From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 9): PNP monitoring 5-10 foreigners training in terrorist camps -- Dela Rosa
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is closely monitoring 5 to 10 foreigners who are allegedly training in terrorist camps in Mindanao.
PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa made the revelation during a press conference on Monday in Camp Crame, Quezon City. on the day of the observance of the “Traslacion” or the procession of the replica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila.
Dela Rosa said it is possible there are more foreign nationals who are training the terrorists in the country, but it is difficult to identify them if they are of “Malay” race who look like a Filipino.
He, however, assured there is still no “specific terror threat” during the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
”So far so good,” was the assessment made by the PNP chief on the ongoing celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila.
Dela Rosa expressed his belief in the Lord that no untoward incident will happen today after they have conducted all the possible precautionary measures against any threats.
”Just do your best and God will do the rest,” Dela Rosa said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=953647
Monday, January 9, 2017
Leftist groups have nothing to fear from AFP's DSSP 'Kapayapaan'
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 9): Leftist groups have nothing to fear from AFP's DSSP 'Kapayapaan'
Leftist groups, especially those desirous of genuine peace and development, have nothing to fear from Development Support and Security Plan (DSSP) "Kapayapaan," said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año.
"Kapayapaan" is the sequel of Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) "Bayanihan" which formally ended last Dec. 31, having been launched on Dec. 22, 2010.
"DSSP 'Kapayapaan' is the sequel of IPSP 'Bayanihan'. While the 'Bayanihan's strategic approach is the whole-of-nation approach that focused on security aspect, the DSSP 'Kapayapaan' identified and included the AFP' support to the challenges on governance, development and security," Año stressed.
He also said IPSP "Bayanihan" brought in good results as 71 out of the 76 provinces of the country are now peaceful and ready for further development.
"The strategic imperatives of Campaign Plan Kapayapaan includes the primacy of the peace process, with our roadmap for peaceful settlement to peace-inclined threat groups like CPP/NPA/NDF, MILF and MNLF in addition to IPSP 'Bayanihan's stakeholder's engagement, adherence to human rights, international humanitarian law and rule of law. The expanded purpose of DSSP "Kapayapaan" is linked with national vision and development plans of the national government," he added.
The AFP chief stressed that missions under DSSP "Kapayapaan" are purely to sustain the peace, ensure security and maintain public order.
He added that four strategic concepts of the latter are the following:
-Sustained military operation to defeat the foreign and local terrorist organizations;
-Contribute to the promotion of peace;
-Active support to law enforcement in war against drugs; and
-Contribute to nation building.
"The leftists have nothing to worry about. In fact, we expect them to cooperate with us so that we can work out the attainment of a permanent and lasting peace," Año said.
The AFP chief said that while DSSP "Kapayapaan" is focused on the primacy of the peace process, terror groups like the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Maute Group, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Ansar Al-Khilafah Philippines, and other lawless groups will feel the full brunt of the military's combat power.
"While we are addressing the ASG (threat and other lawless elements), we apply the full force of the AFP, in fact in the Western Mindanao Command area where the ASG and other terror groups (are known to be operating), 51 battalions are already deployed to (conduct focused military operations against them," he added.
Año said this is the biggest ever troop deployment for the AFP as they are making sure that the campaign against the ASG and other lawless and terror groups will be significantly defeated and their capabilities to wreak havoc or terror reduced to the very minimal.
He added efforts to combat these threats will be evaluated this coming June to determine whether the strategies being implemented against them are taking effect.
And when asked what initiatives the AFP are taking against these lawless and terror groups, Año said the military has intensified its intelligence operations and engagements with the local communities so local residents will report to authorities presence of suspicious-looking individuals in their respective areas.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=953674
Leftist groups, especially those desirous of genuine peace and development, have nothing to fear from Development Support and Security Plan (DSSP) "Kapayapaan," said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año.
"Kapayapaan" is the sequel of Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) "Bayanihan" which formally ended last Dec. 31, having been launched on Dec. 22, 2010.
"DSSP 'Kapayapaan' is the sequel of IPSP 'Bayanihan'. While the 'Bayanihan's strategic approach is the whole-of-nation approach that focused on security aspect, the DSSP 'Kapayapaan' identified and included the AFP' support to the challenges on governance, development and security," Año stressed.
He also said IPSP "Bayanihan" brought in good results as 71 out of the 76 provinces of the country are now peaceful and ready for further development.
"The strategic imperatives of Campaign Plan Kapayapaan includes the primacy of the peace process, with our roadmap for peaceful settlement to peace-inclined threat groups like CPP/NPA/NDF, MILF and MNLF in addition to IPSP 'Bayanihan's stakeholder's engagement, adherence to human rights, international humanitarian law and rule of law. The expanded purpose of DSSP "Kapayapaan" is linked with national vision and development plans of the national government," he added.
The AFP chief stressed that missions under DSSP "Kapayapaan" are purely to sustain the peace, ensure security and maintain public order.
He added that four strategic concepts of the latter are the following:
-Sustained military operation to defeat the foreign and local terrorist organizations;
-Contribute to the promotion of peace;
-Active support to law enforcement in war against drugs; and
-Contribute to nation building.
"The leftists have nothing to worry about. In fact, we expect them to cooperate with us so that we can work out the attainment of a permanent and lasting peace," Año said.
The AFP chief said that while DSSP "Kapayapaan" is focused on the primacy of the peace process, terror groups like the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Maute Group, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Ansar Al-Khilafah Philippines, and other lawless groups will feel the full brunt of the military's combat power.
"While we are addressing the ASG (threat and other lawless elements), we apply the full force of the AFP, in fact in the Western Mindanao Command area where the ASG and other terror groups (are known to be operating), 51 battalions are already deployed to (conduct focused military operations against them," he added.
Año said this is the biggest ever troop deployment for the AFP as they are making sure that the campaign against the ASG and other lawless and terror groups will be significantly defeated and their capabilities to wreak havoc or terror reduced to the very minimal.
He added efforts to combat these threats will be evaluated this coming June to determine whether the strategies being implemented against them are taking effect.
And when asked what initiatives the AFP are taking against these lawless and terror groups, Año said the military has intensified its intelligence operations and engagements with the local communities so local residents will report to authorities presence of suspicious-looking individuals in their respective areas.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=953674
DND chief: Military goal for 2017 is to defeat ASG, Maute Group within 6 months
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 9): DND chief: Military goal for 2017 is to defeat ASG, Maute Group within 6 months
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the military's goal for 2017 is to defeat the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and Maute Group within the next six months.
He made the statement at the sidelights of the DND-Armed Forces of the Philippines New Year's Call on Monday.
But Lorenzana did not give details on how the AFP plans to do this, citing operational and security reasons.
"We are going to do something new or innovative to finish this problem once and for all," he noted.
The DND chief also said efforts will continue to recover ASG kidnapped victims whose numbers are estimated at 27.
He added the same six months timetable applies to the neutralization of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=953689
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the military's goal for 2017 is to defeat the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and Maute Group within the next six months.
He made the statement at the sidelights of the DND-Armed Forces of the Philippines New Year's Call on Monday.
But Lorenzana did not give details on how the AFP plans to do this, citing operational and security reasons.
"We are going to do something new or innovative to finish this problem once and for all," he noted.
The DND chief also said efforts will continue to recover ASG kidnapped victims whose numbers are estimated at 27.
He added the same six months timetable applies to the neutralization of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=953689
PHL embassy in Singapore joins int'l conference on legal dimension of South China Sea award
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 9): PHL embassy in Singapore joins int'l conference on legal dimension of South China Sea award
Officials of the Philippine Embassy in Singapore participated in the international conference on “The South China Sea Award: The Legal Dimension”, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a release issued on Monday.
Minister and Consul Gen. Victorio Mario Dimagiba Jr., acting in his capacity as Chargé d’Affaires, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Antonio Carpio, and other Philippine officials attended the conference at the invitation of the National University of Singapore's Centre for International Law (NUS-CIL), which organized the event last Jan. 5-6 at the Regent Hotel in Singapore.
They were joined by acting assistant secretary Atty. Leo Tito Ausan Jr., Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office of Legal Affairs; executive director Evangeline Ong-Jimenez Ducrocq, DFA Office of Asia-Pacific Affairs; special assistant Ma. Antonina Mendoza-Oblena, DFA Office of the Undersecretary for Policy; principal assistant Anwar Ito, DFA Office of ASEAN Affairs; Assistant Solicitor General Atty. Hermes Ocampo; and Assistant Solicitor General Atty. Raymund Rigodon.
The conference gathered legal academics and experts to examine and exchange views on the legal elements of the Award in terms of jurisdiction, historic rights, the status and entitlements of features in the South China Sea, and the protection of the marine environment.
The participants also discussed the possible implications of the Award to jurisprudence on the law of the sea.
Prof. S. Jayakumar, Prof. Tommy Koh, Prof. Lucy Reed and Asst. Prof. Robert Beckman of NUS-CIL chaired the various sessions that featured a list of distinguished panelists.
Upon his arrival in Singapore, Cayetano met with Prof. Kishore Mahbubani, Dean of the NUS Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, where they had an excellent discussion on possible future collaborations, as well as on developments in the Philippines and the region.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=953717
Officials of the Philippine Embassy in Singapore participated in the international conference on “The South China Sea Award: The Legal Dimension”, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a release issued on Monday.
Minister and Consul Gen. Victorio Mario Dimagiba Jr., acting in his capacity as Chargé d’Affaires, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Antonio Carpio, and other Philippine officials attended the conference at the invitation of the National University of Singapore's Centre for International Law (NUS-CIL), which organized the event last Jan. 5-6 at the Regent Hotel in Singapore.
They were joined by acting assistant secretary Atty. Leo Tito Ausan Jr., Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office of Legal Affairs; executive director Evangeline Ong-Jimenez Ducrocq, DFA Office of Asia-Pacific Affairs; special assistant Ma. Antonina Mendoza-Oblena, DFA Office of the Undersecretary for Policy; principal assistant Anwar Ito, DFA Office of ASEAN Affairs; Assistant Solicitor General Atty. Hermes Ocampo; and Assistant Solicitor General Atty. Raymund Rigodon.
The conference gathered legal academics and experts to examine and exchange views on the legal elements of the Award in terms of jurisdiction, historic rights, the status and entitlements of features in the South China Sea, and the protection of the marine environment.
The participants also discussed the possible implications of the Award to jurisprudence on the law of the sea.
Prof. S. Jayakumar, Prof. Tommy Koh, Prof. Lucy Reed and Asst. Prof. Robert Beckman of NUS-CIL chaired the various sessions that featured a list of distinguished panelists.
Upon his arrival in Singapore, Cayetano met with Prof. Kishore Mahbubani, Dean of the NUS Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, where they had an excellent discussion on possible future collaborations, as well as on developments in the Philippines and the region.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=953717
MOU needed before any defense cooperation with Russia -- Lorenzana
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 9): MOU needed before any defense cooperation with Russia -- Lorenzana
Prior to any defense cooperation with Russia, the Philippines needs to put in place a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will provide the framework agreement between Filipino and Russian troops.
This was disclosed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Monday.
He said the MOU with Russia started in 2014 during the term of then President Benigno Aquino III but it was still incomplete when he stepped down in 2016.
"So we are going to finish this (MOU) and it will be one of the documents that will be signed by President Rodrigo Duterte during his visit to Russia sometime this April or May," Lorenzana said in Filipino.
Possible contents of the MOU are the exchange of military personnel, visits, participation and observation exercises.
"The Russians said they would like to have exercises with us especially (in) maritime but the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will still look into that and determine whether it is acceptable or not," the DND chief said.
Once it is signed by April or May, Russia can then send students to Philippine military schools and vice versa.
The MOU will also give leeway to Philippine troops to observe Russian exercises to determine whether the country's military will benefit from these maneuvers.
Once it is proven that the Philippines will get a boost in these Russian drills, Lorenzana said Filipino troops can be deployed for training in those exercises.
The DND chief said he is not expecting the MOU to affect Philippine-US military ties as the latter is not an alliance but merely military-to-military cooperation.
"This is not like the US Mutual Defense Treaty where it stipulates that the Americans will help defend us once we are attacked," Lorenzana added.
As this develops, the DND chief said Russian officers will start arriving this month to meet with Filipino officers to determine what kind of equipment or weapons the Philippines need.
He added that these Russian officers will be coming with an equipment list and the Filipino military officers can see first hand what they (Russians) are offering.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=953695
Prior to any defense cooperation with Russia, the Philippines needs to put in place a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will provide the framework agreement between Filipino and Russian troops.
This was disclosed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Monday.
He said the MOU with Russia started in 2014 during the term of then President Benigno Aquino III but it was still incomplete when he stepped down in 2016.
"So we are going to finish this (MOU) and it will be one of the documents that will be signed by President Rodrigo Duterte during his visit to Russia sometime this April or May," Lorenzana said in Filipino.
Possible contents of the MOU are the exchange of military personnel, visits, participation and observation exercises.
"The Russians said they would like to have exercises with us especially (in) maritime but the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will still look into that and determine whether it is acceptable or not," the DND chief said.
Once it is signed by April or May, Russia can then send students to Philippine military schools and vice versa.
The MOU will also give leeway to Philippine troops to observe Russian exercises to determine whether the country's military will benefit from these maneuvers.
Once it is proven that the Philippines will get a boost in these Russian drills, Lorenzana said Filipino troops can be deployed for training in those exercises.
The DND chief said he is not expecting the MOU to affect Philippine-US military ties as the latter is not an alliance but merely military-to-military cooperation.
"This is not like the US Mutual Defense Treaty where it stipulates that the Americans will help defend us once we are attacked," Lorenzana added.
As this develops, the DND chief said Russian officers will start arriving this month to meet with Filipino officers to determine what kind of equipment or weapons the Philippines need.
He added that these Russian officers will be coming with an equipment list and the Filipino military officers can see first hand what they (Russians) are offering.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=953695
ISIS issue here to stay unless Mindanao peace, drug menace are solved -- Pres. Duterte
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 9): ISIS issue here to stay unless Mindanao peace, drug menace are solved -- Pres. Duterte
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday warned that Islamist extremism will be here to stay unless the Mindanao issue and the drug menace are solved.
In a speech delivered in Malacañang, the President said the Mindanao peace issue was a result of a rising nationalism -- a Moro people coming to terms with his existence in the land.
He said that “if we do not try even to solve the Mindanao issue, it will be the biggest problem of our land and of our children.”
Duterte, the first president from Mindanao and of Maranao-Kamayo ancestry from his mother’s side, has made big strides in the Mindanao peace process during the first six months of his presidency.
He has earlier called on Moro insurgents to set aside centuries of mistrust and warfare and vowed to correct the historical injustices committed against the Moro people.
However, Duterte said that the healing process in Mindanao is in danger of being overtaken by recent events.
“The problem now is that the rising nationalism in some parts of the country for some people, has been overtaken by this ideology of violence and brutality, ISIS,” Duterte said.
“ISIS is already there (Mindanao) and we have been debating for so long. But we are now one of the opinion in the Cabinet that the ISIS ideology is here to stay,” he said.
Besides already having a foothold in Mindanao, the President noted that some of the various groups sympathetic to the cause of the Middle East-based terror group are also competing for recognition.
“They are outdoing each other in brutality. The more brutal you are in raising the ideology, the more credentials that you may have for a recognition,” he said.
President Duterte pointed out that the terrorist groups in Mindanao are being driven by drugs, making the Mindanao problem a two-fold issue.
“So we have this problem now of terrorism. Now, why is shabu abundant in Mindanao? It is because they (terror groups) are driving the war using shabu as a fuel, pati sila mismo,” he said.
“And in the Middle East, it is bruited and recognized that they (ISIS) are using shabu. So now we have two problems in Mindanao -- terrorism and drugs,” Duterte said.
He reiterated that the war on drugs must continue until the whole drug infrastructure is demolished.
"Shabu must end because … for as long as there is shabu, the addiction will continue and it will bring us down to the dogs," the President said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=953776
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday warned that Islamist extremism will be here to stay unless the Mindanao issue and the drug menace are solved.
In a speech delivered in Malacañang, the President said the Mindanao peace issue was a result of a rising nationalism -- a Moro people coming to terms with his existence in the land.
He said that “if we do not try even to solve the Mindanao issue, it will be the biggest problem of our land and of our children.”
Duterte, the first president from Mindanao and of Maranao-Kamayo ancestry from his mother’s side, has made big strides in the Mindanao peace process during the first six months of his presidency.
He has earlier called on Moro insurgents to set aside centuries of mistrust and warfare and vowed to correct the historical injustices committed against the Moro people.
However, Duterte said that the healing process in Mindanao is in danger of being overtaken by recent events.
“The problem now is that the rising nationalism in some parts of the country for some people, has been overtaken by this ideology of violence and brutality, ISIS,” Duterte said.
“ISIS is already there (Mindanao) and we have been debating for so long. But we are now one of the opinion in the Cabinet that the ISIS ideology is here to stay,” he said.
Besides already having a foothold in Mindanao, the President noted that some of the various groups sympathetic to the cause of the Middle East-based terror group are also competing for recognition.
“They are outdoing each other in brutality. The more brutal you are in raising the ideology, the more credentials that you may have for a recognition,” he said.
President Duterte pointed out that the terrorist groups in Mindanao are being driven by drugs, making the Mindanao problem a two-fold issue.
“So we have this problem now of terrorism. Now, why is shabu abundant in Mindanao? It is because they (terror groups) are driving the war using shabu as a fuel, pati sila mismo,” he said.
“And in the Middle East, it is bruited and recognized that they (ISIS) are using shabu. So now we have two problems in Mindanao -- terrorism and drugs,” Duterte said.
He reiterated that the war on drugs must continue until the whole drug infrastructure is demolished.
"Shabu must end because … for as long as there is shabu, the addiction will continue and it will bring us down to the dogs," the President said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=953776
Sunday, January 8, 2017
Army hopes peace in NIR to last long
From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 9): Army hopes peace in NIR to last long
The Army's 303 rd Infantry Brigade is storming the heavens with prayers that the peaceful atmosphere in Negros Island Region, brought about by the unilateral ceasefire being observed by the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front, will continue to reign and last long.
Col. Francisco Delfin, 303 rd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday said they have not monitored any insurgency-related incident in Negros countrysides, since the unilateral ceasefire took effect four months ago.
The unilateral ceasefire is now being enjoyed by Negrenses, much more by the families of government troopers and NPA rebels, who no longer worry that they will clash with each other, and cause injuries or worse, the loss of lives.
“We have not monitored any violation, so far,” Delfin, who supervises two Army battalions operating in Negros, said.
With military operations suspended, he said, peace and development activities have been given more focus.
“All of us feel what is peace and its positive impact, and feeling good that no life has been lost,” Delfin said.
Both the Army soldiers and the NPA were able to spend “quality time” with their respective families during the yuletide season celebrations, Delfin said.
But he said their vigilance has not been lowered despite the ceasefire.
The military claims that the NPA in Negros has about 200 armed members, an allegation disputed by Juanito Magbanua of the NPA Regional Operational Command, during a clandestine interview with selected local media in central Negros.
The NDF-Negros also expressed its support to the ongoing peace talks between the government and the NDF.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/January/09/topstory6.htm
The Army's 303 rd Infantry Brigade is storming the heavens with prayers that the peaceful atmosphere in Negros Island Region, brought about by the unilateral ceasefire being observed by the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front, will continue to reign and last long.
Col. Francisco Delfin, 303 rd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday said they have not monitored any insurgency-related incident in Negros countrysides, since the unilateral ceasefire took effect four months ago.
The unilateral ceasefire is now being enjoyed by Negrenses, much more by the families of government troopers and NPA rebels, who no longer worry that they will clash with each other, and cause injuries or worse, the loss of lives.
“We have not monitored any violation, so far,” Delfin, who supervises two Army battalions operating in Negros, said.
With military operations suspended, he said, peace and development activities have been given more focus.
“All of us feel what is peace and its positive impact, and feeling good that no life has been lost,” Delfin said.
Both the Army soldiers and the NPA were able to spend “quality time” with their respective families during the yuletide season celebrations, Delfin said.
But he said their vigilance has not been lowered despite the ceasefire.
The military claims that the NPA in Negros has about 200 armed members, an allegation disputed by Juanito Magbanua of the NPA Regional Operational Command, during a clandestine interview with selected local media in central Negros.
The NDF-Negros also expressed its support to the ongoing peace talks between the government and the NDF.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/January/09/topstory6.htm
Editorial: Leave them alone
Editorial from the Sun Star-Davao (Jan 9): Editorial: Leave them alone
DAVAO Oriental is one in condemning the killing of Likid Copertino Banugan, the Mandaya tribal leader brutally murdered by the New People's Army, which have long been trying to enter the ancestral domain of Banugan's people in Barangay Pichon, Caraga, Davao Oriental, but have been thwarted because of Banugan's leadership.
Regarded for his strong rule over the areas covered by the certificate of ancestral domain title (CADT-01) and in insisting that his people carry with them the culture and ways of the Mandaya, Banugan personifies the characters of a datu as they were before.
To the NPA, he was the enemy, the land grabber, and the dictator.
To his people, he was the one who pushed them to celebrate their being Mandaya, putting up the annual festival in sitio Sangab and the cultural village there, successfully bringing back what was almost forgotten 18 years ago.
He also made sure that the ancestral domain is not sold to anyone and remains a communal property of the tribe, with recognition of who among the tribesfolk have rightful occupancy of a plot.
He set up the tribe's cultural village where they still weave and make their attires and cloths and their baylans are sought out to bless whatever endeavor the community starts on.
His death, along with his brother Ramon and nephew Benny, outside his house in Caraga Poblacion was an overkill.
Not only peppered with bullets from high-powered firearms, an M203 grenade was said to have been exploded at the three as well.
The brutality of the death illustrates the long-held anger the NPA has had on Banugan, the very foundation by which his people of the Mandaya tribe respect him.
Banugan's fate underscores what the indigenous peoples have long been trying to explain to those who are trying to talk peace with the communist rebels and the Moro rebels.
The fact that the IPs are held hostage by these forces, and yet, are not given a voice and a say. Especially with regards communist rebels, which put up bases in IP areas, the IPs cannot even raise their voices against them since the rebels are armed, they are not.
When they seek government help for protection, they are called spies and are killed, just like Banugan and many before him. When they arm themselves, they are called warlords and are killed, just like Banugan and many before him. When they align with the rebels, then the government forces kill them.
Banugan's death should be the last straw. The government by this time, should understand that the IPs are not just observers, but are the one who suffer the brunt of the conflict. They are forever hostaged by the conflicts and their development is stunted forever. Why is that?
Whenever they find partners to help them develop, their partners are harassed and their leaders are killed. When they develop themselves, they are subject to militarization from both sides.
Here's to hoping that Peace Process Secretary Jesus G. Dureza, who has been going around consulting with IPs, fully comprehend what is happening and once and for all declare all IP communities as zones of peace where they are allowed to rule their people based on their own culture and norms, without the interference and constant agitation by the communist and the militarization of the government.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/opinion/2017/01/09/editorial-leave-them-alone-519116
DAVAO Oriental is one in condemning the killing of Likid Copertino Banugan, the Mandaya tribal leader brutally murdered by the New People's Army, which have long been trying to enter the ancestral domain of Banugan's people in Barangay Pichon, Caraga, Davao Oriental, but have been thwarted because of Banugan's leadership.
Regarded for his strong rule over the areas covered by the certificate of ancestral domain title (CADT-01) and in insisting that his people carry with them the culture and ways of the Mandaya, Banugan personifies the characters of a datu as they were before.
To the NPA, he was the enemy, the land grabber, and the dictator.
To his people, he was the one who pushed them to celebrate their being Mandaya, putting up the annual festival in sitio Sangab and the cultural village there, successfully bringing back what was almost forgotten 18 years ago.
He also made sure that the ancestral domain is not sold to anyone and remains a communal property of the tribe, with recognition of who among the tribesfolk have rightful occupancy of a plot.
He set up the tribe's cultural village where they still weave and make their attires and cloths and their baylans are sought out to bless whatever endeavor the community starts on.
His death, along with his brother Ramon and nephew Benny, outside his house in Caraga Poblacion was an overkill.
Not only peppered with bullets from high-powered firearms, an M203 grenade was said to have been exploded at the three as well.
The brutality of the death illustrates the long-held anger the NPA has had on Banugan, the very foundation by which his people of the Mandaya tribe respect him.
Banugan's fate underscores what the indigenous peoples have long been trying to explain to those who are trying to talk peace with the communist rebels and the Moro rebels.
The fact that the IPs are held hostage by these forces, and yet, are not given a voice and a say. Especially with regards communist rebels, which put up bases in IP areas, the IPs cannot even raise their voices against them since the rebels are armed, they are not.
When they seek government help for protection, they are called spies and are killed, just like Banugan and many before him. When they arm themselves, they are called warlords and are killed, just like Banugan and many before him. When they align with the rebels, then the government forces kill them.
Banugan's death should be the last straw. The government by this time, should understand that the IPs are not just observers, but are the one who suffer the brunt of the conflict. They are forever hostaged by the conflicts and their development is stunted forever. Why is that?
Whenever they find partners to help them develop, their partners are harassed and their leaders are killed. When they develop themselves, they are subject to militarization from both sides.
Here's to hoping that Peace Process Secretary Jesus G. Dureza, who has been going around consulting with IPs, fully comprehend what is happening and once and for all declare all IP communities as zones of peace where they are allowed to rule their people based on their own culture and norms, without the interference and constant agitation by the communist and the militarization of the government.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/opinion/2017/01/09/editorial-leave-them-alone-519116
Foreigner killed with ISIS supporter in Sarangani buried – police
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 8): Foreigner killed with ISIS supporter in Sarangani buried – police
The foreigner who was killed by government security forces during an operation against terror suspects on Saturday was buried in a remote village of Maasim, Sarangani.
Senior Inspector Canieso Wanigon Golwingon, town police commander, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the slain foreigner, Abu Naila, was a bomb expert of local terror group Ansar Al-Khilafah.
Also killed was his wife identified as Kadija.
Golwingon said the three arrested companions of the slain Jaafar Sabewang Maguid, also known as “Tokboy,” leader of the Ansar Al-Khilafah Philippines, confirmed that Naila was a bomb-making instructor.
Golwingon said Maguid’s men told them they only knew him as Abu Naila and his nationality remained unknown as of Sunday(Jan. 8).
“We turned over their remains of village officials and they were buried already,” Golwingon said.
“Nobody really knows them in the area. Accordingly, they were supposed to travel to Sulu from Lanao but decided to abort their plan due to heightened border patrol of our naval forces,” he said.
Police and military were on operation to arrest the two, but were fired upon by the suspects.
On January 5, Maguid was killed after he resisted arrest and engaged in a firefight with policemen at the Angel Beach resort in the village of Katigas in Kiamba town.
Three of Maguid’s companion, identified as Matahata Dialawe Arboleda, Ismael Sahak and Morhaban Veloso, were arrested.
Authorities claimed that Maguid’s group was behind the grenade attack in last year’s festival in nearby Maasim town that killed a police officer and wounded dozens.
The military earlier reported that Maguid was a supporter of the ISIS group.
In November 2015, eight men, including a suspected Indonesian national, were killed as Maguid’s group figured in an encounter with the military in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.
Five ISIS flags, documents, explosive materials and firearms were found in their possession.
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/151317/foreigner-killed-isis-supporter-sarangani-buried-police
Map of Sarangani province (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
Senior Inspector Canieso Wanigon Golwingon, town police commander, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the slain foreigner, Abu Naila, was a bomb expert of local terror group Ansar Al-Khilafah.
Also killed was his wife identified as Kadija.
Golwingon said the three arrested companions of the slain Jaafar Sabewang Maguid, also known as “Tokboy,” leader of the Ansar Al-Khilafah Philippines, confirmed that Naila was a bomb-making instructor.
Golwingon said Maguid’s men told them they only knew him as Abu Naila and his nationality remained unknown as of Sunday(Jan. 8).
“We turned over their remains of village officials and they were buried already,” Golwingon said.
“Nobody really knows them in the area. Accordingly, they were supposed to travel to Sulu from Lanao but decided to abort their plan due to heightened border patrol of our naval forces,” he said.
Police and military were on operation to arrest the two, but were fired upon by the suspects.
On January 5, Maguid was killed after he resisted arrest and engaged in a firefight with policemen at the Angel Beach resort in the village of Katigas in Kiamba town.
Three of Maguid’s companion, identified as Matahata Dialawe Arboleda, Ismael Sahak and Morhaban Veloso, were arrested.
Authorities claimed that Maguid’s group was behind the grenade attack in last year’s festival in nearby Maasim town that killed a police officer and wounded dozens.
The military earlier reported that Maguid was a supporter of the ISIS group.
In November 2015, eight men, including a suspected Indonesian national, were killed as Maguid’s group figured in an encounter with the military in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.
Five ISIS flags, documents, explosive materials and firearms were found in their possession.
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/151317/foreigner-killed-isis-supporter-sarangani-buried-police
Jihadist used Phl as training ground
From the Philippine Star (Jan 9): Jihadist used Phl as training ground
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said yesterday this was the information they obtained on Abu Naila, a Sudanese who was killed by government troops in a raid in Barangay Daliao, Maasim. AP/Bullit Marquez
A foreigner with suspected links to the Ansar Al-Khilafa Philippines (AKP) was training in the country before possible deployment to join extremists in Syria when he was killed in a government operation in Sarangani on Saturday.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said yesterday this was the information they obtained on Abu Naila, a Sudanese who was killed by government troops in a raid in Barangay Daliao, Maasim.
“He wanted to fight in Syria, but he first went here in the Philippines to train,” Dela Rosa said in a radio interview over dzMM.
He said Naila wanted to fight alongside members of the Islamic State (IS), a terrorist group that has occupied parts of Syria and Iraq.
“It only shows the AKP is an IS sympathizer and proves the group is aligned with IS,” Dela Rosa said.
Naila and a woman identified only as Kadija were killed in the encounter. Initially, authorities wanted to arrest them but the Sudanese allegedly lobbed a grenade, triggering a shootout.
The raid was part of an effort to locate followers of Mohammad Jaafar Maguid, founder of the local terrorist group, who was killed by government forces at a beach resort in Kiamba, Sarangani on Thursday.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/01/09/1661011/jihadist-used-phl-training-ground
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said yesterday this was the information they obtained on Abu Naila, a Sudanese who was killed by government troops in a raid in Barangay Daliao, Maasim. AP/Bullit Marquez
A foreigner with suspected links to the Ansar Al-Khilafa Philippines (AKP) was training in the country before possible deployment to join extremists in Syria when he was killed in a government operation in Sarangani on Saturday.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said yesterday this was the information they obtained on Abu Naila, a Sudanese who was killed by government troops in a raid in Barangay Daliao, Maasim.
“He wanted to fight in Syria, but he first went here in the Philippines to train,” Dela Rosa said in a radio interview over dzMM.
He said Naila wanted to fight alongside members of the Islamic State (IS), a terrorist group that has occupied parts of Syria and Iraq.
“It only shows the AKP is an IS sympathizer and proves the group is aligned with IS,” Dela Rosa said.
Naila and a woman identified only as Kadija were killed in the encounter. Initially, authorities wanted to arrest them but the Sudanese allegedly lobbed a grenade, triggering a shootout.
The raid was part of an effort to locate followers of Mohammad Jaafar Maguid, founder of the local terrorist group, who was killed by government forces at a beach resort in Kiamba, Sarangani on Thursday.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/01/09/1661011/jihadist-used-phl-training-ground
PNP rules out any ‘credible’ terror threat
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 9): PNP rules out any ‘credible’ terror threat
The Philippine National Police yesterday said there were “no credible and specific” terrorist threats to the annual procession, or “traslacion,” of the Black Nazarene icon in Manila that millions of devotees are expected to attend.
The police assurance came despite a raid on an Islamic center in Manila and the brief detention of scores of people as part of heightened security before the traslacion.
Two men were arrested for illegal drugs during the raid on Saturday, as authorities warned of possible attacks by Islamic militants when the Feast of the Black Nazarene reaches its peak today.
“This is part of security preparations for the Feast of the Black Nazarene,” said Chief Insp. Marissa Bruno, spokesperson for the Manila police.
“Frankly, we have not monitored any credible and specific threat directed toward this specific event. But we want to make sure and we are preparing because it’s possible they will retaliate,” Dela Rosa said in a radio interview.
The top PNP official was referring to the jihadist Ansar al-Khilafa Philippines (AKP), three of whose leaders were killed in police operations last week.
AKP is sympathetic to the terrorist Islamic State operating in Iraq and Syria, and has ties with other terrorist organizations, such as the Maute Group, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Abu Sayyaf.
Interior Secretary Ismael Sueño agreed with Dela Rosa, saying that the PNP had not received “definite, clear, imminent threat related to traslacion.”
“[B]ut this is a very big event so we are not leaving anything to chance. So we are making very big preparations to ensure the safety of our devotees,” Sueno said in a separate radio interview.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/860551/pnp-rules-out-any-credible-terror-threat
The Philippine National Police yesterday said there were “no credible and specific” terrorist threats to the annual procession, or “traslacion,” of the Black Nazarene icon in Manila that millions of devotees are expected to attend.
The police assurance came despite a raid on an Islamic center in Manila and the brief detention of scores of people as part of heightened security before the traslacion.
Two men were arrested for illegal drugs during the raid on Saturday, as authorities warned of possible attacks by Islamic militants when the Feast of the Black Nazarene reaches its peak today.
“This is part of security preparations for the Feast of the Black Nazarene,” said Chief Insp. Marissa Bruno, spokesperson for the Manila police.
Strict measures
PNP Director General Ronald dela Rosa said strict measures would be enforced during the procession to ensure that the authorities could respond to any threat, particularly from Islamic extremist groups being pursued by the government.“Frankly, we have not monitored any credible and specific threat directed toward this specific event. But we want to make sure and we are preparing because it’s possible they will retaliate,” Dela Rosa said in a radio interview.
The top PNP official was referring to the jihadist Ansar al-Khilafa Philippines (AKP), three of whose leaders were killed in police operations last week.
AKP is sympathetic to the terrorist Islamic State operating in Iraq and Syria, and has ties with other terrorist organizations, such as the Maute Group, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Abu Sayyaf.
Interior Secretary Ismael Sueño agreed with Dela Rosa, saying that the PNP had not received “definite, clear, imminent threat related to traslacion.”
“[B]ut this is a very big event so we are not leaving anything to chance. So we are making very big preparations to ensure the safety of our devotees,” Sueno said in a separate radio interview.
‘Traslacion’ in provinces
He said security measures were also up in other smaller traslacion events in the provinces, such as in Cagayan de Oro City as well as in the initial celebrations of the feast of the Sto. Niño next week, the Sinulog in Cebu City.http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/860551/pnp-rules-out-any-credible-terror-threat
Pangasinan to honor WW2 veterans today
From The Standard (Jan 8): Pangasinan to honor WW2 veterans today
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—World War II veterans are set to be honored on the 72nd Lingayen Gulf Landing and 10th Pangasinan Veterans Day commemoration today at the Veterans’ Memorial Park within the Capitol Complex here.
Governor Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III will lead the wreath-laying ceremony along with Dr. Vivencio Villaflor Jr., who is the guest of honor and speaker, and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Administrator Ernesto Carolina, Philippine Veterans Federation Association president Bonifacio De Gracia, and Australian Embassy Counsellor Kerry Anderson.
An ASNA awardee and a son of a World War II veteran, Villaflor is currently the chairman of the Pangasinan Red Cross and the Dagupan Doctors Villaflor Memorial Hospital.
PVAO-Lingayen Field Office chief Romeo Madriaga expressed his gratitude to Rep. Amado T. Espino Jr. of the fifth district, who is also Pangasinan’s former fovernor, for institutionalizing the event for the unsung heroes, and Espino’s son—the incumbent governor—for carrying on the tradition.
“I was previously assigned to Region 3, But it is only here in Pangasinan that I have seen that support from the local government for our veterans aside from the national government,” Madriaga said.
Apart from cash incentives, war veterans in the province have enjoyed free medical services from the 14 provincial government hospitals.
Madriaga said that PVAO, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and the Provincial Health Office go as far as conducting house-to-house visits to war veterans just to hand them the cash incentives and do on-site checkups if they failed to come to the ceremony.
Following the ceremony, a luncheon and medical mission for the veterans will be held at Sison Auditorium. A navy ship collection exhibit donated by the Australian government will also be installed for viewing.
Madriaga said Pangasinan and Cebu had the most number of war veterans during the World War II.
Data shows that number of veterans is dwindling, from 499 in 2016 to just 370 as of this January.
During last year’s commemoration, Carolina had lauded Pangasinan as the “Philippine Cradle of Heroes.”
http://manilastandard.net/news/-provinces/226224/pangasinan-to-honor-ww2-veterans-today.html
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—World War II veterans are set to be honored on the 72nd Lingayen Gulf Landing and 10th Pangasinan Veterans Day commemoration today at the Veterans’ Memorial Park within the Capitol Complex here.
Governor Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III will lead the wreath-laying ceremony along with Dr. Vivencio Villaflor Jr., who is the guest of honor and speaker, and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Administrator Ernesto Carolina, Philippine Veterans Federation Association president Bonifacio De Gracia, and Australian Embassy Counsellor Kerry Anderson.
An ASNA awardee and a son of a World War II veteran, Villaflor is currently the chairman of the Pangasinan Red Cross and the Dagupan Doctors Villaflor Memorial Hospital.
PVAO-Lingayen Field Office chief Romeo Madriaga expressed his gratitude to Rep. Amado T. Espino Jr. of the fifth district, who is also Pangasinan’s former fovernor, for institutionalizing the event for the unsung heroes, and Espino’s son—the incumbent governor—for carrying on the tradition.
“I was previously assigned to Region 3, But it is only here in Pangasinan that I have seen that support from the local government for our veterans aside from the national government,” Madriaga said.
Apart from cash incentives, war veterans in the province have enjoyed free medical services from the 14 provincial government hospitals.
Madriaga said that PVAO, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and the Provincial Health Office go as far as conducting house-to-house visits to war veterans just to hand them the cash incentives and do on-site checkups if they failed to come to the ceremony.
Following the ceremony, a luncheon and medical mission for the veterans will be held at Sison Auditorium. A navy ship collection exhibit donated by the Australian government will also be installed for viewing.
Madriaga said Pangasinan and Cebu had the most number of war veterans during the World War II.
Data shows that number of veterans is dwindling, from 499 in 2016 to just 370 as of this January.
During last year’s commemoration, Carolina had lauded Pangasinan as the “Philippine Cradle of Heroes.”
http://manilastandard.net/news/-provinces/226224/pangasinan-to-honor-ww2-veterans-today.html
‘Slain jihadist Syria-bound’
From The Standard (Jan 9): ‘Slain jihadist Syria-bound’
PHILIPPINE National Police chief Ronaldo dela Rosa said the jihadist Abu Naila, who was slain by security forces in Maasim town, Sarangani province Saturday, was on his way to strife-torn Syria.
“The foreign national is believed to be a Sudanese national. He was on his way to Syria, but he dropped by here [in the Philippines] to conduct training,” Dela Rosa said.
Naila and his wife, Kadija, were killed when he tried to lob a grenade at government forces trying to arrest him.
Police say they found explosive devices, subversive documents and an ISIS (Islamic State) flag on the slain jihadist.
Authorities said they did not yet know how Naila and Kadija were able to sneak into the country undetected, or which international terrorist groups with which they had ties.
Dela Rosa said the killing of Naila and Mohammad Jaafar Maguid, alias Tokboy, commander of Ansar Al-Khalifa Philippines, an ISIS-linked terror group in Mindanao, was a major setback to the terrorists.
Maguid was killed in an encounter with security forces at the Angel Beach Resort in Kaimba town also in Sarangani province Thursday.
Reports said that at least 12 foreign terrorists have sought sanctuary in different areas in Mindanao, some of them being protected by the Abu Sayyaf Group.
http://manilastandard.net/news/-main-stories/top-stories/226206/-slain-jihadist-syria-bound-.html
PHILIPPINE National Police chief Ronaldo dela Rosa said the jihadist Abu Naila, who was slain by security forces in Maasim town, Sarangani province Saturday, was on his way to strife-torn Syria.
“The foreign national is believed to be a Sudanese national. He was on his way to Syria, but he dropped by here [in the Philippines] to conduct training,” Dela Rosa said.
Naila and his wife, Kadija, were killed when he tried to lob a grenade at government forces trying to arrest him.
Police say they found explosive devices, subversive documents and an ISIS (Islamic State) flag on the slain jihadist.
Authorities said they did not yet know how Naila and Kadija were able to sneak into the country undetected, or which international terrorist groups with which they had ties.
Dela Rosa said the killing of Naila and Mohammad Jaafar Maguid, alias Tokboy, commander of Ansar Al-Khalifa Philippines, an ISIS-linked terror group in Mindanao, was a major setback to the terrorists.
Maguid was killed in an encounter with security forces at the Angel Beach Resort in Kaimba town also in Sarangani province Thursday.
Reports said that at least 12 foreign terrorists have sought sanctuary in different areas in Mindanao, some of them being protected by the Abu Sayyaf Group.
http://manilastandard.net/news/-main-stories/top-stories/226206/-slain-jihadist-syria-bound-.html
IS ties seen in slain foreign terror suspect
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 9): IS ties seen in slain foreign terror suspect
Police turn over bodies of foreigner, wife to village execs
The operation to arrest foreign terror suspect Abu Naila led to his death and that of his wife, Kadija, whose body lies in the middle of a shack they were hiding in. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Police had turned over the bodies of a terror suspect and his wife who were killed at a raid on Saturday, leaving behind more unanswered questions about the extent of influence of international terror organizations on local armed crime groups operating in mostly Moro areas.
Senior Insp. Canieso Wanigon Golwingon, police chief of Maasim town in Sarangani province, said the remains of the terror suspect, identified as Abu Naila, and his wife, Kadija, had been turned over to officials of a village in Maasim.
Golwingon said while Naila’s nationality could not be determined yet, the slain suspect is tagged as a bomb expert of the Ansar Al-Khilafah, an emerging international terror organization that is claiming to have affiliates worldwide, including in the Philippines which calls itself Ansar Al-Khilafah Philippines (AKP).
Members of the group’s branch in Mindanao, Khalifa Islamiyah Mindanao, are believed to have received bomb-making training from Indonesian and Malaysian terrorists, like Marwan.
Golwingon said three other arrested terror suspects—Matahata Diawale Arboleda, Ismael Sahak and Morhaban Veloso—confirmed that Naila was a bomb-making instructor.
The arrested suspects, followers of slain terror leader Jaafar Sabewang Maguid, were unaware of Naila’s nationality.
Maguid, also known as “Tokboy,” headed AKP before his death during a clash with police in Kiamba town on Jan. 5.
“We turned over the remains and they were buried already,” said Golwingon of the bodies of Naila and Kadija.
“Nobody really knows them in the area,” he said. He added that the couple were to travel to Sulu from the Lanao provinces but aborted their plan “due to heightened border patrols.”
Police were out to arrest the two but claimed they were fired upon.
The influence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (IS) on local terror groups could be gleaned from what authorities found during raids on the hideouts of Maguid and his followers, who are main suspects in the grenade attack in Maasim town last year that killed a police officer and wounded dozens.
The military had tagged Maguid as an IS supporter.
During a clash in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, between soldiers and Maguid’s group in November 2015, eight men, including an Indonesian national, had been killed. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/860486/is-ties-seen-in-slain-foreign-terror-suspect
Police turn over bodies of foreigner, wife to village execs
The operation to arrest foreign terror suspect Abu Naila led to his death and that of his wife, Kadija, whose body lies in the middle of a shack they were hiding in. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Police had turned over the bodies of a terror suspect and his wife who were killed at a raid on Saturday, leaving behind more unanswered questions about the extent of influence of international terror organizations on local armed crime groups operating in mostly Moro areas.
Senior Insp. Canieso Wanigon Golwingon, police chief of Maasim town in Sarangani province, said the remains of the terror suspect, identified as Abu Naila, and his wife, Kadija, had been turned over to officials of a village in Maasim.
Golwingon said while Naila’s nationality could not be determined yet, the slain suspect is tagged as a bomb expert of the Ansar Al-Khilafah, an emerging international terror organization that is claiming to have affiliates worldwide, including in the Philippines which calls itself Ansar Al-Khilafah Philippines (AKP).
Members of the group’s branch in Mindanao, Khalifa Islamiyah Mindanao, are believed to have received bomb-making training from Indonesian and Malaysian terrorists, like Marwan.
Golwingon said three other arrested terror suspects—Matahata Diawale Arboleda, Ismael Sahak and Morhaban Veloso—confirmed that Naila was a bomb-making instructor.
The arrested suspects, followers of slain terror leader Jaafar Sabewang Maguid, were unaware of Naila’s nationality.
Maguid, also known as “Tokboy,” headed AKP before his death during a clash with police in Kiamba town on Jan. 5.
“We turned over the remains and they were buried already,” said Golwingon of the bodies of Naila and Kadija.
“Nobody really knows them in the area,” he said. He added that the couple were to travel to Sulu from the Lanao provinces but aborted their plan “due to heightened border patrols.”
Police were out to arrest the two but claimed they were fired upon.
The influence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (IS) on local terror groups could be gleaned from what authorities found during raids on the hideouts of Maguid and his followers, who are main suspects in the grenade attack in Maasim town last year that killed a police officer and wounded dozens.
The military had tagged Maguid as an IS supporter.
During a clash in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, between soldiers and Maguid’s group in November 2015, eight men, including an Indonesian national, had been killed. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/860486/is-ties-seen-in-slain-foreign-terror-suspect
Security forces hunt down jihadists in Philippines (Warning: Graphic Photos)
From the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 8): Security forces hunt down jihadists in Philippines (Photos)
Police photos show the slain jihadist fighter Abu Naila and his companion Kadija.
Philippine security forces continue to hunt down jihadists in the restive southern region of Mindanao following the killing of a foreign fighter and his female companion in Sarangani province, officials said Sunday.
Officials said the slain foreigner initially identified only by his alias Abu Naila and the woman Kadija were members of the local jihadist group Ansar-al Khilafah, whose leader Mohd Jaafar Maguid was also killed on January 5 at a resort beach in Kiamba town in the province.
It was not immediately known whether Naila was an Indonesian or Malaysian citizen and authorities were still investigating his background. The woman was believed to be a Filipina jihadist.
Officials said security forces were trying to arrest Naila and had been shot after he tried to toss a hand grenade to a group of army soldiers and police commandos in the town call Maasim over the weekend.
Soldiers also recovered the grenade and other explosives from Naila’s hideout. Several jihadist groups allied with Ansar-al Khalifah may strike in populated areas to avenge the death of Maguid and Naila, officials said.
Security has been tightened in many areas in the South, including the country’s capital.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/security-forces-hunt-down-jihadists-in-philippines/
Police photos show the slain jihadist fighter Abu Naila and his companion Kadija.
Philippine security forces continue to hunt down jihadists in the restive southern region of Mindanao following the killing of a foreign fighter and his female companion in Sarangani province, officials said Sunday.
Officials said the slain foreigner initially identified only by his alias Abu Naila and the woman Kadija were members of the local jihadist group Ansar-al Khilafah, whose leader Mohd Jaafar Maguid was also killed on January 5 at a resort beach in Kiamba town in the province.
It was not immediately known whether Naila was an Indonesian or Malaysian citizen and authorities were still investigating his background. The woman was believed to be a Filipina jihadist.
Officials said security forces were trying to arrest Naila and had been shot after he tried to toss a hand grenade to a group of army soldiers and police commandos in the town call Maasim over the weekend.
Soldiers also recovered the grenade and other explosives from Naila’s hideout. Several jihadist groups allied with Ansar-al Khalifah may strike in populated areas to avenge the death of Maguid and Naila, officials said.
Security has been tightened in many areas in the South, including the country’s capital.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/security-forces-hunt-down-jihadists-in-philippines/
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