Indonesian police snare 50 Jemaah Islamiyah suspects

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 26, 2021): Indonesian police snare 50 Jemaah Islamiyah suspects

INDONESIAN POLICE said they had arrested five more members of the Jemaah Islamiyah militant network as part of a dragnet that has snared nearly 50 suspects from the al-Qaeda-linked group in recent weeks, a spokesman said.

One of the suspects arrested recently – and who authorities identified only by his initials A.M. – was picked up in Tangerang, near the capital Jakarta, while the four others were caught in North Sumatra province, national police spokesman Brig. Gen. Rusdi Hartono said.

“A.M. was in charge of fundraising and was also tasked with conducting entrepreneurship training for all JI members,” Rusdi said in a statement.

The 54-year-old suspect is believed to have taught other members business skills so they could contribute money to Jemaah Islamiyah, Rusdi said. Indonesian authorities blame JI for the country’s deadliest terror attacks – twin bombings that killed 202 people in Bali in October 2002.

The police spokesman did not provide details about the suspects arrested in North Sumatra, but said officers had seized 31 donation boxes from the men.

The anti-terror police unit Densus 88 announced it had nabbed 22 other suspects in recent raids in Jakarta and Sumatra.

With the latest arrests, police have rounded up at least 49 JI suspects since late February. Police said most of them were linked to an East Java cell led by a militant named Fahim, a senior JI figure who was arrested on February 26.

Alms collecting organizations

The seizure of donation boxes underscored recent police findings that JI was raising funds using publicly placed charity boxes. Late last year, police said JI had used cash from more than 20,000 charity boxes set up at restaurants and convenience stores in seven provinces. “They placed most of the boxes in conventional food stalls because they do not need special permits. They only need to ask permission from stall owners,” national police spokesman Argo Yuwono said in December.

JI members contributed between 5 and 10 percent of their monthly income to the organization, according to the Center for Radicalism and Deradicalization Studies (PAKAR), a private Indonesian think-tank.

JI spent 2.4 billion rupiah (U.S. $166,000) to send members to Syria to undergo military training from 2013 to 2018, PAKAR estimated.

House of Representatives member Rudi Hartono Bangun called on the government to monitor organizations that collect alms, or zakat, from Muslims, because of fears that such money could be used to fund terrorism. “We must not allow terrorists to get operational funds from zakat paid by citizens,” he told a parliamentary hearing with the National Alms Agency (Baznas) and the Indonesian Islamic Endowment Board (BWI).

Only 11 percent of funds raised by charities affiliated with militant groups was used for social and religious activities, according to Garnadi Walanda Dharmaputra, a researcher at the International Association for Counter-terrorism & Security Professionals, who cited a study by this group.

JI in Sabah

Police in Sabah also arrested more than 80 Jemaah Islamiyah suspects from 2014 to 2020, including foreigners, state police commissioner Hazani Ghazali told BenarNews..

Among the foreigners arrested were suspects from Indonesia and the Philippines, Hazani told a local newspaper Daily Express last month.

He said Sabah could see attacks similar to the Bali bombings of 2002 and the attack on the J.W. Marriott hotel in Jakarta a year later, if law enforcement did not monitor and halt JI activities.

In Indonesia, police have stepped up arrests of suspected JI members since late last year.

Last November and December, police announced the arrest of Aris Sumarsono (also known as Zulkarnaen), JI’s military commander during the 2002 Bali bombings, and Upik Lawanga, who police said was an expert bomb maker.

Aris had been on the run from the authorities for 18 years. Upik was allegedly involved in several attacks in Central Sulawesi province between 2004 and 2006.

JI’s overall leader, Para Wijayanto, was sentenced to seven years in prison last July.

Although Indonesia banned Jemaah Islamiyah in 2008, the government gave it space and autonomy to engage in social welfare, charitable, educational and religious activities, as long as its members eschewed violence, counter-terrorism analysts had said.

“Indeed, in 2018, some Indonesian officials naively saw JI as a potential off-ramp for members of Islamic State and sought JI’s assistance in de-radicalization programs in exchange for a green light to operate,” scholars Zachary Abuza and Alif Satria said in a column for BenarNews last December.

JI has also used the Indonesian government’s lenience to rebuild its core foundations systematically, and has set up palm-oil plantations in Sumatra and Kalimantan to fund its leaders and expansion, they wrote.

(Benar News by Ronna Nirmala in Jakarta and Amy Chew in Kuala Lumpur contributed to this report.)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/03/indonesian-police-snare-50-jemaah.html

Former rebels, military in N. Cotabato gain farming skills from TESDA

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 26, 2021): Former rebels, military in N. Cotabato gain farming skills from TESDA (By TESDA XII)

Credit: TESDA XII

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Mar. 25 (PIA) -- Government efforts to foster peace in places where the communist terrorist group once had strong influence continue to gain ground.

Just recently in Tulunan, Cotabato Province, both former members of the New Peoples Army and troops of the Philippine Army together underwent training the accrue skills in organic farming.

Twenty-five residents of Barangay Batang, Tulunan who are former rebels and 25 personnel of the 39th Infantry Battalion under the command of Lt. Col. Geoffrey Carandang completed a 39-day course on Organic Agriculture Production NC II provided by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

At the graduation ceremony on March 1, one of the guest, Lt. Col. Jose Regonay Jr. who had experienced combats with the NPAs in the area when he was assigned there in the 90's said he "had chills" learning that both former NPAs and Army personnel are training to become organic agriculturist.

Lt. Col. Regonay recalled that in 1990 he, along with several other military personnel were conducting a medical mission to Barangay Batanag when they were ambushed. He said, the memory of a landmine explosion that killed his commanding officer and wounded several troops.

“When I first heard that I will be here with you, it made the hairs on neck stood. It gave me chills. Now I’m happy that my coming here is not be an encounter. With you, we will promote and push for peace,” Regonay said in his speech at the graduation rites.

Meanwhile, TESDA North Cotabato Provincial Director Norayah Acas assured that the program of TESDA will continue not only for the former rebels but also for their families.

Besides the certificates of completion, the trainees also received the allowances including P160 daily allowance, P500 internet allowance, and P500 personal protective equipment (PPE).

Trainings like these are TESDA's and the Armed Forces of the Philippine's response to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's Executive Order No. 70 institutionalizing a whole-of-nation approach to end communist insurgency.

In several interviews, TESDA XII Regional Director Rafael Abrogar II emphasized that in line with President Duterte's EO 70, TESDA, in collaboration with the AFP, PNP, local government units and other agencies, addresses insurgency by giving former rebels as well as marginalized communities, indigenous peoples, and other underserved sectors opportunities to improve their living conditions. (Karl Mike Tabingo-TESDA XII)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1070518

TESDA ZN launches USWAG IPs: PRLEC Project

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 26, 2021): TESDA ZN launches USWAG IPs: PRLEC Project (By Emmanuel D. Taghoy with reports from Shekinah Diosmano, TESDA-Zamboanga del Norte)

DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte, March 25 (PIA) – The government under one of its line of efforts to end local communist armed conflict continue to push for more livelihood for indigenous peoples’ (IPs) communities that are threatened and influenced by the communist terrorist group, CPP-NPA-NDF.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Zamboanga del Norte (TESDA-ZN) led the launching ceremony of the USWAG IPS “Unified and Sustainable Welfare AGri program for IPs” Project under the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) held recently in Brgy. Nazareth, Sergio Osmeña Sr. town.



A total of 42 beneficiaries from the area will undergo training on Carpentry NC II and Raise Organic Chicken under the USWAG IPs Project, that aims to specifically integrate and sustain the IPs through capacitating them by providing agriculture-related training programs.

The launching was attended by representatives of the Municipal Mayor, Barangay Officials and PRLEC member agencies including TESDA ZN, Department of Agriculture (DA), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Department of Education (DepED), Philippine Army (PA) and Philippine National Police (PNP).

During the program, each of the member agencies delivered their advocacies and support for the community.

Food packs from the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte were distributed to the trainees, who were identified by the Municipal Government of Sergio Osmeña Sr.

The 97th Infantry Battalion provided security and transportation to the member-agencies and equipment for the training.

A Training Induction Program (TIP) was also conducted by the Provincial Training Center – Sindangan to orient the beneficiaries about Executive Order 70, their responsibilities as scholars, the benefits that they will be receiving as scholars of TESDA, and to inform the scholars about the various skills training of TESDA for them to encourage their families and friends to avail of the scholarships and free training of TESDA. (NBE/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte/with reports from Shekinah L. Diosmano, TESDA-Zamboanga del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1070647

Sulu LGU, AFP, step up to repatriate displaced families

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 26, 2021): Sulu LGU, AFP, step up to repatriate displaced families (By Rene V. Carbayas with reports from 2SFBn, PA)

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, March 26 (PIA) – The Municipal Government of Talipao, Sulu, eyes the return of communities, some of which have been displaced for more than 20 years.

During an inter-agency meeting last March 17, 2021, the Talipao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMO) has resolved to repatriate internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the municipality in collaboration with the Joint Task Force Sulu of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“It has been two decades since people were displaced from the barangay. With the relative peace and stability, we are now enjoying, it is about time we return our people to their rightful communities so they can pursue a dignified and progressive life,” Alkhizar Alih, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRMO) Officer said.

Among those targeted for repatriation is Brgy Bud Bunga in Talipao. It was home to about three hundred families before numerous skirmishes between government forces and Abu Sayaff bandits displaced them in 2001 and again in 2014.

The community lies in the slopes of Mount Sinumaan, marking the boundaries between the municipalities of Talipao and Patikul. Its remote landscape is being taken advantage by the Abu Sayaff bandits as staging areas to conduct terroristic activities.
The area is also known for their seasonal yet bountiful Lanzones and Mangosteen harvests.

Prior to the meeting, units under Joint Task Force Sulu has intensified engagements to ensure stability and sustainability of the “newly harvested” peace.

“Our troops are postured to sustain the peace to foster and environment conducive to peace and development,” Lt Colonel Jooney Jay Busińos, Commanding Officer of the military unit covering the Municipality of Talipao said.

For the past months, troops of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion based in Talipao has been assisting residents and the local government “to get back on their feet” and enjoy the peace.

“Through the collaborative efforts of the local government unit, we are setting a favorable social environment for inclusive growth and stability,” Ltc Busińos added.

Since last year, a joint partnership between the 2nd Special Forces Battalion, Bounty Fresh Agri Ventures and Go Negosyo for a pilot poultry farm generated more than PHP250,000 in income. The pilot ventured employed local residents, including former Abu Syaff rebels in the Municipality of Parang in Sulu.

This developmental activity, the military hopes, would render violence and radicalism irrelevant as communities become more progressive, hence, more resilient to be dragged into conflict.

Under the AFP’s Development Support Security Plan “Kapayapaan”, military units have shifted significant effort to support the LGUs in winning and sustaining peace through development, good governance and security. The plan intends to address the root causes of violent extremism as a “whole of nation approach”, imploring a developmental approach to resolving conflict rather than relying purely on combat operations.

To date, the military is in its final phase to neutralize the remaining Abu Sayaff bandits, with Joint Task Force Sulu under Major General Gonzales, having marching orders to defeat the Abu Sayaff Group in Sulu before the second quarter of this year. (RVC/PIA9 with reports from CPT Ron JR T. Villarosa, Civil-Military Operations Officer, 2SFBN, PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1070746

OPAPP allots P4.7 million for PAMANA project in San Mariano

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 26, 2021): OPAPP allots P4.7 million for PAMANA project in San Mariano (By Merlito G. Edale, Jr.) 

CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela, March 26 (PIA) - The town of San Mariano is a recipient of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process’ Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) P4.7 million project.

The said amount is intended for the construction of 18 units multi-purpose drying pavement and water system in the town’s 12 far flung barangays.

The OPAPP’s project in places where there are threats of insurgency aims to address the needs of the residents residing away from the poblacion.

San Mariano Mayor Edgar Go said that the projects allotted to the town would be in addition to the existing project of the the town to address the plight of the residents residing in far flung barangays to make their life easier and comfortable.

Meanwhile, L/Col. Lemuel Baduya, 95th Infantry Battalion commander, said the success of the soldier in addressing insurgency is also the success of the whole officials of San Mariano.

The army officer expressed thanks to LGU San Mariano officialdom for the continuous support they are extending to the soldiers to make the town peaceful and orderly despite the threat of the CPP-NPA terrorists. (MDCT/MGE/PIA 2-Isabela)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1070630

2 rebels nabbed; two bodies found in NegOr clash site

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 25, 2021): 2 rebels nabbed; two bodies found in NegOr clash site (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

SEIZED WEAPONS. Police and military personnel view the firearms, ammunition, and other items seized in a three-hour gunfight between the 62nd Infantry Battalion and suspected New People's Army rebels in Sitio Agi, Barangay Trinidad in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on Tuesday (March 23, 2021). Ten suspected NPA members died in the clash while two others, including a minor, were arrested. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

Government troops have recovered two more bodies and arrested a minor and another male, both suspected members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) following an encounter in Sitio Agit, Barangay Trinidad in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

The discovery brought to 10 the total number of bodies retrieved by the 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army following the three-hour clash Tuesday afternoon, said Capt. Kelvin Bayaban, the battalion's information officer/spokesperson, in an interview on Thursday.

The two bodies were recovered during the clearing operations at the vicinity of the encounter site in Sitio Agit on Wednesday, he said.

Initially, eight bodies were retrieved after the gun battle, along with a cache of high-powered firearms, improvised explosive devices, ammunition, and suspected subversive documents.

Meanwhile, one of the two suspected NPA members was identified as a 17-year-old-boy from Barangay Budlasan in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental. The other was not identified due to security reasons.

Police Senior Master Sgt. Anito T. Labrador, operations non-commissioned officer of the Guihulngan City Police Station, in a separate interview, said only one of the two captured suspected NPA members was turned over to them.

The boy, he said, had a slight injury and being a minor is now in the custody of the city’s Social Welfare and Development Office.

All of the slain suspected NPA members remain unidentified and unclaimed as of today (Thursday), Labrador said.

They will be buried after a few days if none are claimed by their respective next of kin, he added.

In a related development, several families have fled their homes following Tuesday’s clash as government troops continue with their relentless operations to pursue the suspected NPA rebels.

An initial report relayed to the Army said the families have sought refuge at the Trinidad Elementary School (10); Panagtugas Elementary School (33); a church in Budlasan (10); Sitio Tuko (five); and Sitio Kasingan (two).

The evacuees were already given food packs by the city through its Social Welfare Office, Labrador said.

Government troops continue with their combat operations in the area as they anticipate a mass gathering of the NPA as it celebrates its anniversary on March 29.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134857

Reg’l ELCAC condemns NPA exploitation of children

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 25, 2021): Reg’l ELCAC condemns NPA exploitation of children (By Perla Lena)

INTERVENTION. Col. Joel Benedict Batara (left), commanding officer of the 61st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, says interventions for a 16- year-old New People's Army (NPA) member who surrendered as well as the case of nine pregnant members have been relayed to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The Western Visayas Regional Task Force-Ending the Local Communist Armed Conflict on Thursday (March 25, 2021) issued a statement condemning the NPA for the recruitment of minors and subjecting them to sexual abuse. (PNA photo PGLena)

Authorities said the Communist Party of the Philippines New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) has shown its true color as a terrorist group following the testimony of a young member on the sexual exploitation and sexual abuses committed by their leaders and several members.

The Western Visayas Regional Task Force-Ending the Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF ELCAC 6), in condemning the act, said on Thursday the CPP-NPA “holds no regard for the basic rights of a child”.

The statement released through task force spokesperson Flosemer Chris Gonzales added that the group “is an organization that tolerates acts of injustices and promotes sexual opportunities and objectification of women and children”.

Gonzales said the testimony revealed three “undisputed facts”: First, the “terrorist group deliberately recruits children” and make them as child warriors; second, they are trained to use firearms, make anti-personnel mines, to shoot and kill policemen, soldiers, and civilians whom they suspect to be enemies; and third, minor female recruits “suffer sexual exploitation and abuse from their own leaders and peers”.

“In view of these glaring facts, the CPP-NPA leadership and their legal fronts remain blind, deaf, and dumb to the plight of these female children whose lives are ruined by the despicable acts committed against them by the very same people who brainwashed them with the lofty and deceitful promises of a 'just and equal society' under the CPP-NPA,” she added.

On Tuesday, the 16-year old alias "Nene" prepared her sworn statement that would be used as the basis for the filing of cases and complaints before the Commission on Human Rights.

In a press conference that was held on the same day, it was revealed that there were nine other members of the NPA who are pregnant and wanted to leave the organization but are fearing for their lives.

Col. Joel Benedict Batara, commanding officer of the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) of the Philippine Army, said the information about the pregnant women had been relayed to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“Just like Nene, they have been indoctrinated. But we want to reach them out through other people so the true information and services of the government will reach them,” Batara said.

He said all the processes they would take will be in coordination with the DSWD.

The CPP-NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134867

10 armed group members yield to BARMM cops

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26, 2021): 10 armed group members yield to BARMM cops (By Edwin Fernandez)

RIGHT DECISION. Andi Anso (2nd from left), leader of a private armed group, turned in a .50 caliber Barrett sniper rifle to Major Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro, national director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) during surrender rites at the CIDG office in Cotabato City on Thursday (March 25, 2021). Nine other members of the group also surrendered to police authorities. (Photo courtesy of CIDG-BARMM)

Some 10 members of a private armed group (PAG) who served as security escorts of a slain mayor named as narco-politician and included in President Rodrigo Duterte’s narco-list have voluntarily surrendered here, police announced Friday.

The surrenderers were identified as Andih Anso, Kamsali Anso Bansil alias "Tali", Johari Anso Villanueva alias "Wari", Johair Anso Villanueva alias "Ting", Samsodin Anso Villanueva alias "Unggal", Arnold Anso Mohammad alias "Nods", Abobakar Anso Villanueva alias "Bakar", Abraham Udti Anso alias "Mego", Monib Anso Mohammad alias "Nibds" and Gani Anso Esmael alias "Gans".

They turned over assorted firearms, including a .50-caliber Barrett sniper rifle, to Maj. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro, acting director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) national office, during surrender rites held at the CIDG office on Thursday afternoon.

Maj. Esmael Madin, CIDG Maguindanao team head, said Anso also surrendered three live rifle-propelled grenades and two 40-mm grenade projectiles.

Anso admitted that his group was convinced by Madin, Col. Tom Tuzon, and Lt. Col. Cyrus Belarmino, CIDG-Zamboanga del Sur director, to surrender and live normal lives once more.

Ferro has lauded the local police and local officials of Parang, Maguindanao where the gunmen used to live.

“They have no criminal cases and their surrender was a good gesture they have no intent to commit crimes,” Ferro told reporters of the 10 gunmen who hid in Zamboanga del Sur after their alleged “boss” was killed.

Ferro declined to identify the former mayor who was killed during anti-drug operations in Cotabato City in 2017.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134948

P14.4-M housing project for ex-rebels to rise in Nueva Ecija

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26, 2021): P14.4-M housing project for ex-rebels to rise in Nueva Ecija (By Jason De Asis)

HOUSING SITE. Representatives from the National Housing Authority and the Army's 91st Infantry Battalion, inspect on Thursday (March 25, 2021) the site for the housing project intended for former rebels in Barangay Antipolo, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija. At least 32 former rebels will stand to benefit from this government's housing assistance program. (Photo by the Army's 91st IB)

BALER, Aurora – At least 32 former rebels will soon own houses in Barangay Antipolo, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija as part of the government’s continuing efforts to prepare them for reintegration into society.

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion (91IB), Philippine Army, said on Friday the housing program is one of the benefits that former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels could avail of through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip).

Rubio said the PHP14.4-million housing project will be built by the National Housing Authority (NHA) on a lot donated by the local government unit (LGU) of Bongabon.

“The lot was donated by LGU Bongabon through the initiative of Mayor Allan Xystus Gamilla to give our former rebels a chance to enjoy and improve their lives together with the family in their new residence,” he said in an interview.

In the program’s pilot site in Barangay Antipolo, the NHA will construct an 80 square-meter single-detached unit worth PHP450,000 each.

Rubio said representatives from the NHA, 91IB, and Municipal Engineering Office-Bongabon inspected the site on Thursday and discussed with the former rebels the application for housing assistance and other related matters.

He said the E-CLIP can help former rebels to encourage those still in the revolutionary work to also avail of the services offered by the government.

To achieve lasting peace, Rubio said the government is continuously delivering the much-needed services to the communities like the Convergence Program for Poverty Reduction that targets the remotest villages.

Through the convergence program, the LGU gathers resources and interventions from partner government agencies, civil society organizations, and others for a location-specific and comprehensive poverty reduction program.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134981

BTA extension a ‘call for peace': Ebrahim

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26, 2021): BTA extension a ‘call for peace': Ebrahim (By Edwin Fernandez)

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim (Photo courtesy of BIO-BARMM)

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim has described appeals for the extension of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) as a “call for peace.”

“It is a petition for amity and coherence. The call for extension of the transition period is a call for peace,” he told reporters here in an interview Friday.

Ebrahim’s remarks came after his speech before the BTA session hall on Thursday where he pointed out that the call has been gaining ground among the Bangsamoro people, peace advocates, and the country’s lawmakers.

“Following our productive meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte last Nov. 23, 2020, we have done various meetings, consultations, and dialogues geared towards promoting understanding, ownership, and support to the call for the extension of the transition period,” he said at the regional parliament session.

Ebrahim said the BARMM leadership has also conducted a roundtable discussion with the House of Representatives “to shed light on issues, nuances, and the rationale behind the proposed bills extending the transition period.”

He also told BTA members that he and other regional officials have met leaders of both Senate and House, explaining to them the importance of the proposed extension since this requires amendments to Republic Act 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

“Our local government units in the region and nearby areas have likewise expressed their support through official resolutions,” he said, citing the “yes for extension” position of the provincial governments of Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, and Maguindanao, the cities of Marawi and Lamitan, as well as the province of North Cotabato, and Lanao del Norte through its provincial peace and order councils.

Ebrahim specifically mentioned and appreciated the stance of Cardinal Orlando Quevedo who backed the call for extension and various local civil society organizations (CSOs) who manifested their support by initiating successful peace caravans throughout the BARMM that were participated in by thousands of vehicles.

He also noted that the online signature campaign launched by the CSOs garnered more than one million signatures.

Ebrahim, however, cited the need to iron out several issues in the proposed bills, expressing hope that they would be acted upon before Congress ends its regular session in June.

“We are very optimistic that the collective wisdom of the President and Congress will gear towards the complete realization of the most important legacy of this administration – the implementation of the peace agreement and consequent peace in Mindanao,” he said.

Under the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the transition period is only three years from 2019 with an election of BARMM officials also set on May 9, 2022, in time for the next national and local polls.

However, BARMM officials want to skip the scheduled 2022 polls for the region and move it until 2025 to complete transitional programs and projects for the BARMM constituents hampered by the pandemic.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134994

‘Cop killer’ NPA nabbed in Siargao after 2 years in hiding

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26, 2021): ‘Cop killer’ NPA nabbed in Siargao after 2 years in hiding (By Alexander Lopez)

SUSPECTED COP KILLER. Authorities arrest Thursday afternoon (March 25, 2021) in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Edwin Mongado Sr., the suspect in the killing of police officer Reil Mijares Morgado of the Santiago Municipal Police Station in Agusan del Norte on December 13, 2018. Mongado is the 7th most wanted communist rebel in Agusan del Norte, according to the police. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

After hiding for more than two years, a suspect in the killing of a police officer was finally arrested Thursday afternoon in the town of Dapa in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.

In a statement Friday, the Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) said Edwin Mongado, Sr. was arrested by a combined team from the Dapa Municipal Police Station and the provincial police offices of Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte.

Brig. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat Jr., PRO-13 director, said Mongado, 57, is the seventh "most wanted" communist New People's Army (NPA) combatant in Agusan del Norte for the killing of police officer Reil Mijares Morgado in Santiago town in 2018.

"Morgado died defending himself and his family in a failed abduction attempt and refused to be used as hostage leverage in the peace talk process,” Caramat said.

“Mongado has a standing arrest warrant for murder issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 34 in Cabadbaran City in Agusan del Norte,” he added.

Caramat said Mongado is the political instructor of the Union ng Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Norte (UMAN), an underground organization of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

“This should send a strong message to criminals in hiding. You can run, but you can never hide forever. We are as determined as ever to go after criminals who have been eluding arrest for years, decades even,” Caramat said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134997

Private armed group yields to CIDG-BARMM

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26, 2021): Private armed group yields to CIDG-BARMM (By Edwin Fernandez)

MORE SURRENDERERS. Maj. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro (right), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group national chief, receives a rifle from one of five men who voluntarily surrendered in Cotabato City on Friday (March 26, 2021). Ten members of another private armed group also yielded to the CIDG-BARMM office on Thursday (March 25, 2021). (Photo courtesy of CIDG-BARMM)

Less than 24 hours after a band of 10 armed men yielded to government security forces, another private armed group surrendered to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) here Friday.

Maj. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro, CIDG national director, welcomed the surrender of Gulam Poloyagan, Lumayon Guiameron, Sanodin Tando, Haisam Maliwanag, and Omar Ramalan Malinawag, who also turned in assorted firearms.

He said the surrenderers were private armed group members of a former mayor of Parang, Maguindanao, whose term of office ended a few years ago.

They decided to coordinate with CIDG-Maguindanao after learning that 10 armed followers of an ex-mayor who was slain in this city during an anti-drug operation in 2017 surrendered on Thursday.

The CIDG said it collected a total of 15 firearms, including a .50 caliber Barrett rifle, M-203 grenade launchers, and M-14 assault rifles, from the two armed groups.

Ferro said he was elated with the gesture of the gunmen, adding they opted to take the "right and peaceful path” so they could be with their families.

“It will help bring about peace in Mindanao,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1135001

11ID recruits Tausugs to boost village defense

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26, 2021): 11ID recruits Tausugs to boost village defense (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

The Army’s 11th Infantry Division (ID) is recruiting Tausug natives to join the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) to strengthen the community defense in Sulu province.

Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, 11ID commander, said Friday the recruitment is open for natural-born Filipinos in Sulu, 18 to 48 years old, with no pending case and physically fit to perform duty.

“We keep on recruiting Tausugs to join the CAFGU since the Task Force for Ending Local Armed Conflict (TF-ELAC) is returning internally displaced people (IDP) to their hometowns,” Gonzales said.

“Whenever we implement the Balik Barangay Program, local chiefs request the establishment of patrol bases to prevent members of the Abu Sayyaf Group from retaliating against civilians who support the government forces in eradicating terrorism,” Gonzales said.

CAFGU was created in 1987 through Executive Order No. 264 to complement the operations of regular military forces.

Lt. Col. Jooney Jay Businos, 2nd Special Forces Battalion commander, said Friday that 110 were chosen out of 165 civilian volunteers who registered to join the CAFGU.

Businos, who heads the recruitment screening committee, said that the qualified applicants would then undergo further screening to include neuropsychological and other medical tests.

Busiños added that the CAFGU training is tentatively scheduled to start on April 5 at the headquarters of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion in Barangay Bilaan, Talipao, Sulu.

The screening committee members are Lt. Col. Alex Gagula, commander of the 11th Division CAFGU Auxiliary Affairs Unit; Executive Master Sergeant Abdulbasir Abdua, Talipao police chief; and Sgt. Silverio Liwanag, representative of the 1101st Infantry Brigade.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1135011

New Zealand, EU join calls for rules-based order in SCS

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 25, 2021): New Zealand, EU join calls for rules-based order in SCS (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

RULES-BASED ORDER. Chinese fishing vessels are seen off the Julian Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea based on information from the maritime patrol by the AFP Western Command on March 22, 2021. The European Union (EU) and New Zealand on Thursday (March 25) joined calls to preserve a rules-based order in the South China Sea, urging all parties to adhere to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). (Photo courtesy of AFP)

The European Union (EU) and New Zealand joined calls to preserve a rules-based order in the South China Sea amid the reported "lingering" presence of Chinese fishing vessels at the Julian Felipe Reef last Tuesday.

EU Ambassador to Manila Luc Veron on Thursday said the bloc "stands by rules-based order" as he stressed the need for all parties to adhere to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

He also cited the statement made by High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell at a recent EU-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) ministerial meeting.

"We cannot allow countries to unilaterally undermine international law and maritime security in the South China Sea, thereby representing a serious threat to the peaceful development of the region," Borrell said.

New Zealand, meanwhile, urged parties to exercise "self-restraint, resolution of disputes by peaceful means, and undertaking cooperative activities to build trust and confidence" while it echoed calls for UNCLOS adherence.

The New Zealand statement was delivered during the 28th New Zealand-Asean Dialogue last March 23, where Manila reiterated its objection over the "continued provocative presence" of Chinese fishing vessels at the Julian Felipe Reef.

The Philippines said these vessels "not only infringe upon Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction but threatens security and stability in the region."

Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the United States earlier expressed concern over actions that may raise tensions in the South China Sea.

This prompted a sharp response from the Chinese Embassy in Manila, with the latest directed at the diplomats of Australia, UK, and Canada.

"Neither these diplomats understand the basic facts, nor do they have the ability to think and judge independently. But they came out with irresponsible comments, using the same scripts," it said Thursday.

"If the so-called 'facts' are false from the beginning, you couldn't be more wrong to repeat the mistakes. Understand and respect the fact before you make any comments," it added.

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian in a recent meeting told President Rodrigo Duterte that the Chinese vessels spotted off the Julian Felipe Reef within the country's exclusive economic zone were "seeking shelter".

The Philippine Coast Guard initially reported that around 220 Chinese fishing vessels, were sighted moored in line formation at the Julian Felipe Reef last March 7. The Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed on March 22 that around 183 Chinese vessels linger in the same area.

The reef is a large boomerang-shaped, shallow coral reef at the northeast of Pagkakaisa Banks and Reefs (Union Reefs) located approximately 175 nautical miles west of Bataraza, Palawan.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134931

PH air patrols keep tight watch over Julian Felipe Reef

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26, 2021): PH air patrols keep tight watch over Julian Felipe Reef (By Priam Nepomuceno)


Photo courtesy of AFP

The Philippines has been deploying military aircraft to monitor the situation off the Julian Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea following sightings of Chinese militia boats in the area, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Friday.

"We send aircraft every day to that. Our naval patrols need not be (sent) there to monitor," Lorenzana said in a message.

He said air patrols are more efficient in monitoring and observing objects on the sea.

"Observing from the air is easier, quicker, and more accurate," he added.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff, Gen. Cirilito Sobejana on Thursday said more naval vessels are deployed to bolster maritime sovereignty patrols off the West Philippine Sea.

This came as the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF WPS) expressed concern about a Philippine Coast Guard report that around 220 Chinese fishing vessels, believed to be manned by Chinese maritime militia personnel, were sighted in line formation at the Julian Felipe Reef on March 7.

“The NTF WPS notes this circumstance as a concern due to the possible overfishing and destruction of the marine environment, as well as risks to the safety of navigation,” the NTF WPS said.

The European Union and New Zealand were the latest to join calls to preserve a rules-based order in the South China Sea following the reported "lingering" presence of Chinese fishing vessels in the area.

Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the United States earlier expressed concern over actions that may raise tensions in the disputed waters.

China, however, maintained that these vessels are only "seeking shelter" in the area.

The reef is a large boomerang-shaped shallow coral reef at the northeast of Pagkakaisa Banks and Reefs (Union Reefs), located approximately 175 nautical miles west of Bataraza, Palawan.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134949