From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): Suspect in Sept. 16 GenSan blast nabbed
GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Police have arrested the primary suspect in the bomb attack in front of a lying-in clinic along the national highway here on Sunday, which left eight people wounded.
Senior Supt. Oliver Enmodias, deputy regional director for operations of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-12, said in a press conference here on Friday that the suspect, Jeffrey Panag Alonzo, was nabbed on Wednesday in a buy-bust operation in Polomolok town in South Cotabato.
He said the suspect, a resident of Barangay Lapu in Polomolok, was positively identified by witnesses as the same person, who planted the improvised explosive device that went off before noon last Sunday near the Bonita Lying-in Clinic in Makar junction, Purok Malipayon in Barangay Apopong.
"He was one of the two suspects aboard a motorcycle who left the eco-bag moments before the explosion," he said.
Enmodias, who heads the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) "Bonita", said Alonzo's features matched with the computerized facial composite they generated based on accounts of witnesses.
Supt. Aldrin Gonzales, PRO-12 public information officer, said Alonzo was initially arrested by personnel of the Polomolok municipal police station.
While being processed, he said the operatives presented the suspect's photos to the witnesses and eventually confirmed his identity.
The police official said Alonzo was charged on Wednesday for selling and possession of dangerous drugs.
He said the SITG Bonita filed multiple frustrated murder charges on Friday against the suspect.
Chief Supt. Eliseo Rasco, PRO-12 regional director, had tagged the South Cotabato-based Nilong Grouo as behind the attack.
The Nilong Group, which reportedly originated and was previously based in Barangay Lumakil in Polomolok, South Cotabato, emerged two years ago after being linked by authorities to a robbery, illegal drug trafficking, gun-for-hire and other criminal activities in the area.
The group was allegedly allied with the Sarangani-based terror group Ansar Al-Khilafah Philippines (AKP), which was part of the local network of the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group.
Rasco confirmed that the group had merged with the remnants of the AKP, whose leader, Tokboy Maguid, was killed in an encounter with joint operatives in Kiamba, Sarangani in January last year.
As to the motive of the blast, the official said it could have been "personal grudge," specifically a family-related conflict involving the lying-in clinic's owner.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1048784
Friday, September 21, 2018
Security up in ARMM, Region 12 as raps filed vs. BIFF bombers
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): Security up in ARMM, Region 12 as raps filed vs. BIFF bombers
CHECKPOINT. A motorist undergoes inspectio in one of the checkpoints set up in Maguindanao following the series of recent bombing incidents perpetrated by suspected members of the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Central Mindanao. (Photo by Maguindanao PPO)
KIDAPAWAN CITY – Police and military visibility in areas that are likely targets of terrorism have been intensified after police filed charges against Islamic militant linked to the bombings in Central Mindanao.
Chief Supt. Graciano Mijares, director of the Police Regional Office-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-ARMM), said alert level has been raised by police offices in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur and the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Mijares said the raised alert level is being coordinated with community leaders as a preemptive measure against possible retaliatory strikes by extremist elements.
“All avenues are being explored as intelligence gathering are also maximized along with our partners in the military,” Mijares said in a statement Thursday.
Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 covering the provinces of North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal, and General Santos also elevated to “alert level 4” status.
Chief Supt. Eliseo Tam Rasco, PRO-12 director, said “alert level 4” includes the implementation of continuing round-the-clock police checkpoints and the “No I.D. (identification document), No Entry” policy just like in the cities of Cotabato and General Santos.
On Cotabato, persons without IDs are subjected to questioning by onsite investigators and are eventually not allowed to pass through the checkpoints when something irregular is observed.
Curfew hours, currently observed in the cities of Cotabato and General Santos, are also being encouraged in other parts of the region.
Only recently, police have filed multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder charges against 38 members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) for their involvement in the August 28 and September 2 bombings in Isulan town in Sultan Kudarat.
At least four bombing incidents against non-combatants have been recorded in Central Mindanao since Aug. 28 until Sept. 16 when improvised explosive devices were set off in General Santos City, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat; and Midsayap, North Cotabato.
Among those charged in the Isulan twin blasts were Esmael Abdulmalik, also known as Abu Toraife, and bomb-maker Salahuddin Hassan.
Toraife reportedly heads one of the three factions of the BIFF, which pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and has publicly displayed the IS flag in some areas in Maguindanao where they mainly operate.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1048735
CHECKPOINT. A motorist undergoes inspectio in one of the checkpoints set up in Maguindanao following the series of recent bombing incidents perpetrated by suspected members of the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Central Mindanao. (Photo by Maguindanao PPO)
KIDAPAWAN CITY – Police and military visibility in areas that are likely targets of terrorism have been intensified after police filed charges against Islamic militant linked to the bombings in Central Mindanao.
Chief Supt. Graciano Mijares, director of the Police Regional Office-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-ARMM), said alert level has been raised by police offices in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur and the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Mijares said the raised alert level is being coordinated with community leaders as a preemptive measure against possible retaliatory strikes by extremist elements.
“All avenues are being explored as intelligence gathering are also maximized along with our partners in the military,” Mijares said in a statement Thursday.
Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 covering the provinces of North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal, and General Santos also elevated to “alert level 4” status.
Chief Supt. Eliseo Tam Rasco, PRO-12 director, said “alert level 4” includes the implementation of continuing round-the-clock police checkpoints and the “No I.D. (identification document), No Entry” policy just like in the cities of Cotabato and General Santos.
On Cotabato, persons without IDs are subjected to questioning by onsite investigators and are eventually not allowed to pass through the checkpoints when something irregular is observed.
Curfew hours, currently observed in the cities of Cotabato and General Santos, are also being encouraged in other parts of the region.
Only recently, police have filed multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder charges against 38 members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) for their involvement in the August 28 and September 2 bombings in Isulan town in Sultan Kudarat.
At least four bombing incidents against non-combatants have been recorded in Central Mindanao since Aug. 28 until Sept. 16 when improvised explosive devices were set off in General Santos City, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat; and Midsayap, North Cotabato.
Among those charged in the Isulan twin blasts were Esmael Abdulmalik, also known as Abu Toraife, and bomb-maker Salahuddin Hassan.
Toraife reportedly heads one of the three factions of the BIFF, which pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and has publicly displayed the IS flag in some areas in Maguindanao where they mainly operate.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1048735
Russian visit highlights PH Navy capability
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): Russian visit highlights PH Navy capability
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella graces the send-off ceremony of Philippine Navy officers and personnel to Russia. (Photo courtesy of Navy Public Affairs Office)
The Philippine Navy (PN)'s first-ever port visit to Vladivostok, Russia has highlighted its capability to go beyond its maritime borders, an official said Friday.
Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad made the statement during the send-off ceremonies at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor for strategic sealift vessel BRP Tarlac (LD-601) and the 440 officers and enlisted aboard her, including a helicopter detachment afloat.
“(This shows that the) Navy is now capable to extend its reach to conduct maritime patrol beyond our borders. The bold attempt for the first time a ship to visit Russia and the subsequent participation to the IFR (International Fleet Review) in South Korea are manifestations of our deliberate intentions to explore and conquer uncharted territories," Empedrad added.
Meanwhile, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella, who graced the event as guest-of-honor and keynote speaker in behalf of DFA Secretary Allan Peter Cayetano, said the historic visit demonstrates the country's resolve to forge stronger ties with Russia in pursuit of an independent foreign policy.
“This historic visit of our Naval Task Force to the Russian Pacific Fleet in Vladivostok addresses our omissions, reciprocates goodwill visits of Russian naval vessels in 2017 and 2018, demonstrates our firm commitment to forge stronger ties with Russia, and showcases our determined pursuit of an independent foreign policy," the DFA official said.
BRP Tarlac is expected to arrive in Vladivostok by October 1. Her port visit there will last until October 6.
The voyage from Manila to Vladivostok will last 10 days.
"Series of activities between the two navies will be conducted in order to further enhance relationship and cooperation. This includes the visit to Russian Navy facilities and sports and cultural interaction. Sea sub-phase exercises will likewise be undertaken in the waters of Vladivostok after the conclusion of the port visit," Navy spokesperson Commander Jonathan Zata said.
Meanwhile, the IFR in Jeju Island, South Korea will take place between October 10 to 15.
"(A) series of sea and shore activities will likewise be held with PN contingent and other countries’ navies. This is the first time the PN sends its ship to participate in this activity in South Korea," he added.
Zata said the PN's port visit in Russia and its participation in the IFR promotes the Navy’s critical role of sustaining international defense and security engagement and multilateral cooperation.
This is the latest contingent sent by the PN following its successful participation in the RIMPAC Exercise in Hawaii and the recently concluded "Kakadu" 2018 exercise held in Darwin, Australia.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1048757
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella graces the send-off ceremony of Philippine Navy officers and personnel to Russia. (Photo courtesy of Navy Public Affairs Office)
The Philippine Navy (PN)'s first-ever port visit to Vladivostok, Russia has highlighted its capability to go beyond its maritime borders, an official said Friday.
Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad made the statement during the send-off ceremonies at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor for strategic sealift vessel BRP Tarlac (LD-601) and the 440 officers and enlisted aboard her, including a helicopter detachment afloat.
“(This shows that the) Navy is now capable to extend its reach to conduct maritime patrol beyond our borders. The bold attempt for the first time a ship to visit Russia and the subsequent participation to the IFR (International Fleet Review) in South Korea are manifestations of our deliberate intentions to explore and conquer uncharted territories," Empedrad added.
Meanwhile, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella, who graced the event as guest-of-honor and keynote speaker in behalf of DFA Secretary Allan Peter Cayetano, said the historic visit demonstrates the country's resolve to forge stronger ties with Russia in pursuit of an independent foreign policy.
“This historic visit of our Naval Task Force to the Russian Pacific Fleet in Vladivostok addresses our omissions, reciprocates goodwill visits of Russian naval vessels in 2017 and 2018, demonstrates our firm commitment to forge stronger ties with Russia, and showcases our determined pursuit of an independent foreign policy," the DFA official said.
BRP Tarlac is expected to arrive in Vladivostok by October 1. Her port visit there will last until October 6.
The voyage from Manila to Vladivostok will last 10 days.
"Series of activities between the two navies will be conducted in order to further enhance relationship and cooperation. This includes the visit to Russian Navy facilities and sports and cultural interaction. Sea sub-phase exercises will likewise be undertaken in the waters of Vladivostok after the conclusion of the port visit," Navy spokesperson Commander Jonathan Zata said.
Meanwhile, the IFR in Jeju Island, South Korea will take place between October 10 to 15.
"(A) series of sea and shore activities will likewise be held with PN contingent and other countries’ navies. This is the first time the PN sends its ship to participate in this activity in South Korea," he added.
Zata said the PN's port visit in Russia and its participation in the IFR promotes the Navy’s critical role of sustaining international defense and security engagement and multilateral cooperation.
This is the latest contingent sent by the PN following its successful participation in the RIMPAC Exercise in Hawaii and the recently concluded "Kakadu" 2018 exercise held in Darwin, Australia.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1048757
Tribunal’s verdict on PRRD ‘political litter’: Palace
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): Tribunal’s verdict on PRRD ‘political litter’: Palace
Malacañang on Friday branded as "political litter" the findings of the International People’s Tribunal (IPT) that President Rodrigo Duterte is liable for concocted violations of human rights.
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said the IPT is just another vulnerable organization being used by Duterte’s critics in a futile attempt to destroy his image and reputation both in the international and local communities.
Panelo said the verdict was based on a one-sided and shallow study of the true situation in the Philippines particularly Duterte’s war on illegal drugs.
“It is, therefore, to be treated as nothing but a piece of political litter,” Panelo said.
He said IPT, which he called a kangaroo court, was the same tribunal which declared former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo guilty of human rights in 2005 and Duterte’s predecessor Benigno Aquino III guilty of gross and systematic violations of human rights.
“Given these, it is difficult to dismiss the strong probability that this manipulative practice by personalities from the left is being undertaken as another leverage to succumb to their blue-sky demands,” Panelo said.
Panelo encouraged Duterte’s detractors to instead seek redress from the country’s local courts if there are indeed abuses on government’s campaign against drugs, insurgency and corruption.
He assured that the Duterte administration shall maintain its serious efforts in executing the law equally “but harshly against those who violate it regardless of social status and political color”.
He warned that "unsanctioned resort" of certain individuals to foreign or pseudo tribunals “must be denounced as a practice which undermines the sovereignty of our country and destabilizes our progress as a nation”.
Meawhile, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque also described the tribunal as a "kangaroo court" that has no mandate to make judgment against anyone.
Roque said even left-leaning groups in the country agreed that IPT’s decision has no legal effect and it is just propaganda.
“When it comes to international law, United Nations is the one giving mandate. This (IPT) has no mandate. It’s only propaganda. It should be thrown away and rejected,” Roque said in a radio interview.
Roque assured the public that the Duterte administration will continue to uphold the rule of law.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1048806
Malacañang on Friday branded as "political litter" the findings of the International People’s Tribunal (IPT) that President Rodrigo Duterte is liable for concocted violations of human rights.
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said the IPT is just another vulnerable organization being used by Duterte’s critics in a futile attempt to destroy his image and reputation both in the international and local communities.
Panelo said the verdict was based on a one-sided and shallow study of the true situation in the Philippines particularly Duterte’s war on illegal drugs.
“It is, therefore, to be treated as nothing but a piece of political litter,” Panelo said.
He said IPT, which he called a kangaroo court, was the same tribunal which declared former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo guilty of human rights in 2005 and Duterte’s predecessor Benigno Aquino III guilty of gross and systematic violations of human rights.
“Given these, it is difficult to dismiss the strong probability that this manipulative practice by personalities from the left is being undertaken as another leverage to succumb to their blue-sky demands,” Panelo said.
Panelo encouraged Duterte’s detractors to instead seek redress from the country’s local courts if there are indeed abuses on government’s campaign against drugs, insurgency and corruption.
He assured that the Duterte administration shall maintain its serious efforts in executing the law equally “but harshly against those who violate it regardless of social status and political color”.
He warned that "unsanctioned resort" of certain individuals to foreign or pseudo tribunals “must be denounced as a practice which undermines the sovereignty of our country and destabilizes our progress as a nation”.
Meawhile, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque also described the tribunal as a "kangaroo court" that has no mandate to make judgment against anyone.
Roque said even left-leaning groups in the country agreed that IPT’s decision has no legal effect and it is just propaganda.
“When it comes to international law, United Nations is the one giving mandate. This (IPT) has no mandate. It’s only propaganda. It should be thrown away and rejected,” Roque said in a radio interview.
Roque assured the public that the Duterte administration will continue to uphold the rule of law.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1048806
Filipino illegals here played role in kidnapping: Esscom
From the Daily Express (Sep 20): Filipino illegals here played role in kidnapping: Esscom
Kota Kinabalu: Filipino illegal immigrants in Sabah are suspected to have helped the kidnappers who abducted two Indonesian fishermen in waters off Semporna on Sept. 11, a top security official said.
Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) Chief Dato' Hazani Ghazali said the agency believes the kidnappers received information from illegal immigrants who had been staying for a long time in the State.
"The illegal immigrants are familiar with the activities of fishermen especially in the east coast of Sabah," Hazani told Daily Express. We believe the kidnappers received inside help, most probably from illegals who came to Sabah from southern Philippines.
"Their informers may be family members who have a sense of loyalty to the kidnappers or the kidnapping group."
Two armed men boarded a fishing vessel anchored off Pulau Gaya in the early hours of Sept. 11 and adducted the boat's skipper and his assistant.
Two other Indonesian crew were spared by the kidnappers after they hid in some compartments upon learning their fishing vessel had been boarded by men wearing face masks.
"We believe the illegal immigrants had assimilated into society and worked in various sectors such as fishery, construction, hotel industry, etc," said Hazani.
"Previous kidnappings in holiday resorts involved illegal immigrants who were employed as hotel (resort) staff. After Esscom was set up, we told hotels not employ illegals and to provide us with lists of their employees, which we go through thoroughly."
Daily Express last week reported a Malaysian security official as confirming that the two fishermen had been taken by their abductors to Talipao in Sulu province, southern Philippines that same day.
Sabah Police Commissioner Dato' Omar Mammah later also confirmed the information that Daily Express had obtained from a Singapore-based regional piracy reporting centre.
The Information Sharing Centre of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against ships in Asia or Recaap had received the information from the Philippine Coast Guard.
Recaap had learnt the kidnappers and their hostages fled in a speedboat towards Tawi-Tawi in southern Philippines.
"We believe their final destination was Talipao in Sulu, an area where the Abu Sayyaf group has previously based its kidnapping-for-ransom operations," Recaap said.
The notorious Abu Sayyaf, designated as an international terror group by the US government, have kidnapped dozens of locals and foreigners from the Sulu-Celebes Seas off eastern Sabah since 2000.
Hazani said it is possible that smaller kidnapping groups work as "sub-contractors" for the Abu Sayyaf.
"They (Abu Sayyaf) would provide these smaller groups with weapons, ammunitions and boats to carry out the act and later pay them for their services.
"The smaller groups would snatch their victims and hand them over to the Abu Sayyaf, who would make the ransom demand."
The ransom money is sometimes shared with an entire village as compensation for the information they share with the kidnapping group, added Hazani.
http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=127306
Kota Kinabalu: Filipino illegal immigrants in Sabah are suspected to have helped the kidnappers who abducted two Indonesian fishermen in waters off Semporna on Sept. 11, a top security official said.
Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) Chief Dato' Hazani Ghazali said the agency believes the kidnappers received information from illegal immigrants who had been staying for a long time in the State.
"The illegal immigrants are familiar with the activities of fishermen especially in the east coast of Sabah," Hazani told Daily Express. We believe the kidnappers received inside help, most probably from illegals who came to Sabah from southern Philippines.
"Their informers may be family members who have a sense of loyalty to the kidnappers or the kidnapping group."
Two armed men boarded a fishing vessel anchored off Pulau Gaya in the early hours of Sept. 11 and adducted the boat's skipper and his assistant.
Two other Indonesian crew were spared by the kidnappers after they hid in some compartments upon learning their fishing vessel had been boarded by men wearing face masks.
"We believe the illegal immigrants had assimilated into society and worked in various sectors such as fishery, construction, hotel industry, etc," said Hazani.
"Previous kidnappings in holiday resorts involved illegal immigrants who were employed as hotel (resort) staff. After Esscom was set up, we told hotels not employ illegals and to provide us with lists of their employees, which we go through thoroughly."
Daily Express last week reported a Malaysian security official as confirming that the two fishermen had been taken by their abductors to Talipao in Sulu province, southern Philippines that same day.
Sabah Police Commissioner Dato' Omar Mammah later also confirmed the information that Daily Express had obtained from a Singapore-based regional piracy reporting centre.
The Information Sharing Centre of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against ships in Asia or Recaap had received the information from the Philippine Coast Guard.
Recaap had learnt the kidnappers and their hostages fled in a speedboat towards Tawi-Tawi in southern Philippines.
"We believe their final destination was Talipao in Sulu, an area where the Abu Sayyaf group has previously based its kidnapping-for-ransom operations," Recaap said.
The notorious Abu Sayyaf, designated as an international terror group by the US government, have kidnapped dozens of locals and foreigners from the Sulu-Celebes Seas off eastern Sabah since 2000.
Hazani said it is possible that smaller kidnapping groups work as "sub-contractors" for the Abu Sayyaf.
"They (Abu Sayyaf) would provide these smaller groups with weapons, ammunitions and boats to carry out the act and later pay them for their services.
"The smaller groups would snatch their victims and hand them over to the Abu Sayyaf, who would make the ransom demand."
The ransom money is sometimes shared with an entire village as compensation for the information they share with the kidnapping group, added Hazani.
http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=127306
Butuan cops scuttle NPA attack
From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 19): Butuan cops scuttle NPA attack
CAMP COL. RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – The 22-man strong police force of a station located in the outskirts of this city foiled a New People’s Army (NPA) attack, Tuesday.
The officers and men of the Butuan City Police Office Station 5 (BCPO-S5), which is located 30.6 kilometers south of this city, reported being attacked by an undetermined number of heavily armed Communist terrorists at 5:12 a.m. Tuesday.
BCPO-S5 reported that it was able to repulse the attack after a 10-minute firefight.
The station had been on “alert” status because Barangay San Mateo, which is located in its jurisdiction, was preparing for a fiesta that was to be held on Wednesday.
Only PO1 Ritchel Golandrina suffered a minor wound in the right leg, the BCPO0S5 report said.
Northeastern Mindanao Police Office Regional Director Chief Supt. Gilbert DC Cruz lauded the police force of BCPO-S5 under Sr. Insp. Henry Sumillano for successfully defending their station.
“Policemen manning the station were able to fight back, preventing the rebels from getting firearms from the police station,” he said.
Troops from the Regional Mobile Force Batallion and Butuan City Mobile Force Company immediately reinforced and conducted clearing operations, the region’s police chief said.
Cruz believed that the troops have inflicted casualty on the retreating rebels, and has ordered a check on all hospitals and medical facilities within the city and province for any admission of patients with gunshot wounds.
He also directed all police unit commanders to conduct checkpoints in coordination with the Army, and intensify security operations.
Due to the harassment incident, school officials suspended classes at the San Mateo Elementary School on Tuesday for the safety of the 290 pupils.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/09/19/butuan-cops-scuttle-npa-attack/
CAMP COL. RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – The 22-man strong police force of a station located in the outskirts of this city foiled a New People’s Army (NPA) attack, Tuesday.
The officers and men of the Butuan City Police Office Station 5 (BCPO-S5), which is located 30.6 kilometers south of this city, reported being attacked by an undetermined number of heavily armed Communist terrorists at 5:12 a.m. Tuesday.
BCPO-S5 reported that it was able to repulse the attack after a 10-minute firefight.
The station had been on “alert” status because Barangay San Mateo, which is located in its jurisdiction, was preparing for a fiesta that was to be held on Wednesday.
Only PO1 Ritchel Golandrina suffered a minor wound in the right leg, the BCPO0S5 report said.
Northeastern Mindanao Police Office Regional Director Chief Supt. Gilbert DC Cruz lauded the police force of BCPO-S5 under Sr. Insp. Henry Sumillano for successfully defending their station.
“Policemen manning the station were able to fight back, preventing the rebels from getting firearms from the police station,” he said.
Troops from the Regional Mobile Force Batallion and Butuan City Mobile Force Company immediately reinforced and conducted clearing operations, the region’s police chief said.
Cruz believed that the troops have inflicted casualty on the retreating rebels, and has ordered a check on all hospitals and medical facilities within the city and province for any admission of patients with gunshot wounds.
He also directed all police unit commanders to conduct checkpoints in coordination with the Army, and intensify security operations.
Due to the harassment incident, school officials suspended classes at the San Mateo Elementary School on Tuesday for the safety of the 290 pupils.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/09/19/butuan-cops-scuttle-npa-attack/
Navforcen holds Visayan sea security symposium
From the Cebu Daily News (Sep 19): Navforcen holds Visayan sea security symposium
A maritime security symposium was conducted by the Naval Forces Central (Navforcen) with the executives of the different law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and local government units (LGUs).
This is to promote interagency coordination, to have a seamless/direct integration of their respective capabilities and response protocols and to discuss the region’s efforts in addressing issues on maritime security.
The whole-day activity held last August 31 at Bai Hotel in Mandaue City consisted of a series of lectures and an open forum.
Commodore Loumer Bernabe, commander of Navforcen who initiated the symposium, said the activity is an avenue to solicit the commitment of all the agencies involved in providing maritime security, discuss maritime security issues in the Visayas region, present possible threats, its nuisances and challenges confronting the maritime security, and strengthen collaborations with the LGUs, LEAs and other stakeholders in organizing and establishing community security that will respond to any crisis that may arise and to greatly contribute to the overall maritime safety and security in the whole Visayas.
Bernabe said that safety and security is everybody’s concern and that there is really a need to collaborate with other LEAs and LGUs to strengthen security measures in the Visayan sea and to have linkages of communication lines with the different agencies.
“Through the inter-agency collaboration we can have a coordinated response in the event of maritime disaster,” said Bernabe.
Regarding the safety of tourists in Cebu, Bernabe said the threat level remains low in the province but they always need to be prepared to be pro-active, thus having this symposium and series of trainings, exercises and capability demonstrations.
He added that considering the vast coastlines, porous borders and its proximity to Mindanao, the Visayas region is vulnerable to security threats such as the intrusion of Abu Sayyaf members in Inabanga, Bohol, last April 2017.
However, he said that due to the collaborative efforts of the Central Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines, LEAs and LGUs, they were able to neutralize the terrorists.
He further said that aside from the maritime security patrol that the Navy is conducting, one of the many initiatives of Navforcen is the establishment of two Maritime Joint Task Groups based on Boracay Island in Aklan and Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, the Naval Task Group 50.1 “Sea Dog” to carry out Oplan Turismo, a mobile task group that assists other task groups in the conduct of capability demonstrations in tourist sites like Boracay, Sipalay in Negros Occidental and Panglao in Bohol, which are known for their beautiful beaches, and Oslob for whale-shark watching.
The task groups will also be established soon in Siquijor, Sagay, Negros Occidental and Leyte.
He said that after the symposium, Navforcen hoped to consolidate all the capabilities and efforts of the different agencies involved in addressing maritime threats, and to create a working organizational structure to enhance maritime security.
The Navforcen is engaging the LGUs, reservists, and private resort owners in various trainings such as bomb identification, responding to bomb threat scenario, water search and rescue, disaster response and maritime security being the first responders in their respective community in the event of maritime accident.
But he said, their security forces can only respond promptly to any threat with the help of various stakeholders. Communications (voice, SMS, and data) link between the stakeholders and security forces will aid in the conduct of interagency operations.
“We encourage the ordinary citizens to be vigilant in their respective community. If they see any suspicious-looking person or have observed illicit activities or any unusual incidents particularly in the coastal areas, report this to the authorities immediately,” said Bernabe.
https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/194810/navforcen-holds-visayan-sea-security-symposium
A maritime security symposium was conducted by the Naval Forces Central (Navforcen) with the executives of the different law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and local government units (LGUs).
This is to promote interagency coordination, to have a seamless/direct integration of their respective capabilities and response protocols and to discuss the region’s efforts in addressing issues on maritime security.
The whole-day activity held last August 31 at Bai Hotel in Mandaue City consisted of a series of lectures and an open forum.
Commodore Loumer Bernabe, commander of Navforcen who initiated the symposium, said the activity is an avenue to solicit the commitment of all the agencies involved in providing maritime security, discuss maritime security issues in the Visayas region, present possible threats, its nuisances and challenges confronting the maritime security, and strengthen collaborations with the LGUs, LEAs and other stakeholders in organizing and establishing community security that will respond to any crisis that may arise and to greatly contribute to the overall maritime safety and security in the whole Visayas.
Bernabe said that safety and security is everybody’s concern and that there is really a need to collaborate with other LEAs and LGUs to strengthen security measures in the Visayan sea and to have linkages of communication lines with the different agencies.
“Through the inter-agency collaboration we can have a coordinated response in the event of maritime disaster,” said Bernabe.
Regarding the safety of tourists in Cebu, Bernabe said the threat level remains low in the province but they always need to be prepared to be pro-active, thus having this symposium and series of trainings, exercises and capability demonstrations.
He added that considering the vast coastlines, porous borders and its proximity to Mindanao, the Visayas region is vulnerable to security threats such as the intrusion of Abu Sayyaf members in Inabanga, Bohol, last April 2017.
However, he said that due to the collaborative efforts of the Central Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines, LEAs and LGUs, they were able to neutralize the terrorists.
He further said that aside from the maritime security patrol that the Navy is conducting, one of the many initiatives of Navforcen is the establishment of two Maritime Joint Task Groups based on Boracay Island in Aklan and Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, the Naval Task Group 50.1 “Sea Dog” to carry out Oplan Turismo, a mobile task group that assists other task groups in the conduct of capability demonstrations in tourist sites like Boracay, Sipalay in Negros Occidental and Panglao in Bohol, which are known for their beautiful beaches, and Oslob for whale-shark watching.
The task groups will also be established soon in Siquijor, Sagay, Negros Occidental and Leyte.
He said that after the symposium, Navforcen hoped to consolidate all the capabilities and efforts of the different agencies involved in addressing maritime threats, and to create a working organizational structure to enhance maritime security.
The Navforcen is engaging the LGUs, reservists, and private resort owners in various trainings such as bomb identification, responding to bomb threat scenario, water search and rescue, disaster response and maritime security being the first responders in their respective community in the event of maritime accident.
But he said, their security forces can only respond promptly to any threat with the help of various stakeholders. Communications (voice, SMS, and data) link between the stakeholders and security forces will aid in the conduct of interagency operations.
“We encourage the ordinary citizens to be vigilant in their respective community. If they see any suspicious-looking person or have observed illicit activities or any unusual incidents particularly in the coastal areas, report this to the authorities immediately,” said Bernabe.
https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/194810/navforcen-holds-visayan-sea-security-symposium
Duterte assures funds for army’s medical needs
From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 19): Duterte assures funds for army’s medical needs
President Rodrigo R. Duterte addresses 400 soldiers at Camp Melchor Dela Cruz, 5th Infantry Division. (OB/PIA-2)
GAMU, Isabela -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte assured enough funds for the health and medical needs of soldiers.
During his visit at the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine at Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Isabela on Tuesday, he said his administration shares P50 million fund a month for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the purchase of medicines. He also released P500 million to ensure management of the health of every soldiers.
“I will always take care of you for as long as I am the President of this republic,” Duterte said in front the 400 soldiers of the 5th ID.
He said the country needs reliable and determined leaders who will continue to fight against the ills of society, those who will help the government in realizing the vision of having a stronger and safer nation.
“If we don’t have law and order, and corruption persists, we will never improve,” the President said.
He further acknowledged the selfless dedication and heroism of soldiers who helped the victims of typhoon “Ompong “ in different parts of country, especially those who performed the pre-emptive evacuations, search, rescue and retrieval operations.
The President, while at the camp, also witnessed the turn over of a tractor by the Department of Agriculture to the 5th ID which will be used by the soldiers in their agricultural activities.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1012949
President Rodrigo R. Duterte addresses 400 soldiers at Camp Melchor Dela Cruz, 5th Infantry Division. (OB/PIA-2)
GAMU, Isabela -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte assured enough funds for the health and medical needs of soldiers.
During his visit at the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine at Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Isabela on Tuesday, he said his administration shares P50 million fund a month for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the purchase of medicines. He also released P500 million to ensure management of the health of every soldiers.
“I will always take care of you for as long as I am the President of this republic,” Duterte said in front the 400 soldiers of the 5th ID.
He said the country needs reliable and determined leaders who will continue to fight against the ills of society, those who will help the government in realizing the vision of having a stronger and safer nation.
“If we don’t have law and order, and corruption persists, we will never improve,” the President said.
He further acknowledged the selfless dedication and heroism of soldiers who helped the victims of typhoon “Ompong “ in different parts of country, especially those who performed the pre-emptive evacuations, search, rescue and retrieval operations.
The President, while at the camp, also witnessed the turn over of a tractor by the Department of Agriculture to the 5th ID which will be used by the soldiers in their agricultural activities.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1012949
Army assures protection of Iloilo politikos vs NPA extortions
From Politiko Visayas (Sep 21): Army assures protection of Iloilo politikos vs NPA extortions
With the 2019 elections nearing, the Philippine Army is gearing up to protect officials and candidates from extortion attempts by the communist New People’s Army (NPA).
Col. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Army’s 301st Infantry Battalion, said soldiers in Panay continue with patrol operations, particularly in areas where there are threats of extortion.
He said those at the receiving end of extortion attempts can seek help from them through mobile numbers 09281757208 and 09167663740.
“Our preparation for the elections is to attack the NPAs. They cannot ask for extortion money from our politicians,” Arevalo said (https://thedailyguardian.net/local-news/army-vows-to-secure-iloilo-pols-vs-rebel-extortion/).
On Oct. 11 to 17, those running in the midterm elections are to file their certificates of candidacy.
Arevalo said they have gathered proof of the NPAs’ extortion activities from seven NPA leaders and members killed in an encounter in Antique last month.
Government troops had recovered from the slain rebels four laptops, more than 20 cell phones, and computer hard drives.
Arevalo said they extracted information including names of companies and individuals who are giving money to the extortionists.
Meanwhile, Arevalo said they would also protect private contractors of various projects on Panay Island and traders.
http://visayas.politics.com.ph/army-assures-protection-of-iloilo-politikos-vs-npa-extortions/
With the 2019 elections nearing, the Philippine Army is gearing up to protect officials and candidates from extortion attempts by the communist New People’s Army (NPA).
Col. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Army’s 301st Infantry Battalion, said soldiers in Panay continue with patrol operations, particularly in areas where there are threats of extortion.
He said those at the receiving end of extortion attempts can seek help from them through mobile numbers 09281757208 and 09167663740.
“Our preparation for the elections is to attack the NPAs. They cannot ask for extortion money from our politicians,” Arevalo said (https://thedailyguardian.net/local-news/army-vows-to-secure-iloilo-pols-vs-rebel-extortion/).
On Oct. 11 to 17, those running in the midterm elections are to file their certificates of candidacy.
Arevalo said they have gathered proof of the NPAs’ extortion activities from seven NPA leaders and members killed in an encounter in Antique last month.
Government troops had recovered from the slain rebels four laptops, more than 20 cell phones, and computer hard drives.
Arevalo said they extracted information including names of companies and individuals who are giving money to the extortionists.
Meanwhile, Arevalo said they would also protect private contractors of various projects on Panay Island and traders.
http://visayas.politics.com.ph/army-assures-protection-of-iloilo-politikos-vs-npa-extortions/
PNP deploys 4k cops for ML rallies; protest group slams ‘disinformation’
From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 21): PNP deploys 4k cops for ML rallies; protest group slams ‘disinformation’
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday deployed about 4,000 police officers to key areas in Metro Manila and other cities where rallies were held to commemorate the 46th anniversary of the declaration of martial law by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos on September 21, 1972.
According to Amnesty International, 3,240 persons were killed, 10,000 were imprisoned while 34,000 others were tortured during the martial law period from 1972 to 1981.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Guillermo Eleazar
(FEDERICO CRUZ / MANILA BULLETIN)
In Metro Manila, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Guillermo Eleazar noted that the area in front of the Rizal monument in Luneta Park, Manila was heavily guarded as various protest groups were expected to gather for a United People’s Action (UPAC) program at around 4 p.m.
He said civil disturbance management contingents were told to exercise maximum tolerance, respect the human rights of the protesters and adhere to the prescribed rules of engagement contained in the Police Operational Procedures and Batas Pambansa 880 or the Public Assembly Act of 1985.
“[The] Filipinos are one in our advocacy for a democratic country that all are treated fairly and justly. The entire police force of Metro Manila is in sympathy with all those who shall observe this event,” he said.
NPA-led?
Meanwhile, progressive groups hit back at the PNP for allegedly peddling lies, saying that the rallies were not led by communist rebels contrary to what the PNP has claimed.
Chief Superintendent Benigno Durana Jr., PNP spokesperson, said the PNP has monitored intelligence reports that the groups that will stage protests in Metro Manila and other cities were led by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP) “to vainly try to embarrass and undermine” Duterte’s “popular administration.”
He also warned the protesters that “to root for and help government fail or incite others to bring it down are not only violations of the Revised Penal Code but also acts of rebellion against what God has established.”
However, the Movement Against Tyranny (MAT), an alliance of groups and individuals that promotes human rights and calls to resist tyranny, called Durana’s statements as “irresponsible.”
“The Movement Against Tyranny condemns the irresponsible lie being peddled by Supt. Durana, head of the PNP Public Information Office,” said the group in a statement. “In a press briefing, Durana claimed the United People’s Action (UPAC) at the Luneta is led by the CPP and the NPA. That is a big, fat lie,” it added.
The group said they had met with Eleazar and other senior police officers, including the commanders of the Manila Police District, to discuss the UPAC rally and ensure that it would be peaceful and orderly. They said the protest participants include members of religious, women, youth, peasants, teachers and other professionals’ groups; top universities and schools, and united labor alliances.
They also said Durana’s statement “smacks of Duterte regime’s desperation over growing resistance by the people to human rights violations, corruption and treasonous foreign policy.”
“The MAT warns Durana and his ilk from attempts to curtail the people’s rights to freedom of assembly. The people will not be cowed into silence,” the group said.
Bayan Secretary General Renato Reyes also slammed the PNP official’s statement saying the people’s protest was organized by a number of cause-oriented groups other than the CPP-NPA.
“The rally is being organized by a broad formation, the same one that organized the peaceful and successful United People’s SONA last July 23,” Reyes said.
“The rally is not led by the CPP-NPA, which is an absurd claim made by the PNP spokesman,” he added.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/09/21/pnp-deploys-4k-cops-for-ml-rallies-protest-group-slams-disinformation/
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday deployed about 4,000 police officers to key areas in Metro Manila and other cities where rallies were held to commemorate the 46th anniversary of the declaration of martial law by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos on September 21, 1972.
According to Amnesty International, 3,240 persons were killed, 10,000 were imprisoned while 34,000 others were tortured during the martial law period from 1972 to 1981.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Guillermo Eleazar
(FEDERICO CRUZ / MANILA BULLETIN)
In Metro Manila, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Guillermo Eleazar noted that the area in front of the Rizal monument in Luneta Park, Manila was heavily guarded as various protest groups were expected to gather for a United People’s Action (UPAC) program at around 4 p.m.
He said civil disturbance management contingents were told to exercise maximum tolerance, respect the human rights of the protesters and adhere to the prescribed rules of engagement contained in the Police Operational Procedures and Batas Pambansa 880 or the Public Assembly Act of 1985.
“[The] Filipinos are one in our advocacy for a democratic country that all are treated fairly and justly. The entire police force of Metro Manila is in sympathy with all those who shall observe this event,” he said.
NPA-led?
Meanwhile, progressive groups hit back at the PNP for allegedly peddling lies, saying that the rallies were not led by communist rebels contrary to what the PNP has claimed.
Chief Superintendent Benigno Durana Jr., PNP spokesperson, said the PNP has monitored intelligence reports that the groups that will stage protests in Metro Manila and other cities were led by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP) “to vainly try to embarrass and undermine” Duterte’s “popular administration.”
He also warned the protesters that “to root for and help government fail or incite others to bring it down are not only violations of the Revised Penal Code but also acts of rebellion against what God has established.”
However, the Movement Against Tyranny (MAT), an alliance of groups and individuals that promotes human rights and calls to resist tyranny, called Durana’s statements as “irresponsible.”
“The Movement Against Tyranny condemns the irresponsible lie being peddled by Supt. Durana, head of the PNP Public Information Office,” said the group in a statement. “In a press briefing, Durana claimed the United People’s Action (UPAC) at the Luneta is led by the CPP and the NPA. That is a big, fat lie,” it added.
The group said they had met with Eleazar and other senior police officers, including the commanders of the Manila Police District, to discuss the UPAC rally and ensure that it would be peaceful and orderly. They said the protest participants include members of religious, women, youth, peasants, teachers and other professionals’ groups; top universities and schools, and united labor alliances.
They also said Durana’s statement “smacks of Duterte regime’s desperation over growing resistance by the people to human rights violations, corruption and treasonous foreign policy.”
“The MAT warns Durana and his ilk from attempts to curtail the people’s rights to freedom of assembly. The people will not be cowed into silence,” the group said.
Bayan Secretary General Renato Reyes also slammed the PNP official’s statement saying the people’s protest was organized by a number of cause-oriented groups other than the CPP-NPA.
“The rally is being organized by a broad formation, the same one that organized the peaceful and successful United People’s SONA last July 23,” Reyes said.
“The rally is not led by the CPP-NPA, which is an absurd claim made by the PNP spokesman,” he added.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/09/21/pnp-deploys-4k-cops-for-ml-rallies-protest-group-slams-disinformation/
‘Sulu youths may have been killed by nerve suffocation’
From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 20): ‘Sulu youths may have been killed by nerve suffocation’
The seven young men earlier reported to have been killed in a military encounter with a bandits’ group in Patikul, Sulu, could have actually died of nerve gas suffocation, a resident helping seek justice for the victims’ families said on Thursday.
Dr. Raden Ikbala of the Integrated Provincial Health Office in Sulu said the victims’ bodies bore no gunshot wounds, and that this raised speculations that they were tortured and forcibly suffocated with something soaked into a Sarin nerve gas.
Ikbala, founder of the BassaKao (Read) Foundation, said the victims, whose age ranged 17-22, had sought permission from the 55th Infantry Battalion to harvest from fruit trees owned by their families in Sitio Bato, Barangay Kabuntakas, Patikul, near Jolo, Sulu last Friday.
Col. Gerry Besana, public affairs officer of the Western Mindanao Command, also said on Friday that seven Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed and that six others were wounded, including their leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.
“Walang klarong putok sa ulo [There’s no visible gunshot wound in the head]. Each of the victims bore no gunshot in the body,” Ikbala said of the bodies of the seven young men.
Earlier, reports said the bodies of the victims, which were recovered the following morning at the headquarters of the Joint Task Force Sulu in Jolo, Sulu, “were riddled with bullets.”
Ikbala, however, said that no technical tests had yet been conducted to conclude that the victims were forced to smell the deadly Sarin nerve gas, or were injected with any deadly substance that might have caused their death.
But he said that residents and the victims’ families are still puzzled as how they died or were actually killed.
“Were they fed and forcibly made to swallow thorns of durian peels or were overfed with seeds of another fruit that could have possibly stopped their breathing?” Ikbala asked.
“Sarin is a nerve gas which victims of torture are forcibly made to smell or are suffocated with to cause instant death. It can also be mixed into a vial of medicine for a liquid injection,” Ikbala said.
Ikbala noted that the dead bodies in another photo of Sarin-poisoning victims had strong similarities with those of the young Tausug victims, who are now collectively known there as the “Patikul 7.”
Besana said a legitimate encounter took place between the Task Group Panther under Lt. Col. Samuel Yunque and Capt. Michael Asistores of the Scout Rangers and more than 100 Abu Sayyaf under Radulan Sahiron on Friday around 1:30 pm.
Their relatives said that on Sept. 14 at 9 a.m., the seven victims were allowed by the 55th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Issan to harvest fruits in Sitio Tubig Bato in Barangay Kabuntakas in Patikul.
But along the way, scout rangers reportedly from the 32nd Infantry Battalion allegedly “arrested them at 11:00 a.m.,” a relative of two of the victims said.
As this developed, the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, a Muslim think tank based at the University of the Philippines, has called for an investigation into the deaths of the seven young men in Sulu and the recent bombings in several parts of Mindanao.
The PCID urged the Commission on Human Rights, the Secretary of National Defense, and the Armed Forces Chief of Staff to form a committee that would look into the incidents.
PCID also asked President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to review the current implementation of Martial law in Mindanao and investigate reported human rights violations not just in Sulu but in other parts of Mindanao.
PCID said the government and stakeholders should act proactively now and establish a national plan that addresses violent extremism, bearing in mind potential problems with the implementation of martial law.
Information indicate that the ISIS intends to form a big group composed of remnants of the Maute Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a break-away group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) while taking advantage of situations like the Sulu killings.
PCID also proposed a gathering of stakeholders with the AFP-SND, to create a plan that aims to further improve coordination and relationships of assigned troops in the region and those from the religious and the communities.
Findings show that most deaths in Mindanao are caused by several factors, including the absence of coordination by the military with community leaders, miscommunication or lack of information from AFP units operating in the area.
Last Saturday, the AFP reported the deaths of seven young men in Sulu. Based on reports, the AFP tagged these teenagers as “terrorists” which run counter with testimonies of members of the community.
Information gathered show that the youngsters were evacuees from a community in Patikul who fled the area due to intense military operation against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
http://www.manilastandard.net/news/national/276034/-sulu-youths-may-have-been-killed-by-nerve-suffocation-.html
The seven young men earlier reported to have been killed in a military encounter with a bandits’ group in Patikul, Sulu, could have actually died of nerve gas suffocation, a resident helping seek justice for the victims’ families said on Thursday.
Dr. Raden Ikbala of the Integrated Provincial Health Office in Sulu said the victims’ bodies bore no gunshot wounds, and that this raised speculations that they were tortured and forcibly suffocated with something soaked into a Sarin nerve gas.
Ikbala, founder of the BassaKao (Read) Foundation, said the victims, whose age ranged 17-22, had sought permission from the 55th Infantry Battalion to harvest from fruit trees owned by their families in Sitio Bato, Barangay Kabuntakas, Patikul, near Jolo, Sulu last Friday.
Col. Gerry Besana, public affairs officer of the Western Mindanao Command, also said on Friday that seven Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed and that six others were wounded, including their leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.
“Walang klarong putok sa ulo [There’s no visible gunshot wound in the head]. Each of the victims bore no gunshot in the body,” Ikbala said of the bodies of the seven young men.
Earlier, reports said the bodies of the victims, which were recovered the following morning at the headquarters of the Joint Task Force Sulu in Jolo, Sulu, “were riddled with bullets.”
Ikbala, however, said that no technical tests had yet been conducted to conclude that the victims were forced to smell the deadly Sarin nerve gas, or were injected with any deadly substance that might have caused their death.
But he said that residents and the victims’ families are still puzzled as how they died or were actually killed.
“Were they fed and forcibly made to swallow thorns of durian peels or were overfed with seeds of another fruit that could have possibly stopped their breathing?” Ikbala asked.
“Sarin is a nerve gas which victims of torture are forcibly made to smell or are suffocated with to cause instant death. It can also be mixed into a vial of medicine for a liquid injection,” Ikbala said.
Ikbala noted that the dead bodies in another photo of Sarin-poisoning victims had strong similarities with those of the young Tausug victims, who are now collectively known there as the “Patikul 7.”
Besana said a legitimate encounter took place between the Task Group Panther under Lt. Col. Samuel Yunque and Capt. Michael Asistores of the Scout Rangers and more than 100 Abu Sayyaf under Radulan Sahiron on Friday around 1:30 pm.
But along the way, scout rangers reportedly from the 32nd Infantry Battalion allegedly “arrested them at 11:00 a.m.,” a relative of two of the victims said.
As this developed, the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, a Muslim think tank based at the University of the Philippines, has called for an investigation into the deaths of the seven young men in Sulu and the recent bombings in several parts of Mindanao.
The PCID urged the Commission on Human Rights, the Secretary of National Defense, and the Armed Forces Chief of Staff to form a committee that would look into the incidents.
PCID also asked President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to review the current implementation of Martial law in Mindanao and investigate reported human rights violations not just in Sulu but in other parts of Mindanao.
PCID said the government and stakeholders should act proactively now and establish a national plan that addresses violent extremism, bearing in mind potential problems with the implementation of martial law.
Information indicate that the ISIS intends to form a big group composed of remnants of the Maute Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a break-away group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) while taking advantage of situations like the Sulu killings.
PCID also proposed a gathering of stakeholders with the AFP-SND, to create a plan that aims to further improve coordination and relationships of assigned troops in the region and those from the religious and the communities.
Findings show that most deaths in Mindanao are caused by several factors, including the absence of coordination by the military with community leaders, miscommunication or lack of information from AFP units operating in the area.
Last Saturday, the AFP reported the deaths of seven young men in Sulu. Based on reports, the AFP tagged these teenagers as “terrorists” which run counter with testimonies of members of the community.
Information gathered show that the youngsters were evacuees from a community in Patikul who fled the area due to intense military operation against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
http://www.manilastandard.net/news/national/276034/-sulu-youths-may-have-been-killed-by-nerve-suffocation-.html
Duterte lauds PH Army division for successful military campaigns
From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 21): Duterte lauds PH Army division for successful military campaigns
CAPAS, Tarlac — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday lauded the Philippine Army Mechanized Infantry Division (MID) for the troops’ efforts in the successful military campaigns promoting peace in the communities such as the retaking of Marawi City during the siege in May 2018.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte pins a medal on one of the soldiers who received an award during the 12th Activation Anniversary of Mechanized Infantry Division at Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac on September 20, 2018. Assisting the President is Secretary Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President. (TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO /MANILA BULLETIN)
“The Filipino people will never forget the unwavering commitment and dedication of the MID. It was only last year during the five-month battle in Marawi when our troops from this division bravely and selflessly (took) the forefronts which contributed to the city’s liberation,” Duterte said during the division’s 12th activation anniversary.
“I offer my special salute to our fallen comrades who have gone beyond the call of duty and the courageous troopers who continue to make their sacrifices to defend our land, uphold peace, and secure the freedom that we enjoy,” the commander-in-chief added.
The president recognized MID’s accomplishments in combat operations particularly in the neutralization of members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), apprehension of drug personalities, and confiscation of loose firearms.
“These noble endeavors, including your assistance in facilitating the surrender of numerous members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army and BIFF during the implementation of martial law in Mindanao have definitely made our kababayans feel safer during these challenging times,” Duterte said.
“As long as you perform your mandate in accordance with the law, this administration will remain steadfast in supporting your organization and will provide you with the necessary tools and resources that will enable you to effectively fulfill your duties,” he pledged.
Under the revised Armed Forces Modernization Program, five projects worth over Php13 billion will directly benefit the MID.
“I am certain these projects which are already in the pipeline will address the gaps in our defenses as we further strengthen (our) armed forces,” he stressed.
This year’s activation anniversary carried the theme “Team Armor, Kaagapay ng Sambayanan Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran.”
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/09/21/duterte-lauds-ph-army-division-for-successful-military-campaigns/
CAPAS, Tarlac — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday lauded the Philippine Army Mechanized Infantry Division (MID) for the troops’ efforts in the successful military campaigns promoting peace in the communities such as the retaking of Marawi City during the siege in May 2018.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte pins a medal on one of the soldiers who received an award during the 12th Activation Anniversary of Mechanized Infantry Division at Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac on September 20, 2018. Assisting the President is Secretary Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President. (TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO /MANILA BULLETIN)
“The Filipino people will never forget the unwavering commitment and dedication of the MID. It was only last year during the five-month battle in Marawi when our troops from this division bravely and selflessly (took) the forefronts which contributed to the city’s liberation,” Duterte said during the division’s 12th activation anniversary.
“I offer my special salute to our fallen comrades who have gone beyond the call of duty and the courageous troopers who continue to make their sacrifices to defend our land, uphold peace, and secure the freedom that we enjoy,” the commander-in-chief added.
The president recognized MID’s accomplishments in combat operations particularly in the neutralization of members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), apprehension of drug personalities, and confiscation of loose firearms.
“These noble endeavors, including your assistance in facilitating the surrender of numerous members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army and BIFF during the implementation of martial law in Mindanao have definitely made our kababayans feel safer during these challenging times,” Duterte said.
“As long as you perform your mandate in accordance with the law, this administration will remain steadfast in supporting your organization and will provide you with the necessary tools and resources that will enable you to effectively fulfill your duties,” he pledged.
Under the revised Armed Forces Modernization Program, five projects worth over Php13 billion will directly benefit the MID.
“I am certain these projects which are already in the pipeline will address the gaps in our defenses as we further strengthen (our) armed forces,” he stressed.
This year’s activation anniversary carried the theme “Team Armor, Kaagapay ng Sambayanan Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran.”
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/09/21/duterte-lauds-ph-army-division-for-successful-military-campaigns/
Central Luzon ‘broad masses’ to march to Manila for Sept. 21 protests
From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 20): Central Luzon ‘broad masses’ to march to Manila for Sept. 21 protests
Hundreds of farmers, indigenous people, fisher folks, urban poor and other sectors from Central Luzon will march and converge in Malacañang for a protestrally to mark the 46th anniversary today of the declaration of martial law.
Farmers from Bicol trooped in front of the Philippine Coconut Authority to demand the return of the P105-billion coco levy fund to its beneficiaries while also slamming the train law and Martial law in time for today’s commemoration of the 46th anniversary of Martial Law. (PHOTO/ ALVIN KASIBAN)
The groups will be joined by the broad masses in the United People’s Action against Tyranny and Dictatorship.
“Food Security is a priority obligation of the government but this government prioritizes the security of landlords, and local and foreign big bourgeoisie compradors!” said Joseph Canlas, a veteran farmer leader, and Chairman of Alyansa ng Magbubukid ng Gitnang Luzon (Alliance of Peasants in Central Luzon, AMGL) and vice chairperson of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas.
Despite the heavy flooding and devastation brought by typhoon Ompong recently, the protest marchers of Central Luzon, left their homes to flood the streets to protest the anti-people policies of the Duterte administration.
“The calamity of typhoon Ompong cannot be compared to the already worsening effects of typhoon BBB off in the scale in its devastating winds of debt traps, large-scale dislocation, and death,” said Ferdinand Manaloto, a farmer of Arenguren, Capas – displaced by the site of the sports stadium to host the SEA games in 2019, and the new national government center.
“The mountains of Aurora and Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, Pampanga, Bataan, and Pangasinan; and the shorelines of Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Aurora; and the rich arable lands in the lowlands, including undistributed Haciendas in Luisita, Dolores, Davis, among many others, and people-cultivated military reservations undistributed to its original and rightful owners are being prepped for infrastructure projects under the Build, Build, Build program (BBB) of the Duterte administration. New heavier taxes were imposed while new and heavier loans were also acquired,’’ the groups noted.
In addition, Canlas said the supposed fascist, tyrannical US-Duterte reign, implemented “Oplan Kapayapaan”, a blueprint for a de facto martial law in the provinces of Central Luzon.
“Where there are active people’s resistance, in places where there are people’s struggle, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police are in place not to serve and protect the people, but to ensure the imposition of state-sponsored land grabbing. The mountains are flattened but their human rights violation against the people are piling up,” he explained.
And as similar to natural calamities, Canlas said the most vulnerable sector to feel these typhoon BBB’s effect are always the peasant, the indigenous people, the fisherfolk, the urban poor, the workers — the basic masses.
“”The only relief, that the peasants and the people of Central Luzon demands is the ouster of the fascist, dictator Rodrigo Duterte. A signal to his imperialist masters to keep their hands off Philippine lands and resources because the people will never falter,,’’ Canlas said.
He added the Lakbayanis or protest marchers of Central Luzon will troop the offices of the Commission on Human Rights and the Department of Agrarian Reform to air their grievances and formally file complaints of human rights violations, illegal land conversions, and large-scale state-sponsored land grabbing.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/09/20/central-luzon-broad-masses-to-march-to-manila-for-sept-21-protests/
Hundreds of farmers, indigenous people, fisher folks, urban poor and other sectors from Central Luzon will march and converge in Malacañang for a protestrally to mark the 46th anniversary today of the declaration of martial law.
Farmers from Bicol trooped in front of the Philippine Coconut Authority to demand the return of the P105-billion coco levy fund to its beneficiaries while also slamming the train law and Martial law in time for today’s commemoration of the 46th anniversary of Martial Law. (PHOTO/ ALVIN KASIBAN)
The groups will be joined by the broad masses in the United People’s Action against Tyranny and Dictatorship.
“Food Security is a priority obligation of the government but this government prioritizes the security of landlords, and local and foreign big bourgeoisie compradors!” said Joseph Canlas, a veteran farmer leader, and Chairman of Alyansa ng Magbubukid ng Gitnang Luzon (Alliance of Peasants in Central Luzon, AMGL) and vice chairperson of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas.
Despite the heavy flooding and devastation brought by typhoon Ompong recently, the protest marchers of Central Luzon, left their homes to flood the streets to protest the anti-people policies of the Duterte administration.
“The calamity of typhoon Ompong cannot be compared to the already worsening effects of typhoon BBB off in the scale in its devastating winds of debt traps, large-scale dislocation, and death,” said Ferdinand Manaloto, a farmer of Arenguren, Capas – displaced by the site of the sports stadium to host the SEA games in 2019, and the new national government center.
“The mountains of Aurora and Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, Pampanga, Bataan, and Pangasinan; and the shorelines of Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Aurora; and the rich arable lands in the lowlands, including undistributed Haciendas in Luisita, Dolores, Davis, among many others, and people-cultivated military reservations undistributed to its original and rightful owners are being prepped for infrastructure projects under the Build, Build, Build program (BBB) of the Duterte administration. New heavier taxes were imposed while new and heavier loans were also acquired,’’ the groups noted.
In addition, Canlas said the supposed fascist, tyrannical US-Duterte reign, implemented “Oplan Kapayapaan”, a blueprint for a de facto martial law in the provinces of Central Luzon.
“Where there are active people’s resistance, in places where there are people’s struggle, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police are in place not to serve and protect the people, but to ensure the imposition of state-sponsored land grabbing. The mountains are flattened but their human rights violation against the people are piling up,” he explained.
And as similar to natural calamities, Canlas said the most vulnerable sector to feel these typhoon BBB’s effect are always the peasant, the indigenous people, the fisherfolk, the urban poor, the workers — the basic masses.
“”The only relief, that the peasants and the people of Central Luzon demands is the ouster of the fascist, dictator Rodrigo Duterte. A signal to his imperialist masters to keep their hands off Philippine lands and resources because the people will never falter,,’’ Canlas said.
He added the Lakbayanis or protest marchers of Central Luzon will troop the offices of the Commission on Human Rights and the Department of Agrarian Reform to air their grievances and formally file complaints of human rights violations, illegal land conversions, and large-scale state-sponsored land grabbing.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/09/20/central-luzon-broad-masses-to-march-to-manila-for-sept-21-protests/
US, Philippines reaffirm commitment under MDT
From the Manila Standard (Sep 20): US, Philippines reaffirm commitment under MDT
The United States and the Philippines have reaffirmed their commitment under the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951 during the official visit of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to the US Department of State in Washington, D. C. on Wednesday.
US State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert disclosed that Lorenzana met with US State Secretary Michael Pompeo where the two officials tackled cooperation on addressing regional security challenges, including the militarization of the South China Sea.
Nauert said that Pompeo has assured Lorenzana of the US readiness to continue its support for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“Secretary Pompeo and Secretary Lorenzana discussed cooperation on addressing regional security challenges, including the militarization of the South China Sea and the threats posed by terrorism and efforts to achieve denuclearization in North Korea,” Nauert said, in a statement released by the US State Department via US East Asia and Pacific Media Hub.
During the meeting, Pompeo also conveyed to Lorenzana that the US will provide assistance in humanitarian relief efforts in the areas devastated by Super Typhoon Ompong.
“Secretary Pompeo also expressed condolences for the destruction and loss of life caused by Typhoon Ompong and offered U.S. assistance in humanitarian relief efforts,” Nauert said.
Lorenzana’s visit to Washington came after three members of the President Donald Trump’s cabinet had sought a dialogue with Malacanang about the country’s plan to procure defense equipment.
Last month, President Rodrigo Duterte revealed that he received a letter from the Secretary of State, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and Secretary of Defense James Mattis reaffirming US’ “strongest support” for the effort to modernize the AFP.
The letter from the three US officials came after visiting US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs Randall Schriver advised against buying Russian weapon system and platforms after Manila expressed the possibility of buying Russian arms.
The US Cabinet officials said the “special relationship” between the Philippines and the United States “will only grow stronger by increasing our dialogue and cooperation especially on security”.
“We hope to partner in all the significant defense procurement,” the U.S. officials said in the letter to President Duterte.
“We hope to partner in all the significant defense procurement,” the US government letter added.
Under the MDT 1951, the US and the Philippines are bound to “defend themselves against external armed attack, so that no potential aggressor could be under the illusion that either of them stands alone in the Pacific area.”
The treaty also provides that “an armed attack on either of the Parties (US, Philippines) is deemed to include an armed attack on the metropolitan territory of either of the Parties, or on the Island territories under its jurisdiction in the Pacific Ocean, its armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the Pacific.
http://manilastandard.net/news/national/276031/us-philippines-reaffirm-commitment-under-mdt.html
The United States and the Philippines have reaffirmed their commitment under the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951 during the official visit of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to the US Department of State in Washington, D. C. on Wednesday.
US State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert disclosed that Lorenzana met with US State Secretary Michael Pompeo where the two officials tackled cooperation on addressing regional security challenges, including the militarization of the South China Sea.
Nauert said that Pompeo has assured Lorenzana of the US readiness to continue its support for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“Secretary Pompeo and Secretary Lorenzana discussed cooperation on addressing regional security challenges, including the militarization of the South China Sea and the threats posed by terrorism and efforts to achieve denuclearization in North Korea,” Nauert said, in a statement released by the US State Department via US East Asia and Pacific Media Hub.
During the meeting, Pompeo also conveyed to Lorenzana that the US will provide assistance in humanitarian relief efforts in the areas devastated by Super Typhoon Ompong.
“Secretary Pompeo also expressed condolences for the destruction and loss of life caused by Typhoon Ompong and offered U.S. assistance in humanitarian relief efforts,” Nauert said.
Lorenzana’s visit to Washington came after three members of the President Donald Trump’s cabinet had sought a dialogue with Malacanang about the country’s plan to procure defense equipment.
The letter from the three US officials came after visiting US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs Randall Schriver advised against buying Russian weapon system and platforms after Manila expressed the possibility of buying Russian arms.
The US Cabinet officials said the “special relationship” between the Philippines and the United States “will only grow stronger by increasing our dialogue and cooperation especially on security”.
“We hope to partner in all the significant defense procurement,” the U.S. officials said in the letter to President Duterte.
“We hope to partner in all the significant defense procurement,” the US government letter added.
Under the MDT 1951, the US and the Philippines are bound to “defend themselves against external armed attack, so that no potential aggressor could be under the illusion that either of them stands alone in the Pacific area.”
The treaty also provides that “an armed attack on either of the Parties (US, Philippines) is deemed to include an armed attack on the metropolitan territory of either of the Parties, or on the Island territories under its jurisdiction in the Pacific Ocean, its armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the Pacific.
http://manilastandard.net/news/national/276031/us-philippines-reaffirm-commitment-under-mdt.html
AFP on track to decimating NPA by mid-2019
From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 20): AFP on track to decimating NPA by mid-2019
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Thursday that it is on the right track in the campaign to decimate the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) by middle of next year.
Armed Forces of the Philippines-Public Affairs Office (AFP-PAO) chief Marine Colonel Edgard Arevalo (YouTube via UNTV / MANILA BULLETIN)
Colonel Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesman, said that, given the resolve of the current administration, and the cooperation of other agencies of government, the AFP is confident that it will succeed in its mission of defeating the enemy.
Arevalo said the number of NPA regulars and supporters surrendering in droves with their firearms is phenomenal, indicating a decline in their force.
“Their Guerrilla Fronts were either dismantled or downgraded one after the other. High-ranking leaders of this terrorist group are neutralized in succession,” Arevalo said in a statement. “These are what the CPP-NPA continues to ignore or refuses accept. It’s more like them whistling in the dark.”
“Or this could be NPA rhetorics to project capability and entice other groups to join them in their bid to topple the President?” he added.
Arevalo said that the military will ensure that they will not succeed with their plans.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/09/20/afp-on-track-to-decimating-npa-by-mid-2019/
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Thursday that it is on the right track in the campaign to decimate the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) by middle of next year.
Armed Forces of the Philippines-Public Affairs Office (AFP-PAO) chief Marine Colonel Edgard Arevalo (YouTube via UNTV / MANILA BULLETIN)
Colonel Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesman, said that, given the resolve of the current administration, and the cooperation of other agencies of government, the AFP is confident that it will succeed in its mission of defeating the enemy.
Arevalo said the number of NPA regulars and supporters surrendering in droves with their firearms is phenomenal, indicating a decline in their force.
“Their Guerrilla Fronts were either dismantled or downgraded one after the other. High-ranking leaders of this terrorist group are neutralized in succession,” Arevalo said in a statement. “These are what the CPP-NPA continues to ignore or refuses accept. It’s more like them whistling in the dark.”
“Or this could be NPA rhetorics to project capability and entice other groups to join them in their bid to topple the President?” he added.
Arevalo said that the military will ensure that they will not succeed with their plans.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/09/20/afp-on-track-to-decimating-npa-by-mid-2019/
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