Monday, November 17, 2014

Gov't launches defense transformation roadmap

From the Philippine Star (Nov 17): Gov't launches defense transformation roadmap

The government launched today a 14-year master plan for the transformation of the defense department.

President Benigno S. Aquino III witnessed the unveiling of the Philippine Defense Transformation Roadmap 2028 during the 75th anniversary of the Department of National Defense (DND) in the military's Camp Aguinaldo headquarters in Quezon City, Metro Manila.

He said the roadmap will serve as a master plan to ensure that all the department's initiatives would be fully implemented.

"Under this comprehensive plan, the roadmaps of all the attached agencies of the DND should be in sync with each other so that the transformation of our defense department will be fully realized," he said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and its three major services - Army, Navy and Air Force - are under the DND.

Among the DND's programs are the modernization of the armed forces, the provision of housing units for military personnel, and fixing of the pension system.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/11/17/1393131/govt-launches-defense-transformation-roadmap

CPP/NPA: Kampanyang-militar ng AFP laban sa BHB, bigo at nagtamo ng mga kaswalti sa hangganan ng Nueva Vizcaya at Aurora

NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Nov 16): Kampanyang-militar ng AFP laban sa BHB, bigo at nagtamo ng mga kaswalti sa hangganan ng Nueva Vizcaya at Aurora
Logo.bhb
Rowena Servante
Spokesperson
NPA Aurora Provincial Operations Command (Domingo Erlano Command)
 
Dalawang magkasunod na engkwentro ang naganap sa pagitan ng mga gerilya ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) sa pamamatnugot ng Domingo Erlano Command at mga pasistang tropa ng Philippine Army (PA) sa ilalim ng 703rd Infantry Brigade sa hangganan ng Nueva Vizcaya at Maria Aurora nitong nakalipas na ilang linggo.

Nangyari ang unang labanan noong October 22, 2014 sa Sityo Manial, Barangay Lublob, Alfonso Castaneda Nueva Vizcaya. Naghahanda sa pagpakat ng ambus ang mga nag-ooperasyong sundalo nang maramdaman at madikitan sila ng mga Pulang mandirgma bandang 5:45 ng hapon. Ayon sa balita, sugatan sina Sgt. Benjamin Macarrubo at Pfc. Cristopher Estellore. Ang ikalawang labanan naman ay nangyari nitong November 12 sa kagubatan ng Barangay Galintuja, Maria Aurora, Aurora.
Tumagal ng halos kalahating oras ang palitan ng putok na nagresulta sa pagkakasugat ng dalawang sundalo na ginagamot ngayon sa isang ospital sa Baler. May mga ulat na nagsasabing dalawa ang patay sa mga kaaway at marami pang sugatan na pilit nilang itinatago sa publiko. Samantala, walang natamong pinsala ang panig ng BHB na maayos din namang nakaatras.

Mula ng mangyari ang mga nasabing labanan, gumamit ng malaking bilang ng tropa ang gobyerno para tugisin ang nakasagupa nilang yunit ng BHB na sumasaklaw sa lugar. Binubuo ito ng 3rd IB, 56th IB, Headquarter Service Company ng 703rd Infantry Brigade, 73rd Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC), K9 units, at mga elemento ng Special Forces sa ilalim ng Special Operations Command (SOCOM) na nakabase sa Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija. Pinagbawalan nilang umahon ang mga residente ng Alfonso Castaneda at iba pang mga upland barangays ng Maria Aurora sa kanilang mga kaingin, siluan, at pangalapan. Apektado ang kabuhayan at seguridad ng mga mamamayang nabubulabog ngayon sa isinasagawang malawakang operasyon sa mga nasabing lugar.

Sa harap ng nagpapatuloy na militarisasyon sa kanayunan, lalo lamang nilang ginagatungan ang matagal nang galit at diskuntento ng mamamayan sa malaon na nilang dinaranas na kaapihan at kahirapan. Ang sistematikong pangangamkam ng lupa bunsod ng iba’t-ibang proyektong anti-magsasaka—-tulad ng Aurora Food Production and Agro-Forestry Project (AFPAP) sa Barangay Dianawan at eko-turismo na sumasaklaw ng daan-daang ektarya; pambabarat sa kanilang ani sa kabila ng napakataas na presyo ng mga batayang bilihin; kawalan ng kinakailangang suporta upang paunlarin ang sektor ng agrikultura; at pribatisasyon ng mga serbisyong panlipunan ay ilan lamang sa mga lehitimong dahilan. Wala silang ibang pagpipilian kundi buin ang sariling lakas para ipagtanggol at igiit ang kanilang mga karapatan.
Nagsisilbing inspirasyon at sandigan nila ang BHB laluna sa pinakamataas na antas ng paglaban. Tinatamasa nito ang malalim na tiwala, pagtangkilik at pagtataguyod ng mamamayan kung kaya’t patuloy na nakakairal at sumusulong ang mga rebolusyonaryong gawain nito. Dahil dito, paulit-ulit na nabibigo ang kaaway sa mga pagtatangka nitong durugin ang BHB. At sa mga nabanggit na sagupaan, ipinagbubunyi ng malawak na masang pinaglilingkuran nito ang kabiguan at pinsalang natamo ng mga bayarang sundalo ng estado!

Pinatutunayan ng mga pangyayaring ito ang kasinungalingan at ilusyon ng Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) sa sirang-plakang deklarasyon nito na matagal nang “insurgency-free” ang lalawigan ng Aurora. Malinaw kung para kanino lamang ang sinasabi nilang “kapayapaan at kaunlaran”—-upang pangalagaan at itaguyod ang interes ng mga amo nilang dayuhan at lokal na naghaharing-uri na kinabibilangan ng dinastiyang Angara. Iniinsulto ng punong kumander ng Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) na si Lt.Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr. ang talino ng sambayanang Pilipino sa pag-aakalang mapapaniwala niya ang publiko na nasa panig sila ng mamamayan sa kabila ng kanilang lantarang pagpapakatuta, pandarahas, at maruming rekord. Pilit niyang pinalalabas na ang isinasagawa nilang malawakang operasyon ngayon sa nabanggit na lugar ay “para lamang tugisin ang nalalabing NPA na nangingikil sa ordinaryong mga sibilyang naghahanda para sa nalalapit na kapaskuhan.” Wala na kasi siyang ibang maisip na dahilan upang bigyang-katwiran ang nagaganap na militarisasyon doon, at pagtakpan na rin ang kabiguan nilang pigilan ang pagsulong ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Hanggang nananatili ang mga saligang ugat ng armadong tunggalian sa Pilipinas, hindi natin makakamit ang tunay na kapayapaan at kaunlaran para sa lahat na nakabatay sa hustisya at paggalang sa karapatang-pantao. Sa pagsusulong lamang ng demokratikong rebolusyon ng bayan mahahawan ang landas tungo sa ganap na kalayaan at tunay na demokrasya!

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20141116_kampanyang-militar-ng-afp-laban-sa-bhb-bigo-at-nagtamo-ng-mga-kaswalti-sa-hangganan-ng-nueva-vizcaya-at-aurora

CPP/NPA: Sundalo ng 31st IB, napatay sa operasyong pagdisarma ng NPA

NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Nov 16): Sundalo ng 31st IB, napatay sa operasyong pagdisarma ng NPA


Logo.bhb
Samuel Guerrero
Spokesperson
NPA Sorsogon Provincial Operations Command (Celso Minguez Command)
 
ISANG sundalo ng 31st Infantry Battalion ng Philippine Army ang napatay nang manlaban ito sa isang tim ng New People’s Army na sumita sa kaniya at isa pang kasamahan para disarmahan sila sa Barangay San Antonio, Barcelona, Sorsogon bandang alas-8:00 kaninang umaga.

Ang dalawang sundalo ay kabilang sa tinaguriang Peace and Development Team (PDT) na nakahimpil sa sentro ng naturang barangay mula pa noong Oktubre 22. Hinarang at pinatigil ng NPA ang pampasaherong traysikel na sinasakyan ng dalawang sundalo para kumpiskahin ang kanilang maiiksing baril. Tumalon mula sa sasakyan at bumunot ng baril ang isang sundalo kaya naobliga ang mga Pulang mandirigma na putukan at mapatay siya. Sinamsam ng NPA ang kanyang pistolang kalibre .45.

Ang isa pang sundalo ay nagsumiksik sa mga sibilyang kasakay niya sa traysikel habang umiiyak at nagmamakaawa. Hindi na nakipaggitgitan ang mga operatiba ng NPA para iwasan ang posibleng maging pinsala sa mga sibilyan at hinyaan na nilang umabante ang traysikel.

Kasabay nito ay hinaras ng NPA ang PDT na nakahimpil sa baryo.

Ang mga hakbang na ito ng NPA ay tugon sa mga reklamo ng taumbaryo laban sa mga abusadong sundalo. Inirereklamo ng mga tao ang may tatlong linggo nang pag-okupa ng mga tropang militar sa barangay hall, daycare center at health center hindi lamang sa San Antonio kundi gayundin sa mga baryo ng Togawe, Benguet, Villareal at Tabi sa bayan ng Gubat, Sorsogon. Mula nang humimpil ang mga PDT sa naturang mga baryo, marami nang residente sa baryo ang tinatakot at sinasaktan ng mga sundalo at pilit na pinaaaming kasapi o tagasuporta ng NPA. Walang magawa kahit ang mga opisyal ng barangay dahil pati sila ay tinatakot ng mga tropang militar.

Sinusuportahan ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan ang kahilingan ng mamamayan na paalisin ang mga PDT ng Philippine Army sa okupadong mga baryo. Patuloy na magsasagawa ng mga aksyon ang NPA hanggang mapatalsik sila sa nasabing mga lugar.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20141116_sundalo-ng-31st-ib-napatay-sa-operasyong-pagdisarma-ng-npa

MILF: Bangsamoro to boost economy

Posted to the MILF Website (Nov 18): Bangsamoro to boost economy



The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) have caught the attention of business groups in search of new opportunities in agribusiness, manufacturing, energy provision, mineral exploration and financial services.
  
However, fear still grips business due to many uncertainties in the transition process. Few see the development possibilities and the economic momentum that can be unleashed as the region and its transitional leadership secure the political legitimacy and authority that can be provided by the BBL.
1. Acceleration of capital formation

The potential for jump-starting the Bangsamoro economy and securing lasting economic benefits can be assessed in the trend of fixed capital formation in the region. Capital formation saw an upward trend starting 2011 in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), though it remained the slowest among the regions in Mindanao and the country in 2011-2013.

Capital formation accounted for a little more than 1 percent of Mindanao’s total capital formation and only 0.2 percent of the country’s total.

Fig. 3: Bangsamoro region gross fixed capital formation at 2000 prices vs Mindanao and PH averages (without NCR): 2014-2016
More funds

However, the certainty of increased government funding and international development aid infusions into the local economy can go a long way in reversing this trend. A lot of business can be made in bidding for the implementation of infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges and irrigation systems reflected in the Bangsamoro Development Plan and for the promotion of enterprise development in the provinces and towns of the Bangsamoro.

Private construction and investments in durable equipment, breeding stock and orchard development, and intellectual property products are expected to flourish as a result of growing confidence in the stability of the Bangsamoro.

In fact, it is estimated that by 2019, the Bangsamoro region would account for more than12 percent of Mindanao’s and 5 percent of the country’s total capital formation. The accelerated rate of capital formation in the region will result in sustained double-digit capital growth in Mindanao and the rest of the country.

2. Increase in government spending per capital : Economies in transition that are at the infancy stage of growth and development are often targeted for pump-priming. There is no reason to deny this to a region long neglected by the central state. Pump-priming comes in the form of increased government spending, or the provision of risk-aversion instruments to encourage private investments.

Fig. 4: Bangsamoro region gross fixed capital formation at 2000 prices vs Mindanao and PH averages (without NCR): 2017-2019
Block grants

Government spending per capita in ARMM was consistently way below the national and Mindanao average in 2011-2013, though an upward shift was registered starting 2011. Government spending per capita is likely to rise further as a result of the financial commitments by the Philippine government as reflected in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

With the passage of the BBL, the Bangsamoro will receive block grants from the Philippine government to equip the regional government with the crucial resources that can facilitate the transition and address the socioeconomic needs of its constituents. This will result in a vibrant market and a wider consumer base for food and other manufactured products in the region.

Government transfers in the form of consumption expenditures per capita are also expected to grow by around 12 percent annually. This growth rate will outpace the estimated Mindanao annual average government consumption growth rate per capita of 10 percent and the estimated national annual average government consumption growth rate per capita of 8 percent.

By the end of 2016, the government final consumption expenditure per capita in the Bangsamoro may be higher than the national average.

3. Improved land use, agricultural productivity, agribusiness capacity and enterprise development, and value chain stability

Violent conflict has left large tracts of land outside the reach of the formal property market, especially in conflict-affected areas. Much of the region’s fertile agricultural land is idle or underutilized. The BBL begins the process of clearly defining and strengthening local property rights—probably in a much better way than in other regions with competing land management systems.

The retirement of rebellion-related violence will go a long way in opening up new land for cultivation. If the transition authority is able to make deeper inroads in the settlement of horizontal conflict emanating from persistent clan feuds over land issues, land disputes will decline, the collateral value of land will increase and new investments will be made to raise productivity.

Fig. 1: Share of ARMM gross value added in agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing in Mindanao and PH: 2014-2016
Sunshine industries

Agriculture, agribusiness and fisheries are the sunshine industries that are being encouraged in the Bangsamoro. There are reports of agribusiness groups, such as those in the banana industry, that are gearing for wide-scale transfers to the Bangsamoro for obvious reasons.

Eastern and southern Mindanao is becoming a less-preferred agribusiness site due to climate vulnerability.

There are no New People’s Army units in the Bangsamoro demanding revolutionary taxation.

There are fewer problems associated with land use and management that result from the incoherent and often conflicting rules and priorities under the agrarian reform law, the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act and the Local Government Code.

Indeed, the bigger challenge to the Bangsamoro parliament is to enact laws that continue to sustain and promote business investments while ensuring coherence among the various social justice provisions in competing land laws that protect the rights of peasants, indigenous people and rural women.

Besides, the limited investments in agribusiness and enterprise development will be a thing of the past. The implementation of infrastructure projects, such as farm-to-market roads, solar driers, storage and trading facilities, irrigation systems and the provision of farm equipment and facilities, will boost agricultural production efficiency.

The entry of logistics providers and the tapping of existing markets in the BIMP-Eaga (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines-East Asia Growth Area) and the Middle East will further strengthen and stabilize value chains in agricultural commodities.

4. Boost in domestic and foreign trade

As stability and confidence grow in the region, and once the infrastructure gaps have been fully addressed, the Bangsamoro can potentially become an important origin and destination of commodities flowing across the Philippines and adjoining countries in East and Southeast Asia.

Fig. 2: Bangsamoro region’s value added in electricity, gas and water at 2000 prices vs Mindanao average: 2011-2013; 2014-2016; 2017-2019
Halal market

The region is strategically located in the BIMP-Eaga, and it can become an active player once connectivity is secured. The halal food market, which has an estimated value of $661 billion, is one of the largest markets that the Bangsamoro can target within the BIMP-Eaga member countries and the Middle East.

The Bangsamoro is also the largest seaweed producer in Mindanao, accounting for more than 70 percent of the total production on the island. Once processing plants are established, the Bangsamoro can be a major producer of seaweeds and other raw materials for food, pharmaceutical and industrial products.

5. Additional sources of renewable energy and natural gas

The high reliance of Mindanao’s economy on hydropower as a source of cheap energy has caused the island’s high vulnerability to power disruptions. The lack of reliable energy hampers business operations and adversely affects the health of the overall economy. The situation is a lot worse in the Bangsamoro because a significant number of households and communities continue to have poor access to stable electricity.

The exploration of new energy sources will become a major priority as soon as the Bangsamoro opens up its economy to investments. There are potential oil and natural gas fields in the Bangsamoro waters, including in inland areas such as the Liguasan Marsh.

For example, Philippine National Oil Company Exploration Corp. estimated that natural gas deposits in Sultan Sa Barongis alone could supply 60 megawatts of electricity for 20 years.

6. Strong inflow of investments in transportation, storage and communication
As agribusiness and enterprise development moves at a faster pace, and as domestic and foreign trade grows as a result of improved market efficiency and stability, there will be stronger demand for transportation, storage and communication facilities.

Local and foreign investors are expected to infuse fresh funds, particularly in 2017-2019, for the provision of transportation, storage and communication facilities as the cost of doing business declines significantly and as market players gain confidence in local institutions.

Substantial improvements in basic facilities, such as access to electricity will trigger demand for communication services from the public and private sectors, enticing service providers to put up new investments.

A sustained double-digit growth rate in the region creates a profitable market for transport, storage and communication providers. These in turn can substantially contribute to the overall growth rate in Mindanao and the country as a whole.
7. Boost in microfinance and banking

Financial intermediaries facilitate the efficient transfer of goods and services. However, most of the credit available in the Bangsamoro is provided by the informal credit market. Studies show how informal credit systems are often linked to horizontal violence and makes local people vulnerable to financial scams.

The high cost of borrowing and the high risk of investing limit economic activity, especially among the enterprising poor. New instruments and facilities that are now available through Islamic banking and finance are being designed to enable the easier channeling of funds between lenders and borrowers. With formal financial institutions in place, investors will be enticed to infuse fresh funds to reduce the costs of doing business.
Other reasons

There are other reasons business groups should invest in the Bangsamoro at the earliest possible time, but the Magnificent 7 (list of development outcomes) is foremost. The immediate passage of the BBL provides the first light, sustaining the economic momentum, but making development more widespread requires much more.
It would be unwise to bet against the passage of the BBL. The BBL carries the capacity to change the psychology of the region. It is the best prescription for stimulating legitimacy and confidence that in turn translates to growth, productivity and security.

To a pessimist, these outcomes may appear as lofty ideals that are beyond the boundaries of earthly realities. Achieving these ideals will require institutions and organizations that promote justice, efficiency, stability and security.

Political leadership will be critical in the transition. The Bangsamoro will require the sort of leaders who have the courage and the integrity to inspire others toward a shared vision. The leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front possess these qualities. Let’s give them a chance to lead and together prosper in their success.

(Ever J. Abasolo, who holds BS and MS Economics degrees from the University of the Philippines and the University of Southeastern Philippines, respectively, is a methodology specialist of International Alert UK Philippines Programme. His recent work includes the development of an aggregation technique called the Violence Intensity Index that helps improve targeting and programming development and peace-building inputs in the Bangsamoro.)
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1349-bangsamoro-to-boost-economy

MILF: Community Alliance Organization holds Peace Forum on BBL

Posted to the MILF Website (Nov 17): Community Alliance Organization holds Peace Forum on BBL



The Community Halal Producers Cooperative (CHaPC) and the Tuladan Development Center Incorporated (TDCI) held a Community Peace Forum on Bangsamoro Basic Law on November 14, 2014 at the Laguialaot Compound, Kayaga, Kabacan, North Cotabato.
   
About 200 Moro and non-Moros from different communities of Kabacan, Carmen, Matalam, Makilala in North Cotabato and Datu Montawal in Maguindanao province attended the program. The peace forum was a venue for community residents to hear and understands the BBL directly from the mouth of the invited speakers.  

Among the invited resource persons were Prof. Esmael Abdula, Arman Armada, and Nash Pulindao from the Committee on Information.  Representatives from the academe, business sector and local leaders also graced the occasion. The speakers explained the current status of BBL and interacted with the participants in local dialect to be able to understand clearly the presentation. A bill on the BBL has been filed in both Chambers of Congress. Consultations with various stakeholders are underway.  

Having been satisfied with the presentations and discussions by the speakers, the participants suggested that another peace forum in the community areas where majority are Christians and Lumads be held.

Mr. Armada handed over a copy of the BBL to the program organizers for reproduction so it can be distributed to other residents. The team encouraged all sectors to work hand in hand for the attainment of peace and progress in the Bangsamoro Region.    

The program was realized through the collective efforts of organizers and community residents and the working committees of North Cotabato Provincial Committee headed by Datu Sambuto Pedtamanan.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1348-community-alliance-organization-holds-peace-forum-on-bbl

Troops in clash with Abu Sayyaf were on recon mission, says AFP spokesman

From GMA News (Nov 17): Troops in clash with Abu Sayyaf were on recon mission, says AFP spokesman

The soldiers who clashed with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Talipao, Sulu last Friday were just going to observe the area upon orders of military chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., Armed Forces public information chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said Monday.
 
In an interview with GMA News TV's "News To Go", Cabunoc said the platoon was in the area for reconnaissance, or to observe the area and gather information on the armed group's whereabouts and the location of the hostages.
 
The soldiers were not aware of the exact location of the group because they "are mobile," which led them to search "in their jungle hideouts," Cabunoc said. 
 
"'Yung mismong pumasok doon sa area para mag-conduct ng tinatawag natin na reconnaissance ay small element, isang platoon," he said. "Ngunit sa hindi inaasahang pagkakataon, ang kanilang taguan ay may pumunta na mga bandido kaya agad-agad itong nakipagputukan sa kanila."
 
Cabunoc added: "Doon sa ginawa nilang pag-observe ng position ng mga bandido ay nakita nila na wala mismo doon sa location ng grupo na mismong nakaharap nila, five to 10 meters away, wala namang nakitang hostages. Ito ay ipinaabot nila agad sa kanilang batallion commander ... Sila ay nagplano ng isang mas maganda sanang pag-deploy ng mga tropa, bagkus sa hindi inaasahang pagkakataon ay sila'y na-engage dahil sa muntik nang madiskubre ang mismong puwesto ng ating mga sundalo."
 
The troops were surrounded by around 300 members of the Abu Sayyaf, Cabunoc said, adding that it was a gathering of smaller groups from different barangays, and possibly some family members and friends who were pulled in to join.

They were having a celebration that day, probably because of a wedding, he added.
 
Five soldiers were killed in the encounter on Friday afternoon, while 26 others were injured from the military side. 
 
Cabunoc said, "Ang masasabi ko lang merong nataga sa kanila kasi napalibutan sila nitong mga bandido at itong iba sa mga bandido ay may hawak na itak habang sila ay nakikipagbarilan."
 
On the other hand, nine bandits, including sub-leader Hairullah Asbang, were killed, while 30 others were wounded. The group is under Radullan Sahiron, whom Cabunoc said is now just a "titular leader" given his age. 
 
Sahiron, who was previously believed dead, was placed on the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Most Wanted list in 2012 for "his alleged involvement in the 1993 kidnapping of an American in the Philippines by the Abu Sayyaf Group." 
 
Marijuana plantation
 
In the same television interview, Cabunoc said one reason the bandits fought with them during the encounter was the military's discovery of the group's stash and plantation of marijuana.
 
"Napatunayan nila na ang dahilan nito ay ang droga, dahil na-recover nila ang mga marijuana, mga tira-tirang marijuana na kanilang hinihithit doon sa kanilang pinagkakampuhan," he said.
 
He added, "Kung matatandaan natin, noong nakaraang linggo, nadiskubre natin ang marijuana plantation nila sa may Maimbung, Sulu. Ito ay patunay na maliban sa terorismo na kanilang ginagawa, gumagamit din sila ng droga, either sa negosyo o sa pansariling gamit."
 
Abu Sayyaf forces 'weakening'
 
Despite this, Cabunoc said the AFP still believe the bandit group is losing influence in the area because the military has the support of the local government, as well as various stakeholders.
 
He said local goverment officials, as well as civic and religious leaders, openly condemned the bandits when they met with Catapang last week.
 
"Pahina nang pahina ang kanilang hanay dahil mismong local officials sa Sulu ang nagkanulo sa kanila, at nagkaisa ang stakeholders, kasama ang local goverment, mga religious leaders, na sila ay kondenahin," Cabunoc said. 
 
He added that the AFP is working on isolating the rebels from their community and keeping them from recruiting members. 
 
"Dahan-dahan na 'yan, pahina nang pahina ang kanilang hanay dahil ina-isolate natin sila ngayon sa komunidad. Ang ating ginagawa ay hindi lamang law enforcement operations, maging pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga komunidad, sa mga key leaders, lalo na sa religious leaders at maging sa mga kaanak nitong mga bandido dahil nais natin na sila ay hindi humalo doon. Nais natin na makumbinse, lalo na itong kabataan na hinihikayat nitong mga bandido na sumama sa kanilang hanay ... ang kanilang ginagawa ay taliwas sa itinuturo ng Islam at ikinahihiya ito ng kanilang kapwa muslim at kapwa Tausug dahil ginagawa nilang kidnap capital ang Sulu," he said.
 

Turkish PM to diplomat: Don’t return to Turkey until MILF disarmament

From GMA News (Nov 17): Turkish PM to diplomat: Don’t return to Turkey until MILF disarmament

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Monday pledged his country's full support behind the Mindanao peace process, particularly the task of disarming the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
 
During a luncheon in Malacañang, Davutoglu said he had already directed senior Turkish diplomat Haydar Berk to focus on the disarmament process, which was stated in the peace pact signed by the Philippine government and the MILF.
 
Berk chairs the Independent Decommissioning Body, composed of foreign experts to help in the process of disarming the MILF. Diplomats from Brunei and Norway are also part of the panel.
 
"I have instructed him [Berk] to stay in the Philippines and if needed, don't come back to Turkey until you finish this job," the Turkish leader quipped during the luncheon hosted by the Philippine government, drawing laughter from officials from both countries.
 
Davutoglu, who is in his first official visit to the Philippines, likewise praised the Aquino government's "very wise, visionary approach to integrate all the country for the same objective of peace, stability and prosperity."
 
"Turkey will always be at your side in this very important initiative. We are proud that you invited us to be part of this process," the prime minister said.
 
Last September, President Benigno Aquino III personally submitted to Congress the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law, which seeks to create a new political entity to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
 
The measure is currently undergoing committee deliberations at both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
 

Gazmin: AFP to acquire P23B worth of new ships, equipment

From GMA News (Nov 17): Gazmin: AFP to acquire P23B worth of new ships, equipment

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will soon acquire more than P23 billion worth of brand new boats, helicopters, rifles and other combat and communication equipment, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin announced on Monday.
 
In his speech during the 75th founding anniversary of the Department of National Defense (DND) in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Gazmin said 36 projects with a total contract price of P23.39 billion were “already obligated and are just awaiting delivery” to the AFP.
 
Among the units to be acquired under the said projects are the following:
 
Strategic sea-lift vessels (two units)
Naval helicopters (two units)
Attack helicopters (eight units)
Medium-lift aircraft (three units)
Light-lift aircraft (two units)
Assault riffles (several units)
Force protection and communication equipment (several units)

Gazmin said these projects were part of the AFP Modernization Program under Republic Act (RA) 7898 and amended by RA 10349.

Gazmin said that apart from the 36 projects, the DND, in line with the implementation of RA 10349 or the Revised AFP Modernization Program, has also lined up an additional 33 projects to be implemented over the next five years, from 2013 to 2017 with the total amount of P90.86 billion.
 
Gazmin said President Benigno Aquino III had already approved two projects under the Revised AFP Modernization Program—the acquisition of 12 units of surface attack lead-in fighter aircraft and eight units of combat-utility helicopters with a total contract price of P23.6 billion.
 
“To date, total payment made for these two projects amount to P9.74 billion,” Gazmin said.
 
Gazmin said other items set to be purchased under the Revised AFP Modernization Program are air defense surveillance radar system, long-range patrol aircraft, close-air support aircraft, C-130 Tango aircraft, anti-submarine warfare helicopters, frigates, amphibious assault vehicles, and various items of communication equipment and night-fighting systems.
 
Gazmin also boasted of the Philippine Defense Transformation (PDT) Roadmap that the DND has recently crafted to serve as guide of various government agencies in responding to disasters and other emergency situations.
 
“Even in peaceful times, we must be prepared to protect our countrymen from the wrath of nature and assist in saving lives and properties during disasters. We must also continue to inculcate in our citizens the importance of risk reduction and individual preparedness, and teach them how to counter-act the effects of earthquakes, typhoons, heavy rains, floods, and climate change,” Gazmin said.
 

NPA fighter wounded, captured in Samar encounter

From the Manila Times (Nov 17): NPA fighter wounded, captured in Samar encounter

Troopers from the 20th Infantry Battalion captured a New People’s Army (NPA) fighter who was wounded during an encounter in Barangay Bolao, Basey town, Samar Sunday noon.

Lt. Col. Miguel E. Ceballos, 20th Infantry Battalion commander, said that his men were conducting patrol in the wake of reports about the NPA presence in the area.

At this point, the rebels fired shots at the government troops, prompting Ceballos’ men to retaliate.

A five-minute gun battle erupted, which ended with the rebels fleeing, taking with them an undetermined number of casualties, Ceballos said.

Pursuing troops found and captured one of the wounded rebels, whom the NPA abandoned to expedite their escape.

The wounded rebel was immediately airlifted to the Camp Lukban Station Hospital for treatment.

Recovered from the wounded rebel were an M-16 automatic rifle, ammunition, and personal belongings.

There was no casualty on the side of the government troops, Ceballos said.

http://www.manilatimes.net/npa-fighter-wounded-captured-in-samar-encounter/142068/

New group of jihadists deployed in Luzon

From the Manila Times (Nov 17): New group of jihadists deployed in Luzon

A NEW jihadist group has deployed a 15-man team to Luzon ahead of the visit of Pope Francis in January next year.

Luzon is the Philippines’ largest group of islands.

An intelligence officer of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who spoke on condition of anonymity on Monday said the team, led by Jemaah Islamiyah-trained Abdul Basit Usman, is a composite group from the Al Hansar Khilafa, which has sworn allegiance to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and similar extremist organizations.

The source, who is familiar with the movements of local militants, added that the deployment of the Usman team may have something to do with the papal visit.

“This only confirms that the operation of the Al Hansar Khilafa is now all over the country,” the officer said in a phone interview.

 According to him, Al Hansar Khilafa was formed last July and its more than 60 fighters come from different militant groups in the country.

“Their members come from the Rajah Solaiman Movement-Abu Sayyaf Group of Isnilon Hapilon and Usman’s former men in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front [MILF],” the source said.

Recruits from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and three members of the Jemaah Islamiah (JI) complete the group.

The source said Usman’s men, who could now be in Metro Manila and in the Southern Tagalog region are all trained in making explosives.

Another police intelligence source earlier said a group of foreign jihadists has set up a cell in Luzon and may also be plotting to kill the pontiff, who will be in the Philippines from January 15 to 19.

The other source admitted that he has scant information about the Khilafa Islamiya in the Visayas but that the Luzon cell is headed by an Islamic cleric from Bangladesh with four other foreigners joining the group.

The group had just come from Cotabato where they trained some militants in bomb-making.

The other source said the formation of Usman’s group, called the “Bangsamoro Justice Movement [BJM], may have been disrupted by the arrest of Khair Mundos last June and Ricardo Ayeras of RSM.

Mundos, a key Abu Sayyaf leader, was said to be checking out possible routes to be taken by Pope Francis during his Philippine trip.

Ayeras was arrested in Quezon City early last month for a traffic violation.

The PNP spokesman, Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor, in an earlier interview said they have not picked up possible threats to Pope Francis.

http://www.manilatimes.net/new-group-jihadists-deployed-luzon/142258/

5 dead, 17 injured in rebel raids

From the Manila Standard Today (Nov 18): 5 dead, 17 injured in rebel raids

At least four rebels and a student were killed and 16 other students and a soldier were wounded in separate rebel attacks in Maguindanao and North Cotabato on Sunday, a military official said.

Brig. Gen. Edmund Pangilinan, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the four rebels were killed when the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked a military outpost and was repulsed in Rajah Buayan in Maguindanao.

Pangilinan said the rebels opened fire with mortars and assault rifles but the soldiers fought back with the support of pro-government forces belonging to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The BIFF rebels were led by Mohiden Animbang, alias Commander Karialan, Pangilinan said.

The identity of the wounded soldier was withheld pending notification of his next of kin. No casualties were reported in the MILF.

The fighting forced about 150 families to fled their homes. The attack was the fourth since last week when the rebels fired mortar shells on government posts and nearby communities.

In Barangay Poblacion, Kabacan, North Cotabato, a 19-year-old female student was killed and 16 others were wounded when a bomb exploded at the foot of an overpass.

Kabacan Chief of Police Supt. Jordain Maribojo said three students were still in critical condition in the hospital from shrapnel wounds.

Bomb squad units of the military and the police scoured the area and recovered two more unexploded bombs several meters away from the foot of the overpass where the explosion occurred, said Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.

“The two improvised explosive devices were placed in the approaches of the pedestrian flyover,” Hermoso said.

Police investigators believe the BIFF planted the bombs, which were intended to kill and injure pedestrians using the overpass.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/11/18/5-dead-17-injured-in-rebel-raids/

Reward increased for capture of North Cotabato bombers

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 17): Reward increased for capture of North Cotabato bombers

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato – The reward for information leading to the arrest of people behind a bombing that killed one person and wounded 16 others in the town of Kabacan Sunday night went up to P200,000 on Monday when the town’s mayor added P100,000 to the reward put up by the North Cotabato provincial governor right after the blast.

“The provincial leadership condemns such barbaric act,” North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza said in announcing she was putting up a P100,000 reward for the capture of the perpetrators Sunday night. “It is downright disappointing to see innocent lives affected by this cowardly act. This is insane.”

“As your governor, I am hurt and angry. The government invested so much resources and developmental programs to bring peace and order in North Cotabato. Unfortunately, there are those who want to sabotage all our sincere efforts,” she told reporters.

Kabacan Mayor Herlo Guzman announced Monday morning he was also offering P100,000 for the same purpose.

Monique Mantawil, 19, a development communication student at the University of Southern Mindanao, died while being transported to a hospital in Davao City, according to Senior Insp. Jarwin Castroverde, acting Kabacan police chief.

Castroverde said the improvised bomb was fashioned from a 60-mm or 81-mm mortar shell and was set off at 7 p.m. while people were walking near the overpass in front of the Kabacan Central Pilot Elementary School.

The area is surrounded by food stalls and ukay-ukay (used clothing) tents.

Lt. Col. Audie Edralin, 7th Infantry Division chief, said an Army ordnance team found another improvised explosive devise on the overpass and managed to defuse it.

Military and police officials said they believed the bombing was intended to divert government forces pursuing members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in nearby town of Pikit, also in North Cotabato.

“The bomb, which was set off through a mobile phone, has the signature of the BIFF,” Edralin said.

Over the weekend, two persons died when they were hit by a mortar shell at the height of a skirmish between BIFF and government soldiers.

Police authorities in the province have yet to solve the bombing of a church of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines that killed three people last Oct. 8.

Aside from BIFF, the communist New Peoples’ Army and criminal syndicates operate in the province.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/651284/reward-increased-for-capture-of-north-cotabato-bombers

3,000 families flee BIFF harassment in Maguindanao

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 18): 3,000 families flee BIFF harassment in Maguindanao

At least 3,000 families have fled to safer grounds as fighting between government forces and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) continue in Raja Buayan, Maguindanao.

The clash which erupted Sunday night left four BIFF rebels killed and one soldier wounded.

Colonel Dickson Hermoso, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said about 50 BIFF guerrillas attacked the detachment of the 45th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Sapakan, Raja Buayan, Maguindanao.

Simultaneously, the BIFF also attacked a post of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“The BIFF wanted to over-run our detachment in Barangay Sapakan, but our forces were ready so we repulsed the attackers,” Hermoso told the Philippine News Agency.

He said the BIFF was into “hit and run” attack since separating from the main MILF group which signed peace deal with Manila.

“We pity the young BIFF armed men, they have no combat experience and they were sent by its leaders to attack a more powerful, more equipped military forces,” he said.

Raja Buayan Mayor Zamsamin Ampatuan said the local government has extended relief assistance to the displaced families. Some have returned home.

Ampatuan said the BIFF, while publicly saying it is only after the military, the civilians are the most affected.

http://www.mb.com.ph/3000-families-flee-biff-harassment-in-maguindanao/

Army major intel officer gunned down by BIFF in Maguindanao

From InterAksyon (Nov 18): Army major intel officer gunned down by BIFF in Maguindanao

An intelligence officer of the 6th Infantry Division was gunned down around 2 :30 p.m. Monday afternoon by members of the rebel group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)  in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

The victim was identified as Army Major Gerald Finsona who died of multiple gunshot wounds in the body.

Another military intelligence officer, a certain Col. Bordoran, was injured in the ambush.

While the military refused to talk about the incident, it is said that Major Finsona’s group tried to arrest a BIFF member in Barangay Kitango, resulting in a commotion.

BIFF’s Abu Misrie Mama admitted that his group was behind the slay of Finsona.

Mama also reminded motorists entering Datu Saudi and Datu Piang to roll down their car windows so that they won’t be mistaken as soldiers.

Finsona is the fourth member of the 6th ID killed by BIFF.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/99434/army-major-intel-officer-gunned-down-by-biff-in-maguindanao

MisOr villagers flee homes as Army, NPA clash

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Nov 18): MisOr villagers flee homes as Army, NPA clash

More than a hundred residents fled their homes in Sitio Lakbangan, Barangay Minalwang, Claveria town in Misamis Oriental on Monday due to ongoing clashes between troops and Maoist rebels.

Ireneo Ubarde, of Misamis Oriental Farmers’ Association-Kilusan ng Magbubukid sa Pilipinas (Mofa-KMP), told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro by phone late Monday that the villagers are fearing for their lives, as they have been forced to leave their homes in a hurry.

Ubalde said he has a communication with someone from the evacuees who constantly informs him of their situation on the ground.

He said Lakbangan is a remote area that they have to walk for a day to get to Minalwang proper.

“Sa gisulti sa ako, adunay mga bata, mga tigulang, ug aduna pay masakiton (I was told that there are children, elderlies, and even the sick),” Ubarde said, referring to the 32 families or 152 individuals who are now displaced.

He said the villagers did not bring with them extra clothing, food and other provisions.
Ubarde said the residents decided to leave their homes when they heard cannons being fired.

He said it is most likely they would be brought from Claveria to Cagayan de Oro and will stay here until the situation is favorable.

No casualties

“There are no reports of casualties from the civilians, though,” he added.

Meanwhile, First Lieutenant Patrick Martinez, acting spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID), confirmed there was an encounter between the military and the New People's Army (NPA) last November 15 and one soldier was injured.

But Martinez could not yet verify if the 8th Infantry Battalion, the military unit stationed in Claveria, has used its artillery during the encounter, or that civilians are being displaced due to the fighting.

He said the operation was part of the effort of the 4ID to rescue Private First Class Marnel Cinches and Private First Class Jerrel Yorong who have been taken captive by the NPA in a village in Bukidnon last August 22.

Landmines

Martinez said the bursts of noise the civilians heard could be due to the detonation of landmines allegedly put by the NPA rebels in the area.

He said the NPA violates the international humanitarian laws by using the landmines, which could also victimize the residents living there.

He added that if there were indeed displacement of residents, an Army quick response team (QRT) would be dispatched to conduct dialogues with the villagers and to explain to them why the military is conducting combat operations.

But Martinez said the troops make it a point to engage the enemy in the outskirts of the village where there are no civilians living nearby to prevent collateral damage.

Before they confront the NPA, he said they must see to it that everything is planned.

Martinez said the military coordinates with the local government units to facilitate the delivery of basic services to the displaced population.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/11/18/misor-villagers-flee-homes-army-npa-clash-377118

Usman 'special operations' group in PNP radar ahead of Pope's visit

From InterAksyon (Nov 17): Usman 'special operations' group in PNP radar ahead of Pope's visit

A source from the intelligence branch of the Philippine National Police said a newly-formed jihadist group, suspected to be led by Jemaah Islamiyah (JI)-trained Abdul Basit Usman, is in Luzon ahead of the five-day visit of Pope Francis this January 2015.

The group of interest, so to speak, is apparently a 15-man so-called Special Operations Group (SOG), a source from the Philippine National Police (PNP), who spoke on condition of not being named, said.

The 15-man team is said to be all comprised of members of the Al Hansar Khilafa, which is claimed to have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The source, who is known to be well-versed with the movement of local militants, said that the deployment of the SOG from Usman's Group started last June, and may have something to do with the forthcoming visit of the pontiff.

The source said the formation of Usman's group, called the "Bangsamoro Justice Movement (BJM)" may have been disrupted somewhat following the arrest of Khair Mundos this June and that of Ricardo Ayeras of the Rajah Solaiman Movement (RSM).

Mundos, a key leader of the ASG, was suspected to be casing out possible routes to be taken by the Pope when he visits the country from January 15 to 19, while Ayeras was collared by the police in Quezon City early last month over a simple traffic violation.

"This only confirms to us that the operation of the Al Ansar Khilafa is now all over the country ... meaning they are now in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao," the source said.

He claimed that the estimated total combat strength of the Al Hansar Khilafa could be as many as 60 men after it was formed in July 2014, with members assembled from various militant groups around the country.

"Their members come from the Rajah Solaiman Movement-Abu Sayyaf Group of the Isnilon Hapilon faction and Usman's former men with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)," the source said, adding that there are also some members from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the Al Hansar Khilafa, with three members of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) also making up the other members of the group.

The source added that the 15-man group of Usman are already in Luzon, with some of them possibly in Metro Manila and in the Southern Tagalog Region and all of them highly trained in handling explosives.

A separate intelligence source had said earlier that a group of foreign jihadists have established a cell in Luzon, and may be plotting a possible attack during the Pontiff's visit this coming January 2015.

That other source acknowledged that he has scant information about the Khilafa Islamiyah in the Visayas, but the terror cell in Luzon, he said, is headed by an Islamic Cleric from Bangladesh with four other foreigners mixed in.

The four foreigners who joined the Bangladeshi cleric, the source said, had just come from Cotabato where they were believed to have also trained some militants in bomb-making and explosives handling.

Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Spokesman, indicated in an interview previously that the police establishment has not monitored any significant threat against Pope Francis' trip.

The PNP has formed Special Task Group Papal Visit 2015, to be headed by Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, the PNP Deputy Chief for Operation and former chief of the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO).

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/99397/usman-special-operations-group-in-pnp-radar-ahead-of-popes-visit

‘Frenchman kidnap claim may be a ruse’

From The Star Online (Nov 17): ‘Frenchman kidnap claim may be a ruse’



KOTA KINABALU: The claim about the kidnap of a French citizen from Sabah waters could be a bait to try provo­king the security forces.

“There have been no reports of any kidnappings, I think they (cross-border kidnappers) are just trying to provoke us,” said Eastern Sabah Security Command chief Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun (pic) when contacted.

When contacted, Tawi Tawi police chief Col Joey Salido, whose jurisdiction covers the Tawi Tawi islands straddling close to Sabah’s east coast, also said there were no reports of any kidnapping by Abu Sayyaf-linked Filipino gunmen, whether locally in Tawi Tawi or from across the border (Sabah).

A Philippines television network had recently claimed that the Frenchman was being kept at one of the islands in Tawi Tawi province.

The report further claimed that an unnamed officer from the Philippines military’s Camp Crame did not disclose when the French tourist was grabbed and did not want to disclose the identity of the hostage.

Philippines security forces last Friday were involved in a shootout with Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sahiron and his group in jungles of Talipao in Jolo, where five soldiers were killed and 26 soldiers injured, while nine Abu Sayyaf gunmen were killed.

However, there is still no word on the condition of any of the dozen hostages, inclu­ding two Malaysians, held by Abu Sayyaf gunmen in the mountainous jungles of Jolo.
Fish breeder Chan Sai Chuin, 32, and marine police constable Kons Zakiah Aleip, 26, were respectively grabbed from a fish farm in Kunak on June 16 and from a police post in Mabul island on July 12.

Abu Sayyaf gunmen holding Chan is threatening to behead him by the end of this month if his wife fails to pay a RM3mil ransom.

Chan’s wife Chin Pek Nyen, when contacted, said she had received demands for the money yesterday (Sunday) morning.

“I am not sure how he (Chan) is. They tell me he is okay. But they are still threatening to behead him,” said a distressed Chin, who has not been able to raise the money despite her efforts to seek help from the public recently.

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/11/17/Frenchman-kidnap-claim-may-be-a-ruse-Esscom-There-have-been-no-reports-of-any-kidnappings/

Clashes continue between gov’t forces and BIFF rebels in Maguindanao

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 17): Clashes continue between gov’t forces and BIFF rebels in Maguindanao

Four Moro rebels were killed and a soldier was wounded when Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked Army and Moro Islamic Liberation Front positions in Maguindanao Sunday night, the military said Monday.

But a BIFF spokesman denied they lost any fighter and claimed instead that the military suffered three dead.

The Inquirer could not independently verify the claims.

Colonel Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said about 50 BIFF guerrillas armed with mortars and assault rifles attacked a camp of the 45th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Sapakan, Raja Buayan, Maguindanao beginning at 8:45 p.m.

”They were trying to overrun our Army positions. In the process they also attacked an MILF detachment in the village,” Hermoso said, referring to the formerly secessionist group with which the government has concluded a peace agreement and from which the BIFF broke away.

Hermoso said the soldier who was wounded suffered only minor injuries and was in no danger.

In a phone interview, BIFF spokesman Abu Misry Mama admitted his comrades were involved in the Raja Buayan attack.

“We confirm we attacked the Army detachment but we deny we suffered four dead,” Mama said, adding that the Army suffered three dead, including a lieutenant.

Hermoso denied Mama’s claim.

He said the Raja Buayan incident was latest in a series of attacks on military detachment by the BIFF since last week.

”Our troops had been on alert since last week because of the BIFF atrocities,” Hermoso said.

Last Friday, two civilians were killed by a mortar shell the military claim was fired by the rebels. The two victims were among civilians crossing a river in a boat to escape fighting between government forces and the BIFF in Pikit, North Cotabato, when a mortar shell landed and exploded in the vessel.

Earlier, BIFF rebels led by Commander Carealan attacked two detachments of the 7th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Kabasalan, launching mortar attacks from across the river, which separates the province from Maguindanao.

The BIFF also harassed Army positions in Datu Piang, Maguindanao, forcing hundreds of civilians to flee.

Hermoso said the military would ensure the safety of civilians and condemned the BIFF for attacking civilian areas in the marshy border between Maguindanao and North Cotabato.

More checkpoints were put up in areas where the BIFF operates to prevent them from launching attacks on civilian areas in the two provinces.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/651220/clashes-continue-between-govt-forces-and-biff-rebels-in-maguindanao

No more rebels in Lake Sebu town – AFP

From MindaNews (Nov 17): No more rebels in Lake Sebu town – AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has declared the entire municipality of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato as insurgency-free.

South Cotabato provincial board member Agustin Demaala Jr., chair of the board’s committee on public order and safety, said the 1002nd Infantry Brigade issued the declaration following a series of validation and assessment in the area.

He said the declaration covered all 19 barangays of Lake Sebu, which is located along the boundary areas of South Cotabato and the provinces of Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat.

“These 19 barangays are now free from CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army) influence,” Demaala said.

Citing results of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade’s assessment, he said the NPA fronts operating in the area were forced to abandon and dismantle their organized structures in Lake Sebu’s 19 barangays due to their declining influence.

He specifically cited the NPA’s local political propaganda units, which mainly assists the group’s operations and recruitment activities.

Demaala, who is a retired Army major general, said the rebels were eventually forced to focus their operations in the boundary areas of Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat.

The official said such situation was the result of the enhanced security operations as well as peace and development initiatives conducted by the 27th Infantry Battalion (IB) in the area in the last two years.

The official credited the declaration to the “focused and effective” leadership of Lt. Col. Shalimar Imperial, who formally left his post last Friday as commanding officer of the 27th IB following a two-year stint.

He was replaced by Lt. Col. Ronald Jess Alcudia, who was previously assigned at the 4th Infantry Division in Northern Mindanao.

Imperial will assume as the staff officer for education and training or G8 of the 10th Infantry Division in Mawab, Compostela Valley.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/11/17/no-more-rebels-in-lake-sebu-town-afp/

Bomb found in Lamitan school

From MindaNews (Nov 17): Bomb found in Lamitan school

A baggage found in a school in Lamitan City in Basilan yielded an improvised explosive device, officials said Monday.

The explosive was found around 7:50 a.m. Monday at the back of one of the classrooms of the elementary school in Barangay Colonia, Lamitan.

Lamitan City Vice-Mayor Roderick Furigay said over the phone the IED was discovered after the students informed the teachers they saw an unattended baggage at the back of one of the classrooms.

Furigay said the teachers immediately reported the matter to the police for proper action.

Senior Insp. Gean Gallardo, Lamitan City police chief, said his men in coordination with the Provincial Public Safety Company personnel cordoned the place and immediately coordinated with the Army’s explosive ordnance demolition (EOD).

Gallardo said the Army’s 39th EOD team conducted disruption procedure several minutes after the explosive was found.

Furigay said they believed it was the handiwork of the Abu Sayyaf to divert the attention of the government forces pursuing the bandit group in the nearby towns.

The IED was found a week after authorities thwarted another alleged bombing attempt on a gasoline station in Isabela City, the capital of Basilan.

Military forces have launched an offensive against the Abu Sayyaf in the towns of Tipo-Tipo, Ungkaya Pukan, and Sumisip, which started after the November 2 ambush-slay of six soldiers.

The soldiers were providing security to the workers of a construction firm undertaking a Saudi-funded road concreting project, which is part of the Basilan circumferential road, when suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits ambushed them in Sumisip.

Last Monday, EOD personnel defused an IED in Isabela City.

The IED concealed in a cooking pot was placed by two masked men at a gasoline station in Barangay Riverside.

 http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/11/17/bomb-found-in-lamitan-school/

Third in November: 2 more cops seized by armed men in Surigao town

From MindaNews (Nov 17): Third in November: 2 more cops seized by armed men in Surigao town

ALEGRIA, Surigao del Norte--Two policemen were seized by suspected communist rebels in Surigao del Norte on Sunday afternoon bringing to three the total number of policemen abducted in the province this month.

Supt. Julito Diray, provincial police director, on Sunday evening identified the two as PO1 Democrito Bondoc Polvorosa and PO1 Marichel Unclara Contemplo.

Both were assigned at the Alegria police station. Their whereabouts have remained unknown.

Diray said the two policemen were going to Barangay Pungtod aboard a patrol car for a meeting with Department of Social Welfare and Development’s and residents for the Pantawid Pampailyang Pilipino Program, but were blocked by armed men believed to members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

The town’s police chief, Insp. Karlo Eden Mahinay said both policemen were on the mobile 4×2 Hilux vehicle when they were flagged down between barangays San Pedro and Alipao.

“Around 30 fully armed men who we think are members of the NPA flagged down our vehicle and they even fired upon it using an AK-47 assault rifle. We have seen three bullet holes near the fuselage which would mean that they wanted to burn the vehicle,” Mahinay said.

The other police personnel in Alegria said Contemplo just recently got out of the hospital after an infection and Polvorosa was transferred to the station just last month.
Mahinay was barely a week in his new designation as town police chief when the abduction occurred.

The Local Crisis Management Committee headed by Alegria town mayor Dominador Esma Jr., had met to find ways to bring the captives home safe.

Supt Romaldo G.Bayting, Police Regional Office-13 spokesperson said a joint operation has been launched to rescue the kidnapped policemen.

Bayting said the new police regional director Chief Supt. David Ombao instructed them to use all [their] resources to save their colleagues.

Lt. Col. Arsenio Sadural of the 30th Infantry Battalion said government troops have been deployed to go after the abductors.

Police have not received any word from the abductors yet.

Last Wednesday (November 12) a rookie policeman identified as PO1 Junrie Amper was kidnapped suspected communist guerillas in a remote village in Malimono town in Surigao del Norte. His captors have also not sent word on his whereabouts.

On July 10 this year, four police officers were taken hostage by communist rebels in Alegria while the town’s police station was being attacked.

Nineteen days after, PO3 Vic Concon, PO3 Rey Oniel Morales, PO1 Joen Zabala and PO1 Edito Ronquiño were released after the government declared a five-day ceasefire in some areas of the province.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/11/17/third-in-november-2-more-cops-seized-by-armed-men-in-surigao-town/

Military seized Sayyaf solar panels as troops pursue rebels in Sulu province

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Nov 17): Military seized Sayyaf solar panels as troops pursue rebels in Sulu province







Military photos show solar panels and other personal belongings abandoned by the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu province in southern Philippines. And troops pay their last respect to soldiers killed in fierce clashes in the province. (Mindanao Examiner)

Philippine troops pursuing the Abu Sayyaf have tumbled on a pile of solar panels left behind by fleeing rebels in the southern province of Sulu, officials said Monday.

Officials said the solar panels were used by rebels to recharge their cell phones and laptop computers and even radio transceivers.

Soldiers also recovered pots and pans, blackened by soot, and clothing, and rubber boots abandoned by rebels as they escaped a massive military operation in the hinterlands of Talipao and Patikul towns, known stronghold of the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group in the province.

The military also released photos of the things troops recovered in Sulu. But the photos also showed the ill-equipped soldiers on the front line. They wore no Kevlar helmets and were not even wearing body armor.

Fierce clashes in Talipao town on November 14 left five soldiers and ten rebels dead and at least four dozen injured on both sides.

The bodies of all soldiers slain in the fighting have been sent home to their provinces after troops paid their last respect to the fallen heroes, who fought the rebels in close combat battle for several hours that killed two notorious Abu Sayyaf commanders Hairullah Asbang and Julie Ekit.

The military’s Western Mindanao Command identified the slain soldiers as Privates First Class Albert Villaluna, Alison Caro, Samuel Taluyan, Joey Blanche and Gabby Achas.

Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, led military officials in honoring the soldiers in Zamboanga City. The wounded soldiers were also given medals.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/11/military-seized-sayyaf-solar-panels-as.html

2 dead in NPA clash in Bicol region

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Nov 17): 2 dead in NPA clash in Bicol region

Two people were killed and two soldiers wounded in a clash with communist rebels in Camarines Sur province in the Bicol region, military officials said Monday.

Officials said the fighting broke out in the village called Tinalmod in Pasacao town on November 16 after pro-government militias and soldiers ran into a group of New People’s Army rebels who killed a civilian.

There were no reports of enemy casualties and officials said a militia was slain in the fighting and that two more were injured. The fighting lasted over 30 minutes.

Brigadier General Richard Lagrana, commander of the 902nd Infantry Brigade, ordered troops to pursue the rebels. “We have deployed forces in strategic areas to capture the rebels,” he said.

The NPA has been waging a secessionist war for many decades now. Peace talks in the past governments have failed and efforts to revive it under the Aquino administration also were not successful due to several demands by the rebels and among them was the release of all political prisoners in the country.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/11/2-dead-in-npa-clash-in-bicol-region.html

Philippine rebels seize 2 cops at checkpoint

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Nov 17): Philippine rebels seize 2 cops at checkpoint



Two policemen were captured by the New People’s Army in Alegria town in Surigao del Norte province, a known stronghold of the communist rebel group in southern Philippines.

Police have confirmed the capture of the cops and identified them as PO3 Democrito Polvorosa and PO1 Marichel Contemplo. They were seized November 16 near the village of Pongtud where the rebels had set up a road block.

The two policemen were on a prowl car when about two dozen rebels intercepted them. The fate of the prisoners was unknown, but their capture came barely four days after rebels snatched PO1 Junrie Amper in Malimono town in nearby Surigao del Sur province.

The rebels have not issued any statement, although they are expected to claim responsibility in the coming days. Just this year, the rebels freed several policemen and soldiers they captured in eastern Mindanao following appeals from their families.

There was no immediate statement from the Eastern Mindanao Command about the latest attack by the NPA which boasted of mass support from villagers in the region.

The military has lately been losing the propaganda war to the NPA because of the failure of its officials and spokesmen in the region to immediately address the rebel’s aggressive media campaign.

The rebels have been fighting for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/11/philippine-rebels-seize-2-cops-at.html