Friday, August 21, 2015

Rival clans in Basilan end years of conflict

From the Philippine Star (Aug 21): Rival clans in Basilan end years of conflict



Leaders of two rival clans in Maluso town in Basilan sign a peace covenant before Superintendent Oscar Nantes of the provincial police. Philstar.com/John Unson

Two more groups in Basilan on Thursday signed a truce ending a conflict that for years mired the economic growth of villages whose control they had violently squabbled for.

Superintendent Oscar Nantes, director of the Basilan provincial police office, said leaders of the Idan and the combined Arabani and Baite families of Maluso municipality also swore over the Qur’an to start rebuilding cordiality among them as part of a “healing process” meant to reunite them anew.

The rival clans agreed to reconcile through the intercession of the provincial police, the local government unit of Maluso and the office of Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Nantes said it took negotiators about a month to resolve the clan war amicably.

Hataman and local officials in Basilan’s Sumisip and Lantawans towns had earlier settled seven clan wars involving big families in the two areas.

Nantes said they aim to address more clan wars in the coming months to deescalate political rivalries among protagonists during next year’s local elections.

Hataman said he is thankful to local commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for helping address domestic security problems arising from conflicts among big Yakan and Tausog families in Basilan.

The ARMM governor is the presiding chair of the inter-agency regional peace and order council.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/08/21/1490625/rival-clans-basilan-end-years-conflict

Infographics: Completed Air Force, Army, Navy upgrade projects

From the Philippine Star (Aug 21): Infographics: Completed Air Force, Army, Navy upgrade projects



A member of the Philippine Air Force salutes during a ceremony for the turnover of eight brand new Bell-412EP helicopters that were procured by the Philippine Air Force from Bell Helicopter Textron and two attack helicopters, the Augusta Westland AW-109E from Italy as part of its modernization program Monday, Aug. 17, 2015 at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Philippines. AP/Bullit Marquez

The country's defense spending has been on a steady rise since the 1990s, with a 25-percent leap eyed next year.

The proposed P25-billion defense budget in 2016 is part of a five-year military modernization program gearing to project a modern military with minimum credible defense and to make the Philippines a worthy member of security alliances.

Data recently obtained by The STAR showed that 55 military upgrade projects worth P11.71 billion have been completed under the Aquino administration. These include:







Based on a report by The STAR / Alexis Romero; Infographics by Philstar.com / Jonathan Asuncion
A total of P90.86 billion is needed to bankroll the military's upgrade program until 2017.

Last week, the Philippine Navy christened two brand new weaponized AugustaWestlend AW109 helicopters for deployment on board its Pilar-class frigates.

http://www.philstar.com/news-feature/2015/08/21/1490623/infographics-completed-air-force-army-navy-upgrade-projects

Infographic: Delayed military upgrade projects

From the Philippine Star (Aug 21): Infographic: Delayed military upgrade projects



Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano close air support aircraft is among the possible models being considered by the Philippine Air Force to replace the entire OV-10 Bronco fleet. Pictured is a Colobian EMB-214 flaring. Andrés Ramirez

The country's defense spending has been on a steady rise since the 1990s, with a 25-percent leap eyed next year.

The proposed P25-billion defense budget in 2016 is part of a five-year military modernization program gearing to project a modern military with minimum credible defense and to make the Philippines a worthy member of security alliances.

While President Benigno Aquino III's administration has committed itself to a slew of upgrade projects for the military, several projects worth over P60 billion faced possible delays for lack of the commander-in-chief's signature, the STAR reported last month.

These are:


Based on a report by The STAR / Alexis Romero; Infographic by Philstar.com / Jonathan Asuncion
Last week, the Philippine Navy christened two brand new weaponized AugustaWestlend AW109 helicopters for deployment on board its Pilar-class frigates.
Data recently obtained by The STAR showed that 55 military upgrade projects worth P11.71 billion have been completed under the Aquino administration.

http://www.philstar.com/news-feature/2015/08/21/1490624/infographic-delayed-military-upgrade-projects

Iriberri orders AFP: Make Sulu and Basilan 'inhospitable' to Abus

From the Philippine Star (Aug 21): Iriberri orders AFP: Make Sulu and Basilan 'inhospitable' to Abus

Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Hernando Iriberri directed Friday the ground troops to continue making Sulu and Basilan “inhospitable” for Abu Sayyaf group and keeping militants on the run.

Iriberri issued a directive following the successful offensive operation of the military under Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), which led to the rescue of the two Philippine Coast Guard personnel held captive by the Abu Sayyaf group in the jungle of Barangay Buanza, Indanan town, Sulu.

Coast Guard personnel Seaman 2nd Class Rod Pagaling and Seaman 1st Class Gringo Villaruz escaped at the height of the assault staged by the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion led by Lt. Col. Eugene Boquio against approximately 100 Abu Sayyaf members.

The two captives, who were recovered Thursday morning near the area, were transported to the city and arrived later in the evening.

Westmincom Chief Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero said at least 15 Abu Sayyaf members were killed while 7 soldiers were wounded in the encounter.

Iriberri visited here Friday to personally assess the ongoing operations against the Abu Sayyaf group and commended Westmincom under Guerrero and the military units of the Joint Task Group Sulu (JTGS) led by Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado.

Irriberi also visited the wounded soldiers at Camp Navarro General Hospital (CNGH) and pinned them with medals after citing their gallantry.

“My command guidance is for our forces to continue to make their area of responsibility inhospitable to the lawless elements and the Abu Sayyaf groups,” Iriberri said in an ambush interview.

Iriberri’s directive includes keeping the Abu Sayyaf group on the run and preventing them from staging hostile plans.

“The result of the operation is good. Relentless operations continued not only in Sulu but also in Basilan,” Iriberri said, citing the offensive operation in Barangay Baiwas, Sumisip town, which was carried out almost simultaneously with the assault at Barangay Buanza, Indanan town, Sulu.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/08/21/1490633/iriberri-orders-afp-make-sulu-and-basilan-inhospitable-abus

Photo: Pacific Angel 2015

From The Standard (Aug 22): Photo: Pacific Angel 2015



Air Force Capt. Jacquelyn Corpuz, a flight nurse, questions a patient about his health during healthcare services outreach of the multilateral humanitarian assistance operation, called Pacific Angel, in Tagbilaran City in Bohol province on August 16. US AIR FORCE / T. SGT. AARON OELRICH

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/08/22/pacific-angel-2015/

Ex-battalion commander is new PA spokesman

From the Daily Tribune (Aug 22): Ex-battalion commander is new PA spokesman

The Philippine Army on Thursday installed a former battalion commander based in Mindanao as new spokesman.

Col. Benjamin Hao, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1990, replaced Maj. Enrico Gil Ileto, who served as the acting head of the Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs (OACPA) for more than a month.

The OACPA post was vacated by Col. Noel Detoyato, also of PMA Class of 1990, who was designated as chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Public Affairs Office last month.

Actually, Hao is no stranger to OACPA after serving in the office during his junior officer years.

“After 18 years since I first stepped in the realm of military public affairs, I am now given the chance to lead it for the Army,” said Hao during his assumption speech, adding “I will try to provide the best public affairs service that our Army deserve to have.”

Prior to his designation as Army spokesman, Hao was the commander of a Civil Military Operations Battalion based in the National Capital Region. He was also a former faculty member of the AFP Command and General Staff College. He also served as commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion based in North Cotabato.

Hao also served as a key figure in the organization of the defunct AFP National Development Support Command from 2007 to 2009 and as CMO officer of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division during the post-Maguindanao massacre incident from January to November 2010.

Ileto, on the other hand, will go back to his old post as the Commandant of the Army CMO School.

“As the new ACPA, I am confident that Hao will bring new ideas and concepts, foster good media relations, and fulfill the public information obligation of the Army,” said Maj. Gen. Raffy Valencia , Army chief of staff who presided over the ceremony.

Gov’t to continue upgrades of Navy ships despite bid failure

From the Business World (Aug 20): Gov’t to continue upgrades of Navy ships despite bid failure

THE DEPARTMENT of National Defense (DND) is still planning to continue with the upgrades of three of its military vessels despite the failed bidding of the contract earlier this year.
During a meeting of the DND Bids and Awards Committee on Thursday, a technical working group from the Philippine Navy presented the intended upgrades for the BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35), BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS-36) and BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37).
 
Upgrades include the replacement of the barrels of the ships’ three 75-millimeter guns and two 25-millimeter guns. The ships’ radar, control and surveillance systems will also be modernized if the project pushes through.
 
Discussions on the project’s technical specification will continue before the committee will be able to rebid the contract again, DND Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Chairman Assistant Secretary Ernesto D. Boac told BusinessWorld.

Budget for the three vessels’ upgrade contract is currently set at around P854.6 million. The figure, which could still change depending on the discussions by the BAC and the Philippine Navy technical working group, will be sourced from the 2014 national budget and the funding for the military’s modernization program.

Last March, the bidding for the project was scrapped after the BAC declared a failure of bidding due to the non-submission of bids by the nine companies that bought bid documents for the project.
 

Army: Don't pay rebels campaign permit fees

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 22): Army: Don't pay rebels campaign permit fees

A ranking military official yesterday discouraged candidates in the May 2016 election from paying “permits to win and campaign fees”, usually demanded by the New People's Army during the election period.
 
The filing of certificates of candidacy for candidates in next year's election is from October 12 to 16.
 
Col. Francisco Delfin, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said that giving in to the demands of the NPA means providing more power to those he calls “extortionists"
 
In previous elections, candidates were forced to pay up to allegedly gain protection from the rebel groups in areas controlled by them.
 
Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala, Armed Forces Civil Relations chief, in a statement he issued, said that the continuous efforts of the AFP in running after high ranking officials of the NPA makes the impact of the rebel group no longer valuable.
 
AFP records show that the CPP-NPA allegedly demands P500,000 from a gubernatorial candidates, P300,000 from vice gubernatorial bets, P250,000 from congressional candidates, P200,000 from mayoralty candidates and P100,000 from vice mayoralty candidates.
 
Through Comelec Resolution No. 9981, promulgated on August 18, the poll body scheduled the election period from January 10 to June 8 next year.
 
The election is set on May 9 on the same year.
 

Abducted PCG men saw Abu leaders, hostages: sources

From ABS-CBN (Aug 21): Abducted PCG men saw Abu leaders, hostages: sources



Rodlyn Pagaling and Gringo Villaruz, members of the Philippine Coast Guard taken hostage by al Qaeda-linked militants three months ago, arrive at the Coast Guard headquarters in Manila. Photo by Romeo Ranoco, Reuters

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel Gringo Villaruz and Rod Pagaling reportedly encountered several known Abu Sayyaf leaders and subleaders during their almost four months in captivity, sources privy to the operation leading to their escape and rescue said Friday.

Villaruz and Pagaling also reportedly saw three foreign hostages during their stay -- two Malaysians and one Korean.

Some of the ammunition they saw the Abu Sayyaf bandits were holding, the sources said, bore the marking "Government Arsenal."

Sources said the two managed to positively identify ASG subleaders Yasser Igasan, Indang Susukan, Alhabsy Misaya, and Raden Abu, who each led part of the 200-strong ASG group involved in the kidnapping.

A certain Alden Bagade and Marajan Hajiri were also said to be part of the group.

Sources said the group was also in contact with Furiji Indama, an Abu Sayyaf leader who is based in Basilan.

Villaruz and Pagaling are set to file kidnap for ransom charges against those they identified.

They will also stand as witness to the murder charge to be filed by the family of barangay captain Rodolfo Buligao, who was killed days before the PCG personnel were able to escape.

http://rp2.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/08/21/15/abducted-pcg-men-saw-abu-leaders-hostages-sources

Drop rebellion raps vs Misuari, we talk – MNLF

From the Manila Times (Aug 21): Drop rebellion raps vs Misuari, we talk – MNLF

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) wants the Philippine government to drop the rebellion cases filed against its chairman, Nur Misuari, to allow him to participate in the planned tripartite review of the 1996 peace agreement, an official of the rebel group said here.

According to Johnny Siao, chief of the National Border Command, an MNLF wing based in General Santos City, the MNLF hierarchy is willing to hold formal talks with the government on condition it be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Siao said the Philippine government should also show its sincerity and commitment to the 1996 peace pact, which was signed by President Fidel V. Ramos.

He claimed that since then only 70 percent of the first phase of the agreement have been implemented.

“President Aquino must fulfill the remaining 30 percent of Phase I and to start with Phase II for its implementation,” Siao said. He added that the MNLF Central Committee, which met recently in Jolo, Sulu, may accept government’s offer to have a discussion about the unfinished business under the 1996 agreement through a tripartite review process provided the charges against Misuari for rebellion are dropped.

“We have been urging the government to drop the charges against Misuari for him to participate in the tripartite review whenever it would set its schedule and this is the only way also that the government will prove their sincerity,” Siao said told The Manila Times.

http://www.manilatimes.net/drop-rebellion-raps-vs-misuari-we-talk-mnlf/211702/

Kidnapped restaurant manager cries everyday hoping for release

From The Star Online (Aug 21): Kidnapped restaurant manager cries everyday hoping for release



KOTA KINABALU: Kidnapped Seafood restaurant manager Thien Nyuk Fun (pic) is crying everyday with no sign of her release by her Abu Sayyaf captors.

Fear for the life of the 50-year-old widow is also mounting as reports from Jolo indicate her health is deteriorating rapidly in the jungles of southern Philippines. She suffers from high blood pressure and other medical conditions.

She has also been crying daily amid taunting by gunmen that they will behead her and fellow captive Bernard Then Ted Fen if their ransom demands are not met.

Thien and Then, a Sarawakian on holiday in Sandakan, were snatched from the Ocean King Seafood Restaurant in Sandakan on May 14 and taken to the southern Philippines island of Jolo by the gunmen.
 
Thien's condition is apparently worsening even though she has received her high blood pressure medication.

The 39-year-old Then, however, is holding out despite daily threats of being beheaded, according to a social worker who declined to be named.

Jolo based anti-kidnapping activist Prof Octovio Dinampo said that the two were being held by Abu Sayyaf sub commander Indang Susukan, who is demanding Pesos 30mil (about RM2.6mil) for their release.

However, the situation was being complicated as Indang's uncle Abu Hamry (a former general from Moro National Liberation Front or MNLF) wants Pesos 80mil (about RM7mil), he said.

Malaysian and Filipino intermediaries have been continuously in touch with the kidnappers, but the families are unable to raise the money and are hoping the Malaysian Government will intervene and secure their release.

Prof Dinampo said there was a real worry about a possible beheading as Abu Sayyaf had already beheaded a Filipino village chief on Aug 11 after his family failed to come up with the Pesos 1mil ransom.

The village chief was kidnapped on May 4 along with two other Cost Guard personnel.

However, the two coastguards reportedly escaped during a Philippines military assault on Aug 19.

"For now, I know the two Malaysians are alright," said Prof Dinampo.

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/08/21/Hostage-crying-daily/

Military operations continue to rescue other hostages

From the Manila Times (Aug 21): Military operations continue to rescue other hostages

Military operations continue to rescue the other kidnap victims from the hands of the Abu Sayyaf brigands in the province of Sulu.

Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, made this announcement after the rescue of the two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel from the hands of the Abu Sayyaf brigands.

The two PCG personnel namely, SN2 Gringo Villaruz and SN1 Rod Pagaling, were rescued Thursday at the height of the fire-fight in Barangay Buanza, Indanan, Sulu.

The Abu Sayyaf brigands kidnapped the two Coast Guard personnel together with Rodolfo Boligao last May 4 in Aliguay, an island barangay in Dapitan City.

The Abu Sayyaf brigands executed Boligao, the barangay chairman of Aliguay, last August 11.
The two Philippine coast guard men on Friday trembled and cried as they recalled their harrowing four-month captivity under Islamic extremists.

Sporting long beards, Gringo Villaruz and Rod Allain Pagaling said luck and quick wit aided their escape from Abu Sayyaf militants on the remote southern island of Jolo.

“Each day I felt like I was going to die,” Pagaling told reporters shortly after arriving in Manila, as his three-year-old daughter, Allaina, clung tightly to his shoulders.

“It was very difficult. We had nothing else to turn to except prayer.”

The men, who were abducted in May along with another hostage, were blindfolded, stripped of their shirts and made to beg for their lives on their knees as their masked captors held machetes to their necks.

A video of the desperate plea was posted on the video-sharing website YouTube as the bandits demanded an undisclosed ransom.

The decapitated remains of the other hostage, Rodolfo Boligao, were found on a dark, deserted Jolo highway last week.

The beheading prompted elite military forces to launch a risky operation to free 11 hostages held by the Al-Qaeda-linked militants — including the two coastguard officials, as well as two Malaysians, a Dutch national and a South Korean.

Meanwhile, Guerrero disclosed that they have designated troops to track down the whereabouts of a particular captive and to possibly rescue the victims.

One of the captives is Mayor Gemma Adana of Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay. She was seized last April 6 from her residence in Barangay Taytay Manubo, Naga.

Guerrero is optimistic that the continuous law enforcement operations will result to the safe recovery or rescue of the kidnap victims.

http://www.manilatimes.net/military-operations-continue-to-rescue-other-hostages/211661/

‘Like dying every day’

From The Standard (Aug 22): ‘Like dying every day’

2 Coast Guard men tell of captivity at the hands of Abu Sayyaf

TWO Coast Guard men trembled and cried  Friday  as they recalled their harrowing four months as captives of Abu Sayyaf bandits who beheaded one of their fellow hostages.

Sporting long beards, Gringo Villaruz and Rod Allain Pagaling said luck and quick wit aided their escape from the Abu Sayyaf bandits on the remote southern island of Jolo.

“Each day I felt like I was going to die,” Pagaling told reporters shortly after arriving in Manila, as his 3-year-old daughter, Allaina, clung tightly to his shoulders.


Home again. Coastguard  Rod Allain Pagaling is reunited with his daughter Allaina and wife Judith in Manila on Friday following his escape from his Abu Sayyaf captors. AFP

“It was very difficult. We had nothing else to turn to except prayer.”

The men, who were abducted in May along with another hostage, were blindfolded, stripped of their shirts and made to beg for their lives on their knees as their masked captors held machetes to their necks.

A video of the desperate plea was posted on the video-sharing website YouTube as the bandits demanded an undisclosed ransom.

The decapitated remains of the other hostage, Rodolfo Boligao, were found on a dark, deserted Jolo highway last week.

The beheading prompted elite military forces to launch a risky operation to free 11 hostages held by the Al-Qaeda-linked militants— including the two Coast Guard officials, as well as two Malaysians, a Dutch national and a South Korean.

After the military engaged the militants in a firefight late  Wednesday, Villaruz and Pagaling were able to slip away.

“The fighting was so intense. There was no time to think hard,” said Villaruz.

“We just made a run for it while there was chaos all around.”

Found an hour apart, they did not know of each other’s escape until they saw one another  Thursday  at a local military hospital.

The Abu Sayyaf militants are believed to be holding nine remaining hostages. Authorities are continuing to pursue the group, said Capt. Antonio Bulao, a military spokesman in Jolo.

Fifteen Abu Sayyaf militants died in the fighting  on Wednesday.

Impoverished Jolo is a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf, a loose band of several hundred armed men set up in the 1990s with seed money from Osama Bin Laden’s Al-Qaeda network.

The group engages in kidnappings to finance its operations, often targeting foreigners and sometimes beheading captives if ransoms are not paid.

It has also been blamed for the worst bomb attacks in the country, including the firebombing of a ferry off Manila Bay in 2004 that killed more than 100 people.

Also  on Wednesday, one soldier and three Abu Sayyaf terroirsts were killed in Basilan.

Capt. Roy Trinidad, chief of staff of Task Force Zambasulta said six bandits were also wounded in the firefight in Sitio Punoh Timuguen, Barangay Biwas, Sumisip.

“The firefight lasted for one hour before the bandits withdrew in different directions. We’ve one casualty while three bandits were killed and many of them were wounded,” Trinidad said.

Trinidad said ground troops received artillery and air support.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/08/22/-like-dying-every-day-/

10 more Abu Sayyaf killed as military pursues terrorists in Sulu

From InterAksyon (Aug 22): 10 more Abu Sayyaf killed as military pursues terrorists in Sulu



Ten more Abu Sayyaf terrorists were killed Friday, raising to 25 the number of Islamic terrorists slain and 16 others wounded the past three days as the military continued its operations using 105mm cannons against the fleeing terror group in Patikul, Sulu.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commanding general of the Sulu Joint Task Group, confirmed Friday night the number of fatalities suffered by the al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf which is still holding nine hostages, including a Malaysian and a Korean.

Arrojado said this was the biggest casualties the Abu Sayyaf had suffered.

Earlier, Arrojado reported that 15 bandits under Abu Sayyaf sub-leaders Yasser Igasan and Alhabsy Misaya were killed during an encounter with Joint Task Group Sulu units at Sitio Marang, Barangay Buanza, Indanan town, Sulu Wednesday afternoon.

[Read related story: 15 Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in Sulu clash]

Army troopers are now pursuing the terrorists in Patikul and Indanan towns where they fled after two Philippine Coast Guard enlisted men held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf since May escaped Thursday following heavy fighting between the soldiers and about 80 Abu Sayyaf bandits.

[Read related story: 2-day AFP offensive helps Coast Guard men escape; MNLF fighters said to have helped ASG]

The two coast guard men, Seaman Second Class Gringo Villaruz and Seaman First Class Rod Allain Pagaling, have been reunited with their families after their great escape at the height of the fighting.

The Abu Sayyaf panicked when government forces attacked their hideout in Patikul, Arrojado said.

He said “the Abu Sayyaf secured their foreign hostages during the fighting that enabled the two coast guard men to escape.”

Arrojado also said he received reports that Radillon Sajiron, the Abu Sayyaf leader in Sulu, is now suffering from diabetes.

“Civilians in Sulu are helping us locate the Abu Sayyaf, making our operation easier,” Arrojado said.

“Tonight, several rounds of 105 howitzers were fired at the fleeing Abu Sayyaf after civilians told us the location of the Abu Sayyaf,” Arrojado added.

He said the operation against the Abu Sayyaf will continue without letup.

Last week, the Abu Sayyaf beheaded Rodolfo Boligao, the village chief of Aliguay, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, after his family failed to pay P1 million ransom.

Boligao, as well as Pagaling and Villaruz, were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf in May.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/116409/10-more-abu-sayyaf-killed-as-military-pursues-terrorists-in-sulu

Soldier gunned down in North Cotabato town

ABS-CBN (Aug 21): Soldier gunned down in North Cotabato town

MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato - A soldier was shot dead by suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Barangay Nabalawag in Midsayap town, North Cotabato Thursday afternoon.

The victim was identified as Cpl. Angelo Magtubo, a personnel of the 7th Fire Artillery Battalion.

Authorities said Magtubo was traveling on board a motorcycle toward the Nabalawag Firebase when he was gunned down.

The suspects quickly fled the area toward Datu Piang, Maguindanao, carrying the victims's motorcycle.

Police are investigating the incident.

http://rp2.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/08/21/15/soldier-gunned-down-north-cotabato-town

PCG men forced to serve Abu Sayyaf

From ABS-CBN (Aug 21): PCG men forced to serve Abu Sayyaf



Rodlyn Pagaling and Gringo Villaruz, members of the Philippine Coast Guard taken hostage by al Qaeda-linked militants three months ago, arrive at the Coast Guard headquarters in Manila. Photo by Romeo Ranoco, Reuters 

The two personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) who escaped captivity in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf group are now safely back inside PCG headquarters, where they were also reunited with their families.

SN2 Gringo Villaruz and SN1 Rodlyn Pagaling were abducted last May 4, 2015 in Brgy Aliguay, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte.

Abducted with them was Rodolfo Buligao, the barangay captain who was killed last August 11. They were then taken from Dapitan, to Siocon, and then in Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay, before arriving in Indanan, Sulu where they consequently escaped.

Admiral Rodolfo Isorena, Commandant of the PCG, said the barangay requested their presence in Aliguay because it was where tourists get off after vacationing in the island resort of Dakak. They were, in fact, kidnapped while sleeping in the barangay hall, since there was no Coast Guard detachment there.



Rodlyn Pagaling, one of the two members of the Philippine Coast Guard taken hostage by al Qaeda-linked militants three months ago, is welcomed by his loved ones upon arrival at the Coast Guard headquarters in Manila. Photo by Romeo Ranoco, Reuters

When Pagaling and Villaluz arrived in Manila via a commercial flight from Zamboanga, their faces were still ashen, their lips pale. They refused to be interviewed, and were immediately ushered into a waiting vehicle that sped off to the South Harbor.

But when they entered PCG grounds, they smiled as their colleagues shook their hands.

Pagaling wept as he was met by his wife Judith, 3-year old daughter Alaina, father, and sister.

Waiting at the gate of headquarters were no less than Isorena himself, as well as DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya. Both insist that no ransom was paid for the 2.

HOSTAGES TURNED SERVANTS

Sources privy to the negotiation and operation say that during their almost 4-month long captivity, Pagaling and Villaluz were turned into servants of the approximately 200-strong Abu Sayyaf group holding them in Sulu. They were made to cook the rebels' meals, fetch water, carry bullets, and even massage the backs 10-year old children who were at the camp.

When the First Scout Ranger Battalion launched their offensive at around 5:30pm of August 19, the captives' 4 armed guards were among those who fell first, giving Pagaling and Villaluz their chance to escape. Villaluz said he saw his chance and immediately ran away, without even thinking where he was going.

Pagaling, meanwhile, ran and fell off a ravine, creating distance between him and his captors, who by then were completey occupied by the military assault.

Villaruz was rescued by the military at 7am the following morning. Pagaling was rescued an hour later. Both thank the AFP for their help in getting them out.

Villaruz and Pagaling only found out that the barangay captain they were with was beheaded when they were rescued. They - the barangay captain included - were told that he was to be released.

The 2 were immediately debriefed by the AFP Western Mindanao Command. They will also be given a chance to recuperate, debrief, and spend time with their families now that they are out of harm's way.

[Video report]

 http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/focus/08/21/15/pcg-men-forced-serve-abu-sayyaf

U.S. Outlines Asia-Pacific Maritime Security Strategy

From the US Department of Defense (Aug 21): U.S. Outlines Asia-Pacific Maritime Security Strategy

Asia-Pacific Maritime Security Strategy

For full report go the following URL: http://www.defense.gov/Portals/1/Documents/pubs/NDAA%20A-P_Maritime_SecuritY_Strategy-08142015-1300-FINALFORMAT.PDF

  The United States has spelled out its maritime security strategy so that all nations understand the American position, David Shear, the assistant secretary of defense for Asian-Pacific security affairs, said during a Pentagon news conference today.

The U.S. will continue to use diplomacy, multilateral institutions and continued engagement to protect free and open access to maritime Asia, while focusing on safeguarding the freedom of the seas, deterring conflict and coercion, and promoting adherence to international law and standards, Shear said.

And he reemphasized previous statements by U.S. officials that the United States takes no position over competing claims for land claims in the South China Sea and the East China Sea.

“We have a vested interest in ensuring that the claims are resolved peacefully and without conflict or coercion,” Shear said, adding, “however, there are several trends -- including rapid military modernization growing resource demands and territorial maritime disputes -- which have the potential to create instability in this vital region.”.

China’s expansion of disputed features and artificial island construction in the Spratly Islands is a concern, he said.

“While land reclamation is not new, and China is not the only claimant to have conducted reclamation, China’s recent activities outweigh other efforts in size, pace and nature,” he said.

DoD Investing in Capabilities in Asia-Pacific

Shear made it clear the United States will maintain the necessary military presence and capabilities to protect U.S. interests and those of allies and partners against potential threats in maritime Asia.

The United States, he said, is strengthening its military capacity in the region to deter conflict and coercion and respond decisively when needed.

“DoD is investing a new cutting-edge capability, deploying our finest maritime capabilities forward, and distributing these capabilities more widely across the region,” he said. As Defense Secretary Ash Carter has said, “the United States will continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows, as U.S. forces do all around the world,” Shear said.

The United States will continue working with allies and partners across the region to build their maritime capacities.

Leveraging Defense Diplomacy

“We’re building greater interoperability and developing more integrated operations with our allies and partners,” he said.

U.S. officials are leveraging defense diplomacy to build greater transparency, reduce the risk of miscalculation or conflict and promote shared maritime rules of the road, Shear said.

U.S. officials are working with Chinese leaders and with regional officials to put risk reduction measures in place, he said. There is already an agreement for ship-to-ship encounters, Shear noted, adding that he hopes to see an agreement for air-to-air encounters by the end of the year.

The United States is working to strengthen regional security institutions and encourage development of an open and effective security architecture, Shear said. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is an increasingly important DoD partner, he said, and the department is working closely with that organization.

“Through these venues, we aim to promote candid conversations about ongoing challenges in the maritime domain and encourage greater information-sharing and cooperative solutions,” he said.

http://www.defense.gov/News-Article-View/Article/614488/us-outlines-asia-pacific-maritime-security-strategy

China's land reclamation in West PH Sea grows: Pentagon

Posted to ABS-CBN (Aug 21): China's land reclamation in West PH Sea grows: Pentagon



This photo taken last April 11, 2015 show clouds partially covering under-construction airstrip at Fiery Cross Reef (Kagitingan Reef) in the Spratly Islands in the disputed West Philippine Sea. AFP photo / CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative / Digitalglobe

China has reclaimed more land in the disputed Spratly islands of the South China Sea, including parts of the West Philippine Sea, than previously known, according to a new Pentagon report, which says Beijing is also completing construction of a runway on one of its seven man-made outposts.

Once the airstrip on Fiery Cross Reef is operational, China could potentially use it as an alternative runway for carrier-based planes, allowing the Chinese military to conduct "sustained operations" with aircraft carriers in the area, the report said.

China's sole aircraft carrier, a Soviet-era ship bought from Ukraine and refitted in China, has carried out exercises in the South China Sea but is not yet fully operational. Some experts believe China will deploy domestically built carriers by 2020 as part of plans to develop an ocean-going "blue water" navy.

At the reclamation sites in the Spratlys where China is in the building phase, it has excavated deep channels and constructed new berthing areas to allow access for larger ships, said the report, called the Asia-Pacific Maritime Security Strategy.

"The infrastructure China appears to be building would enable it to establish a more robust power projection presence into the South China Sea," it added.

Since China's land reclamation efforts began in December 2013, it had reclaimed more than 2,900 acres (1,170 hectares) of land as of June 2015, the report said. U.S. officials had previously put the total at 2,000 acres.

In a statement, China's Foreign Ministry said China had "completed the relevant island and reef area reclamation project" at the end of June.

Construction activities were "completely within the scope of China's sovereignty", it added.

In early August, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing had halted land reclamation.

China says the outposts will have undefined military purposes, as well as help with maritime search and rescue, disaster relief and navigation.

China claims most of the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei also have overlapping claims.

The reclamation campaign significantly outweighed efforts by other claimants in size, pace and nature, said the Pentagon report.

China had reclaimed 17 times more land in 20 months than the other claimants combined over the past 40 years, accounting for approximately 95 percent of all reclaimed land in the Spratlys, it added.

"China is unilaterally altering the physical status quo in the region, thereby complicating diplomatic initiatives that could lower tensions," said the report.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/08/21/15/chinas-land-reclamation-west-ph-sea-grows-pentagon

25 Abu Sayyaf slain in Sulu fighting

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 21): 25 Abu Sayyaf slain in Sulu fighting

Ten more Abu Sayyaf terrorists were killed Friday raising to 25 the number of Islamic terrorists slain and 16 others wounded the past three days as the military continued its operations using 105mm cannons against the fleeing terror group in Patikul, Sulu.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commanding general of the Sulu Joint Task Group, confirmed Friday night the number of fatalities suffered by the al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf which is still holding nine hostages, including a Malaysian and Korean.

Arrojado said this was the biggest casualties the Abu Sayyaf had suffered.

Army troopers were pursuing the terrorists in Patikul and Indanan towns where they fled after two Philippine Coast Guard enlisted men held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf since May escaped Thursday following heavy fighting between the soldiers and about 80 Abu Sayyaf.

The two coast guard men Gringo Villaruz and Rod Allain Pagaling have been reunited with their families after their great escape at the height of the fighting.

The Abu Sayyaf panicked when government forces attacked their hideout in Patikul, Arrojado said.

He said “the Abu Sayyaf secured their foreign hostages during the fighting that enabled the two coast guard men to escape.”

Arrojado also said he received reports that Radillon Sajiron, the Abu Sayyaf leader in Sulu, is now suffering from diabetes.

“Civilians in Sulu are helping us locate the Abu Sayyaf, making our operation easier,” Arrojado said.

“Tonight several rounds of 105 howitzers were fired at the fleeing Abu Sayyaf after civilians told us the location of the Abu Sayyaf,” Arrojado added.

He said the operation against the Abu Sayyaf will continue without letup.

Last week the Abu Sayyaf beheaded their hostage, Rodolfo Boligao after his family failed to pay P1 million ransom.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=795736

Philippines Push For Military Modernization in New Budget Proposal

From The Diplomat (Aug 21): Philippines Push For Military Modernization in New Budget Proposal

The Philippines can only afford ‘frugal’ military modernization despite rising tensions in the South China Sea.

Philippines Push For Military Modernization in New Budget Proposal

The Philippine Navy’s newest warship, the Hamilton-class cutter BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF 16).
Image Credit: U.S. Navy
 
The Philippine government is planning a 25 percent increase in the a portion of its 2016 defense budget dedicated to the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in order to reinforce its military assets in the South China Sea, according to AFP.

The AFP modernization program within the core Department of National Defense (DND) budget is set to increase from P15 to P25 billion ($552 million) in 2016. According to Florencio Abad, the current Secretary of the Philippine Department of Budget and Management, this would constitute the highest-ever increase in spending for military modernization in over two decades.

The 2016 defense budget is expected to rise by 16.3 percent to P115.8 billion ($ 2.5 billion) with total defense spending – including unprogrammed acquisitions and pensions – set to increase to P174.6 billion ($ 3.8 billion), according to IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly.

Abad told AFP that the proposed 2016 defense budget is part of a five-year, P75 billion military modernization plan approved by President Benigno Aquino Aquino in 2013; but this may not be enough according to data compiled by the Philippine Star, which indicates that a total of P90.86 billion will be needed to finance the military’s upgrade program until 2017. This data does not include around $50 million in direct military aid from the United States.

In detail, the 2016 funds will be used to purchase two frigates, two twin-engine long range patrol aircraft, three aerial surveillance radars, and the first two out of a total of 12 FA50 light fighter jets ordered from South Korea.  According to the Philippine Star, the overall modernization program includes:
[T]he acquisition of six close air support aircraft, P4.97 billion; multi-purpose attack craft project, P864.32 million; two C-130 aircraft, P1.6 billion; two naval helicopters, P5.4 billion; and lead-in fighter trainer jets ammunition, P4.47 billion.
So far, 55 military upgrade projects worth P11.71 billion have completed since 2010. The military modernization program is partially driven by the ongoing territorial dispute between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).  ”We need to protect what is clearly within our territorial jurisdiction. Certainly, we need to at least be able to effectively monitor the developments in the area, particularly those in disputed zones,” Abad told AFP.

However, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin emphasized that there will only be limited budgetary resources available for the ongoing modernization effort. “The goal of updating and modernizing our armed forces is a long and painstaking process. That means we have to be frugal and acquire reliable platforms at very reasonable costs … as allowed by our meager financial resources,” he said.

http://thediplomat.com/2015/08/philippines-push-for-military-modernization-in-new-budget-proposal/

How the Philippines Plans to Revive a Former US Naval Base

From The Diplomat (Aug 21): How the Philippines Plans to Revive a Former US Naval Base by

Manila is keen on moving ahead with its plans – with or without a major bilateral pact.

How the Philippines Plans to Revive a Former US Naval Base

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
 
Amidst the tensions generated by China’s development of artificial islands in the South China Sea, Philippine Secretary of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin reiterated the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) plan to rehabilitate the air and naval facilities in Subic Bay Freeport in the central part of the mainland island of Luzon.  Subic Bay, a deep water harbor located fifty 50 miles northwest of Manila facing the South China Sea,  was the service and logistic center for the U.S. Seventh Fleet until November 1992.  Accordingly, this move will enable the AFP to quickly deploy its fighter planes and frigates to any contingency in the South China Sea in the face of China’s maritime expansion in these disputed waters.

Since 2011, the Philippines has rushed to build up the AFP’s credible defense posture.  The Philippine Navy (PN) bought two Hamilton-class U.S. Coast Guard Cutters, and transformed these ships into surface combatants by equipping them with several automatic guns and attack helicopters.  The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is set to acquire 12 FA-50 fighter planes from South Korea with the first two jets to be delivered later this year.  The AFP intends to station these air and naval assets in Subic Bay which will become the Philippine military’s forward operating base given its proximity to Scarborough Shoal, which China occupied in June 2012.

The Philippine Department of Defense (DND) will spend Php100 million (estimated $2 million) to upgrade some of the former U.S. military facilities of Subic Bay. The Philippine government announced that the rehabilitation of these facilities will happen soon, and it will be focused on the old airport facilities in the former Cubi Point Naval Air Station (CUBINAS).   Prior to 1992, CUBINAS served as a base for the U.S. Navy’s P-3 Orion anti-submarine warfare aircraft during the Cold War.   The PAF will be allotted a 13-hectare portion of the old naval air base where shipping giant Federal Express (FEDEX) used to operate. Along with the air station, a portion of the free port will also be developed as a naval base for PN ships. The free port’s Ship Repair Facility compound will be the homeport of the PN’s latest acquisitions—the BRP Ramon Alacaraz (PF-16) and the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15).  Other port facilities such as Alava Pier, Juliet Pier, Bravo Wharf and Rivera Wharf will also be developed as part of the PN’s new naval base.

The Philippine government’s plan to develop Subic Bay as a military facility was first announced in October 2012, four months after the Chinese occupation of Scarborough Shoal.  When it was announced, Philippine and U.S. officials confirmed that Subic Bay–once the U.S. 7th Fleet homeport and the primary staging area for all American naval activities in the Southeast Asian waters–as a Philippine military facility that will host U.S. forces on a semi-permanent rotational presence.  These U.S. forces will engage the AFP in regular joint exercises to develop the latter’s doctrine and equipment in territorial defense, and enhance the two allies’ interoperability.  There were also plans to preposition U.S. logistics assets in the Subic Bay, and utilize some of the port facilities to service U.S. Navy ships.  Earlier in April 2012, America’s largest military shipbuilding company, Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) subsidiary AMSEC signed an agreement with South Korean Shipbuilding Company Hanjin Heavy Industries and Constructions to provide maintenance, repair, and logistics for U.S. Navy ships using Hanjin’s dry docks in Subic Bay.

On 28 April 2014, Philippine Defense Secretary Gazmin and U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg signed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). This executive agreement provides the framework by which the Philippines and the U.S. can develop their individual and collective (defense) capabilities. Such task can be accomplished through the rotational deployment of American forces in Philippine bases.  Although the EDCA allows American forces to utilize AFP-owned and -controlled facilities, the Philippine base commander has unhampered access to these locations.  Likewise, American built or improved infrastructure inside these installations can be used by the AFP.   Furthermore, any construction and other activities within in the Philippine bases require the consent of the host country through the Mutual Defense Board (MDB) and Security Engagement Board (SEB).

Through the EDCA, U.S. forces are afforded two innovative access arrangements in the Philippines, namely:   a) forward operating sites – expandable military facilities with limited U.S. military support presence; and b)   cooperative security locations – facilities with little or no permanent American presence and maintained by the host-nation.   These are less expensive, less visible and less vulnerable access arrangements that offer greater strategic and operational flexibility.

Unfortunately, left-wing groups and ultra-nationalist personalities questioned EDCA’s   constitutionality as an executive agreement requiring no concurrence from the Philippine Senate. EDCA is currently in a legal limbo as both sides wait for a decision from the Philippine Supreme Court before the agreement can be implemented.   However, confronted by Chinese island building activities in the South China Sea, the Philippine government decided to push through with the development of Subic Bay as a training and forward launching facility for U.S. forces operated by the AFP.  Secretary Gazmin admitted that U.S. military (rotational) presence in the AFP military facilities would help.  However, if the court decides against EDCA, the Philippine government will still proceed to develop these facilities inside Subic Bay Freeport.

The U.S. Navy has adopted the Philippine government’s pragmatic position of utilizing Subic Bay with or without EDCA.  Since mid-2015, several U.S. Navy ships have docked in this former naval facility.  In early May, the U.S. Navy’s newest littoral combat ship the U.S.S. Fort Worth (LCS-3) made a brief refueling and resupply stop at Subic Bay. Before the month ended, the Ticonderoga-class-guided-missile cruiser U.S.S. Shiloh (CG-67) arrived in Subic Bay for a port visit.  In July, the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer U.S.S. Lassen (DDG-82) dropped anchor at the former U.S. naval base for a routine port call.  Early this month, the Los Angeles-class attack submarine U.S.S. Chicago (SSN-721) docked in Subic Bay for its first visit to the Philippines.  With or without EDCA, both the AFP and the U.S. Navy are exerting their own respective efforts to make Subic Bay again a major staging base for U.S. power projection in the South China Sea.

[Dr. Renato Cruz De Castro is a professor in the International Studies Department, De La Salle University, Manila, and the holder of the Charles Lui Chi Keung Professorial Chair in China Studies. He was the U.S. State Department ASEAN Research Fellow from the Philippines.]

http://thediplomat.com/2015/08/how-the-philippines-plans-to-revive-a-former-us-naval-base/

Trembling Philippine hostages recall escape from captivity

From Rappler (Aug 21): Trembling Philippine hostages recall escape from captivity

Sporting long beards, Gringo Villaruz and Rod Allain Pagaling say luck and quick wit aided their escape from Abu Sayyaf militants on the remote southern island of Jolo

FREE. Rescued Philippine coast guard worker Gringo Villaruz (L) and Alan Pagaling (2nd L-behind, with beard) are escorted out of the hospital after they were rescued from Al-Qaeda militants, in the town of Jolo on the Philippine southern island of Mindanao on August 20, 2015. AFP PHOTO
  
FREE. Rescued Philippine coast guard worker Gringo Villaruz (L) and Alan Pagaling (2nd L-behind, with beard) are escorted out of the hospital after they were rescued from Al-Qaeda militants, in the town of Jolo on the Philippine southern island of Mindanao on August 20, 2015. AFP PHOTO 
 
Two Philippine coast guard men on Friday trembled and cried as they recalled their harrowing four-month captivity under Islamic extremists who beheaded one of their fellow hostages.
Sporting long beards, Gringo Villaruz and Rod Allain Pagaling said luck and quick wit aided their escape from Abu Sayyaf militants on the remote southern island of Jolo.
"Each day I felt like I was going to die," Pagaling told reporters shortly after arriving in Manila, as his three-year-old daughter, Allaina, clung tightly to his shoulders.
"It was very difficult. We had nothing else to turn to except prayer."
The men, who were abducted in May along with another hostage, were blindfolded, stripped of their shirts and made to beg for their lives on their knees as their masked captors held machetes to their necks.
A video of the desperate plea was posted on the video-sharing website YouTube as the bandits demanded an undisclosed ransom.
The decapitated remains of the other hostage, Rodolfo Boligao, were found on a dark, deserted Jolo highway last week.
The beheading prompted elite military forces to launch a risky operation to free 11 hostages held by the Al-Qaeda-linked militants -- including the two coastguard officials, as well as two Malaysians, a Dutch national and a South Korean.
After the military engaged the militants in a firefight late Wednesday, Villaruz and Pagaling were able to slip away.
"The fighting was so intense. There was no time to think hard," said Villaruz.
"We just made a run for it while there was chaos all around."
Found an hour apart, they did not know of each other's escape until they saw one another Thursday at a local military hospital.
The Abu Sayyaf militants are believed to be holding nine remaining hostages. Authorities are continuing to pursue the group, said Captain Antonio Bulao, a military spokesman in Jolo.
Fifteen Abu Sayyaf militants died in the fighting on Wednesday.
Impoverished Jolo is a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf, a loose band of several hundred armed men set up in the 1990s with seed money from Osama Bin Laden's Al-Qaeda network.
The group engages in kidnappings to finance its operations, often targeting foreigners and sometimes beheading captives if ransoms are not paid.
It has also been blamed for the worst bomb attacks in the country, including the firebombing of a ferry off Manila Bay in 2004 that killed more than 100 people.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/103320-coast-guard-men-recall-escape

Two persons shot dead in Angeles City violence

From InterAksyon (Aug 21): Two persons shot dead in Angeles City violence

ANGELES CITY - Two persons were shot dead by motorcycle-riding-suspects in separate violent incidents at barangays Sta. Trinidad and San Nicolas here late Thursday evening.

Police identified the victims as Wilfredo Flores, 50, of 511 Claveria Street, Sta, Trinidad and Rey Rodriguez, of Hensonville, Barangay Malabanias both in this city.

Flores was gunned down by unidentified gunmen riding "in-tandem" while he was waiting for his companion at past 8 p.m., while Rodriguez was killed in front of San Nicolas chapel some 30 minutes later.

Rodriguez died on the spot, while Flores expired in nearby hospital moments later.

Police said the suspects in Flores gun slay fled toward the direction of Brgy. San Nicolas.

Senior Supt. Eden Ugale, Director of the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO), believed that the suspects in Sta. Trinidad incident could also be behind the shooting of Rodriguez in San Nicolas.

Ugale said he ordered his men to investigate the case more deeply as it appeared that the killings could be summary executions.

There were no immediate reports on the activities and profiles of both victims, but police sources said the issue of illegal drugs could have something to do in the killings.

Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan earlier declared Angeles City as the most peaceful place, at least in Central Luzon, basing his pronouncement on reports submitted by the police during the last peace and order council meeting.

Aside from the resurgence of robbery hold-up by riding-in-tandem perpetrators, there are murder cases, including the killing of a bank teller whose body was dug up in a shallow grave in a posh subdivision last month, that remained unsolved.

InterAksyon.com tried but failed to reach Mayor Pamintuan for comment.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/116395/two-persons-shot-dead-in-angeles-city-violence

3 ASG men, soldier killed in Basilan clash

From InterAksyon (Aug 21): 3 ASG men, soldier killed in Basilan clash



Reports reaching Manila indicated that at least three suspected members of the Islamist militant Abu Sayyaf Group and a soldier died Wednesday in Basilan, the same day that government forces flushed out more than 200 suspected members in Sulu.

The clash in Indanan, Sulu killed 15 ASG members and one soldier in two hours of heavy firefight.

According to Capt. Roy Trinidad, chief of staff of Task Force "Zambasulta" (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi), the clash in Basilan took place at around 11:30 a.m. in Sitio Punoh Timuguen, Barangay Baiwas, Sumisip.

Initial reports indicated that six ASG members were wounded.

"The firefight lasted for one hour before the bandits withdrew toward different directions. We have one fatality, while three bandits were killed and many wounded," Trinidad said. "Another soldier who was wounded was immediately evacuated for prompt medical attention."

Trinidad said artillery and air support were provided to the ground troops.

Trinidad also disclosed the names of 10 of the 15 slain ASG members in the Sulu encounter, who were identified as Joy Juliyon, Arapat Bagadi, a certain Majindi, Sarman Aidarud, a certain Mandi, Arapat Hadjiri, Dunni Ammin, Salman Wahid, Majindi Kamlun, and Runni Said.

The wounded ASG fighters were identified as Abdel de la Cruz; Sherwin de la Cruz; a certain Mawalil, Duni and Bidah; Lasis Jihili; and Kapatud Sarman.

The Sulu clash had resulted in the rescue of Seaman 2nd Class Gringo Villaruz and SN1 Rod Allen Pagaling, both personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) who had earlier been abducted by the ASG in May.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/116396/3-asg-men-soldier-killed-in-basilan-clash

2 soldiers hurt in grenade attack in Cotabato City

From MindaNews(Aug 21): 2 soldiers hurt in grenade attack in Cotabato City

COTABATO CITY – Two soldiers were hurt when a grenade launcher hit an Army facility here at 7:35 p.m. Thursday.

The grenade landed on the roof of a detachment guard house of the Army Special Forces Battalion along Notre Dame Avenue, Barangay Rosary Heights 2, according to Colonel Ranulfo Sevilla, SF battalion commander.

The grenade wounded the soldier inside the guard house and another one who was standing beside the road.

Soldiers scoured the dimly lit abandoned compound nearby where the grenade launcher was allegedly fired but found no suspects.

A post-blast investigation showed the attackers used an M-203 grenade launcher.

Sevilla claimed they have information on the identities of the attackers but gave no details.

On April 18 this year, two motorcycle-riding men attacked the same Army base with an improvised explosive device. Nobody was hurt in that incident as the bomb did not explode.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/08/21/2-soldiers-hurt-in-grenade-attack-in-cotabato-city/

Security heightened as blast kills soldier, injures another in Cotabato City

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 21): Security heightened as blast kills soldier, injures another in Cotabato City

A red alert status has been raised across the city following the grenade attack on Thursday night on the headquarters of the 5th Special Forces (SF) Battalion along Sitio Dapdap, Barangay Rosary Heights 2 here.

The blast, which occurred around 7:30 p.m., hit the roadside station of the SF unit killing Pvt. Philip Palino, 24, and wounding Pfc. Marvin Ona, who were both manning the post at the time of the incident.

The explosion, believed to have come from a shoulder-fired M-79 explosive, also damaged the roof of the outpost.

Col. Ranulfo Sevilla, 5th SF Battalion commander, said the explosive could have been fired only a few meters from their settlement.

For several years now, the 5SF Battalion has been helping local authorities in running after criminals and similar offenders as part of the city’s internal security force.

Police probers are still coordinating with 5th SF Battalion to determine the motive behind the attack and identities of the culprits.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=795375

Manhunt on vs North Cotabato Moro bandits in soldier's execution

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 21): Manhunt on vs North Cotabato Moro bandits in soldier's execution

Police and military authorities here are hunting down two suspected hit men of outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who executed an Army corporal in a remote village here Thursday.

Supt. Reynante delos Santos, Midsayap police chief, said Corporal Angelo Magtubo of the 7th Infantry Battalion, died instantly due to multiple gunshot wounds.

The Midsayap PNP said Magtubo, in civilian clothes, was driving his motorbike heading toward a nearby store to buy cigarettes when flagged down by two men at past 3 p.m.

Without provocation, the gunmen opened fire. As Magtubo fell from his bike, the suspects took his motorbike and fled.

Police said the motive of the attack could be robbery but investigators are also looking at other possible motives.

About a dozen infantrymen under the 6th Infantry Division have been killed by suspected BIFF hit men who resorted to guerrilla attacks against government forces following the fall of its camps in Maguindanao early this year.

More than 90 BIFF guerrillas were killed and wounded during the month-long air and ground assaults on its lairs in Maguindanao.

Capt. Joanne Petinglay, 6th ID spokesperson, admitted the BIFF has shifted to "hit and run" attacks because it can no longer mount major offensive against well armed, disciplined better organized and better in strength Philippine military.

Most of the targets of BIFF hit men were soldiers on motorbikes traveling alone in Maguindanao and North Cotabato highways.

Following the series of highway lightning attacks by BIFF, Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, 6th ID chief, has directed all units and battalion commanders to refrain infantrymen from traveling on motorbikes alone.

He also placed the entire Army division and its operational units to red alert status amid intelligence reports the BIFF has intensified its "hit and run" attacks on unsuspecting soldiers, mostly off duty personnel, traveling along highways in its area of jurisdiction.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=795456

State forces hunting down militiaman who killed comrades in South Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 21): State forces hunting down militiaman who killed comrades in South Cotabato

State forces are now hunting down a militiaman who shot dead two of his comrades and wounded another in Tampakan, South Cotabato Thursday night, the Army said.

Colonel Ronald Jess Alcudia, 27th IB commander, identified the suspect as Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) member Mark Anthony Aradaza who, for still unknown reasons, ran amok at 9 p.m. Thursday.

Aradaza strafed his comrades inside the militia detachment in Barangay Palo, Tampakan, South Cotabato.

Killed on the spot due to multiple gunshot wounds were Frankly Viloria, 23, and Mark Anthony Macul, 26. Wounded was Camilo de Claro, 23. The victims were all residents of Barangay Palo.

They belonged to 72nd Civilian Armed Auxiliary/CAFGU under the supervision of 27th Infantry Battalion.

CAA Erick Panes told reporters that the victims were resting in two separate hammocks inside the militia base when Aradaza, armed with M-14 Rifle, opened fire.

Panes was teary eyed when he recalled the bloody incident since the victims and the suspects were his friends and comrades.

He said Macul, who was hit in his abdomen, is set to marry his fiancee in two months. Viloria sustained head injuries and died instantly.

De Claro is now recuperating at the South Cotabato provincial hospital in Koronadal City.

After the incident, Aradaza fled with his rifle and bullets.

Alcudia has ordered a manhunt.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=795463

Solon on charges against her: "Politically motivated," "black propaganda"

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 21): Solon on charges against her: "Politically motivated," "black propaganda"

Rep. Nancy Catamco of North Cotabato's second district has vehemently denied she has been coddling the gunmen of an Italian missionary priest killed in 2011, describing the issue as "political" and a black propaganda aimed at destroying her ahead of the 2016 elections.

"This issue has come out in the 2013 elections, now it resurfaced," Catamco, a member of the Liberal Party, said in a statement.

Catamco said one group which claimed to be working for the indigenous peoples but affiliated with the communist movement was behind the black propaganda against her.

The Apo Sandawa Lumadnong Panaghiusa sa Cotabato (ASLPC) was the group Catamco was referring to. “I suspect that this group was prodded to rehearse their failed attempt to unseat me as representative of North Cotabato’s 2nd district,” she said in a statement.

The ASLCP is also composed of the group of IPs who called for Catamco's ouster as chair of the House Committee on Indigenous Peoples because of what transpired at the IPs in a Church compound in Davao City last July.

About 1,000 IP individuals were encamped at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) in Davao City and served as IP evacuation centers from Talaingod in Davao del Norte and Fernando, Bukidnon.

The IPs claimed they abandoned their homes because of heavy presence of the military in their communities.

As IP herself and chair of House IP committee, Catamco wanted the evacuees to leave the Haran compound and return to their respective communities "because they do not deserve to be treated like evacuees."

Fr. Peter Geremiah, a colleague of Fr. Fausto ‘Pops’ Tentorio, parish priest in Arakan town in North Cotabato, has accused Catamco as coddler of Tentorio's killers.

But she said the accusation was aimed at destroying her reputation because it was baseless and politically motivated.

Geremiah and ASLPC leaders said Catamco was behind the release of brothers Jimmy Ato and his brother Robert who were tagged as the gunmen in Tentorio killing. They were arrested by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation in 2012.

The group also accused Catamco of coddling Jun Corbala, a aleader of an anti-communist group called Bagani in North Cotabato.

"There was no hard evidence that I coddled criminals," Catamco said even as she challenged Geremiah to show proof of his allegations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=795611