Westmincom honors 2 wounded soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (May 27, 2019): Westmincom honors 2 wounded soldiers

ACT OF GALLANTRY. Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, leads the awarding of medal Monday to two soldiers for gallantry in action in the internal security operations. (Photo courtesy of Westmincom Public Information Office)

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) has awarded medals to two wounded soldiers for gallantry in action during internal security operations.

Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Westmincom chief, on Monday led the awarding of medals to the two soldiers, who are confined at the Camp Navarro General Hospital in this city.

The awardees of Wounded Personnel Medal (WPM) were Private First Class (PFC) June Anthony Antipuesto of the Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion and PFC Niel Bendicto of the 13th Special Forces Company under the 6th Special Forces Battalion.

Col. Gerry Besana, Westmincom information officer, said Antipuesto was recognized for his gallantry in action during a firefight against some 30 New People’s Army rebels on May 11, this year, in Barangay Diampak, Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Besana said the 44th Infantry Battalion troops were conducting focused military operations when they clashed against the NPA rebels.

Besana said Benedicto was awarded WPM for the bravery that he exhibited during a firefight against 30 Abu Sayyaf Group bandits led by Mundi Sawadjaan on Thursday, May 25, in Barangay Igasan, Patikul, Sulu.

The two wounded soldiers also received financial assistance during the awarding ceremony.

“The award is our way of acknowledging their dedication and selfless service to the people and the state,” dela Vega said.

“May this award motivate them to be more steadfast in fulfilling their mandate,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070787

Abu Sayyaf kill 2 children in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (May 27, 2019): Abu Sayyaf kill 2 children in Sulu

A military physician at Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital attends to one of the three children who were wounded when the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits attack on Saturday, May 25, a community in Barangay Igasan, Patikul, Sulu. (Photo courtesy of Westmincom Public Information Office)

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) has strongly condemned the barbaric acts of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits after they attacked innocent civilians in the province of Sulu.

Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Westmincom chief, made the condemnation Monday after the ASG bandits attacked a community that resulted to the death of two innocent children.

The incident occurred late Saturday in Barangay Igasan, Patikul, Sulu.

“We strongly condemn the barbaric act of the Abu Sayyaf. There is no place for such barbarism in our region,” Dela Vega said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families of the innocent children,” Dela Vega added.

Col. Gerry Besana, Westmincom information officer, identified the slain children as Saiful Abdun, one and Jahid Usab, 12.

Besana said that six ASG bandits were killed while 15 others wounded as firefight ensued when troops of the Army’s 6th Special Forces Battalion, who were conducting Community Support Program (CSP) activities, immediately responded and “ferociously fought back to prevent the ASG from causing more destruction.”

Besana said the 15 wounded consisted of five soldiers, three civilians, and seven ASG bandits based on the report of the residents.

Besana said the troops rescued three injured children, who were caught in the crossfire, adding the military also assisted the residents to temporarily vacate the area “so as not to be caught in the middle of crossfires.”

He said the wounded soldiers and civilians are currently recuperating at Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070797

Air Force OV-10s grounded following crash

From the Philippine News Agency (May 27, 2019): Air Force OV-10s grounded following crash



GROUNDED. All OV-10 strike aircraft of the Philippine Air Force have been grounded following the crash of one of the bombers while about to land at the Sangley Airport in Cavite on May 24, 2019. The two pilots safely ejected and were recovered by local fishermen in the area 2.5 kilometers from the shoreline of Rosario town. (Contributed photo)

All of the North American Rockwell OV-10 strike aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) have been grounded following the crash of one of the bombers while about to land at the Sangley Point Airport in Cavite last May 24.

"(Grounding of the remaining OV-10 aircraft is) part of our safety procedure, the aircraft will be grounded," said PAF spokesperson Major Aristides Galang on Monday.

Around five to six OV-10s are still being operated by the PAF.

If needed, the South Korean-made FA-50PH fighter aircraft and McDonnell Douglas MG-520 "Defender" attack helicopters can be deployed for missions.

"Depending on the type of missions, we can use the MG-520s or FA-50s if necessary," Galang said.

There is no order yet as to when the grounding order for the OV-10s would be lifted.

Last May 24, PAF OV-10 with tail number 402 and belonging to the 15th Strike Wing, crashed while turning crosswind for landing on runway 25 of Sangley Point Airport during the scheduled proficiency flight.

The two pilots safely ejected and were recovered by local fishermen in the area 2.5 kilometers from the shoreline of Rosario, Cavite.

The personnel were immediately picked-up by a civilian fishing boat and brought to Major Danilo Atienza Air Base Hospital.

"The investigation team was already activated to conduct a thorough investigation of the mishap," Galang said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070721

Palace defends PRRD sitting out PMA grads’ diploma distribution

From the Philippine News Agency (May 27, 2019): Palace defends PRRD sitting out PMA grads’ diploma distribution

TOP CADET. President Rodrigo R. Duterte awards the Camella House and Lot Certificate of Ownership to Philippine Military Academy (PMA) ‘Mabalasik’ Class of 2019 valedictorian, CDT 1CL Dionne Umalla, during the commencement exercises at Fort General Gregorio Del Pilar in Baguio City on May 26, 2019. Umalla, from Alilem, Ilocos Sur, is the fifth female to graduate as valedictorian at the country's premier military institution. (King Rodriguez/Presidential Photo)

Malacañang defended on Monday President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s decision to let Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana distribute most of the diplomas to Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadets during their graduation rites on Sunday.

By practice, the President, who is also commander-in-chief of the military, is delegated the task of distributing diplomas. However, this is the first time Duterte mostly watched from his seat since he assumed office in 2016.

Duterte, who only handed out a diploma to class valedictorian Cadet 1st Class Dionne Mae Umalla, took a seat and let Lorenzana hand out the rest of the diplomas. He stood up again to hand out a diploma to 1st Class Danmark Solomon, goat or lowest-ranked member.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo explained that Duterte only had two hours of sleep prior to the commencement exercises, which were supposed to start at 9 a.m. but was delayed due to the President’s late arrival.

“PRRD lacked (sleep) the day before the event, working on papers, reading reports from various departments, and signing papers,” Panelo said in a statement to media.

“He is a night person. He usually sleeps at 6 a.m., he had to wake up at 8:30 a.m. for the PMA graduation rites so he had only two hours sleep,” he added.

Panelo said that the 9 a.m. graduation rites was still part of Duterte’s “sleeping time”, which is why he “struggled to be awake.”

He pointed out that Duterte asked Lorenzana to hand out most of the diplomas because he wanted to “reserve” his energy for the graduation rites’ other ceremonial acts.

“The protocol in distributing diplomas is either he does it himself or he tasks the Secretary of National Defense to do it. He opted to let SND did the handing of certificates. He reserved his energy for the other ceremonial acts he had to perform for the graduation rites,” Panelo said.

Panelo, meanwhile, assured the public that despite Duterte’s tardiness and sleepiness during the graduation rites, he was in good health and ready to travel to Japan on Tuesday (May 28) to attend the 25th Nikkei Conference on the Future of Asia on May 30 to 31.

“To the people who wish him to be seriously ill, they will be disappointed. To those who are concerned about his well-being, they should be assured that apart from what he already told the public of what ails him (which is not life-threatening) the President is in good health, robust enough to be travelling to Japan for an official visit upon the invitation of Prime Minister Abe,” Panelo said.

Panelo also defended Duterte’s jokes about offenses made by PMA cadets which included rape, robbery while he was pardoning the outstanding punishments for PMA underclassmen, saying that it is already part of the President’s personality.

“By the time he delivered his speech he was already in his usual, alert, impassioned and assertive self. He made some mischievous remarks to make people laugh. People have been used to his jokes hence his audience always receive them with hearty laughter,” Panelo said.

Duterte is known to crack jokes and use profanities in his speeches.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070724

Trillanes snubs Makati court hearing on rebellion

From the Philippine News Agency (May 27, 2019): Trillanes snubs Makati court hearing on rebellion

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV was a no-show on Monday at the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC Branch 150) for the first hearing of the rebellion charges filed against him for his alleged part in the 2007 Manila Peninsula siege.

Judge Elmo Alameda presided over the case which resumed after the Court of Appeals (CA) last March turned down the lawmaker's plea to stop his indictment for rebellion.

In a resolution dated March 18, the CA's Ninth Division, through Associate Justice Apolinario D. Bruselas Jr., denied the application for a temporary restraining order (TRO) filed by Trillanes’ counsel.

Associate Justices Myra V. Garcia Fernandez and Geraldine Fiel Macarang concurred with the decision.

The Makati court originally set Trillanes' hearing on March 20 but reset it to May 27 after Trillanes' counsel, Reynaldo Robles, cited that he has a previous commitment to appear in another trial.

In September last year, Alameda issued a warrant of arrest against Trillanes for rebellion over his involvement in the 2007 Oakwood mutiny.

The reinstatement of charges came after President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation 572 which declared the former Navy Lt. Senior Grade’s amnesty as void ab initio (from the beginning).

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070745

AFP aids DepEd in Brigada Eskwela, school opening

From the Philippine News Agency (May 27, 2019): AFP aids DepEd in Brigada Eskwela, school opening

Military units will assist the Department of Education (DepEd) and other stakeholders in the cleaning and repair of schools in preparation for the June 3 public school opening.

This was the response of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato, when asked what assistance the military can provide for the ongoing "Brigada Eskwela" initiatives which started on May 16.

"'Brigada Eskwela' is traditionally being participated in by all AFP units especially those in the field. We have a government interagency effort on that and field commanders are tasked to coordinate closely with DepEd and other cognizant agencies who are involved in this annual activity," said Detoyato in a text message to the Philippine News Agency on Monday.

"Brigada Eskwela" is done weeks before the scheduled public school opening to ensure that these facilities are ecologically conscious, resilient, clean, safe and conducive to learning.

Meanwhile, Detoyato said they will also help the Philippine National Police (PNP) and local government units in securing the public schools this coming June 3.

"The security aspect during opening of classes where millions of students troop back to the schools are also part of the security plans being coordinated with the LGUs, DepEd and PNP and is usually being tackled during peace and order council meetings and conferences," he added.

Also, the AFP public affairs office chief said securing and helping with the "Brigada Eskwela" is already part and parcel of the planning efforts of AFP field units.

"At the most, our field units augment the LGUs and PNP in the conduct of security during the first few crucial days of the opening of classes," Detoyato added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070723

AFP-CRS: AFP-PNP Solidifies Forces for Cordillera

Press Release posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Website (May 26, 2019): AFP-PNP Solidifies Forces for Cordillera

FORT MAGSAYSAY, NUEVA ECIJA – The Joint Task Force of the Armed Force of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) signed into existence Joint Campaign Plan “Kapanatagan Cordillera” 2019-2022 yesterday, in La Trinidad Benguet.

The campaign plan was signed during the RJPSCC Meeting held at the Police Regional Office Cordillera (PROCOR) Log Cabin in Camp Major Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet.

Joint Campaign Plan “Kapanatagan Cordillera” is a broad plan that shall serve as a guide to the AFP and PNP in the performance of their tasks of promoting peace, ensuring security and supporting development initiatives.

Participants during the event were Lieutenant General Emmanuel B. Salamat AFP, Commander of the Northern Luzon Command; Major General Lenard T. Agustin AFP, Commander of the 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army; Major General Pablo M. Lorenzo, Commander of the 5th Infantry Division, Phil. Army; and Police Brigadier General Israel Ephraim T. Dickson, Regional Director of PROCOR.

A short briefing and narration on the concept of the said campaign plan was presented before the actual signing of the plan that will be implemented for three years.

MGen. Agustin of the Kaugnay Task Force is positive that the campaign plan will be successful as it is geared towards inclusive growth and is anchored on several national strategic guidance such as the National Security Policy (NSP), the Philippine Development Plan, and the National Peace and Development Agenda, to name a few. He also mentioned that 7ID, as well as other AFP units, supports the PNP in all of their efforts.

He said, "As could be gleaned from the result of the past midterm national and local elections in CAR, it registered many firsts as declared by Regional Election Division- Cordillera Administrative Region (RED-CAR) which was a result of strong partnership and collaboration between the AFP and PNP. Now that we have shifted back to combat mode, all the more that we must work closely with each other in order to finally end the local communist armed conflict as desired by the President based on Executive Order Nr 70."

“This joint systematic approach of the government security agencies to ensure the socio-economic development of the people of the Cordillera Region through Campaign Plan “Kapanatagan Cordillera” shows the dedication of our security forces in putting an end to terrorism and insurgency in the area. So, the Army will put its best efforts to show that for us, this is not just a task but a heartfelt service for our people.” MGen Agustin added.

https://www.afpcrs.com/single-post/2019/05/27/AFP-PNP-Solidifies-Forces-for-Cordillera?fbclid=IwAR1uU4vZKigADj_J_SN3cfT8E5S0giQP4qjqw7J8Z4Ab6TqiFT4rTTe4y5Y

Think national, start local: tamingthe Philippines communists

From the Interpreter (May 27, 2019): Think national, start local: tamingthe Philippines communists (By Luke Lischin)

Peace talks to prise regional commands away from a longstanding insurgency hold promise but a national approach is key.

Insurgent group the New People’s Army has sought to foment a communist revolution in the rural regions of the Philippines (Photo: Manman Dejeto via Getty)

For more than 50 years, the Philippine insurgent group the New People’s Army has sought to foment a communist revolution in the rural regions across the country. The group has sustained itself by recruiting or coercing the support of local villages within designated regional commands.

But just as the group was about to celebrate its anniversary in March, the Philippine’s government suddenly dissolved the longstanding negotiations for dealing with the insurgent group’s political wing, known as the National Democratic Front. Instead of dealing with the whole, the authorities in Manila sought to exploit the distinctly local qualities of the insurgency by holding a series of peace talks across the various regions.

Instead of dealing with the whole, the authorities in Manila sought to exploit the distinctly local qualities of the insurgency.

Such localised talks have the potential to open communication between the government and regional NPA commands. In turn, this could reduce violence by lowering barriers to surrender and carefully reintegrating former rebels.

Since the NPA was founded in in 1969, approximately 40,000 people were killed over the course of the insurgency. Boasting an estimated membership of 26,000 fighters towards the end of President Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorship in the 1980s, the insurgency suffered defections and purges as a consequence of its internal rectification campaign known as the “Second Great Rectification Movement”. Current military estimates place the strength of the NPA at around 4,000 fighters.

For this latest drive for peace to succeed, extensive dialogue between local commands and representatives of the national government is essential; enticing rebels away from their commands with inducements can winnow the ranks of the NPA, but cannot end the insurgency. Without negotiated agreements to disband, disarm, and reintegrate guerrillas into civilian life, the government risks exacerbating the conflict by adding to the surplus of private armed groups plaguing the Philippines.

The approach is not entirely new. After the collapse of negotiations in 2013 due to alleged NPA atrocities and the resulting incarceration of communist leaders, President Benigno Aquino announced a “new approach” involving localised talks. Unfortunately, Aquino did not pursue a coherent strategy and did not succeed. Nevertheless, the legacy of Aquino’s efforts survived through local development programs, including PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA), which went on to become an important tool under the Duterte administration.

PAMANA is a “complementary track” to peace negotiations under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). The focus is on improving governance, reducing poverty, and empowering conflict sensitive or affected communities. Under Duterte, these efforts were combined into what was termed an Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), and based on military reporting, 423 NPA fighters and supporters surrendered to avail themselves of E-CLIP and other programs in the regions of CARAGA and Northern Mindanao within the first 3 months of 2019. Further, thousands of fighters and unarmed NPA supporters were reported to have surrendered in the months leading up to December 2018.

Unsurprisingly, the political wing of the NPA is opposed to localised peace talks. Jose Maria (Joma) Sison, the founder and chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines has derided localised talks as a cynical ploy by the Duterte administration to divide and conquer the NPA, and delegitimize the National Democratic Front. Joma has consistently argued that localised talks and livelihood assistance programs for those who surrender are “a waste of funds” that actually profit local officials receiving public monies for fake surrenders.

Scepticism of the number of NPA fighters surrendering is warranted, given the NPA continues to fight, and in the absence of publicly-available data on the number of NPA recruited versus those killed in action, detained, or who surrender. The National Democratic Front remains confident in the strength and integrity of the insurgency group.

Nevertheless, the government has successfully negotiated the surrender of NPA splinter groups in the past with mixed results. The Revolutionary Proletarian Army–Alex Bongcayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) split from the communist mainstream in 1995, and signed a peace agreement with the government in 2000 (although without actually disarming or disbanding due to unresolved issues). While a final agreement is currently undergoing review, outbursts of fighting between the rival Communist groups remain common, particularly on Negros, the country’s fourth largest island.

There are plenty of lessons to draw from decades of experience. Most obviously, negotiators and the Duterte administration should see localised talks as a complement to broader talks with the National Democratic Front, rather than a substitute. Local talks should not serve as an excuse for the Duterte administration to disengage from the peace process entirely.

[Luke Lischin is an Assistant Research Fellow at the National War College, Washington, D.C., and an independent consultant on political violence in Southeast Asia. His work has been featured in publications including New Mandala, The Diplomat, Rappler, PinterPolitik, and The Asia Times, among others. The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the National War College.]

https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/think-national-start-local-taming-philippines-communists

Insurgent group the New People’s Army has sought to foment a communist revolution in the rural regions of the Philippines (Photo: Manman Dejeto via Getty)

ASG attacks community dialogue; 2 kids, 6 terrorists killed in clash with military

From the Manila Bulletin (May 26, 2019): ASG attacks community dialogue; 2 kids, 6 terrorists killed in clash with military

Two children died while five soldiers and two other civilians were wounded when a large band of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) attacked a community dialogue with the military in Patikul town of Sulu.

Lt. Col. Gerard Monfort, spokesman of the Joint Task Force Sulu, said the fierce clash also resulted in the death of six ASG fighters and seven of their companions were wounded during the clash in Barangay Igasan at around 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

Monfort said a platoon of the 6th Special Forces was in Barangay Igasan to hold a community dialogue on livelihood and infrastructure projects being planned by the government in the barangay.

During the discussion, at least 30 fully-armed Abu Sayyaf men arrived and attacked the site.

Some of the soldiers engaged the ASG fighters while most of the troopers were tasked to secure all the civilians attending the dialogue.

“Our troops stood their ground with the mission of preventing the Abu Sayyaf from advancing,” said Monfort.

It was the civilians themselves, according to Monfort, who begged the soldiers not to allow the ASG from entering their community.

“The civilians told our troops there that if the ASG successfully enter their community, their houses will certainly be burned,” said Monfort.

The worst that could happen is that the ASG may also execute some civilians for talking to the military.

At all cost

2Lt. Christian Capiz, the platoon leader, said that they could have easily withdrawn from the area to consolidate forces with reinforcing Army troopers but he said it would be too dangerous for the civilians who would be left behind.

“We could have easily withdrawn and at least go to a safer position but I could not leave behind the civilians who were panicking and the children who were already crying,” said Capiz.

The pressure to secure the community was intense for the soldiers in the area.

When Capiz was leading the maneuver, he himself saw the pitiful condition of the civilians at the height of the gun battle.

The fleeing residents did not know where to go while some were already evacuating their wounded relatives.

At the back of his mind, Capiz said he knew that the worst could happen to the civilians if the ASG would outflank them and eventually get control of the community.

“So I ordered my men to hold their ground and prevent the ASG from advancing at all cost,” said Capiz.

Aftermath

The ASG withdrew after 30 minutes of gunfight as they lost six of its fighters. Seven others were wounded.

When the firefight was over, two children were found dead as a result of the attack.

They were identified as one-year-old Saiful Abdun and 12-year-old Jahida Usab.

Five soldiers and two civilians were also wounded. They were taken to a military hospital for treatment.

Furious

Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu, said that the leaders of the ASG in Sulu were furious when they learned that the local residents were meeting with the military.

“They were furious even with their own relatives whom they accused of collaborating with us,” said Pabayo.

While the top leaders of the ASG were already killed, the group still maintains fighters in Basilan and Sulu.

Attempts to wipe them out and even lure them for peace discussion would always fail.

The ASG was notorious for high-profile kidnap-for-ransom, beheading of their captives and soldiers and even bombing activities in the past.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/05/26/asg-attacks-community-dialogue-2-kids-6-terrorists-killed-in-clash-with-military/

6 illegal aliens arrested in Mindanao as crackdown intensifies at southern backdoor

From the Manila Times (May 26, 2019): 6 illegal aliens arrested in Mindanao as crackdown intensifies at southern backdoor

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) operatives arrested six illegal aliens in separate operations in Mindanao as the agency intensified its drive against undocumented foreigners entering the country through the southern backdoor.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente disclosed over the weekend that the bureau’s Mindanao intelligence task group (MITG) based in Davao City conducted the operations.

The illegal aliens were identified as Indonesians Jimbirs Da Lema and Supian Undingan, who were arrested in General Santos City; Warnakula Weerasuirya Jayathilaka a.k.a. Anton Rowel, a Sri Lankan; and Korean national Kim Yoonsig, who is on the BI blacklist, were arrested in separate operations in Tagum City, Davao del Sur.

Arrested in Davao City was American Branden Fitzgerald Dandridge; and Chinese Tony Co a.k.a. Alex Ubalde in Cagayan de Oro City. Both were overstaying.

“The apprehension of these illegal aliens stemmed from complaints we received regarding the activities of these undesirable foreigners in various places in the South. Hence, we encourage the public to report to us the presence of any illegal alien in their areas, and they are assured that these reports will be acted upon,” Morente said.

All six are now detained at the BI’s detention facility in Davao pending deportation proceedings.

Morente also disclosed that a total of 36 immigration border crossing officers have been deployed to the BI’s six border crossing stations in Mindanao and Palawan.

He said that each of these ports were being manned by six additional border crossing officers tasked to monitor and board and inspect travelers aboard sea craft that would regularly cross the country’s borders with Malaysia and Indonesia.

These stations are located in the ports of Brooke’s Point and Balabac in Palawan; Tibanban, Davao Oriental; Batuganding, Davao del Sur; and the islands of Taganak and Bongao in Tawi-Tawi.

The so-called southern backdoor route is from Sandakan, Sabah in Malaysia to either Zamboanga City or other nearby islands like Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, using a private sea craft and vice-versa. From Sabah, illegal aliens may take a flight to Kuala Lumpur and back.

Foreigners who enter and exit the country via these ports are mostly Malaysians and Indonesians engaged in barter, fishing and other commercial trading activities.

“Consequently, aside from thwarting the entry of suspected foreign terrorists and illegal aliens, these officers are also tasked to monitor and report on the activities of and apprehend human traffickers and illegal recruiters who smuggle their victims in or out of the country via the backdoor. Immigration authorities in the South have always been on a high state of alert since the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attack in the US.

The BI has a complete profile and pictures of suspected international terrorists and it would be hard for them to enter the country through standard routes.

Intelligence reports indicated that the foreign jihadists that fought side-by-side with the Maute group against government security forces in Marawi City entered the country through the backdoor.

https://www.manilatimes.net/6-illegal-aliens-arrested-in-mindanao-as-crackdown-intensifies-at-southern-backdoor/560036/

Sabah dusk-to-dawn sea curfew extended by another two weeks

From the Star Online (May 26 2019): Sabah dusk-to-dawn sea curfew extended by another two weeks



KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's dusk-to-dawn sea curfew will be extended for another two weeks until June 10, says Police Commissioner Datuk Omar Mammah.

He said the extension of the 6pm to 6am curfew was needed due to continuous threats from cross-border criminals, including from kidnap-for-ransom groups.

Omar said the curfew covers areas up to three nautical miles off Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.

"There is a need to continue the curfew in these waters to prevent the encroachment of terrorists and criminals who can threaten the safety of locals, international researchers and tourists on the islands," he said in a statement Sunday (May 26).

"We also want to ensure the safety of the people of Sabah who use the waters and are staying near the Esszone," he said.

He added that the curfew was to facilitate enforcement and monitoring of boat activities in the area as well as establish a sense of security with nearby chalet owners and fishermen through the presence of a security team.

"I have also given the authority to all district police chiefs to issue permits to any eligible applicants who fit the criteria to conduct fishery activities in the areas affected by the curfew," Omar said.

The curfew was first implemented on July 19, 2014, following a spate of kidnappings that also saw the beheading of Sarawakian Bernard Then Ted Fed and the killing of several others, including a policeman and tourists.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/05/26/sabah-dusk-to-dawn-sea-curfew-extended-by-another-two-weeks/

Philippines General: 2 Children Killed in Abu Sayyaf Attack

From BenarNews (May 26, 2019): Philippines General: 2 Children Killed in Abu Sayyaf Attack



A wounded civilian is treated at a military hospital in Jolo island in the southern Philippines, May 25, 2019.  Courtesy of Armed Forces of the Philippines

Two children were killed after gunmen linked to the Islamic State (IS) attacked a village where soldiers and community elders were meeting in the southern Philippine island of Jolo, the military said Sunday.

The attack Saturday afternoon was the latest deadly assault blamed on the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), four months after the militants allegedly worked with foreign suicide bombers to attack a Catholic Church in Jolo that killed 23.

Those killed were Saiful Abdun, 1, and Jahida Usab, 12, and six ASG gunmen. Five soldiers and two other civilians were wounded, according to the military.

“The death of the two innocent children and the wounding of civilians are indicative of the ASG’s desperate actions of sowing fear among the local populace,” said Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo Jr., the commander of Joint Task Force Sulu.

The soldiers were meeting with villager elders in the town of Patikul when about 30 ASG rebels attacked the village, triggering 30 minutes of clashes that led to the casualties, the military said.

Pabayo said soldiers were conducting community work as part of their activities to flush out the ASG gunmen. He said the militants were “furious (with) their relatives whom they suspect of collaborating with our soldiers.”

The attack came as the predominantly Muslim Jolo island was observing the holy month of Ramadan.

History of militancy

The ASG is a group of self-styled Islamic militants who have degenerated into banditry. The group is believed to be holding eight captives, including a Dutch national, a Vietnamese, a Malaysian, two Indonesians and three Filipinos, in Jolo.

In January, the ASG allegedly worked with an Indonesian couple to carry out the suicide bombing at the church in Jolo’s capital, which also wounded more than 100 people. Police and military intelligence officials have blamed the ASG for the attack while Indonesian investigators sent to the Philippines discounted the angle of suicide bombers from their country.

Previously, a senior ASG commander, Isnilon Hapilon, was named as the IS leader in the region. He led fighters from Southeast Asia and the Middle East and took over the southern city of Marawi just over two years ago where he had planned to establish a caliphate.

Government troops reclaimed the city five months later after fierce gun battles. Hapilon was among the more than 1,200 rebels, soldiers and civilians killed in Marawi.

With his death, it is believed that the overall leader of the ASG-IS faction is little known, Jolo-based militant Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, who allegedly planned the church bombing, according to officials.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/children-killed-05262019100324.html

For the first time, Duterte lets Defense chief hand out diplomas to PMA graduates

From ABS-CBN (May 26, 2019): For the first time, Duterte lets Defense chief hand out diplomas to PMA graduates



BAGUIO CITY - President Rodrigo Duterte delegated the distribution of most diplomas during the graduation of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, as he watched from his seat.

This is a first since he assumed office. In previous PMA commencement exercises, Duterte handed out the diplomas to all PMA graduates.

But on Sunday, the President only awarded the diploma, presidential saber, and the certificate of ownership to a house and lot to PMA Mabalasik Class of 2019 valedictorian, Dionne Umalla.

Vice President Leni Robredo then handed the award to salutatorian Jonathan Mendoza.

But for the rest of the graduating class, it was Lorenzana who awarded the diploma.

After the distribution of diplomas, the President again stood up to award the PMA 2019 class goat, Danmark Solomon with a caliber .45 gun. He also gave his watch to cadet Albert Jalaguit.

The graduation ceremony was delayed for close to two hours, after Duterte arrived late.

It was scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., but the President arrived a few minutes before 11 a.m.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/26/19/for-the-first-time-duterte-lets-defense-chief-hand-out-diplomas-to-pma-graduates

WESTMINCOM: WestMinCom conferred with Plaque of Excellence

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (May 25, 2019): WestMinCom conferred with Plaque of Excellence



The Western Mindanao Command, under the leadership of Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega, was conferred with a Plaque of Excellence by the AGI Team during the Annual General Inspection (AGI) Exit Briefing yesterday afternoon, May 24.

The award was presented to LtGen Dela Vega by Major General Antonio Ramon A. Lim, the Inspector General, at the Conference Room of the Western Mindanao Command in Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City.



The award was given for attaining an overall rating of 96.45% for Calendar Year 2018 during the 2019 Annual General Inspection conducted from May 14 to 24, 2019.

The AGI looks into the mission accomplishment, security preparedness, unit readiness, state of morale and discipline, and the effective and efficient utilization of resources of the Command.

“We are very honored to receive this kind of award. I would like to personally express my sincerest gratitude to all the officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees of this command and all the ground units,” said Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“This recognition is for all of us. Our hardwork and dedication has been paid off,” LtGen Dela Vega added.

http://www.westmincom.com/westmincom-conferred-with-plaque-of-excellence/

WESTMINCOM: 6 Abus killed, 7 others wounded in recent Sulu clash

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (May 26, 2019): 6 Abus killed, 7 others wounded in recent Sulu clash

While conducting focused military operation, troops of the 13th Special Forces Company, 6th Special Forces Battalion encountered 30 Abu Sayyaf Group members under Mundi Sawadjaan in Barangay Igasan, Patikul, Sulu at 5:35pm yesterday, May 25.



A firefight ensued that lasted for 30 minutes after which enemies withdrew bringing along their casualties.

6 abus were killed and 7 others were wounded during the encounter while 5 soldiers were slightly wounded.

Troops were acting on a reported harassment by the ASG in the said barangay where 2 children were reportedly killed and 3 others were wounded.

Troops immediately responded and assisted the residents to safely vacate the area.

Despite of being wounded during the first burst of fire, acts of heroism were displayed by 2nd Lieutenant Christian Capiz, the platoon leader of the Special Forces, with 2 other Enlisted Personnel, when they safely secured 3 children caught in the middle of the firefight.

“I could have easily withdrawn my troops to a safer position, but I cannot leave behind the trapped and panicking children. So I ordered my men to hold their position and prevent the advance of the ASG at all cost” 2Lt Capiz said.

Brigadier General Peter Angelo Ramos, Commander of the 1102nd Brigade said that the desperate ASG attack against the innocent civilians is a total disrespect to the tenets of Islam as a religion of peace and a blatant disregard in the observance of the holy month of Ramadan.

He said, “ASG attacks to civilians is not new to us. As can be recalled, they harassed our hapless civilians with mortar fires during the Medical and Civic Action Program in Brgy. Tanum, Patikul sometime in February of this year. Similarly, they ambushed a group of Brgy Taglibi school teachers, who were on their way to their work which resulted to the wounding of 2 PNP security escorts”.

Brigadier General Divino Rey C. Pabayo Jr., Commander, Joint Task Force Sulu stated that the ASG was enraged with the civilians for cooperating with the AFP. “They were furious even to their own families whom they suspected of collaborating with our soldiers” General Pabayo mentioned.

“The death of the 2 innocent children and the wounding of 3 other civilians are indicative of the ASG’s desperate actions of sowing fear among the local populace. Hence, I urge the peace-loving Tausugs to strongly condemn this unIslamic and treacherous acts of the ASG. Let us remain firm with our resolve in putting an end to this senseless killing of innocent civilians,” General Pabayo further elaborated.

Wounded soldiers and civilians are currently recuperating at the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu.

“We deeply condemn this terroristic act of the Abu Sayyaf,” said Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“On behalf of the men and women of WestMinCom, I would like to personally extend my condolences to the bereaved family of the innocent children who were slain by the terrorists,” LtGen Dela Vega added.

“Rest assured we will go after the remaining bandits and we will intensify security operations in the area,” he concluded.

Source: PIO Western Mindanao Command

http://www.westmincom.com/6-abus-killed-7-others-wounded-in-recent-sulu-clash/