Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Providing communications for Balikatan

From DVIDS (Apr 26): Providing communications for Balikatan (By Airman 1st Class Corey Pettis)

Providing communications for Balikatan

Photo By Airman 1st Class Corey Pettis | U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Alexander Davis adjusts a AN/PRC-117G radio during Balikatan 2017 at Camp Lapulapu, Cebu, April 25, 2017. Balikatan is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and counterterrorism. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Corey Pettis)             

Communication is vital to any mission, exercise or daily operation. That is especially true for the Combined Joint Civil-Military Operations Task Force for Exercise Balikatan 2017.

Balikatan is a Filipino term meaning “shoulder-to-shoulder” and is an annual exercise involving the U.S. military and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, designed to build bilateral partnership by joining forces to complete humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as counterterrorism training.

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Alexander Davis is making it possible for the CJCMOTF to easily and quickly communicate to the sites on other islands.

“We are setting up a tactical satellite network to control the battlespace for the commanders so they can talk from the headquarters, here in Cebu, to all the different subordinate units at all the other sites on all the different islands simultaneously,” Davis said. “This is the communication and control piece of the overall mission.”

Davis’ reports of accountability and critical information to both the headquarters and other mission sites is an important requirement for mission success.

“It provides a quick reporting system, if anything were to happen at the (engineering civic action project) sites,” Davis said. “It is real time communication and it provides a way for the commander to quickly pick up a handset and talk to anywhere he needs.”

Along with SATCOM capabilities, maintaining network communications is a key part for exercise success.

“I provide network access to the CJCMOTF headquarters here,” said U.S. Marine Sgt. Jarred Lyon. “I make sure everyone is able to email each other, stay in contact with communications and on the side, operate the radio.”

Network maintenance is an around the clock job, and Lyon sits ready to keep it running.

“Day-to-day, I am mostly troubleshooting network problems, troubleshooting computers and making sure they are able to connect to the internet,” Lyon said. “Without me here, people would not be able to communicate.”

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/231578/providing-communications-balikatan

What To Expect From The 2017 US-Philippines Balikatan Military Exercise

From The Diplomat (Apr 27): What To Expect From The 2017 US-Philippines Balikatan Military Exercise (By Prashanth Parameswaran)

A look at what is in store for the largest drills between the two allies set to kick off next month.

 What To Expect From The 2017 US-Philippines Balikatan Military Exercise
Image Credit: US Army Photo


As I wrote last week, the United States and the Philippines will be holding the first iteration of their biggest annual bilateral military exercise under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte known as Balikatan (meaning “shoulder to shoulder” in the national language Tagalog) next month.

Given the anti-American rhetoric we have seen from Duterte since he took office, there has been a lot of buzz about how that might affect actual military-to-military interactions within the decades-old U.S.-Philippine military alliance such as these, even though, as I’ve pointed out repeatedly, there has in fact been much more continuity than change (“What Will the Biggest US-Philippines Military Exercise Look Like Under Duterte?”).

Preparations for some aspects of the exercise have already begun, with community infrastructure projects kicking off and some U.S. personnel arriving in multiple locations in the country. But on April 24, the U.S. embassy in Manila disclosed some additional details about what the 33rd iteration of Exercise Balikatan would look like. The drills, the embassy said in a press release, will proceed from May 8 to 19 at multiple locations in Luzon and the Visayas region and will involve different components, including humanitarian civil assistance projects and training. This is in keeping with the general length as well as the overall nature of the exercise.

However, as Philippine officials have been consistently signaling since late last year, this year Balikatan will also be refocused on fields like humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) and counterterrorism, while the usually more visible live-fire components will be downplayed (See: “How Much Can Duterte Wreck the US-Philippine Military Alliance?”). Training will be focused on HADR to improve response effectiveness in the event of natural disasters and other crises as well as operational and counterterrorism drills in areas like live fire advanced marksmanship, counter improvised explosive devices (IEDs), maritime interdiction, and amphibious raids.

“Balikatan is designed to meet current challenges facing the Philippines,” Molly Koscina, the U.S. Embassy Press Attaché, said. “Along with preparing the U.S. forces’ and AFP’s ability to respond to natural disasters and deliver humanitarian aid, Balikatan will also increase our militaries’ counterterrorism capabilities.”

As I noted before, while it is not uncommon for exercises to change their focus in accordance with the shifting priorities of actors involved in them, this year’s Balikatan is admittedly a stark contrast from what we had seen under the past few iterations under Duterte’s predecessor Benigno Aquino III. The general tendency in recent years has been expansion rather than scaling down or downplaying, whether it be in terms of numbers, such as the doubling of the size of the war games in 2015, or specific firsts, be it Ash Carter becoming the first ever U.S. defense secretary to observe the Balikatan in 2016 or the involvement of two M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) units which were being deployed for the first time.

The lower profile of the exercises this year has been linked to Duterte’s attempts to rebalance Philippine foreign policy with relatively less dependence on its traditional ally the United States and more diversification with other players including China and Russia(See: “The Limits of Duterte’s US-China Rebalance”). As true as that is, it is important to recognize that a temporary refocusing or scaling down of the Balikatan exercise at the outset of the Duterte administration is not necessarily that bad of an outcome considering where U.S.-Philippine ties started out. It is also still early days with new leaderships on both sides, and things could change further down the line in Manila’s ties with the major powers as they have often done in the past. One thing to watch closely will be U.S. President Donald Trump’s attendance at the regional summitry in Manila later this year which was confirmed last week, since that provides the opportunity of a summit meeting with Duterte (See: “Why Trump Must Go To ASEAN and APEC in the Philippines and Vietnam”).

Furthermore, certain important components of Balikatan that often go unappreciated have been preserved. Perhaps the most critical one is its ability to serve as a path for the multilateralization of U.S. exercises in the region – much like the trajectory of the Cobra Gold exercises – where other U.S. allies and partners like Japan and Australia could either actually participate in varying degrees or attend as observers, thereby broadening what was originally a bilateral drill (See: “Why the Philippines is Critical to the US Rebalance in Asia“). As the U.S. embassy noted, that will continue this year, with Tokyo and Canberra participating in all major training events, and the Philippine military inviting several nations to observe the drills as well.

[Prashanth Parameswaran is Associate Editor at The Diplomat based in Washington, D.C., where he writes mostly on Southeast Asia, Asian security affairs and U.S. foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific. He is also a PhD candidate at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.
An ASEAN citizen who grew up in Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines before moving to the United States, Prashanth previously worked on Asian affairs at several think tanks including the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He has also conducted extensive field research in the region and consulted for companies and governments. His writings have appeared in a wide range of publications in the United States and in Asia, including Foreign Policy, The National Interest, The Washington Quarterly, The Straits Times, and The Nation.]

http://thediplomat.com/2017/04/what-to-expect-from-the-2017-us-philippines-balikatan-military-exercise/

LOOK: American, Filipino soldiers working ‘balikatan’ to build classrooms

From Update Philippines (Apr 27): LOOK: American, Filipino soldiers working ‘balikatan’ to build classrooms 


U.S. Air Force photo

Armed Forces of the Philippines and United States military engineers are now working together, balikatan, to build a new classroom at Don Carlos Elementary School in Ormoc. Photo above shows US Marine Lance Corporal Thomas Whitworth, right, and Filipino Private First Class Usabel Aljen weld roof supports during in Ormoc, Leyte, April 23, 2017.

Balikatan 2017 exercise proper will be taking place May 8 to 19 in multiple locations in Luzon and the Visayas region, however, pre event activities are already being conducted which include humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.



Humanitarian engagements will be conducted in Panay, Leyte, and Samar. US and Filipino service members will work together to renovate five schools and conduct community medical engagements with local residents.

This year’s Balikatan will focus on enhancement of partnership in counterterrorism capabilities in order to build safer communities and work towards the eradication of global terror networks.
–– ADVERTISEMENT ––

The US Embassy said American and Filipino forces will conduct operational and counterterrorism training exercises in diverse areas of expertise, including live fire advanced marksmanship, counter improvised explosive devices (IED), maritime interdiction, and amphibious raids.

http://www.update.ph/2017/04/look-american-filipino-soldiers-working-balikatan-to-build-classrooms/17053

DWDD: AFP, MMC EXPANDED PACT TO IMPROVE MILITARY HOSPITALS

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 26): AFP, MMC EXPANDED PACT TO IMPROVE MILITARY HOSPITALS

MOA

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City- The Armed Forces of the Philippines has formally renewed its partnership with the Makati Medical Center Foundation in delivering to the soldiers’ health care services at par with the first rate hospitals in the country.

Dignitaries coming from the MMC Foundation headed by its chairman Manuel Pangilinan and officials from the AFP duly headed by the Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año attended the MOA signing on 25 April at the General Headquarters of the AFP.
Through its Health Heroes Program, the MMC Health Services department agreed to help coordinate and facilitate the health management and care of the qualified AFP Officers and enlisted personnel.This means that soldiers can now have access anew to the best health care facilities in all 21 AFP partner hospitals throughout the country.

MMC Foundation Chair Manuel Pangilinan, recognizes that the lives of the soldiers are always on the line in protecting and defending the lives of the people. He said that he felt the need to reach out to the soldiers and for them to feel their significance and importance in the society.

“We cant say thank you enough for all the services you have rendered and it is just a small way of saying thank you from the private sector”, Pangilinan said.

This flagship program is a renewal and expansion of the MOA signed by the AFP, AFPMC, and MMC Foundation last 19 June 2013, providing for the organizational Strengthening of the AFP Medical Center. This partnership was also renewed on 10 September 2015, providing for an expansion of the PPP Program for Organizational Strengthening in an additional 19 AFP hospitals and military medical treatment facilities.

The pact will allow MMC to share its technical resources and open their hospital facilities to training, coaching, workshops, conferences, and mentoring sessions free to all AFP and partner military hospital’s resident doctors and management staff. This also means that through their partner hospitals, MMC Foundation will give or donate more hospital equipment, beds, supplies, and fixtures to improve all military hospitals throughout the country.

The AFP also designated the MMC Foundation as an official Blood Donation Institutional partner to facilitate the regular conduct of blood donation drives between the AFP and MMC Foundation.

General Eduardo Año said the renewal of partnership is very timely for the military since the armed forces is currently engaged in multi-faceted operations against the forces that seek to destroy the peace and order of our nation. “Simple as it may seem, but it will bring enormous impact on the lives of the soldiers.”

“Through our Health Heroes Program, our soldiers can now have access to the exceptional health services in our first-rate hospitals in the country. The men and women of the AFP will be more inspired to fulfill their mandate in protecting the peace and security of the country knowing that a health care program supports them” General Eduardo Año added.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/04/26/afp-mmc-expanded-pact-to-improve-military-hospitals/

DWDD: AFP LAUNCHES THREE-DAY ANTI-COUNTER TERRORISM WORKSHOP

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 26): AFP LAUNCHES THREE-DAY ANTI-COUNTER TERRORISM WORKSHOP

Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City – A three-day Counter-Violent Extremism Workshop started today inside the Multi- Purpose Hall of Civil Relations Service today, April 26- 29, 2017.

The said workshop aims to educate the people on how violent extremism sprouted in the Philippines and how people can help on putting extremism to an end.

Civil Military Operations Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines participated together with different Non-Government Organizations, and Officers from Philippine National Police Ant-Cybercrime Group attended the said workshop.

The three-day workshop gives light to the status of the Muslim communities in the rural areas especially in Mindanao, and it also gives the people an insight on how the authorities take their steps to neutralize extremists here in the country.

The Counter-Violent Extremism Workshop aims to avoid terror groups’ recruitment amongst the youth and to break the stigma among the Muslim community.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/04/26/afp-launches-three-day-anti-counter-terrorism-workshop/

DWDD: MGEN PARAYNO VISITS WOUNDED TROOPS, INSTALLS TWO NEW BATTALION COMMANDERS IN MINDANAO

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 26): MGEN PARAYNO VISITS WOUNDED TROOPS, INSTALLS TWO NEW BATTALION COMMANDERS IN MINDANAO

2ID




Major General Rhoderick Parayno, Commander of 2nd Division visited the wounded troops in Zamboanga and installed two new Battalion Commanders today, April 26, 2017.

Sgt Briant Velarmino and PFC Roland Cuayco both assigned with 68th Infantry Battalion, 2ID who were wounded during an encounter in Basilan, were visited by MGen Parayno and were given financial support.

He also checked the morale and medical condition of other 2ID troops confined at Camp Navarro Station Hospital in Zamboanga City.

Right after his visit, he presided a Joint Turn-Over Ceremony at around 10:30 AM held at the Headquarters of 104th Brigade, 1st Division based in Brgy Tabiawan, Isabela City, Basilan.

MGen Parayno installed LTC Jorry Baclor as the new Commanding Officer of 68th Infantry Battalion and LTC Jonas Templo for 74th Infantry Battalion.

On his message, MGen Parayno expressed his gratitude to the troops especially to the outgoing commanders for their invaluable services rendered which contributed to the successes that the 2ID have achieved.

Likewise, he challenged the newly installed Commanders to give their best in performing their duties and responsibilities, and to closely coordinate with the Local Government Units (LGUs) in order to effectively and efficiently attain its mission of sustaining peace and development.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/04/26/mgen-parayno-visits-wounded-troops-installs-two-new-battalion-commanders-in-mindanao/

DWDD: SAFETY INSIDE THE WEB: HOW THE TERRORISTS USE THE INTERNET AND HOW CAN WE KEEP OURSELVES SAFE FROM THEM

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 26): SAFETY INSIDE THE WEB: HOW THE TERRORISTS USE THE INTERNET AND HOW CAN WE KEEP OURSELVES SAFE FROM THEM

DSC_0273


As the use internet and social media spreads throughout the country despite the fact that the Philippines has the worst internet providers in the world, still, ‘bad elements’ or ‘enemies of the state’ still find a way to utilize the internet and social media sites as a platform to spread indecent motives against the government.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines conducted a three-day workshop on Counter-Violent Extremism at the Multi-Purpose Hall of Civil Relations Service at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo on April 26-29, 2017 how the terrorists in the Philippines use the internet to spread violence in the world.

Also read: http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/04/26/afp-launches-three-day-anti-counter-terrorism-workshop/

On the said workshop, Police Chief Inspector June Paolo Abrazado of Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group discussed how the terrorists in the Philippines use the internet.

The internet is no longer an unfamiliar channel for the people to disseminate their limitless thoughts. As much as how it is amassive advantage for the ordinary citizens, users with bad intentions benefit from it as well.

KEEPING UP WITH THE CHALLENGES

Initially, Abrazado tackles on how the terrorists communicate through encrypted online sites or applications. Still, he revealed that just like how a famous foreign terror group uses social media and the internet as a platform for their communication, propaganda, fund, recruitment, training, radicalization, and justification.

Just like every Filipino, they use the internet for as a channel of their communication. And one of the easiest prey out there in the online platform are the children who take their time on the cyberspace.

Abrazado explained that within just a click, the youth can be an easy target for these terrorists groups for their recruitment. One click, and they can reveal their ideologies to young minds that can be easily persuaded to change their perspective.

The cyberspace is an infinite environment which offers both negative and positive effects on the government and its citizens regarding terrorists. In order to help resolve the online issues, cooperation with the international law enforcement and the internet sources are sought.

EXTERNAL HELP

Despite of these challenges, Abrazado still find the light to avoid such problems. But the said plan will only be attainable if they have the external help that they need.

According to the official, the parents of the youth especially those who live in the suburban areas play a vital role in the success of the protection of these children. As a parent, they should be guiding and guarding their children when it comes to their usage of social media and different websites.

With their proper guidance, browsing ‘dangerous sites’ can be avoided and definitely, these children will not be in-touched with different terror groups.

As an individual, we could help them by reporting malicious content that is linked to terrorism and violence. blocking malicious websites and suspicious profiles in lingering in your child’s social media accounts could really help. That way, they will be protected from these kinds of people.

Aside from that, knowing the etiquette of the cyberspace is an additional protection not only to your children, but to yourself as well.

Another external help that is being sought by the PNP-ACG, is the revision of the country’s Anti-Cybercrime Law for it still has its lapses. But according to the ACG, they always attend sessions in the congress and the senate for them to suggest the loopholes of the said law.

Lastly, Abrazado wrapped up his talk by reiterating that terror groups may have used the internet to their advantage, but in reality, the government has also used the cyberspace to greater heights to put the country’s dilemma in terrorism and crime to an end.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/04/26/safety-inside-the-web-how-the-terrorists-use-the-internet-and-how-can-we-keep-ourselves-safe-from-them/

MILF: MILF, GPH peace panels meet UN official

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Apr 25): MILF, GPH peace panels meet UN official



Peace panel chairpersons of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Government of the Philippines (GPH) have formally met with United Nations Assistant Secretary General Miroslav Jenka in Makati City on April 22.

On March 15, 2015, former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed Miroslav Jenča of Slovakia as Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs.

Mr. Jenča succeeded Jens Toyberg-Frandzen of Denmark who was appointed Assistant Secretary-General ad interim for Political Affairs in November 2014.

He will be responsible, inter alia, for overseeing the divisions in the Department of Political Affairs dealing with the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and the Middle East and West Asia, as well as the Decolonization Unit and the Division for Palestinian Rights.

The meeting between the visiting high UN official and the MILF and GPH peace panels lasted for two hours and have dealt on wide-ranging issues, but mainly focus on the ongoing GPH-MILF peace process and the current effort of the government and MILF through the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) in crafting a new Bangsamoro Basic Law.

The issues of radicalism, transitional justice and reconciliation programs, decommissioning of weapons and combatants, role of youth and women, as well as role of the UN in conflict resolutions around the world were also discussed.

MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal and GPH peace panel chair Irene “Inday” Santiago spoke one after the other. They shared their views on the various issues raised.

Iqbal was accompanied by Engr. Mohajirin Ali, a member of the MILF peace panel secretariat.

Iqbal explained that the engagement of the parties with the UN has been ongoing for years and the inputs especially on child soldiers are very helpful in the search for resolution of the conflict in Mindanao.

He said for years the parties have been dealing with the UNDP, UNCHR, UNICEF, World Food Program, and more international bodies like the International Committee of the Red Cross.

For her part, GPH panel chair Santiago told the UN official that the government is doing everything possible to solve the conflict in Mindanao.

She shared the view of Iqbal that UN agencies are already on the ground. She also said that the peace process included creation of peace tables so that everybody is involved in the search for political solution of the conflict in Mindanao.

http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/19-national/1161-milf-gph-peace-panels-meet-un-official

MILF: Mindanao Police Officers attend refresher on GPH-MILF peace pact

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Apr 27): Mindanao Police Officers attend refresher on GPH-MILF peace pact



Regional, provincial and city police directors from six regions in Mindanao gathered here Wednesday for a one-day briefing on the peace accord between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which focused on the coordination of law enforcement activities in Bangsamoro areas.

Irene Santiago, chair of the government implementing panel for the Bangsamoro peace process, said the forum seeks to refresh the police about the peace agreement with the MILF.

Santiago said there is a need to explain again the security protocols, including the ceasefire mechanism, in order to avoid misencounter or misunderstanding in government law enforcement operations.

She said the forum also seeks to get the continued commitment of the police to sustain the peace process.

The forum was conducted following an MILF statement last week voicing concern on the police operation that killed Mogaimen Abo in Dalumangcob, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. Abo is a member of the front's armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, and a brother of MILF vice chair Ghazali Jaafar.

In an interview on the sidelines of the peace forum, Philippine National Police (PNP) Director for Operations Camillo Cascolan noted that the peace process has many dynamics, thus it is important for law enforcers to know all the procedures on the ground.

He also underscored the importance of coordination in order not to repeat the Mamasapano incident in 2015, which left 44 members of the PNP's elite Special Action Force dead.

“Coordination is important and we need to do it properly,’ he stressed.

Cascolan, a former member of the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), said the police and the MILF can even go together in police operations, such as in the implementation of search or arrest warrants.

There is, however, a different procedure when it comes to drug buy-bust operations, said Cascolan, without elaborating.

Chief Superintendent Pierre Bucsit, AHJAG chair and chief of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO) - Western Mindanao, said all police units in Mindanao are given orientations to keep them abreast on the peace process and the coordination system for AHJAG and the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH)

AHJAG and CCCH are mechanisms agreed upon by the government and the MILF peace panels to preserve the gains of the peace process.

Bucsit encouraged policemen to follow the coordination system in law enforcement operations in Bangsamoro areas, noting that AHJAG-coordinated law enforcement operations from the police is still low.

Bucsit reported that AHJAG-coordinated law enforcement operations only reached 42 from 2013 to April 2017. Of the total number, 37 were coordinated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the rest by the police.

So far, Bucsit said the ceasefire agreement between the government and the MILF is holding well. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)

http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/22-davao-region/1163-mindanao-police-officers-attend-refresher-on-gph-milf-peace-pact

2 Maute Group leaders killed in Lanao del Sur clashes – Army

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 25): 2 Maute Group leaders killed in Lanao del Sur clashes – Army
Piagapo, Lanao del Sur, scene of the latest fighting between the Philippine Army and the Maute Group bandits. (Wikipedia maps)

Piagapo, Lanao del Sur, scene of the latest fighting between the Philippine Army and the Maute Group bandits. (Wikipedia maps)

Two leaders of the Maute Group were among those slain by the military in the three-day operation against the bandit group and ISIS sympathizer, the military said.

Brig. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, chief of the 1st Infantry Tabak Division of the Philippine Army, said Monday that among those killed was Abu Imam Bantayaw, one of the leaders of the Maute group based in Piagapo town.

Bautista said another sub-commander, identified only as Mael, was also killed and was buried in Piagapo on Sunday night.

Bautista on Monday visited the encounter site with Brig. Gen. Nixon Fortes, commander of the 103rd Brigade of the Philippine Army.

Bautista said one of those killed, who was “buried in a crater of a 250-pound bomb” was believed to be a foreigner. On Tuesday, in an interview with the wire service, Associated Press, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Eduardo Año confirmed that a Malaysian and three Indonesians were among the 37 militants so far killed in military operations against the Maute Group in Lanao del Sur. (READ: Malaysian, 3 Indonesians among slain militants in Lanao del Sur )

Aside from bomb-making materials, assorted ammunition, uniforms, three motorcycles and food stuff, government forces had recovered a passport for an Indonesian national.

Fortes has vowed no let up in the operations against the Maute group which has established a new encampment in Piagapo town, just about five kilometers from Camp Pukta of Moro islamic Liberation Front under Abdullah Macapaar alias Kumander Bravo.

Col. Sam Yunque, chief of the First Ranger Battalion, said “a few dead bodies were recovered on the other side of the mountain ridge guarded by military operation troops.”

Meanwhile, the evacuation of civilians continues due to the ongoing clashes. Information from the Lanao del Sur provincial government showed that close to 2,000 residents have left their homes in three towns for safe places in the province.

Quoting data from the Piagapo Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management office, Salma Jayna Tamano, Lanao del Sur information officer, said a total of 1,828 individuals or about 416 families have fled their homes due to the ongoing military offensive in the area.

Based on initial reports on the ground, Tamano said properties were damaged but the local government has not verified this information.

In Balindung town, at least 114 families or 616 individuals left their homes for fear of being caught in the crossfire between the military and the Maute Group.

In the municipality of Marantao, 118 families from seven barangay (villages) fled their houses and sought shelter elsewhere. There are at least five persons in a family.

Tamano said the Provincial Social Welfare and Development has been mobilized to respond to the plight of the evacuees as the agency has also been attending to the residents of Wao and Amay Manabilang towns due to the recent earthquake.

The military has pressed on with its combat operations against the group after President Duterte ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines to neutralize the local terror groups in Mindanao, specifically the Abu Sayyaf and the Maute Group, which both pledged their allegiance to the Islamic State, a jihadist movement based in the Middle East.

The Maute Group which considered Butig town as their stronghold, was driven out of the area after the AFP’s incessant offensives.

Fortes said government soldiers also occupied the group’s main camp which had fortified bunkers and running trenches in Barangay Gacap in Piagapo town.

Fortes said three government forces were wounded in the fighting.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/891972/2-maute-group-leaders-killed-in-lanao-del-sur-clashes-army

Troops start clearing operations, find bodies of 3 Maute fatalities

From the Business Mirror (Apr 26): Troops start clearing operations, find bodies of 3 Maute fatalities



In Photo: Brig. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, commander of the Army’s First Infantry “Tabak” Division, talks with the troops who seized the encampment the Maute Group in Piagapo Complex, Lanao del Sur.

ARMY troops sent to track down Maute Group bandits on Wednesday started clear up operations in Piagao, Lanao del Sur, where a series of gun battles occurred between the armed men and government forces.

Brig. Gen. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, commander of the Army’s First Infantry “Tabak” Division, earier ordered a systematic and extensive visual tracking by troops of the entire area to determine if any other cadavers, arms, ammunition, homemade bombs and the like were left behind by fleeing Maute bandits.

Bautista also ordered the troops to turn over any cadaver found to the Piagapo police for forensic examination in order to determine their nationalities and identities.

At least four of the reported 37 dead Maute bandits were reportedly foreigners—three Indonesians and one Malaysian—with ties to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
At 8 p.m. on Monday, three unidentified men believed to be Maute bandits were seen in the vicinity of Tapucan, Piagapo, after an encounter with troops from the 103rd Infantry Brigade in Barangay Gacal also in Piagapo.

A pursuit operation by the troops resulted in firefight that lasted for five minutes prompted the bandits to withdraw toward the northwest.

There were no casualties on the government side, while no data on the side of the enemy was obtained.

However, an M16 rifle bearing serial RP 250280 was recovered on the scene. The rifle was manufactured by a local company during the Marcos administration and was issued to the government’s armed services.

Bautista advised the troops to be alert, remain patient and relentlessly pursue the bandits to prevent them from sowing further mayhem.

On Tuesday afternoon the troops recovered two unidentified cadavers in Sitio Pagalongan, Barangay Gacap, Piagapo, while scouring the encampment abandoned by the Maute bandits.

Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to detect foreigners or Arab-looking personalities out to support bandit groups in Lanao del Sur and other parts of the country.

This was the response of the Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Año when asked if there were any sightings of Arab personalities in areas, where lawless bands, like the Maute Group, are known to operate.

“Yes, there are some sightings of Arab personalities, but as I said before, there are Arabs going there on the pretext of being workers of charitable foundations or missionaries, so we are not really sure [if they are really sympathizer of local bandits or not]… but of course, it is part of the intelligence tasking to look for foreigners who are inclined to support or to be affiliated with our local bandit groups even including those of [Abu Sayyaf commander Isnilon] Hapilon,” he added.

Earlier, Año said around 37 Maute Group members, including three Indonesian and one Malaysian, were reported killed during military operations in Lanao del Sur from April 21 to 25.

The operation was designed to degrade the capability of the Maute Group.

Año said that of the 37 killed, 14 were already identified.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/troops-start-clearing-operations-find-bodies-of-3-maute-fatalities/

Philippine Fight Against Muslim Rebels Gains Momentum

From the Voice of America (Apr 26): Philippine Fight Against Muslim Rebels Gains Momentum



Philippine National Police Chief Ronald dela Rosa walks after an anti-terror simulation exercise at a bus terminal in Quezon city, north of Manila, Philippines, April 11, 2017.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is showing signs of gaining an upper hand in his 10-month fight against a violent, ISIS-sympathetic Muslim rebel group, which rattled the country this month with plans for an attack in a tourist zone far from their base.

Duterte has been able to throttle elements of the Abu Sayyaf, a group known for taking foreign tourists hostages and beheading some who cannot pay ransom, analysts say. His alliance with the head of another Muslim rebel group is expected to help contain Abu Sayyaf following failed efforts by past presidents.

Duterte showing military strength

Abu Sayyaf’s clash this month with troops on the Philippine island of Bohol shows the rebels are struggling to find kidnap victims in their normal strongholds along the Sulu Sea, said Eduardo Araral, an associate professor at the National University of Singapore’s public policy school.

“I think (Duterte) has really made up his mind he has to deal with Abu Sayyaf militarily,” Araral said. “My sense is that the foray of Abu Sayyaf in the island of Bohol is a reflection of the pressure that the military is doing now in their traditional lairs in the Sulu-Tawi Tawi area.

Abu Sayyaf rebels struggling

“I think they’re running out of hostages to catch,” he said. “There are no longer ships passing through the area. In other words, they’re running out of business. That’s why they’re thinking to go outside their lairs.”

Abu Sayyaf is widely regarded among Filipinos as a bandit group that kidnaps tourists for a living. The group, which has pledged sympathy to the Islamic State, normally operates in the southwestern Philippines where locals, including officials, help it in exchange for a cut of the proceeds.

The group beheaded a Philippine soldier this month, a German tourist in February and two Canadian tourists last year.

Government making inroads against the rebels

But this month national police detained an officer with “links with the Abu Sayyaf Group,” the presidential website said Tuesday.

The April 11 battle killed six terrorists, three soldiers, one police officer and a civilian. Abu Sayyaf was suspected of planning an attack on the island, which is popular with foreign divers. After that clash, troops killed seven more Abu Sayyaf affiliates in gun battles on the same island, Philippine media reported.

Duterte vowed in August to wipe out Abu Sayyaf. Although he later floated the idea of negotiating with the group, he has stepped up the armed conflict by targeting places where Abu Sayyaf's estimated 400 core members are most likely to be found, observers say.
 
“They’re very specific with the areas. It’s not like the whole island of Mindanao,” said Rhona Canoy, president of an international school and part of a political family in the southwestern city Cagayan de Oro. “They know where they are going.”
 


This undated photo provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, shows boats the military said were used by Abu Sayyaf militants to enter the Ibananga River in the central Philippines, April 12, 2017.

Duterte praises his troops

Duterte’s spokesman praised the attack in Bohol and pronounced the island safe for an Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) summit this week among the leaders of 10 countries.

“The Palace commends the timely action of our military and police that thwarted the evil plans of some armed lawless elements to sow fear and terror in the province of Bohol,” spokesman Ernesto Abella said on the presidential website.

Filipinos are weary of the rebel wars

Filipinos nationwide support an “armed solution” as soon as possible, “as in yesterday,” said Ramon Casiple, executive director of the Philippine advocacy group Institute for Political and Electoral Reform. But he said not everyone living in the far southwest, a region known as Moro and a hotbed for multiple Muslim rebel groups, take the same view.

“If you’re talking about the Moro in the south, there is a much more nuanced support,” he said. “As long as Abu Sayyaf is plundering the country, including the Moro countryside, then there is support for the government at this time, there is no doubt about it. But I don’t think they would want the civil population to be victims.”

Duterte also uses negotiation

A deal between Duterte and Nur Misuari, leader of the Muslim rebel group Moro National Liberation Front, may help stifle Abu Sayyaf, Araral said.

Misuari, suspected of a deadly attack on the southern port city Zamboanga in 2013, may be able to avoid prosecution in exchange for not protecting Abu Sayyaf, he said.

Because Abu Sayyaf operates in the jungles of numerous islands with a fast-changing membership, past presidents have found it hard to squelch the group over its 26-year-history.

“Those people are like cockroaches,” Canoy said. “As far as exterminating is concerned, I don’t think that’s going to happen, but (Duterte's campaign) is going to make an impact.”
 

Arrested ASG bomb maker sent to deliver medicine, supplies in Bohol

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 26): Arrested ASG bomb maker sent to deliver medicine, supplies in Bohol

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 revealed Wednesday that suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bomb maker Renierlo Dongon admitted that he was sent to Bohol to provide medicine and supplies to ASG members who figured in a clash with military troops in Inabanga and Clarin towns.


Alleged Abu Sayyaf bomb maker Renierlo Dongon (right) and Supt. Maria Cristina Nobleza (left) are led off to a waiting bus by Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel upon arrival in Manila, Saturday, from Bohol. (Credits: PNP Aviation Security Command | Manila Bulletin)

PRO 7 director Chief Supt. Noli Taliño said Dongon claimed that he was in Bohol with Superintendent Maria Cristina Nobleza to provide medicine and other supplies to the remaining ASG members, three of whom died in the clash in Clarin, and dropped the supplies near the area were the terrorists were hiding.

Dongon denied arriving in Bohol to sow terror, but Taliño did not believe the statement of the ASG bomb maker. The PRO 7 director said evidence seized from the hotel room where the two were staying in Panglao showed that they were planning bombing activities in the province.

Nobleza and Dongon were arrested onboard a pickup vehicle when they tried to speed off at a site of a military checkpoint in Clarin town. At least three ASG members are still being pursued by authorities in Bohol.

Meanwhile, Taliño said only 80 of the 400 delegates who signed up to attend the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Bohol actually turned up to attend the event.

But Taliño stressed the low turn out of delegates could not be attributed entirely to the ongoing clash between the ASG members and government troops in Bohol. He said it has been common for ASEAN meetings to get hundreds of registrations but only receive a few actual delegates.

The ASG incident in Bohol did not affect entirely the ASEAN meetings in the province as well as the delegates, according to Taliño. In fact, most of the delegates who arrived in Bohol expressed interest to come back to the province because of its beautiful tourist attractions.

http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/04/26/arrested-asg-bomb-maker-sent-to-deliver-medicine-supplies-in-bohol/

Abu-linked bomb expert's nephew undergoes inquest proceedings

From ABS-CBN (Apr 26): Abu-linked bomb expert's nephew undergoes inquest proceedings


 Angelo Andrade, ABS-CBN News

MALAYBALAY CITY - Al Mohammar Dongon Bayani, the 22-year-old nephew of Abu Sayyaf-connected bomb expert Reneer "Ren-Ren" Lou Dongon, underwent inquest proceedings Tuesday afternoon.

This, after authorities raided the house owned by Police Supt. Ma. Cristina Nobleza, the alleged wife of Dongon, in Barangay Casisang, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Monday.

Read: Guns, bomb parts found in Abu-linked cop's Bukidnon home

Bayani, together with two other minors, occupied Nobleza's house.

Authorities recovered high-powered firearms, ammunition, electronic devices believed to be used for assembling improvised explosive devices, and subversive documents linked to terrorism.



Police filed charges of violation of Republic Act (RA) 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, and RA 9372 or the Anti-Terrorism Law. He will also be charged with illegal possession of explosives.

City Prosecutor Floralil Lucero-Albert said Bayani chose to execute a waiver and he will be given 10 days to file a counter-affidavit.

BASAHIN: Mga kaanak, ugnayan ng rebelde at nobya nitong pulis

Nobleza will also be ordered to personally present herself in court for inquest proceedings, otherwise regular filing will be pursued.

The City Prosecutor's Office cannot issue a commitment order for Bayani until he files a counter-affidavit. He will remain at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Bukidnon detention cell.

The CIDG is now planning to request augmentation from the Army to help secure Bayani, who is now considered a high-profile inmate.

The two minors are still in the custody of City Social Welfare Development-Malaybalay, but prosecutor Albert said they will be eventually be freed.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/26/17/abu-linked-bomb-experts-nephew-undergoes-inquest-proceedings

Raid on Nobleza safehouse yields Abu terror plans

From the Philippine Star (Apr 27): Raid on Nobleza safehouse yields Abu terror plans



Photo shows police Superintendent Maria Cristina Nobleza undergoing booking at Camp Crame yesterday.

Superintendent Maria Cristina Nobleza, the police official who was said to have a romantic relationship with an Abu Sayyaf bandit, may find herself in deeper trouble after lawmen found documents in her house detailing plans for another terror attack.

The regional police raided Nobleza’s house in Malaybalay City in Bukidnon on Monday and seized several firearms, explosive devices, and a document detailing terror activities of Abu Sayyaf militant Al Mohammar Bayani.

Bayani was arrested along with two minors who were detained for questioning.

Nobleza was earlier arrested, along with her alleged lover, Reneer Lou Dongon, a suspected Abu Sayyaf militant, 11 days after a group of bandits arrived in Bohol to supposedly carry out kidnapping activities.

Government security forces foiled the bandits’ attempt to set up base in the province, killing several of them in separate encounters in Inabanga and Clarin towns.

The clashes resulted in the death of over a dozen people including nine bandits, three soldiers and a police officer.

Investigators however cannot say whether there are other police officers aside from Nobleza who have links with the Abu Sayyaf.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa however admitted the possibility that some policemen may have sacrificed their lives performing their job as intelligence operatives.

“There are agents willing to do that (get intimate) to sacrifice their lives to penetrate criminal groups,” Dela Rosa said without giving details.

But he said the intimate connection between Nobleza and Dongon is not sanctioned by the PNP.

“Initial (investigation showed) it was not sanctioned by the PNP. I am the PNP chief, I must be informed if her job is sanctioned by the PNP. It is not sanctioned, not covered by any coplan (case operation plan),” Dela Rosa said.

“If there is such coplan, they should have turned it over to us,” he added.

Although his initial pronouncement was that Nobleza’s link with Dongon had no authorization from the PNP, Dela Rosa said he also ordered investigation to dig deeper into the case.

“That (possibility of Nobleza as deep penetration agent against the Abu Sayyaf) will form part of the investigation,” he said.

Chief Superintendent Noli Taliño, director of Central Visayas police, said additional charges will be filed against Nobleza in connection with the bomb paraphernalia found on Monday night in Barangay Looc, Panglao and Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

Taliño also revealed Nobleza’s marriage with Senior Supt. Allan Nobleza has been annulled since 2010, though the former chief of the Davao Crime Laboratory still opted to use the surname of her husband. The Noblezas have two children.

He said Allan will also be invited for questioning as part of the investigation.
Nobleza was a member of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission when she was assigned to interrogate Dongon following his arrest for bombing a hotel in Cagayan de Oro in 2013.

From the interrogation, Dela Rosa remarked, “they let the love begin.”

Taliño said Nobleza and Dongon had an Islamic wedding but he could not yet provide the exact date of the supposed marriage.

Taliño admitted Nobleza’s links with Dongon were accidentally uncovered after their arrest last April 24.

Nobleza was reportedly in Bohol to provide medicine to an Abu Sayyaf militant who was shot and wounded after the encounter with government troops on April 11.

Taliño said Nobleza arrived in Bohol on April 17 with Dongon, his mother Judith and a 13-year-old son of Akmad Santos, also a known terrorist.

Nobleza, who underwent booking procedures at the PNP headquarters at Camp Crame, insisted she only went to Clarin on an assignment. She has yet to present official memos or documents to support her claim.
 

PAF's FA-50PHs capable of multi-mode missions

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 27): PAF's FA-50PHs capable of multi-mode missions

Aside from training Filipino pilots get the necessary jet time and competency before they can advance to much sophisticated fighter planes, the newly-acquired South Korean-made FA-50 "Fighting Eagle" can also defend the country's airspace and conduct international security operations against lawless elements and groups.

This is possible as the FA-50PHs are a multi-role jet aircraft, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Antonio Francisco said Wednesday.

"Besides territorial defense, the FA-50PHs is a multi-role fighter, lead-in-surface attack and trainer aircraft," he added.

The aircraft's surface-attack potential (also known as ground support capability) was demonstrated last Jan. 26 when a flight of FA-50PHs conducted airstrikes at the Butig, Lanao Del Sur lair of Abu Sayyaf chief Isnilon Hapilon, severely wounding the former, aside from killing many of the latter's men.

But for the moment, Francisco said the FA-50PHs are being used to train more Filipino pilots in jet operations so that these personnel will be ready to handle much advanced fighter planes in the future.

"There will be a posibility that we are going to acquire some more (advanced) fighters in the future, so we are now (focusing) on the generation of more fighter pilots who have skills and flight time in jets," the PAF spokesperson stressed.

On Wednesday, the ninth and tenth FA-50PHs of the PAF, out of the total order of 12, arrived at Clark Air Base, Angeles City, Pampanga.

"FA-50 with tail number 009 touchdown at 11:20 a.m. while FA-50 with tail number 010 (landed) at 11:21 a.m.," Francisco added.

The PAF spokesperson said the two aircraft took off from Saechon, South Korea on 7:59 a.m. of Tuesday and landed on Jeju on 8:50 a.m. the same date.

After refueling in Jeju, it took off around 12:39 p.m. and landed in Taiwan around 2:47 p.m. also on Tuesday.

Francisco said the FA-50PHs departed deparated from Taiwan around 10:08 a.m. Wednesday with FA-50PH with tail number 009 landing at 11:20 a.m. and tail number 010 arriving at 11: 21 a.m.

FA-50PHs with tail numbers 007 and 008 arrived in the country last March 29 and were commissioned into service last April 6.

The first two FA-50PH units were delivered last Nov. 28, 2015 while the second batch was handed over last Dec. 8.

While the third batch was turned over to the PAF last Feb. 22.

With the arrival of the two jet aircraft, only two more FA-50PHs are scheduled to be delivered by May, completing the PAF's 12-plane order from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) worth PHP18.9 billion.

The FA-50PHs has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/982983

Conviction of AFP generals in RSBS scam stays

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 26): Conviction of AFP generals in RSBS scam stays

The Sandiganbayan has denied the appeals filed by former top officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Retirement and Separation Benefits System (AFP-RSBS) who were convicted in July for the complex crime of malversation through falsification.

In a 13-page resolution, the antigraft court’s Special Second Division affirmed the guilty verdict for five individuals led by retired Brig. Gen. Jose S. Ramiscal Jr.

This sustained their sentences of 14 to 20 years’ imprisonment and the directive to indemnify the government of P250.31 million.

Also convicted were AFP-RSBS legal department head Julian Alzaga, documentation department head Manuel Satuito, and private defendants Elizabeth Liang and Jesus Garcia, representatives of Concord Resources Inc.

The verdict arose from the execution of a fraudulent deed of sale to make it appear that the AFP-RSBS paid P341.34 million for four parcels of land in Barrio Makiling, Calamba City, Laguna. This was kept in the office’s records.

This was found to be overstated because the value of the land was only declared to be P91.02 million before the Bureau of Internal Revenue. The prosecution held the P250-million discrepancy to be the damage caused to the government.

The defendants in their appeal insisted there was “no clear and convincing evidence of conspiracy” among them as the transaction went through normal processes and was duly approved.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/892023/conviction-of-afp-generals-in-rsbs-scam-stays

New York Times editorial calls Duterte 'man who must be stopped'

From Rappler (Apr 26): New York Times editorial calls Duterte 'man who must be stopped'

If the International Criminal Court starts an investigation in allegations of mass killing against Philippine Presidentn Duterte, it would 'encourage governments to take measures against him, such as imposing tariffs on Philippine goods'

DUTERTE. This file photo taken on October 16, 2016 shows Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte as he gestures delivering his speech prior to departing for a visit to Brunei and China at Davao airport. File photo by Manman Dejeto/ AFP

DUTERTE. This file photo taken on October 16, 2016 shows Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte as he gestures delivering his speech prior to departing for a visit to Brunei and China at Davao airport. File photo by Manman Dejeto/ AFP

A day after Filipino lawyer Jude Sabio filed a communication with the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing against Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and 11 other officials of mass murder, the New York Times (NYT) released an editorial on Tuesday, April 25, supporting Sabio's effort.

The ICC, said the editorial, "should promptly open a preliminary investigation into the killings.

The New York Times editorial board, in its piece "Let the world condemn Duterte," explained that watchdogs, such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, and Filipino politicians have already accused Duterte of mass killings. ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, meanwhile, declared in October the court was "closely following" Philippine developments.

Calling Duterte the "man who must be stopped," the op-ed said the ICC should go after Duterte as "there is already more than enough evidence for a preliminary investigation, which would send an unmistakable signal to Mr. Duterte that he may eventually have to answer for his crimes, and would encourage governments to take measures against him, such as imposing tariffs on Philippine goods."

Duterte's own words, NYT added, serve an indictment against the man. The op-ed recounted how Duterte once said, as he was being compared to Hitler, "Hitler massacred three million Jews. Now, there is three million drug addicts. I’d be happy to slaughter them.” Duterte also misstated the figure for the Holocaust, which is 6 million, in his statement.

Backing the President up

The President's chief legal counsel, Salvador Panelo, as well as Presidential Spokemsan Ernesto Abella, reacted strongly to the editorial.

In an interview in Malacañang, Panelo called the piece "reckless, irresponsible, and baseless."

He said there was "no basis in fact and in law in the editorial of the New York Times.” He added that “no findings have been made by any of the investigating body that conducted probe on the alleged extrajudicial killings, in fact, there is a finding by the Philippine Senate that the so-called extrajudicial killing are not state-sponsored or state-initiated.”

In a statement, Abella pointed to the size of the drug problem the President is attempting to tackle, calling it a "cancer on our nation." He said Duterte's number one priority is "to save lives and to improve the lot of all of our countrymen with the cooperation of law enforcement officials, public health professionals, civil society, and committed citizens."

Abella added: "Consider the following tangible results: Crime is down by 30% across our nation during the first few months of this Administration when compared with the last months of the previous administration. More than 8 of 10 Filipinos surveyed by Pulse Asia in Metro Manila feel safer. Drug addicts are taking steps to find the help they need with more than 1.18 million addicts turning to the government for rehabilitation and other assistance."

http://www.rappler.com/nation/168067-new-york-times-editorial-duterte-mass-killings

‘SOFTER THAN USUAL’ | ASEAN statement on South China Sea to skip militarization, island-building

From InterAksyon (Apr 26): ‘SOFTER THAN USUAL’ | ASEAN statement on South China Sea to skip militarization, island-building

Southeast Asian nations would adopt a softer than usual tone about South China Sea disputes at a leaders’ summit on Saturday in Manila, and exclude references to militarization or island-building, according to a draft of the chairman’s statement.

Although some Association of South East Asian Nations leaders will express “serious concern” over the “escalation of activities” in the disputed sea, ASEAN will drop references, or even allusions, to China’s construction of artificial islands and the military hardware it has placed on them, according to excerpts of the draft seen by Reuters.

The statement would be a watered-down version of that issued last year and comes amid a charm offensive by President Rodrigo Duterte — who takes the rotating ASEAN chair this year — to court China for its business and avoid rows over sovereignty in the South China Sea.

However, a diplomat from the ASEAN secretariat told Reuters, that officials were still working on the draft of the statement and “it may still change” before it is issued at the end of the summit on Saturday.

China claims almost entire South China Sea where about $5 trillion worth of sea-borne goods pass every year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have conflicting claims on the strategic waterway.

ASEAN references to the South China Sea issue typically do not name China, which has been expanding its seven manmade islands in the Spratlys, including with hangars, runways, radars and surface-to-air missiles.

Last year’s ASEAN statement in Laos emphasized the importance of “non-militarization and self-restraint in the conduct of all activities, including land reclamation.”

According to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, China will soon be capable of deploying fighter jets on three of its reefs. China insists its activities are for defense purposes and are taking place in what it considers its sovereign waters.

The Philippines irked China two months ago when its Foreign Affairs secretary Perfecto Yasay said he and ASEAN counterparts had noticed “very unsettlingly” that weapons systems had been installed, and considered that “a militarization of the region.”

Albert del Rosario, the Foreign Affairs secretary during the Aquino administration, said Tuesday the Philippines’ hosting of the ASEAN summit was an opportunity for Duterte to raise China’s militarization.

“We should utilize our leadership to be able to uphold the rule of law,” he said. “The leadership of the Philippines will lose a lot of influence if we pass up that opportunity.”

A former government official involved in foreign policy likened the Philippines to Cambodia, which has been accused of taking China’s side and serving as a de facto veto against consensus ASEAN decisions that would otherwise be unfavorable to Beijing.

“Everyone is now watching the Philippines, we expect China to send its message to Southeast Asian countries through Duterte,” the official said, requesting anonymity.

“We are now acting like China’s lackey.”

http://beta.interaksyon.com/softer-than-usual-asean-statement-on-south-china-sea-to-skip-militarization-island-building/

Authorities probing hoisting of NDF flag at Zamboanga City school

From InterAksyon (Apr 26): Authorities probing hoisting of NDF flag at Zamboanga City school



Police are working to determine who hoisted the flag of the communist National Democratic Front of the Philippines in a state college in Zamboanga City early this week.

Superintendent Ariel Huesca said the NDFP flag was placed at the gate of the Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College and was discovered Monday by security guard Johnsen Daniel as he patrolled the campus.

The gate is at Lot 2, facing the Western Mindanao State University, where a forum on constitutional reforms, one of the agenda of peace negotiations between the government and communist rebels, was conducted Monday afternoon.

Huesca said Daniel removed the flag and turned it over to the school.

http://beta.interaksyon.com/authorities-probing-hoisting-of-ndf-flag-at-zamboanga-city-school/

Oro police not keen on taking custody of terror suspect

From MindaNews (Apr 26): Oro police not keen on taking custody of terror suspect

Local police are no longer interested to get custody of terror suspect Reneer Lou Dongon who was arrested in Bohol Saturday.

Dongon is a suspect in two bombing incidents in the city that left several people dead and many others injured.

Chief Inspector Ariel Philip Pontillas, chief of the City Police Office intelligence unit said their colleagues in Manila usually take cognizance of “high value terrorists” like Dongon.

“Besides, his presence here will create a security nightmare for us here,” Pontillas said.



Teachers and students join the “Walk for Peace” in Cagayan de Oro City on Friday, August 2, 2013. The march was spearheaded by doctors and medical representatives who want justice for the eight persons who were killed and the 48 others who were wounded in the July 26 Limketkai Arcade bombing. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

Philippine National Police Region 10 spokesperson Supt. Lemuel Gonda said the security risks would be carefully evaluated if Dongon would be brought here to answer charges.

“What if his companions will come to spring him free. That should be carefully evaluated too,” Gonda said.

Dongon, a member of the shadowy Khilafah Islamiyah Movement, is facing double murder charges for the October 2012 bombing at the Maxandrea Hotel that left two people dead including a policeman.

Gonda said Dongon is also facing multiple murder and frustrated murder cases for the July 26, 2013 bombing at a row of restaurants in Limketkai Mall that left 10 persons dead and 46 others injured.

He was arrested at a police checkpoint in Clarin town, Bohol last Saturday along with with his alleged lover, police Supt. Maria Cristina Nobleza, deputy chief of the Davao PNP Regional Crime Laboratory.

On Tuesday police moved Nobleza and Dongon to Camp Crame in Manila for further questioning.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/04/oro-police-not-keen-on-taking-custody-of-terror-suspect/

Zambo, naghigpit ng seguridad!

From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 26): Zambo, naghigpit ng seguridad!

Naghigpit ng seguridad kahapon ang militar at pulisya matapos na makipagsagupaan ang mga armadong kalalakihan sa mga sundalo sa bayan ng Sirawai sa Zamboanga del Norte province.

Sinabi ni Supt. Rogelio Alabata, ang regional police spokesman, na naganap ang labanan sa Barangay Tapanayan ng matiyempuhan ng mga sundalo ang armadong grupo kamakalawa.

Nagtagal ang labanan ng halos 15 minuto, ngunit hindi matiyak kung may casualties sa panig ng mga armado. Hindi naman sinabi ni Alabata kung miyembro ang mga ito ng Abu Sayyaf o New People’s Army.

Ayon kay Alabata, naka-alerto ngayon ang pulisya sa naturang lugar. Naglagay na rin ng mga checkpoints sa iba’t-ibang lugar doon.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/zambo-naghigpit-ng-seguridad/

DENR's Lopez eyes meeting with Negros CPP/NPA leader

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 26): DENR's Lopez eyes meeting with Negros CPP/NPA leader

Environment Secretary Regina Paz Lopez wants to meet with the leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army (CPP/NPA) in Negros.

Lopez is asking Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, who is a consultant of the CPP/NPA/ National Democratic Front peace panel, to facilitate the meeting with Frank Fernandez, the Negros leader of the group .

Lopez has reiterated her pronouncements to work with the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines to protect the environment, adding if social justice on the ground would be addressed there won't be any fighting.

“Maraming pera ang gobyerno, gamitin natin sa mabuting paraan” (the government has plenty of money; let's use it wisely), she explained Tuesday afternoon during her visit here.

Ocampo joined Lopez on her visits to Basay and Sipalay in southern Negros to inspect the state of two mining sites there.

For his part, Ocampo told reporters members of the Commission on Appointments should forget about their personal and economic interests and consider the welfare of the country.

He said Lopez had the background and experience in addressing poverty through care of the environment, especially on the impact of mining.

Ocampo further said the NPAs have been guardians of the our natural resources but the intrusion of mining have driven them out from their respective areas.

Lopez said that when the poor suffers the most with the destruction of the environment.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/982673

Mindanao police officers attend refresher on GPH-MILF peace pact

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 26): Mindanao police officers attend refresher on GPH-MILF peace pact



Davao City -- Regional, provincial and city police directors from six regions in Mindanao gathered here Wednesday for a one-day briefing on the peace accord between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which focused on the coordination of law enforcement activities in Bangsamoro areas.

Irene Santiago, chair of the government implementing panel for the Bangsamoro peace process, said the forum seeks to refresh the police about the peace agreement with the MILF.

Santiago said there is a need to explain again the security protocols, including the ceasefire mechanism, in order to avoid misencounter or misunderstanding in government law enforcement operations.

She said the forum also seeks to get the continued commitment of the police to sustain the peace process.

The forum was conducted following an MILF statement last week voicing concern on the police operation that killed Mogaimen Abo in Dalumangcob, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. Abo is a member of the front's armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, and a brother of MILF vice chair Ghazali Jaafar.

In an interview on the sidelines of the peace forum, Philippine National Police (PNP) Director for Operations Camillo Cascolan noted that the peace process has many dynamics, thus it is important for law enforcers to know all the procedures on the ground.

He also underscored the importance of coordination in order not to repeat the Mamasapano incident in 2015, which left 44 members of the PNP's elite Special Action Force dead.

“Coordination is important and we need to do it properly,’ he stressed.

Cascolan, a former member of the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), said the police and the MILF can even go together in police operations, such as in the implementation of search or arrest warrants.

There is, however, a different procedure when it comes to drug buy-bust operations, said Cascolan, without elaborating.

Chief Superintendent Pierre Bucsit, AHJAG chair and chief of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO) - Western Mindanao, said all police units in Mindanao are given orientations to keep them abreast on the peace process and the coordination system for AHJAG and the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH)

AHJAG and CCCH are mechanisms agreed upon by the government and the MILF peace panels to preserve the gains of the peace process.

Bucsit encouraged policemen to follow the coordination system in law enforcement operations in Bangsamoro areas, noting that AHJAG-coordinated law enforcement operations from the police is still low.

Bucsit reported that AHJAG-coordinated law enforcement operations only reached 42 from 2013 to April 2017. Of the total number, 37 were coordinated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the rest by the police.

So far, Bucsit said the ceasefire agreement between the government and the MILF is holding well.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/982684

Army commanders laud 'lumad' leaders in Davao del Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 26): Army commanders laud 'lumad' leaders in Davao del Norte

Leaders of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) or "lumads" in the province of Davao del Norte were commended by top military officers for their continued support to peace and development programs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Brig. Gen. Macairog Alberto, commander of 1001st Infantry Brigade, also encouraged the IP leaders to continue helping the government in convincing tribal members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) to go back to the folds of the law and avail the various programs and opportunities being offered by the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The efforts of IP leaders in the area allowed the safe surrender of a member of Basil Platoon, Pulang Bagani Command 4 of the NPA Southern Mindanao Region on Tuesday.

Alias Samson, 28, a resident of Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte, surrendered to the elements of 60th Infantry Battalion (IB). He yielded an AK-47 rifle, an improvised grenade launcher and M60 machine gun ammunition.

Samson’s surrender was facilitated by the local tribal chieftains of Gupitan led by Datu Laris Masaloon.

Alberto personally received and welcomed Samson back to mainstream society, and assured him that all available assistance and services of the government, through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP), will be provided to him.

Like Alberto, Lt. Col. Emmanuel Canilla, 60th IB commander, also urged other NPA members to surrender so they can avail of programs offered by the government.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/982731