city. ABS-CBN News
BAGUIO CITY—There are voices in the wilderness of the Cordilleras seemingly long forgotten after the death of "rebel priest" Conrado Balweg 18 years ago, but all seeking to be heard amid renewed calls for federalism.
Balweg’s brother, Jovencio, a former hitman of the New People’s Army (NPA); their elder brother, Bienvenido; and the slain leader’s former comrades at the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) met with ABS-CBN News for an interview last week to remind President Rodrigo Duterte of the government's promise to provide autonomy to the people of Cordilleras 32 years ago.
“The government has a standing covenant with the people of the Cordilleras to grant us an autonomy,” said the 72-year-old Jovencio, referring to the peace agreement Balweg forged with President Corazon Aquino in September 1986.
Called the Mount Data Peace Accord, the covenant paved the way for Aquino's Executive Order No. 220 (E0 220) in July 1987, creating the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and integrating Cordillera rebels with the police and the Armed Forces in hunting down NPA rebels.
The CPLA leaders have since been hoping that the CAR would give birth to an autonomous region, as mandated by the 1987 Constitution.
It is ironic, however, that Jovencio is now at the forefront of those seeking the implementation of the peace agreement.
Under Conrado Balweg, the CPLA broke away from the NPA after the EDSA Revolution, alleging that the armed group of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) had overlooked the plight of the Cordilleras.
Then still with the CPP-NPA, Jovencio took the blame for the rebel priest's death on December 31, 1999, at the height of violent conflict between the NPA and splinter group CPLA. (Police later identified another NPA leader, a member of Jovencio’s squad, linked to Conrado Balweg's murder several days later).
NO REGRETS
Jovencio currently serves as municipal councilor in Malibcong town in Abra.
“I have no regrets of the things I learned from the NPA,” he told ABS-CBN News when the interview tackled Balweg’s death. “It still hurts me.”
Jovencio said he and his remaining brothers want the government to grant them autonomy first, federalism later, if federalism would at all be acceptable to the Cordillerans, he said.
“I am very supportive of any individual or group advocating autonomy in the Cordilleras,” he said.
Besides Bienvenido and Jovencio, Balweg had 2 other brothers and 3 sisters.
One of Balweg's children was a CPLA member who was integrated into the Philippine Army in 2012.
The CPLA leaders and comrades had let go of their arms while holding on to that covenant, Bienvenido said, hoping to live their lives the way the Cordillerans should after 2 government projects in the Cordilleras resulted in violent deaths of their leaders and displaced of hundreds of residents toward the end of the Marcos regime.
"We want to choose our leaders," he said.
NOT READY FOR FEDERALISM
The Balweg brothers, the rebel priest’s CPLA comrade and aide John Blue, and Balweg’s right-hand man Junior Briones said it would greatly disadvantage the Cordilleras if the government pushes through with a proposal putting together the CAR, the Cagayan Valley, and the Ilocos Region into one federal state.
In all aspects of development, the 81-year-old Bienvenido said, the government puts its money where there is a great land area and population. The CAR would thus be prioritized the least, it being the smallest of the 3 regions, he added.
“We want autonomy, we are not ready for federalism,” he said.
Bienvenido said the CPLA leaders fear that the proposed federal setup would get in the way of the promised autonomy to the Cordillera’s six provinces — Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province, with Baguio City as the regional center, all rich in mines and rivers.
The 1987 Constitution provides for autonomy in the Cordilleras. Yet two plebiscites held separately in 1989 and 1990 failed to get enough affirmative votes, a precondition under the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
But the CAR has suffered from the national government’s neglect, according to the Balwegs, owing to the changing political climes in Manila.
Under Aquino’s EO 220, the CAR received an annual appropriation of P36 million.
In February 2000, Joseph Estrada signed the national budget reducing the CAR budget to P1, rendering the body inutile.
In July 2001, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued another executive order creating the Regional Development Council in the Cordillera Administrative Region with an annual budget of P18 million.
WAITING FOR "DU30"
In April 2016, the CPLA leaders sent then-presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte a letter calling his attention to their plight.
Since he became president, they have sent him two other letters through Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza. The last one was on February 8. They're still waiting for a reply.
Bienvenido said he has not lost hope that Duterte would soon pay attention to the region.
“Now that there is no more violence or rebellion here, the government is ignoring us. We don’t kill each other here, unlike in the South,” he said.
"That is our dilemma here: Should we create noise here? Should we create fireworks here? Everybody is a warrior here and everybody can be called upon to fight for autonomy. But we want peace here. We want progress here now."
http://news.abs-cbn.com/focus/02/21/18/balwegs-brothers-ex-comrades-autonomy-first-before-federalism
Duterte to let military decide on peace talks with Reds
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 20): Duterte to let military decide on peace talks with Reds
The fate of the peace talks with the communist rebels remains in the hands of the military, President Rodrigo Duterte said Monday night.
Duterte issued the statement three months after the collapse of the peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), and following the visit of Norwegian government officials, the third party facilitator in the peace process.
“So I’m talking to the communists. The Norwegian officials came here to explore the possibility of talking again. I have to consult my military people. Why? Eh sila ‘yung namamatay eh, hindi naman ako. Sabi ko, ‘I will talk to the military. If you would agree, I might [consider resuming the peace talks]’,” Duterte said in a speech at the Manila Hotel on Monday evening.
But the President said he would not “waste his time” thinking about the possible resumption of peace talks.
“Ngayon, hindi ko paggastusan ng panahon. I am not thinking about it even. Why? Because now it’s beyond my control. I have to get the [military’s recommendation]. How do you feel? What’s your take? It is good for us to fight forever or mag-usap tayo?” he noted.
But if the military would recommend to pursue the fight against the New People’s Army (NPA), Duterte said he would not object to this.
“And I will tell you, ‘pag sabi nila, ‘Ubusin na lang natin, Mayor’, oh it’s fine. Sabi ni Sison, hambugero, ‘kill one soldier a day’. Eh di sinabi ko, ‘You kill one NPA and I’ll give you ₱25,000’,” he said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/970088/duterte-to-let-military-decide-on-peace-talks-with-reds
The fate of the peace talks with the communist rebels remains in the hands of the military, President Rodrigo Duterte said Monday night.
Duterte issued the statement three months after the collapse of the peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), and following the visit of Norwegian government officials, the third party facilitator in the peace process.
“So I’m talking to the communists. The Norwegian officials came here to explore the possibility of talking again. I have to consult my military people. Why? Eh sila ‘yung namamatay eh, hindi naman ako. Sabi ko, ‘I will talk to the military. If you would agree, I might [consider resuming the peace talks]’,” Duterte said in a speech at the Manila Hotel on Monday evening.
But the President said he would not “waste his time” thinking about the possible resumption of peace talks.
“Ngayon, hindi ko paggastusan ng panahon. I am not thinking about it even. Why? Because now it’s beyond my control. I have to get the [military’s recommendation]. How do you feel? What’s your take? It is good for us to fight forever or mag-usap tayo?” he noted.
But if the military would recommend to pursue the fight against the New People’s Army (NPA), Duterte said he would not object to this.
“And I will tell you, ‘pag sabi nila, ‘Ubusin na lang natin, Mayor’, oh it’s fine. Sabi ni Sison, hambugero, ‘kill one soldier a day’. Eh di sinabi ko, ‘You kill one NPA and I’ll give you ₱25,000’,” he said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/970088/duterte-to-let-military-decide-on-peace-talks-with-reds
3 NPA rebels surrender in Ilocos Sur
From the Manila Times (Feb 19): 3 NPA rebels surrender in Ilocos Sur
THREE members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to government security forces on Sunday in Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur, the military’s Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) reported on Monday.
Lt. Col. Isagani Nato, Nolcom spokesman, said the rebels gave themselves up to the Philippine Army’s 81st Infantry Battalion at about 4 p.m. at Barangay Bugbuga, Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur.
He identified the surrenderees as Joel Tayan Sabino alias Ben, 48; Judith Balingsat Dumalig alias Maya, 49; and Jayson Batuli Bayan alias Mayo of Barangay San Ramon East, Manabo, Abra. They were also operating in Tubo town, also in Abra, Nato added.
They also surrendered high-powered firearms and ammunition such as an M-16-A1 rifle and two caliber .30 Springfield Garand Rifles.
http://www.manilatimes.net/3-npa-rebels-surrender-ilocos-sur/381302/
THREE members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to government security forces on Sunday in Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur, the military’s Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) reported on Monday.
Lt. Col. Isagani Nato, Nolcom spokesman, said the rebels gave themselves up to the Philippine Army’s 81st Infantry Battalion at about 4 p.m. at Barangay Bugbuga, Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur.
He identified the surrenderees as Joel Tayan Sabino alias Ben, 48; Judith Balingsat Dumalig alias Maya, 49; and Jayson Batuli Bayan alias Mayo of Barangay San Ramon East, Manabo, Abra. They were also operating in Tubo town, also in Abra, Nato added.
They also surrendered high-powered firearms and ammunition such as an M-16-A1 rifle and two caliber .30 Springfield Garand Rifles.
http://www.manilatimes.net/3-npa-rebels-surrender-ilocos-sur/381302/
5 NPA rebels captured during PNP, AFP raid
From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 19): 5 NPA rebels captured during PNP, AFP raid
At least five New Peoples Army (NPA) rebels including the leader of training SPARU, demolition and explosive team, were captured during raid conducted by operatives of PNP at AFP in a hideout at Cabisera 17-21 Barangay San Antonio, Ilagan City, Isabela.
Five New People’s Army (NPA) including the training specialist were captured Sunday evening in Ilagan City, Isabela. (photo courtesy of PIO PRO2)
PS/Supt. John Cornelius A. Jambora , provincial director of Isabela PNP, reported today to PC/Supt. Jose Mario Espino , PRO2 regional director, that suspects were identified as Mauricio Sagun , “Raul/Johny,” 65, of Barangay Old San Mariano, San Mariano, Isabela, alleged leader of training, SPARU, Demolition and Explosive Team; Mario Turqueza, 65 ; Ariel Peñaflor, 48 ; Bernard Peñaflor, 21; both from Barangay Minanga, San Mariano, Isabela and Maximiñano Domingo, 44 , resident of Barangay Old San Mariano, San Mariano, Isabela.
Jambora said that about 11 p.m. of February 18 when the arrest warrant was implemented against Sagun by Regional Intelligence Division (RID, Isabela Provincial Mobile Force Company (IPMFC), Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB), Ilagan City Police Station, 502nd Brigade 5ID, PA, 86IB, 5MIB, and Military Intelligence Group-2 (MIG-2) for a case of murder with Criminal Case No. 7170, 7169 and 5024.
Also arrested were Sagun’s four other companions who possessed a Pietro Berreta Cal. 9mm pistol with magazine and 15 live ammunition, a Cal. 38 revolver, three grenades, two blasting caps, a detonating cord, one sling bag, a 9mm holster, and two backpacks containing cash and personal documents.
All are now in the custody of Ilagan City Police Station for further investigation.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/19/5npa-rebel-captured-during-pnp-afp-raid/
At least five New Peoples Army (NPA) rebels including the leader of training SPARU, demolition and explosive team, were captured during raid conducted by operatives of PNP at AFP in a hideout at Cabisera 17-21 Barangay San Antonio, Ilagan City, Isabela.
Five New People’s Army (NPA) including the training specialist were captured Sunday evening in Ilagan City, Isabela. (photo courtesy of PIO PRO2)
PS/Supt. John Cornelius A. Jambora , provincial director of Isabela PNP, reported today to PC/Supt. Jose Mario Espino , PRO2 regional director, that suspects were identified as Mauricio Sagun , “Raul/Johny,” 65, of Barangay Old San Mariano, San Mariano, Isabela, alleged leader of training, SPARU, Demolition and Explosive Team; Mario Turqueza, 65 ; Ariel Peñaflor, 48 ; Bernard Peñaflor, 21; both from Barangay Minanga, San Mariano, Isabela and Maximiñano Domingo, 44 , resident of Barangay Old San Mariano, San Mariano, Isabela.
Jambora said that about 11 p.m. of February 18 when the arrest warrant was implemented against Sagun by Regional Intelligence Division (RID, Isabela Provincial Mobile Force Company (IPMFC), Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB), Ilagan City Police Station, 502nd Brigade 5ID, PA, 86IB, 5MIB, and Military Intelligence Group-2 (MIG-2) for a case of murder with Criminal Case No. 7170, 7169 and 5024.
Also arrested were Sagun’s four other companions who possessed a Pietro Berreta Cal. 9mm pistol with magazine and 15 live ammunition, a Cal. 38 revolver, three grenades, two blasting caps, a detonating cord, one sling bag, a 9mm holster, and two backpacks containing cash and personal documents.
All are now in the custody of Ilagan City Police Station for further investigation.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/19/5npa-rebel-captured-during-pnp-afp-raid/
Alleged rebel bomber, 4 others arrested in Isabela
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 20): Alleged rebel bomber, 4 others arrested in Isabela
CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, ISABELA – A suspected New People’s Army bombing expert and four other alleged rebels were arrested on Monday (Feb. 19) by the police and the military in Ilagan City.
Mauricio Sagun allegedly heads the NPA Training, Demolition and Explosives Team and is supposedly an expert in manufacturing and handling improvised explosive devices and landmines, said Army Capt. Jefferson Somera, 5th Infantry Division spokesman.
Somera said Sagun was arrested at his house in Barangay San Antonio Centro along with Mario Turqueza, 65; Maximiano Domingo, 41; Ariel Peñaflor, 48; and Bernard Peñaflor, 21, all of San Mariano town in Isabela province.
The Army claims the four other men were recruits of the NPA Sparrow Unit, an urban attack group formed and deployed during Martial Law.
Seized from Sagun’s house were three hand grenades, a caliber 9-mm Pietro Beretta, a Cal. 38 pistol, two blasting caps, and a roll of detonating cords.
The arrested suspects were brought to the police for questioning before they were held at the military camp here.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/970055/alleged-rebel-bomber-4-others-arrested-in-isabela
CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, ISABELA – A suspected New People’s Army bombing expert and four other alleged rebels were arrested on Monday (Feb. 19) by the police and the military in Ilagan City.
Mauricio Sagun allegedly heads the NPA Training, Demolition and Explosives Team and is supposedly an expert in manufacturing and handling improvised explosive devices and landmines, said Army Capt. Jefferson Somera, 5th Infantry Division spokesman.
Somera said Sagun was arrested at his house in Barangay San Antonio Centro along with Mario Turqueza, 65; Maximiano Domingo, 41; Ariel Peñaflor, 48; and Bernard Peñaflor, 21, all of San Mariano town in Isabela province.
The Army claims the four other men were recruits of the NPA Sparrow Unit, an urban attack group formed and deployed during Martial Law.
Seized from Sagun’s house were three hand grenades, a caliber 9-mm Pietro Beretta, a Cal. 38 pistol, two blasting caps, and a roll of detonating cords.
The arrested suspects were brought to the police for questioning before they were held at the military camp here.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/970055/alleged-rebel-bomber-4-others-arrested-in-isabela
Army claims NPA now ‘demoralized’
From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Feb 19): Army claims NPA now ‘demoralized’
TWO suspected communist insurgents were killed in an encounter on Sunday, February 18, in Agusan del Sur as government forces press on with relentless combat operations against communist rebels since early this year.
First Lieutenant Tere Ingente, spokesperson of Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID), said the troops were conducting security operations in the hinterland areas of barangay Bunawan Brooks, Bunawan town, Agusan del Sur when they encountered about 10 members of the New People's Army (NPA).
The NPA rebels are believed to be members of Platoon 2, Guerilla Front Committee 14 (GC14).
Ingente said the firefight lasted for about 25 minutes. Troops recovered 3 AK47 rifle, along with the dead bodies. The fatalities have not been identified as of this writing.
Colonel Andres Centino, 401 Brigade Commander, said the recent setbacks of the GFC-14 have caused demoralization among the rebels.
Centino urged a certain Leonida Belarmino "Monic" Sanchez, allegedly the front secretary of GFC-14, to surrender and "choose the path for peace". "Heed the call of the government to go back to mainstream society, be more productive citizens again and have a chance to avail of the Comprehensive Integration Program (CLIP) offered by the government and be with their families," Centino added.
In February 14, 16,and 17, successive encounters between troops and rebels have transpired, particularly in Bunawan Brooks, Agusan.
These encounters, Ingente said, resulted in the recovery of a cache of different firearms such as an improvised explosive device, personal belongings of the rebels, including ammunition.
In February 16, one suspected NPA member was also killed in the same area.
Also in February 14, troops in Valencia, Bukidnon also found a food and medical cache allegedly owned by the NPA.
Major General Ronald Villanueva, 4ID commander said the series of encounters prove that there is no let-up in the operations against the NPA.
"In fact, the Philippine Army have been realigning forces to our area of responsibility," Villanueva said.
Last year, the 4ID has activated the 88th Infantry Battalion, while the 65th Infantry Battalion from the 1st Infantry Division was transferred, and recently, the 901st Brigade arrived from Albay, all to help 4ID in its mission "to end terrorism in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions."
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2018/02/19/army-claims-npa-now-demoralized-589813
2 NPAs slain in clash with AFP in Agusan del Sur
From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 19): 2 NPAs slain in clash with AFP in Agusan del Sur
Camp Bancasi, Butuan City – Two New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists were killed while an undetermined number of other rebels were believed wounded in an encounter with government forces in Upper Road 1, Barangay Bunawan Brook, Bunawan town, Agusan del Sur province last Sunday, according to First Lt. Tere Ingente, chief of the Public Affairs Office (PAO) of the Northeastern and Northern Mindanao Fourth Infantry Division (4th ID).
BITTER END – Photo shows the high-powered firearms recovered from two New People’s Army (NPA) fighters, who were killed in an encounter with the military in Upper Road 1, Barangay Bunawan Brook, Bunawan town, Agusan del Sur province last Sunday. (Photo courtesy of Army 88th Infantry Battalion)
Identities of the slain NPA terrorists were not immediately known, she said.
Ingente said troops from the 401st Infantry Brigade were on-patrol in the hinterlands of Barangay Bunawan Brooks when they were engaged by an undetermined number of NPA terrorists at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
“The intense fire fight lasted for about 25 minutes after which the NPAs scampered to different directions,” she said.
Ingente disclosed the encountered rebels were believed members of Platoon 2, Guerilla-Front Committee 14 (GFC 14) of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
Troops recovered from the encounter site two dead bodies of the NPAs, together with the three AK47 rifle and live ammunitions, she said
“The dead NPA bodies were immediately brought to the Barangay Hall of Bunawan Brook in Bunawan town of that same province for identification and proper disposition,” Ingente said.
Meanwhile, according to Col. Andres Centino, commanding officer of the 401st Brigade, the operation was a continuation of security operations being conducted by the brigade since February 14, which resulted to the series of encounters between the government troops and the NPAs belonging to the same guerilla front committee of the NEMRC.
He said due to the recent setbacks of the GFC 14 its members were now demoralized due to their wounded comrades and dwindling numbers.
“We would like to reach-out to Leonida Belarmino Sanchez, also known as Monic, the Front Secretary of Guerilla Front Committee 14 and her members to take the opportunity to heed the call of the government to go back to mainstream society, be more productive citizens again and have a chance to avail of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) offered by the government and be with their families,” said the 401st Brigade commander, in statement sent to The Manila Bulletin on Monday.
“This is the right time to choose the path for peace. Go back to the folds of the law now and we will wait for you,” Centino said in the statement.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/19/2-npas-slain-in-clash-with-afp-in-agusan-del-sur/
Camp Bancasi, Butuan City – Two New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists were killed while an undetermined number of other rebels were believed wounded in an encounter with government forces in Upper Road 1, Barangay Bunawan Brook, Bunawan town, Agusan del Sur province last Sunday, according to First Lt. Tere Ingente, chief of the Public Affairs Office (PAO) of the Northeastern and Northern Mindanao Fourth Infantry Division (4th ID).
BITTER END – Photo shows the high-powered firearms recovered from two New People’s Army (NPA) fighters, who were killed in an encounter with the military in Upper Road 1, Barangay Bunawan Brook, Bunawan town, Agusan del Sur province last Sunday. (Photo courtesy of Army 88th Infantry Battalion)
Identities of the slain NPA terrorists were not immediately known, she said.
Ingente said troops from the 401st Infantry Brigade were on-patrol in the hinterlands of Barangay Bunawan Brooks when they were engaged by an undetermined number of NPA terrorists at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
“The intense fire fight lasted for about 25 minutes after which the NPAs scampered to different directions,” she said.
Ingente disclosed the encountered rebels were believed members of Platoon 2, Guerilla-Front Committee 14 (GFC 14) of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
Troops recovered from the encounter site two dead bodies of the NPAs, together with the three AK47 rifle and live ammunitions, she said
“The dead NPA bodies were immediately brought to the Barangay Hall of Bunawan Brook in Bunawan town of that same province for identification and proper disposition,” Ingente said.
Meanwhile, according to Col. Andres Centino, commanding officer of the 401st Brigade, the operation was a continuation of security operations being conducted by the brigade since February 14, which resulted to the series of encounters between the government troops and the NPAs belonging to the same guerilla front committee of the NEMRC.
He said due to the recent setbacks of the GFC 14 its members were now demoralized due to their wounded comrades and dwindling numbers.
“We would like to reach-out to Leonida Belarmino Sanchez, also known as Monic, the Front Secretary of Guerilla Front Committee 14 and her members to take the opportunity to heed the call of the government to go back to mainstream society, be more productive citizens again and have a chance to avail of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) offered by the government and be with their families,” said the 401st Brigade commander, in statement sent to The Manila Bulletin on Monday.
“This is the right time to choose the path for peace. Go back to the folds of the law now and we will wait for you,” Centino said in the statement.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/19/2-npas-slain-in-clash-with-afp-in-agusan-del-sur/
2 arrested for blast in Maguindanao
From Malaya Business Insight (Feb 21): 2 arrested for blast in Maguindanao
TWO suspects in last Sunday’s roadside bombing in Datu Unsay town in Maguindanao were arrested later that day, the military said yesterday.
Omisalam Andakay and Kapadlong Mamalak were arrested at around 10:30 a.m. last Sunday in Barangay Meta, near the area where the explosion occurred, by forces of the 57th Infantry Battalion, 21st Mechanized Company, and 63rd Division Reconnaissance Company at around 10:30 a.m. last Sunday, said Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, spokesman of the military’s Western Mindanao Command.
The two yielded a rifle, a shotgun, and ammunition.
The explosion resulted in the wounding of an Army lieutenant and four enlisted personnel.
Petinglay said the bomb was made from a 105-mm high explosive projectile, based on the post blast investigation conducted by the 32nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team and 3rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company.
Petinglay said the military is still determining if the two suspects are members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters which the military earlier tagged as primary suspect in the attack.
“As of now, we consider them as lawless elements,” she said,
The BIFF has 200 to 300 members, mostly former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The BIFF is among the several groups in Mindanao that pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria a few years ago.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/2-arrested-blast-maguindanao
TWO suspects in last Sunday’s roadside bombing in Datu Unsay town in Maguindanao were arrested later that day, the military said yesterday.
Omisalam Andakay and Kapadlong Mamalak were arrested at around 10:30 a.m. last Sunday in Barangay Meta, near the area where the explosion occurred, by forces of the 57th Infantry Battalion, 21st Mechanized Company, and 63rd Division Reconnaissance Company at around 10:30 a.m. last Sunday, said Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, spokesman of the military’s Western Mindanao Command.
The two yielded a rifle, a shotgun, and ammunition.
The explosion resulted in the wounding of an Army lieutenant and four enlisted personnel.
Petinglay said the bomb was made from a 105-mm high explosive projectile, based on the post blast investigation conducted by the 32nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team and 3rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company.
Petinglay said the military is still determining if the two suspects are members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters which the military earlier tagged as primary suspect in the attack.
“As of now, we consider them as lawless elements,” she said,
The BIFF has 200 to 300 members, mostly former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The BIFF is among the several groups in Mindanao that pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria a few years ago.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/2-arrested-blast-maguindanao
More troops deployed in drive to crush NPA
From Malaya Business Insight (Feb 21): More troops deployed in drive to crush NPA
THE Army’s 901st Brigade has been redeployed from the Bicol region to the eastern part of Mindanao as part of the military’s continuing effort to defeat the communist New People’s Army.
The brigade arrived at the headquarters of the 4th Infantry Division in Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City on Thursday last week.
Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva, 4th ID commander, said the redeployed unit is composed of 80 men led by the brigade’s commander, Col. Larry Mojica. Villanueva said the brigade is now operating in the Bukidnon, North Cotabato, and Davao areas.
He said the 19th and 92nd Infantry Battalions, which came from the Central Mindanao, have been attached to the brigade. Another battalion, the 88th IB, will soon be placed under the brigade.
“It’s meant to cover the area where we have a blind spot,” said Villanueva on the redeployment of the 901st brigade. He said the brigade will help accomplish the military’s objective to crush the NPA.
Maj. Ezra Balagtey, spokesman of the AFP’s Eastern Mindanao Command, expressed confidence that the redeployment of the brigade will lead to the restoration of peace in the areas.
“The 901st Brigade will augment troops in Northern Mindanao and Caraga Regions to help 4th ID in crushing NPA terrorists. Further, the brigade will be deployed in the priority areas of 4th ID,” added Balagtey.
“They will help in the accomplishment of the objective given by higher headquarters, we are sticking with that. (The objective) is to crush the NPA,” said Balagtey.
President Duterte terminated peace negotiations with the communist-led National Democratic Front in November last year due to series of rebel attacks against military and civilian targets.
Also yesterday, the 56th IB arrived in Mindanao to augment the 10th Infantry Division, based in Compostela Valley, in the fight against the communists. The battalion used to operate in Aurora province.
“They will be operating in the 10th ID area, they are going to be additional force against the NPA,” said Balagtey of the 56th IB. A battalion is composed of around 500 officers and men.
EX-NPAs MEET WITH DUTERTE
President Duterte is due to have snacks today in Malacañang with 241 former NPA members. They are part of the 683 NPA members who surrendered to the Armed Forces in Eastern Mindanao last year.
Balagtey said the 241 former rebels are composed of 38 women and 203 men who used to operate in the Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte. They were flown to Manila yesterday morning from Davao City, and toured by the military to Luneta Park and Fort Santiago in Manila.
On February 7, Duterte also had snacks with the first batch of 217 former rebels.
Balagtey said the third batch, composed of 225 former rebels, will also dine with Duterte and given the same tour but no date has been set.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/more-troops-deployed-drive-crush-npa
THE Army’s 901st Brigade has been redeployed from the Bicol region to the eastern part of Mindanao as part of the military’s continuing effort to defeat the communist New People’s Army.
The brigade arrived at the headquarters of the 4th Infantry Division in Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City on Thursday last week.
Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva, 4th ID commander, said the redeployed unit is composed of 80 men led by the brigade’s commander, Col. Larry Mojica. Villanueva said the brigade is now operating in the Bukidnon, North Cotabato, and Davao areas.
He said the 19th and 92nd Infantry Battalions, which came from the Central Mindanao, have been attached to the brigade. Another battalion, the 88th IB, will soon be placed under the brigade.
“It’s meant to cover the area where we have a blind spot,” said Villanueva on the redeployment of the 901st brigade. He said the brigade will help accomplish the military’s objective to crush the NPA.
Maj. Ezra Balagtey, spokesman of the AFP’s Eastern Mindanao Command, expressed confidence that the redeployment of the brigade will lead to the restoration of peace in the areas.
“The 901st Brigade will augment troops in Northern Mindanao and Caraga Regions to help 4th ID in crushing NPA terrorists. Further, the brigade will be deployed in the priority areas of 4th ID,” added Balagtey.
“They will help in the accomplishment of the objective given by higher headquarters, we are sticking with that. (The objective) is to crush the NPA,” said Balagtey.
President Duterte terminated peace negotiations with the communist-led National Democratic Front in November last year due to series of rebel attacks against military and civilian targets.
Also yesterday, the 56th IB arrived in Mindanao to augment the 10th Infantry Division, based in Compostela Valley, in the fight against the communists. The battalion used to operate in Aurora province.
“They will be operating in the 10th ID area, they are going to be additional force against the NPA,” said Balagtey of the 56th IB. A battalion is composed of around 500 officers and men.
EX-NPAs MEET WITH DUTERTE
President Duterte is due to have snacks today in Malacañang with 241 former NPA members. They are part of the 683 NPA members who surrendered to the Armed Forces in Eastern Mindanao last year.
Balagtey said the 241 former rebels are composed of 38 women and 203 men who used to operate in the Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte. They were flown to Manila yesterday morning from Davao City, and toured by the military to Luneta Park and Fort Santiago in Manila.
On February 7, Duterte also had snacks with the first batch of 217 former rebels.
Balagtey said the third batch, composed of 225 former rebels, will also dine with Duterte and given the same tour but no date has been set.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/more-troops-deployed-drive-crush-npa
24 MILF men held in Maguindanao
From Malaya Business Insight (Feb 22): 24 MILF men held in Maguindanao
GOVERNMENT forces apprehended 24 fully-armed members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Sultan sa Barongis town in Maguindanao on Tuesday night for uncoordinated movement, which is in violation of a ceasefire agreement.
Capt. Arvin Encinas, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao, said the rebels were released yesterday morning, through the ceasefire mechanism of the peace process.
Encinas said the 24 were intercepted by forces of the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion around 6:15 p.m. in Barangay Melib, aboard a vehicle. The rebels were carrying 19 M16 rifles and five M14 rifles.
Encinas said the 24 belong to the MILF’s 106th Base Command. He said the 24 claimed they were on the way to Ampatuan town supposedly to settle a conflict between two MILF commanders.
He said the 24 were brought to a military base in Sultan sa Barongis town.
At around 10:30 a.m., the 24 were released from military custody after coordination between members of the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities of both sides.
Asked if no charges will be filed against the 24, Encinas said the military is giving primacy to the peace process. “We have ongoing peace talks with the MILF, so we left it to discretion of the CCCH of both sides,” he said.
However, he said the firearms seized from the 24 are still with the military. Encinas justified the apprehension of the MILF rebels, saying: “All movement, both military and MILF, should be coordinated to the CCCH. Admin or operation movement, they should be coordinated.”
Encinas said the 24 did not resist when accosted by soldiers.
The MILF signed a peace accord with the government in 2014 although the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, which will establish a new political entity in the South, is yet to be passed by Congress.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/24-milf-men-held-maguindanao
GOVERNMENT forces apprehended 24 fully-armed members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Sultan sa Barongis town in Maguindanao on Tuesday night for uncoordinated movement, which is in violation of a ceasefire agreement.
Capt. Arvin Encinas, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao, said the rebels were released yesterday morning, through the ceasefire mechanism of the peace process.
Encinas said the 24 were intercepted by forces of the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion around 6:15 p.m. in Barangay Melib, aboard a vehicle. The rebels were carrying 19 M16 rifles and five M14 rifles.
Encinas said the 24 belong to the MILF’s 106th Base Command. He said the 24 claimed they were on the way to Ampatuan town supposedly to settle a conflict between two MILF commanders.
He said the 24 were brought to a military base in Sultan sa Barongis town.
At around 10:30 a.m., the 24 were released from military custody after coordination between members of the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities of both sides.
Asked if no charges will be filed against the 24, Encinas said the military is giving primacy to the peace process. “We have ongoing peace talks with the MILF, so we left it to discretion of the CCCH of both sides,” he said.
However, he said the firearms seized from the 24 are still with the military. Encinas justified the apprehension of the MILF rebels, saying: “All movement, both military and MILF, should be coordinated to the CCCH. Admin or operation movement, they should be coordinated.”
Encinas said the 24 did not resist when accosted by soldiers.
The MILF signed a peace accord with the government in 2014 although the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, which will establish a new political entity in the South, is yet to be passed by Congress.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/24-milf-men-held-maguindanao
Psy-war man named AFP spokesman
From Malaya Business Insight (Feb 22): Psy-war man named AFP spokesman
THE military’s top psychological warfare officer has been designated as Armed Forces spokesman.
Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin assumed his new post on Tuesday in concurrent capacity as commander of the AFP’s Civil Relations Service (CRS) which is leading the military’s psychological warfare against the communist New People’s Army and other threat groups. He became commander of the Camp Aguinaldo-based CRS last month.
Datuin replaced Col. Edgard Arevalo who will now focus on his main position as the assistant AFP deputy chief of staff for civil military operations. Arevalo became the AFP spokesman in December last year.
“This is going to be a big challenge,” said Datuin on designation as the new spokesman of the 125,000-strong military force.
Datuin said that as CRS commander, he has to influence the perception, belief, emotion, behavior and attitude of the people.
He said he can strike a balance between being CRS commander and AFP spokesman, saying he has done this in his other assignments.
Before becoming the CRS commander, Datuin was deputy commander of the 10th Infantry Division based in Compostela Valley and of the 701st Brigade in Davao Oriental.
This is not the first time a CRS commander had been designated as AFP spokesman. The most recent CRS commanders who served as AFP spokesmen were Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala, and Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/psy-war-man-named-afp-spokesman
THE military’s top psychological warfare officer has been designated as Armed Forces spokesman.
Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin assumed his new post on Tuesday in concurrent capacity as commander of the AFP’s Civil Relations Service (CRS) which is leading the military’s psychological warfare against the communist New People’s Army and other threat groups. He became commander of the Camp Aguinaldo-based CRS last month.
Datuin replaced Col. Edgard Arevalo who will now focus on his main position as the assistant AFP deputy chief of staff for civil military operations. Arevalo became the AFP spokesman in December last year.
“This is going to be a big challenge,” said Datuin on designation as the new spokesman of the 125,000-strong military force.
Datuin said that as CRS commander, he has to influence the perception, belief, emotion, behavior and attitude of the people.
He said he can strike a balance between being CRS commander and AFP spokesman, saying he has done this in his other assignments.
Before becoming the CRS commander, Datuin was deputy commander of the 10th Infantry Division based in Compostela Valley and of the 701st Brigade in Davao Oriental.
This is not the first time a CRS commander had been designated as AFP spokesman. The most recent CRS commanders who served as AFP spokesmen were Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala, and Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/psy-war-man-named-afp-spokesman
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