Islamic State claims foreign fighter bombed military checkpoint in the Philippines

Posted to the Threat Matrix, the Long War Journal blog (Jul 31): Islamic State claims foreign fighter bombed military checkpoint in the Philippines



The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at a military checkpoint in Lamitan, a city in the Basilan province of the Philippines. At least 10 people were killed and several others wounded in the blast, according to initial press reports. The so-called caliphate has posted a picture of the bomber, who is identified as Abu Kathir al-Maghrebi (seen above).

The suicide bomber’s alias indicates that he is from the Maghreb and likely a Moroccan. Indeed, pro-Islamic State Telegram channels said the “martyr” was from Morocco.

According to CNN, military officials blamed the blast on the Abu Sayyaf Group. But this is not inconsistent with the Islamic State’s claim, as the Abu Sayyaf Group’s leaders and several of the group’s “battalions” previously swore their fealty to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The Abu Sayyaf Group, which was once part of al Qaeda’s international network, helped the Islamic State grow in Southeast Asia, providing the self-declared caliphate with access to its local networks.

However, the suicide bomber responsible for today’s blast wasn’t a local — at least not according to the Islamic State’s media team.

The United Nations previously warned that the Philippines had become a destination for foreign fighters after the Islamic State captured the city of Marawi in May 2017. The takeover of Marawi was orchestrated by the so-called Maute Group, another local jihadist outfit that fueled the so-called caliphate’s expansion in the region. Despite losing control of Marawi several months later, the Islamic State remained a threat in the Philippines.

Marawi “emerged as a major symbolic and propaganda victory for” the Islamic State, the UN warned in a reported published this past January. The group’s “affiliates” had “succeeded in occupying an urban area, and, according to Member States, the [Islamic State] threat to the Philippines persists despite the end of the siege and the deaths of senior leaders.”

Citing its Member States, the UN warned that the siege of Marawi “could have long-term repercussions for the region and serve as inspiration for other militants,” as the “publicity value of the siege” was significant. The UN added that the siege had fueled “calls for foreign terrorist fighters to migrate to the region.”

The bombing earlier today highlights the fact that the Islamic State retains an operation arm in the Philippines in spite of significant leadership losses and other setbacks. The organization may well retain some significant connections to the Islamic State’s mothership in Iraq and Syria as well. In April, for example, the US Treasury Department sanctioned a female facilitator for the group named Myrna Mabanza. According to Treasury, Mabanza served as an “intermediary” between jihadists in the Philippines and their comrades in Syria. [See FDD’s Long War Journal report, Treasury sanctions ISIS facilitator based in the Philippines.]

Thomas Joscelyn is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Senior Editor for FDD's Long War Journal.

 

https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2018/07/islamic-state-claims-foreign-fighter-bombed-military-checkpoint-in-philippines.php

PH Navy to conduct comprehensive test of MPAC weapons

From Update Philippines (Aug 2): PH Navy to conduct comprehensive test of MPAC weapons

 Once weather conditions have improved, the Philippine Navy (PN) will conduct a comprehensive test of the Spike-ER surface-to-surface missiles and machine gun systems equipping three of its newly-activated multi-purpose assault craft (MPAC), Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said.



“The test will showcase, test, and affirm the missile-capability of the newly-equipped Boat Attack (BA) Mark III vessels and to inform the general populace and other stakeholders of the PN’s new assets and capabilities,” he added.

The Navy was supposed to test fire its Spike-ER missiles and other MPAC weaponry off Corregidor last July 17, 18, 24 and 26 but inclement weather conditions caused the postponement and rescheduling of the exercise to August.

Aside from the missile-armed boats, the PN will also deploy its AgustaWestland AW-109 attack helicopters which are armed with 2.75-inch rockets and .50 caliber machineguns to showcase the inter-operability of its air and surface assets.

Tentatively, the weapons test will be started by the AW-109 attack helicopters firing its machineguns at designated targets, followed by MPACs firing its guns, followed by another run, using the Spike-ER missiles.

https://www.update.ph/2018/08/ph-navy-conduc-test-mpac-weapons/25313

Philippine indigenous rocket program back on track

From Update Philippines (Aug 3): Philippine indigenous rocket program back on track

United Defense of the Philippines can confirm that this was DOST Balik Scientist and former US Naval aviator Leo Madrid Almazan. The Indigenous Rocket program is back on track.



UDP was granted more information by Leo Madrid Almazan regarding the planned indigenous rocket program and here is what he has to say:

“There will be two groups, the Rocket (Aero/Mechanical) and Sensor/Electronics side (ECE). The plan is to too test launch 5 rockets (1 meter to 2 meters in height first). the first test will just test the solid propellant engine. The second will be a 1 meter rocket with basic sensors (temperature/pressure/altitude). The third will be just under 2 meters long with full sensors including GPS and single parachute recovery. The fourth will be the same length but with dual parachute system. Then the fifth is a 10ft rocket. It is a sounding rocket for weather study.

I will have public releases as we go forward.

https://www.update.ph/2018/08/philippine-indegenous-rocket-program-back-track/25326

If choppers from Jordan do not arrive, Duterte vows resuming salvo of curses

From Rappler (Aug 1): If choppers from Jordan do not arrive, Duterte vows resuming salvo of curses

President threatens to revive his tirades against UN rights chief and Jordanian prince Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein if a donation of choppers does not arrive soon

WORD WAR. President Rodrigo Duterte has called UN High Commissioner on Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein 'emtpy-headed.' Zeid file photo from Johan Ordonez/AFP; Duterte file photo from Malacañang

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte's patience appears to be wearing thin.

The Philippine leader said he would resume his tirades against Jordanian prince Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, the United Nations human rights chief, if Manila does not receive two choppers from Jordan soon.

"Hanggang ngayon wala pa yung helicopter. Bantay kayo, sir (Until now the choppers haven't arrived. You watch, sir)," he said on Tuesday, July 31 during the National Security Council anniversary.

"'Pag hindi dumating 'yun, tuloy ko talaga yung mura (If that doesn't arrive, I'll continue with the cursing)," he added.

Duterte had previously said he agreed to tone down his remarks about Zeid since the Philippine government was trying to seal a donation from Jordan of two Cobra attack helicopters.

The donation was the result of talks led by National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr who was the official who asked Duterte to practice more restraint when speaking of Zeid, cousin of Jordan’s King Abdullah.

Esperon was present during Duterte's Tuesday speech.

Duterte did not mention when he wanted the refurbished Bell AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters from Jordan to arrive. Esperon had previously pegged their cost at $18 million (P942 million) each.

Duterte has called Zeid "empty-headed" and told him to "shut up" after the UN official said the Philippine leader needs "psychiatric evaluation."

Zeid has also been critical of Duterte's campaign against illegal drugs.

A recent Social Weather Stations survey found that a majority of Filipinos found Duterte "bastos" (rude) for insulting Zeid.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/208646-duterte-warning-resume-insults-jordanian-prince

IN PHOTOS: 6 Chinese ships guarding Panatag Shoal

From Rappler (Aug 1): IN PHOTOS: 6 Chinese ships guarding Panatag Shoal

Only one Philippine fishing vessel is spotted miles away from Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal)

FLYING OVER. Photos by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Six Chinese vessels were spotted guarding Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal), or Bajo de Masinloc, as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) completed another flight over Philippine waters on Wednesday morning, August 1.

Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Of the 6 Chinese vessels, two ships were spotted at the mouth of Panatag while 4 others surrounded the perimeter.

Only one Philippine fishing vessel was spotted miles away from Panatag.

 

 

 

 

This lone Philippine fishing vessel continues to sail these waters.

 

The PCG conducts these maritime domain awareness flights at least once a week over different islands in the West Philippine Sea. These flights ensure the continuous monitoring of activities in Philippine waters, and to protect Filipino fishermen as well as their livelihood.

 



https://www.rappler.com/nation/208655-photos-chinese-ships-guarding-scarborough-shoal

Army nabs Islamic teacher in Basilan

From Rappler (Aug 2): Army nabs Islamic teacher in Basilan

Relatives of Indalin Jainul deny initial claims he was involved in the July 31 car blast

DETAINED. Indalin Jainul at the Lamitan City police station. Contributed photo

BASILAN, Philippines – The military has arrested an Islamic teacher alleged to have been involved in the recent car blast outside of Lamitan City that killed 10 people on July 31.

Arrested in Barangay Maganda in Lamitan City was Indalin Jainul, 58, an ustad who teaches at a madrasah in a village here. Soldiers said they caught him with a grenade.

Jainul’s cousin Jahra Sattra said Jainul had been missing since the day of the blast, and they only learned about his detention at the Lamitan police station last Wednesday, August 1.

Sattra denied that Jainul was involved in the blast.

The police said they have readied a criminal complaint against the suspect for multiple murder, multiple serious physical injuries, and violation of the anti-explosives law. No other details were available as of posting.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said that the van explosion had indications of a suicide bombing.
 

The driver of the van, who died in the explosion, appeared to be a foreigner and did not speak the local language, according to the military's witnesses.

The military blamed the Abu Sayyaf for the blast.

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/208695-army-arrests-indalin-jainul-linked-to-basilan-blast

Photo: Awaiting Demobilization

From MindaNews (Jul 29): Photo: Awaiting Demobilization



Young MILF fighters join the Consultative Assembly on the Bangsamoro Organic Law in Camp Darapanan in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on July 29, 2018. The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro provides for the full disarmament and demobilization of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces after the full implementation of the peace deal. MindaNews photo by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO

http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2018/07/awaiting-demobilization/

Photo: Bangsamoro flaglets

From MindaNews (Jul 29): Photo: Bangsamoro flaglets



Supporters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) wave Bangsamoro flaglets during the Bangsamoro Consultative Assembly on the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao inside Camp Darapanan in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on 29 July 2018. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

 http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2018/07/bangsamoro-flaglets/

MILF vows to help defeat terrorists

From MindaNews (Aug 2): MILF vows to help defeat terrorists

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will go after terrorists who derail efforts to bring peace and stability in Mindanao, MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim announced on Thursday.

Condemning the lethal car bomb explosion in Basilan on Tuesday that killed 11 persons, including the suspected bomber, Murad instructed his commanders to be on full alert for the possibility of more terrorist attacks in the south.

“There will be no compromise with terrorists whose aims are to create chaos, destruction, and bloodshed. No quarters shall be given to them and they must be defeated at once. They must not be allowed to grow,” he said in a statement.

Murad also asked MILF members of the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) to coordinate with their counterparts in the government for possible joint action against terrorists, pursuant to the provisions of relevant agreements.

The CCCH and AHJAG are mechanisms in the Bangsamoro peace process that allow government-MILF coordination or cooperation involving military and anti-crime operations.

On August 1, the MILF Central Committee convened a special session and adopted a resolution, which reads in part: “The MILF Central Committee views with deep concerns the latest upsurge of violence and terrorism in Mindanao particularly in Basilan. The wounds inflicted on our people and peace-loving people of Marawi City on May 23 last year are still unhealed and aching; and here again, signs are clear: The terrorists are not yet down and out. Collectively and individually, we condemn this dastardly act as well as all other forms of violent extremism.”

The resolution also called on members of the MILF to be vigilant at all times and work together to oppose and defeat religious extremism.

The deadly explosion came less than a week after President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which seeks to establish the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The creation of the new Bangsamoro political entity is the key component of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, which the government and the MILF signed in 2014.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/08/milf-vows-to-help-defeat-terrorists/

ISIS claims responsibility for the Basilan suicide bombing

From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 2): ISIS claims responsibility for the Basilan suicide bombing

The Islamic State on Wednesday claimed responsibility for a suicide attack in the southern Philippine province of Basilan that left over a dozen casualties.

In a post on its Amaq News Agency, the Islamic State said a Moroccan man carried out the daring assault against Filipino soldiers in Lamitan City on Tuesday and has identified the executor of the suicide bombing as Abu Katheer al Maghribi.


Abu Katheer al Maghribi

“A martyrdom attack leads to 15 Filipino soldiers being killed in the city of Lamitan on the island of Basilan in the southern Philippines,” it said.





Philippine authorities said 11 people were killed when a car bomb exploded at a security checkpoint after government militias stopped the suspicious vehicle in Bulanting village, about 2 kilometers away from downtown Lamitan.

The Philippine military tried to downplay the explosion, saying, there was no proof that it was a suicide attack despite several witnesses reports claiming witnesses had seen the bomber before he detonated his van. Lamitan Vice Mayor Roderick Furigay, quoting a report, also said that the driver appeared to be a foreigner and could not speak the local dialect when stopped by soldiers at the army checkpoint.

The powerful explosion obliterated the vehicle and left a huge crater and among those killed were a woman and a child; and the militia commander whose unit is under the supervision of the Philippine Army. Five soldiers and several civilians were also wounded in the explosion.

Reports said the bomber came from a nearby town and heading to downtown Lamitan when his vehicle was stopped at the checkpoint.

Governor Mujiv Hataman, of the Muslim autonomous region, has strongly condemned the violence. He said a total of 11 people were killed in the blast.

“We condemn this brazen act of violence against our people, and trust that we will exert every effort to help the families affected by this incident and we will strengthen efforts to secure our region without compromising the rights of the Bangsamoro.”

“We mourn the loss of lives in this senseless attack to our safety, and we continue to thank those who have devoted and continue to devote their lives to securing peace in the Bangsamoro. The commitment to rights and safety of our people that we share with them defines our collective efforts, and we continue to stand and work with them as we seek justice for those who have lost their lives to conflict and violence,” he said.

Hataman also downplayed claims by the Islamic State, saying, it was propaganda by the terror group. “Mahilig naman mag-claim mga yan. Mga yan mahilig din mag-propaganda. Hindi naman suicide yun kasi nasita,” he told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

The province is a also known stronghold of the militant group Abu Sayyaf whose leaders have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. Several foreign fighters had been killed in clashes with soldiers in Basilan in recent years.

The Philippine military earlier urged the public to be on alert and stay vigilant at all times following attempts by pro-ISIS militants to bomb civilian targets in the restive southern region.

President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly called on militants to talk peace and also promised amnesty and financial aid if they surrender to the government.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/isis-claims-responsibility-for-the-basilan-suicide-bombing/

PH Navy sailors capable of passing submarine training

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 2): PH Navy sailors capable of passing submarine training

While training Philippine Navy (PN) officers and enlisted personnel on submarine operations will take time, the ongoing "Rim of the Pacific" (RIMPAC) exercises in Hawaii validates the Filipino sailors' skills in modern naval warfare, a Navy official said.

"Of course training for submarine takes time, we are already taking initial steps in preparing to have submarine capability," Navy spokesperson Cmdr. Jonathan Zata said when asked Thursday if PN sailors can be trained to be skilled submarine crewmen.

"This involves examining our doctrines, organization, training, material, etc. so that we could properly and adequately handle new capabilities," he added.

Aside from submarine operations training, the PN's participation in RIMPAC, which started June 27 and will end on August 2, highlighted the Navy's capability to sail in the Asia-Pacific.

"Also the exercise validates our ability to extend our operational reach outwards the Asia-Pacific," Zata said.

Two ships, the strategic sealift vessel BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) and frigate BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), an AgustaWestland AW-109 naval helicopter, and around 700 marines and sailors participated in this year's RIMPAC.

The military assets and units participated in several RIMPAC exercises, which include helicopter cross-decking, live-fire exercises, a special operations training, ground-air-integration, and replenishment-at-sea, among others.

Earlier, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said the acquisition of the country's first submarines will be brought forward to Horizon Two of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP).

The procurement of the naval craft was earlier scheduled for Horizon Three, which is expected to run from 2023 to 2028 while Horizon Two is scheduled from 2018 to 2022.

The budget for the program is roughly placed at PHP300 billion.

Horizon One covered the period 2013 to 2017 and resulted in the acquisition of the three Del Pilar-class frigates, 12 FA-50PH light-lift interim fighters, and two strategic sealift vessels, to name a few.

Zata said submarines are a great equalizer in the country's naval arsenal once acquired.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1043491

Army joins 'DAGIT-PA' joint military exercise

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 2): Army joins 'DAGIT-PA' joint military exercise

In line with the ongoing efforts to develop a military capability on joint operations, the Philippine Army (PA) announced that it has participated for the first time in the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Joint Exercise (AJEX), dubbed as "Dagat, Langit at Lupa" (DAGIT-PA).

Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva, Army spokesperson, said the military joint exercise, which formally started at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija Wednesday, is the original inter-operability drill between the Air Force and Navy - with the integration of the PA and the AFP Special Forces this year.

DAGIT-PA, which would end Friday, is also being conducted in the Palawan-based Western Command and the Tarlac-headquartered Northern Luzon Command area-of-operations.

"It is a unilateral exercise focusing on the development of the AFP capability on joint operations," Villanueva added.

PA participation is focused on the conduct of command post and field training activities that are anchored on Territorial Defense and Internal Security Operations.

"The Army always put premium on training to achieve efficiency in the conduct of ground operations and to enhance personnel capacity as well as unit capabilities as part of joint and combined forces that will enable them to readily respond to address contingencies across the mission areas," Villanueva said.

Participating PA units include the Army Support Command with its Explosive and Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear units, Training and Doctrine Command, Mechanized Infantry Division, Fort Magsaysay Army Station Hospital, 500th Engineer Combat Battalion, K-9 Battalion, Army Artillery Regiment, Army Signal Regiment, Civil Military Operation Regiment, and Army Aviation Battalion.

In addition, the 7th Infantry Division, aside from serving as host of the exercise, also participated - along with the AFP Special Operations Command with its Special Operation Forces component.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1043477

IED could have exploded prematurely: Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 2): IED could have exploded prematurely: Lorenzana

While believing the blast in Lamitan, Basilan is the handiwork of the Abu Sayyaf Group terrorists, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana hinted that the bomb could have prematurely exploded near the military checkpoint that intercepted the van carrying the improvised explosive device (IED).

"It could be a bombing mission in Lamitan by the ASG but the bomb prematurely exploded at the military checkpoint. We are still getting more info," he said in a text message to reporters Wednesday night.

Earlier, the DND chief lauded the sacrifices made by military personnel, who were killed while preventing the van containing the IED from reaching its intended target in Lamitan City.

"It is important to note that the explosive did not reach its intended objective because of our alert security forces. Sadly, some of them paid the ultimate price for protecting our people. Our hearts reach out to all the loved ones they have left behind," he added.

Tuesday's IED blast resulted in the deaths of 10 people, including the driver of the van loaded with the bombs, while seven others were wounded.

The fatalities included a soldier, four militiamen and four civilians, who were militia dependents.

Earlier reports placed the number of dead at 11 but this was later updated to 10 by the military.

Initial reports said the van suddenly exploded while the troops were about to inspect it at a checkpoint in the boundaries of barangays (villages) Bulanting, Colonia and Maganda in Lamitan City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1043488

Military in C. Mindanao on high alert following Lamitan blast

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 1): Military in C. Mindanao on high alert following Lamitan blast

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- The Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) here has maintained a high alert status following Tuesday’s blast incident in Lamitan City, Basilan that left 10 (not 11 as earlier reported) persons dead.

“As always, we are on high alert at all times considering that Mindanao is under martial law,” Capt. Arvin John Encinas, 6ID spokesperson, told Philippine News Agency in an interview Wednesday.

Encinas said they are specifically monitoring the movements of the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) within the so-called “SPMS box,” referring to the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak-Pagatin (Datu Saudi), Mamasapano, and Datu Salibo, in Maguindanao’s second district.

In North Cotabato, government forces are also closely monitoring the  activities of communist New People’s Army guerrillas in the peripheries of Magpet, Makilala, Antipas and Arakan towns.

“Military operations against them are still very much in place,” he said.

On July 19, police and military authorities foiled a bombing attempt in Cotabato City, seizing a powerful improvised explosive device found inside a passenger van in Barangay Awang here. The 6ID said the bomb composition, fashioned from an 81mm mortar projectile with mobile phone as trigger mechanism, bore the signature style of the BIFF.

“We believe that the BIFF was behind the attempt to divert continuous military operations against them in Maguindanao,” Encinas said.

On Tuesday, 11 persons, including a suspected suicide bomber, were killed in a car bomb explosion at the military’s Magkawit detachment in the boundaries of Barangays Bulanting, Colonia, and Maganda in Lamitan. Five others were hurt in the blast.

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor (ARMM) Mujiv Hataman condemned the Lamitan City blast, describing it as a brazen attack on the Bangsamoro people.

“We will exert every effort to help the families affected by this incident and we will strengthen efforts to secure our region without compromising the rights of the Bangsamoro,” Hataman said in a statement.

The 6ID area of responsibility includes the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and parts of Sultan Kudarat and Lanao del Sur.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1043334

Zambo Norte town officials turn over 25 loose firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 1): Zambo Norte town officials turn over 25 loose firearms

Barangay officials in the town of Godod, Zamboanga del Norte on Tuesday have surrendered 25 loose firearms to military authorities. (Photo courtesy: First Infantry Division PIO)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Village officials of Godod town, Zamboanga del Norte, have surrendered 25 loose firearms to government authorities, a top military official said Wednesday.

Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, the Army’s First Infantry Division commander, said Godod municipal Mayor Abel Matildo led the turnover of the loose firearms in a ceremony held on Tuesday at the town’s gymnasium.

Murillo said the firearms were received by Col. Bagnus Gaerlan, commander of the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade. The unlicensed guns consisted of an M-14 rifle; a caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle; three M-16 Armalite rifles; two M-79 Grenade Launchers; a Carbine rifle; 10 homemade shotguns; a caliber .45 pistol; and six caliber .38 revolvers.

The surrender of the loose firearms was made possible through the joint efforts of the military, police, municipal and barangay officials of Godod and other stakeholders, the Army offcial said.

“The mass surrender and turn-over of loose firearms will minimize violent incidents and atrocities in our area of responsibility. Peaceful municipality will also attract investors, which means more job and employment will be created that would lead into a progressive locality,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1043420