From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 12): CAPABILITY SHOWCASE | TOW WESTMIN Hosts Stakeholders Forum on HADR
EDWIN ANDREWS AIRBASE, Zamboanga City (DWDD) – The Tactical Operations Wing Western Mindanao is very proud to play host to this year’s Stakeholders Forum on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response on April 6, 2018 at Edwin Andrews Air Base Grandstand, Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City with Colonel Rafael M Alunan III PA (GSC) (Res) as the guest of honor and keynote speaker.
TOW WESTMIN has played a significant role consistent with its mandate of providing airpower to all surface forces in its area of responsibility. We have the capability to provide Close Air Support assets and heli-lift platforms to our combat forces as exemplified in the just concluded Marawi Air Campaign. We also provide airlift and heli-lift capability to our stakeholders using our Uh-1h and C-130s.
But aside from our military role, we also play an active part in national development and in a more specific way – in humanitarian assistance and disaster response through our search and rescue missions. In fact, in the recent Typhoon Vinta, TOW WESTMIN flew a total of 21 hours, 23 sorties, ferried 35 passengers, and airlifted 6,700lbs of cargoes.
Today, we take another big step to ensure the commitment of our unit and the PAF to the people of Western Mindanao through this Stakeholders Forum on HADR. We are indeed very lucky with the presence of our subject matter experts who will later on explain and elaborate on substantive topics on PAF capabilities in SAR, Region 9’s disaster response plan, and a discussion of the Philippine Disaster Management Plan to be delivered by our highly esteemed keynote speaker. We also have a SAR Capability Demonstration which was performed by our SAR pilots, crews, our reservists, and other rescue units here in Western Mindanao.
This Stakeholders Forum initiated by TOW WESTMIN featured distinguished speakers on the subject matter. These SMEs include BGen Leoncio A Cirunay Jr AFP (Res), Director, Office of Civil Defense, Chairperson, NDRRMC Region IX, on the topic “Region IX HADR Plan” and Col Frederick M Cutler, Group Commander of 505th Search and Rescue Group on “PAF Capability in HADR.”
Stakeholders’ Forum was attended by local government units, non-government organization and different stakeholders of Zamboanga City. TOW WESTMIN / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/12/capability-showcase-tow-westmin-hosts-stakeholders-forum-on-hadr/
Friday, April 13, 2018
DWDD: THE FEW, THE PROUD | PMC Mobile Recruitment in CDO
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 13): THE FEW, THE PROUD | PMC Mobile Recruitment in CDO
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan De Oro City (DWDD) – The Philippine Marine Corps will conduct “Mobile Recruitment in Cagayan de Oro City (Region X) Northern Mindanao”.
Applicants can proceed to the Headquarters, 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division at Camp Evangelista, Cagayan De Oro City.
Below are the scheduled dates of mobile recruitment activities:
Information Drive (16 – 26 April 2018)
Screening of Applicants (26 April – 10 May 2018)
AFPSAT/IQ Examination (12 – 16 May 2018)
NP Screening (13 – 18 May 2018)
Securing of Clearance (Applicants) (19 – 28 May 2018)
Record Check (29 May – 02 June 2018)
Physical/Medical Examination (02 – 06 June 2018)
In House of Selected Applicants (08 – 11 June 2018)
Proposed Oath taking (11 June 2018)
See Poster for more details.
PMC / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/13/the-few-the-proud-pmc-mobile-recruitment-in-cdo/
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan De Oro City (DWDD) – The Philippine Marine Corps will conduct “Mobile Recruitment in Cagayan de Oro City (Region X) Northern Mindanao”.
Applicants can proceed to the Headquarters, 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division at Camp Evangelista, Cagayan De Oro City.
Below are the scheduled dates of mobile recruitment activities:
Information Drive (16 – 26 April 2018)
Screening of Applicants (26 April – 10 May 2018)
AFPSAT/IQ Examination (12 – 16 May 2018)
NP Screening (13 – 18 May 2018)
Securing of Clearance (Applicants) (19 – 28 May 2018)
Record Check (29 May – 02 June 2018)
Physical/Medical Examination (02 – 06 June 2018)
In House of Selected Applicants (08 – 11 June 2018)
Proposed Oath taking (11 June 2018)
See Poster for more details.
PMC / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/13/the-few-the-proud-pmc-mobile-recruitment-in-cdo/
DWDD: RESERVE FORCE FOR PEACE | 39th National Reservist Week
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 13): RESERVE FORCE FOR PEACE | 39th National Reservist Week
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will celebrate the 39th National Reservist Week (NRW) from April to September with activities across the Philippines.
The events theme “Laang Kawal: Kaakibat sa Pagkakaisa Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran”.
The NRW aims to update Reservists on current AFP policies, update their capabilities on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response, and disseminate the direction of ROTC to school administrators and cadets.
The Southern Luzon Command recently conducted one NRW activity at Camp Mateo Capinpin, Headquarters, 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division and University of Rizal (Tanay Campus) on April 7-8, 2018. AFPRESCOM / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/13/reserve-force-for-peace-39th-national-reservist-week/
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will celebrate the 39th National Reservist Week (NRW) from April to September with activities across the Philippines.
The events theme “Laang Kawal: Kaakibat sa Pagkakaisa Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran”.
The NRW aims to update Reservists on current AFP policies, update their capabilities on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response, and disseminate the direction of ROTC to school administrators and cadets.
The Southern Luzon Command recently conducted one NRW activity at Camp Mateo Capinpin, Headquarters, 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division and University of Rizal (Tanay Campus) on April 7-8, 2018. AFPRESCOM / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/13/reserve-force-for-peace-39th-national-reservist-week/
DWDD: PORT VISIT | Two Australian Navy ships visit the Philippines
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 13): PORT VISIT | Two Australian Navy ships visit the Philippines
SUBIC BAY METROPOLITAN AUTHORITY, Olongapo city (DWDD) – The Royal Australian Navy vessels, Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Anzac (FFH150), a Long Range Guided Missile Frigate and HMAS Success (OR 304), an Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) vessel, arrived at Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in Olongapo City for a goodwill visit until Sunday, April 15. NPAO / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/13/port-visit-two-australian-navy-ships-visit-the-philippines/
SUBIC BAY METROPOLITAN AUTHORITY, Olongapo city (DWDD) – The Royal Australian Navy vessels, Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Anzac (FFH150), a Long Range Guided Missile Frigate and HMAS Success (OR 304), an Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) vessel, arrived at Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in Olongapo City for a goodwill visit until Sunday, April 15. NPAO / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/13/port-visit-two-australian-navy-ships-visit-the-philippines/
DWDD: LEAVING A LEGACY | CSAFP Guerrero satisfied with performance
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 13): LEAVING A LEGACY | CSAFP Guerrero satisfied with performance
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – With just a few days before he retires from military service, AFP Chief Staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero has expressed satisfaction over his performance in past six months.
According to Gen Guerrero, his six-month stint as the Chief of Staff was enough to implement reforms in the organization and since the AFP has the “DSSP Kapayapaan”, it serves as the institutions roadmap towards attaining its goals.
“Okay naman masaya nakapaglingkod tayo sa AFP at sa bayan with the support of my family, my wife of course.” “The time was enough to continue some of the reforms when I took over and some of the initiatives I put in place, actually nandiyan nayan nakalatag na yan itutuloy na lang, we have the DSSP Kapayapaan and we all implement that, the term of CSAFP is not about the person, not about me, it’s a team effort.” Guerrero said.
Meanwhile, Guerrero believes that professionalism is the AFP’s key to attaining a very high public trust rating. The professionalism of our soldiers, the way the AFP handled the Marawi Crisis and the way we dealt with the problem of insurgency, especially with the CPP/NPA. Added to this was how the organization welcomed former rebels and making them feel that their Armed Forces always has an open-arm for those who wish to return to a peaceful life. This AFP showed its human side of the AFP, especially when they facilitated the meeting of almost 700 former rebels with the President Rodrigo Duterte.
When asked about his career after leaving the AFP and his possible new role as part of MARINA, Guerrero quipped that his leadership will still be the same although he will be implementing policy changes. He must also remember that he will soon be out of the AFP but he can use the experience in facing his new endeavor. But for now, Guerrero maintains that he is not yet thinking of his new pot in MARINA, since he is still the Chief of Staff of the AFP.
In regards his successor Lt Gen Carlito Galvez Jr., he believes in the capability of the gentleman, especially his leadership and being an effective peace negotiator.
On his message to President Rodrigo Duterte: “Labis ang pasasalamat ko kay Pangulong Dutetre sa tiwalang binibigay nya sa akin, susunod at susunod po tayo sa kanyang mga ipaguutos, ipagpapatuloy natin ang pagtulong tayo sa kanyang kampanya laban sa drugs, corruption at terrorism.” AES / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/13/leaving-a-legacy-csafp-guerrero-satisfied-with-performance/
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – With just a few days before he retires from military service, AFP Chief Staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero has expressed satisfaction over his performance in past six months.
According to Gen Guerrero, his six-month stint as the Chief of Staff was enough to implement reforms in the organization and since the AFP has the “DSSP Kapayapaan”, it serves as the institutions roadmap towards attaining its goals.
“Okay naman masaya nakapaglingkod tayo sa AFP at sa bayan with the support of my family, my wife of course.” “The time was enough to continue some of the reforms when I took over and some of the initiatives I put in place, actually nandiyan nayan nakalatag na yan itutuloy na lang, we have the DSSP Kapayapaan and we all implement that, the term of CSAFP is not about the person, not about me, it’s a team effort.” Guerrero said.
Meanwhile, Guerrero believes that professionalism is the AFP’s key to attaining a very high public trust rating. The professionalism of our soldiers, the way the AFP handled the Marawi Crisis and the way we dealt with the problem of insurgency, especially with the CPP/NPA. Added to this was how the organization welcomed former rebels and making them feel that their Armed Forces always has an open-arm for those who wish to return to a peaceful life. This AFP showed its human side of the AFP, especially when they facilitated the meeting of almost 700 former rebels with the President Rodrigo Duterte.
When asked about his career after leaving the AFP and his possible new role as part of MARINA, Guerrero quipped that his leadership will still be the same although he will be implementing policy changes. He must also remember that he will soon be out of the AFP but he can use the experience in facing his new endeavor. But for now, Guerrero maintains that he is not yet thinking of his new pot in MARINA, since he is still the Chief of Staff of the AFP.
In regards his successor Lt Gen Carlito Galvez Jr., he believes in the capability of the gentleman, especially his leadership and being an effective peace negotiator.
On his message to President Rodrigo Duterte: “Labis ang pasasalamat ko kay Pangulong Dutetre sa tiwalang binibigay nya sa akin, susunod at susunod po tayo sa kanyang mga ipaguutos, ipagpapatuloy natin ang pagtulong tayo sa kanyang kampanya laban sa drugs, corruption at terrorism.” AES / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/13/leaving-a-legacy-csafp-guerrero-satisfied-with-performance/
DWDD: WINNING THE WAR | AFP makes headway against CPP-NPA
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 13): WINNING THE WAR | AFP makes headway against CPP-NPA
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines is winning the war and gaining ground against the Communist Terrorist group CPP-NPA.
AFP Chief of Staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero revealed that more than 5,000 members of the Communist Terrorist group have surrendered to the government since January of this year alone.
The bulk of the surrenderees consist of regular members and mass supporters of the NPAs in the countryside, which is different from their armed fighters.
Based on his experience as a battalion commander, these supporters were also being exploited by the Communist front and their armed wing the NPA. The AFP capitalized on this loophole with the CPP-NPA and the government came through with various community support programs and have talk with local government officials to effectively address the problem.
Among this program is the Comprehensive Local Integration Program or CLIP under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Guerrero added that the renewed call by President Rodrigo Duterte for Peace Talks with the Communist terrorist would be their last chance to achieve that elusive peace through dialogue and diplomacy. If things will not fall into place, the AFP will just follow its mandate to protect our democracy against any threat.
Meanwhile, Guerrero assured the public that the AFP is ready to support any endeavours for the rehabilitation of Marawi. “There is a national plan for the recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi City. Right now, all of the affected areas have been visually cleared, that means our engineers in there have looked around for unexploded bombs, IEDs and other explosives. Generally Marawi City is close to being fully cleared, (75%) I can say, and the construction efforts can already begin most areas. However there is one remaining sector that we are currently working on where we believe bombs are buried underneath the rubble so we using special equipment for that.” AES / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/13/winning-the-war-afp-makes-headway-against-cpp-npa/
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines is winning the war and gaining ground against the Communist Terrorist group CPP-NPA.
AFP Chief of Staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero revealed that more than 5,000 members of the Communist Terrorist group have surrendered to the government since January of this year alone.
The bulk of the surrenderees consist of regular members and mass supporters of the NPAs in the countryside, which is different from their armed fighters.
Based on his experience as a battalion commander, these supporters were also being exploited by the Communist front and their armed wing the NPA. The AFP capitalized on this loophole with the CPP-NPA and the government came through with various community support programs and have talk with local government officials to effectively address the problem.
Among this program is the Comprehensive Local Integration Program or CLIP under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Guerrero added that the renewed call by President Rodrigo Duterte for Peace Talks with the Communist terrorist would be their last chance to achieve that elusive peace through dialogue and diplomacy. If things will not fall into place, the AFP will just follow its mandate to protect our democracy against any threat.
Meanwhile, Guerrero assured the public that the AFP is ready to support any endeavours for the rehabilitation of Marawi. “There is a national plan for the recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi City. Right now, all of the affected areas have been visually cleared, that means our engineers in there have looked around for unexploded bombs, IEDs and other explosives. Generally Marawi City is close to being fully cleared, (75%) I can say, and the construction efforts can already begin most areas. However there is one remaining sector that we are currently working on where we believe bombs are buried underneath the rubble so we using special equipment for that.” AES / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/13/winning-the-war-afp-makes-headway-against-cpp-npa/
DWDD: ARSON INCIDENT | Communist Terrorist torched Banana Plantation in South Cotabato
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 13): ARSON INCIDENT | Communist Terrorist torched Banana Plantation in South Cotabato
TUPI, South Cotabato (DWDD) – Government troops are pursuing a band of some 20 armed men believed to be CPP-NPA terrorists (CNT) who partially burned a banana packing plant of Dole-Stanfilco at Barangay, Kalkam, Tupi, South Cotabato on April 12 l 2018.
The 27th Infantry “Action”Battalion under the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, 10th Infantry “Agila” Division based along the Gensan-Marbel Road in Brgy. Kablon, Tupi and the Tupi Municipal Police Station, PNP immediately responded to the arson attack together with the Tupi Municipal Fire Station of the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Tupi Rescue Team. The speedy response saved the production bodega from damage but not an estimated P500,000 worth of properties that were destroyed by the blaze.
Fortunately, however, no one was injured in the incident. While withdrawing about 9:45pm, the armed men, who are likely members of Platoon Roxas Range, Guerrilla Front 73, Far South Mindanao Operational Command, CPP-NPA, also disarmed a Barangay Tanod member of his service shotgun and handheld radio transceiver unit while rendering duty at the Barangay Tanod outpost in Sitio Sabuy, Barangay Lunen, some two kilometers from the beleguered packing plant.
According to witnesses, six of the armed men equipped with R4, Garand and M14 rifles, a shotgun and Caliber .45 pistols entered the packing plant about 7pm and introduced themselves as CPP-NPA members. The other armed men reportedly deployed themselves outside the compound. At gunpoint, the six armed men warned the guard-on-duty and six other workers present not to react against them as they only intend to burn the facility. Speaking in Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) dialect with heavy Blaan accent, the CNTs reportedly told them that they were imposing punitive action against Dole-Stanfilco due to its expansion activities that may drive them away and permanently displace. With three gallons of gasoline they brought with them, the CPP-NPA terrorists set on fire the packing plant and agri-bodega. The CNT band withdrew from the area around 7:40pm. The latest burning incident is believed to be the 80th arson attack nationwide, the 70th in Mindanao and the 64th in eastern Mindanao that were either claimed by or blamed against the NPA since President Duterte assumed office at noon on June 30, 2018. Similarly, it was presumed to be the 8th arson case nationwide this year that was attributed to the CNT. 27IB / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/13/arson-incident-communist-terrorist-torched-banana-plantation-in-south-cotabato/
TUPI, South Cotabato (DWDD) – Government troops are pursuing a band of some 20 armed men believed to be CPP-NPA terrorists (CNT) who partially burned a banana packing plant of Dole-Stanfilco at Barangay, Kalkam, Tupi, South Cotabato on April 12 l 2018.
The 27th Infantry “Action”Battalion under the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, 10th Infantry “Agila” Division based along the Gensan-Marbel Road in Brgy. Kablon, Tupi and the Tupi Municipal Police Station, PNP immediately responded to the arson attack together with the Tupi Municipal Fire Station of the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Tupi Rescue Team. The speedy response saved the production bodega from damage but not an estimated P500,000 worth of properties that were destroyed by the blaze.
Fortunately, however, no one was injured in the incident. While withdrawing about 9:45pm, the armed men, who are likely members of Platoon Roxas Range, Guerrilla Front 73, Far South Mindanao Operational Command, CPP-NPA, also disarmed a Barangay Tanod member of his service shotgun and handheld radio transceiver unit while rendering duty at the Barangay Tanod outpost in Sitio Sabuy, Barangay Lunen, some two kilometers from the beleguered packing plant.
According to witnesses, six of the armed men equipped with R4, Garand and M14 rifles, a shotgun and Caliber .45 pistols entered the packing plant about 7pm and introduced themselves as CPP-NPA members. The other armed men reportedly deployed themselves outside the compound. At gunpoint, the six armed men warned the guard-on-duty and six other workers present not to react against them as they only intend to burn the facility. Speaking in Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) dialect with heavy Blaan accent, the CNTs reportedly told them that they were imposing punitive action against Dole-Stanfilco due to its expansion activities that may drive them away and permanently displace. With three gallons of gasoline they brought with them, the CPP-NPA terrorists set on fire the packing plant and agri-bodega. The CNT band withdrew from the area around 7:40pm. The latest burning incident is believed to be the 80th arson attack nationwide, the 70th in Mindanao and the 64th in eastern Mindanao that were either claimed by or blamed against the NPA since President Duterte assumed office at noon on June 30, 2018. Similarly, it was presumed to be the 8th arson case nationwide this year that was attributed to the CNT. 27IB / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/13/arson-incident-communist-terrorist-torched-banana-plantation-in-south-cotabato/
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Mindanao residents urged to intensify support for BBL
From the Philippine Star (Apr 12): Mindanao residents urged to intensify support for BBL
Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu shakes hand with one of the four militant bomb makers who surrendered on Wednesday to Major Gen. Arnel Dela Vega of the Army's 6th Infantry Division.
Officials urged southerners Thursday to intensify support for the approval of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law, for them a sure solution to misguided Islamic militancy now plaguing Mindanao.
The appeals were aired separately by Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu following the surrender on Wednesday to Major Gen. Arnel Dela Vega of the 6th Infantry Division of four bomb makers of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
Militants Ahmed, Malik, Nazzer and Muktar, all in their early 20s, have confessed to their having gone through clandestine training on fabrication of improvised explosive devices by foreign-trained terrorists in the ranks of the BIFF.
The appeals were aired separately by Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu following the surrender on Wednesday to Major Gen. Arnel Dela Vega of the 6th Infantry Division of four bomb makers of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
Militants Ahmed, Malik, Nazzer and Muktar, all in their early 20s, have confessed to their having gone through clandestine training on fabrication of improvised explosive devices by foreign-trained terrorists in the ranks of the BIFF.
The BIFF uses the Islamic State flag as revolutionary banner. It has three factions separately led by radical clerics Toraife, Bongos and Karialan, now all wanted for multiple murder, frustrated murder, arson and other crimes.
The four men agreed to return to the fold of law through the intercession of Dela Vega and the commanding officer of the 2nd Mechanize Battalion, Lt. Col. Alvin Iyog.
“We in the provincial government of Maguindanao were elated with their decision to return to the fold of law through the efforts of the 6th ID,” Mangudadatu said Thursday.
Mangudadatu personally assured Ahmed, Malik, Nazzer and Muktar livelihood and education support as they turned in firearms and anti-tank rockets to Dela Vega during a simple surrender rite Wednesday afternoon at 6th ID’s headquarters in Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao.
The four men agreed to return to the fold of law through the intercession of Dela Vega and the commanding officer of the 2nd Mechanize Battalion, Lt. Col. Alvin Iyog.
“We in the provincial government of Maguindanao were elated with their decision to return to the fold of law through the efforts of the 6th ID,” Mangudadatu said Thursday.
Mangudadatu personally assured Ahmed, Malik, Nazzer and Muktar livelihood and education support as they turned in firearms and anti-tank rockets to Dela Vega during a simple surrender rite Wednesday afternoon at 6th ID’s headquarters in Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao.
Mangudadatu said Thursday the best magnet that can attract local IS-inspired blocs inciting hatred towards government, using neglect, poverty and underdevelopment as talking points, is a duly-approved BBL, now being deliberated on by Congress.
The BBL, jointly crafted by representatives of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, is a product of 18 years of negotiations meant to put diplomatic closure to the Moro uprising since the late 1960s.
“The national government and the MILF can together effectively workout the restoration of normalcy in troubled areas under a Bangsamoro political outfit, one that is based on peace accords forged by both sides,” said Mangudadatu, chairman of the Maguindanao provincial peace and order council.
He said he is convinced that all three factions in the BIFF will disband and help in regional governance once their leaders feel the sincerity of the national government in providing socio-economic and political empowerment to Moro communities.
The BIFF splintered from the MILF in 2010. It was founded by Imam Ameril Umbra Kato, who studied Islamic theology in Saudi Arabia in the 1970s.
Kato, who died after a hypertensive stroke three years ago, started as a senior MILF commander, but got booted in 2009 for insubordination and other offenses.
The surrender on Wednesday of the four BIFF bomb makers, who admitted participation in recent roadside bombings in the province, was the first from the terror group since it emerged seven years ago.
Hataman, now is his second term as ARMM regional governor, said Thursday he will direct agencies under his office to initiate necessary interventions needed in ushering the four militants back into mainstream society.
Like Mangudadatu, Hataman is also certain that the approval of the BBL by Congress will attract more militants fighting the government to pursue peaceful means of addressing domestic socio-economic woes such as involvement in governance and extensive advocacy for political reforms.
“The BBL will restore the dignity and honor of the Moro people in Mindanao by giving them chance to chart their own socio-economic programs, provide them with political empowerment to address regional peace and security issues under the international self-determination, self governance doctrine,” Hataman said.
Hataman said in his province, Basilan, his administration, the Western Mindanao Command, the Regional Police-ARMM and provincial officials jointly secured the surrender of more than 100 notorious Abu Sayyaf militants in the past 20 months through diplomatic maneuvers capped off with infrastructure projects and socio-economic programs for people in hostile territories.
“Surely, a Bangsamoro regional government can do more if given chance to rise as a product of painstaking negotiations between the national government and the MILF,” Hataman said.
Hataman said he is expecting the surrender in the coming months of more BIFF gunmen in Maguindanao.
Maguindanao is a component province of ARMM, which also covers Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
“We have no doubt that a BBL duly-enacted into law will bring in peace and sustainable development in the autonomous region,” Hataman said.
The BBL is the enabling measure for the implementation of the two compacts between the government and the MILF, the 2013 Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro and, subsequently, the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro.
The bill, once approved and ratified via a plebiscite, will pave the way for the replacement of ARMM with a more empowered MILF-led Bangsamoro regional entity.
“We are ready to facilitate transition from ARMM to a Bangsamoro regional self-governing political entity once we have that law,” Hataman said.
The BBL, jointly crafted by representatives of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, is a product of 18 years of negotiations meant to put diplomatic closure to the Moro uprising since the late 1960s.
“The national government and the MILF can together effectively workout the restoration of normalcy in troubled areas under a Bangsamoro political outfit, one that is based on peace accords forged by both sides,” said Mangudadatu, chairman of the Maguindanao provincial peace and order council.
He said he is convinced that all three factions in the BIFF will disband and help in regional governance once their leaders feel the sincerity of the national government in providing socio-economic and political empowerment to Moro communities.
The BIFF splintered from the MILF in 2010. It was founded by Imam Ameril Umbra Kato, who studied Islamic theology in Saudi Arabia in the 1970s.
Kato, who died after a hypertensive stroke three years ago, started as a senior MILF commander, but got booted in 2009 for insubordination and other offenses.
The surrender on Wednesday of the four BIFF bomb makers, who admitted participation in recent roadside bombings in the province, was the first from the terror group since it emerged seven years ago.
Hataman, now is his second term as ARMM regional governor, said Thursday he will direct agencies under his office to initiate necessary interventions needed in ushering the four militants back into mainstream society.
Like Mangudadatu, Hataman is also certain that the approval of the BBL by Congress will attract more militants fighting the government to pursue peaceful means of addressing domestic socio-economic woes such as involvement in governance and extensive advocacy for political reforms.
“The BBL will restore the dignity and honor of the Moro people in Mindanao by giving them chance to chart their own socio-economic programs, provide them with political empowerment to address regional peace and security issues under the international self-determination, self governance doctrine,” Hataman said.
Hataman said in his province, Basilan, his administration, the Western Mindanao Command, the Regional Police-ARMM and provincial officials jointly secured the surrender of more than 100 notorious Abu Sayyaf militants in the past 20 months through diplomatic maneuvers capped off with infrastructure projects and socio-economic programs for people in hostile territories.
“Surely, a Bangsamoro regional government can do more if given chance to rise as a product of painstaking negotiations between the national government and the MILF,” Hataman said.
Hataman said he is expecting the surrender in the coming months of more BIFF gunmen in Maguindanao.
Maguindanao is a component province of ARMM, which also covers Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
“We have no doubt that a BBL duly-enacted into law will bring in peace and sustainable development in the autonomous region,” Hataman said.
The BBL is the enabling measure for the implementation of the two compacts between the government and the MILF, the 2013 Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro and, subsequently, the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro.
The bill, once approved and ratified via a plebiscite, will pave the way for the replacement of ARMM with a more empowered MILF-led Bangsamoro regional entity.
“We are ready to facilitate transition from ARMM to a Bangsamoro regional self-governing political entity once we have that law,” Hataman said.
Killings effect on peace talks feared
From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 12): Killings effect on peace talks feared
Vice Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said he hopes the recent killings in Isabela, Negros Occidental, allegedly perpetrated by the New People’s Army will not affect the proposed resumption of the peace talks.
“It is unfortunate, as the PNP has said, that it could possibly be an operation of the Sparrow Unit. That could be a factor in the decision of the president to resume the peace talks with the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army),” Lacson said.
Killed in Isabela Monday were retired Army TSgt. Jose Jorito Amable, who heads the Civil Security Group of Moises Padilla, former police officer Alejandro Borres II, who used to be assigned at the Moises Padilla Police Station, and BPAT member Federico Bitgue III.
This could hamper the resumption of the peace talks because one of the conditions of the president is to stop all this violence, he said.
The Isabela incident can be considered a violent action, Lacson added.
“We want the peace talks to continue, but at the same time, there should be cooperation on both sides,” he said.
“It would be good ifthe authorities could really identify the persons behind this violent incident…that’s what we should wait for,” the vice governor said.
On the Build, Build, Build, program of the president, Lacson said hopefully, Negros Occidental will benefit from it.
He cited the bridge connecting Negros to Guimaras and Panay.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/April/12/topstory4.htm
Vice Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said he hopes the recent killings in Isabela, Negros Occidental, allegedly perpetrated by the New People’s Army will not affect the proposed resumption of the peace talks.
“It is unfortunate, as the PNP has said, that it could possibly be an operation of the Sparrow Unit. That could be a factor in the decision of the president to resume the peace talks with the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army),” Lacson said.
Killed in Isabela Monday were retired Army TSgt. Jose Jorito Amable, who heads the Civil Security Group of Moises Padilla, former police officer Alejandro Borres II, who used to be assigned at the Moises Padilla Police Station, and BPAT member Federico Bitgue III.
This could hamper the resumption of the peace talks because one of the conditions of the president is to stop all this violence, he said.
The Isabela incident can be considered a violent action, Lacson added.
“We want the peace talks to continue, but at the same time, there should be cooperation on both sides,” he said.
“It would be good ifthe authorities could really identify the persons behind this violent incident…that’s what we should wait for,” the vice governor said.
On the Build, Build, Build, program of the president, Lacson said hopefully, Negros Occidental will benefit from it.
He cited the bridge connecting Negros to Guimaras and Panay.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/April/12/topstory4.htm
Air and ground assault kills 12 Islamist militants in Mindanao
Posted to InterAksyon (Apr 12): Air and ground assault kills 12 Islamist militants in Mindanao
Philippines' southern island of Mindanao. (Bing Maps)
Philippine troops killed about a dozen members of a pro-Islamic State group in air and ground assaults this week on the southern island of Mindanao, the army said on Wednesday, in what it called preemptive moves to thwart militant attacks on cities.
Helicopters fired rockets as army units moved to seize two camps of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) rebels in marshlands in central Mindanao island in the south, said spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Gerry Besana.
“This morning, two MG520 attack helicopters conducted air strikes to disrupt the BIFF’s plan to stage attacks,” Besana said.
The military wanted to send a message to militants that they should surrender, “or fight and be killed,” he said.
About a dozen guerrillas were killed in the assault that started on Monday, said Besana, citing intelligence reports and accounts from civilians who had fled the fighting.
The military has shifted its combat operations from Marawi, a battered lakeside town in Mindanao embroiled in a five-month conflict last year, to the island’s marshes where other pro-Islamic State militants operate.
Besana said the military had seized control of two rebel enclaves where guns and improvised explosive devices were being assembled. About 20 rifles and 100 kg of gun parts and bomb-making materials were recovered, he said.
More than 40 members of the BIFF, led by three radical Muslim clerics, have been killed since last month, when soldiers backed by helicopters and armoured vehicles launched combat operations, Besana added.
Philippines' southern island of Mindanao. (Bing Maps)
Philippine troops killed about a dozen members of a pro-Islamic State group in air and ground assaults this week on the southern island of Mindanao, the army said on Wednesday, in what it called preemptive moves to thwart militant attacks on cities.
Helicopters fired rockets as army units moved to seize two camps of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) rebels in marshlands in central Mindanao island in the south, said spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Gerry Besana.
“This morning, two MG520 attack helicopters conducted air strikes to disrupt the BIFF’s plan to stage attacks,” Besana said.
The military wanted to send a message to militants that they should surrender, “or fight and be killed,” he said.
About a dozen guerrillas were killed in the assault that started on Monday, said Besana, citing intelligence reports and accounts from civilians who had fled the fighting.
The military has shifted its combat operations from Marawi, a battered lakeside town in Mindanao embroiled in a five-month conflict last year, to the island’s marshes where other pro-Islamic State militants operate.
Besana said the military had seized control of two rebel enclaves where guns and improvised explosive devices were being assembled. About 20 rifles and 100 kg of gun parts and bomb-making materials were recovered, he said.
More than 40 members of the BIFF, led by three radical Muslim clerics, have been killed since last month, when soldiers backed by helicopters and armoured vehicles launched combat operations, Besana added.
Cases Prepared
From the Mindanao Times (Apr 11): Cases Prepared
Armed men who torched heavy equipment to face charges
DAVAO CITY Police Office director Sr. Supt. Alexander Tagum said cases will be filed against identified NPA members who torched 10 heavy equipment units in the three hinterland areas of Davao City on Black Saturday.
“Within this week,” Tagum said when prompted for a timeline in the filing of the case.
The DCPO has not yet specified the cases to be filed against the suspects.
Tagum also said that he is willing to face any investigation against him and the three chief of polices of Paquibato, Calinan, and Marilog to quell any doubts about security lapses.
However in an earlier interview, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio already dismissed any negligence on the part of the police and the military in the burning incident.
“What we can see is the lack of coordination between our contractors and our security units operating in that area,” she told reporters at the headquarters of the Davao City Police Office along San Pedro Street.
Meanwhile, police filed an arson charge against seven alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who torched one backhoe in Sitio Banualay, Barangay Palma Gil around 10 a.m. on April 3.
Speaking in yesterday’s AFP-PNP press conference held at Royal Mandaya hotel, Chief Insp .Milgrace Driz, spokesperson of Police Regional Office (PRO) XI, said that the arson case was filed on Tuesday around 1 p.m. against Joe Almendras, Dalagis Balite, Enting Mansumiat, Lugib Tausan, Enting Tumbasay, Rommel Tausan and Laro Manlologpis, all residents of Talaingod, Davao del Norte.
Driz said the case was filed in the provincial prosecution office in Tagum City on regular filing duly signed by Christy Theresa Bernadette Drueza, Associate Attorney II.
“We are looking into this, the policemen always go to the area where the incident happened to conduct further investigation,” she further said.
On Black Saturday, reported NPA members burned 10 heavy equipment in the three barangays in Buhangin and Paquibato districts.
Another backhoe was torched by seven armed men in Sitio Banualay, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte around 10 a.m. on April 3.
Duterte condemned the attacks, which she described as “downright cowardly.”
The construction of roads in Barangay Callawa in Buhangin, Barangay Fatima in Paquibato, and Barangay Dalagdag in Calinan are now temporarily stalled because of the attacks, she said.
“The road projects could make the delivery of other basic services to the people faster — including health, education, agricultural development and livelihood,” the mayor said. “The said projects could change the lives of the people for the better.”
“The fresh atrocities reveal that the terrorist group only truly intends for people to continue living in a condition of poverty, which they could use as a capital in their propaganda against the government and to justify their presence in the communities where their influence and significance are waning,” the mayor said.
Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza also condemned “in the strongest way the senseless destruction of heavy equipment.”
“The fact that the three consecutive attacks happened during the observance of Holy Week all the more angers us,” Dureza said.
http://mindanaotimes.net/arson-case-vs-npas/
Armed men who torched heavy equipment to face charges
DAVAO CITY Police Office director Sr. Supt. Alexander Tagum said cases will be filed against identified NPA members who torched 10 heavy equipment units in the three hinterland areas of Davao City on Black Saturday.
“Within this week,” Tagum said when prompted for a timeline in the filing of the case.
The DCPO has not yet specified the cases to be filed against the suspects.
Tagum also said that he is willing to face any investigation against him and the three chief of polices of Paquibato, Calinan, and Marilog to quell any doubts about security lapses.
However in an earlier interview, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio already dismissed any negligence on the part of the police and the military in the burning incident.
“What we can see is the lack of coordination between our contractors and our security units operating in that area,” she told reporters at the headquarters of the Davao City Police Office along San Pedro Street.
Meanwhile, police filed an arson charge against seven alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who torched one backhoe in Sitio Banualay, Barangay Palma Gil around 10 a.m. on April 3.
Speaking in yesterday’s AFP-PNP press conference held at Royal Mandaya hotel, Chief Insp .Milgrace Driz, spokesperson of Police Regional Office (PRO) XI, said that the arson case was filed on Tuesday around 1 p.m. against Joe Almendras, Dalagis Balite, Enting Mansumiat, Lugib Tausan, Enting Tumbasay, Rommel Tausan and Laro Manlologpis, all residents of Talaingod, Davao del Norte.
Driz said the case was filed in the provincial prosecution office in Tagum City on regular filing duly signed by Christy Theresa Bernadette Drueza, Associate Attorney II.
“We are looking into this, the policemen always go to the area where the incident happened to conduct further investigation,” she further said.
On Black Saturday, reported NPA members burned 10 heavy equipment in the three barangays in Buhangin and Paquibato districts.
Another backhoe was torched by seven armed men in Sitio Banualay, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte around 10 a.m. on April 3.
Duterte condemned the attacks, which she described as “downright cowardly.”
The construction of roads in Barangay Callawa in Buhangin, Barangay Fatima in Paquibato, and Barangay Dalagdag in Calinan are now temporarily stalled because of the attacks, she said.
“The road projects could make the delivery of other basic services to the people faster — including health, education, agricultural development and livelihood,” the mayor said. “The said projects could change the lives of the people for the better.”
“The fresh atrocities reveal that the terrorist group only truly intends for people to continue living in a condition of poverty, which they could use as a capital in their propaganda against the government and to justify their presence in the communities where their influence and significance are waning,” the mayor said.
Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza also condemned “in the strongest way the senseless destruction of heavy equipment.”
“The fact that the three consecutive attacks happened during the observance of Holy Week all the more angers us,” Dureza said.
http://mindanaotimes.net/arson-case-vs-npas/
Huge NPA arms cache seized
From the Mindanao Times (Apr 12): Huge NPA arms cache seized
ASSORTED firearms, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices (IED) were discovered by soldiers of the 26th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Paradise, Barangay Del Monte, Veruela, Agusan del Sur on Wednesday.
Capt. Paulo Agda, the civil-military operations officer of the 26th IB, said the soldiers acted on a report from a concerned resident of armed men believed to be members of Guerrilla Front 3 of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee in Sitio Paradise on Tuesday.
They verified the information and were ambushed. Before they could retaliate, however, the armed men already escaped.
The troops gave pursuit and discovered two boxes filled with 3,000 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition for M-16 rifle made by Armscor, one cal. 30 carbine rifle, two KG9 submachine guns, one Armscor cal. 22 rifle with scope, one complete set of IEDs, and two magazines for AK47 rifle with ammunition.
Recently, the army captain said a series of encounters between the troops of the 26th IB and Guerilla Front 3 took place in the same municipality, which led to death of their top leaders and one amazon.
“This indicates that the NPA group in the area is desperate and weakening. The more that they should realize that the better option is to surrender,” Col. Andres Centino, the commander of 401st Infantry Brigade, said.
He also praised the contribution of the residents in the discovery of the arms cache, which would have been used to attack soldiers and the police.
“We will remain steadfast and we will make sure that those responsible for this attempt to support the terrorists will be made answerable,” he said.
http://mindanaotimes.net/huge-npa-arms-cache-seized/
ASSORTED firearms, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices (IED) were discovered by soldiers of the 26th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Paradise, Barangay Del Monte, Veruela, Agusan del Sur on Wednesday.
Capt. Paulo Agda, the civil-military operations officer of the 26th IB, said the soldiers acted on a report from a concerned resident of armed men believed to be members of Guerrilla Front 3 of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee in Sitio Paradise on Tuesday.
They verified the information and were ambushed. Before they could retaliate, however, the armed men already escaped.
The troops gave pursuit and discovered two boxes filled with 3,000 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition for M-16 rifle made by Armscor, one cal. 30 carbine rifle, two KG9 submachine guns, one Armscor cal. 22 rifle with scope, one complete set of IEDs, and two magazines for AK47 rifle with ammunition.
Recently, the army captain said a series of encounters between the troops of the 26th IB and Guerilla Front 3 took place in the same municipality, which led to death of their top leaders and one amazon.
“This indicates that the NPA group in the area is desperate and weakening. The more that they should realize that the better option is to surrender,” Col. Andres Centino, the commander of 401st Infantry Brigade, said.
He also praised the contribution of the residents in the discovery of the arms cache, which would have been used to attack soldiers and the police.
“We will remain steadfast and we will make sure that those responsible for this attempt to support the terrorists will be made answerable,” he said.
http://mindanaotimes.net/huge-npa-arms-cache-seized/
Commies ambush military truck in North Cotabato
From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 11): Commies ambush military truck in North Cotabato
Communist insurgents ambushed a military truck transporting soldiers sparking a firefight in North Cotabato’s Magpet town in southern Philippines, officials said Wednesday.
The soldiers were heading to downtown Magpet when New People’s Army rebels detonated a roadside bomb and strafed the truck. Troops engaged the ambushers in a fierce gun battle and repulsed the gunmen.
There was no report of military casualties in the Tuesday afternoon attack and it was unknown whether the rebel group suffered casualties in the fighting in Tagbac village.
The rebels were also behind the killing of Antonio Takinan, a councilman in Magpet town. Takinan was shot dead on April 4 while travelling on a motorcycle with his brother-in-law Robledo Tambunan, was wounded in the attack, but managed to escape the assassination.
Isabel Santiago, a spokeswoman for the rebel group, said Takinan was killed as a punishment for his alleged involvement in the anti-insurgency campaign and human rights violations in the province.
Santiago accused Takinan to being an intelligence agent for the military and behind forced recruitment of tribesmen to fight the NPA as government militias. She said the rebel group had ordered Takinan’s death.
She said Takinan allegedly extorted money from other tribesmen who are locked in bitter land disputes in the town. Takinan’s slaying came barely a week after rebel forces clashed with soldiers from the 39th Infantry Battalion and killing three infantrymen in nearby Digos City in retaliation to military operations dubbed as “Oplan Kapayapaan” in the towns of Arakan, Antipas, Roxas and Magpet and Makilala in North Cotabato, and the towns of Santa Cruz and Bansalan, including Digos City in Davao del Sur province.
Santiago said the military operations in those areas have targeted innocent civilians and tribesmen. “It is aimed at targeting civilian Lumad and peasants, coercing them to swear in as combatants and surrendered persons,” she said, adding, in response to the government’s anti-insurgency campaign, the NPA has been ordered to defend the masses and punish legitimate military targets, including armed and active intelligence agents hiding under the badge of civilian bureaucracy.”
The NPA has been waging decades of deadly campaign in the country for the establishment of its own Maoist government and even demanded from President Rodrigo Duterte a coalition government as one of its preconditions for the revival of the stalled peace talks last year.
https://mindanaoexaminer.com/commies-ambush-military-truck-in-north-cotabato/
Communist insurgents ambushed a military truck transporting soldiers sparking a firefight in North Cotabato’s Magpet town in southern Philippines, officials said Wednesday.
The soldiers were heading to downtown Magpet when New People’s Army rebels detonated a roadside bomb and strafed the truck. Troops engaged the ambushers in a fierce gun battle and repulsed the gunmen.
There was no report of military casualties in the Tuesday afternoon attack and it was unknown whether the rebel group suffered casualties in the fighting in Tagbac village.
The rebels were also behind the killing of Antonio Takinan, a councilman in Magpet town. Takinan was shot dead on April 4 while travelling on a motorcycle with his brother-in-law Robledo Tambunan, was wounded in the attack, but managed to escape the assassination.
Isabel Santiago, a spokeswoman for the rebel group, said Takinan was killed as a punishment for his alleged involvement in the anti-insurgency campaign and human rights violations in the province.
Santiago accused Takinan to being an intelligence agent for the military and behind forced recruitment of tribesmen to fight the NPA as government militias. She said the rebel group had ordered Takinan’s death.
She said Takinan allegedly extorted money from other tribesmen who are locked in bitter land disputes in the town. Takinan’s slaying came barely a week after rebel forces clashed with soldiers from the 39th Infantry Battalion and killing three infantrymen in nearby Digos City in retaliation to military operations dubbed as “Oplan Kapayapaan” in the towns of Arakan, Antipas, Roxas and Magpet and Makilala in North Cotabato, and the towns of Santa Cruz and Bansalan, including Digos City in Davao del Sur province.
Santiago said the military operations in those areas have targeted innocent civilians and tribesmen. “It is aimed at targeting civilian Lumad and peasants, coercing them to swear in as combatants and surrendered persons,” she said, adding, in response to the government’s anti-insurgency campaign, the NPA has been ordered to defend the masses and punish legitimate military targets, including armed and active intelligence agents hiding under the badge of civilian bureaucracy.”
The NPA has been waging decades of deadly campaign in the country for the establishment of its own Maoist government and even demanded from President Rodrigo Duterte a coalition government as one of its preconditions for the revival of the stalled peace talks last year.
https://mindanaoexaminer.com/commies-ambush-military-truck-in-north-cotabato/
4 BIFF militants surrender in Maguindanao
From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 12): 4 BIFF militants surrender in Maguindanao
MAGUIDANAO – Four alleged members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters have surrendered to the military here on Wednesday, but security officials withheld the names of the militants to protect them from retaliation by the notorious group linked to the Islamic State.
A military photo released to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner show the four alleged BIFF members who surrendered in Maguindanao province on April 11, 2018.
The four men also surrendered their weapons – an anti-tank rocket launcher, two automatic rifles and a Garand rifle – when they yielded to 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion in Ampatuan town and immediately presented to Major General Arnel dela Vega, commander of the 6th Infantry Division.
Dela Vega urged other BIFF members to surrender peacefully. “We encourage other members of the BIFF as this is a good opportunity for them to live a better life and eye-opener that the soldiers will not hurt them,” he said.
Their surrender came following recent clashes between troops and BIFF militants in Maguindanao’s Shariff Saydona Mustapha town where 2 soldiers had been wounded. But the military said it was able to recover assorted weapons left behind by the BIFF.
Military propagandists said many BIFF members were killed in the fighting, but Abu Misri Mama, a spokesman for the militant group, strongly denied the report during an interview with radio station dxMS-Radyo Bida.
https://mindanaoexaminer.com/38872-2/
MAGUIDANAO – Four alleged members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters have surrendered to the military here on Wednesday, but security officials withheld the names of the militants to protect them from retaliation by the notorious group linked to the Islamic State.
A military photo released to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner show the four alleged BIFF members who surrendered in Maguindanao province on April 11, 2018.
The four men also surrendered their weapons – an anti-tank rocket launcher, two automatic rifles and a Garand rifle – when they yielded to 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion in Ampatuan town and immediately presented to Major General Arnel dela Vega, commander of the 6th Infantry Division.
Dela Vega urged other BIFF members to surrender peacefully. “We encourage other members of the BIFF as this is a good opportunity for them to live a better life and eye-opener that the soldiers will not hurt them,” he said.
Their surrender came following recent clashes between troops and BIFF militants in Maguindanao’s Shariff Saydona Mustapha town where 2 soldiers had been wounded. But the military said it was able to recover assorted weapons left behind by the BIFF.
Military propagandists said many BIFF members were killed in the fighting, but Abu Misri Mama, a spokesman for the militant group, strongly denied the report during an interview with radio station dxMS-Radyo Bida.
https://mindanaoexaminer.com/38872-2/
Tabak chief calls on Filipinos to remember bravery of war veterans
From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 11): Tabak chief calls on Filipinos to remember bravery of war veterans
Remembering and honoring the heroism of veterans who fought in the last war is a simple example of how we could all become heroes.
Major General Roseller G. Murillo, commander of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, said during the commemoration of the 76th National Day of Valor or Araw ng Kagtingan at City Hall complex here.
Murillo, the event’s guest of honor and speaker, was represented by BGen. Jacinto Bareng, the assistant division commander.
“Simple as it may seem but the memory of their acts of courage and gallantry ensures that their legacy, the meaning of freedom we all enjoy today will not be forgotten,” Murillo stated.
This year’s 76th observance of Araw ng Kagitingan which carries the theme, “Kagitingan at Pagmamahal sa Pilipinas Para sa Tunay na Pagbabago” shows how Filipinos can help the country in achieving a meaningful change for the improvement of everyone, prevent the threats of terrorism and promote peace in Western Mindanao, he added.
Murillo said the 1st Infantry division joins the Armed Force of the Philippines (AFP) in offering snappy salute to the war veterans and the modern heroes as well.
“Words are not enough to pay tribute to these gallant men and women for their great contributions in those critical times where our sovereignty and freedom were at risks,” he said.
He urged that as the nation celebrates and recognizes war veterans, the Filipino people are to promote, preserve and memorialize the principles, ideals and deeds of the veterans as a means to enhance patriotism and love of country especially among the youth.
To be a hero, one does not need to die. “A true hero is one who loves his country, and proud of the nation’s strengths, weaknesses and imperfections,” he added.
A brief yet solemn ceremony was held to honor the bravery of the heroes with Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones and Bareng leading a wreath-laying at the Veterans’ Marker. It was followed by the flag raising ceremony which was attended by provincial, city hall employees, national government agencies, Veterans Federation of the Philippines and civic organizations.
http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1006569
Remembering and honoring the heroism of veterans who fought in the last war is a simple example of how we could all become heroes.
Major General Roseller G. Murillo, commander of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, said during the commemoration of the 76th National Day of Valor or Araw ng Kagtingan at City Hall complex here.
Murillo, the event’s guest of honor and speaker, was represented by BGen. Jacinto Bareng, the assistant division commander.
“Simple as it may seem but the memory of their acts of courage and gallantry ensures that their legacy, the meaning of freedom we all enjoy today will not be forgotten,” Murillo stated.
This year’s 76th observance of Araw ng Kagitingan which carries the theme, “Kagitingan at Pagmamahal sa Pilipinas Para sa Tunay na Pagbabago” shows how Filipinos can help the country in achieving a meaningful change for the improvement of everyone, prevent the threats of terrorism and promote peace in Western Mindanao, he added.
Murillo said the 1st Infantry division joins the Armed Force of the Philippines (AFP) in offering snappy salute to the war veterans and the modern heroes as well.
“Words are not enough to pay tribute to these gallant men and women for their great contributions in those critical times where our sovereignty and freedom were at risks,” he said.
He urged that as the nation celebrates and recognizes war veterans, the Filipino people are to promote, preserve and memorialize the principles, ideals and deeds of the veterans as a means to enhance patriotism and love of country especially among the youth.
To be a hero, one does not need to die. “A true hero is one who loves his country, and proud of the nation’s strengths, weaknesses and imperfections,” he added.
A brief yet solemn ceremony was held to honor the bravery of the heroes with Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones and Bareng leading a wreath-laying at the Veterans’ Marker. It was followed by the flag raising ceremony which was attended by provincial, city hall employees, national government agencies, Veterans Federation of the Philippines and civic organizations.
http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1006569
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