Bodies of suspects found in Maguindanao clash site

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23, 2021): Bodies of suspects found in Maguindanao clash site (By Noel Punzalan and Edwin Fernandez)

STALLED. Hundreds of motorists are held at the Delta Bridge separating Cotabato City and the town of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao Saturday morning (Jan. 23, 2020) following an encounter between members of a heavily-armed lawless group and government forces. Military tanks (inset) are also deployed along the highway in Sultan Kudarat town to prevent a spillover of the incident to Cotabato City. (Photo courtesy of Anne Acosta/Mindanao Expose)

More bodies of suspects belonging to a local armed group have been found during clearing operations following a five-hour encounter with the police in the Maguindanao town of Sultan Kudarat on Saturday.

Maj. Ismael Madin, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Maguindanao, said three of the 12 suspects were identified as Datu Abdullah Kato Talusan, Pendatun Kato Talusan, and Datu Bembi Talusan.

“All were killed during the firefight,” Madin said, adding that a police officer, Staff Sgt. Elenel Pido was also killed during the encounter that started at around 3 a.m.

Injured during the clash were Capt. Ronillo R. Daligdig Jr., Corporals John Rey Aquino, and Gyvard Bando, and Patrolman Cayl Jun Gonzales of the police’s 4th Special Action Battalion.

Mandi said members of the lawless Talusan group are wanted for a string of murder, illegal drug trading, carnapping, robbery, and extortion cases in the municipality and nearby Cotabato City.

“The group is also linked to the series of recent highway shooting incidents in Sultan Kudarat that included police and military personnel,” Madin said. “They were heavily armed when they engaged our troopers."

Retrieved from the armed group were six M16 rifles, two .45-caliber pistols, a homemade .50-caliber Barret sniper rifle, an M14 rifle, a FAL rifle, and a .22 caliber rifle.

A team of Maguindanao policemen was about to implement search and arrest warrants against the suspects but were met with a hail of bullets as they approached the group's safe house in Barangay Limbo.

More forces from the Philippine Marines and the Cotabato City police later arrived in the area to secure the fleeing civilians.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1128319

53IB, Zambo Sur town honor fallen battalion commander

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23, 2021): 53IB, Zambo Sur town honor fallen battalion commander (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

FOR A FALLEN HERO. The Army's 53rd Infantry Battalion and the Guipos municipal government in Zamboanga del Sur name a newly completed 600-meter road concreting project in honor of Lt. Col. Dennis Villanueva, who died fighting Moro secessionists in February 2005 in Panamao, Sulu. Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, the current 53IB commander (left), and Lakewood Mayor Domingo Mirrar lead the inauguration of the project on Friday (January 22, 2021) in Barangay Poblacion, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur. (Photo courtesy of the 53IB)

The Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion (IB) and the municipal government of Guipos in Zamboanga del Sur named a newly completed 600-meter road concreting project in honor of the sacrifice and bravery of the battalion’s former commander, Lt. Col. Dennis Villanueva.

“The road bearing Lt. Col. Villanueva’s name is in appreciation for his ultimate bravery that will always be remembered and for his contributions as to what the 53IB has become today,” Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, the current 53IB commander, said in a statement Saturday.

Herrera said the road project was named in honor of Villanueva through a municipal ordinance passed by the town council on Tuesday.

Villanueva commanded the 53IB from Nov. 29, 2004 until his death on Feb. 10, 2005 while personally leading his troops in a firefight against a breakaway faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Barangay Bitan-ag, Panamao, Sulu.

Villanueva’s unit came under mortar fire from the MNLF faction at the height of heavy fighting in Barangay Bitang-ag, Panamao. One of the mortar shells landed directly in the area being occupied by Villanueva and some of his men.

Herrera said coinciding with the 36th founding anniversary of the 53IB, a ceremony was held Friday to dedicate the newly built road at the battalion's headquarters in Camp Major David Sabido.

“I am very grateful for 53IB and all who took the initiative in concreting this road. The people living nearby will greatly benefit from the improved concrete road,” said Lakewood Municipal Mayor Domingo Mirrar, the guest speaker during the project's inauguration.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1128334

DILG to review own 1992 agreement with UP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23, 2021): DILG to review own 1992 agreement with UP 

Interior and Local Government Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is set to call for a meeting with officials of the University of the Philippines (UP) next week for a review of its own 1992 UP-DILG agreement that limits police presence in UP campuses.

DILG Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya, in a statement Friday, said the meeting with UP officials in response to the latter’s request to address the concerns of the Department in the spirit of justice, mutual trust, and the pursuit of excellence.

The meeting, he said, will also find out if the agreement is still relevant and serves to uphold public order and safety within UP campuses. supports the recent act of the Department of National Defense (DND) abrogating the 1989 UP-DND agreement.

Malaya added that the meeting will assess the level of security in UP considering the proliferation of residential units, business establishments, and informal settler families within UP campuses, especially in UP Diliman.

“The non-academic areas in UP have increased through the years and crime has been increasing, thus we need to discuss ways on how we can maintain peace and order in those areas,” he said, adding that portions of the UP campuses that have been leased out to private developers such as UP Technohub and UP Town Center are now open to the public, not to mention the entry of thousands of informal settlers inside UP property that pose a problem for law enforcement because of the influx of non-UP faculty, students, and residents.

“With the growth of the population within each campus, the current capability of the university’s police and firefighting forces must be assessed. Kaya pa ba nilang panindigan ang responsibilidad na pangalagaan ang seguridad at kaayusan sa loob ng campus? (Could they still do their jobs in maintaining security and order inside the campus?)" he said.

Malaya said the UP-DILG Joint Monitoring Team has not met for years now contrary to Section 7 of the UP-DILG agreement which tasks the team to meet at least twice a year or as often as necessary to determine compliance with the provisions of the agreement.

“Upon the request of UP, we are open to a meeting. Kailangan na talaga nating umupo at mag-usap dahil sa dami ng mga pagbabago, pangyayari at problema sa UP (We really need to sit down and talk because of the many changes, events, and problems at UP). The bottom line is, and will always be, to ensure peace and security in the students and faculty of UP,” he said.

The DILG, he added, also intends to raise the matter of continued clandestine recruitment by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its front organizations of UP students earlier raised by DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Meanwhile, DILG Officer-in-Charge, Undersecretary Bernardo Florece said, “The agreement has become obsolete and no longer attuned to the times. It was signed way back in 1989, three years after the martial law ended, during the Marcos dictatorship. The times have changed. The conditions have changed.”

Florece shared DND’s sentiment on the ongoing clandestine recruitment inside UP campuses by the CPP-NPA and its political wing National Democratic Front through its various front organizations.

He said the agreement is being used by communist terrorist groups to allow them to operate freely.

"This fact has been tolerated by the government for a long time out of respect for the agreement," he added.

Lorenza, in a letter to UP President Danilo Concepcion on Jan. 15 said, “By reason of national security and safety of UP students, this Department intends to remedy this situation by terminating or abrogating the existing ‘Agreement’ in order for us to perform our legal mandate of protecting our youth against CPP/NPA recruitment activities.”

The DILG-UP agreement was signed by then UP President Jose Abueva and then DILG Secretary Rafael M. Alunan III after the enactment of Republic Act 6975 that effectively placed the country’s police force from the DND to the DILG. The Philippine Constabulary-Integrated National Police, now Philippine National Police (PNP), was formerly under DND.

Since the police was transferred from the DND to the DILG in 1991, both parties signed the DILG-UP agreement in 1992 with essentially the same contents as the 1989 DND-UP agreement.

Under both agreements, prior notification shall be given by a commander of an AFP or PNP unit intending to conduct any military or police operations in any of the UP campuses. They shall not also be allowed to enter the premises of the campuses without coordination with UP administration except in hot pursuit cases and similar occasions of emergency, or in ordinary transit through UP premises.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1128332

Duterte eyes purchase of new choppers for soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23, 2021): Duterte eyes purchase of new choppers for soldiers (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

Presidential Photo

President Rodrigo Duterte bared Friday that he is bent on procuring at least seven new helicopters for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Duterte’s plan came after a UH-1H “Huey” combat utility aircraft helicopter crashed in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon on January 16, killing five military personnel and two militiamen.

In a speech delivered in Jolo, Sulu, he expressed his intent to decommission all the PAF’s Huey helicopters to protect soldiers against possible plane crashes.

“Marami pa ba 'yang Huey na 'yan? Naiwan? Hindi, palitan ko na sana. Maano na talaga 'yan, luma na (How many Huey helicopters do we still have? I want those replaced. They are already outdated),” Duterte said.

He said he had already entered into a deal for the procurement of new helicopters. He, however, did not elaborate on the agreement.

“Magpabili siguro ako ng mga anim, pito, okay na 'yung pampalit sa ano, iyong Huey cargo. Mayroon kasi doon deal (I will buy six or seven helicopters to replace the Huey cargo helicopters. I already had a deal),” Duterte said.

The PAF has already grounded all of its Huey helicopters following the crash in Bukidnon.

The UH-1H and UH-1D models, or “Hueys”, are Vietnam War-era helicopters that have been refurbished to serve as the PAF’s main workhorses.

The Huey helicopter that crashed in Bukidnon went on a supply mission to a patrol base in the province but encountered engine trouble after taking off from Malaybalay City.

The latest plane crash was the fourth incident reported in six months, three involving Huey helicopters.

Killed in the crash were Lt. Col. Arnie Arroyo, pilot; 2nd Lt. Mark Anthony Caabay, co-pilot; Sgt. Mervin Bersabe; Airman 1st Class Stephen Agarrado; Sgt. Julius Salvado; Jerry Ayocdo; and Jhamel Sugalang.

‘Painful’

Duterte said he wants to procure new helicopters for soldiers because it is “painful” to see them die in the line of duty.

“These are all things screwing my mind kasi 'yung recent crash, masaktan ka talaga (because the recent crash is too painful for me),” he said.

The President promised to find funds for the purchase of new aircraft.

“I am not making any hard promises. But you can rest assured, I will try my best to look for money para palitan ko 'yung mga luma na (so I can replace the old helicopters),” he said.

The PAF has earlier commissioned the first six of 16 Polish-made Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters it ordered in 2019 as part of its program to modernize its fleet of helicopters.

The remaining 10 units are expected to arrive in the country within the first quarter of 2021.

The brand-new Black Hawk helicopters, manufactured by PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky company in Poland, will provide the PAF with sustained day-and-night tactical lift, transport, and search-and-rescue capabilities.

The Philippine government purchased the helicopters under the USD241.5-million government-to-government contract with Poland to meet the Horizon 2 phase of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1128331

Terrorism, insurgency continue to disrupt public order: PRRD

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23, 2021): Terrorism, insurgency continue to disrupt public order: PRRD (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

President Rodrigo Duterte. (Presidential Photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday lamented that terrorism and insurgency remain a threat to public order amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Speaking before troops in Jolo, Sulu, Duterte said terror groups and the communist movement have done nothing but disrupt progress in the country.

“Our progress as a nation has been hindered by the insurgency and terrorism for several decades,” Duterte said. “To this day, terrorism and insurgency continue to plague our land, disrupting public order in the middle of a pandemic. Eh, they are taking advantage of the situation.”

Duterte, nevertheless, expressed confidence that his administration, through the state forces, will succeed in its fight against terrorism and insurgency.

He was also grateful to men and women in uniform who are “taking the risk to deter those who disrupt the peace of our country.”

“With your support, I remain confident that we will prevail over the challenges that confront us. Be assured that the entire Filipino people are behind you as you secure genuine and lasting change for our motherland,” Duterte said.

‘Full support’

Duterte renewed his vow that the military would get his “full” support amid their war on terrorism.

“To you, the men of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, I would like to tell you that I am here – not really to protect wrongdoings because I will not also do that – but you have my full support in everything that we do, which I think is the best for the country and for the rest of the Philippines,” he said.

Duterte gave the reassurance as he honored AFP personnel who exhibited “exemplary heroism in the face of danger.”

He also thanked the members of the Joint Task Force Sulu and the 11th Infantry Division for their recent gains against the Abu Sayyaf Group.

“Your determination has greatly reduced their strength in the past year,” Duterte said. “As we march onwards this new year, I am hopeful that we will continue to eliminate these terrorist groups in Sulu for good.”

‘No compromise’

Duterte said no compromise would be reached with the terrorists and communist insurgents.

“Kung bayan ang pag-usapan, kapakanan na ng bayan (If we are talking about the welfare of our country) – and to everybody, to the communists, to the Abu Sayyaf, hindi ako puwede diyan (I will not allow it), I will not compromise,” he said.

The Communist Party of the Philippines’ New People’s Army, has also been listed by the Philippines as a terror group.

Apart from the Philippines, the CPP-NPA has been branded as a terror organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1128335

NPA member turned hitman killed in NegOcc

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23, 2021): NPA member turned hitman killed in NegOcc (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

A communist terrorist group member turned gun-for-hire was killed in an encounter with police officers in Negros Occidental on Friday night.

In a statement on Saturday, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas said the suspect Emmanuel Sampani was killed after he drew his weapon when confronted by agents of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) in Barangay Dulao, Bago City, Negros Occidental around 10 p.m.

The suspect was armed with three handguns when he shot it out with lawmen, which resulted in his death.

Recovered from the suspect said the three handguns, a hand-held radio, a mobile phone, and a wallet containing various IDs.

Police records revealed that Sampani was a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) Narciso Antaso Aramil Command (NAAC) operating in Rizal Province. He was transferred to Quezon province to evade arrest when the court issued an arrest order against him.

However, he was banished by the CPP-NPA for a sexual offense against a female comrade.

He had since returned to Negros Occidental where he linked up with a gun-for-hire group and engaged in hit jobs, gun-running, and land grabbing activities.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1128346

Philippines: Bangsamoro's deputy chief minister dies

From Anadolu Agency (Jan 20, 2021): Philippines: Bangsamoro's deputy chief minister dies (By Riyaz ul Khaliq)

Abdul R. Sahrin was battling brain tumor, says official statement

Photo courtesy: Bangsamoro transition authority parliament website

A deputy chief minister of the Bangsamoro autonomous region in southern Philippines passed away on Wednesday, the government announced.

Abdul R. Sahrin died in the city of Zamboanga in Zamboanga Peninsula after a month-long battle with brain tumor, the statement said.

Popularly known as ‘Hassan Jawali’ and ‘Cong’ among his supporters, Sahrin was the secretary general of Moro National Liberation Front, and member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament.

“He was a key figure in fighting for our right to self-determination and working towards our shared vision of a peaceful and progressive Bangsamoro,” the press release added.

The Muslim majority region, which has a population of nearly five million, voted for greater autonomy in a historic 2019 referendum, ending decades of conflict and paving the way for a three-year transition toward elections.

On Feb. 26, 2019, Al-Hajj Murad Ebrahim, who is also the chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which led the armed struggle, took charge as the regional head till 2022.

He appointed two deputies: Ali Solaiman for mainland, and Sahrin, now deceased, for island provinces.

After the transition period is complete, the region will have autonomy over internal affairs, establish and administer courts of Islamic law, and manage their surrounding waters jointly with the central government.

While foreign policy will be decided by Manila, former liberation fighters will be eligible to join the armed forces.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/philippines-bangsamoros-deputy-chief-minister-dies/2116377

MNLF declares Abu Sayyaf bandits persona non-grata

 From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jan 21, 2021): MNLF declares Abu Sayyaf bandits persona non-grata

ZAMBOANGA. The base commanders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) under MNLF commander Ali Julkipli declare the Abu Sayyaf bandits as persona non-grata in all of their camps and communities in Kalingalan Caluang, Sulu. A photo handout shows MNLF leaders sign the manifesto of persona non-grata declaration. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE base commanders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) under commander Ali Julkipli of Kalingalan Caluang, Sulu has declared the Abu Sayyaf bandits as persona non-grata in all of its camps and communities in the town.

The declaration is contained in a peace covenant Julkipli and his base commanders signed together with the Marine Battalion Landing Team-7 (MBLT-7) in a ceremony Tuesday, January 19, at the MBLT-7 headquarters in Karungdong village, Kalingalan Caluang.

Colonel Hernanie Songano, 4th Marine Brigade commander, presided the activity.

Lieutenant Colonel Eduard Olaso, MBLT-7 commander, said in a statement that the denouncement of the MNLF against the presence of Abu Sayyaf bandits in their respective camps and communities is a clear manifestation that MNLF, as Peace Inclined Armed Groups (PIAG), is one with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in establishing and maintaining peace and order in Kalingalan Caluang town.

Kalingalan Caluang Mayor Nurshamier Halun has lauded the coordination and cooperation between the MNLF and Philippine Marines in his town.

Songano praised the MBLT-7 troops for the "remarkable and significant accomplishment" in its Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Efforts in the second congressional district of Sulu.

"Likewise, the 4th Marine Brigade under Joint Task Force Sulu as a whole will continue to conduct intensified key leaders and stakeholders engagement in order to sustain the peace and development efforts in the area of operations," Songano said.

The peace covenant signing was witnessed by officials of Kalingalan Caluang Municipal Government and the town police.

Meanwhile, to further support the campaign for peace and order in his municipality, Halun has also facilitated the voluntary turnover of loose firearms to the MBLT-7.

Abdulla Suwaib Caluang and Sasad Madjuri, village chairpersons of Karundong and Kambing, respectively, voluntarily turned over one caliber .30 M1 Garand Rifle, one home-made 12 gauge shotgun, and one home-made M-79 grenade launcher.

"The voluntary turnover of loose firearms to the Marines has signified our utmost cooperation to the objective of the security forces in my municipality," Halun said.

Kalingalan Caluang, which comprises of nine villages, is a fifth-class town in Sulu with a population of 31,567, based on the 2015 census.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1883459/Zamboanga/Local-News/MNLF-declares-Abu-Sayyaf-bandits-persona-non-grata

Soldiers visit ongoing projects inside UP Diliman

From the Sun Star-Manila (Jan 21, 2021): Soldiers visit ongoing projects inside UP Diliman (THIRD ANNE PERALTA-MALONZO)

SOLDIERS aboard military trucks entered the University of the Philippines Diliman campus on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, not as a show of force following the abrogation of the 1989 UP-Department of National Defense (DND) accord but to visit their ongoing projects.

“Nandito po tayo ngayon dahil gusto po nating ipakita na mali 'yung mga sinasabi at sa mga speculation na bawal talaga ‘yung military dito sa Barangay UP Campus,” said Major Frank Sayson, 7th Civil Relations Group of the Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (7CRG, CRSAFP) commander.

“Ang sabi nga namin, itong ginagawa natin sa nation building, nagre-reach out ang AFP sa iba’t ibang sector especially sa pamunuan ng UP,” he added.

Sayson said forces of 7CRG have been going in and out of the UP Diliman campus for the implementation of their projects “Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko” and “Raise To 1 Million Gardens in the NCR” in partnership with the Barangay UP Campus with the approval of then UP Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo.

He said the “Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko” has been implemented since March 2020 at the height of the implementation of stringent community quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic and has since provided relief goods and humanitarian services to 436,140 households, or 1.74 million individuals.

“7CRG in the past eight months have started, established and maintained its campaign as vessel of blessings in extending a helping hand to less fortunate Filipinos not only within Barangay UP campus in Diliman but also in other cities and municipality of the National Capital Region (NCR),” said Sayson.

When Metro Manila was placed under general community quarantine, Sayson said they introduced the “Raise To 1 Million Gardens in the NCR” not only in Barangay Diliman but also in six other local government units in order to help those who lost their income and source of livelihood due to the pandemic.

He said they are fully aware of the then existing agreement and sought the approval of concerned authorities.

Nemenzo approved the project’s implementation for six months, from July to December 2020, which could be extended after review.

“The local residents of the said pooks (communities) in Barangay UP campus accepted the 7CRG’s ‘Hardin Hero Challenge’ that is to maintain and sustain their respective Community Gardens and further encourage their members to have their own household gardens enough to provide them adequate vegetables, herbal and medicinal plants as well as fruit bearing plants,” said Sayson.

He said these programs made the community resilient by educating them on organizing, mobilizing and in achieving gardening skills in order for them to become instruments of peace and development in their areas, built strong networks among the old and young residents in the community on the creation of awareness in urban farming, created opportunities of livelihood to the communities and gave the national government an alternative solution in motivating people to stay at home.

Meanwhile, former UP President Jose Abueva expressed disappointment over the termination of the agreement which he signed with the DND in 1989, prohibiting entry of police and military personnel in UP campuses without prior notice.

Abueva said the UP-DND accord was created during the term of the DND secretary Fidel Ramos with a deep understanding of the “inalienable rights to freedom, democracy, justice and peace that lasted beyond our respective presidencies.”

"There was a deep, mutual understanding of the need to uphold this agreement and do everything for the good of UP and the rights of its students, faculty and staff. This understanding was rooted in mutual trust, and mutual respect," Abueva said.

"I am appalled and dismayed about this unilateral abrogation," he added.

The pact was signed by Ramos and Abueva on June 16, 1989, following the conduct of a military operation in UP Diliman Campus which resulted in the abduction of Donato Continente, then a staff of the Philippine Collegian.

Continente said he was tortured into admitting to the murder of Colonel James Rowe, an American soldier who is a member of Jusmag. He was jailed for 14 years.

DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he ordered the termination of the agreement effective January 15, 2021 in order to protect the UP community, especially the students, from being recruited by the communist movement and suffering the same fate as the other UP students who were killed during law enforcement operations against the New People’s Army (NPA).

AFP Chief of Staff Gilbert Gapay said at least 18 UP students have been killed in clashes between government forces and NPA since 1975.

These students were members of legitimate organizations Gabriela, Kabataan Party-list and League of Filipino Students, among others, which the military claims to be front organizations of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Lorenzana said on Wednesday, January 20, that he was willing to meet with the UP administration to discuss the matter but they have to explain first why they were not able to protect their students from exploitation by the communist group.

He denied that the termination of the accord is in preparation for the militarization of UP campuses.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1883428/Manila/Local-News/Soldiers-visit-ongoing-projects-inside-UP-Diliman

MILF's bid for BTA extension not for power but to ensure success of peace deal – Murad

From Rappler (Jan 22, 2021): MILF's bid for BTA extension not for power but to ensure success of peace deal – Murad (PIA RANADA)

'Now is the time that it will succeed. We are asking everyone to give this a chance,' says the interim Chief Minister

Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Ahod "Al Haj Murad" Ebrahim made an impassioned push for a 3-year extension of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), saying it is primarily to ensure peace in Mindanao, and not a bid to stay in power.

"For us, it's not the power in the governance but it is the success of the implementation of the process of the peace agreement because it is the fruit of two decades of struggle," he said on Friday, January 22, during a virtual press conference.

"I myself, I started by joining the struggle when I was 19 years old. Now I am 71 years old so I have spent almost my whole life in the struggle," he continued.

The day before, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao celebrated its second founding anniversary. 

(READ: On 2nd year, Bangsamoro gov't struggles to deliver gov't 'felt' by people)

The BTA, led by the Chief Minister's organization, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), has a good chance of succeeding in bringing development and peace to the conflict-racked region, said Murad.

"Now is the time that it will succeed. We are asking everyone to give this a chance to succeed because it is not only for our good but the good of the Bangsamoro people and the entire Philippine people," he said.

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Failure could lead to more violence

Asked if MILF members, especially those with arms, will again resort to violence should Congress fail to grant a 3-year extension, Murad said he could not speculate on this but that there are surely "small groups" who could use the failure of a 3-year-old BTA to foment conflict.

"We can't say now if they will go back to war but we know there are still groups that are just waiting for failure because they will exploit on that," said Murad.

He said he was not "scaring" anyone but that the "reality" is that success in the transition process is necessary to prevent violent groups from gaining traction and followers.

Duterte fully supports Murad-led BTA

Murad also said that President Rodrigo Duterte expressed "full satisfaction" in the transition process and committed to support the BTA in whatever way is necessary for their success.

They had met in Malacañang on Thursday to discuss the status of the transition.


"He clearly pronounced that he is very thankful and he assured the support of his administration to the transition authority in order to accomplish its tasks," said the Chief Minister.

Malacañang has long said it backs the BTA's call for an extension, putting pressure on lawmakers to pass the needed amendment to the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

Five bills to this end have been filed in the 18th Congress. 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/milf-seeking-bta-extension-not-for-power-success-peace-deal-murad-ebrahim

WestMinCom creates new consultative board

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 22, 2021): WestMinCom creates new consultative board

THE PHILIPPINE military has formed the so-called Western Mindanao Command Transformation Roadmap Multisectoral Governance Consultative Board (WMCTR-MSGCB) with Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco as its chairperson.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said they initiated the creation of the WMCTR-MSGCB to champion the military roadmap by encouraging support and participation, providing expert advice in the implementation, and helping improve transparency and accountability.

He said this is in line with the Western Mindanao Command's commitment to achieve its vision to be a “World-class Armed Forces, Source of National Pride.”

Climaco already presided over a meeting with the WMCTR-MSGCB, whose members are composed of individuals external to the Western Mindanao Command who will perform as accountability partners to ensure continuity of its programs and initiatives. (Zamboanga Post)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/01/westmincom-creates-new-consultative.html

Security forces kill 4 ISIS supporters in South Cotabato

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 22, 2021): Security forces kill 4 ISIS supporters in South Cotabato

Police commandos killed four Filipino pro-ISIS militants in a clash in the restive southern region of Mindanao.

Commandos were sent to arrest the militants after tracking down their hideout Thursday in Basag village in South Cotabato’s T’boli town. The militants, who were members of the Dawlah Islamiya, opened fire on commandos, sparking a short, but fierce fighting that eventually killed all gunmen.

This was confirmed by Maj. Gen. Bernabe Balba, who heads the Special Action Force, in his report to National Police Chief Debold Sinas who said the fighting only lasted 5 minutes and no commandos were killed or injured in the clash.

He said the commandos were with members of the municipal police force serving the arrest warrants against the gunmen who were facing a string of criminal cases.

The slain militants were identified as Moen Macabangin, Saadin Macabangin, Narjaid Macabangin and Baharan Macabangin who were key suspects in the murder of two policemen in South Cotabato’s Polomolok town and the 2018 bombing in General Santos City.

Police forces recovered a Carbine rifle, two .45-caliber pistols, a fragmentation grenade, ammunition and a cell phone among other personal belongings, including dried marijuana leaves from the slain gunmen.

But a separate report by the 6th Infantry Division said the Special Forces soldiers were also involved in the “joint” operation and that fighting lasted not 5 minutes, but 20 minutes. Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy said the militants were also rushed to the hospital, but doctors declared all of them dead.

The Dawlah Islamiya is among the militant groups in the South fighting for the establishment of a caliphate in Mindanao. (With additional report from Rhoderick Beñez.)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/01/security-forces-kill-4-isis-supporters.html

Caraga RTF-ELCAC capacitates LGUs to attain common goals vs insurgency

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 22, 2021): Caraga RTF-ELCAC capacitates LGUs to attain common goals vs insurgency (By Jennifer P. Gaitano)

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 22 (PIA) – The local government units (LGUs) with its respective officials actively participated during the Levelling and Consultation Session conducted by the Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) held on Thursday. Through the help of the resource persons, participants were capacitated in addressing various issues and concerns that would directly or indirectly resolve the insurgency problem in the region.

The said activity was aimed to further capacitate the local Task Force with the knowledge on the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) strategies, tactics, programs; emphasize the need to address the 10 CTG programs; synchronize the effort from the national down to the regional, provincial, city, municipality and barangay level Task Forces; and sustain the gains of the task force's efforts in ending local communists' armed conflict.

Cabinet Sec. Karlo Alexei Nograles, Cabinet Officers for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Caraga, stressed that ending local communists armed conflict still remains as a top priority of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. And this levelling session and consultation was aimed to provide guidance to all instrumentalities of the government in Caraga region to achieve this common goal.

“This activity also aims to generate active support and involvement of all sectors thru a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach in fighting insurgency in the region,” added Nograles.

The official further reiterated that the president is keen on putting an end to local communists armed conflict under his administration. "With this levelling session and consultation in the region, we hoped to attain a common understanding on the battle against the CPP-NPAs, and ensure economic development and security particularly in the conflict-affected areas," he remarked.

During the course of the session, participating LGUs through its representatives were able to raise questions and clarifications, as well as shared strategies on how they would be able to help the national government and the task force in fulfilling the objectives and goals towards ending local communists armed conflict.

The group also discussed to take into consideration the following plan of action: strengthen network with stakeholders; orchestrate government programs as part of good governance; assist in the preparation of sectoral agenda; promote government programs and narratives and clarify burning issues; identify policy gaps and structural deficiency to attain good governance (social reform agenda); continue the conduct of sectoral studies; and sustain the IEC on sectoral studies.

Meanwhile, Secretary Allen Capuyan, executive director of NTF-ELCAC, urged all the LGUs and government agencies involved that also compose the task force to strive more and continue to implement their respective programs in line with the President’s Executive No. 70.

The creation of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCACs) is anchored on the Executive Order No. 70 signed by President Duterte in 2018 which mandates a “Whole-Of-Nation” Approach in resolving the communist rebellion.

Under EO 70, LGUs shall take the lead in the conduct of local peace dialogues as a way of peacefully engaging the rebels and convincing them to return to the folds of the law. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1064566

Surigao Norte town eyes programs vs insurgency amid pandemic

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 22, 2021): Surigao Norte town eyes programs vs insurgency amid pandemic (By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales)

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 22 (PIA) -- “This administration will not stop delivering equality and equitable public services and better governance.”

This was the statement of Sison town mayor Karissa Fetalvero-Paronia on the local government’s efforts to address and end insurgency in their area.

In her guesting in the Laging Handa Network Briefing episode today, January 22, the local official hinted some of their plans to address pressing concerns on insurgency, particularly on infrastructure.

“Yung concreting of roads… yun talaga ang main concern dito sa amin since there are still [some] dilapidated roads in Sison na nagpapahirap for the transportation of our agricultural products,” the mayor said.

They plan on using their Assistance to Municipalities funds for last year from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to construct local access roads. The mayor hinted that the project is in preparation for their housing project for local farmers.

Last week, the local government was able to implement the Community Support Program (CSP) in Brgy. Ima after having been cleared from the influence of communist terrorist groups, which required neutralizing more than 100 residents who supported the leftist cause.

“Plan namin po na pagbutihin talaga yung services namin. We have to package all our services and bring them to the grassroots level. Yun talaga yung aim namin,” Mayor Fetalvero-Paronia said.

As they continue to pursue the fight against insurgency, the local government is also hopeful for the establishment of the Provincial Mobile Force Company in their town to better equip the local police force. A hectare of land was donated for such a project.

Ending insurgency is paramount to what the town mayor has envisioned for Sison, which is to transform it into the main government hub in the province. The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has already established its provincial office in the area. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) provincial office is expected to establish its own office in the town as well. Next on that list is, hopefully, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) office, she said.

“[In] the soonest possible time, Sison will soar high and rise among the municipalities here in Surigao del Norte after masolve namin ang insurgency. We have a lot to offer here. Malaki po yung future ng Sison na we will be able to surpass all these things,” said Mayor Fetalvero-Paronia. (DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1064650

Army engineers, Philsaga turn-over one school-building to DepEd

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 22, 2021): Army engineers, Philsaga turn-over one school-building to DepEd (By 544th Engineer Construction Battalion) 

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Jan. 22 – The Army Engineers and Philsaga Mining Company finally turned-over to the Department of Education (DepEd) the newly constructed school-building in Wasian Integrated School, Rosario, Agusan del Sur on January 18, 2021.

The 544th Engineer Construction Battalion (544ECBn), 52nd Engineer Brigade Philippine Army led by Lt. Colonel Rodel V Pangilinan, constructed one school-building with two classrooms of DepEd which was funded by the Mindanao Mineral Processing and Refining Corporation (Philsaga Company). The project started last June 15, 2020 and was completed on January 18, 2021.

The establishment of these school-building project becomes successful through the collaborative efforts of the Army Engineers, Philsaga Mining Company, Local Government Unit of Rosario, Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades – Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (ASSAT-TESDA) and DepEd.

Engr. Rupert Joseph D. Tortal, representative from Mindanao Mineral Processing and Refining Corporation; Hon. Eduardo E. De Paz, Barangay Captain of Wasian, Rosario, Agusan del Sur; Nilo B. Montaño, Division Supervisor; Faculty members headed by Renante P. Probo, School Principal and parents attended the said event.

“We are very happy to have been given this opportunity to assist in the implementation of this school-building project. We have worked hand in hand with our counterpart agencies and stakeholders for the success of this project,” underscored Pangilinan.

“This effort is in consonance of the Executive Order No. 70 or the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC). We assure you that we will continue to bring our services to areas in dire need,” Pangilinan ended. (544th Engineer Construction Battalion/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1064572