Army foils Maguindanao bombing

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 19): Army foils Maguindanao bombing

Government forces recovered Sunday high powered firearms and bomb making devices following a brief clash with private armed groups suspected of carrying out bombing activities in Maguindanao and nearby provinces.

Colonel Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Army's 601st Infantry Brigade based in Tacurong City, said elements of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade and 601st brigade conducted verification mission in a remote village in Ampatuan town in Maguindanao following reports of the presence of armed men in the area.

As the joint forces of two Army brigades were entering the village of Kauran, they were fired upon by about 20 heavily armed men, triggering a brief firefight until the armed groups fled deep into the forest.

No casualty on the government side and Sobejana believed the armed groups suffered injuries as there were blood in their escape route.

Sobejana believed the armed group belonged to the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Government forces recovered a sub-machine gun, assorted rifles and grenade launchers and ammunition. Soldiers also recovered improvised bomb making ingredients.

The huge cache of firearms indicate the group was well armed and well organized and suspected to be behind the rash of bombings in Maguindanao.

In Datu Unsay, Maguindanao, government forces also found and safely deactivated three IED near an Army outpost in Barangay Meta on Saturday night.

Sobejana believed the IED was intended for the military who maintains a roadside Army base.

Witnesses said three men on board a motorbike were seen passing by, briefly stopped, then fled to Datu Saudi Ampatuan, also in Maguindanao.

The IEDs were similar to improvised explosives used by the BIFF in attacking government forces in Maguindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=924133

Manhunt launched for gunmen who seized businesswoman in Zamboanga del Norte town

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 19): Manhunt launched for gunmen who seized businesswoman in Zamboanga del Norte town

The police in coordination with the military has launched a manhunt to track down and to possibly rescue a businesswoman abducted by gunmen in the nearby Zamboanga del Norte province.

Abducted was Christina Yee, 60, who owns and manages a hardware in the coastal Barangay Poblacion, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

Ayub Pia, acting Sirawai municipal administrator, disclosed that the incident took place shortly after 3:40 p.m. Monday in Barangay Poblacion, Sirawai.

Pia said that based on initial investigation, Yee was at her hardware when seven unidentified gunmen, believed to be kidnap-for-ransom-group (KFRG) members, barged in and seized her.

He said the suspects dragged Yee to a waiting double engine motorized banca and sped towards the direction of Barangay Pugus, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

Senior Supt. Edwin Wagan, Zamboanga del Norte police director, has ordered the police in the province to intensify intelligence to locate the whereabouts of the victim.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=924276

ARMM to bring dev't in communities regained by government forces in Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 19): ARMM to bring dev't in communities regained by government forces in Basilan

Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has vowed to infuse development projects in communities in Basilan and other parts of the region which were influenced by lawless elements and recently captured by government forces.

Hataman made the commitment as he witnessed the turnover ceremony marking the restoration of government authority in a former Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) stronghold in Barangay Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan on Sunday morning.

Government forces overran the ASG camp in August as the government intensified its operation against terrorist organizations.

The camp was seized following a month-long operations by joint forces of the 18th Infantry Battalion, 64th Infantry Battalion, Scout Rangers and Special Forces, implementing a directive from President Duterte to rid the province of Abu Sayyaf.

In a statement released Monday, Hataman has called for unity in achieving long lasting peace as he spoke to hundreds of residents present in the event.

"It's about time for this place (Barangay Baguindan) to receive various programs and projects from the government," Hataman said as he vowed to pour projects in conflict-affected areas, especially Barangay Baguindan.

"Ang Baguindan ay para sa Baguindan. Nandito kami para protektahan ang mga tao dito (Baguindan is for Baguindan. We are here to protect the people)," Hataman, a native of Basilan, said as the crowd applauded.

Tipo-Tipo Mayor Arcam Istarul lauded the ARMM regional government and the military for liberating the town from the clutches of terrorists.

Istarul said the town government will seek Hataman's help in bringing livelihood for the people of Baguindan.

Following the turn over rites, Hataman, along with ARMM Regional Vice-Governor Haroun Alrashid Lucman Jr., Anak Mindanao partylist representative Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, and other ARMM officials led in the conduct of Peoples' Day where the locals receive medical assistance and medicine.

On top of the outreach program, the ARMM humanitarian unit, distributed food packs to 1,574 families in Barangay Baguindan and Barangay Silangkum and in Al-Barka town.

The town had been the site of previous bloody skirmishes involving ASG and government forces where both sides suffered heavy casualties.

After assuming post as the country's 16th president, President Duterte had his first provincial visit in Basilan and his marching orders were clear, that is to defeat Abu Sayyaf and the government will bring development in the area.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=924139

Zamboanga barangay official arrested for possession of explosive, ammunition

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 19): Zamboanga barangay official arrested for possession of explosive, ammunition

A barangay official in Zamboanga City who has been linked to the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) has been arrested for possession of a grenade and ammunition.

Police Station 7 acting chief, Chief Insp. Cesar Memoracion, identified the official as Alikimar Samson, 34, councilor of Barangay Dita.

Samson was arrested at a checkpoint at about 10:20 a.m. Sunday in Barangay Cabatangan, 6.64 km. west of City Hall.

Memoracion said Samson was driving a vehicle of Barangay Dita when he was caught in possession of a grenade and 97 rounds of ammunition for a 5.56-caliber rifle during an inspection at a checkpoint.

He disclosed that Samson is believed to be a member of the ASG-Urban Terrorist Group (ASG-UTG) and a trusted man of ASG sub-leader Ibni Acosta.

He said Acosta, known to be an explosive expert, is wanted for kidnapping. A bounty of PHP3.2 million has been put up for his capture.

Abdurahim Lim, barangay chairman of Dita, said he was unaware of Samson’s illegal activities.

Lim said Samson had asked permission from him to use the vehicle of the barangay to accompany his aunt to attend to “emergency” matters.

Lim said Samson has to face the consequence of his acts even though he is an elected official.

“The law is the law. No one is above the law, no matter who we are,” he said.

Lim said he would not have allowed Samson to use the vehicle had he known about the official’s illegal activities.

He disclosed that Samson is the son of the late and former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) commander Akbari Samson.

Memoracion said that charges for illegal possession of explosive and ammunition will be filed against Samson, who is detained at the Police Station 7 headquarters.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=924216

Gunmen seize businesswoman in Zamboanga del Norte town

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 19): Gunmen seize businesswoman in Zamboanga del Norte town

The police and the military have sent a team to track down and rescue a businesswoman abducted by gunmen in Zamboanga del Norte province.

Abducted was Martina Nyee, 51, who owns and manages a hardware store in the coastal Barangay Poblacion, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

Acting Sirawai municipal administrator, Ayub Pia, disclosed that Nyee was kidnapped shortly after 4 p.m. Monday in Barangay Poblacion, Sirawai.

Pia said that based on initial investigations, Nyee was at her hardware store when seven unidentified gunmen, believed to be kidnap-for-ransom-group (KFRG) members, barged in and seized her.

He said the suspects dragged Nyee to a waiting double-engine motorized banca and sped towards the municipality of Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte.

Zamboanga del Norte police director, Sr. Supt. Edwin Wagan, ordered the police to intensify intelligence to locate the whereabouts of the victim.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=924271

AFP: Sekkingstad's release a result of military pressure vs Abu Sayyaf

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 19): AFP: Sekkingstad's release a result of military pressure vs Abu Sayyaf

The massive military operations against the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the hinterlands of Sulu have resulted in the release of Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad from his captors, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.

AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said the military continues to verify claims that ransom has been paid to secure Sekkingstad's release.

"We don't have that information, although we can also validate that on the ground," Arevalo said.

Arevalo said the massive military operations against the terrorists has something to do with the release of the Norwegian captive.

"(The) unrelenting conduct of operations (against) the ASG (may have contributed heavily to Sekkingstad's release). Remember that we have sea, air and land operations being conducted against them and after several contacts against them, we have received reports that they have splintered into smaller group to evade pursuit operations against them," Arevalo added in Filipino.

"And if you have kidnap victims, they would definitely retard the ASG's movement and take a toll on their attempt to evade our soldiers," he stressed.

Sekkingstand was freed in Sulu around 4 p.m. Saturday. He was abducted together with Canadians John Ridsdel, Robert Hall and Filipina Marites Flor on Sept. 21, 2015 at the Ocean View Resort in Samal Island.

Both Hall and Ridsdel were beheaded by the bandits while Flor was freed by the ASG last June 22.

The unrelenting military pressure against the bandits also prompted the terrorists to release three of their Indonesian captives Saturday night.

These men were identified as fishermen Lorence Koten, Teo Doros Kofong and Emmanuel Arakian.

They were released in an unspecified location, according to Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Filemon Tan. All three were abducted off Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia.

The victims were brought to Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for medical examination and debriefing.

 

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=924104

2 more Filipino victims freed by ASG in Sulu Sunday

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 19): 2 more Filipino victims freed by ASG in Sulu Sunday

Massive military operations has forced the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) to free two of their Filipino kidnap victims in Sulu Sunday night.

"On Sept. 18, 2016 at 10:30 pm, kidnap victims Daniela Taruc and Levy Gonzales were released by their ASG captors in Barangay Tiptipon, Panglima Estino, Sulu," Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Filemon Tan, in a message to the PNA, Monday said.

Tan said the released kidnap victims were identified as Levy Gonzales, 30 and Daniela Taruc, 26, both employees of Power City Corporation, a sub-contractor of a telecommunication firm.

They were kidnapped by undetermined armed men in Barangay Timpook, Patikul, Sulu last August 6.

The two were immediately brought to the headquarters of the Joint Task Force Sulu to undergo medical check-up prior their turn over to authorities.

"The release is the result of the continuous effort of the Joint Task Force Sulu, led by Brig. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, in its continuing focused military operations in collaboration with police counterparts to destroy the ASG in the province," Tan said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=924105

AFP to support police in anti-drug operations but says PNP still lead agency

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 19): AFP to support police in anti-drug operations but says PNP still lead agency

While the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is willing to play a role in the ongoing campaign against illegal drugs, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is still the lead agency in the operations.

AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to share the "narco list" to the military is for the latter to be in the know and able to support the PNP if required.

"The context of (President Duterte's sharing of the 'narco list' over the weekend) is information sharing so that the AFP can help the PNP in addressing the problem," he added in Filipino.

And there is nothing usual in the military in helping police carry out law enforcement missions as there some areas in the country where the PNP is thin on the ground, Arevalo pointed out.

"We in the AFP believe on the capability of our police counterparts (and) when our help will be so needed we will be there to support them," he stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=924123

DOJ may lift Misuari's warrant of arrest

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 19): DOJ may lift Misuari's warrant of arrest

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Monday announced a possible lifting of the warrant of arrest issued against Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari in connection with his role in the 2013 Zamboanga City siege.

He said this as part of the government's effort to pursue peace negotiations with Moro rebels as he already talked to Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza on the matter.

“That is part of the peace talk. I think there will be no problem with respect to the MNLF. Nag-usap na kami ni Secretary Dureza, meron na kaming gagawin dun,” Aguirre told reporters during the press briefing Monday at the DOJ main office in Manila.

Misuari and his key commanders Ustadz Habier Malik, Assamin Bas Arki and Assamin Hussin were charged with rebellion and violation of Republic Act 9851 or the "Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity."

The charges were initially filed before the Zamboanga RTC but it was transferred to the Pasig RTC upon orders of the Supreme Court due to security consideration.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier called on the military and police not to arrest Misuari so as not to affect his efforts to forge peace with the rebel group headed by Misuari.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=924242

Recovery of 16 remaining ASG hostages a priority task of AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 19): Recovery of 16 remaining ASG hostages a priority task of AFP

With the release of six Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) captives over the weekend, the military is now focusing on the safe and immediate recovery of 16 remaining hostages still in the clutches of the terrorists.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla on Monday said this can be broken down into 12 foreign hostages and four Filipinos currently being held by the ASG.

"As of the last validation and based on what we received from Western Mindanao Command this morning, lets go to the numbers first, there remains 12 foreign hostages in the hands of the ASG, the locals, there are four locals also in their hands. Based on our monitoring and our feedback from the field we believe that most of these hostages are still in good condition and that's what we are aiming to accomplish, to rescue them or recover them safely," he added.

Last Saturday, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad was released by the bandits in Sulu. This was followed by the freeing of three Indonesian fishermen Lorence Koten, Teo Doros Kofong and Emmanuel Arakian nighttime of Sept. 17 and of telecom workers Daniela Taruc and Levy Gonzales last Sept. 18. All hostages were released in the Sulu area.

Sekkingstand was freed in Sulu around 4 p.m. Saturday. The former was abducted together with John Ridsel, Robert Hall and Marites Flor on Sept. 21, 2015 at the Ocean View Resort in Samal Island.

Both Hall and Ridsell were beheaded by the bandits while Flor was freed by the ASG last June 22.

While the three Indonesian fishermen were abducted off Lahad Datu, Sabah last July 9 while telecom workers Taruc and Gonzales were kidnapped in Patikul, Sulu last Aug. 9.

Padilla said operations will continue until the ASG's capacity to launch lawless and terror activities are neutralized or totally eliminated.

"The mission is very specific, to degrade the capability of this group to launch or conduct any of the activities that they have been doing, so in order to accomplish that we must pursue this operation to its rightful end," he said.

"Our primordial concern right now are the safety of the hostages but then after that is the complete security of the island (Sulu) and its long term development as a potential investment site in the future," Padilla pointed out.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=924241

7 Maute Group members killed in military bombardment —Army commander

From GMA News (Sep 18): 7 Maute Group members killed in military bombardment —Army commander

At least seven suspected members of a local terror group were killed in the military's bombardment in Butig, Lanao del Sur on Saturday.

Col. Roseller Murillo, commander of the Philippine Army's 103rd Infantry Brigade, said civilian informants told the military that seven bodies were recovered by the remaining members of local terrorists, Maute Group.

"Based on confirmations from civilians that resides in the villages in Butig, initialy disclosed that seven dead bodies were found and recovered by comrades of Maute group in grassy area near Camp Darul Iman," Murillo said.

He said Camp Darul Iman is an abandoned camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front occupied by the Maute Group after the military launched an attack against them last May.

Murillo said they launched airstrikes and fired 105mm Howitzers at the Maute Group's lair on Saturday morning.

He also said that according to the residents, some members of the Maute Group were still scouring the area for more possible bodies of their fallen comrades.

There are reports that the Maute Group is linked with terror group, ISIS, and the Abu Sayyaf Group.

Meanwhile, Murillo said members of the 49th Infantry Battalion have been sent to Butig town to augment the military's force pursuing members of the Maute Group.

The 49th Infantry Battalion is based in Bicol. 

 http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/581828/news/regions/7-maute-group-members-killed-in-military-bombardment-army-commander

Shelling kills seven in Butig, Lanao del Sur

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Sep 19): Shelling kills seven in Butig, Lanao del Sur

MARAWI CITY -- Citing civilian accounts, a top official of the Philippine Army said airstrikes and shelling Saturday, September 17, directed at a camp in Butig, Lanao del Sur occupied by the Maute terror group killed at least seven alleged terrorists.

 

Army Colonel Roseller Murillo, commander of the Army’s 103rd Brigade based in Kampo Ranao in Marawi City, said the bombardment is part of ongoing operations against the Maute group.

 

Murillo said civilian accounts report the recovery of seven bodies by members of the Maute group in a grassy area near Camp Darul Iman, formerly an abandoned Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) encampment. 

 

Murillo said the former MILF camp was also the subject of military operations from May to June 3 this year.

 

He said the newly arrived 49th Infantry Battalion from 9th Infantry Division based in the Bicol Region was also deployed in Butig early this week to go after members of the Maute group.

 

Lieutenant Colonel Arnel Bautista, commanding officer of 49th IB, said troops have been conducting ground patrol in some parts of Butig.

 

The military had launched operations against the terror group in the wake of an attack by the Maute group against the Lanao del Sur Provincial Jail in the city last August 27.

 

About 50 heavily armed members of the group had raided the provincial jail in Barangay Mapandi, Marawi City to free eight of their comrades.

 

The raid also freed 15 other inmates.

 

None of the escaped inmates have so far been re-captured.

 

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2016/09/19/shelling-kills-seven-butig-lanao-del-sur-498492

2 more Abu Sayyaf captives walk free

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 19): 2 more Abu Sayyaf captives walk free

Two Filipino captives of the Abu Sayyaf walked free on Sunday night amid massive military operations against the bandit group in Sulu.

Lieutenant General Mayoralgo dela Cruz, chief of Western Mindanao Command, told the Inquirer Sunday night that more hostages were expected to be freed because of the relentless operation in areas with reported presence of Abu Sayyaf.

“We are not stopping until they are destroyed. We have a strong mandate to destroy these bandits, and more hostages are released,” Dela Cruz said.

Major Filemon Tan Jr., spokesperson of Western Mindanao Command, said sustained military operations led to the freeing of Daniela Taruc and Levy Gonzales in Panglima Estino town in Sulu at about 10:30 p.m. Sunday.

The two walked free after a Norwegian and three Indonesians were released.

The victims, subcontractors of a Telecom company who were kidnapped in Patikul town on August 6, were recovered by a resident, Tan said.

Taruc and Gonzales were brought to a military hospital in Bus-bus village in Jolo.

On Saturday, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad was freed after an alleged ransom of P30 million delivered to the Abu Sayyaf.

Before Saturday midnight, three Indonesian fishermen — Lorence Koten, Teo Doros Kofong and Emmanuel Arakian — were freed after reportedly paying P10 million in ransom.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/816552/2-more-abu-sayyaf-captives-walk-free

Three Indonesian hostages freed by Abu Sayyaf, fourth to follow

From the Jakarta Post (Sep 19): Three Indonesian hostages freed by Abu Sayyaf, fourth to follow



Three Indonesian sailors released on Sunday and handed over to Philippine authorities in Zamboanga will fly to Manila to undergo a medical check-up before being flown home to Indonesia on Tuesday.(JP/Haeril Halim)

"From day to day in their captivity, it felt like we were just waiting for our time to be beheaded," Theodorus Kopong Koten recalls his captivity by the Abu Sayyaf group.

For 75 days he had been a hostage of the notorious militants in the Sulu islands region of the southern Philippines. He is one of three Indonesian sailors released by the Abu Sayyaf group on Sunday in Zamboanga.

"It was very scary. There was no life there. I cannot say thank you enough for the release, and it is only God who could respond to the efforts by Indonesian and Philippine authorities to make the release possible," Theodorus said on Sunday.

The other two sailors are Lorens Koten and Emmanuel. The three crewmen were on board a Malaysian-flagged fishing boat when kidnapped by the militants on July 9 in Lahat Datu waters in Malaysia.

Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu, who came to Zamboanga to witness the handover of the hostages from the Philippine military to Indonesian officials, said a fourth Indonesian sailor was expected to be released on Monday.

He refused to give details on the fourth Indonesian, but said all four released hostages would return to Indonesia on Tuesday.

Indonesia thanked the Philippine military for achieving the release, with help from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Ryamizard denied speculation that the government had paid a ransom for their release. However, he said he did not know whether the hostages’ families or employers paid a ransom. Abu Sayyaf is notorious for taking hostages and threatening to behead them for ransom.

"We, Indonesia and the Philippines, do not want to be extorted. We did not and never will pay a single penny," Ryamizard said told a press briefing in Zamboanga on Sunday.

Once the fourth hostage is finally released, the group will still be holding another five Indonesians. At least 18 Indonesians have been kidnapped in separate incidents since May, including two who reportedly escaped on their own in August.

The Indonesian government had been pushing for negotiations in the hostage crisis, Ryamirzard said, noting that securing the release of the three sailors had been a tough process.

Yet he expressed optimism that the remaining five hostages would soon be freed, following a Philippine military offensive against the Abu Sayyaf gunmen. Philippine forces have deployed 22,000 personnel to corner the militants in the Sulu islands following orders from President Rodrigo Duterte.

The commander of the Western Mindanao Command, Mayoralgo de la Cruz, said the Philippine government had cooperated with the MNLF, as the latter was familiar with the Sulu Island area and its members had a broad network in the region.

"We will be much happier once we receive all the remaining Indonesian hostages from Abu Sayyaf. President Duterte has ordered us to go after the group," Cruz said.

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/09/19/three-indonesian-hostages-freed-by-abu-sayyaf-fourth-to-follow.html

Abu Sayyaf frees 2 telco technicians

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Sep 19): Abu Sayyaf frees 2 telco technicians

Two more hostages were released by the Abu SAyyaf group, this time Filipinos, after the release of Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad on Saturday, Sept. 17.

The released hostages were identified as Levy Gonzales, 30 and Daniela Taruc, 26, both employees of Power City Corporation, a sub-contractor of a telecommunication firm.

Major Felimon Tan Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) spokesperson, said the two were released around 10:30 p.m. Sunday in barangay Tiptipon, Panglima Estino, Sulu.

According to Tan, the massive military operations forced the Abu Sayyaf to free the two captives, several hours after the bandit group released Sekkingstad.

He will not comment whether ransom was paid for the Filipino hostages who were abducted on August 6 in Timpook, Patikul, Sulu.

The victims were on the way to the cellsite of a telecom firm in Bagsak, Talipao, when the Abu Sayyaf bandits flagged them down in Timpook.

Tan said the victims were taken to the Joint Task Force Sulu headquarters for medical check-up before they were turned over to proper authorities.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2016/09/19/abu-sayyaf-frees-2-telco-technicians-498508