Albay hosts Pacific Partnership, world’s largest hospital ship USNS Mercy

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 24): Albay hosts Pacific Partnership, world’s largest hospital ship USNS Mercy

Albay hosts a new round of joint humanitarian partnership program on June 27-July 11, involving some 1,000 troops from the US Pacific Fleet and Australian Navy, among others, and the world’s largest hospital ship, the USNS Mercy. The program is aptly dubbed as “Pacific Partnership.”

Started during the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and its consequent deadly tidal waves or tsunami, Pacific Partnership features an annual deployment of forces from the US Navy’s Pacific Fleet in cooperation with regional governments and military forces along with humanitarian and non-government organizations, aimed at building inter-operability during disasters, and security ties.

The activity in Albay is under the auspices of the the Philippine-US Mutual Defense Treaty. The visiting troops will be joined by the Philippine Naval Forces in South Luzon, and will be received by Albay Gov. Joey Salceda in brief ceremonies at the Albay Astrodome, in this city on June 27.

Salceda said Pacific Partnership provides an opportunity to enhance goodwill and cooperation among the region's military forces and governments, needed during disaster relief operations, and at the same time deliver humanitarian and engineering assistance to local stakeholders.

He said Pacific Partnership also opens up an opportunity for Albay to show off its eco-tourism wealth, being a multi-awarded and fastest growing global tourism destination in the country. Albay, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve is itself a UN global model for Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), and a pioneer of novel strategies in disaster resiliency with its Green Economy program.

The world’s largest hospital ship, USNS Mercy, serves as the centerpiece of the humanitarian activity. Equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities, its medical personnel with local troops, will treat some 4,000 local patients aboard the ship and in designated areas around the province.

The Pacific Partnership engineering troops are also scheduled to build or improve school rooms, water deposits and hand washing stations, and beach cleanups. The troops and local resource persons will conduct seminars on DRR, sanitation, environment protection and sports events.

“It is a n honor for Albay to host this activity, and have the world’s largest and famous hospital ship USNS Mercy to lend humanitarian attention to Albayanos, and people from neighboring areas,” said Salceda, a UN senior champion for CCA and DRR.

Albay had consistently hosted past humanitarian activities with US and other friendly troops, notably the Philippines-United States annual joint “Balikatan” military exercises in 2014, the Amphibious Landing Exercises or Phiblex in 2012, the US Pacific Angel in 2010, the RP-US Balikatan in 2009, and the visit of USS Peleliu in 2007.

USNS Mercy’s last visit to the country was in 2013, in Roxas City, following the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda. Reputed as the world’s largest mercy ship, it measures 272.5 meters (894 ft.) long, 32.2 m. (105 ft. 8 in.) across, and has a full load displacement of 62,922 tonnes, according to the Guinness World Records.

In accordance with the Geneva Convention, USNS Mercy and its crew do not carry offensive weapons, although defensive weapons are available. Firing at the Mercy would be considered a war crime.

As part of Pacific Partnership’s 10th anniversary, the US Pacific Fleet has announced USNS Mercy’s readiness to participate in the ongoing series of Disaster Preparedness missions, “to Prepare in Calm, to Respond in Crisis". It has been invited by Timor Leste, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=898136

Rebel returnees get financial aid from OPAPP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 24): Rebel returnees get financial aid from OPAPP

To give former communist guerillas the opportunity to live in mainstream society, the government, through the Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) in South Cotabato, provided livelihood assistance to seven former New Peoples Army (NPA) members.

The assistance were coursed through the provincial office of the Department of Interior and Local Government's Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Four former NPA combatants, who previously worked with Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF) Guerilla Front 73 and operated in the mountains of Lake Sebu, Surallah and T'boli, received Php15,000 each as livelihood assistance.

The three others , who surrendered high powered firearms, received Php20,000 each livelihood assistance.

In a statement, the local government office did not reveal the names of the beneficiary for security reason.

The OPAPP program aims to bring former combatants to the mainstream society and live normal lives.

One of the beneficiaries said that since he returned to the folds of the law, he has been living happily with his family and children.

He revealed that as guerilla, he occasionally visited his family undercover of darkness afraid government forces might chance upon him and be get killed.

Now, the former rebel said that he can freely move around town with his family.

The man, who identified himself, as Sergio also urged his comrades to take advantage of the reconciliation program being promoted by the Army's 27th Infantry Battalion based in Tupi, South Cotabato.

 

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=898385

PNP conducts anti-terrorism security drill at vital installation

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 24): PNP conducts anti-terrorism security drill at vital installation
 

The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Negros Oriental conducted its security drill and inspection of a vital installation in Valencia town.

At 9:30 a.m. Friday, a team led by acting Valencia chief of police, Chief Insp. Alfonso A. Enriquez, conducted a security drill and inspection at the Energy Development Corporation (EDC)’s geothermal plant in Barangay Puhagan, Valencia.

The police checked the company’s security preparations against all forms of terrorist activities and threats, a report from the PNP Text Blast Project said.

During the inspection, the chief of police conducted an accounting of all duty guards, firearms and communication capability and checked the company’s contingency plan in the event an attack will be carried out by the CNN (Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front) and other terrorist groups.

PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines’ detachments securing the company were also inspected to further enhance their security preparation, the police report said.

The EDC’s Southern Negros Geothermal Project in Valencia is a vital installation, which operates a total of 222 megawatts of geothermal power supplying electricity to Negros Oriental, the Visayas and other areas.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=898459

Duterte warns Abu Sayyaf: Kidnapping must stop, day of reckoning will come

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 24): Duterte warns Abu Sayyaf: Kidnapping must stop, day of reckoning will come

President-elect Rodrigo Duterte on Friday warned the bandit Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) against continuing its kidnapping activities, saying the day of reckoning is coming.

His statement was issued after receiving kidnap victim Marites Flor from incoming Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza during the turnover of command at the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) on Friday afternoon.

Duterte said these kidnappings "gave us a very bad image but there will be a time I have to confront Abu Sayyaf".

Dureza turned over to Duterte the Filipino woman abducted by the ASG along with three other foreign nationals from the high-end marina resort in the Island Garden City of Samal on September 21, 2015.

Dureza and Flor arrived at DCPO at 2:22 p.m from Sulu where the victim was freed by the ASG. Flor was held by the ASG for nine months.

Duterte thanked Dureza and Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan for their help in the negotiations with the ASG.

Dureza confirmed Flor's release was made through the efforts of Duterte and it came with no precondition.

According to Dureza, he had just come from Oslo when he was told that their efforts to recover Marites from the ASG yielded good results and he was tasked to pick her up from Sulu.

With this development, Ronel Flor, the brother of Marites, said they were happy she was released.

"Mao ra man gyud na among gihulat nga ma release siya (That is the only thing we have been waiting, that she will be released)," Ronel said in a phone interview.

Ronel, who is in Valencia, Bukidnon, said the family never had the chance to speak to Marites even when she was in the hands of the ASG. He said they were neither contacted by ASG nor an emissary.

He said he only knew about Marites' release in the news but her mother was informed by the anti-kidnapping authorities in Davao City.

On the other hand, Marites' mother Flordeliza said the family was happy that she is now safe.

Flordeliza was grateful that her daughter had been released and is now coming home. She also said she was sorry about Canadian Robert Hall, her daughter's partner who was beheaded last June 13. Another Canadian national, John Ridsdel, was beheaded last April.

Flordeliza thanked Duterte, adding that the family was sad he was not the president yet before Hall was killed.

Meanwhile, Norwegian national Kjartan Sekkingstad still remains in the hands of the ASG.

Dureza said they did not have any information yet on the fate of Sekkingstad but there are also efforts to save him.

“No word for him yet. We only got Flor,” Dureza said.

Flor was released on Thursday night by the ASG under Mujer Yadah and was turned over to Gov. Tan early Friday.

Word has it that a Php20-million ransom was paid for Flor's release.

But Dureza said there was no ransom paid, adding that some of their long-time friends helped secure her release.

He said they are exerting the same efforts for Sekkingstad's release.

Dureza recalled that when they were in Oslo, he had an audience with Foreign Minister Borge Brende of Norway and established a phonepatch between him and Duterte during which they mentioned efforts to recover Sekkingstad.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=898368

Military hosts Olympic Day Celebration Friday

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 24): Military hosts Olympic Day Celebration Friday

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) formally hosted this year's Olympic Day Celebration at its headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Friday.

Olympic Day Celebration is an annual worldwide activity of International Olympic Committee adopted locally and is a day to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.

The celebrations were spearheaded by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said.

A Solidarity Run, highlighting close cooperation between the military and sport agencies, was held at 5:30 a.m. at GHQ Parade Grounds.

Detoyato said an estimated 1,500 officers and enlisted personnel joined national athletes in the fun run.

Acting AFP chief Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda and POC president Jose Cojuangco, PSC representatives and other stakeholders were also present.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=898135

Outgoing DND chief Gazmin says he is leaving a more capable, effective PA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 24): Outgoing DND chief Gazmin says he is leaving a more capable, effective PA

As he formally bids the 85,000-strong Philippine Army (PA) goodbye, outgoing Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Friday said he is leaving a more capable and effective PA.

"I assumed as Defense Secretary in July 2010 and involved myself in the task of contributing my modest share in the accomplishment of the DND mission," he said in his speech to PA officers and personnel gathered at ROTC Hunters Guerilla Field/HPA Parade Ground, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

During his stint and with the strong support of President Benigno S. Aquino III, Gazmin said significant progress has been made in the implementation of the AFP Capability Upgrade and Modernization Program where Php60.14 billion has been released from July 10, 2010 to April this year, for all three Major Services, which include the Army, Navy and Air Force.

"Thus, the Philippine Army has now in its inventory newly-acquired 114 units of M-113A2 armored personnel carriers from the US EDA (Excess Defense Articles Program), six units of armored personnel carriers and four units of armored recovery vehicles, all from Israel; 120 units of field ambulances; various types of mobility trucks, such as 1 and 1/4 ton trucks troop carriers, 2 1/2 ton trucks troop carriers, and five ton trucks prime movers; 63,286 units of M-4 assault rifles, that include the requirement of the Philippine Marine Corps; and various types of tactical radio equipment," he pointed out.

This is aside from projects that are now either in the contract implementation stage or procurement stage, Gazmin pointed out.

"I am likewise glad to note that the Philippine Army today is headed to state of professional modernity with its activation in 2011 of the Philippine Army Multi-Sector Advisory Board, or the PA MSAB. Accordingly, the PA MSAB has consistently guided the Philippine Army to evolve professionally and attain excellence in the years to come through the implementation of the Army Transformation Roadmap," the DND chief said.

Gazmin, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1968, was the 40th Commanding General of the Philippine Army. He held the position from July 13, 1999 to Oct. 22, 2000.

"I depart from our Defense Department on June 30, 2016 contented and pleased that I am leaving behind my endeared institution, the Philippine Army, the immortal monument of courage and patriotism in the defense of our citizenry and their treasured social and democratic ideals," he added.

A brigade-size parading troops from the different post units and offices of the PA gave Gazmin a testimonial review shortly after his speech.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=898294

WESMINCOM verifying on whether 7 Indon sailors snatched by ASG

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 24): WESMINCOM verifying on whether 7 Indon sailors snatched by ASG

The Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) on Friday said it is still confirming reports that another seven Indonesian sailors were kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists in the Sulu Sea.

"With regards to the alleged kidnapping of 7 Indonesian sailors this morning, Indonesian authorities confirmed that there were seven Indonesians who were kidnapped by armed men. Though this report reached the WESMINCOM, we are currently validating the veracity of the report on the ground and will give details as soon as we have information with regards to this issue," said WESMINCOM spokesperson Major Filemon Tan.

This came in wake of the ASG bandits released of Filipina captive Marites Flor early Friday morning.

Flor, the girlfriend of beheaded Canadian captive Robert Hall, was freed by her captors around 4:30 a.m. in front of the home of Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan in Barangay Asturias, Jolo.

She was turned over to Joint Task Force Sulu at around 11 a.m. and underwent medical examination and debriefing.

"Western Mindanao Command is glad that Ms. Flor is now safe and is on her way back to her family and can enjoy a normal life with them again. We have no updates on the other kidnapping victims," Tan said.

Hall was beheaded last June 13 while fellow Canadian John Ridsel was executed by the bandits last April after the Philippine and Canadian governments snubbed the ASG's ransom demand.

It was still unknown on whether ransom was paid to secure Flor's release. Still at the hands of the bandits is Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstand.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=898381

Military, police operations to continue until all ASG hostages freed

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 24): Military, police operations to continue until all ASG hostages freed

Military and law enforcement operations will continue until all Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) hostages are all freed.

This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Friday when asked for a reaction on the release of Marites Flor by her ASG captors.

"The safe return of Ms. Marites Flor after more than nine months of captivity is a most welcome development. The safe release of other captives remains a vital objective of continuing military and law enforcement operations against the ASG," he added.

Flor, the girlfriend of beheaded Canadian captive Robert Hall, was freed by her captors around 4:30 a.m. in front of the home of Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan in Barangay Asturias, Jolo.

She was turned over to Joint Task Force Sulu at around 11 a.m. and there undergone medical examination and debriefing.

Hall was beheaded last June 13 while fellow Canadian John Ridsel was executed by the bandits last April 25 after the Philippine and Canadian governments decided to stick to no-ransom policy.

It was still unknown on whether ransom was paid to secure Flor's release. Still at the hands of the bandits is Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstand. All four were kidnapped by the ASG during their attack on Samal Island last Sept. 21.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=898430

Abu Sayyaf’s release of Flor was ‘act of goodwill’

From Rappler (Jun 24): Abu Sayyaf’s release of Flor was ‘act of goodwill’

'They treated us like dogs, like kids – if we did something wrong, we were beaten up. They made us eat from the ground,' Flor says in Filipino.



CAPTIVE. Kidnap victim Marites Flor describes her ordeal at the hands of Abu Sayyaf on Friday, June 24, 2016. Photo by Pia Ranada/Rappler

After 9 months of being held captive by terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, Marites Flor finally walked free early Friday morning, June 24.

Her release was an “act of goodwill” by the Abu Sayyaf, incoming peace process adviser Jesus Dureza told media later that day.

“According to [Sulu] Governor Sakur Tan, it was an act of gesture of goodwill. Because they knew that President-elect [Rodrigo] Duterte wanted badly the release of the hostages,” said Dureza.

Dureza flew to Jolo, Sulu that morning to pick up Flor. Before that, he was in Zamboanga City still awaiting word if the Norwegian hostage Kjartan Sekkingstad would also be released that day.

“We were waiting until noon time for the possible release of the Norwegian so I did not immediately take off for Jolo only to be informed there was no more time left for today so we picked up Marites,” he said.

Talk of the possible release of hostages was initiated when Dureza flew to Oslo, Norway to broker peace talks with Filipino communist leaders.

It was there where he met with the Norwegian foreign minister who asked if Duterte could help negotiate the release of their countryman and Flor.

The minister and Duterte talked on the phone.

Dureza then got in touch with his local contacts, including Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan who contacted the Abu Sayyaf.

Sekkingstad’s release is still being negotiated.

After picking up Flor, Dureza accompanied her to Davao City where she was presented to Duterte on the sidelines of the turn-over of command ceremony of the Davao City Police at their headquarters.

Asked why she was presented to Duterte and not to President Benigno Aquino III, Dureza said, “Don't ask me that. Ask that of President Aquino’s officials.”

 

SAFETY. Incoming peace process adviser Jesus Dureza brings hostage Marites Flor to Davao. Photo from Dureza's Facebook page.

Treated like dogs

Flor still appeared shell-shocked when she faced the media Friday afternoon. But the relief in her face and voice was unmistakable.

“Sa ngayon, okay ako kasi nakalaya akong buhay. Gusto ko lang magpasalamat doon sa tumulong, kay Sir Jess Dureza, kay Governor Sakur Tan, at bagong elected president natin si Rodrigo Duterte,” she said. (As of now, I’m okay because I am free and alive. I just want to thank all those who helped: Sir Jess Dureza, Governor Sakur Tan, and the newly-elected President Rodrigo Duterte.)

She said the Abu Sayyaf still plan to kill Sekkingstad if they do not receive the ransom money.

Flor said the leader of the Abu Sayyaf group had woken her up early that morning.
“Sabi niya, Ihahatid kita. ‘Yun lang." (He said, ‘I am bringing you somewhere.’ That’s it.)

They walked in the dark for a long time. Flor had no idea where they were.

Tears fell and her face crumpled when she recalled the day her captors beheaded her fiancé, Canadian Robert Hall.

“Sobrang sakit. Kasi nakikita mo bago pugutan siya ng ulo. Sobrang sakit. Pinapanood nila. Masaya sila na gagawin nila ‘yun. Linagyan lang nila posas tapos dinala sa harapan,” she said. (It was so painful. Because I saw him right before he was beheaded. It was so painful. They were watching and they were happy about what they were about to do. They tied his feet and brought him out front.)

She did not witness the beheading herself.

She described hellish treatment at the hands of the Abu Sayyaf.

“Yung treatment nila parang aso kami, parang bata, pag nagkamali binubugbog. Sa ground lang kami pinapakain,” she said.(They treated us like dogs, like kids – if we did something wrong, we were beaten up. They made us eat from the ground.)

While she was slapped twice in the face, her fellow hostages were beaten up.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/137536-abu-sayyaf-release-marites-flor-goodwill
 

Kidnap victim freed by Abu Sayyaf; will be presented to Duterte in Davao City

From MindaNews (Jun 24): Kidnap victim freed by Abu Sayyaf; will be presented to Duterte in Davao City

The lone Filipina among four victims kidnapped from a resort in the Island Garden City of Samal was freed by the Abu Sayyaf early Friday morning in Jolo, Sulu and will be presented to President-elect Rodrigo Duterte this afternoon.

Freed after nine months and three days in captivity, Marites Flor was dropped off by her captors in front of the residence of Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan II in Barangay Asturias at around 4:30 a.m. Friday, Bong Abing, Sulu Provincial Information Officer told MindaNews.

Returning Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza fetched Flor in Jolo, Sulu at noon and will present him to Duterte at the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) here.

“We’re here, we’ve landed at the Central Bank (Davao City) and are on our way to the DCPO) Dureza told MindaNews in a telephone call at 2:13 p.m.



President-elect Rodrigo Duterte arrives at the Davao City Police Office parade grounds for the turnover of command of the city police. Freed kidnap victim Marites Flor will be presented to him shortly, by returning Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza. Dureza fetched Flor in Jolo, Sulu Friday noon. MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas[

Duterte, who will take his oath as President at noon on June 30,  arrived at the DCPO parade grounds at 2:34 p.m for the turnover of command rites from chief of police, Sr. Supt. Vicente Danao, Jr. to Sr. Supt. Michael John Dubria.

Days after the kidnapping, Flor’s parents appealed to Davao City Mayor Duterte to help them secure the release of their daughter. Duterte was not yet a Presidential candidate then.

Armed men on board two pumpboats stormed the Holiday Oceanview Samal Resort in Barangay Camudmud, Babak, Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte at 11:30 p.m. on September 21, three foreigners and Flor. .

Abducted were Kjartan Sekkingstad, 56, a Norwegian, and Canadian nationals John Ridsdel, 68 and Robert Hall, 50, and Hall’s Filipina partner, Marites Flor.

Hall was executed on June 13 and Ridsdel on April 25 after failure to pay the Abu Sayyaf’s demand for ransom of 300 million pesos.

Hall was executed by the Abu Sayyaf after the 3 p.m. June 13 deadline for payment of ransom lapsed. His severed head was recovered near the Cathedral of the Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu that evening and was brought to the headquarters of the 2^nd Marine Brigade.

Hall was the second Canadian beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf in two months. On April 25, mining executive Ridsdel, was executed, his severed head also thrown that evening by motorcycle-riding men towards a group of basketball players near the municipal hall.

Day of reckoning
President Benigno Aquino visited Jolo two days after Hall’s beheading and vowed that the government will not stop until the threat posed by the Abu Sayyaf ends.

“The full resources of the State are being brought down on the ASG. Our primary objective is to rescue the hostages and ensure the safety of our civilian population. We will leave no stone unturned and are studying every instrument, both military and legal, to ensure success in our areas of operations and wherever else required,” he said in a statement.

On June 21, Duterte warned the Abu Sayyaf of the day of reckoning soon.” He told business leaders in Davao City that while he cannot do it immediately, “there will be a time, there will be a reckoning.’

When it comes, “I will just say ‘Surrender unconditionally. Release all prisoners, hostages or we fight.”

Justice, however long it takes

In a statement on June 13, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government is holding the Abu Sayyaf “fully responsible for this cold-blooded and senseless murder” of his nationals and vowed to work “with the Philippine government and international partners” to pursue the perpetrators and “bring them to justice, however long it takes.

“The vicious and brutal actions of the hostage-takers have led to a needless death,” Trudeau said.

“We are more committed than ever to working with the Government of the Philippines and international partners to pursue those responsible for these heinous acts and bring them to justice, however long it takes,” Trudeau said.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2016/06/24/kidnap-victim-freed-by-abu-sayyaf-will-be-presented-to-duterte-in-davao-city/

Sayyafs free Filipina hostage (Photos)

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 24): Sayyafs free Filipina hostage (Photos)

 

Freed Filipina Maritess Flor speaks to Sulu Governor Totoh Tan (left) in his house and Vice Governor Sakur Tan (right) and military officials following her release on June 24, 2016 in this photo obtained by the Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper from an aide of the governor in Sulu province. 
 

 

Maritess Flor with Sec. Jesus Dureza and Sulu Vice Gov. Sakur Tan in Davao City. (Courtesy of Sec. Jesus Dureza)

Abu Sayyaf militants have freed early Friday a kidnapped Filipino woman after more than 9 months in captivity in the southern Philippines following a series of negotiations, officials said.

Officials said the hostage, Maritess Flor, was brought to the house of Sulu Gov. Totoh Tan – the head of the Crisis Management Committee – around 2 a.m where she was immediately secured and fed. Tan phoned the military to say that Flor had been freed.

“She is okay. She was fed and examined medically and is so happy to be out of the jungle. She spoke with Governor Totoh Tan and his father, Vice Governor Sakur Tan, and thanked them for their efforts and hospitality. Military officers who rushed to house also spoke with Flor,” one of Tan’s aides told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
 

Flor was handed to the group of Secretary Jesus Dureza, peace adviser of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, who sent a private plane to Sulu to fetch the woman. Flor’s family in Bukidnon province had previously appealed to Duterte to help secure the safe release of the woman.

Dureza said the elder Tan helped in securing the safe release of Flor following instruction from Duterte, and is also negotiating with the kidnappers for the freedom of Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad who is still being held in captivity in Sulu, one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

“We have direct instructions from President Rodrigo Duterte to secure the freedom of Maritess Flor and Kjartan Sekkingstad. Maritess is here with me now. There is an ongoing negotiation for Sekkingstad release,” Dureza told the Mindanao Examiner.

Flor was presented to Duterte in Davao City during a police ceremony. Duterte said the elder Tan helped in securing the release of Flor. “Governor Sakur Tan helped us,” he said while shaking hands with the vice governor. Duterte said Sekkingstand may also be freed soon.

Flor and Sekkingstand were kidnapped along with Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall on September 21 at a posh resort on Samal Island in Davao del Norte province. Both Ridsdel and Hall, Flor’s fiancé, were beheaded separately by the Abu Sayyaf after their family and Canadian government rejected P600 million ransoms demanded by the militant group.

Dureza said no ransom was paid for the release of Flor. “No, there was no ransom paid for Flor’s safe release,” he said.

The release of Flor came days after Duterte strongly warned the Abu Sayyaf to free all their hostages. The military said operations against the Abu Sayyaf continue in Sulu.

Flor also spoke to the press and narrated her ordeal – sobbing in between her story – but at the same time happy to be out of her misery.

She said her captors woke her up to say that she would be released. “Ginising lang ako kaninang madaling araw at sinabi nila na Maritess gising ka, sabi ko bakit, sabi niya tanggalin mo yan posas sa paa mo at sabi niya ihahatid kita so yun lang,” she told reporters after meeting with Duterte.

Flor said they constantly walked in the jungle for long hours especially at night to evade security forces. “Sa gabi naglalakad kami ng matagal at hindi ko kabisado ang lugar, wala akong alam kasi hindi rin nila,” she said.

She sobbed after being asked about her feelings following Hall’s brutal murder. “Yun pinatay nila si Robert, kasi alas 3 (ng hapon) yun ano nila (deadline) so naghihintay sila ng tawag doon sa media so pagtapos ng phone calls doon na sila nag decide na patayin si Robert,” she said.

“Sobrang sakit kasi nakikita ko sila bago pinugutan sila ng ulo, sobrang sakit at pinapanood nila, masaya sila, para masaya silang gagawin nila yun. Nilagyan lang nila ng posas at dinala sa unahan at doon na ginawa, wala na akong alam. Hindi ko nakita ang (pagpugot sa ulo.),” Flor added.

Flor said the Abu Sayyaf is threatening to execute Sekkingstad if his family fails to pay P300 million ransom. “Yun ang sabi nila kung hindi maibigay yun demand yun ang sabi nila, yun ang hinihingi nila dati yun ganoon ransom,” she said.
 

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/sayyafs-free-filipina-hostage/



 

Task Force Detainees urges release of political prisoners from all rebel groups

From InterAksyon (Jun 24): Task Force Detainees urges release of political prisoners from all rebel groups

 

Juanito Itaas, then and now. (TFDP photos)

As it welcomed impending formal peace talks between the incoming Duterte administration and communist rebels, a human rights group urged both parties “to consider the release of all political prisoners coming from all rebel groups as a major step towards peace and reconciliation.”

Among those Task Force Detainees of the Philippines wants released is Juanito Itaas, the longest-serving political prisoner in the country, who has been behind bars for more than two decades after he was convicted for the killing of American military adviser James Rowe in April 1989.

The Duterte government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, which represents rebels led by the Communist Party of the Philippines, are slated to resume formal negotiations in the third week of July.

Indications are President-elect Rodrigo Duterte might release more than 500 political prisoners, including a number of NDFP consultants, ahead of an amnesty law he has said he wants to see enacted.

“TFDP welcomes the release of political prisoners through amnesty,” the rights group said in a statement. “We welcome the immediate release of those who are sickly and those who are covered by the JASIG,” or Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees, the agreement that protects rebel and government negotiators and their staff from arrest and prosecution for the duration of the talks.

However, TFDP said while it was “fully aware that a great number of the political prisoners come from the NDF bloc … we are aware too that a significant number come from our Moro brothers and sisters” as well as other long-serving prisoners aside from Itaas such as Gerry Butial, and Basilides Badion “who have languished in jail since the time of Cory Aquino and Fidel Ramos.”

“There are also those coming from other rebel groups such as the RPM-RPA-ABB, the RHB, the MLPP-ABB,” which are breakaway factions from the New People’s Army.

“All of them deserve freedom. All of them long to embrace their loved ones,” TFDP said.

It also said “any meaningful amnesty proclamation must cover all political prisoners coming from all rebel groups” and “any release of political prisoners should not discriminate against their political affiliation and must not exclude any by virtue of a limited period of coverage.”

http://interaksyon.com/article/129505/task-force-detainees-urges-release-of-political-prisoners-from-all-rebel-groups

Abu Sayyaf free Marites Flor as Indonesia says 7 more sailors snatched in Sulu Sea

From IntterAksyon (Jun 24): Abu Sayyaf free Marites Flor as Indonesia says 7 more sailors snatched in Sulu Sea

(UPDATE - 1:10 p.m.) The Abu Sayyaf has released Marites Flor, the Filipina girlfriend of Canadian Robert Hall, who they executed early last week, an intelligence report said Friday.

News of Flor's release came the same day Indonesia confirmed that seven sailors were kidnapped from a tugboat in the Sulu Sea early this week.

The raw report, made available by a police intelligence source who goes by the nickname Pokemon, said Flor was released by Abu Sayyaf gunmen under Mujer Yadah to Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan Thursday night.

"Info received from single source on or about 240730H June 2016, that the ASG under Mujer YADAH had released Filipina Samal KV Flor on the night of 23 June 2016 to Gov TAN," it said.

A ransom was allegedly paid for Flor’s freedom, the report added.

Hall and Flor were among four persons kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf from Samal Island in September last year.

The kidnappers executed their first hostage, Canadian John Ridsdel, in April after a deadline for a P600 ransom for each of the hostages lapsed.

Both Ridsdel and Hall were beheaded, their heads left in Jolo, Sulu.

Flor’s release makes Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad the last remaining Samal hostage still in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf.

In Jakarta, Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi said the crew were towing a coal barge in the Sulu sea on Monday when their tugboat was hijacked by armed groups.

Seven sailors were taken hostage in two separate attacks on the vessel around an hour apart, Marsudi added. The six other crew aboard the tugboat were left unharmed.

"The government will do everything possible to free these hostages," Marsudi told reporters.

"The safety of these seven Indonesian citizens is our priority."

A spokesman for the foreign ministry said he could not confirm whether a ransom demand had been made, or if the Abu Sayyaf was responsible for the abductions.

Earlier this year the group kidnapped four Malaysian seamen and 14 Indonesian sailors, holding them in their stronghold in the southern Philippines. They were freed several months later but there was no information on whether a ransom was paid.

A spokesman for the Philippine government said they were working to verify the report.

If confirmed, it would be the third kidnapping of Indonesian sailors this year.

The defence ministers of the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia agreed this week to consider coordinated steps including possible joint patrols to tackle a wave of seaborne crime in the Sulu and Celebes seas, which together form a key waterway among the three countries.

http://interaksyon.com/article/129508/abu-sayyaf-free-marites-flor-as-indonesia-says-7-more-sailors-snatched-in-sulu-sea

Abu Sayyaf's Filipina captive freed in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 24): Abu Sayyaf's Filipina captive freed in Sulu
 

Marites Flor, one of the four hostages taken by Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits during their attack in Samal Island last Sept. 21, is now in the hands of military authorities in Sulu.

This was confirmed by Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Filemon Tan Friday.

Flor, the girlfriend of beheaded Canadian citizen Robert Hall, is now at the custody of Joint Task Force Sulu as of noon.

Tan said Flor is now undergoing medical check-up and debriefing at the unit's medical facility.

Hall was beheaded last June 13 while fellow Canadian John Ridsel was executed by the bandits last April after the Philippine and Canadian governments snubbed the ASG's ransom demand.

It was still unknown on whether ransom was paid to secure Flor's release. Still at the hands of the bandits is Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstand.

Initial reports indicated that Flor was freed 3 a.m. in front of the home of Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan in Busbus, Jolo.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=898258

Pinay hostage Marites Flor released last night by Abu Sayyaf

From Coconuts Manila (Jun 24): Pinay hostage Marites Flor released last night by Abu Sayyaf

The lone Filipina part of the group abducted by the Abu Sayyaf from a resort on Samal island in Sep 2015 was released on the evening of Thu, Jun 23. 

It is not clear if ransom was paid for her freedom.

According to CNN Philippines, Marites Flor is now under the custody of Sulu Gov. Abdusakar “Totoh” Tan II.

Flor was abducted together with Canadians Robert Hall and John Ridsdel, who have both executed by the militant group, and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, who is believed to still be alive and being held by the group.

Founded in the early 1990s with seed money from Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, the Abu Sayyaf gained international notoriety for kidnapping dozens of foreign tourists for ransom in the early 2000s.

The group has also been blamed for the country's worst terrorist attacks, including the bombing of a ferry off Manila Bay in 2004 that killed more than 100 people.

It is believed to have just a few hundred gunmen, but thrives in lawless sections of the southern Philippines where Muslim rebels have for decades fought for independence or autonomy.

The Abu Sayyaf is known to be holding three other foreigners -- two Malaysians and a Dutch man, according to the military.

An Italian ex-priest, Rolando del Torchio, was also abducted from his pizza restaurant in the southern port city of Dipolog last month.

The Abu Sayyaf is widely believed to be holding him, but authorities have not confirmed this.

And a 74-year-old South Korean kidnapped in January was found dead on Jolo at the weekend. The military said the Abu Sayyaf abandoned the hostage after he died from a "severe illness".

Philippine military spokesman Colonel Restituto Padilla declined to comment to AFP on Wednesday about the new video.

The Philippine government has repeatedly said it has a "no-ransom policy". But parties linked to captives frequently pay.

In October last year, the Abu Sayyaf claimed it received 250 million pesos ($5.3 million) in exchange for two German hostages they held captive for six months. Security analysts said a large ransom was paid.

http://manila.coconuts.co/2016/06/24/pinay-hostage-marites-flor-released-last-night-abu-sayyaf