PNP: Jolo blasts considered solved

From Tempo (Feb 5. 2019): PNP: Jolo blasts considered solved

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) disclosed Tuesday that the twin explosions at a cathedral in Jolo, Sulu, last month has already been solved with the surrender of the five suspects and the filing of charges against them.
 

However, Senior Superintendent Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, noted that the case cannot be considered “closed” yet as deeper investigation is still being conducted to arrest at least 14 other suspects, including Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.

“This case is solved but not yet closed. This means that the suspects were already placed under police custody and the charges against them were already filed. We cannot close the case yet because pursuit operations are still on-going against the other at-large suspects,” Banac said.

The twin explosions occured at Our Lady of Mount Carmel on January 27 which resulted in the death of 23 persons.

Over the weekend, five suspects linked to the twin bomb attacks at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral surrendered to authorities, according to PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde.

They were identified as Kammah Pae alias Kammah, from Abu Sayyaf Group-affiliated Ajang-Ajang; Albaji Kisae alias Awag and his sons Rajan Bakil alias Radjan and Kaisar Bakil alias Isal; and Salit Alih alias Papong.

Charges for 23 counts of murder, 95 counts of frustrated murder, and damage to property were filed against them and 14 other suspects before the Sulu Provinvial Prosecutor’s Office on Monday.

Other respondents include Sawadjaan, Usman Absarah, Barak Ingog, Makrim Abisi, Bapah Absara, one alias Ebing, and several John and Jane Does.

Earlier, Albayalde said Kammah Pae and his cohorts were “forced” to surrender “out of fear for their lives” because of the massive pursuit operations being conducted by the police and military.

Albayalde also noted that Kammah Pae admitted to being part of the Ajang-Ajang Group but denied his involvement in the Jolo cathedral bombing.

Banac, for his part, maintained that the “Kammah” they had in custody is the same person that the police and military have been hunting all along.

On the other hand, he said the police and military will continue to work on “further developments” of the case.

“Our coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is continuous. We have created a special investigation task group [SITG Mount Carmel] to monitor further developments,” Banac said.

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent Edgar Monsalve, Intelligence Group (IG) director, confidently said that the suspect “Kammah” they identified through intelligence monitoring and the “Kammah” who surrendered to authorities “is one and the same person.”

http://tempo.com.ph/2019/02/05/pnp-jolo-blasts-considered-solved/

Philippines ‘facing a new wave of terror’: Experts

From the Arab News (Feb 4. 2019): Philippines ‘facing a new wave of terror’: Experts



Director General Oscar Albayalde of the Philippine National Police at a news conference Monday to announce the surrender of five suspected Abu Sayyaf militants. (AP)

On Jan. 27 the bombing of a Roman Catholic cathedral on Sulu island left 23 dead and more than 100 injured

Security analysts say Manila urgently needs new counterinsurgency strategy

 

The Philippines is facing the threat of a new wave of terror attacks following the recent cathedral bombing which killed 23 people, security experts have warned.

A new counterterrorism strategy is urgently required to combat an influx of Daesh-inspired foreign fighters who are expected to launch further raids over the coming months.

Rohan Gunaratna, a professor of security studies at Nanyang Technological University, in Singapore, told Arab News that since the five-month siege of the Philippine city of Marawi in 2017, the threat from Daesh-linked militants has spread to other regions of Mindanao.

The Philippine authorities declared victory against Daesh in the country after government forces won a bloody battle to liberate Marawi from insurgents led by the Maute Group.

But Gunaratna said that since then, the regeneration of Daesh in the Philippines has created an environment for the flow of foreign terrorist fighters into the country. And unless the government immediately addresses the situation, he warned of more attacks like last month’s deadly bombing of the Roman Catholic cathedral on Jolo Island, Sulu province, which also injured more than 100 people.

“The Philippines is facing a new phase of threat influenced by foreign fighters, ideologies, and funding,” Gunaratna said. “Manila needs a new counterinsurgency strategy to restore strategic peace in Mindanao. Otherwise, the progress made to create a Bangsamoro entity (an autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao) will be negated.”

He said the strategy should be to contain, isolate and eliminate the main four Daesh-centric groups identified as posing the greatest terrorism threat to the Philippines.

“They present a long-term threat to the stability to the region. There is no better opportunity than to do so immediately after the Sulu attack,” he added.

Sidney Jones, director of the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict, in Jakarta, backed up Gunaratna’s views.

Jones said it was a mistake to think “that military means could defeat an ideology that has taken root among some groups in Mindanao.” The militants driven from Marawi have remained active, he told Arab News.

Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has already admitted that the country has been monitoring foreign fighters from Malaysia, Indonesia, Morocco, Yemen, and Pakistan who are in Sulu, Basilan, and Central Mindanao. There have also been reports of the presence of a foreign fighter from Singapore and a suspected Egyptian suicide bomber.

Lorenzana said Daesh-linked groups in the Philippines had been actively recruiting foreign fighters, and an intelligence report obtained by Arab News recently also indicated that one commander had been communicating with potential recruits via social media.

The Philippines is working closely with foreign governments, particularly the US, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, in the fight against terrorism, said Lorenzana.

In a forum at the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday, Lorenzana said that the US had been swift to help following the cathedral bombing. “They helped us immediately, but they were (also) helping us track these terrorists even before the bombing,” he added. Singapore had also offered information on possible perpetrators.

Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines are “infested by terrorists,” Lorenzana said. “But we are all in this together and we have agreed to fight this together.”

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Monday that one of the main suspects in the Jolo bombing, Kammah Pae, and four others are now in police custody.

Aside from Pae, the four other suspects are all said to be members of the terror cell Ajang Ajang, part of the Abu Sayyaf group.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1447121/world

Indonesia offers help to the Philippines to identify Jolo bombers

From Xinhua (Feb 5, 2019): Indonesia offers help to the Philippines to identify Jolo bombers

Philippine Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano said on Tuesday that Indonesia has expressed willingness to help Philippine authorities identify the Indonesian "suicide bombers" that carried out the twin blasts on Jan. 27 which left 23 people dead and more than 100 others wounded.

"It is officially confirmed that (the Jolo incident) was a case of suicide bombing. The bombers for both explosions are Indonesian couple," Ano said.

The conclusion is based on post blast and forensic investigation as well as the testimonies of survivors, Ano said.

He said authorities are in the process of identifying the Indonesian bombers. "It may take time. The Indonesian government is willing to assist," he added.

On last Monday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) filed multiple murder and frustrated murder charges against alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf Group suspected of plotting the Jolo blasts.

PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said the five suspects led by Kamah Pae have surrendered to police over the last weekend.

The PNP also filed charges against 14 other suspects still at large, including the group's leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, alias "Imam".

All suspects are facing 23 counts of murder, 95 counts of frustrated murder, and a case of damage to property, according to Albayalde.

Albayalde said that the suspects were part of a 22-member Abu Sayyaf band led by Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.

Three other suspects, including two suicide bombers believed to be Indonesian male and females, have died.

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-02/05/c_137800584.htm

Naval Forces hold donning of ranks, awarding ceremonies

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Feb 5, 2019): Naval Forces hold donning of ranks, awarding ceremonies



ZAMBOANGA. Rear Admiral Rene Medina, Naval Forces Western Mindanao command chief (left), pins medal to a sailor during the Donning of Ranks and Awards on Monday, February 4, at the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon. (Contributed photo)

THE Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) has donned ranks and awards to the Fleet-Marine Personnel for gallantry in action while in the performance of their mandated tasks.

Rear Admiral Rene Medina, NFWM commander, led the donning of ranks to the newly promoted enlisted personnel and awarding ceremony to the gallant sailors and marines held on Monday, February 4, at the NFWM headquarters in Zamboanga City. The award of Bronze Cross Medal was given to Marine Battalion Landing Team-11 (MBLT-11) and 83rd Inshore Boat Company of the Inshore Boat Battalion for the successful conduct of raid operations on November 23, 2018 which led to the neutralization of Alias Abu Nibras, a known Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf Bomb maker.

Alias Abu Nibras was behind the July 2018 Lamitan City bombing incident that killed 10 people, including five militiamen.

The members of the Seaborn Patrol Unit of Naval Station Romulo Espaldon also received the award of Bronze Cross Medal for the successful search and rescue operations of the victims of a distressed motor boat on October 20, 2018 near Maasin village, this city.

Military Merit Medal is given to the officers and men of Philippine Marine Ready Force-Sulu (PMRF-S) for services rendered during the conduct of security operations assisting the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the January 21 plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Military Merit Medal was also given to the officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees of NFWM for attaining the highest rating among other Naval Operating Forces during the conduct of Annual General Inspection 2018.

The members of basketball team and the men and women volleyball team of NFWW also received the award of Military Commendation Medal for participating and winning as 1st Runner up during the Inter-Government Agency Basketball and Volleyball tournament organized by the city government October 2018 to January 2019.

Medina congratulated and commended the sailors and marines who were just promoted to the higher rank as well as the awardees for the exemplary performance of their duty.

Meanwhile, Medina condemned the recent bombing of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu and grenade attack on a mosque in Zamboanga City.

“We in Team Navforwem is doing the best we can to help our operators in the ground in pursuing those perpetrators and prevent the same incident to happen again,” Medina said.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1786225/Zamboanga/Local-News/Naval-Forces-hold-donning-of-ranks-awarding-ceremonies

Army’s 4ID new commander installed

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Feb 5, 2019): Army’s 4ID new commander installed

THE Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division on Tuesday, February 05, installed a new commander to head the military force in Caraga and Northern Mindanao regions.

The new commander, Brigadier General Franco Nemesio Gacal, officially assumed office in a change of command ceremony held Tuesday at Camp Evangelista, Barangay Patag, Cagayan de Oro City. Gacal, a native of General Santos City, is the former 402nd Brigade commander in Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte.

He replaced Major General Ronald Villanueva, who took his post as the 4ID commander in August 2017. Late last year, Villanueva also serve as commander Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) in an acting capacity.

Villanueva has sought for an early retirement.

Under Villanueva's leadership, about 468 New People's Army (NPA) surrendered and another 570 militia ng bayan and 3,150 NPA supporters also surrendered.

Gacal, as brigade commander caused the surrender of about 139 NPA rebels, 142 militia ng bayan, and another 1,256 NPA supporters in his area of responsibility.

He vowed to sustain the gains of the previous leadership and reduce the number of NPA rebels by stopping the cycle of recruitment.

“We will embark on a peaceful war, a non-kinetic war to defeat the enemy. We need reconciliation, we need peace-building,” he said.

“Maganda lahat ng aspirations ng Region 10 and 13, economic and social progress so kailangan ng collaboration with our government agencies,” he added.

Gacal also warned that the military will use its power against those who challenge the government and his leadership.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1786241/Cagayan-De-Oro/Local-News/Armys-4ID-new-commander-installed

Police recover explosive device in Surigao Sur

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Feb 5, 2019): Police recover explosive device in Surigao Sur



SURIGAO DEL SUR. The Explosive Ordnance Division team recovered an improvised explosive device in a national highway of Marihatag, Surigao del Sur. (Contributed photo)

AN ANTI-TANK improvised explosive device (IED) was unearthed along the national highway of Barangay Amontay, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur last Friday, February 1.

Authorities recovered one anti-tank IED buried along the said national highway with a dimension of eight inches diameter, one foot height and weighs up to seven kilos. An excavation of the Department of Public Works and Highways which started on January 28 led to the recovery of the anti-tank IED with wiring and a blasting cap.

A team from the Explosive Ordnance Division disarmed and removed the said IED.

The explosive device was turned over to the Philippine Army for proper disposition.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1786244/Cagayan-De-Oro/Local-News/Police-recover-explosive-device-in-Surigao-Sur

Two explosions in Lanao del Norte

From Malaya Business Insight (Feb 6, 2019): Two explosions in Lanao del Norte

TWO explosions rocked Lanao del Norte yesterday, eve of the plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

No one was reported killed or injured in the blasts.

One occurred at the back of Kauswagan town hall at around 4:50 p.m., said Col. Alex Aduca, spokesman of the Task Force Plebisito of the Army’s 3n2 Mechanized Brigade.

Aduco said the improvised explosive device (IED), placed in a bag, was left under a dump truck.

Aduco said the second IED explosion occurred around 4:35 p.m. in front of a gas station in Barangay Maranding in Lala town.

“We’re still confirming who is behind these,” said Aduco.

Asked if the blasts were related to the BOL plebiscite, Aduco said: “That’s one of the angles were looking into – peace spoilers who want to sow fear.”

Aduco expressed confidence no further bombings will occur “because we already intensified our checkpoint operations and our patrols.”

https://malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/two-explosions-lanao-del-norte

Año: Jolo cathedral attack a case of suicide bombing

From Malaya Business Insight (Feb 6, 2019): Año: Jolo cathedral attack a case of suicide bombing

INTERIOR Secretary Eduardo Año yesterday said the bomb attack at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo town in Sulu on January 27 is a case of suicide bombing involving an Indonesian couple.

“It’s officially confirmed that it’s a case of suicide bombing,” Año said referring to the twin bombings at the church, which killed 23 persons and injured about 100 others.

Año said the conclusion was based on the “post-blast and forensic investigation, as well as the testimonies of survivors.” The investigation was conducted by the police.

The cathedral attack is the second case of suicide bombing in the country. The first was in July last year when a Moroccan blew himself up in Lamitan City, killing 11 people. Officials initially denied the Lamitan incident was a case of suicide bombing.

Año said the cathedral bombers are an Indonesian husband and wife couple.

He said the Indonesian government “is willing to assist” in the identification of the two.

Intelligence reports said the couple, identified by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier as Yemenis, linked up with the group of Abu Sayyaf leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan after arriving in Sulu from Indonesia.

The two, prior to the blasts, were escorted to Jolo by Kammah Pae alias Kamah, a member of the Ajang-Ajang which is a group associated with the Abu Sayyaf.

Pae and four other suspects surrendered to authorities on Saturday and Sunday. PNP chief Oscar Albayalde said Monday Pae did not admit participation in the attack but his cohorts said Pae “escorted” the Indonesians to his (Pae’s) house in Jolo.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has said another man with the name “Kamah” is behind the blasts, and not the one who surrendered last Saturday.

Officials have said about 40 foreign terrorists are in the country, mostly in Sulu and Maguindanao.

The foreign terrorists supposedly include Indonesians, Malaysians, Pakistanis, Moroccans, Egyptians, and Singaporeans.

Año said the foreign terrorists continue to teach Filipino terrorists on suicide bombing.

“By showing and doing these suicide bombings, they are expecting the Filipino Muslim terrorists would follow soon. They underestimate the influence of Filipino culture on our Muslim brothers,” he said.PNP spokesman Senior Supt. Bernard Banac said the police force considers the Jolo bombing case as solved but not yet closed.

“We’ve arrested the (five) suspects and filed charges against them so the case is solved but it does not necessarily mean it’s closed because we continue to pursue other suspects. We continue to pursue them as of now,” he said.

Police said there are 14 other suspects in the blasts, including Sawadjaan, who Banac said masterminded the attack. Soldiers clashed with Sawadjaan’s group in Patikul on Saturday. The clash left five soldiers and three terrorists dead.

Banac said Kamah, during questioning, denied any involvement in the bombing “but his four companions admitted that he is their leader.”

Banac maintained that Kamah and his companions provided transportation and food to the Indonesian couple “until the bombing of the Sulu cathedral was consummated.”

“It’s his right to deny the charges against him. That is his right. But because of the testimony and evidence we gathered against him, we included him in the case (that was filed),” Banac said.

https://malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/a%C3%B1o-jolo-cathedral-attack-case-suicide-bombing

Maguindanao bomb blast misses candidate’s convoy

From Malaya Business Insight (Feb 6, 2019): Maguindanao bomb blast misses candidate’s convoy

AN improvised bomb exploded in Talayan town in Maguindanao yesterday, barely missing the convoy of former town mayor Datu Ali Midtimbang Sr. who is running for mayor in the May elections.

PNP spokesman Senior Supt. Bernard Banac said one person sustained minor injuries.

Banac said the bomb, placed in a motorcycle, exploded at around 11:45 a.m. The motorcycle was parked on the side of the national highway in Sitio Nes in Barangay Tambunan.

He said initial investigation showed two unidentified men on board two motorcycles “stopped, parked one motorcycle on the side of the road, and pretended to buy fruits from a nearby makeshift store.”

They left aboard one motorcycle.

The motorcycle that was left behind exploded moments later, Banac said, when the convoy of Midtimbang “was passing by, and barely a few meters away.” No one was reported hurt from Midtimbang’s convoy.

The injured person was fruit vendor Sera Mangelen, 25, a resident of the town.

Responding bomb experts from the Army and the Talayan town police recovered bomb components from the blast site.

Asked if the attack was politically motivated, Banac said, “It’s hard to speculate. We’re still determining (the motive). But based on the initial investigation, we are now in the election period so it could be a reason to harm anyone.”

Maj. Arvin Encinas, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the blast site was about 100 meters from a checkpoint manned by soldiers.

https://malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/maguindanao-bomb-blast-misses-candidate%E2%80%99s-convoy

WESTMINCOM: JTF Zamboanga prepares for youth peace camp

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) (Feb 4, 2019): JTF Zamboanga prepares for youth peace camp



A consultative meeting was conducted by the Civil Military Operation officer of Joint Task Force Zamboanga with 22 youth leaders of the city at the Detachment of the Alpha Company, 11th Infantry Battalion at 2pm yesterday (February 3, 2019).



The meeting was done purposely to discuss the Youth Leadership Seminar overview and the preparations for the upcoming Gawad Kalinga Youth Peace Camp.

Also present in the said activity was Mr. Judy Selloriquez of the Gawad Kalinga/Youth for Peace Movement and Mr. Jufel Pacana of the Crime Watch Volunteers of Zamboanga City.

http://www.westmincom.com/jtf-zamboanga-prepares-for-youth-peace-camp/

WESTMINCOM: With lamps in their hands, soldiers win battle in Maguindanao

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) (Feb 4, 2019): With lamps in their hands, soldiers win battle in Maguindanao



With lamps as their weapon, troops from the 33rd Infantry Battalion successfully operated in a remote village in southern Liguasan Marsh to free the villagers from the infiltration of darkness on January 25, 2019.

The army soldiers handed over solar torches that works both as a flash light and lamp to each and every household in the village as part of the “Light a Barangay” project.

Since the start of this project, the troops of the 33IB led by Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc have already provided 32 solar lamp posts and 300 solar flashlights and still continuously conducting social and civic operations in the different villages of Maguindanao including the former armed conflict-affected area of Barangay Midpandacan, General Salipada K. Pendatun which bring them closer to the populace.

“Gaining the people’s trust, we facilitated the surrender of 41 members of the notorious drug syndicates in Bulod without employing coercive military operations. They have also collaborated with us in confronting the Dawlah Islamiya Toraife Group,” Lieutenant Colonel Cabunoc said.

 http://www.westmincom.com/with-lamps-in-their-hands-soldiers-win-battle-in-maguindanao/

WESTMINCOM: BIFF sub-commander and his followers surrender in Maguindanao

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) (Feb 4, 2019): BIFF sub-commander and his followers surrender in Maguindanao



One (1) Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) sub-commander under Karialan faction and nine (9) of his members who surrendered to the troops of the 601st Infantry Brigade in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao were presented to Joint Task Force Central/6th Infantry Division Commander Major General Cirilito E. Sobejana by 601st Brigade Commander Brigadier General Diosdado C. Carreon at the Officer’s Club House of the 6th Infantry Division in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao yesterday (February 3, 2019).



Commander Gani Saligan, 4th Brigade Commander of 2nd Division, BIFF and his followers namely; Rafael Asim, Ksain Bantilan, Alex Datungan, Aladin Saligan, Longs Bantilan, Elmer Mangatog, Alan Saligan, Muhammid Maslamama, and Kanaw Maslamama submitted themselves to the government forces on February 1, bringing along with them their high-powered firearms including one 50 Caliber Barret rifle, Ultimax 5.56mm rifle, M14 rifle, and 45 Caliber pistol with assorted magazines and ammunitions.
“I want to live a peaceful life with my family. There are promises from our leadership that did not happen,” said Saligan.

“Even our organization has its problems, particularly the leadership,” Saligan added.

“The surrender of the rebels is a breakthrough in countering violent extremism considering that there are still members of the outlawed group who desired to return to the folds of law,” Major General Sobejana said.

“We encourage other members of the BIFF as this is a good opportunity for them to live a better life and eye-opener that the soldiers will not hurt them, but instead, we will provide a necessary assistance and care to include health services.”

“We will help the surrenderors to go back to their normal lives by assisting them in getting livelihood opportunities through the local government. Each individual initially received 10,000 pesos as assistance from the provincial government of Maguindanao.”

“We will also ensure their safety and security as these people won’t be lured to join the rebel group again,” Major General Sobejana added.

As of this date, a total of 53 BIFF members surrendered to the 6th Infantry Division.

“I commend the troops of the Joint Task Force Central under MGen Sobejana for their unfaltering campaign against terrorism in their area of operation,” said Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“Though there are unexpected circumstances that disrupt our mission, the Armed Forces is still gaining grounds in our intensified operations against radicalism and terrorism,” he added.

http://www.westmincom.com/biff-sub-commander-and-his-followers-surrender-in-maguindanao/

EASTMINCOM: Surrender continues to weaken NPA

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Website (Feb 5, 2019): Surrender continues to weaken NPA


NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) noted surrender remains the main NPA neutralization during the first month of the year.

This was reflected in a briefing made by MGen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command to Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. during the latter's visit in Headquarters EMC in Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan Davao City on February 5, 2019,

MGen. Santos Jr., in his report, accounted for 37 NPA regular members and 26 members of the Militiang Bayan from January 1- 31, 2019 in the whole area of EMC. In their surrender, they brought along with them 33 assorted firearms.



Additionally, MGen. Santos' report reflects that troops figured in 20 encounters wherein nine NPA regulars were killed while 3 others were arrested leading to the capture of 25 various firearms.

The visit of the CSAFP is part of his situational assessment and way of issuing operational guidance in peace and security effort of the AFP.

MGen Santos during the conference vowed to sustain the pressure against the terrorist group and operational gains of EMC and reechoed to all units through a directive to continue the effort in peace constituency building and harness the support of the other agency through Executive Order 70 to address the socio-economic dimension of the insurgency.



"We shall take advantage of the operational gains of the Command in building conflict resilient communities. While we continue to eliminate the threat of armed conflict, we should work an extra mile to prepare our communities in a post-conflict scenario to cut the cycle of insurgency in our area of responsibility once and for all and contribute to the overall objective of the PRRD to bring sustainable peace in the country." MGen Santos said.

Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command

http://www.eastmincomafp.com.ph/2019/02/surrender-continues-to-weaken-npa.html

2 explosions hit Lanao del Norte on eve of BOL plebiscite

From Rappler (Feb 5, 2019): 2 explosions hit Lanao del Norte on eve of BOL plebiscite

No casualties have been reported so far

 

 

EXPLOSIONS. Amy and police operators secure the explosion site along the national highway in Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte. Photo by Bobby Lagsa/Rappler

LANAO DEL NORTE, Philippines – Two grenade explosions occurred here on Tuesday, February 5, a day before the second leg of the Bangsamoro plebiscite.

One of the explosions occurred in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, around 4:50 pm Tuesday. No casualties were reported.

"The explosive was emplaced under a dump truck parked at the back of the municipal hall," said Col. Thomas Sedano, the 2nd Mechanized Brigade commander.

"Currently the area was already cordoned while the elements of PNP Explosive Ordnance Division were conducting investigation to determine the kind of explosive and identify culprits of the incident," Sedano added.

Another explosion occurred near a Petron gasoline station along the national highway in Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte.

There were no recorded casualties as well. Authorities are still verifying what type of fragmentation exploded. (READ: Comelec: Security is 'main concern' in BOL plebiscite on February 6)

The explosion in Maranding occurred after K9 units inspected vehicles parked outside the Christ the King Church an hour earlier.

Witnesses outside the church said that K9 units sat on the suspected motorcyle, forcing authorities to take the motorcycle and bring it to the Lanao del Norte Provincial Police Headquarters for inspection.

"Everything is under control, and we encourage everyone not to panic and exercise their right to vote," said Major General Roseller Murillo, 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan commander.

"Rest assured that the Tabak troopers and PNPs will respond to any eventualities that will emerge during and after the BOL election," Murillo added.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/222770-explosions-lanao-del-norte-eve-bangsamoro-plebiscite-february-5-2019

Why the second Bangsamoro plebiscite matters

From Rappler (Feb 5, 2019): Why the second Bangsamoro plebiscite matters

 

The February 6 plebiscite in areas in Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato is more than just the final hurdle for advocates of the new Bangsamoro region. Here's why.

 

 

HISTORIC PLEBISCITE. The second part of the plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law is set for February 6, 2019. File photo by Martin San Diego/Rappler

LANAO DEL NORTE, Philippines – Residents of areas in Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato will have their chance to decide whether or not they want to join a new and powerful Muslim region on Wednesday, February 6.

 

It is the final hurdle to seeing the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which seeks to replace – and outdo – the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Residents in Lanao del Norte, except Iligan City, and 7 towns in North Cotabato will be asked if they agree to having key areas of their provinces included in the new Bangsamoro region.

 

The vote on Wednesday makes for the second voting day in the Bangsamoro plebiscite. It follows the first voting day last January 21, which saw a majority of residents in the ARMM and Cotabato City vote in favor of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

 

But if the BOL was already ratified and the BARMM already created, why does this second vote still matter?

 

1. It will ensure a larger BARMM with greater territory.

 

If majority of residents in Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato vote in favor of the BARMM, 6 Lanao del Norte towns and 67 North Cotabato barangays would be added to the new Bangsamoro region's territory.

 

Along with Cotabato City's "yes" vote, this would ensure that the BARMM will cover more areas than the ARMM.

 

For University of the Philippines Islamic Studies professor Julkipli Wadi, this is important because the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) would be heading a truly new autonomous region. (WATCH: Rappler Talk: MILF chief Murad on hopes, challenges for the Bangsamoro vote)

 

"If they will not be able to get these areas, it would mean it is only in Cotabato that the MILF had got, which would not really speak of the MILF as heading a new territory," Wadi said.

 

However, getting these territories to join the BARMM will not be easy.

 

The vote faces the difficult challenge of winning a double majority. This means residents in both the areas seeking inclusion and their mother units need to vote "yes" to their being a part of the BARMM.

 

If majority of residents in either the concerned municipalities or the province vote no, the area will not be part of the Bangsamoro region.

 

Institute for Autonomy and Governance executive director Ben Bacani said Wednesday's vote in Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato also present a second chance for voters to voice their sentiments on joining a new autonomous region. These areas previously voted to be included in the ARMM during the 2001 plebiscite under Republic Act No. 9054, but their mother units rejected it.

 

"They said yes in the last plebiscite. So it is significant in the sense that there is now an opportunity to recognize, if this is self-determination, their voice," Bacani said.

 

2. The MILF is up against the ruling and powerful Dimaporo clan.

 

While the MILF has a strong presence in the 6 Lanao del Norte municipalities vying for inclusion – Tagoloan, Balo-i, Pantar, Munai, Nunungan, and Tangcal – it is up against the powerful Dimaporo clan which has ruled the province for over 4 decades.

In a video message posted on Facebook last Thursday, January 31, controversial MILF commander Abdullah Macapaar, known as Commander Bravo, urged residents to vote "yes" for peace. The alternative, he said, would be a "violation of our right to live in peace."

 

On the eve of the plebiscite, Lanao del Norte 2nd District Representative Abdullah Dimaporo told Rappler that he expects a landslide win for the "no" vote in the province.

 

Dimaporo is banking on the majority Christian population to troop to the polls. He's convinced they will vote in favor of exclusion as they had delivered votes in support of his family for years.

 

He likewise downplayed the majority "yes" vote seen among the youth who make up 45% of voters in Lanao del Norte, saying they would still be outnumbered by the Christian vote.

 

Dimaporo added that residents are also not fully convinced by the BOL's promise of peace, as the province had been attacked by the MILF in 2000, 2003, and 2008.

 

Unlike in Cotabato City where the presence of MILF members was tolerated, Lanao del Norte residents openly showed opposition upon seeing MILF observers who traveled to the province to guard the vote. (WATCH: Groups engage in standoff on eve of BOL plebiscite in Lanao del Norte)

 

Despite the tension in the province, both the MILF and the Dimaporos said they would respect the outcome of the vote.

 

"It would be to the best interest of everybody that the democratic process be respected and the results be respected," Bacani said. (READ: More than 2,000 soldiers, cops to secure Bangsamoro plebiscite in Lanao del Norte)

 

3. Lanao del Norte hosts MILF camps key to the decommissioning process.

 

The second part of the Bangsamoro plebiscite is also crucial because the 6 Lanao del Norte towns eyed for inclusion in the BARMM are where camps of the MILF are located.

 

Bacani said seeing their inclusion in the Bangsamoro region would also mean seeing the smoother transition of MILF members from rebels to civilians.

 

"If these [areas] get into the whole BARMM, it's part of the whole mainstreaming also of the MILF. Especially in Lanao, kung saan very active si Commander Bravo (where Commander Bravo is very active)," Bacani said.

 

The decommissioning process, where rebels lay down their arms in exchange for social and livelihood programs, started as early as 2015. It was part of the peace deal between the MILF and the Philippine government which made the ratification of the BOL possible.

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/222773-why-february-6-2019-bangsamoro-plebiscite-matters