Indonesia launches sea patrols with PH, Malaysia in bid to tighten security vs terrorists, pirates

From InterAksyon (Jun 19): Indonesia launches sea patrols with PH, Malaysia in bid to tighten security vs terrorists, pirates



Indonesia navy soldiers on warship and helicopter are seen during the launch of coordinated patrols to beef up security between Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines off the Tarakan sea, in Tarakan, Indonesia, June 19, 2017. Antara Foto/Zabur Karuru via REUTERS

Warships from Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia held maneuvers on Monday in waters plagued by insurgency and banditry off north Borneo, launching coordinated patrols in a region where Islamic State influence is growing.

Helicopters and surveillance planes flew overhead as ministers and army chiefs from the countries attended ceremonies to launch the patrols, with security taking on added urgency after militants overran a town in the southern Philippines.

The Philippine military has said that some of the militants, both domestic insurgents who have pledged allegiance to Islamic State and some foreign fighters, may have mingled with evacuees to slip away during the battle for Marawi City that has raged for almost four weeks.

“We need to watch out for the 500 to 600 terrorists there, 257 of whom have been killed already. The rest, based on information we are getting, are blending in with refugees to get out,” said Indonesian military chief Gatot Nurmantyo.

The spectacular collapse in security in the southern Philippines has alarmed neighbors such as Indonesia and Malaysia.

Indonesia has deployed three Sukhoi fighters to help with security in case militants try to flee southwards towards Indonesia, the head of the Tarakan air base, Colonel Didik Krisyanto, told the state news agency Antara.

Indonesia also inaugurated a maritime command center in the naval base of Tarakan, a town in the province of North Kalimantan on Borneo island, witnessed by the defense ministers and army chiefs from the three countries.

Malaysian defense minister Hishammuddin Hussein said the three countries would increase the sharing of information because what had happened in Marawi could happen elsewhere.

The neighbors would not allow Islamic State “to set foot, even just an inch, in our region”, he said.
Maritime command centers will also be set up in Tawau in Malaysia’s Sabah state, also on Borneo, and Bongao in the Philippines.

“We see these functioning as a triangle, like a spider’s web, where everything inside the triangle will be monitored,” said Nurmantyo said of the centers.

A port town, Tarakan is just south of the Malaysian side of Borneo and looks out across to Mindanao in the southern Philippines, a sprawling island that has suffered from hostage taking and piracy for decades.

Indonesian naval authorities had asked residents including fishermen in border areas facing the Philippines to report any suspicious people, Antara reported.

Illustrating the insecurity in the area, Eman, a 31-year-old fisherman from a village near Tarakan, said he was robbed three times last year by pirates in speed boats. “They fired warning shots one time and forced us to lie face down,” he said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/indonesia-launches-sea-patrols-with-ph-malaysia-in-bid-to-tighten-security-vs-terrorists-pirates/

20 terror cells in PH looking to do ISIS’ bidding – OSG

From InterAksyon (Jun 19): 20 terror cells in PH looking to do ISIS’ bidding – OSG



File photos of Omarkhayam Maute and Abdullah Maute from Philstar. Besides the Maute Group, 19 other terrorist cells are all looking to help set up a "caliphate" in the Philippines, the OSG said in its memorandum to the Supreme Court.

Twenty terrorist cells in all are allied with the Maute Group that is leading the three-week siege of Marawi City, and are all working to set up a caliphate in the South on behalf of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The Office of the Solicitor General revealed this in the memorandum it submitted Monday to the Supreme Court, which last week heard oral arguments on petitions questioning the basis for martial law in Mindanao, as declared by President Duterte hours after the Marawi siege began May 23.

The three top allies of the Maute Group are the Abu Sayyaf Group, the Ansarul Khilafah Philippines, and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Besides these three groups helping the Mautes, the others were listed by the OSG as:

Ansar Dawiah Fi Filibbin
Rajah Solaiman Islamic Movement
Al Harakatul Islamiyah Battalion
Jama’at Ansar Khilafa
Ansharul Khilafah Philippines Battalion
Bangsamoro Justice Movement
Khilafah Islamiya Mindanao h. Abu Sayyaf Group (Sulu faction)
Syuful Khilafa Fi Luzon
Ma’rakah Al-Ansar Battalion
Dawla Islamiyyah Cotabato
Dawlat Al Islamiyah Waliyatul Masrik
Ansar Al-Shariyah Battalion
Jamaah al-Tawhid wal Jihad Philippines
Abu Dujanah Battalion
Abu Khubayn Battalion
Jundallah Battalion
Abu Sadr Battalion
Jamaah Al Muhajirin wal Anshor
Balik-Islam Group

The OSG said the four leading groups have been waging coordinated attacks.

These attacks are focused in Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, the Zamboanga peninsula and the Davao provinces.

The attacks are not simply meant to terrorize people but eventually set up a wilayat, or province for ISIS, officials said. The OSG said the groups are also planning bombing attacks.

The Maute Group is led by the brothers Omarkhayam and Abdullah. Their father Cayamora and their mother Ominta Romato-Maute alias “Farhana” were separately arrested last week.

http://www.interaksyon.com/20-terror-cells-in-ph-looking-to-do-isis-bidding-osg/

5 alleged Roxas bombers to be arraigned on Friday

From the Mindanao Times (Jun 19): 5 alleged Roxas bombers to be arraigned on Friday

THE FIVE arrested alleged Maute group members accused in the Sept. 2 Roxas night market blast will be arraigned this Friday.

Regional Trial Court Branch 33 Judge Lope Callo set the arraignment of TJ Macabalang, Wendel Apostol Facturan, Musali Mustapha, Zack Villanueva Lopez and Jericho de Rome on June 23 at 8:30 a.m. in the multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder cases.

The blast in the busy night market along Roxas Avenue bombing killed 15 and injured 69 others.

The five accused, together with seven other individuals, were also indicted for terrorism, in violation of Sec. 3 of Republic Act 9374 (Human Security Act).

 

The charges against the others were dropped. Some of the cleared respondents were either minors or turned into state witness.

The court will also hear on Friday the bail petition of Macabalang in the case. The petition was earlier set on June 14 but was moved due to the pending petition to transfer the trial and detention of the accused.

The Office of the City Prosecutor has filed a petition before the Department of Justice to move the trial to other place, preferable in Manila, due to security reasons. They also sought to transfer the detention of the accused, citing that they pose danger to the city.

Two of the suspects-turned-state witnesses have been placed under the Witness Protection Program. The extra-judicial confessions they executed became the basis of the prosecution office to indict the other respondents.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/5-alleged-roxas-bombers-to-be-arraigned-on-friday/

2 rebels killed

From the Mindanao Times (Jun 19): 2 rebels killed

DESPITE the directives of National Democratic Front (NDF) for the New People’s Army (NPA) to stand down against government troopers, skirmishes between the two forces continued in the region with a ranking communist leader and comrade killed in the process.

On Friday, NDF consultant Fidel Agcaoili issued a statement confirming the order for its armed group to refrain from attacking government forces so they can “concentrate against Maute, Abu Sayyaf and Ansar Khalifa Philippines groups.” The order, however, came with the condition for the “AFP and PNP likewise to refrain from carrying out offensive operations against the NPA and people’s militia.”

On Saturday, an alleged high-ranking leader and another guerrilla were killed in clash with government troopers in Barangay Araibo, Pantukan, Compostela Valley.

1Lt. Milbert Bonzato, the civil-military operations officer of the 66th Infantry Battalion, said the 10-minute firefight resulted to the death of Ka Lepi, the secretary of NPA’s Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SMRC) Guerrilla Front 27, and another still unidentified rebel.
Two government soldiers were also slightly wounded, and were already declared out of danger.

 

Bonzato told TIMES that 66th IB troopers were conducting combat operation in the Sitio Radio Room when they encountered at least five rebels.

Upon conducting clearing operation in the encounter site, troopers were able to recover one caliber 45 pistol.

DavOr encounter

Yesterday at around 6:28 a.m., an encounter ensued between government troopers and rebels in Barangay Causwagan, Banaybanay, Davao Oriental.

Capt. Andrew Linao, the civil-military operations officer of 701st IB, told TIMES that 28th IB troopers encountered about 20 members of Front Committee 18, resulting to a firefight that lasted for one hour.

 

Neither death not injury was reported on both sides.

Upon the clearing operation, soldiers were able to recover six backpacks, three hammocks and three butane cans, medical paraphernalia, subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Linao said the encounter is a result of their intensified conduct of combat operation in Davao Oriental.

“The NPAs here in Davao Oriental are weakening,” he said.

Marilog ambush

Four hours later, rebels ambushed government troopers Barangay Tamugan, Marilog District.

 

Lt. Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, 3rd IB commander, told TIMES that his troopers were on board two KM450 trucks while traversing along the national highway in Sitio Pagan Pequiño when rebels, believed to be members of PBC 2, SRC3, SMRC, ambushed them.

Lachica said the soldiers were able to return fire. No soldier was reportedly killed or injured in the ambush.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/2-rebels-killed/

Soldiers, paramilitary men accused of threatening teachers, students of Lumad school

From MindaNews (Jun 19): Soldiers, paramilitary men accused of threatening teachers, students of Lumad school

Teachers and students of a school for Lumad in Davao del Norte have been prevented from holding classes since June 5 by soldiers and paramilitary men, one of the teachers said.

In a press conference Monday, Ricky Balilid, a teacher at Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc. (MISFI) Academy accused soldiers and Alamara members of blocking and threatening their teachers and students they would be shot if they went back to their community.

MISFI Academy is located in Sitio Muling, Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte and has around 100 students.

Balilid, Association of Community Educators vice chairperson said they reported the incident to the local government of Kapalong and to the Department of Education division office in Tagum City early this month but there has been no response yet.

He called on President Rodrigo Duterte for help.

“We want President Duterte to go to the communities and negotiate with them just like he did before. We want negotiation to happen among the people, soldiers, and the paramilitary,” he said in the vernacular.

He said the four MISFI teachers could not hold classes for fear of their lives and are staying, for the meantime, at their office in Barangay Indangan in Davao City while waiting for the Alamara and soldiers to move out.

“Before you enter the community in Muling, you have to pass through the Alamara. I have experienced being approached by them,” he added.

Maj. Ezra Balagtey, public information officer of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), said that they sought permission from the tribal leader before entering their community.

He maintained that the soldiers ensured they conform to the Lumad’s tradition and sometimes would even offer rituals, if necessary.

“We undergo a process before entering the ancestral domain, we coordinate with the tribal leaders,” he said.

He said the teachers should formalize their complaints by reporting it to the military, so that it can be addressed in the “proper “forum”.

Jong Monzon, secretary general of Pasaka Confederation of Lumad Organizations in Southern Mindanao, said members of the paramilitary group are Lumad who are armed by the military.

Balilid said the military continues to label their school and their teachers as that of the New People’s Army (NPA).

But he maintained that the school is run by the Lumad to educate the children of the indigenous community.

He said the military has not left their community since 2015.

The year 2015 saw the killings of several Lumad leaders allegedly by soldiers and paramilitary groups. The victims were accused of having links with the communist movement.

The NPA was also tagged in the death of Lumad leaders with alleged ties to the military.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/06/soldiers-paramilitary-men-accused-of-threatening-teachers-students-of-lumad-school/

Philippine troops recover P250-M ISIS meth in besieged city

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 19): Philippine troops recover P250-M ISIS meth in besieged city



A military photo released to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner shows the seized crystal meth from ISIS fighters in Marawi City.

Troops have recovered 24 pounds of high-grade crystal meth from ISIS fighters following a clash in the war-torn city of Marawi where some 400 militants are still holed out nearly a month after they launched a daring attack aimed at putting up a province of the Islamic State in southern Philippines.

Army Captain Jo-Ann Petinglay, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command, said army soldiers pursued a small group of militants who came out from a row of houses and eventually caught up with them and sparking a firefight. At the end of the clash, ISIS fighters left behind a bag containing the illegal drugs, including four automatic weapons.

“Soldiers spotted armed men in black robes emerging from a cluster of houses that prompted troops to maneuver. The terrorists put up a fight but fled while carrying items taken from one of the houses. Troops from the Alfa Company of the 49th Infantry Battalion led by First Lieutenant Emerson Tapang recovered the shabu and four high powered firearms after figuring out in a firefight,” Petinglay said, adding, the value of the drugs could reach over P250 million.

The recovery of the crystal meth bolstered earlier reports by the military that ISIS fighters were high in drugs every time they fight security forces. President Rodrigo Duterte had repeated said that illegal drugs are funding terrorism in the country.

“It may be recalled that numerous sachets of shabu were recovered by troops in the fighting positions of Maute and Abu Sayyaf terrorist groups since the first and second week of their attack in Marawi. Troops in the front line say they are facing drug crazed individuals who are evidently high on illegal drugs,” Petinglay said.

Just last month, military forces also recovered over P76 million in cash and cheques from an ISIS stronghold following a massive assault that dislodged the militants from an occupied house in Marawi.

Fighting still continue in Marawi despite military pronouncements that troops have taken control of nearly all villages in the city and that over 200 militants, including about 8 foreign jihadists, had been killed since clashes began, although soldiers only recovered about four dozen bodies in the battle zone.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/philippine-troops-recover-p250-m-isis-meth-in-besieged-city/

2 BIFF men killed in firefight in restive Maguindanao (Photos)

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 19): 2 BIFF men killed in firefight in restive Maguindanao





Security forces inspect the hideout of BIFF militant Raul Angkay in Shariff Aguak town in the restive southern Philippine province of Maguindanao in this photo released to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

Two alleged members of the jihadist group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were killed in a gun battle with security forces in the troubled province of Maguindanao in southern Philippines, officials said Monday.

Officials said policemen, backed by soldiers were trying to serve an arrest warrant over the weekend when the militants allegedly attacked them and sparking a firefight that killed Raul Angkay and his unidentified companion at their hideout in Shariff Aguak town.

Angkay was also included in the list of wanted terrorists. Troops also recovered a .45-caliber pistol and a fragmentation grenade from Angkay. No other details were made available by officials.

There was no immediate statement from the BIFF which pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/2-biff-men-killed-in-firefight-in-restive-maguindanao/

US, PH naval forces strengthen alliance thru ‘Sama-Sama’ maritime training

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 19): US, PH naval forces strengthen alliance thru ‘Sama-Sama’ maritime training 

The United States (US) and Philippine Naval Forces participate in the Maritime Training activity dubbed “Sama-Sama” today until June 25 in Cebu City.

Sama-Sama is designed to enhance the complexity and diversity of training opportunities, while strengthening the longstanding alliance between the U.S. and the Republic of the Philippines.

The exercise will focus on mutual security concerns that affect the Philippines including piracy and sea smuggling, maritime domain awareness and patrol, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness.

"The training we will perform over the next week will provide excellent opportunities to deepen our long-time maritime partnership with the Philippine Navy," said Rear Admiral Don Gabrielson, commander, Task Force 73. "We thank the Philippine Navy and the people of the Philippines for being gracious hosts and we look forward to enhancing our professional ties in meaningful ways that benefit both nations," he said.

The Tagalog phrase “sama-sama” or “together” is the central theme of the training both at sea and ashore. The exercise provides valuable opportunities for U.S. and Philippine Navy personnel to learn and operate together at sea and foster professional dialogue during subject matter expert exchanges.

"We are honored to work with the US Navy during this maritime training activity Sama-Sama. Our training together will strengthen our relationships at the operator level and will also strengthen our alliance and partnership in maritime cooperation," said Commodore Loumer P. Bernabe of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Capt. Alexis Walker, commodore of Destroyer Squadron 7 said that the activity is an ideal framework to strengthen its relationship with partners in the Philippine Navy and to enhance readiness through training and evolutions ashore and at sea. "With more than 20 years of experience working together, we are able to plan and execute exercises like the maritime training activities that address shared maritime security priorities and enhance interoperability between our two navies,” said Walker.

The US and the Philippines continue to work together on a number of initiatives and conduct regular personnel exchanges through routine participation in bilateral and multilateral exercises such as Balikatan, Southeast Asian Cooperation and Training (SEACAT), the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), the Asian Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM-Plus), and many other bilateral subject matter expert exchanges.

United States assets participating in this year’s exercise include the littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) and the expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Millinocket (T-EPF-3), along with a P-8 Poseidon aircraft. Marines assigned to the III Marine Expeditionary Force, Navy Seabees, and staff from Commander, Task Force 73 and Destroyer Squadron 7 will also participate.

The Philippine Navy units will include the Del Pilar Class Frigate BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15), BRP Agta, an AW109 helicopter, and a BN-2 Islander aircraft. A Philippine Marine company and other naval staff will also join the exercise.

As U.S. 7th Fleet's executive agent for theater security cooperation in South and Southeast Asia, Commander, Task Force 73 conducts advanced planning, organizes resources, and directly supports the execution of maritime exercises, such as Pacific Partnership, the Naval Engagement Activity (NEA) with Vietnam, and the multi-lateral Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2761497842482/us-ph-naval-forces-strengthen-alliance-thru-sama-sama-maritime-training-

4th CMO Battalion has new commander

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 19): 4th CMO Battalion has new commander

Lt. Col. Rico Amaro, former commanding officer of 30th Infantry Battalion (IB), Philippine Army is the new commanding officer of the 4th Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Battalion.

During the Change of Command Ceremony held on Monday at the Division Advance Command Post here, LTC Amaro formally accepted his new role, functions and responsibilities as the new CMO commanding officer.

Lt. Col. Amaro stressed that he will continue the commendable deeds of the outgoing CMO officer Lt. Col. Manuel Valdez IV.

“I will continue whatever our outgoing commanding officer has started and initiated for the CMO here. Together with our CMO personnel, we will further enhance our collaboration with the different sectors so we will know their concerns and needs for continued development in the communities within the area of responsibility,” highlighted Lt. Col. Amaro.

Also, Valdez IV, the outgoing CMO Battalion commander, underlined that he has learned a lot from being the CMO Battalion commanding officer, which is according to him is far different from his function in his previous assignment.

He also expressed his warm thanks and gratitude to all the CMO personnel for their support and cooperation in all its operations during his term.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Cristobal Zaragoza expressed his congratulatory message to the new commanding officer of the CMO Battalion, LTC Amaro, and underscored that he is confident that LTC Amaro could provide the services needed and expected from him.

BGen Zaragoza also lauded the service rendered by LTC Valdez during his term as the commanding officer of CMO Battalion. He added that LTC Valdez will be transferred at the 4th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2041497849364/-4th-cmo-battalion-has-new-commander

ARMM launches reintegration program for Abu Sayyaf surrenderees

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 19): ARMM launches reintegration program for Abu Sayyaf surrenderees

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has launched a reintegration program for some seventy-four surrendered Abu Sayyafs in Basilan recently.

While some military troops are battling head-on with Abu Sayyafs in hot pursuit operations to rescue one Vietnamese kidnap victim on Friday, June 16, the other soldiers have engaged in a dialogue as ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman launched a program that aims to transform terrorists into civilized human beings.

The military described it as an “out-of-the-box approach to peacebuilding.” The reintegration program launched in Buli-Buli, Sumisip will have components that will address particular needs of ASG returnees.

“This is an inter-agency initiative led by the military with the regional and provincial government of Basilan, to include the vital role of the Basilan Ulama Council, selected non-government organizations, and key government agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of Justice (DOJ), among others,” Hataman said.

He explained that the ambitious program is a systematic roadmap that would slowly bring the Abu Sayyafs who yielded to authorities to a more productive and peaceful life.

The social-religious-cultural component of the program will be handled by the Basilan Ulama Council. Livelihood and housing component will be undertaken by the regional government. Organizing them and facilitating their activities will be the responsibility of the NGOs, particularly the Nagdilaab Foundation Inc.  while the health and psychological component will be handled by DOH and the Provincial Health Office.

One crucial aspect of the program would be the legal impediments involving ASGs with cases in court. ARG Hataman was quick to reply that those with cases will definitely face them in courts and that the police and the military are handling these.

“The reason why the government accepted their surrender is to eventually weaken extremism and terrorism in the province. We hope that this program will lure more and more ASGs to surrender as a better option to a life of war and hardship in the hinterlands,” Hataman said.

The local government did not expect the idea of ASGs to surrender. The military said that from twenty, ASGs who yielded to the military grew to about seventy-four as of press time. With this, authorities were convinced to engage the problem of terrorism in a more comprehensive approach.

“At the end of the day, I think, this will be an effective means to end terrorism in Basilan. And if we will be successful in this endeavor, this may become a template for a national policy to address terrorism in the country,” Hataman said.

During the launching, the 4th Special Forces Battalion, Nagdilaab Foundation Inc., the DOH, DSWD, the Claret Samal Foundation, and some members of the Bantay Bayanihan Alliance conducted profiling of the ASGs. The data gathered will be the inter-agency’s basis for appropriate interventions for those returning to the fold of law.

 http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1421497840853/armm-launches-reintegration-program-for-abu-sayyaf-surrenderees

2 die, six hurt in Davao clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): 2 die, six hurt in Davao clash

Amid calls from the National Democratic Front (NDF) and the government to stop offensives and focus attention to terror groups, clashes between government troops and the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels continue, leaving two soldiers dead and six others wounded in Davao Region on Sunday (June 18).

The Army's 10th Infantry Division spokesperson Capt. Rhyan Batchar said the soldiers were killed and wounded in an encounter between the 71st Infantry Battalion and more or less 35 NPA rebels in Barangay New Barili, Maco, Compostela Valley province.

The names of the casualties are still being withheld.

Batchar said the wounded soldiers are undergoing treatment at the Army’s hospital.

Meanwhile, a security patrol by the combined elements of the 60 and 70 Infantry Battalions (IB) on Sunday led to the arrest of the NPA's alleged supply officer identified as Randy Martin Magadan, who was captured with one improvised explosive device.

Magadan, who is also known as Andrew, is reportedly the supply officer of the NPA's Pulang Bagani Command (PBC4) - South Mindanao Regional Command. He is 24 years old and a resident of Purok 7, Barangay Bollucan, Laak, Compostela Valley.

The military said Magadan was trying to plant the IED along Km 26, Barangay Kidawa in Laak town.

He was turned over to the Laak Municipal Police Station for blotter procedure and filing of case.

In Davao City Sunday, the NPA’s Pulang Bagani Command 2 (PBC2) - South Regional Command 3 (SRC3) ambushed the scout platoon of the 3rd Infantry Battalion while passing along the national highway in Pagan Pequino, Barangay Tamugan in Marilog District.

The Army platoon pursued the attackers leading to almost an hour firefight. No casualty was reported.

In Davao Occidental, troops belonging to the 73rd Infantry Battalion were attacked by armed men believed to be NPA rebels while conducting patrol in the vicinity of Sitio Mamacao, Barangay Marabatuan in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental. No casualty was reported.

In Davao Oriental, two encounters between government soldiers and the NPA rebels occurred in the towns of Cateel and Banaybanay.

On June 17, a 30-minute encounter between the soldiers of 67th Infantry Battalion and NPA took place in the town of Cateel.

Cateel Municipal Police Station commander Senior Insp. Butch Kevin Rapiz bared that around 7 a.m., the 67th IB encountered more or less 10 members of the NPA at Sitio 35, Barangay Taytayan in the said town.

Rapiz said the three bodies were recovered during clearing operation at the encounter site. Identities of the dead persons who sustained multiple gunshot wounds on different parts of their bodies are yet to be determined.

He said the bodies were brought to the police for the families to claim. No casualty report on the side of the government.

The troops recovered high power rifles such as M16 rifle, M16 rifle with M203 grenade launcher, AK 47 rifle, M14 rifle, a grenade launcher, two blasting caps, four battery packs, two Improvised Explosive Device (IED) color blue PVC pipe and metallic case, electrical wires and triggering mechanisms.

They also got from the area an improvised battery tester, 16live ammunition of M16, and empty magazine of M14, two empty magazines of M16, 158 empty shells of M16, 27 empty shells of AK 47, six pairs of boots, two pairs of combat shoes, four pieces of empty bandoliers, three t-shirts with NPA prints, seven back packs, three units of assorted cellphones, three pieces of cradle and subversive materials of NPA.

There were also four vials of Harbipine, three vials of benzylpenicilin, one ampule of tramadol, five ampules of tranexamic acid, a small plastic bottle of dextrose, a disposable infusion set, five pieces of disposable syringes, eight pieces of hospital gauze and assorted tablets.

Recovered items are now under police custody for proper disposition.

Around 6:30 a.m. of June 18, 28th Infantry Battalion troopers encountered a group of NPA at Sitio Sayon, Barangay Kauswagan in Banaybanay.

Based on their report, residents in the area reported to its Community Support Program (CSP) troops that they saw a group of armed men in their barangay.

Upon receiving the reports, troops immediately went to the place and a gunfight ensued which lasted for 45 minutes.

After encounter, soldiers recovered high powered firearms and ammunition such as M16 Rifle, AK47, one long magazine of M16, two magazine of AK47, 163 rounds of M16 ammo, one bandolier and a rifle grenade.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996222

NPAs to face charges for Maasin police station raid

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): NPAs to face charges for Maasin police station raid

New People's Army (NPA) rebels based in Panay who raided the police station in Maasin town Sunday morning will face charges, according to an official of Police Regional Office (PRO) 6.

PRO-6 spokesperson Gilbert Gorero on Monday described the incident as purely a "criminal act" and they are currently contemplating to file robbery and car theft charges against the rebels for stealing various properties of the police station and personal belongings of policemen on duty.

Based on the progress report on the inventory of lost items at the police station released by PRO-6 this afternoon, rebels have taken 11 M16 armalite rifle, 11 M16 mag loaded with cartridges, 11 short mag loaded with cartridges, two glock 9mm pistol mag loaded with cartridge, a Cal. 38 Super Colt Pistol with mag loaded of cartridge, a 9mm Beretta pistol with mag loaded with cartridge, Icom Base radio, seven Motorola portable handheld radio, a hilux patrol car, five rig with handcuffs, non-drug inventory logbook, all non-drug items kept inside the evidence cabinet and two pairs of GOA Type A uniform.

Personal belongings taken from the policemen on duty were cash money of more or less PHP18,000, gold bracelet worth PHP16,000, laptop worth PHP20,000, wallet with ATM and IDs, G-shock worth PHP6,000, a laptop and Lenovo cellphone, Iphone 5S worth PHP30,000, a Samsung phone and PHP10,000 worth of cash.

Gorero also confirmed that all 23 policemen assigned at Maasin police station were already sacked, including the nine who were on duty yesterday and police station chief, Senior Inspector Ray Cordero.

Meanwhile, Gorero reminded all tactical commanders, unit commanders, the provincial directors in Western Visayas of the "lesson learned" from the incident.

He instructed police forces specifically the tactical commanders in the region to come up with "initiatives and think out of the box" action to secure their assignment area.

Police forces in Western Visayas is still under "full alert" status, said Gorero.

While the Sunday incident has caused fear and tension among citizens, especially among the residents of Maasin town, Gorero assured the police are doing their best for the people of Maasin and the whole of Western Visayas.

"But of course we are asking for reciprocal obligation coming from the citizens and that is their active participation," Gorero stressed.

An estimated 50 rebels raided the police station in Maasin town on Sunday morning, leaving nine policemen on duty handcuffed.

Police forces recovered the patrol car they used to flee from the police station at Barangay Cagay, Alimodian, Iloilo but none of them were arrested.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996243

AFP to lead inter-agency simulation exercises

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): AFP to lead inter-agency simulation exercises

Various government law enforcement units will be taking part in an upcoming inter-agency simulated capability exercises in Dumaguete City.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will spearhead the simulation exercises through its Joint Task Force Area Shield and Protect, Lt. Junior Grade Donna Liza Ramacho, commander of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), said here on Monday.

The one-day mostly maritime simulation exercises will be held sometime in July.

The simulated exercises will showcase different scenarios, such as kidnapping, bombing and “lone-wolf attack”, similar to the incident of an active lone shooter at the Resorts World Manila recently, said Lt. JG Ramacho.

The capability exercises will be attended by government officials and participated in by the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement units, she said.

A meeting was held recently to discuss scenarios and perhaps some table-top exercises, the Coast Guard local chief said.

It will also include a scenario similar to the current situation in Marawi City where local terrorists like the Maute Group and Abu Sayyaf have taken siege of that Lanao del Sur City, said Ramacho.

The simulated scenario will examine the inter-operability of law enforcement units and other security providers as well as government agencies on how they are prepared to respond to a situation like that of Marawi City, she added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996275

AFP mobilizing all NCR-based reserve units

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): AFP mobilizing all NCR-based reserve units

To determine whether its pool of trained manpower is up to par, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has started mustering all its reserve units in Metro Manila.

“As our operations against terrorist groups and other lawless elements continue to intensify, our reservists must remain steadfast, dependable, and ready to be deployed any time,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said in a statement Monday.

Mustering started on Saturday which was spearheaded by the AFP Office of the Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Reservists and Retiree Affairs.

Based on their initial assembly, there were 112 officers, and 555 enlisted personnel in National Capital Region.

Arevalo said these figures are expected to increase once mustering goes into high gear.

Mustering will determine the present status of the operational readiness and the responsiveness of the reserve force.

“Our reservists are not only force multipliers, but also our partners in various non-lethal military operations and activities that contribute to nation building and national well-being,” he added.

As per AFP data for the first quarter of 2017, there are are a total 386, 116 strong Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine reservists all over the country.

The AFP Reserve Force conducts regular assemblies to physically account, inspect, organize, and update the individual records of each reservist and ready-reserve unit

Arevalo said the simultaneous assembly is in compliance with Section 49 of Republic Act 7077 which states that: All reservists, particularly those belonging to the ready and standby reserves, shall be accounted for, their records and status updated and present whereabouts ascertained in order to ensure their readiness to the call to duty.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996206

PNP chief graces 156th Rizal birth anniversary in Laguna

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): PNP chief graces 156th Rizal birth anniversary in Laguna

Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa graced the 156th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal in Calamba, Laguna Monday.

The police official also led the 8 a.m. flag-raising ceremonies at the ancestral home of the Rizal clan in the above-mentioned town.

Dela Rosa laid a wreath at the statue of the young Rizal in the said premises.

Calamba Mayor Justin Chipeco said they decided to invite the PNP chief as they discovered that Dela Rosa is related by blood to some degree to the country's national hero.

Research on Rizal's family tree indicated that a certain Inez Dela Rosa was one of Rizal's relatives hailing from China.

The same woman is also a kin of the PNP chief, Chipeco added.

Rizal, the author of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, was born on June 19, 1861 and was executed on Dec. 30, 1896 for the crime of rebellion during Spain's colonization of the Philippines.

The two novels inspired Filipino revolutionaries to rise against Spain.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996218