Palace urges Filipinos to do part in thwarting terrorism

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 23): Palace urges Filipinos to do part in thwarting terrorism

Malacañang called on Filipinos yesterday to cooperate with authorities and to remain vigilant in the face of numerous terrorist-related incidence and threats in various parts of the world.

“Let’s cooperate and let’s be vigilant,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in an interview over state-owned radio DZRB Sunday. “You know, terrorism knows no borders now, and therefore we need to cooperate with whatever advisories the government would put out, especially the important component.”

Last Friday, Islamist militants killed 19 people, including six Russians, in an attack on a luxury hotel in Mali. Jihadist groups Al Mourabitoun and al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) claimed responsibility for the attack, which ended when Malian commandos stormed the building and rescued 170 people, many of them foreigners.

The assault came a week after militants killed 130 people in gun and bomb attacks in Paris claimed by Islamic State (IS), and three weeks after a Russian airliner was downed over Egypt by a bomb, killing all 224 people aboard.

In the same radio interview, Lacierda pointed out the importance of being vigilant in the face of terrorist threats.

“There are packages which are not ours or which are very suspicious, just report it to the proper authorities,” he said. “In whatever suspicious items that may be found…there are media advisories and warnings.”

On the other hand, Lacierda said people should be wary of areas that are preferred targets of terrorists, especially in places where the public mill, such as malls.

“If we’re not supposed to be in that area, then don’t go to those areas,” he said. “Our law enforcement authorities have issued warnings and reminders about these circumstances. So it is really important for us to heed these warnings.”

He said people should also be watchful of their belongings and if there any suspicious items to report it to the proper authorities.

“We would ask everyone to cooperate and to be vigilant. That is our contribution to our fight against terrorism,” said Lacierda. “There will always be people who will not respond to the reminders and it’s our responsibility to do something about it. But, for the most part, we request our people to really cooperate and listen to the reminders and to be vigilant.”

Lacierda stressed that one of the important components in the fight against terrorism is the intelligence sharing among countries.

MNLF DENIES MEETING WITH ISIS, ABU SAYYAF

Yesterday, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) denied a Sabah police report about a November 15 meeting involving the MNLF, the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), and the Islamic State (IS) on Sulu island.

“That’s a lie, a figment of their imagination,” MNLF legal counsel Randolph Parcasio told the Manila Bulletin.

When the MNLF and Abu Sayyaf see each other, they shoot at each other,” he added.

At times this “intelligence reports are not intelligent at all,” he said.

Ayyobbie Estino Jairi, a senior MNLF leader, echoed the same reaction in a separate interview.

He said the MNLF and the Abu Sayyaf have no alliance.

“The MNLF is fighting for self-determination and the implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA); the Abu Sayyaf is into kidnapping and terrorism,” said Jairi.

Another senior MNLF leader, who goes by the name Hamza Sulaiman, a high-ranking leader of the MNLF-Sema group, said the Sabah police got false information.

 

“There was no such meeting. The MNLF and the Abu Sayyaf are fighting each other,” he said.

As quoted in the news reports, the Sabah police said in its November 16 circular about its possession of details of a meeting on November 15 “between Abu Sayyaf, Isis (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).”

“The circular reportedly said several resolutions were made during the meeting in Sulu, including the recruitment of new members and deploying Abu Sayyaf and Isis elements to Sabah and Kuala Lumpur,” the news portal said.

“It said eight Abu Sayyaf and ISIS suicide bombers were in Sabah, while another 10 were in Kuala Lumpur,” it added.

The Sabah police circular said the “suicide bombers underwent military training in Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as prepared to receive orders from their leaders to launch attacks/bombings.”

MILITARY HUNTS ASG

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Hernando Iriberri directed newly-installed Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, Major General Mayoralgo Dela Cruz to intensify operations against the ASG.

Colonel Restituto Padilla, AFP spokesman, said the Chief of Staff flew to Mindanao to personally convey the instructions of President Aquino and to install the new commanders of the Westmincom and Eastmincom command.

Dela Cruz took over the helm of the Zamboanga-based Westmincom from Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero who will retire Tuesday, Nov. 24, when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

On Saturday, President Aquino ordered the AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) to further intensify operations against the Al Qaeda-linked bandit group and all threat elements in the country.

The president issued his directive while in Kuala Lumpur, making his final appearance at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

GLOBAL MOVE

In Kuala Lumpur, several Asia Pacific leaders have agreed to scale up security cooperation in countering terrorism in the wake of recent attacks across the globe.

A declaration on the Global Movement of Moderates as well as statement on fighting “violent extremism” and other security issues were adopted during the 10th East Asia summit in Malaysia.

The East Asia Summit brought the leaders of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries and its eight dialogue partners, including the United States, Russia and Japan for discussions on security issues, such as terrorism and territorial dispute in the South China Sea.

http://www.mb.com.ph/palace-urges-filipinos-to-do-part-in-thwarting-terrorism/

Editorial: It’s been 3 months since Samal kidnapping – Shall we just wait?

Editorial posted to Tempo (Nov 23): Editorial: It’s been 3 months since Samal kidnapping – Shall we just wait?

Every single day that passes with the Samal beach resort hostages in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf is a reflection on the ability of the Philippine government to assert its authority and maintain order in all parts of the country. And every single incident about some new operation of that Islamic group, such as the beheading of a Malaysian captive, is an affront not just to the government but to the nation as a whole.

A Malaysian held captive for months after he was abducted fom Malaysia’s Sabah state last May was beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf on the eve of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Meeting in Manila, prompting the most acerbic statement from Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.

All of Malaysia, he said, was shocked and sickened by the murder of their countryman following a failure of ransom negotiations. The Philippine military’s spokesman could only say they had indeed received news of the beheading. There was no official statement from the national government in reaction to the Malaysian Prime Minister’s call for Philippine authorities to take action against the injustice.

What of the two Canadians, a Norwegian, and a Filipina who were kidnapped from a beach resort in the Island Garden City of Samal last August? Nothing more has been heard about them since then. Meanwhile the Abu Sayyaf appears to be going about its operations with hardly any concern about the Philippine government’s efforts for the captives. A few weeks ago, the Abu Sayyaf announced that it had released two Malaysian hostages after their families paid ransom of P30 million.

The last word about the Samal kidnap victims was that the Abu Sayyaf was demanding R3 billion for the three foreigners. As if to remind authorities and the relatives of the victims about what it was capable of doing, it released a video via the Internet showing the captives surrounded by masked men, much like the videos of the Islamic State before they beheaded their victims in the Middle East.

It’s now three months since the four Samal captives were kidnapped and they are reportedly being held with two other foreigners – a Dutchman and a Filipino-Chinese – in the forested areas of Indanan, Sulu, guarded by some 115 armed men. The military knows the general area where they are kept. The next time we hear anything about the Samal victims, it may be either that their families had paid the demanded ransom, or that they had been beheaded like the Malaysian.

Shall we just wait for the news?

 

http://www.tempo.com.ph/2015/11/23/its-been-3-months-since-samal-kidnapping-shall-we-just-wait/

New Eastmincom chief to dig up truth about IPs

From the Sun Star (Nov 22): New Eastmincom chief to dig up truth about IPs

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vowed to deliver the truth about the situation of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Eastern Mindanao.

AFP chief-of-staff General Hernando DCA Iriberri issued such statement when asked about their efforts to address the issue and concerns of the lumads.

"We will continue to bring out the truth about what is really happening and what is the true story about the lumads," Iriberri said.

He said there are always two sides of the stories, and he believed that the stories of the AFP regarding the situation of the lumads are the real ones.

"Based on the last report, [former Eastern Mindanao Command commander] Lieutenant General Aurelio B. Baladad has been doing everything to put things in proper perspective," Iriberri said.

The AFP, he added, has been incessantly coordinating with the datus/lumad leaders and the local government units to bring them back to their respective places.

Over 600 lumads have been seeking refuge at United Church of Christ in the Philippines Haran in Davao City, following the alleged massive militarization in their respective areas, which the AFP earlier denied.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/11/22/new-eastmincom-chief-dig-truth-about-ips-442942

AFP: No confirmation on ISIS links

From the Sun Star-Davao (Nov 22): AFP: No confirmation on ISIS links

DESPITE reports about some extremist groups having pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said there is no evidence yet that the group is already in the Philippines.

"We have no confirmed report pertaining to the presence of the ISIS here," AFP chief-of-staff General Hernando DC A. Iriberri told the media after the change of command at the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao in Davao City on Saturday.

Iriberri admitted that some groups have expressed their support and sympathy to the ISIS, but this does not mean these groups have already connected with the international group.

"The supporters and sympathizers... that is what they are trying to do, using the flag of the ISIS to project that they are supporters. But it is not yet confirmed whether there is a connection between the ISIS and the Abu Sayyaf," Iriberri said.

Iriberri assured that they will expand their network, continue their efforts, and will even make some adjustments just to make sure that they can comply with the directive of President Benigno Aquino III.

Aquino earlier directed the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify their operations against Abu Sayyaf and other terror threat elements after the latter beheaded a Malaysian national they held captive since May.

Iriberri said if there will be adjustments, it will be on the realignment of their areas of responsibilities, operations, and the deployment of their troops.

"Matagal na namin yan ginagawa. But with the President's directive, we will make adjustments, focusing on trying to rescue the kidnap victims," Iriberri said.

When asked about the three foreigners and one Filipina who were earlier kidnapped in the Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte, Iriberri said they are doing their best to rescue the victims.

"We cannot give you the details about what we are doing against them because it might jeopardize our operations and even jeopardize the safety of the victims. But what we can say is that tuloy-tuloy po yung aming operations," Iribberi said.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/11/22/afp-no-confirmation-isis-links-442943

PLA Navy gains use of port in Malaysia close to Spratly islands

From the South China Morning Post (Nov 21): PLA Navy gains use of port in Malaysia close to Spratly islands

Granting stopover rights to China in Kota Kinabalu – which is already open to Western navies – is a gesture of neutrality, analysts say

Malaysia will allow the Chinese Navy to use its port in Kota Kinabalu. Photo: AFP

 

Malaysia has allowed the Chinese navy to use its Kota Kinabalu port, close to the Philippines and the Spratly Archipelago, in what analysts say is an effort not to take sides in the territorial disputes in the region.

The agreement was made when Admiral Wu Shengli, commander of the PLA Navy, visited Malaysia last week. Chinese ships would be able to use the port in Malaysian Borneo as a “stopover location”, reported US magazine the National Interest.

Having ports as supply stops along significant routes has been a long-term plan for the Chinese navy, said Shanghai-based military analyst Ni Lexiong.

The plan includes building its own naval bases, like China has been doing on the man-made islands in the Spratly and Paracel islands, as well as acquiring access to ports in other countries in strategic locations.

One day after the Kota Kinabalu agreement, China also secured usage rights to land for state-owned China Overseas Port Holding Company at the port of Gwadar in Pakistan – situated at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, just outside the Strait of Hormuz.

Read more: China’s navy has edge over US through sheer weight of numbers in dispute over South China Sea, say analysts

In the South China Sea, Malaysia did not want to directly confront China, according to Hoo Tiang Boon of Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University. He said this was in contrast to the Philippines and Vietnam, which were strengthening ties
with the United States in the face of China’s increased military presence.

“The Malaysians are still relatively cautious about trying to confront the Chinese about this,” Hoo said. He added that some Malaysians were displeased about Chinese naval and coastguard vessels entering the waters near the disputed Luconia Shoal and James Shoal, and that fishermen were complaining about their Chinese competitors exploiting the region.

Allowing the Chinese navy to dock and refill in Kota Kinabalu did not mean turning it into a base of the Chinese, he added.

It was a gesture of neutrality, Hoo said, since the same port was already open to international powers such as the US and the French.

Last month, US guided-missile destroyer Lassen stopped over at Kota Kinabalu after conducting a patrol less than 12 nautical miles from China’s man-made facilities on the Subi Reef, a move strongly protested by the Chinese side.

Read more: Hague court claims jurisdiction over South China Sea dispute in defeat for Beijing

Admiral Wu on Thursday told US Admiral Scott Swift that his forces had closely monitored the provocative US actions and had shown “enormous restraint”, while warning that they stood ready to respond to breaches of China’s sovereignty.

From a Chinese perspective, being able to use the Kota Kinabalu port would certainly make the Americans unhappy, Ni said.

Such cooperation would also show that China was able to peacefully interact in the South China Sea with countries in the disputed region, and was not bullying smaller nations, Ni added. “It is also good for the Malaysians. By demonstrating good relations with China, they will be more confident when dealing with the Filipinos and Vietnamese when it comes to their respective disputes with each other,” he said.

The Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and Brunei also have overlapping claims in the region.

http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/1881300/pla-navy-gains-use-port-malaysia

AFP chief flies to Mindanao to personally relay order of intensified ops vs Abus

From the Daily Tribune (Nov 23): AFP chief flies to Mindanao to personally relay order of intensified ops vs Abus

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Hernando Iriberri over the weekend personally relayed the order of President Aquino for the military to intensify further its operations against the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group following the beheading of a Malaysian captive last Tuesday in Sulu.

Col. Restituto Padilla Jr., AFP spokesman, said that the AFP chief met with the newly installed military commanders in Mindanao — Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) chief Maj. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero and Western Mindanao Command Command (Westmincom) commander Maj. Gen. Mayoralgo de la Cruz.

“The chief of staff personally went to Zamboanga City and Davao City to preside over the change of commands and, at the same time, pass on and personally convey to the ground commanders the specific instructions of the President,” said Padilla.

“The AFP chief issued his instruction for strengthened efforts against lawless elements in Mindanao,” he added.

On Saturday, President Aquino directed the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to further intensify operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group.

The order came following reports that Malaysian Bernard Then, who was kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf last May in Sandakan, was beheaded last Tuesday by the group of ASG sub-leaders Idang Susukan and Alden Bagade in Indanan, Sulu.

However the AFP and the PNP have yet to confirm the beheading despite the recovery of a severed head, believed to be that of Then, is downtown Jolo Tuesday night.

But Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who was in Manila attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit when the beheading happened, already expressed sympathies to the family of Then and immediately called on Philippine authorities to punish those responsible.

Of the two military commands in Mindanao, Westmincom is vital in the military’s campaign against the terrorist Abu Sayyaf group –having jurisdiction over the provinces of Sulu and Basilan which are both operating areas of the ASG.

Padilla said that the AFP leadership is capable that De la Cruz would perform well as Westmincom chief.

“The AFP is optimistic that General De la Cruz’s leadership will create results, will provide good results in the campaign against lawless elements, terrorist groups in the area,” Padilla said.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/afp-chief-flies-to-mindanao-to-personally-relay-order-of-intensified-ops-vs-abus

China calls for direct negotiations on South China Sea disputes

From ABS-CBN (Nov 22): China calls for direct negotiations on South China Sea disputes

KUALA LUMPUR - China's premier has called on Southeast Asian nations to set aside their differences as tensions rise over the disputed South China Sea islands, state news agency Xinhua reported late on Saturday.

"In recent years, the South China Sea disputes, which should have been addressed by directly concerned countries through negotiation and talks, have been played up to become a problem concerning the South China Sea's peace and stability and the freedom of navigation," Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said in Kuala Lumpur according to Xinhua.

China, which claims almost the entire energy-rich South China Sea, has been transforming reefs into artificial islands in the Spratly archipelago and building airfields and other facilities on some of them. That has prompted concerns in Washington and across the region that Beijing is trying to militarie its claims in the South China Sea.

Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei also have territorial claims in the South China Sea.

At a meeting with the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, U.S. President Barack Obama called on countries to stop building artificial islands and militarizing their claims in the South China Sea.

The United States has sent military ships and war planes by China's artificial islands in recent weeks to assert its "freedom of navigation" in the sea.

Premier Li said some countries outside the region are conducting a high-profile intervention.

"That is in nobody's interest," Li said. "Only by expanding our common interests and seeking common ground can we narrow our differences," Li added.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/11/22/15/china-calls-for-direct-negotiations-on-south-china-sea-disputes

China won't cease building on South China Sea isles

Posted to ABS-CBN (Nov 22): China won't cease building on South China Sea isles

China said on Sunday it will continue to build military and civilian facilities on its artificial islands in the disputed South China Sea and the United States was testing it by sending warships through the area.

"Building and maintaining necessary military facilities, this is what is required for China's national defense and for the protection of those islands and reefs," Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin told a news conference in Kuala Lumpur.

China planned to "expand and upgrade" the civilian facilities on the islands "to better serve commercial ships, fishermen, to help distressed vessels and provide more public services," Liu said, adding that China rejects the notion that it is militarizing the South China Sea. He said China has mostly built civilian facilities.

Liu's comments at the annual East Asia Summit, this year hosted by Kuala Lumpur, were some of the most forceful explanations that China has given regarding its position on the South China Sea.

Washington was testing Beijing with its insistence on "freedom of navigation" patrols in the strategic waterway, Liu said.

China, which claims almost the entire energy-rich South China Sea, has been transforming reefs into artificial islands in the Spratly archipelago and building airfields and other facilities on some of them. That has prompted concerns in Washington and across the region that Beijing is trying to militarize its claims in the South China Sea.

Earlier this month, U.S. B-52 bombers flew near some of the islands, signalling Washington's determination to challenge Beijing's claim. At the end of October, the USS Lassen, a guided-missile destroyer, sailed around one of them.

"This time, in a very high profile manner, the U.S. sent military vessels within 12 nautical miles of China's islands and reefs," Liu said. "This has gone beyond the scope of freedom of navigation. It is a political provocation and the purpose is to test China's response."

Obama on Saturday called on countries to stop building artificial islands and militarizing their claims and said the United States would continue to assert its freedom of navigation rights in the sea.

Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei also have territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Confront Islamist extremists

Leaders from 18 countries including the United States, China, India, Russia, Japan and Southeast Asia who gathered for the summit issued strong calls for action after a recent spate of attacks by Islamic State in Paris, Mali and Lebanon.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Russia and the United States on Sunday to cooperate in rooting out terrorism and said he would unveil a comprehensive plan to fight extremism and violence early next year.

"We need to show global solidarity to address ... the common enemy of ISIL, Daesh, some other extremists and terrorist groups," he said, referring to Islamic State.

Obama told a news conference at the end of the summit the United States and its allies would not relent in the fight to combat Islamic State extremists and would hunt down their leaders and cut off the group's financing.

"Destroying (Islamic State) is not only a realistic goal, we're going to get it done," Obama said. "We will destroy them. We will take back land they are currently in, take out their financing, hunt down leadership, dismantle their networks, supply lines and we will destroy them."

Obama said it "would be helpful" if Russia directed its focus on tackling Islamic State and he hoped Moscow would agree to a leadership transition in Syria that meant its president stepping down.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said countries with large populations of Muslims, including Russia, should unite to fight against Islamic State.

Medvedev said "it is now clear we can only fight this threat by bringing our forces together and by working through such international institutions as the United Nations."

The U.N. Secretary-General said he "highly commended the leadership of the Russian Federation together with the United States to address some of the roots causes of terrorism."

Ban said the United Nations is now gathering ideas and experience from its member states. "Early next year, the U.N. is going to present a comprehensive plan of action to defeat violence and extremism."

Economic community

Before the start of the East Asia Summit, the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations formally established an ASEAN community. It attempts to create freer movement of trade and capital in an area of 625 million people with a combined economic output of $2.6 trillion.

"In practice, we have virtually eliminated tariff barriers between us," said Najib, the summit host. "Now we have to assure freer movements and removal of barriers that hinder growth and investment."

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/world/11/22/15/china-wont-cease-building-on-south-china-sea-isles

Cops seize grenade from motorcycle rider in North Cotabato

From GMA News (Nov 22): Cops seize grenade from motorcycle rider in North Cotabato

Authorities arrested a motorcycle rider for possession of a grenade early Sunday.

Superintendent John Meridel Calinga, city police director, identified the suspect as Mark Garde Villamor, 35, of Barangay Poblacion, Matalam, North Cotabato.

Calinga said the suspect yielded a fragmentation grenade, the same type of explosive used in recent attacks in North Cotabato.

Three grenades attacks took place last week in Kabacan town, where six people were wounded.

Calinga said the suspect was on board his motorcycle when policemen manning a checkpoint along the highway in Barangay Balindog flagged him down at around 1:30 a.m.

He said the grenade was placed inside the suspect’s sling bag.

Villamor was immediately placed under police custody while charges are being prepared against him.

City Mayor Joseph Evangelista said the arrest of Villamor was part of the local government's efforts to ensure public safety.

 Evangelista said they will install 150 pieces of 250-watt sodium street lights around the city, particularly in crime-prone areas.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/545354/news/regions/cops-seize-grenade-from-motorcycle-rider-in-north-cotabato

3 I.S. suspects join local jihadists

From The Standard (Nov 22): 3 I.S. suspects join local jihadists

AT least three suspected members of the terrorist group Islamic State have mysteriously slipped into the country and have purportedly linked up with local militants in Mindanao for a still undetermined purpose, an informed source said Saturday.

The source, who asked not to be identified because of the nature of his work in the intelligence community, made the revelation after leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations met in Kuala Lumpur and condemned the string of terrorist attacks from Paris to Mali.

Prime Minister Najib Razak of Muslim-majority Malaysia opened a fresh round of summitry in Kuala Lumpur by railing against the ideological mantle claimed by Islamic militants.

Prime Minister Najib Razak

Three of these Islamist militants, the source said, are known to be Syrians and had been hiding out in Mindanao, but he declined to identify them.

The source said the Syrians were last seen in Central Mindanao and are believed to have met with Malaysian terrorist Amin Baco, who is a member of the Jemaah Islamiya and has pledged allegiance to the IS and its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Baco, believed to be a master bomb maker, is also suspected to be one of the leaders of the terrorist Ansar al-Khilafa Philippines, another IS affiliate.

The source said the Syrians are believed to have gone with unidentified Filipino jihadists to Jemaah Islamiya’s former base at Mount Cararao in Lanao del Sur, but they have since disappeared.

“The three Syrians were spotted in the Cararao complex in Lanao and stayed there for days, but at present they cannot be located,” the source said.

The source said they still have not determined how the Syrians slipped into the country, but it is typical for JI and IS supporters to enter via the country’s “back door” with northern Borneo.

The source said Ansar al-Khilafa Philippines is under the command of Mohammad Jaafar Maguid, also known as Tokboy, a notorious kidnapper, bomb expert and former commander of the 105th Base Command of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

“The Ansar Khilafa terror wing wants to synchronized with their Malaysian counterpart to be able to establish a regional terror group,” the source said.

The arrival of the three Syrians bring to eight the number of international terrorists who are believed to have entered the country and are hiding out with Filipino extremists in Mindanao.

Aside from Baco, Malaysian Home Minister Dr. Ahmad Hamidi identified some of the terrorists as Malaysian jihadists Dr. Mahmud Ahmad, a University of Malaya lecturer; stationary shop owner Mohamad Najib Husen; former Selayang Municipal Council employee Muhammad Joraimee Awang Raimee, 39; and Jeknal Adil, 30.

Ahmad said the terrorists are associated with Daulah Islamiyah Asia Tenggara (Southeast Asia Islamiya Network) which has links to IS and arrived in Mindanao in 2013.

Last year, an active military officer confirmed the presence of the Malaysian jihadists, one of whom is Amin Baco, who was with ASG leader Isnilon Hapilon and Hatib Sawadjaan, another notorious bandit responsible for the ambush killing of dozens of soldiers in Sulu last year.

One of the jihadists is a member of the Malaysian Special Forces, who went absent without leave.

Meanwhile, in Kuala Lumpur, Razak condemned the ideological mantle claimed by Islamic militants.

“The perpetrators of these cowardly and barbaric acts do not represent any race, religion or creed,” he told fellow Southeast Asian leaders. “They are terrorists.”

US President Barack Obama condemned the violence typified by the “appalling” jihadist hostage siege in Mali that left at least 27 dead, including an American citizen.
“This barbarity only stiffens our resolve to meet this challenge,” he said in Kuala Lumpur, referring to global jihadism.

Obama and his counterparts are meeting in the Malaysian capital for round two in a week of back-to-back regional meetings.

The top-level diplomacy kicked off in Manila with a summit of the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation bloc.

Apec ended with an urgent call for cooperation against extremism following the attacks in Paris by Islamic State group adherents that killed 130.

Most of the same leaders have now shifted to Malaysia for the meeting of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which expands Sunday into a broader forum including the United States, China, Russia and others.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/news/-main-stories/top-stories/192527/3-i-s-suspects-join-local-jihadists.html

Authorities launch hunt for S. Kudarat grenade throwers

From The Standard (Nov 23): Authorities launch hunt for S. Kudarat grenade throwers

ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat—Police and military authorities here have launched a manhunt against two men who tossed a hand grenade on revelers during the provincial foundation anniversary celebration on Saturday night.

Initial reports said at least 15 persons were hurt, mostly late night shoppers at an agri-trade fair on an 800-meter stretch of the highway in front of the Sultan Kudarat provincial capitol.

Senior Supt. Rex dela Rosa, Sultan Kudarat police provincial director, said the blast occurred in a line of “ukay-ukay” (used clothing) stalls in front of AG Advance Gasoline Station at about 8:30 p.m.

Dela Rosa said the province, which was celebrating its 42nd foundation anniversary with a “Kalimudan” (communal thanksgiving) festival, was always under threat from lawless groups.

“We have threats from bombings of improvised explosive devices on bus, public places, so we sought the public support,” he said at the opening of the week-long celebration.

People from all walks of life, including children, were milling around “ukay-ukay centers” and garden plants stalls along the Isulan-Tacurong highway when unidentified suspects tossed the grenade.

Supt. Jemuel Siason, chief of Sultan Kudarat police provincial public safety battalion, said the wounded victims were rushed to the provincial hospital just across the blast site.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Dela Rosa also appealed to anyone with information on the perpetrators to come forward so they can be brought before the bar of justice.

Isulan and Sultan Kudarat province have been subjected to grenade attacks in the past, mostly blamed by authorities on Maguindanao-based extortion gang known as al-Khobar.

The group had been preying on bus firms, asking “protection money” and subjecting to harassment firms that ignored the lawless elements’ demands. 

http://manilastandardtoday.com/news/-provinces/192588/authorities-launch-hunt-for-s-kudarat-grenade-throwers.html

Palace pushes BBL approval

From The Standard (Nov 23): Palace pushes BBL approval

Malacañang  on Sunday  called on all lawmakers to attend and vote for the  draft  Bangsamoro Basic Law when they resume session today after a week-long break to make way for the  Philipppines’ hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation’s summit.

“Maybe, our call would best be left to the call of the leaders in both Houses to ensure the attendance of all their members. We certainly would hope to see the passage of the BBL,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said  in  an interview over state-run radio station dzRB.

Laciarda said the BBL has been debated in the committee level, and it has been discussed in public.   

 “All angles have been addressed. So it’s time for the legislators who will pass the law to buckle down and we request them to take a hard look at the BBL,” said Lacierda.   

Lacierda cited that the proposed BBL is an affirmative action needed to mind the neglected regions in Muslim Mindanao.   

“So this will unlock the potentials of it and with respect to the development of Muslim Mindanao,” Lacierda also said.   

The Palace spokesperson said he is hoping that the lawmakers would listen to the call of Senate President Franklin Drilon.

“All of us have an interest and we have a stake in the development of Muslim Mindanao because it will redound to the benefit of all the peoples of Mindanao and, in general, to the people of the Philippines,” Lacierda also said.

Last Saturday, Drilon reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment towards the establishment of peace in Mindanao through the proposed BBL, allaying fears that the Mindanao peace measure is now in limbo.

“We have enough time and political will to ensure that this bill so crucial to forging peace in Muslim Mindanao will be passed and see the light of the day,” Drilon said.

Drilon said that while the 2016 national budget will consume most of the Senate’s legislative calendar as it resumes session   on Monday, after a weeklong holiday due to the Asia Pacific Economic Council Cooperation meetings, the enactment of BBL into law is still a “top priority.”

He said there remain four weeks of plenary sessions still left in the 16th Congress’ calendar for the year.

Drilon said that he is coordinating with the bill’s sponsor, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to ensure that the bill’s passage is still doable before the year ends.

He thus renewed his calls to his colleagues especially those running for next year’s elections, to be present in the plenary hearings and actively participate in deliberations.

“I call on my colleagues not to abandon this piece of legislation so crucial to the establishment of peace and development in Mindanao. We can make the most of out our remaining session days by passing this bill, along with other important legislation such as the 2016 national budget,” Drilon said.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/news/-main-stories/192583/palace-pushes-bbl-approval.html

Aquino to China: Why bar us from our own waters?

From Rappler (Nov 22): Aquino to China: Why bar us from our own waters?

On his last ASEAN Summit, Philippine President Benigno Aquino gets tough on China over its reclamation of disputed islands in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea)



GRIM. President Benigno S. Aquino III focuses on the discussions during the 18th ASEAN – Japan Summit in Malaysia on Sunday, 22 November 2015 at the sidelines of the 27th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau

“It has come to a point wherein we are now no longer allowed to enter areas within our Exclusive Economic Zone.”

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III elevated the South China Sea dispute to the premier East Asia forum tackling geopolitical issues, saying the issue is relevant to all nations seeking to resolve maritime disputes.

(READ: ASEAN Summit opens under shadow of terror)

At the East Asia Summit here on Sunday, November 22, Aquino detailed incidents of Chinese aggression in the disputed sea. He urged Beijing to comply with an impending ruling on the Philippines' historic arbitration case.

“The world is watching and expects no less from a responsible global leader,” Aquino told 17 world leaders including US President Barack Obama and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

(WATCH: Aquino blasts China at ASEAN Summit)

It was the 8th time that Aquino mentioned the maritime row in the two days of the ASEAN summit and related meetings. The 27^th ASEAN Summit in the Malaysian capital is Aquino's last as his term ends in 2016.



The East Asia Forum gathers the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, and the United States.

Two days before the resumption of hearings at The Hague-based arbitral tribunal where the merits of the case is up for discussion, Aquino cited the previous statement of Chinese President Xi Jinping that Beijing has no plans to “militarize” the dispute.

“As the arbitration process we have entered into continues to its logical conclusion, we are hopeful that China would honor its word and respect the rule of law,” he said.

 

China has said it will not abide by the tribunal's ruling, which could come out by mid-2016.

 

Still, Aquino recognized what he called the “growing support” for arbitration from the international community. Obama is among the world leaders who expressed support for arbitration as a peaceful means of dispute settlement.

 

Despite Li's presence in the room, Aquino called out China by name.

“It is regrettable that China continues to massively reclaim and build structures in the sea known by many names, in total disregard of international law as well as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea,” he said.

 

Aquino was referring to a pact ASEAN and China agreed upon in 2002, which still lacks a legally binding mechanism called the Code of Conduct 13 years later.

On Saturday, the Philippine president said China must take the lead in finalizing negotiations on the Code of Conduct as a more powerful, richer, and older nation.

'Our fishermen are losing livelihood'

Aquino began his discussion on the maritime dispute by enumerating the times China violated the Philippines' rights under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Under UNCLOS, a country has the exclusive right to exploit resources like fish and oil within a 200 nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The President explained that Filipino fishermen suffer from Beijing's aggressive acts.

“I have also had to respond to fishermen in my country, complaining about how they can no longer fish in their traditional waters; they ask for explanations why they can no longer take shelter within Scarborough Shoal during times of inclement weather,” he said.

 

MARINE RESOURCES. Filipino fishermen wave from their fishing boat as they sail off from the port of Masinloc town, Zambales province, north of Manila on May 10, 2012, for a fishing expedition near Scarborough Shoal. File photo by Ted Aljibe/AFP

Aquino was referring to the shoal that was the subject of a standoff between Manila and Beijing in 2012. China's refusal to withdraw from Scarborough Shoal ultimately prompted Aquino to order the filing of the arbitration case.

The Southeast Asian leader said that the first incident of Chinese aggression under his watch was when Chinese vessels forced a survey ship that won a service contract from the Philippines out of the Reed Bank, an area 80 miles from the Philippine island of Palawan.

Aquino reported that another incident was when Chinese fishing boats were caught carrying endangered species just 120 miles from the Philippine province of Zambales.
A recent event was when a Chinese Navy frigate allegedly challenged another survey ship conducting studies on an awarded contract about 40 nautical miles from Palawan.

“We had been asked not to make these incidents public, and we agreed, in an effort to deescalate the situation. However, the incidents did not cease,” Aquino said.

Japan, UN meetings

Aquino again brought up the dispute in the ASEAN summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Japan also has a row with China over the Senkaku or Diaoyu islands in the East China Sea.

The Philippine chief executive noted that Japan consistently supported the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and the establishment of the Code of Conduct.

“Japan has taken a strong stand against the use of intimidation, coercion, and force, as well as unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo in the disputed areas,” he said.

Aquino highlighted the arbitration case, this time in the ASEAN summit with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon.

The President said the Philippines filed the arbitration case because it believes in international rules and norms.

 

With his interventions, Aquino made the maritime row the central theme of his participation in the ASEAN summits.

Security officials have said that the dispute is the Philippines' biggest national security issue.

http://www.rappler.com/world/regions/asia-pacific/113694-aquino-china-why-bar-us-waters

NPA rebels attack Dolefil, burn heavy equipment

From Rappler (Nov 22): NPA rebels attack Dolefil, burn heavy equipment

Dole Philippines' lawyer Rene Almero says no one was hurt and investigation is underway   



REBELS. NPA guerrillas belonging to the Front 73 Guerrilla Command in formation during the release of a government soldier they held as "prisoner of war" in June. Photo by Edwin Espejo/Rappler

Armed men believed to be communist guerrillas attacked a pineapple plantation in Maasim, Sarangani and burned 3 heavy equipment owned by Dole Philippines (Dolefil) on Saturday, November 21, according to the military here.

Col. Ronald Villanueva said 3 suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) flagged down one of the vehicles and siphoned fuel from the tank which they used in torching one bulldozer, a tractor, and a ‘Saddam’ truck owned by the pineapple company.

Villanueva said the attack happened at 9 am Saturday in the sub-village of Blat in Amsipit, Maasim town.

No one was hurt, although police sent to investigate the area said the NPAs were armed with an AK-47, an M-16 armalite rifle, and a .45 cal pistol.

There was no immediate statement from Dolefil although lawyer Rene Almero, legal counsel for Dolefil, later denied earlier reports 3 company guards were killed in the attack.

“Per our security manager, nobody was hurt and the incident is already being investigated by Maasim PNP,” Almero said in a text message.

Villanueva, commanding officer of the 1002^nd Infantry Brigade here, believed the attack was a ploy to divert attention away from ongoing operations by government soldiers belonging to the 27^th Infantry Battalion against the NPA.

“They could be feeling the pressure or they did not get what they wanted from the company,” he added in a telephone interview.

He said the attackers were monitored to have withdrawn towards the direction of the nearby border town of Tboli.

“The NPAs are holed up in the tri-boundary of Kiamba and Maasim in Sarangani and Tboli in South Cotabato,” Villanueva added.

The attackers are believed to be member of the Front 73 guerrilla unit of the NPA.

Maasim is a former hotbed of the communist rebel movement until setbacks forced the NPAs to abandon its third guerrilla front in the Far South Mindanao Regional Command in the mid-2000s.

They, however, are making a comeback over the last 2 years where former University of the Philippines Mindanao Student Council chair Rendell Ryan Edpan Cagula, who joined the NPAs, was slain along with 3 other rebels in an encounter with government soldiers in November 2014.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/113656-npa-rebels-attack-dolefil

President Aquino urges China to respect rule of law

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22): President Aquino urges China to respect rule of law

President Benigno Aquino III once again appealed to China to respect the rule of law amid increasing tensions in the South China Sea due to Beijing’s massive land reclamation and use of force which, he said, has threatened livelihoods of Filipino fishermen and caused damage in ecological environment in the disputed waters.

In his intervention during the 10th East Asia Summit here on Sunday, Nov. 22, the President enumerated the incidents in the contested waters that have affected the relations between the Philippines and China.

“During my watch, among the first incidents as regards the maritime issue involved a survey ship conducting studies arising from a service contract we awarded. It was forced out of the Reed Bank, in an area 80 miles from the island of Palawan, which is thus clearly within our Exclusive Economic Zone. Later, Chinese fishing boats were caught carrying species covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, 120 miles from Masinloc, Zambales, again within our Exclusive Economic Zone,” he said.

“We had been asked not to make these incidents public, and we agreed, in an effort to deescalate the situation. However, the incidents did not cease. More recently, a PLAN frigate with Bow No. 571 allegedly accosted and challenged another survey ship conducting studies on a contract we awarded, about 30 to 40 nautical miles from Palawan,” he added.

“I have also had to respond to fishermen in my country, complaining about how they can no longer fish in their traditional waters; they ask for explanations why they can no longer take shelter within Scarborough Shoal during times of inclement whether. It has come to a point wherein we are now no longer allowed to enter areas within our Exclusive Economic Zone,” he further said.

The President said these incidents were among the reasons that prompted Manila to resort to international arbitration, which China has repeatedly refused to honor.

Facing all 10 ASEAN member states plus eight major dialogue partners, namely United States, Russia, China, India, Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, President Aquino stressed that elevating maritime cooperation as priority pillar will further heighten the relevance of the EAS.

He noted that maritime disputes have been a subject of concern, not only to the region, but to the entire international community as well.

“It is regrettable that China continues to massively reclaim and build structures in the sea known by many names, in total disregard of international law as well as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. Many countries have expressed serious concerns that these actions threaten freedom of navigation and unimpeded lawful commerce in one of the world’s most strategic waterways,” he said.

President Aquino said the Philippines would continue to push for the completion of a binding code of conduct for parties in the South China Sea, stressing that “the great equalizer is the rule of law; and under the rule of law, right prevails over might.”

In light of recent developments in the South China Sea, the Chief Executive said the Philippines appreciates Beijing’s expression of adherence to international law in the position paper it submitted to the Arbitral Tribunal in December 2014, as well as Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent statement on the non-militarization of the South China Sea.

“As the arbitration process we have entered into continues to its logical conclusion, we are hopeful that China would honor its word and respect the rule of law. The world is watching and expects no less from a responsible global leader,” he said.

The President expressed appreciation for the growing support from the international community for a peaceful resolution of disputes in the region.

“The tribunal’s recent ruling on its jurisdiction over this matter is welcome news, not only for the Philippines, but also for all nations who wish to arrive at a durable resolution concerning maritime disputes,” he said.

“We are determined to see this arbitration case to its final outcome, and hope that its conclusion will contribute to the directions we will take, particularly as regards the full and effective implementation of the DOC and the expeditious conclusion of a Code of Conduct,” he added.

Leaders at the EAS Summit adopted the Declaration on Enhancing Regional Maritime Cooperation, which promotes peace, stability and security in the region by redoubling cooperative efforts, namely: encouraging more countries to accede to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), ensuring the universal application of international law and respect for sovereignty, ensuring that all countries enjoy and exercise freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS.

The leaders likewise expressed support for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and early conclusion of an effective code of conduct on the basis of consensus.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=830019