Suspected terror fund facilitator caught using remittance centers

From Rappler (Feb 16, 2024): Suspected terror fund facilitator caught using remittance centers (By JOHN SITCHON)

Emmett Manantan of the Anti-Money Laundering Council confirmed that the suspect Myrna Mabanza used money service businesses to transfer funds to members of the Abu Sayyaf Group

CEBU, Philippines – Law enforcers said Friday, February 16, that Myrna Mabanza, the suspected fund facilitator of Islamic State (IS) forces in the Philippines who was arrested Thursday, used several remittance agencies to finance terrorist activities.

“The amounts involved were from money service businesses. These are the remittance agencies that we identified through intelligence and investigation conducted,” lawyer Emmett Manantan of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said in a press conference Friday.

Based on reports from law enforcers, Mabanza received money overseas from sources in Malaysia, Turkey, Jordan, Indonesia, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

“Other than receiving money from foreign terrorist sources, Myrna Mabanza is also instrumental in collating these money and then, remitting them to local members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Basilan,” said Department of Justice (DOJ) Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Rex Gingoyon.

Authorities said that Mabanza worked with other facilitators for the movement of the funds.

Gingoyon cited a report that detailed how Mabanza had allegedly remitted money to a certain Norkisa Omar Asnanul, a respondent to the case filed against Mabanza. Asnanul was arrested in December 2023.

“She (Mabanza)m sent P8,000, P8,000, and P50,000 on three occasions and this was through money remittances… when the money remittances were used, it is then where the AMLC was able to flag her down,” Gingoyon said.

DOJ undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty said that the funds were used to purchase weapons, combat trainers, and to bankroll the travel of fighters from foreign countries.

Besides Asnanul, a suspected terrorist combatant Marsan Ahaddin Ajijul currently detained in Malaysia, was also named as a respondent in Mabanza’s case.

After she was arrested on Thursday, in Sulu, Mabanza was detained at the Regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Group headquarters in Zamboanga City.

As of this writing, the DOJ is conducting an evaluation of the security conditions prior to conducting a trial in Zamboanga City.

“Myrna Mabanza is a high-profile person. The facilities in Zamboanga might not be enough to contain her considering that she has numerous relatives in the Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (ZamBaSulTa) area,” Gingoyon said.

“Transferring it to Manila, to the facilities in Taguig would ensure that she would be properly guarded under the strictest security protocols and we do have the regional trial courts in Manila and the anti-terrorism courts in Taguig,” said Gingoyon.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/suspected-terror-fund-facilitator-used-remittance-centers/

Sulu residents led cops to lair of woman tagged as 'terrorist'

From the Philippine Star (Feb 16, 2024): Sulu residents led cops to lair of woman tagged as 'terrorist' (John Unson)

Myrna Ajilul Mabanza did not resist arrest when policemen and soldiers arrived at her hideout and served her the warrants for her arrest.  Photo courtesy of Philstar.com / John Unson


COTABATO CITY — The support of Muslim clerics in Sulu helped government operatives arrest the most wanted terrorist in the Bangsamoro region, linked to transnational terror groups.

The director of the Bangsamoro regional police, Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza, and Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, commander of the Philippine Army, separately told reporters on Friday that they are grateful to Sulu’s Islamic religious community and local executives for leading state security operatives to the hideout of the 32-year-old Myrna Ajilul Mabanza in Barangay Pasil in Indanan. She was arrested Barangay Pasil in Indanan town in the province on Thursday.

Nobleza said the administration of Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan also helped locate Mabanza in Indanan, now a markedly peaceful town, long cleared from presence of Abu Sayyaf terrorists via joint peace initiatives of PRO-BAR, municipal and provincial officials and the military’s Western Mindanao Command.

Police officials in Sulu reported to PRO-BAR late Thursday that Tausug community elders and religious leaders had confirmed that Mabanza, a former teacher, had functioned years before as a conduit for funds from abroad for the now virtually inactive Abu Sayyaf group in Sulu.

More than 500 Abu Sayyaf members in Sulu had surrendered in batches via local government units in the province since 2016, all reintegrated into mainstream society.

“To all the civilians who helped work out the arrest of Mabanza, we are thankful,” Galido told reporters on Friday morning via text message.

Mabanza is an elder sister of Omar, implicated in deadly bombings in Sulu and was arrested on Feb. 17, 2023 by a combined police and Army team in Sitio Sapa Dulian in Barangay Calabasa in Zamboanga City.

Nobleza said they have tightened security in areas in the Bangsamoro region where there are few remaining members of the Dawlah Islamiya in anticipation of possible “sympathy attacks” for the arrest of Mabanza in Sulu.

Mabanza was charged for the violation of the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 and the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 in a court in Zamboanga City that issued warrants for her arrest that Army and police officials served her in Barangay Pasil last Thursday.

Mabanza voluntarily yielded when agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, personnel of intelligence units from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and officials of different PRO-BAR units arrived at her hideout and showed her copies of the warrants for her arrest.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/02/16/2333853/sulu-residents-led-cops-lair-woman-tagged-terrorist

US Marine Corps planes complete delivery of relief packs to Davao Oro

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16, 2024): US Marine Corps planes complete delivery of relief packs to Davao Oro (By Priam Nepomuceno)

HELP ON THE WAY. A US Marine Corps KC-130J "Super Hercules" cargo aircraft unloads family food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development at the Davao Air Station in Davao City on Thursday (Feb. 15, 2024). The AFP said the two KC-130J "Super Hercules" cargo aircraft of the USMC have transported 15,400 family food packs for landslide-affected areas in Davao de Oro province. (Photo courtesy of the AFP)

MANILA – Two KC-130J " Super Hercules" cargo aircraft of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) have completed their mission of delivering more than 15,000 family food packs to landslide-affected areas in Davao de Oro province, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Friday.

"As of Feb. 15, a total of 15,400 family food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development were transported using two USMC KC-130J Hercules aircraft, which ensured the prompt delivery of aid to communities in need," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement.

The two USMC KC-130Js began their mission on Feb. 12.

Trinidad said the presence of allied forces offered hope and support to people affected by the calamity and manifested the enduring bond between the US and the Philippines in times of need.

Meanwhile, AFP Chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., thanked the US for its assistance in relief operations in calamity-hit areas in Mindanao.

Brawner noted that these instances highlight the importance of prepositioning humanitarian assistance and disaster relief equipment, supplies, and relief goods in Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in similar situations in the future.

"Through EDCA, the improvements in our bases and the prepositioned US assets will allow us to respond quickly and more efficiently in the future. Together with our ally and fellow Filipinos, we will strive to ensure that no one is left behind in our journey toward recovery and resilience," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218966

PCG, BFAR start rotational deployment of ships in Bajo de Masinloc

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16, 2024): PCG, BFAR start rotational deployment of ships in Bajo de Masinloc (By Priam Nepomuceno)

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año (PNA file photo)

MANILA – A regular rotational deployment of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ships in Bajo de Masinloc (also known as Scarborough Shoal) will take place starting this month, National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año said on Friday.

In a statement, Año said the move is part of efforts to secure Filipino fisherfolk in these waters and to help achieve the government's vision of food security, which is a pivotal element in national development under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s "Bagong Pilipinas" governance brand.

"The Philippine government has taken decisive action to protect the rights and safety of Filipino fishermen in the waters of Bajo De Masinloc (BDM)," Año said.

Earlier, the PCG multi-role response vessel, BRP Magbanua (MRRV-9701) completed a successful nine-day patrol in Bajo de Masinloc from Feb. 1 to 9, while the BFAR multi-role offshore patrol ship, BRP Tamblot (MRROV-3005) has also been patrolling since Feb. 14.

Año said these efforts were to ensure the safety and security of our Filipino fishermen in their traditional fishing grounds.

"Further, both PCG and BFAR were also directed to distribute food packs, groceries, and even fuel to support the fishermen in sustaining their activities in the vicinity of BDM," he added.

Año, meanwhile, dismissed reports of the China Coast Guard's claims that it "expelled a BFAR vessel and PCG vessel that allegedly intruded into their waters."

"The National Security Council (NSC) reaffirms the Philippines' sovereign rights and jurisdiction over Bajo de Masinloc and its surrounding waters within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ). These rights are recognized under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award," said Año, also the head of the NSC.

He added that the activities of the Filipino fishermen and the PCG and BFAR vessels in the Bajo de Masinloc were fully compliant with national laws and consistent with the Philippines' position on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Any attempts by state actors to intimidate or drive away our fishermen are clear violations of international law and disregard the decision of the arbitral award, Año said.

"Despite these challenges, the PCG and BFAR vessels will maintain professionalism in dealing with any unlawful and provocative behavior exhibited by China Coast Guard and the Chinese Maritime Militia vessels. This includes responding to dangerous and blocking maneuvers that blatantly disregard the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972," he noted.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218994

DOJ mulls Manila trial for suspected terrorist nabbed in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16, 2024): DOJ mulls Manila trial for suspected terrorist nabbed in Sulu (By Benjamin Pulta)

Myrna Mabanza (Photo courtesy of PNP Public Information Office)

MANILA – State prosecutors on Friday said they may opt to ask for a change of venue of the trial of suspected terrorist Myrna Mabanza to Manila due to “security concerns.”

In a press briefing, Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Rassendell Gingoyon of the Department of Justice Anti-Terrorist Unit noted that following the arrest of the Mabanza, who is accused of facilitating the transfer of funds to international terrorist groups, the next step would be her arraignment in Zamboanga.

"As to the security concerns of Myrna Mabanza, we are currently conducting an evaluation if it would be better to maintain that trial in Zamboanga or to transfer it to Manila considering that Myrna Mabanza is a high-profile person. The facilities in Zamboanga might not be able to be enough to contain her considering she has numerous relatives in the Zambasulta (Zamboanga, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi) area," Gingoyon said.

He said transferring her to Manila to a facility in Taguig City would ensure that she would be properly guarded under the security protocols, including access to the Regional Trial Courts in Manila, and the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) courts in Taguig and Quezon City that are equipped to handle her case.

"At the moment we are still evaluating what is the best option for the government if it would be in Zamboanga or in Manila because we have to consider the transportation cost of the panel of prosecutors and the witnesses going to Zamboanga or the cost of transferring Myrna one time from Zamboanga to Manila,” Gingoyon said.

“What we can assure you is that the Anti Money Laundering Council (AMLC), the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and the DOJ are fully prepared to handle the case whether it is in Zamboanga RTC or Manila RTC," he added.

Gingoyon said Mabanza’s arrest is an indication that although her crimes happened several years ago, the efforts of the government in going after terrorist financiers or organizations are relentless.

“The government does not forget whether this took place in 2012, 2018. The government is fully prepared to go after these individuals and prosecute them until we can get a conviction," he said.

Meanwhile, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Undersecretary Gilberto DC Cruz said the Marcos administration is committed to ensuring peace in Mindanao as typified by the arrest of Mabanza.

Cruz said learning from previous experiences, the Philippine National Police is now keeping a closer watch on the registration of high-powered firearms following an incident a few years back when privately purchased AK-47s ended up with rebel groups.

Some of the money which Mabanza allegedly facilitated to terror groups were used to buy firearms locally, officials said.

"We have improved on the system in keeping records on where these guns go," Cruz said.

Mabanza was arrested in Brgy. Pasil, Indanan, Sulu on February 15 in a law enforcement operation by elements of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, NICA, and AMLC, and supported by the PAOCC.

She has standing arrest warrants for five counts of violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 10168 (The Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012) and RA No. 11479 (The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020), all issued on Dec. 20, 2023 in Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur with no bail recommended.

Mabanza was declared by the United States Defense Department as a specially designated global terrorist along with the Islamic State (ISIS) founder Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi and the late Abu Sayyaf Group leader and ISIS emir in the Philippines Isnilon Hapilon.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218996

India markets defense equipment in PH; offers soft loan

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16, 2024): India markets defense equipment in PH; offers soft loan (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

DEFENSE EQUIPMENT. Filipino and Indian delegates interact during the first-ever India-Philippines defense industry seminar at the Shangri-La The Fort on Friday (Feb. 16, 2024). The Indian Embassy-led event also featured a B2B component where attendees discussed business opportunities in the sector. (PNA photo by Robert Alfiler)

MANILA – The Indian government has brought to Manila a business delegation to showcase its homegrown military technologies and equipment and scope out possible defense industry tie-ups with the Philippines.

At the Indian Embassy-led defense industry seminar in Makati City on Friday, at least 18 Indian companies presented to Filipino stakeholders and officials of the Department of National Defense a number of possible defense exports, ranging from aircrafts, drones, helicopters down to artificial intelligence-based technologies.

“Like India, Philippines has to devote the bulk of its resources to development programs. So our share for national security, which is also a pressing requirement, is always constrained,” Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran said.

“So within that constraint framework, if you're looking at a realistic option, then I would suggest that India is a very good option,” he added, citing the cutting-edge technology and competitive prices Indian defense equipment can offer.

Among the companies present were DCM Shriram Industries Ltd, Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Mahindra Emirates Vehicle Armouring FZ LLC, MKU Limited, and Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited.

In the same event, Kumaran expressed hope that New Delhi could be part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ third phase of modernization, citing its successful deal on the BrahMos cruise missile system that he said would be delivered "soon".

“We obviously had a successful conclusion of contract on missile systems. We hope that this could be considered,” he said.

“We have naval systems, we have fighter aircraft, we have a broad range of capabilities on the Indian side — helicopters, attack helicopters, land systems, artillery systems — and some of those would match with the capabilities you are looking to acquire in the Horizon 3,” he added.

Horizon 3 was initially scheduled from 2023 to 2028 while Horizon 2 was from 2018 to 2022.

The business-to-business component of the event also opened up possible opportunities for partnerships on capacity building, especially as the Philippines seeks to create a self-reliant defense posture.

On this aspect, Kumaran said India is committed to “walk the talk” and help the Philippines enhance its capabilities.

“As two democracies, India and the Philippines have to work together to ensure that we create a regional and global environment that will allow us to address the fundamental requirements of our two nations — that is to create the enabling environment for our countries to grow,” he said.

“We are both peaceful nations. We do not crave other people's territory, other people's waters, but we will not see efforts that try to limit our access to our territory and our resources either. So we have to go beyond the talk,” he added.

‘On the table’

Kumaran also reaffirmed that India’s loan offer to help the country fund its defense modernization is still on the table.

“Our offer is very much on the table. We have announced our intent to offer a soft loan for defense procurements and this could also cover activities that would eventually extend to some sort of joint industrial activity,” he said.

The line of credit being offered by India is a soft loan provided on concessional interest rates to developing countries based on the national priorities of the borrowing countries.

The broad terms of the Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) line credits are 1.75 percent, with a 20-year tenor and five-year moratorium.

Over the past years, interactions on defense and security between India and the Philippines have been on the upswing.

In a bilateral meeting in 2023, the two nations sought to further upgrade official level interaction among defense agencies and expand training and joint exercises on maritime security and disaster response.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219005

PBBM to gov’t troops: Be ‘peacemakers’ while serving as ‘war fighters’

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16, 2024): PBBM to gov’t troops: Be ‘peacemakers’ while serving as ‘war fighters’ (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

(File photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday called on the military to take a new approach in addressing internal conflict, encouraging them to become “peacemakers” while fighting rebel groups.

Speaking to troops during his visit to Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Marcos cited the need for the government forces to seek peace, as much as possible, to avoid possible armed conflict with insurgents.

“Iba ang ating approach sa ating (We have different approach in our) internal conflicts that we have within the Philippines at hinihingi natin sa ating mga sundalo ay kailangan maging (and we are asking our soldiers to be) war fighter and we still need war fighters and we still need the courage and the bravery and the sacrifice that you have shown,” Marcos said in a speech delivered at the of the headquarters of 401st Infantry Brigade (IB).

“But now there is an additional dimension to the job that you have. ‘Yung mission ninyo ay hindi lang ‘yung giyera kung hindi (is not just about waging a war, but) you have to be also peacemakers at (and) they must remember that kahit papaano, ang kaharap natin, Pilipino din yan (somehow, we are fighting against our fellow Filipinos),” he added.

Marcos also urged the military to support government programs providing livelihood, land, shelter assistance to rebels wanting to return to the fold of the law.

This, as he lauded the soldiers for their efforts to improve the security situation in the Caraga Region.

“Congratulations for the good work that you have done. Kagaya nga nang sinulat ko doon sa (Just like what I write in the) guestbook, keep up the good work. Congratulations sa inyong (to your) successes,” he said.

Joint Task Force (JTF) Diamond (4th Infantry Division), composed of the Army’s 401st, 402nd, 403rd, and 901st IB, covers most parts of Caraga and Northern Mindanao.

The JTF Diamond’s accomplishments included the neutralization of 200 communist rebels or terrorists and seizure of 311 firearms.

About 144 of the 200 rebels surrendered, 44 were killed, and 12 were captured.

From 2021 to present, the troops under the 4th ID helped facilitate the surrender of 2,596 former rebels, with 2,167 or 83 percent of them already awarded with benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

The E-CLIP grants financial assistance, livelihood training and grants, firearm remuneration, and housing and education assistance to former rebels.

There is a reported downtrend in the presence of insurgents in the JTF Diamond’s area of responsibility, from 437 rebels in the first quarter of 2023, showing a decline by 28.6 percent to 312, as of Feb. 15, 2024.

Amid the military’s anti-insurgency campaign, two regional insurgent groups with a total of 312 members and 306 firearms have retreated to the mountains and no longer influence nearby villages.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219014

81st Inf Bn: Encounter between the army and a terrorist group in the town of Bula

From the Philippine Army 81st Infantry Battalion Facebook Page (Feb 13, 2024): Engkwentro sa pagitan ng kasundaluhan at teroristang grupo sa Bayan ng Bula (Encounter between the army and a terrorist group in the town of Bula)

Isang sagupaan ang naganap sa pagitan ng teroristang grupo at 81st Infantry Battalion sa Brgy. La Purisima, Bula, Camarines Sur ngayong araw, ika-12 ng Pebrero, taong kasalukuyan.

Dahil sa mga sumbong ng mga mamamayan ukol sa presensya ng mga teroristang grupo sa lugar, agad na kumilos ang kasundaluhan na nagresulta sa isang engkwentro laban sa teroristang grupo. Nakatakas ang mga ito sa iba't ibang direksiyon matapos ang bakbakan na tumagal ng humigit-kumulang dalawampung minuto at naiwan nila ang isang improvised explosive device (IED), kalahating sako ng bigas, mga kagamitang panluto, at iba pang mga gamit.

Nagpasalamat naman si Lt. Col. Julio D. Binuhhi, Commanding Officer ng 81IB, sa tulong at kooperasyon ng mga residente sa pagbibigay ng agarang impormasyon sa kinaroroonan ng mga nasabing terorista. Dagdag pa niya ang panawagan sa mga natitirang miyembro ng mga teroristang grupo na sumuko at magbalik loob na sa ating gobyerno, tangkilikin ang programang E-CLIP ng pamahalaan, at mamuhay ng mapayapa kasama ang kanilang pamilya.

https://www.facebook.com/81InfantryBatallion/posts/pfbid0MWGxpCFX2CfgGaK6ByPLUfsnjcHuNknWyEZM7eTD5vt76YEaz6cKFtApeiHDGwsRl?fbclid=IwAR0IFhX2sAoQoOqFa73DwUYylsI5akxK3bhorZQfSYkG6_09kEbIgKSpZ5U

https://www.facebook.com/81InfantryBatallion

AFP: U.S. aircraft deliver more relief packs to Mindanao

From the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (Feb 15, 2024): U.S. aircraft deliver more relief packs to Mindanao

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The United States Marine Corps, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other government agencies, delivered more Family Food Packs to the landslide-affected areas in Davao de Oro.

 
As of February 15, a total of 15,400 Family Food Packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development were transported using two (2) USMC KC-130J Hercules aircraft, which ensured the prompt delivery of aid to communities in need.

As the relief mission progressed in Mindanao, the presence of the allied forces offered hope and support to those affected and demonstrated the enduring bond between the US and the Philippines in times of need.

"We are deeply thankful for the support rendered by the US in our relief operations. Their assistance truly helped aid the affected communities in Mindanao," Gen. Brawner Jr. said, as he emphasized the prepositioning of HADR equipment, supplies and relief goods in the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in similar situations in the future.

"Through EDCA, the improvements in our bases and the prepositioned US assets will allow us to respond quickly and more efficiently in the future. Together with our ally and fellow Filipinos, we will strive to ensure that no one is left behind in our journey toward recovery and resilience," Gen. Brawner added.///

#OneAFPOnePHILIPPINES
#StrongAFPStrongPHILIPPINES
#AFPyoucanTRUST

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=767950402034039&set=pcb.767950955367317

https://www.facebook.com/armedforcesofthephilippines

Woman accused of being terror fund facilitator arrested in Sulu

From Rappler (Feb 15, 2024): Woman accused of being terror fund facilitator arrested in Sulu (By JOHN SITCHON)

The woman is identified as a ‘specially designated global terrorist’ by the US and listed by the United Nations Security Council for her alleged links to the Al-Qaeda

CEBU, Philippines – Authorities arrested a 32-year-old woman, identified as a terrorist in the United States and suspected of facilitating the transfer of funds to Islamic State (IS) forces in the Philippines, in Sulu province on Thursday, February 15.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) identified the suspect as Myrna Mabanza, who is facing five counts of terrorism financing based on the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 and the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

Members of various law enforcement and military groups arrested Mabanza during an operation conducted in Barangay Pasil, Indanan town at around 5:50 am, based on warrants issued by Judge Shaldilyn Bara Bangsaja of Branch 33 of the Regional Trial Court in Region IX in Zamboanga City on December 20, 2023. No bail bond was recommended.

Authorities immediately took Mabanza from Sulu to Zamboanga City for presentation to a court which ordered her arrested.

The PAOCC and PNP said Mabanza was involved in facilitating the transfer of up to US$107,000 with the late Isnilon Hapilon, then the “emir” of the IS in Southeast Asia, in January 2016.

Authorities alleged that Hapilon had also given her instructions to deliver funds to an ISIS member.

Hapilon, who was on the list of most wanted terrorists in the US, was killed along with Maute Group leader Omar Maute during the 2017 Marawi Siege.

Authorities said Mabanza served as an intermediary between the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Hapilon’s group in early 2016.

In 2018, the US labeled Mabanza a ”specially designated global terrorist” for allegedly participating in financing activities in support of ISIL. She was also included in the list of the United Nations Security Council for her alleged associations with ISIL and Al-Qaeda.

They also alleged that Mabanza had facilitated the travel of a Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) representative from Indonesia to the Philippines to meet with Hapilon.

The IS-inspired JAD is an Indonesian group that has been linked to bomb attacks, including the Jolo Cathedral bombing in 2019.

“The JAD representative traveled to the Philippines to purchase arms for ISIS-aligned forces in Indonesia and to set up training courses for pro-ISIS recruits from Indonesia with ISIS-Philippines,” the report read.

In a 2019 Rappler report, Mabanza was identified as a teacher in a public school in Zamboanga City who was married to the late Malaysian bomb maker and Ansar al-Shariah Battalion head Mohammad Najib Hussein, also known as Abu Anas.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/woman-terror-fund-facilitator-arrested-sulu-february-15-2024/

Gov’t assistance for 38 former rebels in Negros

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 16, 2024): Gov’t assistance for 38 former rebels in Negros (By  GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson turns over financial assistance of P10,000 to a former rebel, in the presence of Col. Victor Llapitan, 303IB deputy commander, Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte,94IB commander, PLt. Col. Anthony Grande, Himamaylan City police chief.* PA photo

Thirty-eight former New People’s Army rebels received financial and educational assistance of P10,000 each on February 14 from the Task Force ELCAC (Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict) of Himamaylan City, in Negros Occidental.

In a statement, the 303rd Infantry Brigade said the giving of the financial assistance, through the AICS (Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, as facilitated by the administration of Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson. It intends to provide immediate support to the families affected by the local armed conflict who are displaced from their homes.

Through this intervention, the P10,000 financial assistance given to former rebels will serve as initial support to sustain their daily needs while their Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits are being processed, the statement of 303IB further said.

Tongson was assisted by Col. Victor Llapitan, deputy commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, Lt. Col. Anthony Grande, Himamaylan City police chief, Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94IB commander, and Social Welfare and Development Officer Ever Grace Castro, in the distribution of financial assistance to former rebels, which was held at the Himamaylan City Hall.

The former rebels also received social hygiene, family, sleeping and kitchen kits.

Llapitan lauded the unwavering support of the Himamaylan City government to the former rebels and congratulated them for making the right decision in returning to the folds of the law.

“The financial and educational assistance extended by the local government unit and the City TF-ELCAC is a solid proof that the Himamaylan LGU is sincere in its commitment to allowing former rebels to start anew, reintegrate with the community, live normal lives again, and be united with their families and loved ones,” he added.

Llapitan also urged former rebels to help in convincing NPA remnants to surrender.*

https://visayandailystar.com/govt-assistance-for-38-former-rebels-in-negros/

Japanese envoy attends Mindanao project launch for peace and security

From the Mindanao Times (Feb 15, 2024): Japanese envoy attends Mindanao project launch for peace and security (By CONTRIBUTOR)

 


JAPANESE Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko attended the launch of the project “Enhancing and Sustaining Peace and Security Mechanisms in Mindanao, Philippines” on Feb. 14 with Sr. Usec. Isidro L. Prisima, deputy presidential advisor on peace, reconciliation and unity, Cesar Yano, peace implementing panel co-chair, and International Organization for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission Tristan Burnett.

Also in attendance were co-chairs of the Joint Peace and Security Committee (JPSC) Francisco Ariel Felicidario III and Abunawas Maslamama.

The Government of Japan will provide a total of USD 2.58 million to further capacitate the Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST), which is a peace-keeping force composed of members from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) established with a mission to maintain peace and order in Mindanao during the transitional period.

Under the 12-month project, the IOM will develop modules for refresher training of JPST members and training of trainers (ToT), provide vehicles, motorcycles, and communications/logistics tools for JPSTs, rehabilitate at least 4 JPST stations, and provide livelihood training and kits for at least 4 CBOs/Cooperatives to improve the vulnerable community members and JPST-MILF members.

The project is expected to have a positive impact on the peace and security in the communities where a total of 24 JPSTs are deployed, not to mention the direct beneficiaries of approximately 720 JPST members.

Back in 2019, the Government of Japan supported the establishment of 10 JPST stations under the project “Assistance for the Normalization Process of the Decommissioning of MILF Combatants and for Security Enforcement in the Peace Process” through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).



In his speech, Ambassador Koshikawa conveyed the hope “that the strengthened JPSTs will be able to perform their duties with more ease and confidence, especially with the approach of the 2025 Bangsamoro Parliament election.”

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/japanese-envoy-attends-mindanao-project-launch-for-peace-and-security/

Soldiers carry sacks of food packs for six hours for isolated community

From the Mindanao Times (Feb 15, 2024): Soldiers carry sacks of food packs for six hours for isolated community (By RHODA GRACE)

 


SOLDIERS from the 25th Infantry Battalion walked for six hours and delivered 71 sacks of 355 food packs to Sitio Cagan, Barangay Andap in New Bataan, Davao de Oro on Tuesday.

The soldiers painstakingly carried the relief goods, according to Brig Gen Ronnie Babac, commander of 1001st Infantry Brigade.

Sito Cagan was isolated after its road networks were buried by the landslide due to the weather disturbances affecting the province.

“Your sacrifices and willingness to help the people in need is worthy of emulation. Indeed, you have shown that we as soldiers are not only defenders of freedom but also an active partner of the LGUs and humanity, especially during these trying times,” Babac said, addressing the troops.

It can be recalled that the provinces of Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte were stricken by two weather disturbances starting in the early part of the year – a shear Line on Jan. 15 and a trough of the low-pressure area on Jan. 29.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/soldiers-carry-sacks-of-food-packs-for-six-hours-for-isolated-community/

NTF-ELCAC vital in govt. peace efforts

From the Mindanao Examiner (Feb 15, 2023): NTF-ELCAC vital in govt. peace efforts

CEBU CITY – Localized peace dialogues organized by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) are a big boost in gaining the people’s trust in the government, said Army Lt. General Benedict Arevalo, chief of the Visayas Command.

Arevalo said the task force empowers citizens to take the lead to pursue their community’s peace and development.



Army Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo (left), chief of the Visayas Command, and his deputy commander Commodore Oscar Canlas Jr. during a news briefing in Cebu. (Photo by Visayas Command)

“Much of what we have accomplished is attributed to the Task Force through its peace dialogue mechanism, community development initiatives, and local government empowerment endeavors,” he said.

Arevalo underscored the need for a platform for the whole-of-government approach in solving the decades-old insurgency problem. He even cited that through the localized peace dialogues of NTF-ELCAC, over 200 communist rebels surrendered last year.

He said just recently, over a dozen members of the New People’s Army also returned to the fold of the law and yielded eight firearms.

The government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Localized Integration Program also greatly helped former rebels to smoothly transition and reintegrate into mainstream society, according to Arevalo.

He said the 562 Barangay Development Program - an initiative spearheaded by the local government units in the country to promote development in the grassroots level - in the former NPA-infested communities in the entire Visayas region intends to bring sustainable development programs to conflict-prone and conflict-affected communities.

One of the main goals of the Barangay Development Program is to improve the quality of life for residents in conflict-prone and conflict-affected barangays by implementing various projects and programs. (John Rey Saavedra and Cebu Examiner)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2024/02/ntf-elcac-vital-in-govt-peace-efforts.html

U.S. to provide P70-M in aid to calamity areas

From the Mindanao Examiner (Feb 15, 2023): U.S. to provide P70-M in aid to calamity areas

DAVAO DE ORO - The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing nearly P70 million ($1.25 million) in humanitarian aid to respond to the needs of communities affected by severe flooding and landslides in Mindanao.

It said this new funding will provide emergency food, shelter, water, sanitation, and essential hygiene items to support disaster-affected communities in Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, and Davao City in Mindanao.



U.S. Marines and Philippine Air Force service members load Department of Social Welfare and Development family food packs into a C-130 provided by the United States government to support disaster response efforts in Mindanao.

USAID will partner with Catholic Relief Services and Action Against Hunger to ensure this life-saving assistance reaches the most vulnerable groups, including single-parent households, persons with disabilities, pregnant and lactating women, the elderly, low-income families, and indigenous peoples.

In addition, and at the request of the Philippine government, the U.S. Department of Defense, through the III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), provided two C-130s to assist the Philippines Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Philippines Office of Civil Defense, and USAID in delivering 15,000 DSWD food packs to affected families.

Earlier this month, USAID partnered with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the International Organization for Migration to provide emergency shelter for more than 5,000 affected persons. USAID also supported the World Food Programme to transport DSWD food packs to 65,000 families.

The United States government issued a “Declaration of Humanitarian Need” on February 8 that will facilitate support for the Philippine government’s response efforts in Mindanao.

“We are proud to partner with the Philippine government to support the immediate needs of Mindanaoans in the areas hardest hit by the flooding and landslides. This support will help ensure that food and other life-saving supplies reach communities most in need,” USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn said.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, MEF commanding general, said: “Support to our Allies and partners, and their people in a time of need, is a non-negotiable,” said “Working in direct coordination with USAID and the Government of the Philippines, we stand ready to support those who need urgent assistance.”

Between January 28 and February 2, extensive rainfall in Mindanao caused significant flooding and landslides, impacting nearly 1.2 million people. An estimated 795,000 people were displaced with more than 97,600 people sheltering in 380 evacuation centers across Mindanao.

The United States will continue to partner with the Philippine government to respond to natural disasters and support the people of the Philippines in their recovery efforts, according to the U.S. Embassy in Manila. (Mindanao Examiner)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2024/02/us-to-provide-p70-m-in-aid-to-calamity.html