From GMA News (Jun 25): MILF teams to rescue trapped civilians during 8-hour ceasefire in Marawi
Rescue and retrieval teams composed of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and provincial government volunteers will enter the war zone in Marawi City, taking advantage of the military's eight-hour ceasefire.
Assistant Secretary Dickson Hermoso of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process said five rescue teams from the MILF and "cadaver retrieval" teams of the Lanao del Sur Crisis Management Committee will head to the conflict zone before the eight-hour ceasefire ends at 2 p.m.
During a press conference in Marawi around 12 noon, Hermoso said they were just waiting for their emissary who will lead the rescue and retrieval teams.
He said the emissaries, who were approved by the government and the MILF, had talked to the Maute group and negotiated for the ceasefire.
"Our emissaries were able to connect themselves to this group.. They (Maute group) also said in the affirmative that they will stop shooting," Hermoso said. "We hope they will do good in their words."
The Armed Forces of the Philippines announced the eight-hour humanitarian pause on Sunday night.
The ceasefire, which started at 6 a.m., was implemented to allow Marawi City residents to peacefully celebrate the end of the month-long Ramadan.
Hermoso said that the rescue teams had plotted a map of areas that will be prioritized for the humanitarian operation. He said these are were identified based on calls from trapped civilians inside the war zone.
During the same press conference, Crisis Management Committee spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong said that the calls and messages from the trapped civilians were received by their group during the first two weeks of the conflict, which started last May 23.
Hermoso said the main concern of the trapped civilians is food.
He said that the rescue teams will prioritize children and the injured civilians.
"Our mission is to retrieve warm bodies. Our volunteers from the MILF will go to the ground, knock on the doors at the houses there, use megaphones and use the local vernacular of Maranao to entice them (trapped civilians) and bring them to the safe zone," the official said.
He said the designated safe zone is the Banggolo Bridge, which had been earlier retaken by the military from the Maute group.
Hermoso said they are hoping more trapped civilians will be rescued during the ceasefire.
Authorities could not give an exact number of people still trapped in the war zone. The military earlier said the number could be between 300 and 500.
As of 12 noon, officials reported that there was no single shot fire within the conflict zone.
During the first ceasefire last June 4, he said the humanitarian group was able to rescue more than 200 civilians.
Adiong, meanwhile, reported that nearly 60,000 families affected by the conflict, including "home-based' internally-displaced persons, are being served by the regional government's social welfare unit.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/615833/milf-teams-to-rescue-trapped-civilians-during-8-hour-ceasefire-in-marawi/story/
Sunday, June 25, 2017
AFP chief: IS funded Marawi siege through Malaysian
From the Philippine Star (Jun 25): AFP chief: IS funded Marawi siege through Malaysian
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Eduardo Año said Malaysian Mahmud bin Ahmad reportedly channeled more than $600,000 from the IS to acquire firearms, food and other supplies for the attack in Marawi. Money believed to be from illegal drugs also funded the uprising, he said. AP Photo/Aaron Favila, File
Middle East-based terror group Islamic State (IS) helped fund the month-long siege of this city through a Malaysian militant who was reportedly killed by troops, the military chief said Friday.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Eduardo Año said Malaysian Mahmud bin Ahmad reportedly channeled more than $600,000 from the IS to acquire firearms, food and other supplies for the attack in Marawi. Money believed to be from illegal drugs also funded the uprising, he said.
Mahmud was wounded in the fighting last month and reportedly died on June 7, he said. But when asked by AFP for confirmation of Mahmud’s reported death, Malaysia’s Inspector General Police Abu Bakar said: “Not true. He is still alive.”
A local militant leader, Omarkhayam Maute, is also believed to have been killed in the early days of intense fighting and troops were looking for their remains to validate the intelligence the military had received. Troops are seeking the help of villagers to pinpoint the spot where Mahmud was reportedly buried, Año said.
In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian police chief Khalid Abu Bakar acknowledged that Mahmud was in Marawi fighting with insurgents but said he believed the militant is still alive.
Malaysian authorities are trying to determine the number of Malaysians who joined the siege but said at least four may have been killed in clashes.
Two other rebel leaders, Isnilon Hapilon and Maute’s brother Abdullah, both Filipinos, were still fighting in Marawi, Año said.
A former Malaysian university professor who became radicalized and received training in Afghanistan, Mahmud appeared in a video showing militant leaders planning the Marawi siege in a hideout, a sign of his key role in the uprising. A copy of the video was seized by troops on May 23.
A month ago, about 500 local militants, along with some foreign fighters, stormed into Marawi, a bastion of the Islamic faith in the predominantly Roman Catholic nation.
Troops since then have killed about 280 gunmen, recovered nearly 300 assault firearms and regained control of 85 buildings.
Many of the taller buildings were used as sniper posts to slow down the advance of government forces, the military said.
At least 69 soldiers and police and 26 civilians have died in the fighting.
Only four villages in Marawi remain in the hands of the militants, out of the 19 of 96 villages across the lakeside city of 200,000 people that the black flag-waving militants had occupied.
“They are constricted in a very small area. They’re pinned down,” Año said.
He said three boatloads of gunmen who tried to join the militants were blasted by navy gunboats three days ago in Lake Lanao, which borders Marawi.
Año said the battle was taking longer because the militants were using civilians as human shields. “We can just bomb them away or use napalm bombs to burn everything, but then, we will not be any different from them if we do that,” he said.
The audacious attack by the heavily armed militants and their ability to hold on to large sections of a city for weeks surprised the government and sparked fears among Southeast Asian countries that the IS group was moving to gain a foothold in the region.
Australian help Australian Defense Minister Marise Payne said the Philippines accepted an offer of two AP-3C Orion aircraft to provide surveillance to local troops.
The US military earlier deployed a spy plane and drones over Marawi. Facing his worst crisis, President Duterte has declared martial law in Mindanao to deal with the Marawi siege.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/06/25/1713442/afp-chief-funded-marawi-siege-through-malaysian
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Eduardo Año said Malaysian Mahmud bin Ahmad reportedly channeled more than $600,000 from the IS to acquire firearms, food and other supplies for the attack in Marawi. Money believed to be from illegal drugs also funded the uprising, he said. AP Photo/Aaron Favila, File
Middle East-based terror group Islamic State (IS) helped fund the month-long siege of this city through a Malaysian militant who was reportedly killed by troops, the military chief said Friday.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Eduardo Año said Malaysian Mahmud bin Ahmad reportedly channeled more than $600,000 from the IS to acquire firearms, food and other supplies for the attack in Marawi. Money believed to be from illegal drugs also funded the uprising, he said.
Mahmud was wounded in the fighting last month and reportedly died on June 7, he said. But when asked by AFP for confirmation of Mahmud’s reported death, Malaysia’s Inspector General Police Abu Bakar said: “Not true. He is still alive.”
A local militant leader, Omarkhayam Maute, is also believed to have been killed in the early days of intense fighting and troops were looking for their remains to validate the intelligence the military had received. Troops are seeking the help of villagers to pinpoint the spot where Mahmud was reportedly buried, Año said.
In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian police chief Khalid Abu Bakar acknowledged that Mahmud was in Marawi fighting with insurgents but said he believed the militant is still alive.
Malaysian authorities are trying to determine the number of Malaysians who joined the siege but said at least four may have been killed in clashes.
Two other rebel leaders, Isnilon Hapilon and Maute’s brother Abdullah, both Filipinos, were still fighting in Marawi, Año said.
A former Malaysian university professor who became radicalized and received training in Afghanistan, Mahmud appeared in a video showing militant leaders planning the Marawi siege in a hideout, a sign of his key role in the uprising. A copy of the video was seized by troops on May 23.
A month ago, about 500 local militants, along with some foreign fighters, stormed into Marawi, a bastion of the Islamic faith in the predominantly Roman Catholic nation.
Troops since then have killed about 280 gunmen, recovered nearly 300 assault firearms and regained control of 85 buildings.
Many of the taller buildings were used as sniper posts to slow down the advance of government forces, the military said.
At least 69 soldiers and police and 26 civilians have died in the fighting.
Only four villages in Marawi remain in the hands of the militants, out of the 19 of 96 villages across the lakeside city of 200,000 people that the black flag-waving militants had occupied.
“They are constricted in a very small area. They’re pinned down,” Año said.
He said three boatloads of gunmen who tried to join the militants were blasted by navy gunboats three days ago in Lake Lanao, which borders Marawi.
Año said the battle was taking longer because the militants were using civilians as human shields. “We can just bomb them away or use napalm bombs to burn everything, but then, we will not be any different from them if we do that,” he said.
The audacious attack by the heavily armed militants and their ability to hold on to large sections of a city for weeks surprised the government and sparked fears among Southeast Asian countries that the IS group was moving to gain a foothold in the region.
Australian help Australian Defense Minister Marise Payne said the Philippines accepted an offer of two AP-3C Orion aircraft to provide surveillance to local troops.
The US military earlier deployed a spy plane and drones over Marawi. Facing his worst crisis, President Duterte has declared martial law in Mindanao to deal with the Marawi siege.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/06/25/1713442/afp-chief-funded-marawi-siege-through-malaysian
SWS: March 30-April 2, 2016 Social Weather Survey: Record-high Very Good net trust ratings for AFP and PNP
Posted to the Social Weather Stations Website (Jun 23): March 30-April 2, 2016 Social Weather Survey: Record-high Very Good net trust ratings for AFP and PNP
The First Quarter 2016 Social Weather Survey, conducted from March 30-April 2, 2016, found 75% of adult Filipinos with much trust and 9% with little trust in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and 69% with much trust and 14% with little trust in the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The resulting net trust rating scores (% much trust minus % little trust) were a record-high very good +66 for the AFP, and a record-high very good +55 for the PNP [Chart 1].
The SWS terminology for Net Trust Ratings: +70 and above, "excellent"; +50 to +69, "very good"; +30 to +49, "good"; +10 to +29, "moderate", +9 to -9, "neutral"; -10 to -29, "poor"; -30 to -49, "bad"; -50 to -69, "very bad"; -70 and below, "execrable".
Generally high public trust in the AFP and PNP
Net public trust in the AFP was a good +48 when first surveyed by SWS in September 1988. It rose to a very good +53 in December 2000 and went to moderate to good levels from September 2003 to March 2006, ranging from +12 to +32 [Table 1].
It rose to a very good +57 in February 2010, and fell slightly to a good +49 in May 2012. It rose to a very good +64 in March 2014 and to a record-high very good +66 in March 2016.
SWS first surveyed public trust in the PNP in December 2000, and found a good net trust rating of +42. It went to moderate levels from September 2001 to March 2005, ranging from +12 to +20 [Table 2].
It rose to very good +52 in February 2010 and a good +45 in March 2014 before reaching a record-high very good +55 in March 2016.
Higher net public trust in AFP and PNP outside Metro Manila
The April 2016 survey found public trust in the AFP and PNP to be higher outside Metro Manila.
The net trust rating of the AFP was highest in the Visayas at an excellent +70, followed by Mindanao and Balance Luzon, both at a very good +69, and Metro Manila at a good +47 [Chart 2].
The net trust rating of the PNP was highest in Mindanao at a very good +62, followed by Balance Luzon at a very good +59, Visayas at a very good +58, and Metro Manila at a moderate +29
[Chart 3].
Higher net public trust in rural areas than urban areas
Net public trust in both the AFP and PNP was higher in rural areas compared to urban areas.
The net trust rating of the AFP was an excellent +70 in rural areas, 10 points above the very good +60 in urban areas [Chart 4].
For the PNP, net public trust was a very good +65 in rural areas, 23 points above the good +42 in urban areas [Chart 5].
Higher net public trust among the lower classes
The April 2016 survey found public trust for both the AFP and PNP to be higher among the lower classes.
The net trust rating of the AFP was highest among class E at an excellent +70, followed by class D at a very good +66, and class ABC at a good +43 [Chart 6].
The net trust rating of the PNP was highest among class E at a very good +64, followed by class D at a very good +54, and class ABC at a good +45 [Chart 7].
Net trust in AFP Excellent in Other religions, Very Good among Catholics and INCs, Good among Muslims; Net trust in PNP Very Good among Catholics and Others, Good among Muslims and INCs
The net trust rating of the AFP was highest among those in religions other than Catholicism, Islam, and Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), at an excellent +70, followed by Roman Catholics at a very good +68, INCs at a very good +51, and Muslims at a good +35.
On the other hand, net public trust in the PNP was highest among Roman Catholics, at a very good +57, followed by Others at a very good +54, Muslims at a good +49, and INCs at a good +47.
Survey Background
The April 2016 Social Weather Survey was conducted from March 30-April 2, 2016 using face-to-face interviews of 1,500 adults (18 years old and above) nationwide, 300 each in Metro Manila, North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao (sampling error margins of ±3% for national percentages, and ±6% each for Metro Manila, North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao).
The area estimates were weighted by Philippine Statistics Authority medium-population projections for 2016 to obtain the national estimates.
The Social Weather Survey items on public trust in selected organizations are non-commissioned. These items were included on SWS's own initiative and released as a public service. The specific organizations included in the surveys are based on their relevance to national affairs.
The exact questions on public trust in selected organizations are as follows: "PAG-USAPAN PO NATIN ANG TUNGKOL SA ILANG ORGANISASYON. SA MGA SUMUSUNOD, MAAARI PO BANG SABIHIN NINYO KUNG ANG PAGTITIWALA NINYO SA (NAME OF ORGANIZATION) AY NAPAKALAKI, MEDYO MALAKI, HINDI TIYAK KUNG MALAKI O MALIIT, MEDYO MALIIT, NAPAKALIIT, O WALA PA KAYONG NARINIG O NABASA KAHIT NA KAILAN TUNGKOL SA (NAME OF ORGANIZATION)? PAKISABI ANG SAGOT NINYO SA PAMAMAGITAN NG PAGLAGAY NG MGA KARD SA NAAANGKOP NA LUGAR SA RATING BOARD NA ITO. [Let's now talk about some organizations. For the following, please indicate if your trust/faith in (NAME OF ORGANIZATION) is VERY MUCH, SOMEWHAT MUCH, UNDECIDED IF MUCH OR LITTLE, SOMEWHAT LITTLE, VERY LITTLE, or YOU HAVE NOT HEARD OR READ ANYTHING ABOUT THE (NAME OF ORGANIZATION) ever? You may indicate your answers by placing each card on the appropriate box on this rating board.]"
SWS employs its own staff for questionnaire design, sampling, fieldwork, data-processing, and analysis, and does not outsource any of its survey operations.
Chart 1
Table 1
Table 2
Chart 2
Chart 3
Chart 4
Chart 5
Chart 6
Chart 7
Chart 8
Chart 9
https://www.sws.org.ph/swsmain/artcldisppage/?artcsyscode=ART-20170623201555
The First Quarter 2016 Social Weather Survey, conducted from March 30-April 2, 2016, found 75% of adult Filipinos with much trust and 9% with little trust in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and 69% with much trust and 14% with little trust in the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The resulting net trust rating scores (% much trust minus % little trust) were a record-high very good +66 for the AFP, and a record-high very good +55 for the PNP [Chart 1].
The SWS terminology for Net Trust Ratings: +70 and above, "excellent"; +50 to +69, "very good"; +30 to +49, "good"; +10 to +29, "moderate", +9 to -9, "neutral"; -10 to -29, "poor"; -30 to -49, "bad"; -50 to -69, "very bad"; -70 and below, "execrable".
Generally high public trust in the AFP and PNP
Net public trust in the AFP was a good +48 when first surveyed by SWS in September 1988. It rose to a very good +53 in December 2000 and went to moderate to good levels from September 2003 to March 2006, ranging from +12 to +32 [Table 1].
It rose to a very good +57 in February 2010, and fell slightly to a good +49 in May 2012. It rose to a very good +64 in March 2014 and to a record-high very good +66 in March 2016.
SWS first surveyed public trust in the PNP in December 2000, and found a good net trust rating of +42. It went to moderate levels from September 2001 to March 2005, ranging from +12 to +20 [Table 2].
It rose to very good +52 in February 2010 and a good +45 in March 2014 before reaching a record-high very good +55 in March 2016.
Higher net public trust in AFP and PNP outside Metro Manila
The April 2016 survey found public trust in the AFP and PNP to be higher outside Metro Manila.
The net trust rating of the AFP was highest in the Visayas at an excellent +70, followed by Mindanao and Balance Luzon, both at a very good +69, and Metro Manila at a good +47 [Chart 2].
The net trust rating of the PNP was highest in Mindanao at a very good +62, followed by Balance Luzon at a very good +59, Visayas at a very good +58, and Metro Manila at a moderate +29
[Chart 3].
Higher net public trust in rural areas than urban areas
Net public trust in both the AFP and PNP was higher in rural areas compared to urban areas.
The net trust rating of the AFP was an excellent +70 in rural areas, 10 points above the very good +60 in urban areas [Chart 4].
For the PNP, net public trust was a very good +65 in rural areas, 23 points above the good +42 in urban areas [Chart 5].
Higher net public trust among the lower classes
The April 2016 survey found public trust for both the AFP and PNP to be higher among the lower classes.
The net trust rating of the AFP was highest among class E at an excellent +70, followed by class D at a very good +66, and class ABC at a good +43 [Chart 6].
The net trust rating of the PNP was highest among class E at a very good +64, followed by class D at a very good +54, and class ABC at a good +45 [Chart 7].
Net trust in AFP Excellent in Other religions, Very Good among Catholics and INCs, Good among Muslims; Net trust in PNP Very Good among Catholics and Others, Good among Muslims and INCs
The net trust rating of the AFP was highest among those in religions other than Catholicism, Islam, and Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), at an excellent +70, followed by Roman Catholics at a very good +68, INCs at a very good +51, and Muslims at a good +35.
On the other hand, net public trust in the PNP was highest among Roman Catholics, at a very good +57, followed by Others at a very good +54, Muslims at a good +49, and INCs at a good +47.
Survey Background
The April 2016 Social Weather Survey was conducted from March 30-April 2, 2016 using face-to-face interviews of 1,500 adults (18 years old and above) nationwide, 300 each in Metro Manila, North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao (sampling error margins of ±3% for national percentages, and ±6% each for Metro Manila, North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao).
The area estimates were weighted by Philippine Statistics Authority medium-population projections for 2016 to obtain the national estimates.
The Social Weather Survey items on public trust in selected organizations are non-commissioned. These items were included on SWS's own initiative and released as a public service. The specific organizations included in the surveys are based on their relevance to national affairs.
The exact questions on public trust in selected organizations are as follows: "PAG-USAPAN PO NATIN ANG TUNGKOL SA ILANG ORGANISASYON. SA MGA SUMUSUNOD, MAAARI PO BANG SABIHIN NINYO KUNG ANG PAGTITIWALA NINYO SA (NAME OF ORGANIZATION) AY NAPAKALAKI, MEDYO MALAKI, HINDI TIYAK KUNG MALAKI O MALIIT, MEDYO MALIIT, NAPAKALIIT, O WALA PA KAYONG NARINIG O NABASA KAHIT NA KAILAN TUNGKOL SA (NAME OF ORGANIZATION)? PAKISABI ANG SAGOT NINYO SA PAMAMAGITAN NG PAGLAGAY NG MGA KARD SA NAAANGKOP NA LUGAR SA RATING BOARD NA ITO. [Let's now talk about some organizations. For the following, please indicate if your trust/faith in (NAME OF ORGANIZATION) is VERY MUCH, SOMEWHAT MUCH, UNDECIDED IF MUCH OR LITTLE, SOMEWHAT LITTLE, VERY LITTLE, or YOU HAVE NOT HEARD OR READ ANYTHING ABOUT THE (NAME OF ORGANIZATION) ever? You may indicate your answers by placing each card on the appropriate box on this rating board.]"
SWS employs its own staff for questionnaire design, sampling, fieldwork, data-processing, and analysis, and does not outsource any of its survey operations.
Chart 1
Table 1
Table 2
Chart 2
Chart 3
Chart 4
Chart 5
Chart 6
Chart 7
Chart 8
Chart 9
https://www.sws.org.ph/swsmain/artcldisppage/?artcsyscode=ART-20170623201555
AFP prods SBMA on Subic military base expansion
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 25): AFP prods SBMA on Subic military base expansion
US aircraft lands at the Subic Bay International Airport during a military exercise. —Allan Macatuno
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — A ranking official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has asked the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to allow a planned expansion of a military base in this former US naval station to proceed as planned.
Philippine Navy commander Vice Admiral Joseph Mercado made the appeal after SBMA Administrator Wilma Eisma notified Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in March about the freeport’s intention to rescind the 2015 memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the AFP and SBMA.
The MOA, drawn up during the administration of former SBMA Chair and Administrator Roberto Garcia, allowed the AFP to make Subic the military’s forward operating base due to its strategic location.
Air Force fighter jets and Navy frigates could respond faster to any emergency in the West Philippine Sea from a base here.
In a June 21 letter to SBMA Chair Martin Diño, Mercado appealed to both Diño and Eisma to reconsider the agency’s position.
Under the MOA, the Air Force was obligated to rehabilitate a 13-hectare portion of the Subic Bay International Airport where shipping giant Federal Express (FedEx) used to operate. The AFP was to use part of the military modernization fund to finance the rehabilitation.
Eisma cited the AFP’s failure to fulfill its obligation of restoring the airport and seaports as one of the reasons for revoking the agreement.
Eisma also argued that the government would gain more economic benefits from the commercial use of the airport.
“While your Navy fully supports the economic agenda of SBMA, the [expansion] area is of vital interest to national security which public and economic gain cannot be readily quantified,” Mercado said in his letter.
The Rivera Wharf and Alava Pier at Subic were the only ports outside Metro Manila that could shelter and safely accommodate three Del Pilar Class frigates and the two newly acquired Strategic Sealift Vessels of the AFP, he said.
The two ports would also house the two brand new frigates that the government planned to acquire from South Korea, Mercado added.
“Aside from the readily available wharf and pier, the location of SBMA has strategic importance for the Navy since it is the nearest and safest port fronting the West Philippine Sea,” Mercado said.
The disputed Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc is located in the West Philippine Sea off the coast of Zambales.
The shoal is about 260 kilometers west of Subic Bay. It was the site of the tense stand-off between the Philippines and China in 2012
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/908442/afp-prods-sbma-on-subic-military-base-expansion
US aircraft lands at the Subic Bay International Airport during a military exercise. —Allan Macatuno
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — A ranking official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has asked the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to allow a planned expansion of a military base in this former US naval station to proceed as planned.
Philippine Navy commander Vice Admiral Joseph Mercado made the appeal after SBMA Administrator Wilma Eisma notified Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in March about the freeport’s intention to rescind the 2015 memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the AFP and SBMA.
The MOA, drawn up during the administration of former SBMA Chair and Administrator Roberto Garcia, allowed the AFP to make Subic the military’s forward operating base due to its strategic location.
Air Force fighter jets and Navy frigates could respond faster to any emergency in the West Philippine Sea from a base here.
In a June 21 letter to SBMA Chair Martin Diño, Mercado appealed to both Diño and Eisma to reconsider the agency’s position.
Under the MOA, the Air Force was obligated to rehabilitate a 13-hectare portion of the Subic Bay International Airport where shipping giant Federal Express (FedEx) used to operate. The AFP was to use part of the military modernization fund to finance the rehabilitation.
Eisma cited the AFP’s failure to fulfill its obligation of restoring the airport and seaports as one of the reasons for revoking the agreement.
Eisma also argued that the government would gain more economic benefits from the commercial use of the airport.
“While your Navy fully supports the economic agenda of SBMA, the [expansion] area is of vital interest to national security which public and economic gain cannot be readily quantified,” Mercado said in his letter.
The Rivera Wharf and Alava Pier at Subic were the only ports outside Metro Manila that could shelter and safely accommodate three Del Pilar Class frigates and the two newly acquired Strategic Sealift Vessels of the AFP, he said.
The two ports would also house the two brand new frigates that the government planned to acquire from South Korea, Mercado added.
“Aside from the readily available wharf and pier, the location of SBMA has strategic importance for the Navy since it is the nearest and safest port fronting the West Philippine Sea,” Mercado said.
The disputed Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc is located in the West Philippine Sea off the coast of Zambales.
The shoal is about 260 kilometers west of Subic Bay. It was the site of the tense stand-off between the Philippines and China in 2012
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/908442/afp-prods-sbma-on-subic-military-base-expansion
PH, Vietnam navies hold personnel interaction in West Philippine Sea
From Update Philippines (Jun 25): PH, Vietnam navies hold personnel interaction in West Philippine Sea
NAVFORWEST photo
Navies of Philippines and Vietnam conducted the third third personnel interaction in Pugad Island (Southwest Cay) which is part of Kalayaan (Spratly) Islands. Pugad Island (Southwest Cay) is under the control of Vietnam.
Naval Forces West (NAVFORWEST) personnel represented the Philippine Navy to interact with Vietnam People’s Navy on June 22 for the said confidence building activity.
“The Philippine Navy delegation was led by Colonel Camilo F. Balutan PN(M)(GSC), the Deputy Commander for Marine Operations, Naval Forces West and Commander Virgilio C. De Guzman PN (GSC), Acting Commanding Officer, BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF17) as platform of ship to shore movement,” NAVFORWEST said. “The Vietnam delegation was led by Senior Captain Nguyen Viet Thuan, Deputy Commander of the Naval Region 4, Vietnam People’s Navy.”
The two navies shared information about Search and Rescue missions, Maritime security, Disaster prevention at sea and enhancement on communication between the two Islands.
“In addition, sports activities were also conducted such as football, volleyball, tug-of-war and Vietnam Navy rendered musical entertainment during the closing ceremony,” NAVFORWEST said.
The Filipino navy also visited statue of Tran Hung Dao, a lighthouse and a pagoda.
“The two countries expect that personnel interactions will contribute to consolidating and promoting friendly relations, creating a friendly environment of mutual understanding between the two navies in general and the two units of the two countries stationed on the two islands in particular,” NAVFORWEST said.
https://www.update.ph/2017/06/ph-vietnam-navies-hold-personnel-interaction-in-west-philippine-sea/18352
NAVFORWEST photo
Navies of Philippines and Vietnam conducted the third third personnel interaction in Pugad Island (Southwest Cay) which is part of Kalayaan (Spratly) Islands. Pugad Island (Southwest Cay) is under the control of Vietnam.
Naval Forces West (NAVFORWEST) personnel represented the Philippine Navy to interact with Vietnam People’s Navy on June 22 for the said confidence building activity.
“The Philippine Navy delegation was led by Colonel Camilo F. Balutan PN(M)(GSC), the Deputy Commander for Marine Operations, Naval Forces West and Commander Virgilio C. De Guzman PN (GSC), Acting Commanding Officer, BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF17) as platform of ship to shore movement,” NAVFORWEST said. “The Vietnam delegation was led by Senior Captain Nguyen Viet Thuan, Deputy Commander of the Naval Region 4, Vietnam People’s Navy.”
The two navies shared information about Search and Rescue missions, Maritime security, Disaster prevention at sea and enhancement on communication between the two Islands.
“In addition, sports activities were also conducted such as football, volleyball, tug-of-war and Vietnam Navy rendered musical entertainment during the closing ceremony,” NAVFORWEST said.
The Filipino navy also visited statue of Tran Hung Dao, a lighthouse and a pagoda.
“The two countries expect that personnel interactions will contribute to consolidating and promoting friendly relations, creating a friendly environment of mutual understanding between the two navies in general and the two units of the two countries stationed on the two islands in particular,” NAVFORWEST said.
https://www.update.ph/2017/06/ph-vietnam-navies-hold-personnel-interaction-in-west-philippine-sea/18352
Coast Guard intercepts person wounded by air strike
From Update Philippines (Jun 25): Coast Guard intercepts person wounded by air strike
The Philippine Coastguard (PCG) on Friday announced they have intercepted and placed under investigation a wounded person suspected to have fled from the “war zone” in Basilan province.
Lieutenant Senior Grade Paul Gonzales, officer-in-charge of the Zamboanga Coastguard Station, identified the wounded person as Gabriel Pataraza of Mohammad Ajul, Basilan province.
Gonzales said they intercepted Pataraza around 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the local port.
He said Pataraza, accompanied by two women, was on their way to the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) coming from a hospital in Basilan province.
He said they have coordinated with other intelligence counterparts “to help us conduct initial identification on the subject and appears to be suspicious due to alleged shrapnel wounds.”
“Based on initial assessment of other intelligence counterparts, the wounds of the subject might be the result of recent air strike conducted at Mohammad Ajul, Basilan province,” the Zamboanga Coastguard Station said in a statement.
Government troops have conducted air strike and overran an Abu Sayyaf encampment last Saturday, June 17, in the outskirts of Ungkaya Pukan town in Basilan province.
Gonzales said Pataraza was confined at the ZCMC and placed under guard by the PCG personnel.
The PCG has taken over the responsibility from the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to secure all ports in the country as an offshoot of President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of Martial Law here in Mindanao due to the siege in Marawi City perpetrated by the Maute group.
https://www.update.ph/2017/06/coast-guard-intercepts-person-wounded-by-air-strike/18363
The Philippine Coastguard (PCG) on Friday announced they have intercepted and placed under investigation a wounded person suspected to have fled from the “war zone” in Basilan province.
Lieutenant Senior Grade Paul Gonzales, officer-in-charge of the Zamboanga Coastguard Station, identified the wounded person as Gabriel Pataraza of Mohammad Ajul, Basilan province.
Gonzales said they intercepted Pataraza around 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the local port.
He said Pataraza, accompanied by two women, was on their way to the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) coming from a hospital in Basilan province.
He said they have coordinated with other intelligence counterparts “to help us conduct initial identification on the subject and appears to be suspicious due to alleged shrapnel wounds.”
“Based on initial assessment of other intelligence counterparts, the wounds of the subject might be the result of recent air strike conducted at Mohammad Ajul, Basilan province,” the Zamboanga Coastguard Station said in a statement.
Government troops have conducted air strike and overran an Abu Sayyaf encampment last Saturday, June 17, in the outskirts of Ungkaya Pukan town in Basilan province.
Gonzales said Pataraza was confined at the ZCMC and placed under guard by the PCG personnel.
The PCG has taken over the responsibility from the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to secure all ports in the country as an offshoot of President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of Martial Law here in Mindanao due to the siege in Marawi City perpetrated by the Maute group.
https://www.update.ph/2017/06/coast-guard-intercepts-person-wounded-by-air-strike/18363
OPPAP discloses whitelist of rebels covered by JASIG
From InterAksyon (Jun 24): OPPAP discloses whitelist of rebels covered by JASIG
Identifying mark of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
In a dispatch dated 21 June, 2017, Angela Librado-Trinidad, Philippine government (GRP) peace panel member concurrently supervising the Committee on JASIG and releases, disclosed that the updated list of National Democratic Front (NDF) rebels and consultants covered by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee was recently deposited in The Netherlands.
The list, encrypted in USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash disks and a back up security drive (SD) and locked in a safety deposit box, contains photographs and real identities of rebel consultants who are still “underground”.
The deposit is in line with the mandatory provisions of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee (JASIG) and supplemental guidelines, which the GRP and the NDF panels signed in 1995 and 1998, respectively and affirmed by the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte as well as the August 26, 2016 Joint Statement as a necessary component of the peace negotiations with the communist rebels.
The rebel leaders included in the JASIG list, as well as other persons directly participating in the peace negotiations, are guaranteed free movement and freedom from arrest, surveillance, interrogation and similar actions in connection with their involvement or participation in the peace negotiations for the duration of the peace talks.
Immunities cover acts, statements, materials, information and data made during or resulting from the peace negotiations.
Also included are rebel leaders who have already surfaced and are physically participating in the peace negotiations between the Philippine government (GRP) and the NDF.
The JASIG-covered rebel consultants were issued letters of authority (LAs) by GRP panel chair Silvestre Bello, which they could present to police authorities and military in case they are held or arrested.
On hand during the depositing of the USB and the back up SD in the safety deposit box were GRP peace panel members lawyer Angela Librado-Trinidad and former Agrarian Reform Secretary Hernani Braganza from the GRP Panel, Fidel Agcaoili and adviser Luis Jalandoni from the NDF Panel.
Attending as witnesses were Archbishop Joris August Odilius Ludovicus Vercammen of the Old Catholic Church of the Netherlands, the Third Party Depository, and Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands Jamie Ledda.
Braganza explained that the deposit is part of JASIG verification and process of validating the identities of persons using aliases in the list of JASIG-covered Document of Identification (DI) Holders.
“We have to be strict this time as we do not want a repeat of the July 2011 verification incident that almost resulted to the collapse of the peace negotiation,” he pointed out.
This was when the GRP and NDF panel members conducted the JASIG verification process after an alleged rebel consultant was arrested. Upon verification, the encrypted diskettes containing the photographs of NDF consultants could not be opened due to faulty decryption diskettes provided by the NDF panel.
The NDF panel claimed that the decryption diskettes could have been corrupted when Dutch authorities seized the diskettes and other materials during a raid at their Utrecht headquarters.
http://www.interaksyon.com/oppap-discloses-whitelist-of-rebels-covered-by-jasig/
Identifying mark of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
In a dispatch dated 21 June, 2017, Angela Librado-Trinidad, Philippine government (GRP) peace panel member concurrently supervising the Committee on JASIG and releases, disclosed that the updated list of National Democratic Front (NDF) rebels and consultants covered by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee was recently deposited in The Netherlands.
The list, encrypted in USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash disks and a back up security drive (SD) and locked in a safety deposit box, contains photographs and real identities of rebel consultants who are still “underground”.
The deposit is in line with the mandatory provisions of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee (JASIG) and supplemental guidelines, which the GRP and the NDF panels signed in 1995 and 1998, respectively and affirmed by the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte as well as the August 26, 2016 Joint Statement as a necessary component of the peace negotiations with the communist rebels.
The rebel leaders included in the JASIG list, as well as other persons directly participating in the peace negotiations, are guaranteed free movement and freedom from arrest, surveillance, interrogation and similar actions in connection with their involvement or participation in the peace negotiations for the duration of the peace talks.
Immunities cover acts, statements, materials, information and data made during or resulting from the peace negotiations.
Also included are rebel leaders who have already surfaced and are physically participating in the peace negotiations between the Philippine government (GRP) and the NDF.
The JASIG-covered rebel consultants were issued letters of authority (LAs) by GRP panel chair Silvestre Bello, which they could present to police authorities and military in case they are held or arrested.
On hand during the depositing of the USB and the back up SD in the safety deposit box were GRP peace panel members lawyer Angela Librado-Trinidad and former Agrarian Reform Secretary Hernani Braganza from the GRP Panel, Fidel Agcaoili and adviser Luis Jalandoni from the NDF Panel.
Attending as witnesses were Archbishop Joris August Odilius Ludovicus Vercammen of the Old Catholic Church of the Netherlands, the Third Party Depository, and Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands Jamie Ledda.
Braganza explained that the deposit is part of JASIG verification and process of validating the identities of persons using aliases in the list of JASIG-covered Document of Identification (DI) Holders.
“We have to be strict this time as we do not want a repeat of the July 2011 verification incident that almost resulted to the collapse of the peace negotiation,” he pointed out.
This was when the GRP and NDF panel members conducted the JASIG verification process after an alleged rebel consultant was arrested. Upon verification, the encrypted diskettes containing the photographs of NDF consultants could not be opened due to faulty decryption diskettes provided by the NDF panel.
The NDF panel claimed that the decryption diskettes could have been corrupted when Dutch authorities seized the diskettes and other materials during a raid at their Utrecht headquarters.
http://www.interaksyon.com/oppap-discloses-whitelist-of-rebels-covered-by-jasig/
Gov’t and Maute Group: Humanitarian ceasefire on Eid’l Fitr
From MindaNews (Jun 24): Gov’t and Maute Group: Humanitarian ceasefire on Eid’l Fitr
The Government and the Maute Group have responded to calls from various groups to declare a humanitarian ceasefire on Eid’l Fitr, the end of the month-long Ramadan on Sunday, the government declaring a unilateral “humanitarian pause” from 6 a.m. to 2 pm., the Maute Group reciprocating it.
Various groups have appealed to both Government and the Maute Group for a ceasefire on Eid’l Fitr, to allow Muslims in the country’s lone Islamic City, to pray in peace on this holy event, allow residents still trapped here for a month now to walk to freedom, and possibly allow the retrieval of the dead for proper burial.
BATTERED CITY. Dark smoke rise from buildings in Marawi City after Philippine Air Force warplanes bombed suspected Maute Group positions on Saturday (24 June 2017). MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, chief of the Western Mindanao Command who is overseeing the operations against the Maute Group in Marawi told MindaNews Saturday night that the eight-hour unilateral “humanitarian pause” has been approved by Gen. Eduardo Ano, Armed Forces Chief of Staff, “to pay our respects” to Muslims celebrating Eid’l Fitr.
Galvez told MindaNews Friday afternoon that he does not see any problem in allowing a humanitarian ceasefire but the Maute Group might have a problem.
“Walang problema po sa akin. Baka sa Maute may problema tayo dahil hindi man sila tunay na Muslim” (I don’t have a problem with that. But the Maute might have a problem with that because they are not real Muslims), he said.
The Maute Group, however, is also amenable to the humanitarian ceasefire, the emissary of the Government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH-MILF’s) Peace Corridor told MindaNews Saturday. The emissary negotiated with the Maute Group to agree to a humanitarian ceasefire on June 4.
“Okay sila kahit ilang oras” (They agreed to whatever time is needed), said the emissary, a prominent personality in Lanao del Sur, who helped pave the way for a four-hour humanitarian ceasefire that led to the rescue of, initially, 134 residents, and later 179 residents that day.
The eight-hour humanitarian ceasefire on Sunday is twice the number of hours allotted for the humanitarian ceasefire on June 4, also a Sunday.
No, this is not Aleppo, This is Marawi City, Sunday morning, 04 June 2017. A member of the Joint Coordinating, Monitoring, and Assistance Center of the GPH-MILF Peace Corridor assists an elderly woman leave the conflict zone, one of 134 trapped civilians rescued Sunday morning during a four-hour “humanitarian pause.” Photo courtesy of BANGSAMORO NEWS
Assemblyman Zia Alonto Adiong, spokesperson of the Provincial Crisis Management Committee told Mindanews Friday afternoon in Marawi that there are still “300 to 500” trapped residents in the conflict zone.
He told MindaNews Saturday afternoon that the humanitarian ceasefire on Eid’l Fitr was already “agreed in principle” but mechanics had yet to be discussed.
He said the GPH-MILF Peace Corridor also “wants to take the opportunity to rescue other trapped civilians from the war zone and we in the province support their call.”
“We are working on that,” Dickson Hermoso, Assistant Secretary at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and the GPH panel’s focal person for the Peace Corridor.
For the sake of Eid’l Fitr
The Ranao Ulama Leaders Conference on the Marawi Crisis, representing 23 Islamic organizations, convened on June 21 and 22 in Cagayan de Oro City, and urged President Rodrigo Duterte, whose grandmother was a Maranao, to “give us the opportunity and support in solving this issue.”
The leaders appealed to the President to declare “an immediate ceasefire and/or to stop the aerial bombing” to allow the civilians to return peacefully to their respective villages in Marawi, “help them rise again, and rehabilitate Marawi City from massive destruction.”
“For the sake of Eid’l fitr, Mr. President, please show the Muslim community that you respect this forthcoming holy day,” the Ulama leaders said.
Rescuers from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front team in the Government-MILF Peace Corridor aid an elderly male out of the conflict zone on June 4, 2017 in Marawi City during a four-hour humanitarian ceasefire negotiated between the government and the Maute Group by an emissary. Several attempts have been made since June 4 to go for another humanitarian pause to get the trapped civilians out. Photo courtesy of BANGSAMORO NEWS
The Conference also called on the the “Dawla Islamia / ISIS / Maute Group to give way by leaving Marawi City” on Eid’l Fitr to allow for the rescue of trapped civilians and the retrieval of cadavers inside the war zone, “and to allow the civilians to return to their respective houses.”
Still addressing the Maute Group, the Ulama leaders said they are “willing to see you for a dialogue, to solve this problem.”
The Ulama also appealed to political leaders “to use your utmost wisdom, and help each other and forget any political appellation or intrigues among you” and “let the people be your first priority”
Traditional negotiation
On June 15, Maranao traditional leaders in the Lanao provinces asked President Duterte to give them a hand in driving the Maute Group out of Marwai so they can “return to our beloved city” before Eid’l Fitr.
During their meeting in Iligan, some 50 sultans, datus and baes agreed on what they will do to resolve the Marawi crisis and save the city from further destruction.
“Somehow, we could have influenced (the actions of) this radical people, however our voices were never recognized by the government to negotiate with them,” read a three-page letter-manifesto signed by the traditional leaders, most of whom sought refuge in Iligan.
“If you must know, Mr. President, conflicts between us can be resolved by us using traditional negotiation. These radical people in some way respect the elders of a clan,” the leaders’ letter-manifesto read.
A MindaNews report on the June 15 Iligan meeting quoted the oldest among the tranditional leaders, 92-year old Sheikh Haron Ali Tomawis, as saying a temporary ceasefire should be the first step to begin the resolution process.
As early as May 26, on the eve of Ramadan, the multisectoral Ranaw Rescue Team appealed to President Duterte to declare a “half day of no fighting” for a humanitarian corridor that would allow the safe passage of civilians out of the battlegrounds in Marawi.
The multisectoral Ranaw Rescue Team on the eve of Ramadan called on the President to “open half day of no fighting for access to recover civilians residing in battle areas.” The month-long fasting began May 27.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/06/govt-and-maute-group-humanitarian-ceasefire-on-eidl-fitr/
The Government and the Maute Group have responded to calls from various groups to declare a humanitarian ceasefire on Eid’l Fitr, the end of the month-long Ramadan on Sunday, the government declaring a unilateral “humanitarian pause” from 6 a.m. to 2 pm., the Maute Group reciprocating it.
Various groups have appealed to both Government and the Maute Group for a ceasefire on Eid’l Fitr, to allow Muslims in the country’s lone Islamic City, to pray in peace on this holy event, allow residents still trapped here for a month now to walk to freedom, and possibly allow the retrieval of the dead for proper burial.
BATTERED CITY. Dark smoke rise from buildings in Marawi City after Philippine Air Force warplanes bombed suspected Maute Group positions on Saturday (24 June 2017). MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, chief of the Western Mindanao Command who is overseeing the operations against the Maute Group in Marawi told MindaNews Saturday night that the eight-hour unilateral “humanitarian pause” has been approved by Gen. Eduardo Ano, Armed Forces Chief of Staff, “to pay our respects” to Muslims celebrating Eid’l Fitr.
Galvez told MindaNews Friday afternoon that he does not see any problem in allowing a humanitarian ceasefire but the Maute Group might have a problem.
“Walang problema po sa akin. Baka sa Maute may problema tayo dahil hindi man sila tunay na Muslim” (I don’t have a problem with that. But the Maute might have a problem with that because they are not real Muslims), he said.
The Maute Group, however, is also amenable to the humanitarian ceasefire, the emissary of the Government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH-MILF’s) Peace Corridor told MindaNews Saturday. The emissary negotiated with the Maute Group to agree to a humanitarian ceasefire on June 4.
“Okay sila kahit ilang oras” (They agreed to whatever time is needed), said the emissary, a prominent personality in Lanao del Sur, who helped pave the way for a four-hour humanitarian ceasefire that led to the rescue of, initially, 134 residents, and later 179 residents that day.
The eight-hour humanitarian ceasefire on Sunday is twice the number of hours allotted for the humanitarian ceasefire on June 4, also a Sunday.
No, this is not Aleppo, This is Marawi City, Sunday morning, 04 June 2017. A member of the Joint Coordinating, Monitoring, and Assistance Center of the GPH-MILF Peace Corridor assists an elderly woman leave the conflict zone, one of 134 trapped civilians rescued Sunday morning during a four-hour “humanitarian pause.” Photo courtesy of BANGSAMORO NEWS
Assemblyman Zia Alonto Adiong, spokesperson of the Provincial Crisis Management Committee told Mindanews Friday afternoon in Marawi that there are still “300 to 500” trapped residents in the conflict zone.
He told MindaNews Saturday afternoon that the humanitarian ceasefire on Eid’l Fitr was already “agreed in principle” but mechanics had yet to be discussed.
He said the GPH-MILF Peace Corridor also “wants to take the opportunity to rescue other trapped civilians from the war zone and we in the province support their call.”
“We are working on that,” Dickson Hermoso, Assistant Secretary at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and the GPH panel’s focal person for the Peace Corridor.
For the sake of Eid’l Fitr
The Ranao Ulama Leaders Conference on the Marawi Crisis, representing 23 Islamic organizations, convened on June 21 and 22 in Cagayan de Oro City, and urged President Rodrigo Duterte, whose grandmother was a Maranao, to “give us the opportunity and support in solving this issue.”
The leaders appealed to the President to declare “an immediate ceasefire and/or to stop the aerial bombing” to allow the civilians to return peacefully to their respective villages in Marawi, “help them rise again, and rehabilitate Marawi City from massive destruction.”
“For the sake of Eid’l fitr, Mr. President, please show the Muslim community that you respect this forthcoming holy day,” the Ulama leaders said.
Rescuers from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front team in the Government-MILF Peace Corridor aid an elderly male out of the conflict zone on June 4, 2017 in Marawi City during a four-hour humanitarian ceasefire negotiated between the government and the Maute Group by an emissary. Several attempts have been made since June 4 to go for another humanitarian pause to get the trapped civilians out. Photo courtesy of BANGSAMORO NEWS
The Conference also called on the the “Dawla Islamia / ISIS / Maute Group to give way by leaving Marawi City” on Eid’l Fitr to allow for the rescue of trapped civilians and the retrieval of cadavers inside the war zone, “and to allow the civilians to return to their respective houses.”
Still addressing the Maute Group, the Ulama leaders said they are “willing to see you for a dialogue, to solve this problem.”
The Ulama also appealed to political leaders “to use your utmost wisdom, and help each other and forget any political appellation or intrigues among you” and “let the people be your first priority”
Traditional negotiation
On June 15, Maranao traditional leaders in the Lanao provinces asked President Duterte to give them a hand in driving the Maute Group out of Marwai so they can “return to our beloved city” before Eid’l Fitr.
During their meeting in Iligan, some 50 sultans, datus and baes agreed on what they will do to resolve the Marawi crisis and save the city from further destruction.
“Somehow, we could have influenced (the actions of) this radical people, however our voices were never recognized by the government to negotiate with them,” read a three-page letter-manifesto signed by the traditional leaders, most of whom sought refuge in Iligan.
“If you must know, Mr. President, conflicts between us can be resolved by us using traditional negotiation. These radical people in some way respect the elders of a clan,” the leaders’ letter-manifesto read.
A MindaNews report on the June 15 Iligan meeting quoted the oldest among the tranditional leaders, 92-year old Sheikh Haron Ali Tomawis, as saying a temporary ceasefire should be the first step to begin the resolution process.
As early as May 26, on the eve of Ramadan, the multisectoral Ranaw Rescue Team appealed to President Duterte to declare a “half day of no fighting” for a humanitarian corridor that would allow the safe passage of civilians out of the battlegrounds in Marawi.
The multisectoral Ranaw Rescue Team on the eve of Ramadan called on the President to “open half day of no fighting for access to recover civilians residing in battle areas.” The month-long fasting began May 27.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/06/govt-and-maute-group-humanitarian-ceasefire-on-eidl-fitr/
8-hour “humanitarian pause” to be lifted if…
From MindaNews (Jun 24): 8-hour “humanitarian pause” to be lifted if…
Government on Saturday night declared an eight-hour “humanitarian pause” from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday to “give reverence to the supposed peaceful, joyous and festive spiritual celebration” of Eid’l Fitr, the end of the month-long Ramadan, a press statement from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.
But the press statement clarified that “humanitarian pause” will only cover “a halt in our employment of our capabilities” and that it will be lifted “immediately if any of the following conditions ensue: (1) our troops’ security is jeopardized; (2) safety of civilians is threatened; and (3) if the enemy starts firing and at which point anyone can exercise their right to self-defense.”
Rescuers from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front team in the Government-MILF Peace Corridor aid an elderly male out of the conflict zone on June 4, 2017 in Marawi City during a four-hour humanitarian ceasefire negotiated between the government and the Maute Group by an emissary. Several attempts have been made since June 4 to go for another humanitarian pause to get the trapped civilians out. Photo courtesy of BANGSAMORO NEWS
The “humanitarian pause,” the second in the month-long clashes between government forces and the Maute Group, is twice longer than the June 4 “humanitarian pause” that led to the rescue of initially at least 134 residents trapped in the conflict zone.
“To give reverence to the supposed peaceful, joyous and festive spiritual celebration, the AFP upon the approval of the CSAFP (Chief of Staff of the AFP) intends to declare a stop in our current operations in the city on that day to serve as a gesture of our strong commitment and respect to the Muslim world particularly to the local Muslims of Marawi City,” a press statement sent by Galvez to MindaNews Saturday night read.
Galvez told MindaNews that AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Ano had approved the declaration.
Various groups have appealed to both Government and the Maute Group for a ceasefire on Eid’l Fitr, to allow Muslims in the country’s lone Islamic City, to pray in peace on this holy event, allow residents still trapped here for a month now to walk to freedom, and possibly allow the retrieval of the dead for proper burial.
READ: Gov’t and Maute Group: humanitarian ceasefire on Eid’l Fitr
The Maute Group is amenable to the humanitarian ceasefire, the emissary of the Government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH-MILF’s) Peace Corridor told MindaNews Saturday. The emissary negotiated with the Maute Group to agree to a humanitarian ceasefire on June 4.
“Okay sila kahit ilang oras” (They agreed to whatever time is needed), said the emissary, a prominent personality in Lanao del Sur, who helped pave the way for a four-hour humanitarian ceasefire that led to the rescue of, initially, 134 residents, and later 179 residents that day.
Assemblyman Zia Alonto Adiong, spokesperson of the Provincial Crisis Management Committee told Mindanews Friday afternoon in Marawi that there are still “300 to 500” trapped residents in the conflict zone.
Another 100 hostages are still held by the Maute Group, including Catholic priest Teresito “Chito” Soganub, Vicar General of the Prelature of Marawi.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/06/8-hour-humanitarian-pause-to-be-lifted-if/
Government on Saturday night declared an eight-hour “humanitarian pause” from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday to “give reverence to the supposed peaceful, joyous and festive spiritual celebration” of Eid’l Fitr, the end of the month-long Ramadan, a press statement from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.
But the press statement clarified that “humanitarian pause” will only cover “a halt in our employment of our capabilities” and that it will be lifted “immediately if any of the following conditions ensue: (1) our troops’ security is jeopardized; (2) safety of civilians is threatened; and (3) if the enemy starts firing and at which point anyone can exercise their right to self-defense.”
Rescuers from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front team in the Government-MILF Peace Corridor aid an elderly male out of the conflict zone on June 4, 2017 in Marawi City during a four-hour humanitarian ceasefire negotiated between the government and the Maute Group by an emissary. Several attempts have been made since June 4 to go for another humanitarian pause to get the trapped civilians out. Photo courtesy of BANGSAMORO NEWS
The “humanitarian pause,” the second in the month-long clashes between government forces and the Maute Group, is twice longer than the June 4 “humanitarian pause” that led to the rescue of initially at least 134 residents trapped in the conflict zone.
“To give reverence to the supposed peaceful, joyous and festive spiritual celebration, the AFP upon the approval of the CSAFP (Chief of Staff of the AFP) intends to declare a stop in our current operations in the city on that day to serve as a gesture of our strong commitment and respect to the Muslim world particularly to the local Muslims of Marawi City,” a press statement sent by Galvez to MindaNews Saturday night read.
Galvez told MindaNews that AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Ano had approved the declaration.
Various groups have appealed to both Government and the Maute Group for a ceasefire on Eid’l Fitr, to allow Muslims in the country’s lone Islamic City, to pray in peace on this holy event, allow residents still trapped here for a month now to walk to freedom, and possibly allow the retrieval of the dead for proper burial.
READ: Gov’t and Maute Group: humanitarian ceasefire on Eid’l Fitr
The Maute Group is amenable to the humanitarian ceasefire, the emissary of the Government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH-MILF’s) Peace Corridor told MindaNews Saturday. The emissary negotiated with the Maute Group to agree to a humanitarian ceasefire on June 4.
“Okay sila kahit ilang oras” (They agreed to whatever time is needed), said the emissary, a prominent personality in Lanao del Sur, who helped pave the way for a four-hour humanitarian ceasefire that led to the rescue of, initially, 134 residents, and later 179 residents that day.
Assemblyman Zia Alonto Adiong, spokesperson of the Provincial Crisis Management Committee told Mindanews Friday afternoon in Marawi that there are still “300 to 500” trapped residents in the conflict zone.
Another 100 hostages are still held by the Maute Group, including Catholic priest Teresito “Chito” Soganub, Vicar General of the Prelature of Marawi.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/06/8-hour-humanitarian-pause-to-be-lifted-if/
Philippine military halts attacks on ISIS, declares truce in Marawi City
From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 25): Philippine military halts attacks on ISIS, declares truce in Marawi City
The Philippine military has declared a ceasefire on Sunday in the besieged city of Marawi where hundreds of ISIS militants are battling security forces since May 23 in an effort to carve out a province of the Islamic State in the restive southern region.
The daylong ceasefire will allow Muslims in Marawi to celebrate the end of Ramadan, Islam’s fasting month, and welcome Eid Al-Fitr. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año approved the truce on the recommendation of the Western Mindanao Command.
“The declaration seeks to allow the Islamic faithful to celebrate prayerfully and peacefully Eid al-Fitr which happen to fall on Sunday, 25 June in Marawi. We declare a lull in our current operations in the city on that day as a manifestation of our high respect to the Islamic faith. A testimony to the AFP’s solid commitment to provide our brother Muslims especially in the City of Marawi an opportunity to observe this festive event marking the end of the month-long period of Ramadan,” Año said.
But Año said he will resume offensives if security of troops is jeopardized or the safety of civilians is threatened; and if militants start shooting again. “At that point, our personnel may exercise their right to self defense,” he said.
The declaration of truce also coincided with reports that Abu Sayyaf chieftain and local ISIS leader Isnilon Hapilon and other commanders may have escaped government offensive in Marawi. And that the military is trying to gather intelligence on the reported deaths of brothers Omar and Madie Maute, both ISIS commanders, who were allegedly slain in the fighting.
But other reports claimed that the duo is alive and that Omar – one of key leaders of the local ISIS group with links to Khilafah Islamiyah Movement and the Ghuraba – even exchanged messages with other supporters on social media and posted a photo of himself and Madie as proof that they are still alive and fighting.
The military also said there were reports that Malaysian terrorist and local ISIS financier, Mahmud Ahmad, was also killed in Marawi.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/philippine-military-halts-attacks-on-isis-declares-truce-in-marawi-city/
The Philippine military has declared a ceasefire on Sunday in the besieged city of Marawi where hundreds of ISIS militants are battling security forces since May 23 in an effort to carve out a province of the Islamic State in the restive southern region.
The daylong ceasefire will allow Muslims in Marawi to celebrate the end of Ramadan, Islam’s fasting month, and welcome Eid Al-Fitr. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año approved the truce on the recommendation of the Western Mindanao Command.
“The declaration seeks to allow the Islamic faithful to celebrate prayerfully and peacefully Eid al-Fitr which happen to fall on Sunday, 25 June in Marawi. We declare a lull in our current operations in the city on that day as a manifestation of our high respect to the Islamic faith. A testimony to the AFP’s solid commitment to provide our brother Muslims especially in the City of Marawi an opportunity to observe this festive event marking the end of the month-long period of Ramadan,” Año said.
But Año said he will resume offensives if security of troops is jeopardized or the safety of civilians is threatened; and if militants start shooting again. “At that point, our personnel may exercise their right to self defense,” he said.
The declaration of truce also coincided with reports that Abu Sayyaf chieftain and local ISIS leader Isnilon Hapilon and other commanders may have escaped government offensive in Marawi. And that the military is trying to gather intelligence on the reported deaths of brothers Omar and Madie Maute, both ISIS commanders, who were allegedly slain in the fighting.
But other reports claimed that the duo is alive and that Omar – one of key leaders of the local ISIS group with links to Khilafah Islamiyah Movement and the Ghuraba – even exchanged messages with other supporters on social media and posted a photo of himself and Madie as proof that they are still alive and fighting.
The military also said there were reports that Malaysian terrorist and local ISIS financier, Mahmud Ahmad, was also killed in Marawi.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/philippine-military-halts-attacks-on-isis-declares-truce-in-marawi-city/
ARMM renews call for Marawi evacuees to register for relief, rehab programs
From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 25): ARMM renews call for Marawi evacuees to register for relief, rehab programs
The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has reiterated ts call for evacuees to register using the Disaster Assistance and Family Access Card (DAFAC), which is issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“The evacuees should be registered, to have access to services and resources we are providing,” ARMM Executive Secretary Laisa Alamia said, adding, over 40,750 families have been displaced since the clashes in Marawi City started on May 23.
The delivery of services to displaced families has become harder in recent days as many Marawi residents did not register with DSWD as evacuees, especially those who are staying at their relatives’ houses in neighboring towns and cities. Only 970 families, or 4,691 individuals, are in designated evacuation centers, while 39,783 families, or 189,261 individuals, are home-based.
The regional government has utilized the DAFAC system to ensure equal and timely distribution of relief packs for the evacuees. The system is applied by the DSWD-ARMM to validate the status of families affected by the crisis, which will serve as a reference in the provision of appropriate interventions.
The DAFAC, Sec. Alamia noted, will also be used in future rehabilitation and recovery programs for Marawi City. She said some evacuees went to Northern Mindanao (Region 10), Socsksargen (Region 12), and Davao (Region 11); while some have gone to as far as Visayas and Luzon.
“They could go to their municipal, or city, social welfare officer to register using DAFAC so that the city government of Marawi will be able to monitor its residents, especially when rehabilitation starts,” Sec. Alamia added. The regional government has already spent roughly P35 million in urgent assistance to victims of the Marawi crisis.
ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said the aid is aimed at meeting the growing humanitarian needs of communities struggling with the current situation. Marawi is one of only two cities in the ARMM. The governor said current funds from the regional government can still respond to the needs of the evacuees noting the government has so far allocated about P77 million for the victims of the crisis.
Latest update from the ARMM’s crisis management committee showed the regional government served relief packs to 197,232 evacuees and provided medical services to 5,284 individuals. An operation center has also been set up in Malabang town in Lanao del Sur, and in Iligan City in Lanao del Norte to coordinate and manage the region’s response to the ongoing crisis in Marawi City.
The ARMM crisis management committee has been active since May 24 in gathering information as well as in assessing and monitoring the situation on the ground to help keep track of the needs of the affected families. Information gathered and verified help the committee in decision making, in planning actions, and in taking steps to continually ease the plight of evacuees, stranded individuals, and missing Marawi residents.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/armm-renews-call-for-marawi-evacuees-to-register-for-relief-rehab-programs/
The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has reiterated ts call for evacuees to register using the Disaster Assistance and Family Access Card (DAFAC), which is issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“The evacuees should be registered, to have access to services and resources we are providing,” ARMM Executive Secretary Laisa Alamia said, adding, over 40,750 families have been displaced since the clashes in Marawi City started on May 23.
The delivery of services to displaced families has become harder in recent days as many Marawi residents did not register with DSWD as evacuees, especially those who are staying at their relatives’ houses in neighboring towns and cities. Only 970 families, or 4,691 individuals, are in designated evacuation centers, while 39,783 families, or 189,261 individuals, are home-based.
The regional government has utilized the DAFAC system to ensure equal and timely distribution of relief packs for the evacuees. The system is applied by the DSWD-ARMM to validate the status of families affected by the crisis, which will serve as a reference in the provision of appropriate interventions.
The DAFAC, Sec. Alamia noted, will also be used in future rehabilitation and recovery programs for Marawi City. She said some evacuees went to Northern Mindanao (Region 10), Socsksargen (Region 12), and Davao (Region 11); while some have gone to as far as Visayas and Luzon.
“They could go to their municipal, or city, social welfare officer to register using DAFAC so that the city government of Marawi will be able to monitor its residents, especially when rehabilitation starts,” Sec. Alamia added. The regional government has already spent roughly P35 million in urgent assistance to victims of the Marawi crisis.
ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said the aid is aimed at meeting the growing humanitarian needs of communities struggling with the current situation. Marawi is one of only two cities in the ARMM. The governor said current funds from the regional government can still respond to the needs of the evacuees noting the government has so far allocated about P77 million for the victims of the crisis.
Latest update from the ARMM’s crisis management committee showed the regional government served relief packs to 197,232 evacuees and provided medical services to 5,284 individuals. An operation center has also been set up in Malabang town in Lanao del Sur, and in Iligan City in Lanao del Norte to coordinate and manage the region’s response to the ongoing crisis in Marawi City.
The ARMM crisis management committee has been active since May 24 in gathering information as well as in assessing and monitoring the situation on the ground to help keep track of the needs of the affected families. Information gathered and verified help the committee in decision making, in planning actions, and in taking steps to continually ease the plight of evacuees, stranded individuals, and missing Marawi residents.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/armm-renews-call-for-marawi-evacuees-to-register-for-relief-rehab-programs/
Gun fires break fragile Marawi truce
From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 25): Gun fires break fragile Marawi truce
Gun fires broke a fragile truce on Sunday between security forces and local ISIS militants as Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Fitr in the besieged city of Marawi occupied by hundreds of jihadists since last month.
There were no immediate reports from the military whether fresh fighting erupted following the daylong ceasefire between the warring groups. ISIS fighters are still holed out in the city’s main district as security forces continue to advance to the area in an effort to dislodged the militants and rescue hundreds of trapped civilians and hostages.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año declared the truce on the eve of the Eid celebration following a recommendation made by the Western Mindanao Command.
“The declaration seeks to allow the Islamic faithful to celebrate prayerfully and peacefully Eid al-Fitr which happen to fall on Sunday, 25 June in Marawi. We declare a lull in our current operations in the city on that day as a manifestation of our high respect to the Islamic faith. A testimony to the AFP’s solid commitment to provide our brother Muslims especially in the City of Marawi an opportunity to observe this festive event marking the end of the month-long period of Ramadan,” Año said.
But the truce also gave some time for ISIS militants to rest from the fighting which is now on its second month. The militants occupied Marawi on May 23 in an effort to carve an Islamic State province in the restive, but mineral-rich region.
The military said troops may liberate Marawi soon from the hands of ISIS fighters, adding, security forces had killed nearly 300 militants, but the numbers were all based on raw information and not body counts. And military casualties continue to climb up as the fighting rage with over 5 dozen soldiers killed in action and about 2 dozen civilians perished in the violence.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/gun-fires-break-fragile-marawi-truce/
Gun fires broke a fragile truce on Sunday between security forces and local ISIS militants as Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Fitr in the besieged city of Marawi occupied by hundreds of jihadists since last month.
There were no immediate reports from the military whether fresh fighting erupted following the daylong ceasefire between the warring groups. ISIS fighters are still holed out in the city’s main district as security forces continue to advance to the area in an effort to dislodged the militants and rescue hundreds of trapped civilians and hostages.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año declared the truce on the eve of the Eid celebration following a recommendation made by the Western Mindanao Command.
“The declaration seeks to allow the Islamic faithful to celebrate prayerfully and peacefully Eid al-Fitr which happen to fall on Sunday, 25 June in Marawi. We declare a lull in our current operations in the city on that day as a manifestation of our high respect to the Islamic faith. A testimony to the AFP’s solid commitment to provide our brother Muslims especially in the City of Marawi an opportunity to observe this festive event marking the end of the month-long period of Ramadan,” Año said.
But the truce also gave some time for ISIS militants to rest from the fighting which is now on its second month. The militants occupied Marawi on May 23 in an effort to carve an Islamic State province in the restive, but mineral-rich region.
The military said troops may liberate Marawi soon from the hands of ISIS fighters, adding, security forces had killed nearly 300 militants, but the numbers were all based on raw information and not body counts. And military casualties continue to climb up as the fighting rage with over 5 dozen soldiers killed in action and about 2 dozen civilians perished in the violence.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/gun-fires-break-fragile-marawi-truce/
PH beefs up cooperation with Indonesia, Malaysia vs. terror, extremism
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 25): PH beefs up cooperation with Indonesia, Malaysia vs. terror, extremism
Malacañang announced on Friday, June 23, that the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia have agreed to beef up their trilateral cooperation against extremism and in preventing terrorists from establishing operational hubs in Southeast Asia.
“Yesterday, foreign military, intelligence officials from the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia had a fruitful and productive discussion on a trilateral cooperation aimed at preventing extremists and terrorists from establishing operational bases in Southeast Asia,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said during the Mindanao Hour briefing here in Davao.
Abella added that the three countries have agreed to work together to develop and implement counterterrorism measures and strategies.
“Let us underline that their joint aim, the end game is to prevent the establishment of operational bases in Southeast Asia,” he said.
The Palace official meanwhile said that the Duterte administration is now preparing a comprehensive multi-year Marawi reconstruction plan.
“Repairs, rehabilitation and reconstruction of public infrastructure in Marawi will be funded,” Abella said, noting that P10-billion of the Marawi rehabilitation fund will come from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) while the reconstruction of infrastracture will come from the national budget.
According to Abella, the Marawi crisis is a “wake-up call for Filipinos to be able to come together and begin to believe that we have a higher narrative aside from our local, regional, and personal interests.”
“I think it’s high time that we continue to build up on our values, family values, and also higher values,” he said, noting that the Marawi crisis has underscored that we are defending the Filipino way of life.
“We're defending our sense of community, we're defending our sense of higher values, but we’re not defending ourselves against other people. We're simply saying that we want to establish what we truly and honestly believe that we can have -- as the President is saying -- a comfortable life, comfortable life that is based on common prosperity, common humanity, law and order, understanding and support. So I believe it’s really high time for us to really again come together and believe that we can establish the Filipino way of life,” Abella said.
In the same briefing, the Armed Forces of the Philippines downplayed reports on the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF’s) threats against President Rodrigo Duterte.
East Mindanao Command deputy commander and Mindanao Martial Law spokesperson Brig. Gen. Gilbert Gapay described the BIFF’s threat as a “desperate pronouncement” after they were pushed back by the military in its attack in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato.
“That pronouncement of the BIFF is a desperate pronouncement because what happened in Pigcawayan recently was a theoretic retaliation of --- and somehow a diversionary attack resulting from the setbacks, major setbacks they have been experiencing in their stronghold in Maguindanao, specifically the SPMS box, because our forces there have also intensified operations against the BIFF,” Gapay said.
“SPMS box” refers to the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi), Mamasapano and Shariff Saydona in Maguindanao, where the BIFF operates.
Gapay also said that the Pigcawayan incident is not connected with the Marawi operations.
For his part, Mindanao Development Authority chairman Secretary Datu Abdul Khayr Alonto said the Bangsamoros support the call of President Duterte for a federal type of government.
Alonto likewise proposed an All-Moro Convention to expedite inclusivity or the participation of all sectors of the Bangsamoro as well as the convergence of the two separate tracts, which means the peace agreement and the peace processes with the Moro fronts.
“The All-Moro Convention will prepare the common Moro platform in the form of a proposed consolidated and comprehensive Moro law based on consensus, inclusivity and convergence in line and in preparation for federalism, which the Convention will submit to the Constitutional Commission that will prepare the draft of the new Constitution of the Federal Republic of the Philippines whether for Congress sitting as a Constituent Assembly or for a Constitutional Convention,” Alonto said.
Office Of The Presidential Adviser On The Peace Process Assistant Secretary Dickson Hermoso meanwhile said that there were 277 trapped civilians, including the wounded, women and children, who were retrieved and recovered since the opening of the peace corridor, adding that the opening of the peace corridor showed the sincerity of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to make peace with the government.
“The fruition of this, with this peace corridor, that they are innate and they are helping us. And we hope that this confidence-building will reverberate to the people of the country when the law is passed --- the BBL is passed,” Hermoso said.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2131498340848/ph-beefs-up-cooperation-with-indonesia-malaysia-vs-terror-extremism
Malacañang announced on Friday, June 23, that the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia have agreed to beef up their trilateral cooperation against extremism and in preventing terrorists from establishing operational hubs in Southeast Asia.
“Yesterday, foreign military, intelligence officials from the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia had a fruitful and productive discussion on a trilateral cooperation aimed at preventing extremists and terrorists from establishing operational bases in Southeast Asia,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said during the Mindanao Hour briefing here in Davao.
Abella added that the three countries have agreed to work together to develop and implement counterterrorism measures and strategies.
“Let us underline that their joint aim, the end game is to prevent the establishment of operational bases in Southeast Asia,” he said.
The Palace official meanwhile said that the Duterte administration is now preparing a comprehensive multi-year Marawi reconstruction plan.
“Repairs, rehabilitation and reconstruction of public infrastructure in Marawi will be funded,” Abella said, noting that P10-billion of the Marawi rehabilitation fund will come from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) while the reconstruction of infrastracture will come from the national budget.
According to Abella, the Marawi crisis is a “wake-up call for Filipinos to be able to come together and begin to believe that we have a higher narrative aside from our local, regional, and personal interests.”
“I think it’s high time that we continue to build up on our values, family values, and also higher values,” he said, noting that the Marawi crisis has underscored that we are defending the Filipino way of life.
“We're defending our sense of community, we're defending our sense of higher values, but we’re not defending ourselves against other people. We're simply saying that we want to establish what we truly and honestly believe that we can have -- as the President is saying -- a comfortable life, comfortable life that is based on common prosperity, common humanity, law and order, understanding and support. So I believe it’s really high time for us to really again come together and believe that we can establish the Filipino way of life,” Abella said.
In the same briefing, the Armed Forces of the Philippines downplayed reports on the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF’s) threats against President Rodrigo Duterte.
East Mindanao Command deputy commander and Mindanao Martial Law spokesperson Brig. Gen. Gilbert Gapay described the BIFF’s threat as a “desperate pronouncement” after they were pushed back by the military in its attack in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato.
“That pronouncement of the BIFF is a desperate pronouncement because what happened in Pigcawayan recently was a theoretic retaliation of --- and somehow a diversionary attack resulting from the setbacks, major setbacks they have been experiencing in their stronghold in Maguindanao, specifically the SPMS box, because our forces there have also intensified operations against the BIFF,” Gapay said.
“SPMS box” refers to the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi), Mamasapano and Shariff Saydona in Maguindanao, where the BIFF operates.
Gapay also said that the Pigcawayan incident is not connected with the Marawi operations.
For his part, Mindanao Development Authority chairman Secretary Datu Abdul Khayr Alonto said the Bangsamoros support the call of President Duterte for a federal type of government.
Alonto likewise proposed an All-Moro Convention to expedite inclusivity or the participation of all sectors of the Bangsamoro as well as the convergence of the two separate tracts, which means the peace agreement and the peace processes with the Moro fronts.
“The All-Moro Convention will prepare the common Moro platform in the form of a proposed consolidated and comprehensive Moro law based on consensus, inclusivity and convergence in line and in preparation for federalism, which the Convention will submit to the Constitutional Commission that will prepare the draft of the new Constitution of the Federal Republic of the Philippines whether for Congress sitting as a Constituent Assembly or for a Constitutional Convention,” Alonto said.
Office Of The Presidential Adviser On The Peace Process Assistant Secretary Dickson Hermoso meanwhile said that there were 277 trapped civilians, including the wounded, women and children, who were retrieved and recovered since the opening of the peace corridor, adding that the opening of the peace corridor showed the sincerity of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to make peace with the government.
“The fruition of this, with this peace corridor, that they are innate and they are helping us. And we hope that this confidence-building will reverberate to the people of the country when the law is passed --- the BBL is passed,” Hermoso said.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2131498340848/ph-beefs-up-cooperation-with-indonesia-malaysia-vs-terror-extremism
Police arrest man in DND ML wanted list in Cotabato City
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 25): Police arrest man in DND ML wanted list in Cotabato City
Police here have arrested a 42-year-old man for drug pushing but it was learned later that he was included in the Department of National Defense wanted persons.
Arrested by joint police and anti-narcotics agents was Mamatanto Ampatuan during anti-drug operations along Sinsuat Avenue, Rosary Heights 10, Cotabato City at 11 a.m. today, June 25.
Ampatuan was included in the list of personalities the DND ordered to be arrested in connection with terrorism that hit Marawi City. He was in the list of DND’s Arrest, Search and Seizure Order (ASSO).
Senior Supt. Victor Valencia, city police director, told reporters the anti-drug operation resulted in the recovery of a huge amount of shabu, drug paraphernalia, a mobile phone, PHP5,700 cash marked money and a motorbike.
The suspect is now detained at the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CIDG-ARMM) lock up cell. He will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Valencia also announced the arrest of a construction foreman for possession of firearms while police were implementing curfew hours.
Valencia identified the suspect as Jeffrey Comaengking, 32, a resident of Penafrancia Villega, Rosary Heights 11, Cotabato City.
Seized from Comaengking was a cal. 5.56 pistol and ammunition without legal documents.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/997279
Police here have arrested a 42-year-old man for drug pushing but it was learned later that he was included in the Department of National Defense wanted persons.
Arrested by joint police and anti-narcotics agents was Mamatanto Ampatuan during anti-drug operations along Sinsuat Avenue, Rosary Heights 10, Cotabato City at 11 a.m. today, June 25.
Ampatuan was included in the list of personalities the DND ordered to be arrested in connection with terrorism that hit Marawi City. He was in the list of DND’s Arrest, Search and Seizure Order (ASSO).
Senior Supt. Victor Valencia, city police director, told reporters the anti-drug operation resulted in the recovery of a huge amount of shabu, drug paraphernalia, a mobile phone, PHP5,700 cash marked money and a motorbike.
The suspect is now detained at the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CIDG-ARMM) lock up cell. He will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Valencia also announced the arrest of a construction foreman for possession of firearms while police were implementing curfew hours.
Valencia identified the suspect as Jeffrey Comaengking, 32, a resident of Penafrancia Villega, Rosary Heights 11, Cotabato City.
Seized from Comaengking was a cal. 5.56 pistol and ammunition without legal documents.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/997279
8-hour 'Humanitarian Pause' now in effect in Marawi for Eid al-Fitr
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 25): 8-hour 'Humanitarian Pause' now in effect in Marawi for Eid al-Fitr
In honor of the Eid al-Fitr holidays, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año has agreed to give an eight-hour "Humanitarian Pause" in the ongoing operations in Marawi City Sunday.
This started 6 a.m. and will end 2 p.m. today, June 25, AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said in a text message late Saturday,
"The Muslim world will be celebrating Eid al-Fitr, an important religious holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. For Marawi City, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, 25 June 2017," he added.
"To give reverence to the supposed peaceful, joyous and festive spiritual celebration, the AFP upon the approval of the CSAFP (Chief-of-Staff, AFP) declares a stop in our current operations in the city on that day to serve as a gesture of our strong commitment and respect to the Muslim world particularly to the local Muslims of Marawi City," Padilla stressed.
He said the "Humanitarian Pause" in offensive operations will only cover a halt in our employment of the military's capabilities.
The AFP official said "Humanitarian Pause" will be lifted immediately if any of the following conditions ensue:
(1) our troops' security is jeopardized;
(2) safety of civilians is threatened; and
(3) if the enemy starts firing and at which point anyone can exercise their right to self-defense.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/997277
In honor of the Eid al-Fitr holidays, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año has agreed to give an eight-hour "Humanitarian Pause" in the ongoing operations in Marawi City Sunday.
This started 6 a.m. and will end 2 p.m. today, June 25, AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said in a text message late Saturday,
"The Muslim world will be celebrating Eid al-Fitr, an important religious holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. For Marawi City, Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, 25 June 2017," he added.
"To give reverence to the supposed peaceful, joyous and festive spiritual celebration, the AFP upon the approval of the CSAFP (Chief-of-Staff, AFP) declares a stop in our current operations in the city on that day to serve as a gesture of our strong commitment and respect to the Muslim world particularly to the local Muslims of Marawi City," Padilla stressed.
He said the "Humanitarian Pause" in offensive operations will only cover a halt in our employment of the military's capabilities.
The AFP official said "Humanitarian Pause" will be lifted immediately if any of the following conditions ensue:
(1) our troops' security is jeopardized;
(2) safety of civilians is threatened; and
(3) if the enemy starts firing and at which point anyone can exercise their right to self-defense.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/997277
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)