AFP verifying reports of Maute surrender feelers

From the Philippine Star (Sep 18): AFP verifying reports of Maute surrender feelers             

 A police officer holds a poster of wanted militants known as "Maute " group at a checkpoint set up at the entrance to Iligan City on Saturday, May 27, 2017 in Mindanao. Iligan city is one of the safe havens for the tens of thousands of Marawi residents who have fled their city following the rampage by Muslim militants. AP/Bullit Marquez, file

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has yet to verify reports that some members of the Maute group have expressed their intent to surrender.

Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla, spokesperson of the AFP, said that such information is subject to validation by forces on the ground.

"Yes, there were unofficial and raw information that came to the attention of Joint Task Force Marawi that indicated the desire of some armed elements of the Maute group to lay down their arms and surrender," Padilla said in a Malacañang briefing.

Padilla noted that Maute forces in Marawi City might have increased from 60 to 80 as some hostages may have been forced to join the ranks of the ISIS-inspired local terror group.

 

Those who surrendered from the Maute group will be treated humanely as government troops operate under international humanitarian laws, the military said.

"We know the rules of engagement, we know the rules of war and if there’s a white flag flying out there for an individual o isang tao man lang na nagnanais sumuko rerespetuhin po ang karapatan niya at siya po ay tatratuhin nang maayos," Padilla said.

The military on Monday afternoon presented to the media Catholic priest Teresito “Chito” Suganob, who was rescued Saturday from his Maute captors.

Padilla, earlier, refused to comment on the rescue of the priest.

"I neither confirm nor deny that there were positive developments lately," he said.

On Sunday evening, Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza confirmed in a Facebook post that Suganob and one other hostage were rescued by government troops near the Bato mosque in Marawi.

An estimated 40 to 60 people are believed to remain hostages of the Maute group, according to Padilla.

 

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/09/18/1740320/afp-verifying-reports-maute-surrender-feelers

What’s in the New US-Philippines Military Exercise?

From The Diplomat (Sep 19): What’s in the New US-Philippines Military Exercise?

The first iteration of KAMANDAG is a sign of how both sides continue to boost their defense ties in the Duterte era.


Image Credit: US Army Photo

Over the weekend, the armed forces of the United States and the Philippines conducted a joint civil assistance activity as part of preparations for a newly named bilateral military exercise that will take place soon. The drills, which are officially set to begin in early October, are part of an effort by the two treaty allies to continue their defense cooperation in spite of challenges faced under the leadership of Rodrigo Duterte (See: “Why the Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte Hates America”).

As I have noted before, despite all the focus on Duterte’s fierce anti-American rhetoric, his bark was always far worse than his bite. That applies to U.S.-Philippine defense ties too, where have seen more of a downgrading rather than a full-blown severing (See: “Will Duterte End the US-Philippine Military Alliance?”).

On the exercises front more specifically (which, it is worth emphasizing, is only one part of any bilateral defense relationship) Duterte has in fact so far agreed to keep most of what was in the U.S.-Philippine defense relationship, though some assault exercises and bilateral drills had been canceled and other engagements were also refocused on fields like humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism, and counter narcotics (See: “How Much Can Duterte Wreck the US-Philippine Military Alliance?”).

An example of this was witnessed earlier this year when, following the cancelation of the Philippine leg of the CARAT exercise between the two allies, they kicked off the first iteration of a new exercise under Duterte termed a “Maritime Training Activity” called Sama-Sama. As I noted then, despite the change, the focus was on a similar list of common security concerns by both sides – including sea smuggling, maritime domain awareness and patrols, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief – and the engagement saw a roughly similar level of participation from U.S. assets. We even saw a coordinated bilateral patrol in the Sulu Sea, which was testament to the adaptability of military exercises in the face of political change (See: “What’s With the New US-Philippines Sulu Sea Patrols Under Duterte?”).

Another example of this is the U.S.-Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHILBEX), the last of which took place from October 4 to 12 last year before it was canceled by Duterte. PHILBEX has traditionally consisted of various phases, with recent iterations including a command post exercise, field training exercises, amphibious operations, combined arms training, civil-military operations, and humanitarian and civic assistance projects. PHILBEX has also been viewed by both sides more broadly as preparing them for the annual bilateral Balikatan exercise, which has traditionally been the biggest war game between them (See: “How Significant is the 2017 US-Philippines Balikatan Military Exercise?”).

Though PHILBEX will not take place this year, a new exercise called KAMANDAG will. The designation KAMANDAG, an acronym for the Tagalog phrase “Kaagapay Ng Mga Mandirigma Ng Dagat,” which translates in English roughly to “Alongside the Warriors of the Sea,” is meant to highlight the partnership between the Filipino and United States militaries.

KAMANDAG 2017 will officially take place from October 2 to 11. According to the U.S. military, it will focus primarily on enhancing counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster and relief capabilities, as well as other humanitarian and civic assistance projects.

But ahead of the official start of the exercise, both sides have already begun some joint civil assistance activities considered a preparatory part of the exercise. Over the weekend, U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade (3d MEB) alongside their Armed Forces of the Philippines military counterparts conducted a groundbreaking ceremony on the renovation of several schools and a day care center in Casiguran.

According to the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, the two sides were focused on engineering and construction projects at three different sites in Casiguran. In addition to building new classrooms and canteens and updating electrical wiring, U.S. military medical teams also taught basic lifesaving skills, disease prevention, and dental hygiene to a group of almost 600 Girl Scouts while in Casiguran as well.

https://thediplomat.com/2017/09/whats-in-the-new-us-philippines-military-exercise/

Road, livelihood end hostilities in Apayao

From the Manila Times (Sep 17): Road, livelihood end hostilities in Apayao

What used to be widely known as the lair of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) in the Cordillera is now free of the rebel group’s presence. The secret – roads to the their stronghold.

Gov. Elias Bulut Jr. said “the peace advocacy is a huge part of this development. One of the reasons why the CPP-NPA probably no longer exists in the province is because we focus, most of the developed areas now were the former strongholds of the rebels.”

Marag Valley here, popularized in the Edu Manzano movie “Col. Madarang” in the mid 1990s, used to be under the rebel group’s control. It is now a popular tourism destination with the people having means of livelihood.

Bulut said that about 15 years ago, the local government, led by Elias Bulut Sr. assessed the province’s condition.

“After 2010 we established our own road map system and we submitted these to the people who waived their road right-of-way,” he said.

Using the plan, they submitted it to the Department of Public Works and Highways a P55-billion road network project to include linking upper and lower Apayao through the Pudtol-Luna-Cabugao road with other provinces. Now, the national roads are 70 percent paved.

Going to these Apayao areas before, one had to pass through Tuguegarao in Cagayan towards Conner and Cabugao towns that had very narrow and unpaved roads.

Bulut said they are also exerting effort to invite hydro power companies to develop the province’s 3,500-megawatt renewable hydro power potentials.

http://www.manilatimes.net/road-livelihood-end-hostilities-apayao/351160/

Photos: President Duterte meets with MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari

From the Office of the Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process (OPAPP) (Sep 16): Photos: President Duterte meets with MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari



https://www.facebook.com/peacegovph/photos/pcb.1468608433176488/1468608276509837/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/peacegovph/photos/pcb.1468608433176488/1468608363176495/?type=3&theater

Look: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Jesus Dureza meet with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari in Davao City to discuss Bangsamoro concerns. They are joined by Tarhata Misuari and MNLF Peace Implementing Panel Chairman Atty. Randolph Parcasio.

 https://www.facebook.com/peacegovph/?hc_ref=ARSJLGQFDXkexCeNrKmUWI_jnw0bK8E3JFXSTnY6ezHGKZ9sgo79KFmrJ1wWAe2HEJU

NDF/Sison: On the question of resuming the formal peace talks

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Sep 18): On the question of resuming the formal peace talks

Prof. Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant

18 September 2017



Despite Duterte´s scuttlling of the 5th round of formal talks in May 2017, the National Democratic Front of the Phiilippines (NDFP) has encouraged the NDFP Negotiating Panel, its Reciprocal Working Committee on Social and Economic Reforms (RWC-SER) and its Reciprocal Working Group on Political and Constitutional Reforms (RWG-PCR) to continue their drafting work with the assistance of many experts and consultants and on the basis of consultations with various classes, sectors, institutions and mass organizations.

Indeed, the NDFP Negotiating Panel, the RWC-SER and RWG-PCR have continued their drafting work with the same dedication and enthusiasm as before. They do not wish to throw away the work they have done and have further done towards completing the NDFP draft of the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) and the Comprehensive Agreement on Political and Constitutional Reforms (CAPCR).

They have anticipated two possibilities: The Duterte regime itself might in due time find it wise and necessary to resume formal peace talks or it cannot last long in power and it is replaced by a new leadership of the GRP that is willing to resume the peace negotiations.
In either case, the NDFP Negotiating Panel, its RWC-SER and its RWG-PCR cannot be disappointed with having worked so hard to do serious research, public consultations and deliberations in order to produce the drafts that they consider worthy of negotiations in the service of the Filipino people.

There is a third possibiity: the Duterte or post-Duterte regime of the GRP is not interested in peace negotiations with the NDFP to address the roots of the armed conflict. Then the peopleś democratic revolution through protracted peopleś war simply proceeds until it overthrows the rotten ruling system. In the meantime, all revolutionary forces and the peopleś democratic government keep on growing.

https://www.ndfp.org/question-resuming-formal-peace-talks/

CPP Information Bureau: Duterte’s victims unite for justice and to frustrate fascist dictatorship

CPP Information Bureau propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Sep 18): Duterte’s victims unite for justice and to frustrate fascist dictatorship

Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines

18 September 2017

All victims of Duterte’s political persecution, armed oppression and bloody campaign of mass murder are bound to unite in their common desire for justice and to resist and frustrate his plans to prop himself up as a fascist dictator.

They can come together in mass demonstrations on September 21 to mark the 45th year of the declaration of martial law, recall the fascist crimes of the US-Marcos dictatorship and hold Duterte accountable for the crimes perpetrated in the three wars of his fascist regime.

They must collectively reject Duterte’s threats to use the police and military to break-up demonstrations on the pretext of “rebels taking to the streets.” They must denounce Duterte’s declared plan to impose martial law and his tactics to divide and intimidate the swelling ranks of the people clamoring for his ouster.

In the course of the next few weeks and months, more and more local assemblies, indoor rallies and street demonstrations can be mounted to reach out and mobilize the biggest number of people in their communities and towns.

Barangay centers, auditoriums, ampitheaters and coliseums can serve as venues to try Duterte for his crimes, hear the grievances of his victims and galvanize them to action.

They must raise their unity against Duterte’s bureaucrat capitalist rule, puppetry to US imperialism especially military intervention in Marawi and elsewhere, imposition of new taxes, surrender of territory to China in exchange for onerous and burdernsome loans, demolition of homes, land grabbing for plantations and infrastructure projects and other anti-people policies and programs.

No amount of Duterte bravado, political and legal maneuvers and relentless propaganda will stop the groundswell of protest actions demanding an end to his regime of death and destruction.

In just over a year, the Duterte regime has mounted three wars and has victimized nearly a million people. It has carried out a campaign of mass murder and aerial bombings in the course of its anti-drug war hoax, its nearly genocidal war to destroy Marawi and suppress Moro resistance and its Mindanao martial law and nationwide all-out war.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170918-dutertes-victims-unite-for-justice-and-to-frustrate-fascist-dictatorship

MILF loses 2 in anti-ISIS op

From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Sep 18): MILF loses 2 in anti-ISIS op



Two members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were killed in an operation against an Islamic State of Iraq and Syria-inspired faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao province over the weekend, a military official said.
Dead were two members belonging to the armed forces of the MILF, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, said Capt. Arvin Encinas, public affairs chief of the 6th Infantry Division.

He said the two were killed in separate incidents on the same day in Datu Salibo town in Maguindanao province.
However, Encinas said they cannot identify the casualties as the MILF is yet to issue a statement.

Encinas added that they are still validating reports on the killing of at least six and wounding of at least 14 members of the ISIS-inspired faction of Abu Turaipe since the intensified clash on Friday, September 15.

He said there were two ISIS militants killed and four were wounded on Friday, while another four were killed and 10 were wounded in a separate clash on Saturday, September 16.

The operation of the MILF against the ISIS-linked faction of the BIFF is now concentrated in Datu Salibo town, he added.

Meanwhile, Abu Misry Mama spokesperson of the BIFF, said that they received reports that “more than 100” were killed on the side of the MILF while “there were only seven” killed on the side of the ISIS since the fighting started on August 2.

He clarified, however, that they are not affiliated with ISIS and that the MILF is running after the faction who pledged allegiance with ISIS.

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/milf-loses-2-in-anti-isis-op/

Año exiting AFP next month, says Defense chief

From the Daily Tribune (Sep 18): Año exiting AFP next month, says Defense chief

There will be no extension for Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año.

Thus said Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as he stressed Año will be retiring.
“He will be retiring. He will not be extended,” he added.

 Año is reaching the mandatory retirement of 56 on October 26.

“But for the replacement…the President will choose from among the three-star generals,” Lorenzana said.

Pressed if President Rodrigo Duterte already chosen the next AFP chief, Lorenzana replied “if there is, I will not be authorized to announce yet.”

This as two senior three-star generals are also retiring in the coming weeks, namely, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina and Army chief Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda.

Año, Fallorina and Miranda are members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Matikas” Class of 1983.

Informed sources said two senior Army officials are among the strong contenders to succeed Año as AFP chief, namely, Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), and Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) chief.

Año is the second AFP chief appointed by the Commander-in-Chief since he assumed office in June 2016 – serving for only 10 months.

Mr. Duterte’s first military chief, retired Gen. Ricardo Visaya, served for only five months from July to December 2016. Visaya was subsequently appointed as National Irrigation Administration chief.

Año is also expected to continue serving the Duterte administration as the President has previously expressed his intent to appoint Año as secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

In fact, the President already announced last May that he wanted Año to take the DILG post in June but the Marawi City siege launched by Islamic State-terrorists erupted.

Recently, a prohibition on the appointment of newly-retired police and military general as DILG chief was floated – thus lessening the chances of Año’s immediate takeover as Interior secretary.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/ano-exiting-afp-next-month-says-defense-chief

2 MILF fighters killed in fight with BIFF

From Malaya Business Insight (Sep 19): 2 MILF fighters killed in fight with BIFF

TWO members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front were killed while two of their colleagues were hurt when they engaged a group of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in a firefight in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao past noon Sunday.

Reports reaching Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police director, identified the fatalities as Mutapa Musa, 24; and Muhamad Kadil, 40. Wounded were Surani Abelusa , 50; and Taha Sabpa, 30. All are regular MILF members.

Reports said the two groups were on a combat patrol when they chanced upon each other at the boundary of Barangays Andavit and Tee, both in Datu Salibo town, which triggered a firefight at around 1 p.m.

Police said the MILF group was led by Commander Ustadz Guma, while the BIFF was headed by Commander Abu Torayfe.

Reports said the BIFF sustained a still undetermined number of casualties.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/2-milf-fighters-killed-fight-biff

Maute leader dead, says AFP chief

From Update Philippines (Sep 18): Maute leader dead, says AFP chief



ARMED Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año yesterday confirmed the death of Abdullah Maute, a leader of the Maute Group that attacked Marawi City in May, and two of his brothers.

The confirmation was made at a press conference in Camp Aguinaldo where rescued Maute hostage Fr. Teresito “Chito” Suganob was presented.

The 51-year-old Suganob was vicar general of the prelate of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Marawi City when he was taken hostage by the Maute along with numerous other Marawi residents. He was rescued Saturday night during a firefight with the terrorists. The cathedral had been desecrated.

Clad in a blue jacket, Suganob gave a brief statement before being ushered out of a conference room. “To all, thank you and I pray for you. God bless you all. Pray for me, for my healing, recovery.”

Asked how he was doing, the priest said, “Physically strong, handsome.”

President Duterte said Suganob “was liberated through a special operation” and no negotiation with the Maute was conducted for the priest’s freedom.

He also said that when he gets the chance to talk to Suganob, he would ask how the Maute treated the hostages, especially the women.

He noted media reports quoting the women hostages who have escaped as saying they were abused and raped every day.

“That’s a gross violation of the rights of a human being, affront of the dignity of the women of the Philippines,” he said.

Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said there are about 60 to 80 hostages still held by the Maute which attacked Marawi on May 23.

Año said confirmation on the death of brothers Abdullah, Maddie, and Otto Maute came from various sources, including accounts from one Maute member who has surrendered and three other terrorists who have been captured.

Año did not say the circumstances of their deaths but previous reports said Abdullah died in an air strike in the conflict area.

“Based on the custodial debriefing of those captured and who surrendered, it’s only Omar who is alive. Abdullah, Maddie and Otto are reported dead. There are other Maute siblings who are not that prominent inside (Marawi City) but we feel they are not significant,” said Año.

Pressed if the death of the three Maute brothers is already validated, Año said: “Yes, I believe.”

“There are two main groups now left (in Marawi). One is led by Hapilon and mostly this is composed of those who came from Basilan and the group led by Omar Maute,” he said.

Omar Maute is among those believed to have attacked Marawi. Isnilon Hapilon is a senior leader of the Abu Sayyaf, who has reportedly been named Southeast Asia leader of the Islamic State to which both Abu Sayyaf and the Maute have pledged allegiance.

Recent military estimates said there are about 50 Maute remnants. Año said remnants include about 10 foreign fighters, mostly Malaysians and Indonesians.

Since the fighting broke out last May 23,    673 Maute men have been killed, together with 149 soldiers and policemen and 47 civilians.

FATE ACCEPTED

Año, who presented Suganob together with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, said the priest thought he would die in captivity.

“There was an instance when we told Father, ‘Father, we’ll get you out’ but the Father said, ‘No, let me die here, I already accepted my fate.’ That’s why he couldn’t (believe) when he was rescued last Saturday,” said Año.

Suganob and teacher Lordbin Noblesa Acopio were rescued by soldiers during fierce gun battle with Maute members at the Bato Mosque at around 11:40 p.m. Saturday. Acopio was not presented to media and remained in Marawi.

“As the intensity of the armed confrontation continues to escalate in favor of our troops and while the terrorists were busy repelling the attack, the troops had the opportunity to snatch Fr. Chito and Mr. Acopio during the melee,” said Lorenzana.

Año said    Suganob’s rescue was actually an intelligence project supported by combat operations. He said the military had planned to extricate Suganob as early as September 13 before assaulting the mosque where he and other hostages were kept.

“But on   September 13, September 14 and September 15, there was a change in how the enemy was guarding so we were not able to rescue Fr. Suganob,” said Año.

“I gave the go signal to assault the Bato Mosque so we can implement the extraction of Fr. Soganub while there is fighting. Everything materialized because on Saturday, we were able to gain a foothold in Bato Mosque and extricated Fr. Suganob on the night of September 16,” he said.

Lorenzana said: “Our troops gained the upper hand. The terrorists were forced to withdraw to nearby structures on the periphery of the mosque …Troops had opportunity to snatch Father Chito...”

Año said intelligence information indicated that Suganob was with 25 other hostages at the mosque though the priest said he only saw 12 hostages in the area.

Año said the military delayed the announcement of the rescue because of ongoing efforts to the rescue the other hostages but “public clamor” prompted them to confirm the rescue.

“Under the mosque are an intricate tunnels and secret chambers so we are actually clearing those chambers and there are hostages still there... We have an effort to rescue them also and the other hostages in the other buildings. We will try to do our best to rescue them alive,” said Año.

He said about 45 to 50 hostages remain with the Maute, including the 12 in the mosque’s secret chambers.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/maute-leader-dead-says-afp-chief

P6.7B allocated for brand new Coast Guard air, sea assets

From Update Philippines (Sep 18): P6.7B allocated for brand new Coast Guard air, sea assets

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has been allocated with PHP6.7 billion for the acquisition of sea and air assets in 2018, House appropriations committee member Surigao del Sur Representative Johnny Pimentel said. PHP3.1 billion was lodged in the budget of the PCG itself, while P3.6 billion is in the allocation of its mother agency, the Department of Transportation.

“The fresh funding will help pay for the acquisition of 10 newly built 44-meter patrol boats from Japan, of which five have already been delivered to the PCG,” Pimentel said.

The budget will also be used for the French-built four 24-meter fast boats and 82-meter vessel expected to be delivered in 12 months and in 2019, respectively.

The PCG is also acquiring two Japan-made 94-meter patrols vessels expected to be delivered in 2020 and 2021. “The 94-meter boats in particular can operate continuously for 15 days, so they can help reinforce existing Philippine Navy and PCG vessels that are now guarding our exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea,” Pimentel said.

He added that the PCG is also spending PHP922 million for firearms, PHP686 million for a chopper meant for deployment aboard a boat and PHP682 million for smaller watercraft.

4000 new PCG uniformed personnel will also be hired in preparation for upcoming new assets. “We’ve increased from 8,930 this year to 12,930 in 2018 the authorized positions for uniformed PCG personnel,” Pimentel said.

PCG is also acquiring 7 to 15 meters high-performance rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) which can be deployed from bigger patrol vessels.

“These high-speed RIBs will be helpful in vessel interdiction and non-compliant boarding team operations. They can also help fight off terrorists as well as drug smugglers aboard motorized boats,” he said.

https://www.update.ph/2017/09/p6-7b-allocated-for-brand-new-coast-guard-air-sea-assets/20889

258 Newly trained soldiers land in Davao City

From Update Philippines (Sep 18): 258 Newly trained soldiers land in Davao City


10ID photo

Two hundred fifty-eight (258) newly trained Philippine Army Privates who recently completed their Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) arrived at Old Airport, Sasa, Davao City on September 17.

 The soldiers completed their training at 2nd Division Training School (2DTS), 2nd Infantry ‘Jungle’ Division based in Camp Mateo Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal.

The said soldiers will be deployed to 10th Infantry ‘Agila’ Division area of responsibility which includes Davao Region, Sarangani, South Cotabato, 2nd District of North Cotabato and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, Trento, Agusan del Sur and Lingig Surigao del Sur.


10ID photo

https://www.update.ph/2017/09/258-newly-trained-soldiers-land-in-davao-city/20895

Solar farm patrols increased, attackers called extortionists

From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 18): Solar farm patrols increased, attackers called extortionists

The Philippine Army and the National Police yesterday dismissed the attack on a solar power farm in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, as plain and simple extortion, as its management had refused to comply with the demands of the perpetrators.

Senior Supt. Rodolfo Castil, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, saidyesterday that they have increased their patrols and visibility operations in the area, in coordination with the Philippine Army, to avoid a duplication of the incident.

Police investigations showed that about 17 armed men, suspected to be New People's Army rebels, passed by the house of a certain Isagani Cabrera at about 6:20 p.m. Thursday at Purok Sandra 1 in Brgy. Tinampaan, Cadiz City.

The suspects, who spoke in both Hiligaynon and Cebuano, went to the Helios Solar Energy Corporation farm, where they fired upon it, using automatic rifles and an M203 grenade launcher, and also lobbed fragmentation grenades.

NOBODY HURT

Damaged were 90 solar panels and a CCTV installed on post number 43, the police said. But no one was hurt during the attack.

Recovered from the scene were 109 empty cartridges of assorted firearms, six empty shells of an M-203 grenade launcher, seven live ammunition of a .45 caliber pistol and garand rifle, two long magazines of M-16 rifles containing three ammunition and two firing pins of hand grenades.

Maj. Gen. Jon Aying, 3rd Infantry Division commander, yesterday said that the New People's Army in Negros Island is once again showing off their true nature as an anti-people and anti-development armed group when they attacked the solar power farm.

Before the attack, Aying said it was reported that the solar company received an extortion demand from the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command, Northern Negros Front of the NPA , in June 2015.

EXTORTION

Aying, who stressedthat the company's refusal to yield to the NPA's extortion demand was the motive of the attack, said “The attack is an intentional destruction of developmental and economic installation which provide sufficient supply of solar energy.

Despite the attack, Aying lauded the solar company for rejecting the NPA's selfish demand even if the refusal is tantamount to the destruction of the vital installation.

“Refusal of the NPA's extortion demand is also equivalent to disapproval of their terroristic acts like killings, arsons and rebellion” he added.

Col.EliezerLosanes, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday said that Army soldiers responded to the incident but were not able to intercept the rebels.

We cleared some unexploded M-203 shells to enable Helios to conduct repairs of damaged properties, Losanes said.

Castil said the Helios Solar Energy Corp. has long been receiving numerous extortion letters from the armed group but they were ignored by the management, he added.

“As much as possible, we are discouraging businesses from complying with the demands of extortionists,”Castil said.

DAMAGE ESTIMATE

Damage the solar power farm was placed at P3.1 million, said Lt. Col. Darrel Banez, 62nd Infantry Battalion commander, based on estimates of the management.

The P10 billion Helios Solar Energy Corp. solar farm in Barangay Tinampa-an, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, was developed through a partnership between Gregorio Araneta Inc. and Soleq, one of Southeast Asia's largest solar independent power producers, whose mother company is Equis.

The 132.5 megawatt solar generation facility with 427,392 solar panels located in a 176-hectare area, was inaugurated in March last year.

Castil said pursuit operations were still ongoing as of yesterday.

Banez, meanwhile encouraged the people to report sightings of armed men in their areas, and condemned the barbaric act of the armed group responsible for the atrocity.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/September/18/topstory2.htm

About 50 Marawi hostages remain in 10-hectare battle area

From Rappler (Sep 19): About 50 Marawi hostages remain in 10-hectare battle area

'Hindi na 'to magtatagal, madali na 'to,' Armed Forces chief General Eduardo Año says

RUINS. Buildings are left hollowed and holed in Marawi. Rappler file photo

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Eduardo Año said on Monday, September 18, ending the conflict in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, would be easier from now on as troops only need to reclaim 10 hectares of the Islamic city's area and about 50 hostages.

"They (terrorists) are now restricted to [a] 10-hectare area. Hindi na 'to magtatagal, madali na 'to eh (This will not last long, it is easier now). We just cannot give you a specific timeline, but we will do it according to our operations plan," Año told reporters during a briefing in Camp Aguinaldo.

This comes after troops successfully forced enemies to abandon Bato Mosque on Saturday, September 16, and rescued a key hostage: Marawi priest Teresito "Chito" Soganub. (WATCH: The final push: Inside the Marawi battle area)

While Soganub's rescue brought a sigh of relief to authorities, Año said there are 45 to 50 hostages yet to be saved, for whom he promised the troops would come with haste and caution.

The reclaimed grand mosque is one of 3 enemy strongholds, while Soganub was a hostage who was taken during the first week of the siege, coerced in a video to air the demands of the homegrown terrorists.

Año said the Maute brothers, who were behind Marawi's ruins, have all been killed, save for Omar, leaving him and Isnilon Hapilon as the last high-value targets by the military. (READ: Terror in Mindanao: The Mautes of Marawi)

Asked about the number of foreign terrorists assisting the Islamic State-inspired local terrorists, Año said, from standing at 40, they have been reduced to 10.

Año said they did not disclose immediately how they rescued Soganub for the safety of other hostages who may still be in the area.

"The Bato Mosque, ito ay isang mosque na maraming intricate tunnels and secret chambers, so we are actually clearing those chambers and may mga hostages pa roon," he said. (This is a mosque with many intricate tunnels and secret chambers, so we are actually clearing those chambers, and there are hostages who are still there.)

Entering its 120th day, the battle in Marawi has claimed the lives of at least 673 enemies, 47 civilians, and 149 soldiers and cops. Hundreds of thousands also remain displaced.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/182579-hostages-remain-10-hectares-battle-area-marawi

Lorenzana backs resumption of peace talks with communists

From Rappler (Sep 19): Lorenzana backs resumption of peace talks with communists

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana says he supports the resumption of peace talks but says he has yet to convince President Rodrigo Duterte

SUPPORT. Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana says he supports peace talks with he Left. Rappler file photo

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Monday, September 18, that he backs the resumption of peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF).

"Hindi pa officially (It is not yet official), but I support that also," Lorenzana said when asked by reporters of his stance in the resumption of peace talks.

This comes after the Philippine government stopped talking to the communists after a series of attacks by rebel forces against government troops. (READ: Duterte to Joma Sison: 'Let's stop talking')

According to Lorenzana, President Rodrigo Duterte set a condition before considering a continuation: declare a ceasefire first.

"May condition siyang hinihingi eh, na magsi-ceasefire, na hindi pwedeng mag-usap habang nagbabakbakan. 'Yun ang condition niya eh ," he said. (He is asking for a condition, to hold a ceasefire, that we cannot talk if there is fighting. That is his condition.)

He admitted that he has not tried to convince Duterte to continue the conversation with the reds as he has not had the opportunity to do so, but said he will schedule a meeting on the matter.

"'Di pa kami nag-uusap (We have not talked yet). I am the chairman of the security cluster, siguro magcoconvene kami na magreresume ang (maybe we will convene to talk about the resumption of the) peace talks with the CPP-NPA," Lorenzana said.

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/182581-lorenzana-support-peace-talks-resumption-dnd-cpp