From the Mindanao Times (May 4): Female Red fighter surrenders to troops
A 16-YEAR-OLD female member of the New People’s Army (NPA) yielded to government troops after an encounter in Laak, Compostela Valley on Monday, April 30.Maj. Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of Eastern Mindanao Command, said one of their units was conducting a town hall meeting in Barangay Sonlon, Asuncion, Davao del Norte when they were approached by one individual who informed them of the intention of the fighter to surrender.
Balagtey identified her only as Kara who was part of the group involved in series of encounters in Sitio Lower Dalimdim, Barangay Naga, Laak, Compostela Valley, as well as in Sitio Rizal, Camadi District, and Sonlon, Asuncion, Davao del Norte last month.
She claimed to have hidden near the first encounter site in Laak. She also surrendered her AK 47 rifle to the army.
At present, the 60th Infantry Battalion is closely coordinating with the Municipal Social Welfare Office of Asuncion and the Philippine National Police in the area for the custody and proper intervention of the minor, in accordance with the protocol and standards of handling children in armed conflict.
The series of encounters resulted in the death of one soldier identified as Pfc. Armand Sunga Campos and the recovery of four AK47 rifles, one grenade launcher, one M653, one M14, four M16 rifles, and one improvised explosive device.
http://mindanaotimes.net/female-red-fighter-surrenders-to-troops/
Friday, May 4, 2018
‘Reds threat to Negros polls’
From the Visayan Daily Star (May 4): ‘Reds threat to Negros polls’
A Philippine Army official said the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Negros Island is a potential force to reckon with during the synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on May 14.
The CPP-NPA could be fielding their own candidates during the barangay and SK polls, Lt. Col. Darrell Bañez, commander of the 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, said Wednesday.
“We’re looking particularly at (CPP-NPA) affected barangays as they might be fielding their own candidates to have permanent control in them,” he said.
He also said, all the areas declared as Election Watchlist Areas (EWAS) are affected by insurgency.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police announced on Wednesday that there are 73 barangays in 17 towns and cities in Negros Oriental included in the EWAS.
Majority of these are in the first and second districts of Negros Oriental and are part of the area coveredby the 62nd IB.
Guihulngan City in northern Negros Oriental has the highest number with 20 barangays declared as EWAS.
Bañez said many residents of Guihulngan City are “sympathizers” of the CPP-NPA.
Meanwhile, Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, deputy commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine in Negros Island, also admitted that the CPP-NPA poses a bigger threat to the security in Negros Island, especially during the barangay and SK elections.
“They are distributed in different areas in the island and, based on that, we have sent troops to these areas and we tied up with the PNP for this coming election,” Pasaporte said.
“We have created Task Group Halalan to ensure peaceful and orderly elections,” he said.
Pasaporte, however, said that, right now, there is no specific threat from the CPP-NPA as the Philippine Army is continuing with its combat operations.
The Komiteng Rehiyon Negros (KRN) of the CPP-NPA is believed to be eyeing a so-called guerilla zone expansion area in central Negros Oriental, dubbed as BATMANAY, but this was neutralized after the arrest of six people, including a young woman, during an encounter in Mabinay town.
BATMANAY is an acronym for the municipalities of Bindoy, Ayungon, Tayasan, Manjuyod, and Mabinay.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/May/04/topstory6.htm
A Philippine Army official said the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Negros Island is a potential force to reckon with during the synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on May 14.
The CPP-NPA could be fielding their own candidates during the barangay and SK polls, Lt. Col. Darrell Bañez, commander of the 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, said Wednesday.
“We’re looking particularly at (CPP-NPA) affected barangays as they might be fielding their own candidates to have permanent control in them,” he said.
He also said, all the areas declared as Election Watchlist Areas (EWAS) are affected by insurgency.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police announced on Wednesday that there are 73 barangays in 17 towns and cities in Negros Oriental included in the EWAS.
Majority of these are in the first and second districts of Negros Oriental and are part of the area coveredby the 62nd IB.
Guihulngan City in northern Negros Oriental has the highest number with 20 barangays declared as EWAS.
Bañez said many residents of Guihulngan City are “sympathizers” of the CPP-NPA.
Meanwhile, Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, deputy commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine in Negros Island, also admitted that the CPP-NPA poses a bigger threat to the security in Negros Island, especially during the barangay and SK elections.
“They are distributed in different areas in the island and, based on that, we have sent troops to these areas and we tied up with the PNP for this coming election,” Pasaporte said.
“We have created Task Group Halalan to ensure peaceful and orderly elections,” he said.
Pasaporte, however, said that, right now, there is no specific threat from the CPP-NPA as the Philippine Army is continuing with its combat operations.
The Komiteng Rehiyon Negros (KRN) of the CPP-NPA is believed to be eyeing a so-called guerilla zone expansion area in central Negros Oriental, dubbed as BATMANAY, but this was neutralized after the arrest of six people, including a young woman, during an encounter in Mabinay town.
BATMANAY is an acronym for the municipalities of Bindoy, Ayungon, Tayasan, Manjuyod, and Mabinay.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/May/04/topstory6.htm
Visayas Army gets +81 rating
From the Visayan Daily Star (May 4): Visayas Army gets +81 rating
The Philippine Army in the Visayas composed of the 3rd and 8th Infantry Divisions, got a +81 net trust rating in the latest survey of the Social Weather Station (SWS), its spokesman, Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva, said yesterday.
But Villanueva said the Philippine Army stationed in Mindanao got the highest trust rating with +87 percent, National Capital Region at +85 percent and Luzon at +83 percent.
The 3ID headed by Brig. Gen Dinoh Dolina supervises three Army infantry brigades stationed in Negros, Panay and Bohol.
Villanueva also said that the Philippine Army garnered a +72 percent net satisfaction rating, citing also the SWS survey result. But it gained a record breaking nine points increase in net trust rating from +75 in 2015 to +84 this year.
He also reported a significant increase in the number of rebel surrenderers, that totaled 6,709, especially the CPP-NPA, due to intensified military operations. This also led to the surrender of 288 firearms, after the cancellation of peace talks with the CPP-NPA, Villanueva added.
These victories can also be attributed to the response and cooperation of the community, as well as the local leaders imbibed with the idea that security is a shared and everybody’s responsibility, he also said.
Villanueva also said that the massive surrender of loose firearms, is a good indication of the people’s willingness, spearheaded by local government units, for the attainment of peace in the region.
It is also worthy to note that, during the entire implementation of Martial Law in Mindanao, there was not a single incident of abuse reported by Army soldiers, he said.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/May/04/topstory3.htm
The Philippine Army in the Visayas composed of the 3rd and 8th Infantry Divisions, got a +81 net trust rating in the latest survey of the Social Weather Station (SWS), its spokesman, Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva, said yesterday.
But Villanueva said the Philippine Army stationed in Mindanao got the highest trust rating with +87 percent, National Capital Region at +85 percent and Luzon at +83 percent.
The 3ID headed by Brig. Gen Dinoh Dolina supervises three Army infantry brigades stationed in Negros, Panay and Bohol.
Villanueva also said that the Philippine Army garnered a +72 percent net satisfaction rating, citing also the SWS survey result. But it gained a record breaking nine points increase in net trust rating from +75 in 2015 to +84 this year.
He also reported a significant increase in the number of rebel surrenderers, that totaled 6,709, especially the CPP-NPA, due to intensified military operations. This also led to the surrender of 288 firearms, after the cancellation of peace talks with the CPP-NPA, Villanueva added.
These victories can also be attributed to the response and cooperation of the community, as well as the local leaders imbibed with the idea that security is a shared and everybody’s responsibility, he also said.
Villanueva also said that the massive surrender of loose firearms, is a good indication of the people’s willingness, spearheaded by local government units, for the attainment of peace in the region.
It is also worthy to note that, during the entire implementation of Martial Law in Mindanao, there was not a single incident of abuse reported by Army soldiers, he said.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/May/04/topstory3.htm
Guerilla implicated in 2007 abduction of Italian priest nabbed
From the Philippine Star (May 3): Guerilla implicated in 2007 abduction of Italian priest nabbed
LANAO DEL SUR, Philippines — Authorities are now in custody of a Moro guerilla implicated in the abduction of Italian missionary Giancarlo Bossi in Zamboanga Sibugay in 2007.
Latif Rajahmuda Cototan, a Maranao, was cornered on Thursday in Picong town in Lanao del Sur by combined intelligence agents of the Army’s 6th Infantry Battalion and the Lanao del Sur provincial police.
Cototan, who started as member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front but got booted in 2005 for infractions of the MILF’s revolutionary norms, was tagged as one of the gunmen who kidnapped Bossi almost 11 years ago in Payao town in Zamboanga Sibugay.
Bossi, who died from lung cancer in Italy in 2012, belonged to the Pontificio Istituto Missioni Estore, most known in Mindanao as the PIME congregation.
He was released by his captors 10 days after he was snatched following a series of deadly clashes with pursuing Army and police personnel that resulted in the deaths of more than 10 of them.
Reports reaching the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, which has jurisdiction over 6th IB, indicated that vigilant villagers help military and police agents locate Cototan in Lanao del Sur.
Bossi returned to Italy, where the pontifical base of the PIME is located, a month after his kidnappers set him free.
He was known in Zamboanga del Sur for his missionary works and his having organized trading cooperatives in farming and fishing communities, generating livelihood for marginalized stakeholders.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/05/03/1811816/guerilla-implicated-2007-abduction-italian-priest-nabbed
LANAO DEL SUR, Philippines — Authorities are now in custody of a Moro guerilla implicated in the abduction of Italian missionary Giancarlo Bossi in Zamboanga Sibugay in 2007.
Latif Rajahmuda Cototan, a Maranao, was cornered on Thursday in Picong town in Lanao del Sur by combined intelligence agents of the Army’s 6th Infantry Battalion and the Lanao del Sur provincial police.
Cototan, who started as member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front but got booted in 2005 for infractions of the MILF’s revolutionary norms, was tagged as one of the gunmen who kidnapped Bossi almost 11 years ago in Payao town in Zamboanga Sibugay.
Bossi, who died from lung cancer in Italy in 2012, belonged to the Pontificio Istituto Missioni Estore, most known in Mindanao as the PIME congregation.
He was released by his captors 10 days after he was snatched following a series of deadly clashes with pursuing Army and police personnel that resulted in the deaths of more than 10 of them.
Reports reaching the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, which has jurisdiction over 6th IB, indicated that vigilant villagers help military and police agents locate Cototan in Lanao del Sur.
Bossi returned to Italy, where the pontifical base of the PIME is located, a month after his kidnappers set him free.
He was known in Zamboanga del Sur for his missionary works and his having organized trading cooperatives in farming and fishing communities, generating livelihood for marginalized stakeholders.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/05/03/1811816/guerilla-implicated-2007-abduction-italian-priest-nabbed
‘Mabinay 6’ pleads not guilty to charges
From the often pro-CPP online publication the DavaoToday (May 3): ‘Mabinay 6’ pleads not guilty to charges
http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/mabinay-6-pleads-not-guilty-to-charges/
Youth activist Myles Albasin five others pleaded not guilty to charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives before Judge Rosario Carriaga of the Regional Trial Court Branch 45 in Bais City on Wednesday, May 2. (Photo courtesy of Aninaw Productions)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The six allegedly members of the New People’s Army known as Mabinay 6 pleaded “not guilty” to criminal charges filed against them.
Myles Albasin, along with five others entered the not guilty plea before Judge Rosario Carriaga of the Regional Trial Court Branch 45 in Bais City on Wednesday, May 2.
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The six allegedly members of the New People’s Army known as Mabinay 6 pleaded “not guilty” to criminal charges filed against them.
Myles Albasin, along with five others entered the not guilty plea before Judge Rosario Carriaga of the Regional Trial Court Branch 45 in Bais City on Wednesday, May 2.
The six were charged with illegal possession of firearms under RA 10591 and illegal possession of explosives under RA 9561 after they were arrested by elements of the 62nd Infantry Battalion on March 3 in Mabinay, Negros Oriental.
Atty. Benjamin Ramos, lawyer of the Mabinay 6 said that a pre-trial conference was set on July 11.
They likewise filed a petition for bail and is waiting for a hearing to be scheduled. They have filed also a motion to amend the commitment order to Bais City Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and seek that they will stay in Provincial Jail in Dumaguete for security reasons.
However, the court declared it moot and academic because they are currently detained in Bais City.
According to Atty. Ramos, they filed a petition for transfer of detention to Provincial Jail in Dumaguete City due for security reasons.
“Bais City BJMP is a remote sugarcane plantation area, 2 km away from the city and it is risky to families, lawyers, and even my clients. It would be best for the safety of the Mabinay 6 and for the families who regularly visit,” he added.
The 62nd IB said in a statement in March that they arrested fully armed NPAs “doing harassment and extortion activities” in Barangay Luyang, Negros Oriental. They said a gunbattle ensued for 45 minutes leading to the capture of the six alleged guerrillas, “including one amazon who is a Mass Communications graduate of UP Cebu and two armed minors from Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental .”
Atty. Benjamin Ramos, lawyer of the Mabinay 6 said that a pre-trial conference was set on July 11.
They likewise filed a petition for bail and is waiting for a hearing to be scheduled. They have filed also a motion to amend the commitment order to Bais City Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and seek that they will stay in Provincial Jail in Dumaguete for security reasons.
However, the court declared it moot and academic because they are currently detained in Bais City.
According to Atty. Ramos, they filed a petition for transfer of detention to Provincial Jail in Dumaguete City due for security reasons.
“Bais City BJMP is a remote sugarcane plantation area, 2 km away from the city and it is risky to families, lawyers, and even my clients. It would be best for the safety of the Mabinay 6 and for the families who regularly visit,” he added.
The 62nd IB said in a statement in March that they arrested fully armed NPAs “doing harassment and extortion activities” in Barangay Luyang, Negros Oriental. They said a gunbattle ensued for 45 minutes leading to the capture of the six alleged guerrillas, “including one amazon who is a Mass Communications graduate of UP Cebu and two armed minors from Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental .”
Residents of the area belied the claim that an encounter happened between the Army and the NPA . The paraffin test conducted by the Negros Oriental Provincial Crime Laboratory also tested negative. “This is negating the argument of the prosecution that an encounter occurred and the sixth allegedly surrendered,” Ramos said.
The human rights group, Karapatan Cebu Chairperson Dr. Phoebe Zoe Sanchez said the Mabinay 6 are “illegally detained and facing trumped-up charges.”
“The Mabinay 6 opted to go and serve farmers communities in Negros Oriental organized by Kaugmaon-KMP. Community Development work is now labeled as terrorists work.That’s why they use the military institution to go after community development workers such as Myles Albasin and 5 others,” she added.
“The case of Myles Albasin is used as an example by the military and the landlord so that the youth could no longer emulate,” Sanchez said.
The Karapatan has joined family members in a protest demanding the immediate release of the Mabinay 6.
On the other hand Atty.Benjamin Ramos, who is also secretary of the National Union of Peoples Lawyers is now facing harassment, with his photo shown and captioned as one of the 60 “alleged Communist Party of the Philippines, NPA and NDFP personalities” poster circulating for two weeks in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.
The said poster was ordered by the provincial police of Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.
Last March, Grace Albasin, former National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) chairperson has also received death threats over social media stemming from the arrest of her daughter Myles Albasin.
The human rights group, Karapatan Cebu Chairperson Dr. Phoebe Zoe Sanchez said the Mabinay 6 are “illegally detained and facing trumped-up charges.”
“The Mabinay 6 opted to go and serve farmers communities in Negros Oriental organized by Kaugmaon-KMP. Community Development work is now labeled as terrorists work.That’s why they use the military institution to go after community development workers such as Myles Albasin and 5 others,” she added.
“The case of Myles Albasin is used as an example by the military and the landlord so that the youth could no longer emulate,” Sanchez said.
The Karapatan has joined family members in a protest demanding the immediate release of the Mabinay 6.
On the other hand Atty.Benjamin Ramos, who is also secretary of the National Union of Peoples Lawyers is now facing harassment, with his photo shown and captioned as one of the 60 “alleged Communist Party of the Philippines, NPA and NDFP personalities” poster circulating for two weeks in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.
The said poster was ordered by the provincial police of Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.
Last March, Grace Albasin, former National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) chairperson has also received death threats over social media stemming from the arrest of her daughter Myles Albasin.
http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/mabinay-6-pleads-not-guilty-to-charges/
NPA now operates in Zambo provinces
From Malaya Business Insight (May 4): NPA now operates in Zambo provinces
NEW People’s Army rebels have been seen in the Zamboanga provinces, prompting the military to form a battalion to address the apparent expansion of the area of operations of the communist rebels.
“We’ve been receiving reports of rebel activities (in the Zamboanga Peninsula). This could be part of their expansion efforts. That is one of the considerations (in the deployment),” said Maj. Ronald Suscano, spokesman of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division based in Zamboanga del Sur.
Suscano said the military started receiving reports of NPA presence in the Zamboanga Peninsula in November or December last year.
The NPA operates mainly in the Davao and Caraga regions. The Davao region covers Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental. Caraga covers Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur.
Suscano said the newly-formed 97th Infantry Battalion, composed of 400 soldiers and headed by Lt. Col. Rufino de Leon, will be deployed to Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay after it completes a 45-day training which started yesterday.
Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, the 1st ID commander, said the training “is designed to enhance the competence and individual skills of every soldier and also develop their teamwork as a unit.” It is also expected to boost the soldiers’ confidence.
The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. In November last year, President Duterte terminated peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front of the Philippines because of continued attacks by the NPA.
Last month, Duterte directed government negotiators to work for the resumption of the talks but military operations against the NPA continue.
In Laguna, meanwhile, a member of the NPA’s hit squad, the Sparu, was killed by policemen in a shootout at a checkpoint in Barangay Dambo in Pangil town.
Four other Sparu members were arrested.
Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar, Southern Tagalog regional police chief, identified the slain rebel as Ismael Criste aka Maeng, who is also a member of the NPA’s Rebolusyonaryong Buwis sa Kaaway na Uri (RBKU) under the Cesar Batrallo Command.
Police said the RBKU is the NPA unit tasked to collect revolutionary taxes.
Eleazar said policemen placed Criste under surveillance after they received reports that a group of communist rebels were out to assassinate policemen from the towns of Sta. Cruz and Alaminos.
Eleazar ordered his men to intensify checkpoint operations.
Criste’s group was aboard a red vehicle which ignored a checkpoint.
Arrested were Luis Alano Jr., 44; Shirley Martinez, 47; Felicidad Villegas, 60; and Cristy Lacuarta, 30.
Recovered from the rebels were assorted firearms and several ammunition, two hand grenades, personal stuff, and cash.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/npa-now-operates-zambo-provinces
NEW People’s Army rebels have been seen in the Zamboanga provinces, prompting the military to form a battalion to address the apparent expansion of the area of operations of the communist rebels.
“We’ve been receiving reports of rebel activities (in the Zamboanga Peninsula). This could be part of their expansion efforts. That is one of the considerations (in the deployment),” said Maj. Ronald Suscano, spokesman of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division based in Zamboanga del Sur.
Suscano said the military started receiving reports of NPA presence in the Zamboanga Peninsula in November or December last year.
The NPA operates mainly in the Davao and Caraga regions. The Davao region covers Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental. Caraga covers Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur.
Suscano said the newly-formed 97th Infantry Battalion, composed of 400 soldiers and headed by Lt. Col. Rufino de Leon, will be deployed to Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay after it completes a 45-day training which started yesterday.
Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, the 1st ID commander, said the training “is designed to enhance the competence and individual skills of every soldier and also develop their teamwork as a unit.” It is also expected to boost the soldiers’ confidence.
The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. In November last year, President Duterte terminated peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front of the Philippines because of continued attacks by the NPA.
Last month, Duterte directed government negotiators to work for the resumption of the talks but military operations against the NPA continue.
In Laguna, meanwhile, a member of the NPA’s hit squad, the Sparu, was killed by policemen in a shootout at a checkpoint in Barangay Dambo in Pangil town.
Four other Sparu members were arrested.
Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar, Southern Tagalog regional police chief, identified the slain rebel as Ismael Criste aka Maeng, who is also a member of the NPA’s Rebolusyonaryong Buwis sa Kaaway na Uri (RBKU) under the Cesar Batrallo Command.
Police said the RBKU is the NPA unit tasked to collect revolutionary taxes.
Eleazar said policemen placed Criste under surveillance after they received reports that a group of communist rebels were out to assassinate policemen from the towns of Sta. Cruz and Alaminos.
Eleazar ordered his men to intensify checkpoint operations.
Criste’s group was aboard a red vehicle which ignored a checkpoint.
Arrested were Luis Alano Jr., 44; Shirley Martinez, 47; Felicidad Villegas, 60; and Cristy Lacuarta, 30.
Recovered from the rebels were assorted firearms and several ammunition, two hand grenades, personal stuff, and cash.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/npa-now-operates-zambo-provinces
To the max, facts, propaganda cranked up in battle for Marawi
From the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) (May 4): To the max, facts, propaganda cranked up in battle for Marawi
Reflections of a TV correspondent
I HAVE BEEN covering conflicts for over 20 years both here and abroad. I thought i’ve seen it all.
Then came the battle for Marawi.
At first it was just like the all-out war versus the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) in Maguindanao in 2000 or the series of military operations to rescue Abu Sayyaf hostages in Sulu and Basilan from 2000 to 2009.
While the stories from the battlefront and the evacuation centers in Marawi were reminiscent of conflicts past, covering the five-month battle for Marawi was a whole new experience for many of us.
It was a paradoxical mix of having easy access to tons of information, video, and images but it was such a pain to verify, counter check, and corroborate with independent sources and reliable data and information.
As with any other conflicts, the line between propaganda and factual information are almost always hard to distinguish. But in the battle of Marawi, it was cranked up to the highest level.
This story and other “Voices from the Frontlines” dispatches form part of the state of press freedom report, “Speak Truth to Power, Keep Power in Check”, produced by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, and Philippine Press Institute, to mark World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2018.
Access to independent information and to the actual main battle area was tightly controlled by the military, and for good reason.
At the same time, though, the proliferation of smart phones with high-resolution cameras made it possible for journalists to take an unfiltered peek at what was happening on the ground. It was a matter of looking for the right source.
And then there’s social media.
Unlike the coverages of old when we would trek to the terrorists’ lair and interview them and their hostages, in Marawi, that was not a choice at all.
But with their own socmed teams taking full advantage of the power of social media, the terrorists managed to get their messages across. It was a matter of making sure we were not being used to spread their propaganda.
However helpful social media was, it also became a bane for journalists.
Before Marawi, the military trusted members of the media with sensitive information and even operational security matters, not necesarilly for publication but more importantly for journalists to get a better grasp and context of what was happening.
In a complicated story such as Marawi, background and context are essential in crafting an accurate story.
This changed during the Marawi coverage.
Off-the-record banters with military officials stopped. Access to primary sources of information such as released hostages and junior officers was restricted. At some point, we were asked not to film military planes dropping bombs not because of operational security issues but for fear that these images might be used as propaganda against the military on social media.
I must admit, these became a distraction for some of us in pursuing the more important stories and issues in the battle that destroyed a crucial part of a historic city, a bitter but important lesson we hope to learn.
http://pcij.org/blog/2018/05/04/to-the-max-facts-propaganda-cranked-up-in-battle-for-marawi
Reflections of a TV correspondent
I HAVE BEEN covering conflicts for over 20 years both here and abroad. I thought i’ve seen it all.
Then came the battle for Marawi.
At first it was just like the all-out war versus the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) in Maguindanao in 2000 or the series of military operations to rescue Abu Sayyaf hostages in Sulu and Basilan from 2000 to 2009.
While the stories from the battlefront and the evacuation centers in Marawi were reminiscent of conflicts past, covering the five-month battle for Marawi was a whole new experience for many of us.
It was a paradoxical mix of having easy access to tons of information, video, and images but it was such a pain to verify, counter check, and corroborate with independent sources and reliable data and information.
As with any other conflicts, the line between propaganda and factual information are almost always hard to distinguish. But in the battle of Marawi, it was cranked up to the highest level.
This story and other “Voices from the Frontlines” dispatches form part of the state of press freedom report, “Speak Truth to Power, Keep Power in Check”, produced by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, and Philippine Press Institute, to mark World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2018.
Access to independent information and to the actual main battle area was tightly controlled by the military, and for good reason.
At the same time, though, the proliferation of smart phones with high-resolution cameras made it possible for journalists to take an unfiltered peek at what was happening on the ground. It was a matter of looking for the right source.
And then there’s social media.
Unlike the coverages of old when we would trek to the terrorists’ lair and interview them and their hostages, in Marawi, that was not a choice at all.
But with their own socmed teams taking full advantage of the power of social media, the terrorists managed to get their messages across. It was a matter of making sure we were not being used to spread their propaganda.
However helpful social media was, it also became a bane for journalists.
Before Marawi, the military trusted members of the media with sensitive information and even operational security matters, not necesarilly for publication but more importantly for journalists to get a better grasp and context of what was happening.
In a complicated story such as Marawi, background and context are essential in crafting an accurate story.
This changed during the Marawi coverage.
Off-the-record banters with military officials stopped. Access to primary sources of information such as released hostages and junior officers was restricted. At some point, we were asked not to film military planes dropping bombs not because of operational security issues but for fear that these images might be used as propaganda against the military on social media.
I must admit, these became a distraction for some of us in pursuing the more important stories and issues in the battle that destroyed a crucial part of a historic city, a bitter but important lesson we hope to learn.
http://pcij.org/blog/2018/05/04/to-the-max-facts-propaganda-cranked-up-in-battle-for-marawi
Authorities clueless on suspects behind gun attacks in central Mindanao
From the Philippine Star (May 3): Authorities clueless on suspects behind gun attacks in central Mindanao
Investigators are still facing a blank wall on the separate gun attacks early this week in the city and in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat that left three soldiers dead and hurt another.
Superintendent Aldrin Gonzalez, information officer of the Police Regional Office-12, said Thursday probers are still validating the identities of the gunmen behind the fatal ambush of Cpl. Nelson Pamailan and Pfc. Richard Bendanillo, both of the 5th Special Forces Battalion, and Cpl. Roel Dordas of the 33rd Infantry Battalion.
“Efforts to determine the identities of the culprits are still underway. Investigators are working along barangay officials who have jurisdiction over the places where the crimes were perpetrated to hasten the process,” Gonzalez said.
Pamailan and Bendanillo were attacked on Monday morning by pistol-wielding men in Barangay Bagua in Cotabato City while on a motorcycle en route to their command post in the nearby Kalanganan area.
Pamailan died on the spot while Bendanillo succumbed to gunshot wounds while in a hospital.
Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi condemned the incident and ordered barangay officials in Bagua and Kalanganan to help the police identify the culprits and build airtight criminal cases against them.
Gonzalez said the Cotabato City police office has tapped the support of Army intelligence units in their on-going investigation.
“Let us give them enough time to put closure to that case. The Cotabato City local government unit is helping out,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez said members of the Lambayong municipal peace and order council are also helping probe on the ambush Sundaynight of Dordas at a stretch of a busy highway there while on a motorcycle.
Dordas and a companion, Sgt. Julhaib Ajirul, were on their way to their detachment from a community service mission when their attackers on motorbikes overtook and opened fire with caliber .45 pistols
Ajirul, who was wounded in the ambush, is now confined in a hospital.
Gonzalez said probers are not discounting the possibility that members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were behind the ambush of Dordas and Ajirul.
The group, which operates in the fashion of the Islamic State, is known for venting ire on vulnerable targets, including civilians, to avenge the deaths of members in encounters with pursuing military forces.
The BIFF had suffered heavy losses in clashes with units of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division in towns in the second district of Maguindanao three weeks before.
Investigators are still facing a blank wall on the separate gun attacks early this week in the city and in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat that left three soldiers dead and hurt another.
Superintendent Aldrin Gonzalez, information officer of the Police Regional Office-12, said Thursday probers are still validating the identities of the gunmen behind the fatal ambush of Cpl. Nelson Pamailan and Pfc. Richard Bendanillo, both of the 5th Special Forces Battalion, and Cpl. Roel Dordas of the 33rd Infantry Battalion.
“Efforts to determine the identities of the culprits are still underway. Investigators are working along barangay officials who have jurisdiction over the places where the crimes were perpetrated to hasten the process,” Gonzalez said.
Pamailan and Bendanillo were attacked on Monday morning by pistol-wielding men in Barangay Bagua in Cotabato City while on a motorcycle en route to their command post in the nearby Kalanganan area.
Pamailan died on the spot while Bendanillo succumbed to gunshot wounds while in a hospital.
Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi condemned the incident and ordered barangay officials in Bagua and Kalanganan to help the police identify the culprits and build airtight criminal cases against them.
Gonzalez said the Cotabato City police office has tapped the support of Army intelligence units in their on-going investigation.
“Let us give them enough time to put closure to that case. The Cotabato City local government unit is helping out,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez said members of the Lambayong municipal peace and order council are also helping probe on the ambush Sundaynight of Dordas at a stretch of a busy highway there while on a motorcycle.
Dordas and a companion, Sgt. Julhaib Ajirul, were on their way to their detachment from a community service mission when their attackers on motorbikes overtook and opened fire with caliber .45 pistols
Ajirul, who was wounded in the ambush, is now confined in a hospital.
Gonzalez said probers are not discounting the possibility that members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were behind the ambush of Dordas and Ajirul.
The group, which operates in the fashion of the Islamic State, is known for venting ire on vulnerable targets, including civilians, to avenge the deaths of members in encounters with pursuing military forces.
The BIFF had suffered heavy losses in clashes with units of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division in towns in the second district of Maguindanao three weeks before.
China doubles down with anti-ship missiles in the South China Sea
From the We Are the Mighty blog (May 3): China doubles down with anti-ship missiles in the South China Sea
Anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems were stationed on Chinese outposts in the contested South China Sea, in yet another signal that China intends to cement its presence on the disputed islands.
Sources familiar with US intelligence reports said the weapons systems were installed on three fortified outposts in the Spratly Islands, west of the Philippines, according to a CNBC report.
The YJ-12B anti-ship cruise missiles would provide China the ability to engage surface vessels within 295 nautical miles of the reefs; and the HQ-9B surface-to-air missiles are expected to have a range of 160 nautical miles, CNBC reported.
An anti-ship cruise missile.(Photo by Jeff Hilton)
"Before this, if you were one of the other claimants ... you knew that China was monitoring your every move. Now you will know that you're operating inside Chinese missile range. That's a pretty strong, if implicit, threat," he said.
China's increased military presence in the region comes amid another maneuver, one which exacerbated concerns among the US military and its allies. US officials said that in early April 2018, intelligence officers detected China was moving radar and communications-jamming equipment to the Spratly Island outposts.
"This is not something that the US will look kindly on or think they can overlook." Stratfor military analyst Omar Lamrani told Business Insider editor Alex Lockie, when asked about potential moves to jam communications channels. "The US will likely seek to counter this in some way," he said.
Hotly disputed, $3.4 trillion shipping lane
Six countries, China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei, are contesting at least part of the chain of islands, reefs, and surrounding waters in the South China Sea. Located between Vietnam and the Philippines, the natural resources and trade routes that pass through the Spratly Islands are a lucrative venture for the countries — around $3.4 trillion in trade is reportedly transported through the South China Sea every year.
CSIS/Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative
China has been one of the most prominent claimants to territory in the South China Sea since the 1980s. It currently has around 27 outposts throughout the islands and has continued to outfit them with aircraft runways, lighthouses, tourist resorts, hospitals, and farms.
According to some experts, the creation of civilian attractions in the region signals that China is undertaking a two-pronged approach in attempts to legitimize its ownership — by arguing it has a vested interest in the region, both militarily and otherwise.
In April 2018, US Navy Adm. Philip Davidson, nominated to lead the US' Pacific Command, said Beijing's "forward operating bases" in the South China Sea appeared complete.
Davidson said China could use the bases pose a challenge the US and "would easily overwhelm the military forces of any other South China Sea-claimants.
"China is now capable of controlling the South China Sea in all scenarios short of war with the United States," he said.
https://www.wearethemighty.com/china-ship-missiles-south-sea
Anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missile systems were stationed on Chinese outposts in the contested South China Sea, in yet another signal that China intends to cement its presence on the disputed islands.
Sources familiar with US intelligence reports said the weapons systems were installed on three fortified outposts in the Spratly Islands, west of the Philippines, according to a CNBC report.
The YJ-12B anti-ship cruise missiles would provide China the ability to engage surface vessels within 295 nautical miles of the reefs; and the HQ-9B surface-to-air missiles are expected to have a range of 160 nautical miles, CNBC reported.
"We have consistently called on China, as well as other claimants, to refrain from further land reclamation, construction of new facilities, and militarization of disputed features, and to commit to managing and resolving disputes peacefully with other claimants," a Pentagon official said to CNBC. "The further militarization of outposts will only serve to raise tensions and create greater distrust among claimants.""These would be the first missiles in the Spratlys, either surface to air, or anti-ship," Greg Poling, a South China Sea expert the Center for Strategic and International Studies told Reuters.
An anti-ship cruise missile.(Photo by Jeff Hilton)
"Before this, if you were one of the other claimants ... you knew that China was monitoring your every move. Now you will know that you're operating inside Chinese missile range. That's a pretty strong, if implicit, threat," he said.
China's increased military presence in the region comes amid another maneuver, one which exacerbated concerns among the US military and its allies. US officials said that in early April 2018, intelligence officers detected China was moving radar and communications-jamming equipment to the Spratly Island outposts.
"This is not something that the US will look kindly on or think they can overlook." Stratfor military analyst Omar Lamrani told Business Insider editor Alex Lockie, when asked about potential moves to jam communications channels. "The US will likely seek to counter this in some way," he said.
Hotly disputed, $3.4 trillion shipping lane
Six countries, China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei, are contesting at least part of the chain of islands, reefs, and surrounding waters in the South China Sea. Located between Vietnam and the Philippines, the natural resources and trade routes that pass through the Spratly Islands are a lucrative venture for the countries — around $3.4 trillion in trade is reportedly transported through the South China Sea every year.
CSIS/Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative
China has been one of the most prominent claimants to territory in the South China Sea since the 1980s. It currently has around 27 outposts throughout the islands and has continued to outfit them with aircraft runways, lighthouses, tourist resorts, hospitals, and farms.
According to some experts, the creation of civilian attractions in the region signals that China is undertaking a two-pronged approach in attempts to legitimize its ownership — by arguing it has a vested interest in the region, both militarily and otherwise.
In April 2018, US Navy Adm. Philip Davidson, nominated to lead the US' Pacific Command, said Beijing's "forward operating bases" in the South China Sea appeared complete.
Davidson said China could use the bases pose a challenge the US and "would easily overwhelm the military forces of any other South China Sea-claimants.
"China is now capable of controlling the South China Sea in all scenarios short of war with the United States," he said.
https://www.wearethemighty.com/china-ship-missiles-south-sea
Philippines, U.S. troops "Balikatan 2018" drills to focus counter-terrorism, chemical attack
From Xinhua (May 3): Philippines, U.S. troops "Balikatan 2018" drills to focus counter-terrorism, chemical attack
Troops from the Philippines and the United States will kick off next Monday a series of joint military exercises designed to hone their interoperability skills in fighting terrorism, including chemical attack, and disaster response, said a Philippine military officer on Thursday.
"Every year, we are trying to level up the training," Lt. Liezl Vidallon told reporters. For example last year, she said the focus is natural calamity. This year, she said the drills will focus on how to counter man-made calamities like chemical attack.
The U.S. and Philippines will work with regional partner nations throughout the "Balikatan" or "shoulder to shoulder" period.
Multinational forces from the U.S., the Philippines, Australia, and Japan will participate in all major training events this year. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has also invited Britain to observe training for the mitigation of post-disaster suffering.
Vidallon said the participants in this year's Balikatan Exercises will be dealing with new tactics, techniques and procedures and lessons learned from last year's joint training.
This year's joint exercises, slated for May 7 to 18, will be conducted in several locations in the Philippine main Luzon island.
Balikatan is an annual U.S.-Philippine multilateral military exercise focused on mutual defense, counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.
Vidallon did not say how many American and Philippines troops are participating in this year's Balikatan exercises. About 5,400 from both countries took part in Balikatan 2017.
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-05/03/c_137153801.htm
Troops from the Philippines and the United States will kick off next Monday a series of joint military exercises designed to hone their interoperability skills in fighting terrorism, including chemical attack, and disaster response, said a Philippine military officer on Thursday.
"Every year, we are trying to level up the training," Lt. Liezl Vidallon told reporters. For example last year, she said the focus is natural calamity. This year, she said the drills will focus on how to counter man-made calamities like chemical attack.
The U.S. and Philippines will work with regional partner nations throughout the "Balikatan" or "shoulder to shoulder" period.
Multinational forces from the U.S., the Philippines, Australia, and Japan will participate in all major training events this year. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has also invited Britain to observe training for the mitigation of post-disaster suffering.
Vidallon said the participants in this year's Balikatan Exercises will be dealing with new tactics, techniques and procedures and lessons learned from last year's joint training.
This year's joint exercises, slated for May 7 to 18, will be conducted in several locations in the Philippine main Luzon island.
Balikatan is an annual U.S.-Philippine multilateral military exercise focused on mutual defense, counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.
Vidallon did not say how many American and Philippines troops are participating in this year's Balikatan exercises. About 5,400 from both countries took part in Balikatan 2017.
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-05/03/c_137153801.htm
5 gov’t soldiers wounded after encounter against CNTG members in Cagayan
From the Manila Bulletin (May 4): 5 gov’t soldiers wounded after encounter against CNTG members in Cagayan
Five government soldiers were wounded following an encounter against Communist New People’s Army Terrorist Group (CNTG) members in Cagayan today.
Cagayan Province Map (Photo courtesy of Google Map)
Lt. Col. Isagani Nato, the spokesman and public affairs chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Northern Luzon Command (AFP-NoLCom), said Army troopers encountered a group of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Mureg, Barangay Balani, Sto Niño of Cagayan Province at 10:36 a.m. yesterday.
Nato said the firefight took place against 30 members of the CNTG led by alias Bladdy, while troops from the Army’s 17th Infantry Battalion (17IB) under the Joint Task Force (JTF) “Tala” of the 5th Infantry Division were conducting security patrol in the area.
The firefight lasted for about 20 minutes, wherein the troops pursued the Terrorist Group in the adjacent vicinity which again resulted in another skirmish for about 10 minutes at 11:40 a.m.
Nato said the incident resulted in the wounding of five Army personnel. The engaged troops immediately conducted pursuit operations against the withdrawing communist terrorists, who also suffered undetermined number of casualties.
“NoLCom will be relentless in conducting focused military operations (FMO) in identified NPA-affected areas in order to protect our people from any threat posed by this terrorist group,” Nato said.
“NoLCom will also continue to work with other security forces to ensure that lasting peace and sustainable development will be achieved,” he added.
Camarines Sur encounter
Meanwhile, several firearms were retrieved following an encounter between Philippine Army troops and CNTs at Barangay Agao-ao, Ragay, Camarines Sur, at 11 a.m. yesterday.
A report from the AFP’s Southern Luzon Command (SoLCom) said the 20-minute firefight resulted in the recovery of an M14 rifle, three IEDs, several communication paraphernalia, several personal belongings and subversive documents with high intelligence value.
Pursuit operations are ongoing after the military received reports from civilians that several wounded rebels were sighted in nearby barangays.
AFP SoLCom chief Lt. Gen. Danilo Pamonag encouraged the rebels to surrender.
Families are also encouraged to help stop exploitation of their relatives and return to the folds of the law and live a normal life.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/05/04/5-govt-soldiers-wounded-after-encounter-against-cntg-members-in-cagayan/
Five government soldiers were wounded following an encounter against Communist New People’s Army Terrorist Group (CNTG) members in Cagayan today.
Cagayan Province Map (Photo courtesy of Google Map)
Lt. Col. Isagani Nato, the spokesman and public affairs chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Northern Luzon Command (AFP-NoLCom), said Army troopers encountered a group of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Mureg, Barangay Balani, Sto Niño of Cagayan Province at 10:36 a.m. yesterday.
Nato said the firefight took place against 30 members of the CNTG led by alias Bladdy, while troops from the Army’s 17th Infantry Battalion (17IB) under the Joint Task Force (JTF) “Tala” of the 5th Infantry Division were conducting security patrol in the area.
The firefight lasted for about 20 minutes, wherein the troops pursued the Terrorist Group in the adjacent vicinity which again resulted in another skirmish for about 10 minutes at 11:40 a.m.
Nato said the incident resulted in the wounding of five Army personnel. The engaged troops immediately conducted pursuit operations against the withdrawing communist terrorists, who also suffered undetermined number of casualties.
“NoLCom will be relentless in conducting focused military operations (FMO) in identified NPA-affected areas in order to protect our people from any threat posed by this terrorist group,” Nato said.
“NoLCom will also continue to work with other security forces to ensure that lasting peace and sustainable development will be achieved,” he added.
Camarines Sur encounter
Meanwhile, several firearms were retrieved following an encounter between Philippine Army troops and CNTs at Barangay Agao-ao, Ragay, Camarines Sur, at 11 a.m. yesterday.
A report from the AFP’s Southern Luzon Command (SoLCom) said the 20-minute firefight resulted in the recovery of an M14 rifle, three IEDs, several communication paraphernalia, several personal belongings and subversive documents with high intelligence value.
Pursuit operations are ongoing after the military received reports from civilians that several wounded rebels were sighted in nearby barangays.
AFP SoLCom chief Lt. Gen. Danilo Pamonag encouraged the rebels to surrender.
Families are also encouraged to help stop exploitation of their relatives and return to the folds of the law and live a normal life.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/05/04/5-govt-soldiers-wounded-after-encounter-against-cntg-members-in-cagayan/
Abu Sayyaf Militant Killed, 3 Soldiers Wounded in Southern Philippine Clash
From BenarNews (May 3): Abu Sayyaf Militant Killed, 3 Soldiers Wounded in Southern Philippine Clash
Philippine soldiers carry the bodies of suspected Abu Sayyaf militants after an encounter on the southern island of Jolo, Sept. 7, 2017. AFP
![Dina Gumahad [Courtesy Philippine National Police]](https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/Abu-Sayyaf-05032018123951.html/180503-PH-Gumahad-230.jpg "Dina Gumahad [Courtesy Philippine National Police]")
Ransom demand
The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of 5 million pesos (about U.S. $96,000) for the release of the captives, authorities said.
President Rodrigo Duterte, who claimed in 2016 that the Abu Sayyaf were not criminals, said he would seek help from Muslim elder Nur Misuari to secure the release of the captives.
“I have two policewomen. I think I have to talk to Misuari personally,” he told reporters Wednesday during a visit to the central city of Cebu.
![Benierose Alvarez [Courtesy Philippine National Police]](https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/Abu-Sayyaf-05032018123951.html/180503-PH-alvarez-230.jpg "Benierose Alvarez [Courtesy Philippine National Police]")
Misuari leads the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), once the largest Philippine rebel force that signed a peace deal with the government in 1996. He later became a head of an autonomous region in the south.
In 2013, he led his group in a three-week siege of the southern city of Zamboanga, in which at least 180 people were killed. He then went in hiding, but Duterte ordered the suspension of rebellion charges against him.
The MNLF was the main insurgent group in the south, but another faction, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), split from Misuari’s group in 1978 over ideological differences.
The MILF, however, also signed a deal with Manila in 2014, and opted for expanded autonomy. It is now helping the government against other groups, including the Abu Sayyaf and other pro-Islamic State (IS) militants who are known to exist in the south.
The Abu Sayyaf, or Bearers of the Sword, is the most brutal of militant groups operating in the southern Philippines. It has been engaged mostly in banditry, kidnapping and bombings.
One of its leaders, Isnilon Hapilon, later pledged allegiance to the IS and led a brutal siege of the southern city of Marawi in May last year. The city was ruined, with its 200,000 residents displaced, and more than 1,200 people, mostly militants, killed in a battle that ended in October.
https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/Abu-Sayyaf-05032018123951.html
Philippine soldiers carry the bodies of suspected Abu Sayyaf militants after an encounter on the southern island of Jolo, Sept. 7, 2017. AFP
Philippine security forces killed a suspected Abu Sayyaf Group militant during a clash on the remote southern island of Jolo, where ASG gunmen had earlier abducted four people, including two policewomen, the military said Thursday.
Three soldiers were wounded in Wednesday’s brief shootout, which broke out when militants fired upon an army unit pursuing suspects in the weekend abductions, according to Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of a military task force in the area.
Three soldiers were wounded in Wednesday’s brief shootout, which broke out when militants fired upon an army unit pursuing suspects in the weekend abductions, according to Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of a military task force in the area.
“We believe the group [that] our Scout Ranger men encountered were those behind the latest abductions,” Sobejana said. Other officials said it could not be immediately determined if the kidnap victims were in the area when the clash occurred.
The abducted officers – junior policewomen Benierose Alvarez and Dina Gumahad – were taken along with two civilians on Sunday near a military camp on Jolo, a jungle-clad area in the southern tip of the archipelago known as an Abu Sayyaf stronghold since the 1990s.
The abducted officers – junior policewomen Benierose Alvarez and Dina Gumahad – were taken along with two civilians on Sunday near a military camp on Jolo, a jungle-clad area in the southern tip of the archipelago known as an Abu Sayyaf stronghold since the 1990s.
Dina Gumahad [Courtesy Philippine National Police]
Ransom demand
The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of 5 million pesos (about U.S. $96,000) for the release of the captives, authorities said.
President Rodrigo Duterte, who claimed in 2016 that the Abu Sayyaf were not criminals, said he would seek help from Muslim elder Nur Misuari to secure the release of the captives.
“I have two policewomen. I think I have to talk to Misuari personally,” he told reporters Wednesday during a visit to the central city of Cebu.
Benierose Alvarez [Courtesy Philippine National Police]
Misuari leads the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), once the largest Philippine rebel force that signed a peace deal with the government in 1996. He later became a head of an autonomous region in the south.
In 2013, he led his group in a three-week siege of the southern city of Zamboanga, in which at least 180 people were killed. He then went in hiding, but Duterte ordered the suspension of rebellion charges against him.
The MNLF was the main insurgent group in the south, but another faction, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), split from Misuari’s group in 1978 over ideological differences.
The MILF, however, also signed a deal with Manila in 2014, and opted for expanded autonomy. It is now helping the government against other groups, including the Abu Sayyaf and other pro-Islamic State (IS) militants who are known to exist in the south.
The Abu Sayyaf, or Bearers of the Sword, is the most brutal of militant groups operating in the southern Philippines. It has been engaged mostly in banditry, kidnapping and bombings.
One of its leaders, Isnilon Hapilon, later pledged allegiance to the IS and led a brutal siege of the southern city of Marawi in May last year. The city was ruined, with its 200,000 residents displaced, and more than 1,200 people, mostly militants, killed in a battle that ended in October.
https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/Abu-Sayyaf-05032018123951.html
Airstike pounds ASG nest – 9 terrorists dead, several others critically wounded
From the Manila Bulletin (May 4): Airstike pounds ASG nest – 9 terrorists dead, several others critically wounded
Nine Abu Sayaff terrorist were killed while several others are believed to be critically wounded after combined air and ground assault from joint Task Force Basilan and the 3rd Tactical Operations Wing pound the nest of ASG Leader Furuji Indama in the hinterlands of Brgy Mahatalang, Sumisip, Basilan on Wednesday.
Troops from the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion under JTF Basilan were able to close in with the group of Furuji Indama in the early hours of May 2.
An immediate firefight ensued, giving the cue for the 3rd Tactical Operations Wing of the Airforce to conduct precision strikes using F/A 50 fighter jets.
Effective indirect fires from the 8th Field Artillery Battalion along with mortar fires covered the maneuvring troops.
The military said combined airstrike and indirect fires overwhelmed the enemy’s defensive nest, forcing the Abu Sayyaf terrorists to scamper for survival, leaving their comrades and other personal items behind.
The body of an Abu Sayaff terrorist, according to the military, was recovered with traces of blood littered the area.
Reports indicate that eight other terrorists perished from fatal wounds as result of the attack. Two high powered firearms, an m203 grenade launcher, medical supplies and other war materiel was recovered on site.
“We were careful not to assualt the enemy’s location before daylight. The Abus are known to emplace IEDS in their defensive positions. We do not want to fall into that trap,” Lt. Col..Montano Almadovar, the commander of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, said.
Several detonation cords and IED components were also recovered in the area.
Information on the group’s whereabouts came from former Abu Sayaff members who surrendered to JTF Basilan. Nearby communities were also instrumental in giving away the terrorists’ information.
“We have won several communities that use to support the Abu Sayaff bandits. The Abus are now confined in the hinterlands where they intimidate communities for support” said Brig. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force Basilan.
Currently, there are 139 ASG Returnees in Basilan Province, with more signifying their intent to return to the folds of the law.
While the ASG may be few in number, this does not restrict them from conducting spoiling attacks in urban areas, Uy said.
He said such attacks are designed to instill fear within the populace and make their faltering group resound.
“The Abu Sayaffs are not safe in Basilan. We are giving the option to for them reconsider peace through surrender while the door is still open,” Uy reiterated.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/05/04/airstike-pounds-asg-nest-9-terrorists-dead-several-others-critically-wounded/
Nine Abu Sayaff terrorist were killed while several others are believed to be critically wounded after combined air and ground assault from joint Task Force Basilan and the 3rd Tactical Operations Wing pound the nest of ASG Leader Furuji Indama in the hinterlands of Brgy Mahatalang, Sumisip, Basilan on Wednesday.
Troops from the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion under JTF Basilan were able to close in with the group of Furuji Indama in the early hours of May 2.
An immediate firefight ensued, giving the cue for the 3rd Tactical Operations Wing of the Airforce to conduct precision strikes using F/A 50 fighter jets.
Effective indirect fires from the 8th Field Artillery Battalion along with mortar fires covered the maneuvring troops.
The military said combined airstrike and indirect fires overwhelmed the enemy’s defensive nest, forcing the Abu Sayyaf terrorists to scamper for survival, leaving their comrades and other personal items behind.
The body of an Abu Sayaff terrorist, according to the military, was recovered with traces of blood littered the area.
Reports indicate that eight other terrorists perished from fatal wounds as result of the attack. Two high powered firearms, an m203 grenade launcher, medical supplies and other war materiel was recovered on site.
“We were careful not to assualt the enemy’s location before daylight. The Abus are known to emplace IEDS in their defensive positions. We do not want to fall into that trap,” Lt. Col..Montano Almadovar, the commander of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, said.
Several detonation cords and IED components were also recovered in the area.
Information on the group’s whereabouts came from former Abu Sayaff members who surrendered to JTF Basilan. Nearby communities were also instrumental in giving away the terrorists’ information.
“We have won several communities that use to support the Abu Sayaff bandits. The Abus are now confined in the hinterlands where they intimidate communities for support” said Brig. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force Basilan.
Currently, there are 139 ASG Returnees in Basilan Province, with more signifying their intent to return to the folds of the law.
While the ASG may be few in number, this does not restrict them from conducting spoiling attacks in urban areas, Uy said.
He said such attacks are designed to instill fear within the populace and make their faltering group resound.
“The Abu Sayaffs are not safe in Basilan. We are giving the option to for them reconsider peace through surrender while the door is still open,” Uy reiterated.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/05/04/airstike-pounds-asg-nest-9-terrorists-dead-several-others-critically-wounded/
9 suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in Basilan clash: military
From ABS-CBN (May 4): 9 suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in Basilan clash: military
At least nine suspected Abu Sayyaf Group members were killed after government forces attacked the lair of the terrorist group in the village of Mahatalang, Sumisip, Basilan on Wednesday, the military said Friday.
Reports coming from the 4th Special Forces Battalion said that a firefight ensued between the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion and the bandits led by Furuji Indama.
The 3rd Tactical Operations Wing of the Philippine Air Force provided air support using F/A 50 jets, while the 8th Field Artillery Battalion supported ground troops with mortar fire.
The attacks resulted in the death of at least 9 Abu Sayyaf bandits, military said, although only one body count has been reported.
Two high-powered firearms, an M-203 grenade launcher, medical supplies, and bomb components were recovered in the area.
The commander of Joint Task Force Basilan, Brigadier General Juvy Max Uy, said members of the Abu Sayyaf who previously surrendered to the government helped them in tracking down the whereabouts of Indama’s group.
He said the movements of Indama's group has been limited to the forest areas of Sumisip.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/04/18/9-suspected-abu-sayyaf-bandits-killed-in-basilan-clash-military
At least nine suspected Abu Sayyaf Group members were killed after government forces attacked the lair of the terrorist group in the village of Mahatalang, Sumisip, Basilan on Wednesday, the military said Friday.
Reports coming from the 4th Special Forces Battalion said that a firefight ensued between the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion and the bandits led by Furuji Indama.
The 3rd Tactical Operations Wing of the Philippine Air Force provided air support using F/A 50 jets, while the 8th Field Artillery Battalion supported ground troops with mortar fire.
The attacks resulted in the death of at least 9 Abu Sayyaf bandits, military said, although only one body count has been reported.
Two high-powered firearms, an M-203 grenade launcher, medical supplies, and bomb components were recovered in the area.
The commander of Joint Task Force Basilan, Brigadier General Juvy Max Uy, said members of the Abu Sayyaf who previously surrendered to the government helped them in tracking down the whereabouts of Indama’s group.
He said the movements of Indama's group has been limited to the forest areas of Sumisip.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/04/18/9-suspected-abu-sayyaf-bandits-killed-in-basilan-clash-military
NPA rebel surrenders in Davao Occidental
From the Philippine News Agency (May 3): NPA rebel surrenders in Davao Occidental
A member of the New People's Army (NPA) who operates in Davao Occidental, surrendered with a firearm to the troops of 73rd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Little Baguio, Malita, Davao Occidental.
Capt. Mc Gary Dida, the civil-military operations (CMO) officer of the Army's 1002nd Infantry Brigade, said Wednesday that Juanito Miguel Oday alias Payat, 35, married and a resident of Sitio Lanulan, Barangay Little Baguio, Malita, Davao Occidental surrendered and gave up his M1 carbine rifle.
“Nihawa ko sa kilusan kay nahadlok ko na basi mapatay ko sa engkwentro, gikapoy na kaayo ko ug tinago sa bukid (I left the organization for fear of being killed during an encounter. I am also tired of hiding from government troops)," Oday said.
Last week, a series of encounters broke out in Malapatan, Sarangani Province that resulted in the apprehension of three NPA rebels and the recovery of three firearms.
Following the encounter, the military said it intensified its pursuit operations to maintain peace in the area.
“With our intensive security operations and continuous collaboration with our local government units and other stakeholders, we can align our efforts in attaining peaceful and conflict-resilient communities within our area of operation,” said Lt. Col. Marion Angcao, commander of the 73rd Infantry Battalion commander.
The former rebel will be presented to the LGU of Davao Occidental for immediate assistance and enrolment to the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP), Lt. Angcao said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1033981
A member of the New People's Army (NPA) who operates in Davao Occidental, surrendered with a firearm to the troops of 73rd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Little Baguio, Malita, Davao Occidental.
Capt. Mc Gary Dida, the civil-military operations (CMO) officer of the Army's 1002nd Infantry Brigade, said Wednesday that Juanito Miguel Oday alias Payat, 35, married and a resident of Sitio Lanulan, Barangay Little Baguio, Malita, Davao Occidental surrendered and gave up his M1 carbine rifle.
“Nihawa ko sa kilusan kay nahadlok ko na basi mapatay ko sa engkwentro, gikapoy na kaayo ko ug tinago sa bukid (I left the organization for fear of being killed during an encounter. I am also tired of hiding from government troops)," Oday said.
Last week, a series of encounters broke out in Malapatan, Sarangani Province that resulted in the apprehension of three NPA rebels and the recovery of three firearms.
Following the encounter, the military said it intensified its pursuit operations to maintain peace in the area.
“With our intensive security operations and continuous collaboration with our local government units and other stakeholders, we can align our efforts in attaining peaceful and conflict-resilient communities within our area of operation,” said Lt. Col. Marion Angcao, commander of the 73rd Infantry Battalion commander.
The former rebel will be presented to the LGU of Davao Occidental for immediate assistance and enrolment to the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP), Lt. Angcao said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1033981
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