Army, MILF capture young ISIS fighters in South

From the Mindanao Examiner (May 27,2023): Army, MILF capture young ISIS fighters in South

COTABATO CITY - The Philippine military on Saturday said army troops and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members captured four young fighters of the local ISIS group in a rare joint operation in Lanao del Sur province in the restive Bangsamoro autonomous region, a hotbed of Muslim insurgency in the South.

Security officials said intelligence provided by the MILF led to the capture of the Dawlah Islamiya (DI) - Arabic words for "Islamic State" - fighters on Thursday evening, May 25, in Pabrika village in the town of Marugong.

It was unknown whether the military delayed the release of the information to the press due to continuing joint operation between the army and the MILF or the ongoing interrogation of the captured Islamists, two of them 18 years old and the other pair 14 and 16.

One of the fighters, Saidi, is the younger brother of DI sub-leader known by his nom de guerre Abu Sham, according to Army Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, commander of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan.

"Troops of the 32nd Infantry Battalion acted on information from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front members under Esmail Cosain regarding the presence of unidentified armed men in Barangay Pabrika, Marugong, Lanao del Sur. While moving towards the target area, operating troops, composed of a platoon of soldiers and five MILF members, sighted a group of armed men. Sensing the presence of the government forces, the armed men scampered in different directions prompting the troops to execute a hasty raid," Nafarrete said.

He said the four DI fighters are all under Juhari Sandab, whose group is operating in the province. "Accordingly, they were waiting for supplies and foodstuffs coming from their supporters in the area," the officer said, adding, soldiers also seized weapons and explosives from the four fighters.

Among the seized weapons were one M14 rifle, one M16A1 rifle, one Remington R4 rifle, one M1903 Springfield rifle, M203 grenade launcher and five 40mm grenades; including five improvised explosives and assorted magazines and ammunition.

Army Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, commended Nafarrete for the capture of the four fighters and cited "the good relationship between the MILF and the military in the area, which resulted in the successful operation."

The MILF signed a peace deal with the government in 2014, but despite the accord, the members of the former rebel group are still heavily armed and continue to maintain dozens of strongholds in the region.

The DI considers the MILF a rival and branded its members as "apostate Moro militia" and declared a total war with them, according to the Middle East, Iran, South Asia, and North and West Africa (MEMRI).

MEMRI reported that members of the "Islamic State East Asia Province" (ISEAP) claimed responsibility for the May 13 attack against MILF positions with machine guns in the village of Tuayan in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan town in the neighboring province of Maguindanao causing MILF members to flee. ISEAP fighters also burned the MILF positions and seized an anti-tank rocket launcher. (Mindanao Examiner)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/05/army-milf-capture-young-isis-fighters.html

3 Sayyaf men surrender in Basilan, Sulu

 From the Mindanao Examiner (May 27, 2023): 3 Sayyaf men surrender in Basilan, Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Three Abu Sayyaf terrorists surrendered separately to the Philippine Navy in the southern Muslim province of Basilan and Sulu with security officials saying the trio may be given amnesty under the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

The trio - Akmad Hassan, Sibar Asid, and Anting Addalal - who surrendered on Thursday, May 25, also underwent a thorough medical check-up at the military's Camp Navarro General Hospital here to ensure their well-being, said Rear Adm. Donn Anthony Miraflor, commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), which facilitated the surrender of the terrorists.

"They were turned over to the Joint Task Force-Basilan and Joint Task Force-Sulu, in collaboration with MPOS-BARMM, for proper documentation and appropriate disposition, and their possible inclusion in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program," Miraflor said, referring to the Ministry of Public Order and Safety of the Bangsamoro autonomous region.

"They (surrenderers) willingly turned over a significant cache of firearms and explosives, demonstrating their commitment to leaving behind their militant activities," he added.

The former Abu Sayyaf members turned over one M16 rifle, one M1 Garand rifle, one .45-caliber pistol, one fragmentation grenade, one smoke grenade, one canister of tear gas and ammunition, according to Miraflor, who said the men were presented to Army Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, chief of the Western Mindanao Command. "The continuous surrender of ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) members is a testament to the NFWM’s unwavering efforts to establish lasting peace and security in the Western Mindanao," he said. (Mindanao Examiner)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/05/3-sayyaf-men-surrender-in-basilan-sulu.html

PH, Japan, US coast guards to hold drills starting June 1

From the Philippine News Agency (May 29, 2023): PH, Japan, US coast guards to hold drills starting June 1

BRP Melchora Aquino (Photo courtesy of PCG)

MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will hold its first-ever trilateral maritime exercise with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) off the waters of Mariveles in Bataan from June 1 to 7.

The PCG will deploy BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), BRP Boracay (FPB-2401), and one 44-meter multi-role response vessel, while the USCG and JCG will send USCGC Stratton (WMSL-752) and Akitsushima (PLH-32), respectively.

The PCG acquired the BRP Melchora Aquino and the participating 44-meter MRRV through the Japan International Cooperation Agency-Department of Transportation Maritime Safety Improvement Project.

In a news release, the PCG said the joint maritime exercise would strengthen interoperability through communication exercises, maneuvering drills, photo exercises, maritime law enforcement training, search and rescue (SAR) and passing exercises.

Participating coast guard personnel will demonstrate a scenario involving a suspected vessel involved in piracy.

The joint law enforcement team from the three coast Guards will carry out a boarding inspection followed by a SAR operation.

PCG Vice Admiral Rolando Punzalan Jr. said the exercise would also improve maritime cooperation and understanding.

"The US Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard have been assisting us in our human resource development program, particularly in law enforcement training. This is a good opportunity to thank and show them what our personnel learned from their programs," Punzalan said.

The week-long exercise also involves a sporting event to strengthen the three coast guards' camaraderie, a special interest exchange for women in maritime law enforcement, and an expert exchange for PCG personnel's professional development.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1202384

Reject Reds' extortion or face raps, PNP warns BSKE bet

From the Philippine News Agency (May 29, 2023): Reject Reds' extortion or face raps, PNP warns BSKE bets (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda (PNA photo by Lloyd Caliwan)

MANILA – The Philippine National Police on Monday (PNP) warned candidates for this year's Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) not to give in to the extortion demands of lawless elements such as the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. is particularly referring to the direct payment by candidates to the communist rebels who carry out extortion activities via their "permit to campaign" and "permit to win" during polls.

“Let me caution candidates who will fall for this election racket of the CPP-NPA that any form of monetary or material support to the CPP-NPA, a terrorist organization, is tantamount to ‘terrorist financing’ that is punishable under Republic Act No. 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. And if the donor or giver is an incumbent Barangay or SK official, the crime is further aggravated by willful disloyalty to their Oath of Office,” Acorda told reporters during a press briefing held at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Acorda, meanwhile, said they do not foresee serious security problems for the Oct. 30 polls.

“This early, we do not foresee any serious peace and order concerns on a national scale in the barangay and SK elections. The actions of some remaining active guerrilla fronts of the CPP-NPA are closely being monitored for possible conduct of atrocities,” Acorda said.

The 90-day election period for the election of officials of some 42,022 barangays across the country will run from Aug. 28 to Nov. 29.

The country’s top cop also urged candidates in this year's BSKE candidates and the public to coordinate with authorities for their security and safety.

“On the part of the persons of those who are affected there are procedures that can be adopted and they can avail of some of the exemptions being provided for by Comelec (Commission on Elections) like gun ban exemptions, they can avail of that and I think there was also a set date of the processing of these gun ban exemptions,” he noted.

Acorda said they would also conduct threat assessments to determine if barangay officials would need a security detail.

According to the PNP's Police Security and Protection Group, officials can only have one police officer and one protective agent to secure them but this can be augmented based on the results of the threat assessment conducted by the PNP.

Acorda also urged candidates to undergo drug testing for them to be able to present to their constituents a “clean bill of health”.

“This is a magnanimous manifestation of the individual candidate’s support of the national anti-illegal drugs campaign and should be recognized by constituents as a personal display of leadership by example, especially among SK candidates who represent the youth sector,” he said.

The COC filing period for the 2023 BSKE will be from Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1202385

Fresh encounter in N. Samar kills 4 suspected rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (May 29, 2023): Fresh encounter in N. Samar kills 4 suspected rebels (By Sarwell Meniano)

REBEL-INFESTED. The trail leading to upland Mabini village in Catarman, Northern Samar. Four members of the New People’s Army died while government troops seized several firearms in a clash in the mountain area of the village on Sunday (May 28, 2023). (Photo courtesy of Mabini Elementary School-Catarman)

TACLOBAN CITY – Four suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed after a clash with government troopers Sunday on the outskirts of Catarman, Northern Samar.

Several firearms were seized after the clash, the Philippine Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade said on Monday.

The report said two male and two female combatants died during the 15-minute clash that took place past 2 p.m. in upland Mabini village.

“Acting on tips from residents on the presence of armed NPA rebels, our troops have been patrolling the boundaries of Catarman, Bobon, and Lope de Vega towns. It was almost an ambush since the NPA rebels opened fire on the patrolling soldiers,” said Capt. Capt. Valben Almirante, spokesperson of the Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade.

The rebels belong to the NPA sub-regional guerilla unit deployed to reinforce the NPA front committee 2 dismantled by the military early this year.

After the clash, soldiers recovered two M16 rifles, two caliber 45 pistols, magazines, and the rebels’ belongings.

“This is a huge setback since the front committee 2 is already dismantled and the unit that took over the area also lost some of their fighters in this encounter,” Almirante added.

The military has been monitoring the movement of two remaining guerilla fronts in Eastern Visayas, all operating in Northern Samar.

They are hiding in the upland villages of Catubig, Las Navas, Silvino Lobos, Palapag, Mapanas and Gamay towns.

Several upland communities in the province are considered the hotbed of the communist terrorist group due to thick forests and poor road networks.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1202386

More cops deployed to Lanao Sur town threatened by ISIS

From the Philippine News Agency (May 29, 2023): More cops deployed to Lanao Sur town threatened by ISIS (By Edwin Fernandez)

MORE TROOPS. Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza (2nd from right), police regional director for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, visits Marogong, Lanao del Sur on Monday (May 29, 2023) to meet with Vice Mayor Haroun Marohom (left) and ensure sufficient police forces and soldiers to secure the town from Dawlah Islamiya terrorists. Police will stay in the town to monitor the peace and order situation. (Photo courtesy of Police Regional Office-BARMM)

PARANG, Maguindanao Norte – More police forces have been deployed to Marogong town and nearby areas in Lanao del Sur to ensure the safety of civilians after the Daesh-linked gunmen threatened to launch a Marawi-like siege.

Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza, police regional director for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), arrived in Marogong on Monday and assured local officials and civilians that the police will protect them.

A police mobile force company from Camp SK Pendatun, the regional headquarters of BARMM police based here, was dispatched to Marogong as early as Sunday morning.

“I came over to ensure and monitor the peace and security of the area and conducted a consultative meeting with local officials,” Nobleza said in a statement.

He assured Marogong Vice Mayor Haroun Marohom of police and military presence in his town.

Nobleza’s visit came after the local Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) group led by Fajarudin Pumbaya Pangalian, the self-declared leader of Dawlah Islamiya (DI) militants in the country, threatened to launch terror attacks.

The group ordered the civilians to leave Marogong using a two-way radio communication set, forcing about 2,000 individuals to flee to nearby towns leaving a few men to take care of their valuables since Friday night.

In his threat on Saturday, Pagalian said the offensives will be carried out if the four ISIS members earlier nabbed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and turned over to the military with their firearms are not freed.

No attack was launched so far but Nobleza said the police will stay in town whether the ISIS-linked militants will make true the threat or not.

“The national government, especially the Philippine National Police, is very much concerned about the safety of the people of Marogong considering the threat posed by the DI group in this municipality,” he said.

Nobleza said many civilians have returned home, but a few, especially women and children, prefer to stay with their relatives in neighboring towns of Binidayan, Tubaran, and Marawi City for the meantime.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1202457

NPA leader, 2 others surrender to task force in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (May 29, 2023): NPA leader, 2 others surrender to task force in Mindanao (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

FEMALE FIGHTERS. A female leader of the New People's Army (NPA) and two others, who are still recuperating from gunshot wounds, separately surrendered to the military amid offensives against the group in Kampo Ranaw, Marawi City, and Barangay Litapan, Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur, on Sunday (May 28, 2023). They surrendered through the efforts of the military and police forces in Lanao del Sur and Zamboanga del Sur provinces. (Photo courtesy of 1st Infantry Division)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A female New People’s Army (NPA) leader and two other women rebel fighters have separately surrendered to the Joint Task Force (JTF)-Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao (ZamPeLan) amid offensives against them in the region.

Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, JTF-ZamPeLan commander, said the female NPA leader identified only as Ka Maui surrendered Sunday to the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade in Kampo Ranao, Marawi City.

Nafarrete said Maui, 34, served as the secretary of the Sub-Regional Committee-5 of the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

She was recruited as a member of the NPA youth sector in 2007 and became a full-time guerilla fighter in 2011.

Meanwhile, Nafarrete said the other two NPA surrenderers identified as Ka Baby, 19, and Ka Jean, 25, also surrendered to the troops of the 10th Infantry Battalion Sunday in Barangay Litapan, Josefina town, Zamboanga del Sur.

Both Baby and Jean are members of the Iskwad Dos, Platoon Uno of the NPA’s Guerilla Front Sendong. They were wounded in a clash against government troops in Barangay Siloy, Calamba, Misamis Occidental on March 31 this year.

Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Western Mindanao Command chief, attributed the surrender of the three NPA rebels to the "relentless efforts" of the Army’s 102nd and 103rd Infantry Brigades and police counterparts in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao provinces.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1202449

4 Dawlah Islamiya fighters nabbed in Lanao del Sur

From the Philippine Star (May 28, 2023): 4 Dawlah Islamiya fighters nabbed in Lanao del Sur (By Roel Pareño)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Four fighters of the Islamic State-linked Dawlah Islamiya were arrested in Marugong, Lanao del Sur on Thursday, according to the military.

Abu Rasas, 18, said to be a sub-leader of the group of Fajarudin Pangalian, alias Abu Zacariah; an alias Saidi, 18, and two boys aged 14 and 16 were arrested.

An M14 rifle, a 5.56 mm M16A1 rifle, a 5.56mm R4 rifle, an M203 grenade launcher, a 7.62mm rifle, five improvised explosive devices and assorted magazines and ammunition were recovered from the four in Barangay Pabrika, Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, First Infantry Division and Joint Task Force ZamPeLan commander, said.

Personnel of the 32nd Infantry Battalion conducted the operation based on information provided by Moro Islamic Liberation Front members led by Esmail Cosain. Five MILF members joined the operation.

The military said the four were arrested while waiting for supplies and food from their supporters.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2023/05/28/2269550/4-dawlah-islamiya-fighters-nabbed-lanao-del-sur

Dawlah Islamiyah leader, 3 others arrested in Lanao

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (May 28, 2023): Dawlah Islamiyah leader, 3 others arrested in Lanao

GOVERNMENT troops have arrested a leader and three followers of the Dawlah Islamiya (DI) extremist group and seized firearms and explosives in Lanao del Sur, the military reported Saturday, May 27, 2023,.

Major General Antonio Nafarrete, Joint Task Force (JTF)-ZamPeLan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao provinces) commander, said they were arrested by troopers of the 32nd Infantry Battalion (IB) together with Moro Islamic Liberation Front members on Thursday, May 25, in Pabrika village, Marugong, Lanao del Sur.

The arrested DI extremists include Abu Rasas, 18, one of the key leaders under Fajarudin Pumbaya Pangalian, the Amir of DI-Philippines; Saidi, 18, brother Abu Sham, a DI-Lanao sub-leader; and, the other two are minors aged 16 and 14.


They were arrested while the 32IB troops acted on information from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front members under Esmail Cosain, alias Commander Delta, regarding the presence of unidentified armed men in Pabrika village, Marugong.

Seized from them were: one M-14 rifle, one M16A1 rifle, one R4 rifle, one M-203 Grenade Launcher, one Springfield rifle, five improvised explosive devices, five M-203 Grenade Launcher ammunition, and assorted magazines and ammunition.

The arrested suspects were detained while formal charges are set to be filed against them (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1962454/zamboanga/local-news/dawlah-islamiyah-leader-3-others-arrested-in-lanao

2,000 residents flee Lanao del Sur’s Marogong town

From MindaNews (May 28, 2023): 2,000 residents flee Lanao del Sur’s Marogong town (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 28 May) — An estimated 2,000 residents of Marogong in Lanao del Sur fled their homes on Saturday, fearing their town would be attacked by the Islamic State-inspired Dawlah Islamiyah in retaliation for the arrest of four of its members last Friday.

Shaminoden Sambitory, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, said the residents fled to the neighboring towns of Binidayan, Balabagan and Madalum late Saturday night following the arrest of the four suspects.

Sambitory said the fear that the armed group would attack Marogong town prompted the residents to seek refuge elsewhere. “That is our initial report and we are closely monitoring the situation in Marogong town. The officials are on alert status,” he said.

He said a total of 259 families or some 2,000 residents fled — 206 families to nearby Binidayan town, 45 families to Balabagan, and eight families to Madalum.

  

Marogong, Lanao del Sur. Map courtesy of Google Maps

Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarete, commanding general of the Army’s 1st Division, said the arrests came after a combat team saw the suspects who were allegedly waiting for their supporters to bring food and supplies in barangays Piangologan and Pabrika in Marogong town last Friday.

“The suspects were caught off guard by the quick raid by the combat patrol,” Nafarete said in a statement.

The military identified the suspects as Muhammad Nasif, 18; Saidi Macadaag, 18, and two minors.

Nafarete said the four are allegedly operating under Fajarudin Pumbaya Pagalian also known as Abu Zacharia, allegedly the new Emir of the Dawlah Islamiyah in the Philippines.

He said an M14 rifle, an M16A1 rifle, an R4 rifle, a Springfield rifle and a 40mm M203 grenade launcher, assorted ammunition were seized from the suspects.

In a press conference on April 2, 2023, Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza, director of the Police Regional Office, announced that three alleged supporters of the Dawlah Islamiya were killed and seven others were arrested during a joint operation in Barangay Matampay 1 Dumarpa, Bubong, Lanao del Sur.

Lt. Col. Jamal Christopher Adiong, chief of the intelligence unit of the Lanao del Sur police, estimated the number of hardcore members of Dawlah Islamiya at 14, led by Zacharia and hiding in the mountains of Marogong, Lanao del Sur and neighboring areas.

The Islamic State-inspired Dawlah Islamiyah, also known as Maute Group, laid siege on the Islamic City of Marwai on May 23, 2017. It took the military five months to defeat the group led by the Maute brothers Omar and Abdullah and the alleged ISIS Emir in Southeast Asia, Isnilon Hapilon of the Abu Sayyaf Group. The Maute brothers and Hapilon were killed.

Then President Rodrigo Duterte declared Marawi “liberated from the terrorist influence” on 17 October 2017 while his Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana terminated all combat operations in Marawi on 23 October 2017, exactly five months from Day One of the siege. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/05/2000-residents-flee-lanao-del-surs-marogong-town/

3 Sayyaf men surrender in Basilan

From the Manila Times (May 28, 2023): 3 Sayyaf men surrender in Basilan (By Al Jacinto)

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Three Abu Sayyaf terrorists surrendered separately to the Philippine Navy in the southern Muslim province of Basilan and Sulu with security officials saying the trio may be given amnesty under the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

The trio — Akmad Hassan, Sibar Asid and Anting Addalal — who surrendered on Thursday, May 25, also underwent a thorough medical checkup at the military's Camp Navarro General Hospital here to ensure their well-being, said Rear Admiral Donn Anthony Miraflor, commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), which facilitated the surrender of the terrorists.

"They were turned over to the Joint Task Force-Basilan and Joint Task Force-Sulu, in collaboration with MPOS-BARMM, for proper documentation and appropriate disposition, and their possible inclusion in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program," Miraflor said, referring to the Ministry of Public Order and Safety of the Bangsamoro autonomous region.

"They (surrenderers) willingly turned over a significant cache of firearms and explosives, demonstrating their commitment to leaving behind their militant activities," he added.

The former Abu Sayyaf members turned over one M16 rifle, one M1 Garand rifle, one.45-caliber pistol, one fragmentation grenade, one smoke grenade, one canister of tear gas and ammunition, according to Miraflor, who said the men were presented to Army Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, chief of the Western Mindanao Command.

"The continuous surrender of ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) members is a testament to the NFWM's unwavering efforts to establish lasting peace and security in Western Mindanao," he said.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/05/28/regions/3-sayyaf-men-surrender-in-basilan/1893398

4 Abu Sayyaf Group bandits surrender; DI teens arrested

From the Philippine News Agency (May 27, 2023): 4 Abu Sayyaf Group bandits surrender; DI teens arrested (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

SURRENDER. Rear Admiral Donn Anthony Miraflor (left), Naval Forces Western Mindanao commander, welcomes the Abu Sayyaf Group members who have turned their backs on terrorism in Zamboanga City on Thursday (May 25, 2023). The surrenderers underwent medical checkups and debriefing and will be evaluated for inclusion in government assistance. (Photo courtesy of NFWM-PIO)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The government continues to win the war against insurgency and terrorism with the surrender of four Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members here and in two provinces of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Col. Alexander Lorenzo, Zamboanga City Police Office director, on Saturday identified the four ASG members as Ahmad Mawali, Akmad Hassan, Sibar Asid, and Anting Addalal.

The 30-year-old Mawali, a resident of Sitio Niyog-Niyog, Barangay Muti here, also yielded an M-14 rifle to police and military operatives here on Thursday.

He is a follower of ASG sub-leader Marzan Ajijul, who was involved in the February 2017 ambush of a bus that injured eight passengers in Barangay Buenavista here.

Rear Admiral Donn Anthony Miraflor, Naval Forces Western Mindanao commander, said Sulu-based Hassan and Asid, and Basilan-based ASG Addalal surrendered through the efforts of the Joint Task Forces (JTF) Sulu and Basilan and the BARMM Ministry of Peace, Order and Safety, also on Thursday.

“They willingly turned over a significant cache of firearms and explosives, demonstrating their commitment to leave behind their militant activities,” Miraflor said in a statement.

The trio underwent a medical checkup at Camp Navarro General Hospital here and were turned over to JTF Basilan and Sulu for documentation and possible inclusion in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Mawali was placed under the custody of the Joint Task Force Zamboanga for debriefing.

All four received food packs as initial assistance from the government.

Teenaged DI members arrested in Lanao

Meanwhile, a key leader and three followers of another terrorist group, the Dawlah Islamiya (DI), were arrested while waiting for the arrival of their supplies in Lanao del Sur.

Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, 1st Infantry Division commander, said Saturday the four were arrested by troops of the 32nd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Pabrika, Marugong town on Thursday night -- Abu Rasas, 18, a leader under Fajarudin Pumbaya Pangalian, the amir (ruler) of DI-Philippines; Saidi, 18, brother of DI-Lanao sub-leader Abu Sham; and two others aged 16 and 14.

Seized from their possession were firearms, explosives, and ammunition, including grenade launchers.

Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Western Mindanao Command chief, commended the soldiers and credited the tip provided by the group of Moro Islamic Liberation Front commander Esmail Cosain.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1202328

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Sertipikasyong “kagyat” ng panukalang MIF, di dapat sundin

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (May 28, 2022): Sertipikasyong “kagyat” ng panukalang MIF, di dapat sundin ("Urgent" certification of the MIF proposal, should not be followed)

 

May 28, 2023

“Di konstitusyunal” ang hakbangin ni Ferdinand Marcos Jr na sertipikahang “urgent” ang panukalang Maharlika Investment Fund, ayon kina Atty. Neri Colmenares ng Bayan Muna at Sen. Koko Pimentel. Sa gayon, hindi dapat sundin ng mga senador ang atas ni Marcos na ipasa ito bago magsara ang regular na sesyon ng Senado.

Ayon kay Atty. Colmenares, “abuso sa kapangyarihan ng upisina ng presidente” ang ginawang sertipikasyon ni Marcos. Ginawa ito para ikutan ang konstitusyunal na rekisito kung saan kailangan ng tatlong pagdinig ang isang panukala bago ito aprubahan. Saklaw lamang ng ganitong awtoridad ang mga panukalang nakatuon sa mga kalamidad, pandemya o iba pang kalagayang pangkagipitan, aniya.

“Anong emergency sa publiko o kalamidad na tinutugunan ang Maharlika Investment Fund?” tanong ni Sen. Pimentel. “Hindi ba pangmatagalan ang pamumuhunan sa pondong ito?” Aniya, aabutin ng lima hanggang 10 taon bago matamasa ng mamamayan ang mga benepisyo, kung magkakaroon man.

Umalma rin si Sen. Chiz Escudero na nagsabing “talon sa kawalang-katiyakan” ang MIF. Kinwestyon niya ang kakayahan nitong kumita ng mas malaki sa kinikita ngayon ng mga bangkong pagkukunan ng pondo. Tinutukoy niya ang Development Bank of the Philippines at Land Bank of the Philippines, na kumikita ng abereyds na 6% mula sa mga pamumuhunan nito sa kasalukuyan. Tanong niya, makatitiyak ba na mas mataas ang kikitain ng MIF mula sa ₱75 bilyong pondo na kinikita nito ngayon mula sa pamumuhunan.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/sertipikasyong-kagyat-ng-panukalang-mif-di-dapat-sundin/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Mga akusasyon ng AFP kontra sa mga Lumad sa Davao, ibinasura ng korte

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (May 28, 2022): Mga akusasyon ng AFP kontra sa mga Lumad sa Davao, ibinasura ng korte (Accusations by the AFP against the Lumads in Davao, dismissed by the court)

May 28, 2023

Nakalaya noong Biyernes, Mayo 26, ang magkapatid na Lumad na sina Ismael Pangadas at Mawing Pangadas, at ang mga boluntir na guro sa paaralang Lumad na sina Lerna Laiwan Diagone, Jeffrey Diagone at development worker na si Elenita Elmino matapos silang ipawalang-sala sa gawa-gawang kasong human trafficking na isinampa laban sa kanila. Nakulong ang lima nang walo hanggang 10 buwan.

Ang magkapatid na Pangadas ay inaresto sa Davao City noong Hulyo 25, 2022 matapos dumalo sa protesta kontra sa unang State of the Nation Address (SONA) ni Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Ang magkapatid ay mga Manobo na mula sa bahagi ng Pantaron Range na saklaw ng Talaingod, Davao del Norte. Samantala, ang mag-asawang Diagone kasama ang kanilang noong 9-buwang anak ay inaresto ng 39th IB noong September 6, 2022.

Sa mga desisyon ng korte, bigo ang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) na patunayan ang krimeng ibinintang sa lima dahil sa mahihinang ebidensya.

Binati ng grupong Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas ang paglaya ng lima. Ayon sa grupo, ang pagpapawalang-sala sa mga “kasapi at tagasuporta ng mga eskwelahang Lumad ay nagpapatibay sa laban para sa…edukasyon na nakaugat sa kaalamang Katutubo, siyentipikong konsepto ng sustainability, at dekolonisadong pamamaraan sa kasaysayan.”

Pinagpugayan din ng grupo ang kahandaan ng mga bagong-laya na ipagpatuloy ang kanilang pakikibaka at pakikiisa sa laban para sa sariling pagpapasya ng mga pambansang minorya.

Giit ng grupo, ang paglaya ng lima ay isa lamang unang hakbang. Nangako rin ang grupo na igigiit ang pananagutan at pagpapanagot sa mga sangkot sa hindi makatarungang pagkukulong sa lima nilang kasamahan.

Samantala, patuloy ang panawagan ng mga grupong sumusuporta sa mga pambansang minorya na tuluyan nang ibasura ang mga gawa-gawang kaso sa binansagang Free Lumad and Environmental Defenders (FLED) 14, kung saan kabilang ang lima. Ang FLED 14 ay mga katutubong Lumad at tagapagtanggol ng karapatang-tao na binubuo ng anim na estudyanteng Lumad, anim na mga guro ng paaralang Lumad at dalawang lider ng komunidad, na ginigipit ng estado dahil sa kanilang pagtindig para sa lupang ninuno.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/mga-akusasyon-ng-afp-kontra-sa-mga-lumad-sa-davao-ibinasura-ng-korte/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Hustisya at “kambalingan,” panawagan sa ika-6 taong anibersaryo ng Marawi Siege

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (May 27, 2022): Hustisya at “kambalingan,” panawagan sa ika-6 taong anibersaryo ng Marawi Siege (Justice and "peace", a call on the 6th anniversary of the Marawi Siege (Justice and infidelity call on the 6th anniversary of the Marawi Siege)

 

May 27, 2023

Nagmartsa sa loob ng Marawi City ang mga bakwit at grupong Maranao sa ika-6 na taong anibersaryo ng pananalakay ng AFP sa syudad noong Mayo 23. Isinagawa nila ang “Solemn Walk for Justice and Peace” para patuloy na igiit ang hustisya at pagbabalik nila sa kanilang syudad.

Panawagan nila ang kambalingan (homecoming) na ligtas at may dignidad, hindi lamang sa kanilang mga buhay kundi pati na sa kanilang identidad bilang mga Meranao. Kasama sa martsa ang mga residenteng may mga kaanak na napatay o nawala sa panahon ng pananalakay at hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa natatagpuan.

“Sa ika-anim na taong paggunita ng Marawi siege ay muling ipinapahayag naming mga bakwit ng Marawi na walang substansyal na pagbabago sa aming buhay, nananatlili pa rin kaming bakwit na nahaharap sa samutsaring problema at kahirapan,” pahayag ng Reclaiming Marawi Movement sa naturang araw.

Sa tala ng ReliefWeb, mayroon ang 80,300 katao o 16,070 pamilya na hindi pa rin nakauuwi sa kanilang lugar. Nasa 70% sa kanila ay nananatili sa kanilang mga kamag-anal, habang mayroon pa ring natitira sa mga pansamantalang tirahan. Wala na ngang katiyakan ng kanilang kalagayan sa mga tirahang ito, kulang pa ang mga ito sa tubig at puno na ang mga septic tank. Isa sa pinoproblema nila ang banta ng pagpapalayas sa sobrang tagal nang mga temporary shelter, tulad nang nangyari sa Bakwit Village I sa Matungao, Lanao del Norte na napilitang ilipat sa Dulay Temporary Shelter na napakalayo na sa syudad.

Sa Metro Manila, isinagawa ng Sandugo-Movement of Moro and Indigenous Peoples for Self-Determination ang isang pagtitipon para gunitain ang pambobomba sa Marawi at ang kasabay nitong pagpataw ng batas militar sa buong Mindanao.

Sa Davao City, nagpiket naman ang mga demokratikong grupo para gunitain ang pagpataw ng batas militar sa Marawi at sa buong Mindanao anim na taon na ang nakararaan. Nagbunga ito ng napakaraming paglabag sa karapatang tao, kabilang na ang walang pakundangang pambobomba at ekstra-hudisyal na pamamaslang sa mga sibilyang Moro. Marami sa mga ito ay ipinalabas ng estado na myembro ng nakalaban nitong grupong Maute sa syudad.
Kumpensasyon sa mga biktima

Sa araw na iyun, pinirmahan ang Implementing Rules and Regulations ng Republic Act 11696 o Marawi Siege Victims Compensation Act, ang lubha nang naantalang kumpensasyon sa mga biktima ng pananalakay. Matagal na nila itong hinihintay para makabalik na sila sa kanilang dating lugar at masimulan ang pagtatayo ng kanilang nasirang mga bahay at ari-arian. Ang malala, naantala na nga, lubha pa itong mababa. Aminado maging ng mga upisyal ng Marawi na kulang na kulang ang matatanggap na kumpensasyon ng mga biktima.

Alinsunod sa batas, makatatanggap ang bawat pamilyang nawalan ng kamag-anak nang P350,000. Makatatanggap naman ng P35,500 kada kwadro metro ang mga may-ari ng mga bahay na sementado na nawasak at P18,000 kada kwadrado metro ang matatanggap ng mga may-ari ng nawasak na bahay na gawa sa kahoy. Gayunpaman, naglaan lamang ang estado ng P1 bilyong pondo para sa kabuuang kumpensasyon. Ayon sa mga residente, lubha itong mababa lalupa’t buu-buong mga ospital, paaralan at iba pang pribadong negosyo at gusali ang pinulbos ng militar sa araw-araw nitong pambobomba sa syudad.

Malayong-malayo ito sa taya ng Asian Development Bank noong 2018 na P11.5 bilyong halaga ng nasirang mga pampubliko at pribadong mga ari-arian, at P7 bilyon na pinsala sa kabuhayan ng mamamayan.

Higit dito, nananatili ang panawagan ng mamamayang Meranao para sa hustisya. “Totoo na isa ang compensation sa mekanismo para makamit ang transitional justice at dapat at kinakailangan na hangarin ng lahat ang hustisya,” anila. “Pero bago ang lahat, dapat na may pagkilala sa mga naging inhustisya at kung ano ang mga ito, kinakailangan na maipahayag ang katotohanan at mapanagot ang mga gumawa sa anyo man ng pagkukulang at mga kalabisan. Sa ganitong paraan lamang masisimulan ang proseso sa pagkamit ng hustisya at maghilom ang mga sugat.”

Samantala, patuloy na inookupa ng militar ang syudad. Mula 2017, umaabot sa 3,000 sundalo, o isang “supersized brigade” ang permanenteng nakatalaga sa syudad para diumano sa seguridad. Binubuo ito ng 103rd IBde, isang engineering brigade, isang yunit para sa Civil Military Operations at isang logistics team. Liban sa kanila, naglipana ang mga sundalong Amerikano sa syudad, laluna sa tinaguriang Ground Zero, kung saan itinatayo ang isang kampong militar.

Noong Mayo 22, pormal na inilunsad ang Task Force Marawi na binubuo ng 103rd IB, Philippine National Police at mga upisyal ng lokal na gubyerno. Ang pormasyong ito ay katulad sa itinayo sa ibang syudad sa Mindanao.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/hustisya-at-kambalingan-panawagan-sa-ika-6-taong-anibersaryo-ng-marawi-siege/