New 10th ID commander to assume post starting today

From the Mindanao Times (May 31): New 10th ID commander to assume post starting today

THE 10th Infantry “Agila” Division based at Barangay Tuboran, Mawab, Compostela Valley will welcome its new commander today.

 

Maj. Gen. Rafael Valencia will relinquish his command to Maj. Gen Noel S. Clement of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class ’85 coming from J3 or the assistant chief of Joint Staff for Operations of the Philippine Army (PA)

Valencia served as division commander for one year and eight months starting in September 2015. He also served as the Joint Task Force Haribon (JTF) commander earlier this year.

“We have performed well our mandate in keeping a peaceful and secured environment, (as well as) achieved most of our targets,” Valencia told TIMES yesterday.

He said they have already declared most of the barangays as conflict manageable and ready for further development, except for 33 villages. The 10th ID recently declared Compostela Valley, municipality of Columbio in Sultan Kudarat, Trento in Agusan Del Sur and Lingig in Surigao del Sur.

“We facilitate of the delivery of development project in coordination with local government,” he added.

Under his command, he said they neutralized, arrested and effected the surrender of communist guerrillas, and reduced the force of the New People’s Army.

Valencia assumed as the inspector general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) effective May 22. The inspector general is the personal staff of the Chief of staff of the AFP.

 

The turnover ceremony will be presided by commanding general of the Philippine Army, Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda, to be held at the Sgt. Demerin grandstand in Tuboran around 10 a.m. today.

The 10th Infantry Division is composed four infantry brigades and 14 battalions, including the Task Force Davao and Task Force General Santos City, covering the areas of Region XI and Region XII, except most parts of Sultan Kudarat.

 

It also covers Kidapawan city, one district in North Cotabato, Columbio in Sultan Kudarat and 10 barangays of Region X and Lingig, Agusan Del Sur.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/new-10th-id-commander-to-assume-post-starting-today/

Japan-Philippine maritime law enforcement exercises today

From the Mindanao Times (Jun 1): Japan-Philippine maritime law enforcement exercises today

THE 105-METER Japan Coast Guard patrol vessel (PHL208) Echigo will be visiting the Philippines to participate in this year’s conduct of the 12th Maritime Law Enforcement Exercise with the Philippine Coastguard.

 

They will be welcomed through an arrival ceremony today at Sasa Wharf.

Commodore Hostilio Cornelio, deputy commander of the Coastguard district South Eastern Mindanao, told reporters yesterday during the AFP-PNP Press conference held at Royal Mandaya hotel that the purpose of the visit is to strengthen the cooperation between Japan and the Philippines.

“At the same time, (this will include) upgrading the capability of our personnel because we are receiving BRP Capones (MRRV 4404) that was delivered last week from Japan. Its length is 44 meters and it can travel with a speed of 37 knots,” Cornelio said.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery Against ships in Asia will conduct the exercise in Talicud Island, Igacos, Davao del Norte on June 3.

The Maritime Law Enforcement exercise is a part of the Memorandum between the Philippine Coast Guard and Japanese Coast Guard which aims to promote capacity enhancement of both participants especially the crew of multi response vessels and other participating PCG personnel in the conduct of MARLEN.

 

Cornelio said the maritime exercise will also showcase the interoperability in responding to incidents in the sea.

The 105-meter JCG patrol vessel, Echigo (PLH 08), equipped with a helicopter onboard, JA9161A will be deployed together with PCG vessels of BRP Pampanga (SARV-003); BRP Tubbataha (MRRV4401); BRP Capones (MRRV 4404) with rubber boats of two MRRVs and PCG manned BFAR vessel MCS 3003, will be participating in various communication exercise.

 

The PCG rubber boats demonstration includes also maneuvering and counter piracy exercises.

A total of 20 PCG personnel of CGDSEM and crew members of PCG multi-response vessels from Japan, BRP Tubbataha and Capones will participate in the rubber boat’s exercise.

They will participate and train in various rubber boat drills, including changing course, transferring, high speed maneuvering, and different regulations followed in engaging a target vessel.

The participants will be assisted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) maritime law enforcement experts of the JCG headed by Commander Akita Kuramoto.

The exercise will be attended by Vice Admiral Shuichi Iwanami, vice commandant operations of JCG and Capt. Oscar Endona Jr., commander of Coast Guard District South Eastern Mindanao, JICA experts and representatives from JCG and ReCAAP-ISC.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/japan-philippine-maritime-law-enforcement-exercises-today/

Close scrutiny

From the Mindanao Times (Jun 1): Close scrutiny

Eastmincom requests advisory group to monitor ML implementation

THE EASTERN Mindanao Command has asked the multi-sectoral advisory group (MSAG), which was organized last Tuesday, to advise the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on the implementation of Martial Law in Mindanao.

The MSAG is composed of business, religious, academe, lawyers and government media representatives. It is expected to look into the proper implementation of Martial Law to prevent human rights abuses and ensure the rule of law.

Speaking in yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press conference held at Royal Mandaya hotel, Brig. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, the spokesperson for Martial law in Eastern Mindanao Command said that AFP chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Ano provided general guidelines in the implementation of Martial law.

These were based on the guidelines released last week by the Department of National Defense.

The memos to the AFP require the military units to implement martial law but with human rights and the rule of law in mind, despite terrorism as the primary target.

“We will be putting up martial law coordination centers up to the Brigade level of our command,” Gapay said.

Since the declaration, a series of meetings have been conducted to discuss the legalities and mechanism and dos and don’ts on the conduct of security operations.

Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the EastMinCom is the implementer of the Martial law in entire area.

He will be assisted by the deputy implementer and martial law coordinating center where all the agencies and members of security sectors can coordinate.

It will be assisted by the Directorate for Police Integrate Operations (DIPO) Eastern Mindanao, as they are mandated to support the AFP in the implementation of the Martial law.

Members of the MSAG are: Sebastian Angliongto, Chairman/Business Sector; and members Prof. Antonio Obsioma, Academe; Ms. Susan Palad, Religious; Mr. Antonio dela Cruz, Business; Mr. Jerry Francisco; Most Rev. Fernando R. Capalla, Religious Sector (Catholic); Prof. Hadji Balajadia, Academe; Datu Mussolini Sinsuat Lidasan, Religious (Islam)/Academe; Atty. Romeo T. Cabarde, Jr., Legal; Ms. Akhzanuniza M. Alonto, MinDA; Dir. Efren Elbanbuena, Media (PIA XI); Atty. Rogelio Largo, Legal (IBP-Davao); and Atty. Mary Ann M. Arnado, Legal/NGO.

The meeting was also attended by officers of Eastern Mindanao Command.

The purpose of MSAG for MIL is to advice, comment, and provide recommendations and inputs to ensure accountability and transparency over the implementation of Martial Law adherent to the Rule of Law and Human Rights.

Its core group is the multi-sector governance council in Eastern Mindanao.

He said during the meeting on Tuesday the deliberations centered on the legal aspects of the implementation and the basic provisions of the law that are already integrated on the guidelines they initially handed down to the units.

Their partners on the legal sector will also be forming Quick Response Teams, who will assist the military in the Martial law function.

“So if there are any incidents or complaints they will be the one who will react and go to the incident area and provide advice to see what actions need to be done, “he said.

The QRTs will be formed in the Municipal and Provincial level over Eastern Mindanao area.

During the meeting, the Church sectors also emphasized the role of interfaith groups and how they can engage with the military in the prosecution to give premium on cultural sensitivities and some issues pertaining to faith.

“Alam nyo naman extremism yung sa Maute group that disgraced the Islam religion that is why interfaith groups are important,” he added.

“The difference between now and Martial Law in 1972 is that not everybody will be Martial law functions,” he said.

http://mindanaotimes.net/close-scrutiny/

NPA rebels harass CAFGU outpost in NorthCot

From MindaNews (May 31): NPA rebels harass CAFGU outpost in NorthCot

Suspected communist guerillas harassed on Tuesday night a paramilitary outpost in a village in the municipality of President Roxas, North Cotabato.

It was the fourth incident since martial law was declared in Mindanao, a military official said.

Lt. Col. Harold Argamosa, commander of the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion, said the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) strafed the detachment of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) in Barangay Labu-o around 10:15 p.m.

The rebels used high-powered guns, including M203 and M16 rifles, based from the empty shells the police recovered in the area, according to Chief Insp. Romy Castanares, municipal police chief.

He added that before the attack, the suspects detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) planted just few a meters away from the CAFGU outpost.
The CAFGUs reportedly suffered no casualties and the rebels failed to snatch the former’s guns. However, the explosion and the brief exchange of gun fire sent residents to panic, according to Castanares.

“We call this nuisance harassment. They were firing their guns up in the air, from afar,” said Argamosa.

The attackers, according to Argamosa, were few in numbers and were not regular troops of the NPA but belong to what they called “militia.”

The military official said the attack, which was the fourth in North Cotabato province since martial law was declared on May 23, was part of the NPA’s retaliation of the offensives the 39IB and 72IB launched against them in Barangay Salat, President Roxas.

“The NPAs were surprised of the attack. They did not expect we will conduct military offensives against them. They suffered heavy casualties. There were deaths and injuries on their side,” said Argamosa.

After the military offensives on May 26, the NPAs launched two roadside bombings in Kidapawan City that wounded four policemen, and shot two handlers of bomb sniffing dogs who were manning the national highway in the city.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/05/npa-rebels-harass-cafgu-outpost-in-northcot/

BTC commissioner resigns over Marawi siege

From MindaNews (May 31): BTC commissioner resigns over Marawi siege



Samira Gutoc-Tomawis with MILF implementing panel chair Mohagher Iqbal in a press conference last March. Mindanews Photo

Samira Gutoc-Tomawis, human rights advocates and resident of Marawi City, resigned from her post as a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) following the siege of her hometown.

The BTC is tasked by the government to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law, or the enabling policy of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on 2012 and 2014, respectively.

Tomawis, in a phone interview, said her resignation was “driven by the overwhelming situation” of the crisis in Marawi and the “declaration of martial law.”

Furthermore, she said she was turned off by the “statement of President Rodrigo Duterte on rape that is offensive to the Bangsamoro women.”

Maisara Dandamun, also a member of the BTC, said in a Facebook post that in Tomawis’s communication to the MILF Central Committee and to the chair of BTC, her resignation was prompted by personal reasons.

Tomawis’s staff further said that her resignation was due to her frustration on the violence in Marawi “that resulted to the destruction of civilian houses and displacement of majority of the city’s residents.”

Tomawis was last seen with the BTC pro-actively engaged in public dialogues for the drafting of the bill. She was among prominent Bangsamoro personalities supporting the legislation of the BBL since 2016.

She reportedly did not anymore attend the BTC meeting held in Cotabato City Tuesday.

Since her resignation, Tomawis was seen in solidarity with local humanitarian institutions working for internally displaced Bangsamoro communities and has been attending meetings of local Bangsamoro civil society who has decided to prioritize the rescue of remaining civilians caught in the crossfire.

She likewise supported the need to tap the traditional leaders of Marawi and Lanao Sur to resolve the hostage crisis that victimized the vicar general of the St. Mary’s Prelature in Marawi, teachers of Dansalan College Foundation, and other civilians.

Meanwhile, Bangsamoro civil society leaders have been posting on social media their anxieties on the ongoing military operations in Marawi.

“You don’t understand. Stop the bombardment and let us go home so we can save whatever is left in our destroyed place,” said Drieza Lininding of the Bangsamoro Movement for Peace and Development.

Lininding used to be an avid supporter of President Duterte, even actively campaigning for him.

Mindanao Peaceweavers, a network of peace advocates, called on the President see the face of humanitarian crisis.

The group has called on the military to “immediately stop the airstrikes, indiscriminate firing and artillery shelling directed at civilian dwellings and public structures.”

They also appealed for a half-day “cease and desist from all forms of armed action” and invoke universally-accepted protocols on displacement and civilian protection accorded to internally displaced persons and at the same time with deference to the observance of the Holy Month of Ramadhan.

The group likewise urged the military, in coordination with the city government and local mediators, “to address the hostage situation and secure the safety of Fr. Teresito Suganob, his staff, parishioners and any other residents who are still being held captive by the Maute militants.”

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/05/btc-commissioner-resigns-over-marawi-siege/

Duterte okays creation of a ‘peace corridor’

From MindaNews (May 31): Duterte okays creation of a ‘peace corridor’

Army soldiers inspect a truck loaded with relief goods at the entrance to Marawi City on Wednesday (31 May 2017), the ninth day of fighting between government forces and the Maute group. MindaNews photo by H. Marcos C. Mordeno

A “peace corridor” will be created to expedite the resource and humanitarian operations for the affected civilians who are affected by the clashes between government forces and Maute group in Marawi City

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), in a press statement issued Wednesday, said President Rodrigo R. Duterte approved the creation of a peace corridor after Monday’s meeting between the government (GPH) peace implementing panel, headed by Irene Santiago, and their counterparts from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) – chair Murad Ibrahim and implementing panel chair Mohagher Iqbal.

OPAPP said the GPH and MILF implementing panels will spearhead the operations of the peace corridor and will formalize within the week the modalities and parameters of the peace corridor.
Citing GPH implementing peace panel chair Irene Santiago, the statement said this will “ensure the safety of the civilians and delivery of the needed humanitarian aid for the displaced persons” due to the sporadic clashes between government forces and members of the Maute Group.

During the meeting, the MILF vowed to cooperate with government in securing the areas where the peace corridors will be established.

Brig. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, martial law spokesperson for Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), said in a press conference Wednesday that the MILF members will assist in the humanitarian assistance.

“As far as I’m concerned, all I know is MILF chair Murad had a discussion with the President the other day. One of the agenda was how MILF could help us in the Marawi incident but I am not privy to the details on what was discussed. There is initial coordination on how they would help, but generally this would be in the area of humanitarian assistance,” he said.



Smoke billows up in a portion of Marawi City that was hit by rockets fired from a gunship as fighting between government forces and the Maute group entered its ninth day on Wednesday (31 May 2017). MindaNews photo by H. Marcos C. Mordeno

Santiago said the implementing panels would utilize existing peace mechanisms, particularly the Joint Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCHs), for the establishment of a peace corridor, a “secure space where humanitarian groups may evacuate wounded and trapped civilians and retrieve dead bodies for burial.”

“The corridor is also a safe space for goods to reach hungry people in the rural areas whose access to Marawi’s markets have been cut off,” she added.

“Both the government and the MILF implementing panels are strongly committed to work as partners in finding creative ways to address the root causes of violent conflict in Mindanao at the soonest possible time, starting with the passage of the Bangsamoro enabling law,” Santiago said.

Duterte said in Sulu on May 27 that he is willing to recruit Moro rebels and even members of the New People’s Army and offered them the same benefits government soldiers are receiving to fight against terrorism.

According to Santiago, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission also briefed the President on the developments of the drafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

She said President Duterte emphasized the need to fast-track the drafting of the bill for it to be submitted to Congress in June.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/05/duterte-okays-creation-of-a-peace-corridor/

Catholic priest held by ISIS fighters appeals to Duterte, wants troops out of Marawi

From the Mindanao Examiner (May 30): Catholic priest held by ISIS fighters appeals to Duterte, wants troops out of Marawi



A screenshot from a video posted on social media shows Catholic priest Chito Suganob appealing to President Rodrigo Duterte to pull out security forces in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur province. Suganob said he and 240 others, including mostly Christian civilians and children, are being held by local ISIS fighters. (Mindanao Examiner)









A Catholic priest, who was among 240 civilians being held by local ISIS fighters in southern Philippines, has appealed on President Rodrigo Duterte to immediately withdraw thousands of soldiers from Lanao del Sur province where security forces continue Tuesday its assault on dozens of jihadists still holed out in the war-torn Marawi City.

Father Chito Suganob made the appeal in a video that surfaced on Facebook and the 5-minute clip went viral on social media. In the video, Suganob, the Vicar General of the Marawi prelature, said militants seized him, along with other church workers, including children and adults, mostly Christians, when members of the Maute group attacked the city on May 23.

Behind the ruins of buildings destroyed in fierce clashes and the sound of sporadic gunfire, Suganob made an emotional appeal to Duterte to save all of them, saying, the militants are ready to die for their religion. He asked Duterte to stop military assaults, both in air and on the ground, and for security forces to quickly leave Marawi and Lanao del Sur, one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

Below is the transcript of Suganob’s appeal:

“Mr. President, I was taken as a prisoner of war together with one MSU female professor – the Mindanao State University – two lady church workers, two male teachers of Dansalan College Foundation Incorporated and five female teachers of Dansalan College Foundation Incorporated, along with us are about 200 carpenters, household helpers, children and youth and ordinary Christian settlers and other Subanon tribes with us as captives and as prisoners of war.

Mr. President, we are in the midst of this war, we are asking your help to please give what your enemies are asking for – this simply am not asking for anything just to withdraw your forces away from Lanao del Sur and Marawi City and to stop the air strikes, your air attacks and to stop the canons.

Mr. President, from out heart, please consider us. You know it is hard Mr. President from time to time we hear bursts of gunfire from the ground of your enemies, heavy firearms from your side, it’s hard. And Mr. President, we do not ask for anything, we just ask that you leave this place peacefully, do not give so much attack, the city in my background is ruined like this and Mr. President if you are in our place, you will really consider us because you’ll hear the outburst of gunfire and everything, bombs and canons. We are victims and Mr. President, if you have a good heart for us considering, Mr. President, about 240 prisoners of war are asking your good heart, please consider us, we want to live another day, we want live another month, we want to live few years, and in your heart, we know you can make something, they do not ask anything Mr. President after all this is their place give them the land and Mr. President, you are attacking from your heart, do not use violence because your enemies they are ready to die for their religion, they are ready to die and their laws will be followed in this place.

Mr. President you are from Mindanao, you know the conflict in Mindanao, you know the problems and I hope Mr. President you understand them. I am also saying these things Mr. President because you know the history; they have the right to live here, they have the right to their own laws be respected and Mr. President, you cannot use force because they have their commitments, they will die for this, they are ready to die for this, Mr. President we ask you please consider us, we are in the midst of war, we are victims, do not be happy Mr. President that we are the collateral damage of war, we are already victims of heavy gunfire for seven days.

Mr. President, if you want me to kneel before you just to have your heart in favor of our families, who are crying out there in different places, for our relatives and for those other 240, Mr. President we will do that. So Mr. President, I am asking you consideration.”

There was no immediate statement from the military on Suganob’s appeal, but there were no signs troops were pulling out from the city as clashes continue without letup.

The army claimed at least 65 militants had been killed since the fighting began and that 42 bodies were allegedly recovered by soldiers, although journalists covering the war have not confirmed this report.

But over a dozen civilians, mostly Christians, had been killed by militants as ground troops, backed by army tanks and air force planes, were searching for jihadists hiding in buildings and houses. More than 500 civilians had been rescued by troops since the start of the battle, but 20 soldiers also perished in the fighting with many more wounded in the clashes.

 http://mindanaoexaminer.com/catholic-priest-held-by-isis-fighters-appeal-to-duterte-wants-troops-out-of-marawi/

After MNLF, rival rebel group now offers to help troops rescue ISIS hostages in Marawi

From the Mindanao Examiner (May 31): After MNLF, rival rebel group now offers to help troops rescue ISIS hostages in Marawi





Philippine Navy photos released to the Mindanao Examiner regional newspaper show soldiers and equipment sent to support troops fighting local ISIS group in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur province.



Philippine Muslim rebels have offered to help the government rescue hundreds of civilians, including a Catholic priest, being held by local ISIS fighters in the war-torn city of Marawi in Lanao del Sur province.

Ghazali Jaafar, vice chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, made the offer during a recent meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte in Davao City. Jaafar was with Murad Ebrahim, the MILF chieftain, and other senior rebel leaders when the met with Duterte at a military base to discuss the crisis in Marawi where militants are holding at least 240 hostages.

“We have offered our help to our beloved president to help facilitate the coming out of civilians from their residences and the good president granted our request,” Jaafar said.

MILF members, who were joined by armed civilians, had clashed with ISIS fighters in Marawi after militants tried to blow up a bridge connecting several villages there. It was unknown whether the MILF offer to help in the crisis would affect similar offer by the rival group Moro National Liberation Front, whose chieftain, Nur Misuari, said he is ready to deploy thousands of fighters to help security forces battle the ISIS militants

Security forces have already rescued over 500 civilians trapped in Marawi since the clashes erupted on May 23 when heavily-armed members of the Maute group and Abu Sayyaf militants attacked the city which caught soldiers and policemen by surprise. The military claimed dozens of militants had been killed, but many soldiers and civilians also perished in the violence with jihadists executing Christian villagers and Muslims alike who they accused as “munafiq” or traitors to their faith.

On Wednesday, Duterte approved the setting up of so-called “peace corridor” which will be implemented by the government and MILF to “hasten the rescue and humanitarian operations for civilians still trapped in the conflict zone in Marawi.”

The MILF vowed to cooperate with government in securing the areas where these peace corridors will be established and utilize existing peace mechanisms, particularly the Joint Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities. The peace corridor is a secure space where humanitarian groups may evacuate wounded and trapped civilians and retrieve dead bodies for burial

The Naval Forces Western Mindanao also sent off two vessels to Marawi on Tuesday to support troops fighting the militants. Both ships – Landing Craft 288 (BRP Waray) and 298 (BRP Ivatan) – were carrying Fleet-Marine Team composed of combat service support elements and K9 units, including relief goods for civilians affected by the conflict.

“These troops and equipment are being sent to augment the military in the continuous fighting between the government forces and Maute group in Marawi City. The AFP is positive that these additional personnel and logistical support will strengthen the military stronghold in the area and will eventually crush these lawless elements,” said Rear Admiral Rene Medina.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/after-mnlf-rival-rebel-group-now-offers-to-help-troops-rescue-isis-hostages-in-marawi/

3 Sayyafs killed in Sulu; three more captured in Zamboanga City

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 1): 3 Sayyafs killed in Sulu; three more captured in Zamboanga City 

Government troops on Wednesday killed 3 Abu Sayyaf militants and captured 3 more in separate operations in Sulu province and Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, officials said.

Army Captain Jo-ann Petinglay, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command, said soldiers clashed with militants in the village of Sukuban in Sulu’s Omar town and killed 3 of them. Troops also recovered 8 high-powered firearms left by fleeing Abu Sayyaf members.

There were no military casualties, she said.

Police, backed by soldiers, also captured 3 militants in Zamboanga, one of them – Kimhar Asusi – at the pier shortly after he disembarked from a boat that came from Sulu and the two others – Al Hamed Manalas Abdurahman, 37, and Murasidol Abdurahman, 32, – in the village of Maasin.

Security forces also seized ammunition and a grenade from the duo.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/3-sayyafs-killed-in-sulu-three-more-captured-in-zamboanga-city/

Martial law needed to deal with all Mindanao security threats

From the Philippine News Agency (May 31): Martial law needed to deal with all Mindanao security threats

Martial law is needed to decisively deal with all security concerns in Mindanao.

This was stressed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in a statement Wednesday.

"Martial Law is imperative for once and for all to address security concerns in the entire Mindanao immediately and decisively," he added.

Lorenzana said government troops are currently dealing with the situation in Marawi City.

Fighting started in the city last May 23 when government troops tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon who was reportedly hiding and seeking treatment for his wounds in the locality.

"President (Rodrigo) Duterte’s imposition of Martial Law aims to put an end to the long running rebellion in various provinces in the south, as evidenced by the incidents that happened in Zamboanga, Davao, Bohol, Lanao, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi and Maguindanao," he added.

"As the President has repeatedly said, 'kung magde-declare ako ng Martial Law, tatapusin ko nang lahat ito,” referring to threats posed by ISIS-linked local and foreign terrorist groups whose network covers the entire Mindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992370

300 families displaced by armed conflict in Marawi get aid from DSWD

From the Philippine News Agency (May 31): 300 families displaced by armed conflict in Marawi get aid from DSWD

More than 300 families displaced by the fighting in Marawi City and currently living with relatives in three barangays in Iligan City in northern Mindanao have received relief goods from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The families, consisting of about 2,000 persons, who fled to barangays Santiago, Bagong Silang and Ibanga in Iligan City, received food packs, each containing 5 kg. of rice, assorted canned goods and coffee, from DSWD personnel led by Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo.

Taguiwalo headed to Mindanao Tuesday to check the status of relief operations for families who escaped to nearby provinces to avoid the ongoing military operation to flush out the terrorist Maute Group from Marawi City in Lanao del Sur province.

According to a DSWD news release, Taguiwalo met with Iligan City Mayor Celso Regencia and DSWD-Northern Mindanao regional director, Nestor Ramos, to discuss the provision of assistance to displaced families taking refuge in evacuation centers, staying with relatives and friends, and those stranded in Marawi City.

She also checked the condition of the evacuees and distributed non-food items, such as basins, cooking pots, and water buckets.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has put the number of people affected by the Marawi clash at 21,150 families, consisting of some 91,460 people.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992421

Twitter account bashing Uson not AFP’s, officials say

From the Philippine News Agency (May 31): Twitter account bashing Uson not AFP’s, officials say

Tweets made by the "@AltTeamAFP" do not reflect the official stand and sentiments of the military organization.

This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla when sought for comments regarding the account's post last May 29 where it scored Presidential Communications Operations Office Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson for uploading photos of Honduran police.

Rappler on Tuesday reported the "unofficial" AFP Twitter account has called out Uson over such post.

The same post, which was later deleted, was used by some individuals and groups to bash Uson.

"AltTeamAFP is not a recognized, official and legit Twitter account of the AFP. It does not reflect the official stand of the organization nor the sentiments of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and civilian personnel," said Padilla in a text message to the Philippine News Agency Wednesday.

Padilla also cautioned the public to be wary of this "malicious account and refer only to the official website of the AFP and social media account of the AFP for factual news and updates regarding your Armed Forces."

The military's official Twitter account is @TeamAFP while its official FB page is http://facebook.com/armedforcesofthephilippines

The same sentiment was echoed by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo.

"The AFP has nothing to do with the operations and the contents of the said account. Hence, the views expressed therein should not and cannot be attributed to the AFP," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992445

Gov't forces secure 90% of Marawi City — AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (May 31): Gov't forces secure 90% of Marawi City — AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said that government forces have already secured about 90 percent of Marawi City following more than a week of clashes with Islamist militants who sowed terror in several parts of the city since May 23.

"Our fighting forces estimate that they are reaching about 90 percent completely cleared and a little bit more than 10 percent more to go," AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said during the Mindanao Hour press briefing in Malacañang.

Mindanao Hour, launched last Monday, seeks to provide regular authoritative updates on what is happening on the ground in Marawi City and relevant regions in Mindanao that aims to provide the public with carefully vetted news from authoritative sources.

The AFP official said however that though only pockets of resistance remain, government forces expect fierce resistance in the remaining places where the militants, who are believed to be holding some civilian hostages, are holding out.

The military believes that the notorious leader of the extremists, Isnilon Hapilon, is still in the area.

“That 10 percent is most likely going to be the area that will be heavily guarded and defended by any of these armed men if they are protecting any individual of high value,” Padilla said.

“We believe he (Hapilon) is still there and we believe that is why they're putting up a very stiff resistance in the areas that they are still being held up and being cleared,” he added.

In the meantime, Padilla said that official reports show that there continues to be a very positive development in the area of Marawi.

Official figures released by Malacañang showed that 89 militants were killed in eight days of fighting that also led to the recovery of 91 firearms, 81 of which are high-powered.

On the other hand, the government has lost 21 of its security forces while 19 civilians were killed.

“The recovery of these high-powered firearms continues to reduce the capability of these armed groups to do the violent activities that they have been doing for quite some time,” Padilla pointed out.

He also confirmed that eight members of the Maute terror group holed out in Marawi have surrendered to the AFP.

“These individuals have been talked to and debriefed and have provided very, very valuable intelligence,” the military spokesman said.

In the meantime, Padilla assured residents who are trapped in the area that security forces are doing everything to avoid any collateral damage that may ensue from the ongoing clashes.

He estimated the number of residents trapped within the areas of fighting to be around 1,000 persons.

“Our rules of engagements have not changed. We put priority on civilian lives and private property. The amount of force that we are using right now in the area is commensurate only to the resistance and the enemy force that we are facing,” he said.

So far, the AFP spokesman said that the judicious use of military force, which included airstrikes, have not killed any civilian.

“We are confident that we have not had any collateral damage in the use of airstrike. Based on the reports that we have got, we have not had any collateral damage to that effect on lives. On property, yes; but on lives, none,” Padilla said.

He also assured the families of those believed to have been taken hostage by the militants that security forces are doing everything to secure their safe release.

“Our assurance to the families of all those who may still be hostage in the hands of these armed men is the assurance that we are doing all our best to keep them safe, to guarantee their safe release as much as possible, and within the parameters for which we are trying to operate now,” Padilla said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992487

France offers aids to civilians displaced by armed conflict in Marawi

From the Philippine News Agency (May 31): France offers aids to civilians displaced by armed conflict in Marawi

The Embassy of France has expressed concern over the imposition of martial law in Mindanao, as it offered assistance to civilians affected by the armed conflict in Marawi City.

“We are closely monitoring the situation. We are concerned about what is going on the ground there in Mindanao and the security situation of our French nationals. We are also concerned about the fate of civilians affected by conflicts,” Embassy of France in Manila’s Deputy Head of Mission Laurent Le Godec said in an interview.

Le Godec noted France has been helping Filipinos affected by different conflicts in Mindanao or natural disasters.

“We will try as we did it in the past to offer our assistance when we can. We have some NGOs (non-governmental organizations) on the ground trying to support the relief efforts. We will continue (to do so) because we, French, believe on the value of solidarity,” he said.

Le Godec said France can provide the country financial, technical and food assistance, as well as financing for its NGOs.

“…We are not so sure as of now of what is going really on the ground and how many people would need help but definitely, this is something that we are considering and we will be ready to help,” he added.

President Duterte on May 23 declared martial law in the entire Mindanao island, which would effect for 60 days.

Meanwhile, the Embassy of France to the Philippines and the Film Development Council of the Philippines on Wednesday formally opened the 22nd French Film Festival in Manila.

The film festival remains one of the year’s most anticipated events of “PhilFrance: Feel French!”, a year-long festival launched by the French Embassy last January to celebrate the 70th year anniversary of French-Philippine diplomatic relations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992545

Terrorist ideology ruining inter-faith friendship in Mindanao - Quevedo

From the Philippine News Agency (May 31): Terrorist ideology ruining inter-faith friendship in Mindanao - Quevedo

A high-ranking official of the Roman Catholic Church in the country said that terrorist ideology is destroying the relationship of individuals in Mindanao particularly Muslims, Christians, and indigenous peoples.

"The friendship of Muslims, Christians, and indigenous peoples in Mindanao, a friendship shown in the streets and markets, in offices and schools, is being destroyed by a terrorist ideology, that asserts the morality of killing another in the name of God. This is a demonic ideology," said Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo in his Homily during the Canonical coronation of Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu at the Our Lady of Aranzazu Shrine, San Mateo, Rizal on Wednesday.

"The true believers in Islam have condemned this ideology, and this violence of terrorism is creating the greatest of fear and anxiety in Mindanao," added the Cotabato prelate.

He also asked the faithful to respond to the appeal of Our Lady of Aranzazu to provide “loving service” to those who need help especially “divided and broken family, homeless street children, evacuees in Marawi, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro and Maguindanao as well as the young people who are traumatized by violence and those who are suffering from the conflict.

“See where the kind of loving service is needed. Service is needed in divided and broken family, in homeless street children, in evacuees of the Marawi, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Maguindanao, in children traumatize by violence, service is needed in the poor of your own neighborhood," he said.

"And Our Lady and her son are calling us to help them in any way we can. Do not wait for summon to help. Volunteer your talent. Volunteer your treasure. This is the practical implication of crowning our Lady of Aranzazu," Quevedo added.

The Cardinal urged the people to pray and hold on to Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu for them survive the on going conflict, fear, darkness and struggles.

“The true believers in Islam had condemned this ideology and this violence of terrorism is creating the greatest of fear and anxiety in Mindanao. Hundreds die in Mindanao in the hands of rebel of different types, in the hands of terrorists, of drug lords and drug pushers, powerful people against the law of the land through corruption and dishonesty aggravating poverty and development. We need our Lady, we need her son and yet we need also to look our self brothers and sisters," he said.

Quevedo also called on the public to pray to the Our Lady of Aranzazu and her infant son to heal the brokenness and violence in the country.

“Let us thank the Holy Father for this extraordinary blessing. Return to our lady and her infant son. Let us beg them to heal the brokenness and violence in our land. Let us beg them to bring peace, unity, and integrity to our country. Let them be the queen and the king of our minds and hearts. Give us the grace to power them in serving you to do what love demands for the sake of our brothers and sisters,” the Mindanao bishop added.

The conflict between government forces and the Maute group started over a week ago and has resulted to the death of civilians and from both camps. It also affected thousands of residents who sought refuge in neighboring towns.

This prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to place the enitre Mindanao region under martial law.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992506