Indonesia to resume some coal shipments to Philippines amid piracy concerns

October 30, 2016, 6:56 am

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From Malaya Business Insight (Oct 31): Indonesia to resume some coal shipments to Philippines amid piracy concerns

INDONESIA will resume some shipments of coal to the Philippines, a government official said on Sunday, after a months-long halt due to concerns about piracy in seas between the two archipelagos.

Indonesia earlier this year slapped a moratorium on coal shipments to its neighbor after a string of hijackings by militants based in the southern Philippines, in which several Indonesian sailors were taken hostage.

Only ships with a capacity of over 500 tons will be allowed to resume sailing while smaller vessels and tugboats are still banned.

“For safety and security reasons... all ships must sail in the recommended corridors and avoid conflict areas or waters (around) the southern Philippines and east Malaysia,” Transportation Ministry official Tonny Budiono said.

In a statement, Budiono added that the decision to resume some shipments had been taken because the moratorium had been deemed to be “damaging Indonesian interests.” Indonesia supplies 70 percent of the Philippines’ coal imports but stopped shipments over concerns that piracy in the Sulu Sea area could reach levels previously seen in Somalia.

Several Indonesian sailors were taken hostage earlier this year by suspected members of militant group Abu Sayyaf, a group known for piracy and kidnappings.

Many of the Indonesians have since been released but the group is still holding other foreign nationals for ransom. In June, Abu Sayyaf beheaded a Canadian national after a ransom deadline passed.

Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia have agreed to undertake coordinated patrols in the Sulu Sea, but these have yet to begin.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/indonesia-resume-some-coal-shipments-philippines-amid-piracy-concerns

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Editorial - Lucrative industry

October 30, 2016, 6:36 pm

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Editorial from the Philippine Star (Oct 31): Editorial - Lucrative industry


The military can sustain its offensive against the Abu Sayyaf in the jungles of Sulu, killing militants while also losing soldiers in the process. Unless the offensive is accompanied by other measures, however, the bandits will always be able to recruit members to take the place of those slain or arrested.

A recent report can partly explain why. Quoting a confidential joint military and police threat assessment, the news report said that in the first half of the year alone, the Abu Sayyaf collected about $7.3 million or some P353 million in ransom for mostly foreign hostages.

For Filipina captive Marites Flor, the bandits made P20 million, according to the report. Her two Canadian companions were beheaded this year; a Norwegian was freed also reportedly after a ransom payment. But the bulk of the P353 million was reportedly paid for 14 Indonesians and four Malaysian boat crewmen, who were kidnapped in waters shared by the countries with the Philippines.

That kind of money guarantees more kidnappings. The amount is something the typical member of the Abu Sayyaf cannot hope to earn in his lifetime. This is among the reasons why the militants brushed off President Duterte’s hand of peace, proffered in the first days of his administration but quickly withdrawn. Kidnapping for ransom has become Sulu’s most lucrative industry.

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The government insists that it follows a no-ransom policy. Yet the President himself had blurted out that P50 million was paid for the release of the Norwegian who was kidnapped together with Flor and the Canadians on Samal Island last year.

Military operations will never be enough to end this threat. At this point the government cannot match, through jobs and livelihood opportunities, the amounts collected by the Abu Sayyaf in exchange for their hostages. But the government can erode the bandits’ support among local residents, which is indispensable for the complicated task of keeping hostages. 

Intelligence gathering must also be intensified, not only to pinpoint where the bandits are holed out with their captives, but also to trace any ransom payment and how the money is stashed away or spent. The military should be interested in this; ransom money is used by the Abu Sayyaf to buy guns and prepare improvised explosive devices that are used against government forces.

Eroding public support for the Abu Sayyaf also means a serious effort to bring development to Sulu.Local residents must understand the dividends of peace and have a stake in neutralizing the Abu Sayyaf along with its civilian supporters, including government officials suspected to be protecting them in exchange for a share of ransom money. The government must make it clear to the bandits and their supporters that it’s time to say goodbye to all that.

http://www.philstar.com/opinion/2016/10/31/1638951/editorial-lucrative-industry

Pinay pilot commands C130 flight across world's largest ocean

October 30, 2016, 7:11 pm

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From Rappler (Oct 31): Pinay pilot commands C130 flight across world's largest ocean

Philippine Air Force pilot Major Marjorie Mukay flies the C130 cargo plane from Tucson in Arizona to Manila



A FIRST. Major Marjorie Mukay is the first certified Philippine Air Force Filipina C130 pilot. Rappler photo

Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilot Major Marjorie Mukay became the first female pilot-in-command of a Philippine C130 flight across the world's largest ocean, the Pacific Ocean, when she led the team that brought home the latest cargo plane the Philippines acquired from the US.

"It is flattering that the command allowed me. There are no restrictions for females. As long as you are qualified, you can become a pilot-in-command of any aircraft," said Mukay, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 2005. (READ: PH female pilots: Small in number but steadily growing)

Mukay's team flew the much-needed cargo plane from Tucson in Arizona to Manila. They made stops in California, Hawaii, Wake Island, and Guam for refuelling.

US ambassador Philip Goldberg last week formally turned over a C130 flight to the PAF, one of his last acts before he completed his tour of duty in the Philippines.

"Congratulations to you Marjorie Mukay. Your achievement represents yet another milestone, another step together, another step forward in our long friendship,” Goldberg said.

Goldberg, who arrived in the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, said he personally made sure that the Philippines got additional C130 cargo planes after discovering that the military only had 3 C130s.

 

TURNOVER. The Philippine military formally receives a C130 that it bought from the US government, October 24, 2016. Photo by Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler

The C130 previously served as tanker of the US Coast Guard. Its air-to-air refuelling capability was removed before it was given to PAF, turning the plane into a purely transport aircraft.

The acquisition is part of the US Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program. The Philippines paid $35 million (about P1.6 billion) for the two C130s. The actual cost is $55 million, but US Foreign Military Financing covered $20 million.

"We usually respond to disaster relief. We transport military troops anywhere in the country. Those are our usual flight missions," Mukay said.

A C130 can lift about 100 troops or its equivalent weight, a critical asset in transporting immediate relief after disasters even to remote airfields.

The C130 also flies to the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), specifically to tranport troops and supplies to Pag-Asa (Tithu) Island which has a runaway.

It is the 2nd of the two C130s bought by the Aquino administration. The first arrived in April.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/150820-pinay-cargo-plane-pilot

Davao City bomb suspects flown to Manila; manhunt for bombers continues

October 30, 2016, 7:33 pm

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From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 31): Davao City bomb suspects flown to Manila; manhunt for bombers continues

Police and military agents are flying to Manila the four other suspects in the Davao City night market bombing who were arrested in Cotabato City and Maguindanao early Friday.

In a statement, the Philippine Army commander, Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año, said the government would not stop until all involved in the Davao bombing were put in jail.

“The Army will continue haunting other terrorists for the protection of the public and to serve justice,” he said.

The suspects — Mohammad Lalaog Chenikandiyil, Zack Haron Villanueva Lopez, Jackson Mangulamas Uzi and Ausan Abdullah Mamasapano—were arrested during raids in hideouts on 48 Ilang-ilang Street, Barangay Rosary Heights 7, Cotabato and on 11th Street, SPDA Village, Barangay Tamontaka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao at around 2 a.m.

The four arrested suspects are under the custody of the Philippine National Police, which is preparing charges of violations of Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act of 2013, and RA 9371 or the Human Security Act of 2007.

Operatives of the various units of the PNP-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the Philippine Army and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency conducted the raids using a search warrant issued by Judge Banzawan Ibrahim of the Cotabato RTC.

The Philippine Army spokesman, Col. Benjamin Hao, said the locations of the hideouts of the Maute Group, the armed militant Islamist organization tagged responsible for the Davao bombing, were passed on to the government by an intelligence agent and later verified by follow-up operations.

Recovered items from the search in the hideouts were .45 and .38-pistols, several boxes of ammunition, a hand-held radio with charger; three pieces of 60-mm mortar improvised explosive devices; one piece of 105mm Howitzer improvised explosive device, and a hand grenade.

The arrest of the additional suspects, followed the apprehension last Oct. 4 of three others, namely TJ Tagadaya Macabalang, Wendel Factural, and Musaili Mustapha, who have been charged by the Department of Justice in Manila.

Investigators have said more than a dozen members of the Maute Group are believed responsible for the Sept. 2 Davao City bombing.

The military earlier said the Davao bombing was meant to the distract government from its all-out offensive against the bandit group Abu Sayyaf in Basilan and Sulu and to attract attention from the terrorist Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis).

Fourteen people were killed and about 70 others were injured in the bombing.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/836136/davao-city-bombing-suspects-flown-to-manila-manhunt-for-bombers-continues

As doubts grow over 'shootout' that killed mayor and 9 aides, PNP vows impartial probe

October 31, 2016, 5:14 am

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From InterAksyon (Oct 31): As doubts grow over 'shootout' that killed mayor and 9 aides, PNP vows impartial probe

Amid allegations of a rubout, the Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed Monday an impartial investigation into what had been billed as a shootout in North Cotabato between the police and a group of armed men - suspected transporting illegal drugs - which ended with the death of a town mayor.

The Oct. 28 gunbattle left Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom of Datu Saudi Ampatuan town in Maguindanao, and nine of his bodyguards, dead.

The PNP, citing field reports, had claimed the mayor's group was believed involved in drug trafficking, and President Duterte even cited his case in a speech launching a multibilion-peso reform and development program for the region.

However, relatives and associates of the mayor, as well as some Maguindanao leaders, want an independent probe, citing telltale signs of an execution, since most of the fatalities suffered gunshot wounds to the head.

On Monday, PNP spokesperson Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos said those involved in Friday's alleged shootout will be punished if irregularities turn up in the investigation.

Carlos, citing initial police reports, said that anti-narcotics agents had set up a checkpoint at 4:30 a.m. Friday in Barangay Bulatukan, in Makilala, North Cotabato, on the basis of a "very reliable" source that Mayor Dimaukom's group will transport illegal drugs.

Supposedly, the group will transport illegal drugs from Davao City to Maguindanao area.

The mayor's convoy allegedly ignored the checkpoint, however, and some of his men instead fired at the authorities, prompting them to shoot, police claimed. Dimaukom and his men were declared dead on arrival at a hospital.

After the alleged gun battle, according to Police Senior Supt. Emmanuel Peralta, North Cotabato provincial director, they recovered 13 sachets of shabu and six firearms.

Police account disputed

Maguindanao Rep. Dodong Mangudadatu disputed the police account. Dimaukom’s car was parked properly, he said. The congressman said forensic tests should be done on the Datu Saudi Ampatuan mayor.

The mayor's relatives and employees of the Datu Saudi Ampatuan local government are also incredulous about the allegations against their mayor.

One oldtimer wondered aloud how Dimaukom's name got included in an alleged drugs list. "He has been mayor six years. He grew up here. They were rich even before he entered politics. We don't hear of him doing drugs. Maybe his name was just included?"

Dimaukom's name was included in August in the first batch (150 LGUs) of drug personallities waved by the President. Dimaukom and his wife had turned themselves in to PNP Director General Ronald dela Rosa to clear their name.

The DILG office in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao rued Dimaukom's passing. Kirby Matalam of DILG-ARMM said the mayor had "transformed his city from a war zone to something [peaceful]... He showed how government should function. if you look at his place, [you can see how much he has done]."

President Duterte, however, reiterated his warning against local officials getting entangled in drugs.

Speaking at Saturday's launch of the Comprehensive Reform and Development Agenda in Cotabato, Duterte said, "alam ninyo na may nangyayari na nga e, may namatay na nga na mayor, eh. Iwasan talaga natin yung droga kasi sisirain talaga ang bayan."

HERE'S NEWS5 VIDEO REPORT BY GEM AVANCENA:

[Video report]

Interal Affairs probing

Meanwhile, PNP Spokesman Carlos said the PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS) will look into allegations of a rubout, and verify the intelligence report that prompted the checkpoint operation.

Carlos also encouraged Mangudadatu and Dimaukom's relatives to talk to investigators. "Such allegations, suspicions should be formally submitted as observations to bolster our ongoing investigation on the possible liabilities of the policemen,” Carlos said in a radio interview Monday.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/133843/watch--as-doubts-grow-over-shootout-that-killed-mayor-and-9-aides-pnp-vows-impartial-probe

'Friendly understanding' behind unmolested fishing, but PH retains rights under PCA ruling - NSA

October 31, 2016, 5:18 am

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From InterAksyon (Oct 31): 'Friendly understanding' behind unmolested fishing, but PH retains rights under PCA ruling - NSA

 The Philippines and China have reached a "friendly" understanding allowing Filipinos to fish around a disputed shoal seized by Beijing in 2012, a senior aide to President Rodrigo Duterte said Monday.

However, national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon said, the Philippines' rights as cemented by the July 12 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) stands; and is not being pushed as part of the current priority given to quickly restoring the fishermen's ability to return to rich fishing grounds off Luzon's western coastline, in the Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal.

Duterte negotiated the understanding during his recent meeting in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping, said Esperon.

As a result, he said, in recent days Filipino fishermen have been able to fish unmolested at Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea while Chinese government vessels have patrolled nearby.

The UN arbitral court had ruled against China’s excessive “9-dash line” claim in the South China Sea, which covers a big portion of the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The fishing grounds at Panatag are well within the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) as provided for by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Asked in a phone interview if President Rodrigo Duterte took up the issue of the PCA with President Xi Jinping during his recent visit in China, Esperon said that while Duterte did not push the envelop completely as far as asserting Manila's rights is concerned, “when we go to another round of talks we will again assert it.”

There had been speculations about what transpired in the meeting between Xi and Duterte, but Esperon assured Filipinos the President will always stand by his sworn duty to defend and protect the country.

After the China visit, there were reports the Chinese Coast Guard has been allowing Filipino fishermen to enter and fish inside the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, which they blockaded since April 2012, when they figured in a standoff with the Philippine Navy.

The government also reported that warships of the Chinese Navy had already left the shoal -- a claim later disputed by a Department of National Defense spokesman, who said the Chinese Coastguard boats were still there: it's just that they were not moving to block or harass the Filipino fishermen, as they have done the past four years.

Panatag is just 124 nautical miles off the coast of Masinloc, Zambales.

Esperon noted that Duterte's visit had eased tensions between the two countries. He described this as a “win-win” situation.

“Win-win pareho but this is not to say that we have dropped our claim because we have asserted it also, the President reiterated it,” he said.

Pressed what rally transpired between Duterte and Xi, Esperon said both asserted their country’s historical rights over the disputed seas.

“They didn't dwell at length on the subject matter because they tackled several other things, so there was no agreement. I don't know about their other agreements but our President believes our fishermen won't be touched since the matter was also brought up,” he said.

“Although the two presidents were not able to come up with a resolution on the disputed territories  . . . why allow yourselves to be in that confrontational position when you can talk about economic relations, trade relations?” Esperon explained.

'Friendly understanding'

In short, he explained, the Philippines and China have reached what may be characterized as a "friendly" understanding allowing Filipinos to fish at Panatag.

"The coastguard of China is there, but their navy is gone. And now, our fishermen are no longer being accosted, no longer being forced out, so we can say things are now friendly," he added.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying acknowledged some changes.

"The Chinese side has continuously exercised normal jurisdiction over Huangyan Island, and the situation has not changed," she said in Beijing, referring to the shoal by its Chinese name.

"Relations between China and the Philippines have comprehensively improved, and under such a situation, China has already made some proper arrangements with regards to issues of concern to President Duterte."

China took control of Scarborough Shoal, 230 kilometres (140 miles) west of the main Philippine island of Luzon, in 2012. It had been driving away Filipino fishermen from the rich fishing ground, sometimes using water cannon.

But last weekend Filipino fishermen were once more able to fish at the shoal with the Chinese ships not interfering.

Esperon stressed that neither country dropped its claim to the shoal, with China insisting on its "historical rights".

China claims most of the South China Sea despite partial counter-claims by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Esperon said Duterte's position was that the Philippines also had "historical rights," and that it was also bolstered by an international tribunal ruling in July that there was no basis for China's claims to most of the South China Sea.

He said the two leaders decided to sidestep the issue to repair frayed ties.

"There is no talk on territorial rights, there is no talk on assertion of rights, but they respect our traditional rights," Esperon added.

Duterte's predecessor Benigno Aquino had brought the case before the international tribunal which resulted in the resounding victory over China.

Aquino's strong opposition to China's territorial claims strained ties with Beijing.

However Duterte, who was elected in May, has said he will not press the territorial issue and instead seek more aid and investment from China.

"There is no resolution, so why allow yourselves to be in that confrontational position when you can talk about economic relations, trade relations?" said Esperon.

"It is win-win for both but this is not to say that we have dropped our claim."

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/133846/friendly-understanding-behind-unmolested-fishing-but-ph-retains-rights-under-pca-ruling---nsa

BRP Andres Bonifacio to beef up capability in conducting territorial patrols

October 31, 2016, 5:27 am

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From Update.Ph (Oct 31): BRP Andres Bonifacio to beef up capability in conducting territorial patrols



BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), the Philippine Navy (PN)’s third Hamilton-class cutter, will greatly boost the country’s capability to conduct “territorial patrols” within the nation’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“FF-17 is a significant addition to the Navy’s inventory of ships in order to boost the conduct of territorial patrol missions within our EEZ,” PN spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna in a message to the PNA Monday, said.

BRP Andres Bonifacio is the sister ship BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16), both former Hamilton-class cutters acquired through the US Excess Defense Article Program in 2011 and 2013, respectively.

“The ship can also be used for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, search-and-rescue at sea, and limited transport of relief goods and personnel to affected areas,” Lincuna disclosed.

Barring inclement weather, BRP Andres Bonifacio is scheduled to leave the US Coast Guard base in Alameda, California this coming Nov. 1 (American time).

“She will be at sea for 26 days, passing San Diego, California, Hawaii, and Guam for refuelling and reprovisioning,” he added.

The BRP Andres Bonifacio is formerly the USCGC Boutwell which was retired from US Coast Guard service last March 16 and handed to the PN last July 21 (American time).

Hamilton-class cutters have a gross tonnage of 3,250 tons, a length of 378 feet, beam of 43 feet, and draft of 15 feet.

Its propulsion systems consist of two diesel engines and two gas turbine engines, giving it a top speed of 29 knots and a crew of 80 officers and enlisted personnel.

The ship has cruising range of 14,000 miles and has a sea and loiter time of 45 days.

http://www.update.ph/2016/10/brp-andres-bonifacio-to-beef-up-capability-in-conducting-territorial-patrols/10628

Anti-ASG operations to continue until bandit group neutralized

October 31, 2016, 5:30 am

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From Update.Ph (Oct 31): Anti-ASG operations to continue until bandit group neutralized

Operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) will continue until all of them are neutralized. This was stressed by Joint Task Force Sulu commander Arnel Dela Vega on Monday as two more ASG terrorists were killed by operatives of the 11th Scout Ranger Company in Indanan, Sulu on Sunday.

“The focused military operation will continue until we deal a crippling blow against the ASG and rescue the remaining hostages (of which there are still an estimated 12),” he added.

Sunday’s encounter stemmed from reports of concerned civilians who spotted eight heavily-armed ASG bandits in their area.

This prompted military authorities to deploy a patrol who then chanced upon the brigands, killing two and scattering the rest.

Rangers recovered the body of one of the slain terrorists together with an M-16 assault rifle with M203 grenade launcher attached and one improvised explosive device (IED).

Another ASG was killed and was being carried by companions according to local residents.

This brings to 38 the total number of ASG killed since the intensified combat operations was launched in July while scores were also wounded on the ASG.

Soldiers suffered 15 killed in action and 28 wounded in action since July.

Authorities believe that the ASG has splintered into small groups to evade soldiers and are planting IEDs to delay movements of government troops.

“IEDs maim and kill individuals regardless whether they are soldiers or civilians and the main losers are the innocent people in the community. The use of IED is not only against the law but it is outrightly evil and un-Islamic,” Dela Vega added.

http://www.update.ph/2016/10/anti-asg-operations-to-continue-until-bandit-group-neutralized/10625

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Unilateral ceasefire orders of PH gov’t, NDFP still in effect

October 31, 2016, 5:53 am

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From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 31): Unilateral ceasefire orders of PH gov’t, NDFP still in effect



The existing unilateral ceasefire declarations issued respectively by the Philippine government and communist rebel negotiator National Democratic Front of the Philippines still hold despite the two parties’ failure to meet the target deadline to craft a bilateral ceasefire agreement.

Both sides were expected to come up with a draft and ink the bilateral ceasefire agreement last October 26 as agreed upon during the first round of formal talks in Norway in August this year.

The parties initially planned to meet in Davao City for the signing of the bilateral ceasefire agreement in the presence of President Duterte.

 

Government peace panel chair and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III communicated with NDFP chief negotiator Fidel Agcaoili a proposal for the two parties to “simultaneously declare their renewed commitment to their respective unilateral indefinite ceasefire” following the lapse of the deadline.

“In response to Mr. Bello’s proposal, Mr. Agcaoili informed him that there was no need for the NDFP to make such a simultaneous declaration with the GRP,” the NDFP said in a statement.

Agcaoili said the unilateral declaration of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the National Operational Command of the New People’s Army (NPA), which was issued on August 28, would hold pending the drafting and signing of a bilateral ceasefire agreement.

The most testing parts during the second round of talks in Norway earlier this month were the discussions on amnesty, release of political prisoners and the bilateral ceasefire agreement.

The NDFP said the revolutionary movement has become apprehensive about signing a bilateral ceasefire with 434 political prisoners still inside different jails in the country.

Bello disclosed during the closing ceremony that the draft of the amnesty proclamation was already with the Office of the President and explained government procedures, including the concurrence of Congress, must be observed.

But he committed that the government would work on the immediate release of at least 81 political prisoners on humanitarian grounds. The list of 81 includes the sick, women and elderly.

“Mr. Agcaoili reminded Mr. Bello about the GRP’s commitment on the releases and amnesty proclamation of political prisoners in accordance with the Oslo Joint Statements of 15 June 2016, 26 August 2016 and 9 October 2016. He said that the fulfilment of such commitment would “serve as a big incentive towards accelerating the peace negotiations and forging a mutual stable ceasefire,” the NDFP said.

The continuing mutual trust despite the challenges is coming from the longstanding good relations of President Duterte and the revolutionary movement.

But the NDFP also expressed concern about the alleged continuing presence of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in communities supposedly performing Bayanihan programs and anti-illegal drug operations.

“However, there are persistent reports from regional NPA commands of GRP (Government of Republic of the Philippines) violations of its own unilateral ceasefire stating that AFP troops continue to make incursions into the territory of the NPA in the guise of civic action and anti-drug operations. Such military operations only serve to heighten tensions and serve as disincentive to forging a more stable bilateral ceasefire,” the NDFP said.

For NDFP consultant Porferio Tuna, the military cannot use the anti-drugs campaign as an excuse because the communist movement is already performing it even before the Duterte administration.

“Anti-criminality is part of the law and order of the organs of political power of the people’s democratic government at the base. It is not a question if there is a ceasefire or not because it is part of their task,” Tuna said.

The communist movement is known for its hardline stance against illegal drugs, having conducted raids and even meting the “death penalty” on those who are involved in the illegal drug trade inside revolutionary bases.

Tuna said the continuing implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan of the AFP has been counterproductive to the progress of the peace process.

“The conduct of Oplan Bayanihan in the last quarter during the ceasefire includes masking the nature of the operations to trick the masses and to maximize it because they know that they will not be attacked by the NPA,” Tuna said.

Tuna said that such cases were documented in at least 11 villages in North Cotabato, specifically in the towns of Arakan and Magpet where there have been alleged recruitment, training and arming of the anti-communist paramilitary group Bagani.

The Bagani caught the attention not just of local authorities but also of the United Nations for allegedly instigating the attacks, killings and massive displacements of lumad communities.

Tuna added that soldiers in several communities in Compostela Valley have been summoning farmer leaders for questioning.

Both peace panels believe that the enforcement of a bilateral ceasefire would ensure a clearer definition of hostile acts and ensure a better atmosphere to end decades of violent conflict.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/836056/unilateral-ceasefire-orders-of-ph-govt-ndfp-still-in-effect

Regional Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council meets for unified security preparations for UNDAS 2016 and anti-terrorism drive

October 31, 2016, 5:59 am

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From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 31): Regional Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council meets for unified security preparations for UNDAS 2016 and anti-terrorism drive

In line with the security preparation for the coming UNDAS 2016, and holiday seasons, the Regional Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council (RJPSCC) recently met at Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig City.
         
RJPSCC is a joint undertaking of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through Joint Task force-NCR and the National Capital Region Police Office that address criminality, terrorism, lawlessness, emergencies and disasters particularly in Metro Manila.

BGen Roberto D Domines Jr., Commander, JTF-NCR acknowledged that the meeting is very timely and necessary not just for the coming holiday seasons but more all for the terrorism act.  He also assured that the Joint Task force-NCR will support the NCRPO in all security operations especially in close monitoring of any threat and terrorism in the region.

NCRPO Regional Director, PCSupt Oscar D Albayalde expressed his gratitude to the AFP as he recognized that the joint operations of PNP and AFP are well-appreciated by the public.
        
Albayalde emphasized that fusion of intelligence between the AFP and the PNP could lead to more successful operations to pre-empt any act of criminality and terrorism.
        
Albayalde also assured that the NCRPO will support AFP whenever assistance needed.

“We will work as a team, regardless of branch of service and orientation.” Albayalde said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/231477903215/regional-joint-peace-and-security-coordinating-council-meets-for-unified-security-preparations-for-undas-2016-and-anti-terrorism-drive

Military hospital in Sulu gets Duterte's promised upgrade

October 31, 2016, 6:04 am

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From Rappler (Oct 31): Military hospital in Sulu gets Duterte's promised upgrade

Sulu commanders thank the government and the San Miguel Foundation for the renovations

UPGRADE. Armed Forces chief General Ricardo Visaya and retired General Emmanuel Bautista inaugurate a newly renovated military hospital in Jolo, Sulu. Photo from PH military

 

 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Ricardo Visaya inaugurated last week the newly renovated military hospital in Sulu, a fulfillment of President Rodrigo Duterte's promise in September.

 

Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital, a 65-bed capacity facility, primarily attends to soldiers fighting terrorist groups in the southernmost islands of Mindanao.

 

"The fulfillment of this dream of having a hospital in Sulu did not come easy. It faced financial challenges, among others. This is why we are grateful to the AFP leadership, to the Commander in Chief, and to San Miguel Foundation, Incorporated for their gracious donation of ambulances, equipment, and other hospital implements,"said Brigadier General Mariano Mejia, the Surgeon General of the AFP and concurrent Commanding General of the AFP Medical Center.

 

Visaya said the hospital is testimony to the "enduring partnership between the military, local government, and public and private corporations."

 

The hospital started as a trauma center in 2007. It can now accommodate injured or sick military personnel, their dependents, and even civilians.

The hospital's inauguration came months after the military launched an all-out offensive against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) on the island, deploying more than 8,000 soldiers to the province to wipe out the group.

Last August, 15 soldiers were killed in an ASG attack in the town of Patikul.

The hospital's capabilities now include the following:

• immediate resuscitative care and advance trauma management
• in-patient and out-patient services
• ancillary services such as pharmacy, radiology, laboratory, and primary psycho-social and mental health, post-surgical and medical hospitalization and treatment, and also dental health care services.

The hospital was named after the late Army Brigadier General Teodulfo Bautista, who was killed by members of the Moro National Liberation Front in 1977, when he chose to meet with them – unarmed – in Patikul to discuss a possible ceasefire.

His son, former AFP chief General Emmanuel Bautista, was the guest of honor and speaker at the inauguration of the newly renovated hospital. Bautista is now executive director of the Cabinet Cluster on Security, Justice, and Peace.

"If only my father were alive, he would have been very happy for the operation of this hospital. Our gratitude goes to all of you who made this project possible. Indeed, the death of Brigadier General Teodulfo Bautista and his men on that fateful day is an act of supreme sacrifice for our people. And this hospital embodies the same spirit of treating our soldiers and our people from the wounds of conflict," Bautista said.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/150851-jolo-military-hospital-renovation

Duterte visits wounded soldiers in Sulu

October 31, 2016, 7:36 am

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From ABS-CBN (Oct 31): Duterte visits wounded soldiers in Sulu

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday visited soldiers who were wounded in recent clashes with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

Two ASGs were killed in an early morning clash Sunday with members of the 11th Scout Ranger Company in Indanan, Sulu.

Another six rebels were killed in a separate clash between the ASG and the 21st Infantry Battalion in Patikul, Sulu.

At least eight soldiers were injured in a clash with Abu Sayyaf rebels in the Patikul clash.

A total of 44 Abu Sayyaf rebels were killed in Sulu since intensified combat operations were launched in July, the military said.

Fifteen soldiers have been killed in action in Sulu since July, and 36 others have been wounded in action.

The successive encounters were the result of the cooperation of local residents against the ASG for their "brutal killings and illegal activities," the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said in a statement.

Six wounded soldiers were visited by Duterte in the hospital in Camp Teodulfo Bautista in Sulu, namely: 


- Corporal (Cpl.) Arjay Turingan, who has a fractured left arm;
- Private First Class (PFC) Lorenso Agwayan, who has a leg injury;
- Technical Sgt. Edwin Ramos, who has a back injury;
- PFC Walter Dumpaw, who has a leg injury;
- PFC Hartblayne Akwat, who has a fracture; and,
- PFC Ladni Basitaw, who has a fracture due to a gunshot wound.

Two other soldiers have been transferred to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City.

They were identified as Cpl. Junardo Esperansa and PFC Conrad Bagsaw.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/31/16/duterte-visits-wounded-soldiers-in-sulu

Australia and Indonesia closer to joint patrols in South China Sea

October 31, 2016, 7:47 am

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From Australian Financial Review (Oct 31): Australia and Indonesia closer to joint patrols in South China Sea



Indonesia's President Joko Widodo with Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. IRWIN FEDRIANSYAH

Australia and Indonesia have moved a step closer to joint patrols in the South China Sea after reaching an agreement to "explore options to increase maritime co-operation".

The move is part of Australia's strengthening of ties with Indonesia at a time of uncertainty in the region ahead of the US election next week and as Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte unsettles his neighbours by signalling a shift away from Washington, while becoming closer with Beijing.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo will make his first official state visit to Australia early next week.

"At the Australia-Indonesia 2+2 meeting last week, Foreign and Defence Ministers agreed to explore options to increase maritime co-operation,"Defence Minister Marise Payne said in an emailed statement to The Australian Financial Review.

"This could include co-ordinated activities in the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea consistent with Australia's policy of exercising rights of freedom of navigation in accordance with international law and our support for regional security."

Any co-ordinated activities in the South China Sea are likely to attract criticism from the Chinese government, which rejected an international court ruling earlier this year effectively invalidating its claim over the bulk of the disputed waters.
 

Indonesia's Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said on Friday after a meeting with Ms Payne and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop that Canberra had "more or less agreed" to the joint patrols.

"We have already suggested to Australia the possibility of conducting joint patrols in the eastern part of the South China Sea," he said, according to a report in the Jakarta Post. "We are sure that we will soon create a plan on how to realise it."

Asked about the comments, Ms Payne confirmed the two countries had agreed to "increase maritime co-operation".

"Australia and Indonesia already conduct co-ordinated patrols and other joint activities and exercises," she said.
 

It is not clear whether the patrols would be done with Australian and Indonesian ships side-by-side or when they might occur.

"It's important not to telegraph freedom-of-navigation operations if they are going to be done,"said Ashley Townshend, Research Fellow at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney.

Undercut purpose

 

"This would undercut the purpose of the patrols and unnecessarily stoke public tensions with China. But if there was an agreement to talk seriously about Indonesia and Australia doing patrols side-by-side or in close succession, that is significant.

"There are lots of reasons why Indonesia would be a good partner for Australia," he said. "It's not a claimant to the disputes, but it is a big and capable regional player."

In the past Jakarta has been a relatively neutral player in what has been a highly contentious issue for the region. However, under Mr Widodo, Indonesia has taken a stronger stand against China's assertive claims in the South China Sea following a series of clashes between Indonesian warships and Chinese fishing boats in the waters surrounding the Natuna Islands.

While China recognises Indonesia's claim to the islands, its nine-dash line – the controversial territorial marker it uses to claim the bulk of the sea – encroaches on the waters around them.

Indonesia held large-scale military exercises off the archipelago in early October, involving jets that carried out manoeuvres including dropping bombs on targets off the coast.

And after an Indonesian warship clashed with a fleet of Chinese fishing vessels off the coast of the Natuna Islands in June, Mr Widodo presided over a cabinet meeting on the exact same ship, the KRI Imam Bonjol, near where the clash took place.

Australia and Indonesia have repaired the relationship over the past year following Mr Turnbull's well-received visit to Jakarta last November. The relationship had been strained following the execution of Australians Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan early last year and disagreements over Australia's policy on asylum-seekers.

 http://www.afr.com/news/policy/defence/australia-and-indonesia-closer-to-joint-patrols-in-south-china-sea-20161031-gsesdh

Billions of aid, projects pour into Mindanao

October 31, 2016, 7:51 am

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From Tempo (Oct 31): Billions of aid, projects pour into Mindanao

President Duterte is about to make true his campaign promise of pouring funds into the conflict-torn Mindanao region.

Apart from millions of agriculture and electrification projects, Duterte has revealed his intention to put up a modern hospital either in Sulu or Basilan which will be funded by a billion-peso offer from a businessman he declined to name.

“There is a businessman who offered to help,” Duterte said in a recent visit to Cotabato City. “The person offered to donate P1 billion. I said I will accept it if he will build a hospital in Jolo or Basilan.”

Duterte said the hospital construction would start next year, hoping it would address the healthcare needs of the people in the area.

“If the funds are given, I will start it next year. The hospital in Jolo will be built and I hope there won’t be wounded soldiers or Abu Sayyaf rebels would comprise most of the patients. I hope conflict will end,” said Duterte.

“You made me president. Ngayon tapos na ang eleksyon, bubuhusan ko ng pera ang Moro region.”
In the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the government has put in place a massive electrification project worth P646.84 million for the region’s five provinces which has two cities and 116 municipalities.

This despite the report of the Department of Energy that the ARMM P574.23 million for the on-grid electrification projects from 2015 until 2016 that benefited a total of 39,365 households.

For the grid-electrification plans under Duterte’s government, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur will get R4.84 million, Tawi-Tawi with P18.31 million, Basilan with P2.81 million, and Sulu with 10.88 million next year.

Duterte and Energy secretary Alfonso Cusi led the ceremonial switch-on of the recently completed electrification projects of the DoE and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) at the ARMM Regional Government Compound in Cotabato City on Saturday.

ARMM has also received P500-million worth of assistance for its farmers and fisherfolks during the launching of the Comprehensive Reform and Development Agenda (CRDA) in Cotabato City.

Duterte reiterated to role of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) when it comes to addressing the countries hunger problems.

“I want the incidence of hunger stopped. Kawawa ang mga bata. We have to do something about it,” said Duterte.

The assistance from the Department of Agriculture and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) include farm equipment, post-harvest facilities, machineries, farm and agri-aquatic inputs such as rice certified seeds, corn seeds, banca, fishing paraphernalia, among others.

A new project of the DA, Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD), will allow the DA to look at the weak points of each identified poor province as priority areas, and determine its key potentials in food production and agricultural livelihood programs.

http://tempo.com.ph/2016/10/31/billions-of-aid-projects-pour-into-mindanao/

PH won’t drop claim to Panatag: Esperon

October 31, 2016, 4:14 pm

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From Malaya Business Insight (Nov 1): PH won’t drop claim to Panatag: Esperon

NATIONAL Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. yesterday said the Duterte administration will continue to assert the Philippines’ claim to the disputed Scarborough Shoal in spite of China’s move of allowing Filipino fishermen resume fishing activities at the shoal.

“Yes of course. Maybe not now, but when we go to another round of talks, we will again assert it,” Esperon said of the Philippine claim over the shoal, locally known as Panatag Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc, which is about 124 nautical miles from Iba, Zambales.

Esperon said the shoal is now back to being a traditional fishing ground for Filipino and Chinese fishermen, which is in keeping with the ruling last July of a United Nations arbitral court that declared the shoal as such.

“We have a historical right and it’s part of our territory… that’s within our 200-mile EEZ (exclusive economic zone) because it’s just 124 miles away (from Zambales),” he said.

Esperon said President Duterte and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, briefly talked about the Scarborough Shoal during the President’s state visit to China from October 18-21 “but there was no conclusion to it because the position of China is that it has historical rights over it.”

“The President reiterated that we won in court. The other leader also reiterated that it’s (Scarborough Shoal) historically their territory so it was not resolved,” Esperon said.

Esperon said Duterte is confident the Chinese would no longer harass Filipino fishermen going to Panatag.

“What remains there are Coast Guard vessels of China, no (Chinese) Navy ships, and our fishermen are not being accosted. They’re not being driven away, meaning there’s friendly (co-existence),” said Esperon.

Latest aerial reconnaissance conducted by the Navy showed four Chinese Coast Guard vessels are still guarding the area, maintaining the usual presence since China seized control of the shoal in 2012 after a standoff with Philippine vessels. However, Filipinos are now fishing in the area “unmolested,” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said last Sunday. Lorenzana also said the development was a welcome event, noting the Chinese vessels have been harassing Filipino fishermen going to the area for the past four years.

In the July decision, the UN arbitral court did not rule on the territorial dispute over Scarborough. However, it declared that the shoal is a traditional fishing ground, meaning fishermen from both countries can fish there. China has refused to recognize the arbitral court.

“As of now, we’re back to our traditional fishing ground… So in effect, they (Chinese) recognized that it’s a traditional fishing ground. That is what’s prevailing there, a traditional fishing ground,” said Esperon.

Esperon said Duterte’s visit to China may have contributed to the situation in Scarborough Shoal, although he stressed “there was no expressed agreement (over the shoal).”

“But it seems like the traditional rights of our fishermen are being respected (by Chinese),” said Esperon, a former Armed Forces chief, adding the prevailing situation at the Scarborough Shoal is a “win-win” for both sides.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/ph-won%E2%80%99t-drop-claim-panatag-esperon

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Davao bombers planned another attack, says AFP

October 31, 2016, 4:17 pm

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From Malaya Business Insight (Nov 1): Davao bombers planned another attack, says AFP

A GROUP blamed for the September 2 bombing in Davao City, which left 14 people dead and scores wounded, had planned to conduct a follow-up attack either in Maguindanao or Davao, a military spokesman said yesterday.

Army spokesman Col. Benjamin Hao said the Army’s assessment indicates the plot had been pre-empted by the arrest of seven suspected bombers and an accomplice, all members of the Maute Group. But the military is not letting its guard down, he added.

Hao said probers learned of the plot following the arrest of three of the suspects last October 4 and an accomplice last October 9, all in Cotabato City. Last Saturday, Army intelligence operatives arrested four more suspects, also in Cotabato City. Hao said at least six more suspects are being tracked down by Army operatives.

Asked if the group was planning another attack in Davao City, Hao said: “The information that was given to me was not specific… The plan is in Davao or Maguindanao.”

There are three Davao provinces -- Davao del Sur, Davao Del Norte and Davao Oriental. Davao City is a chartered city.

The official could not immediately say when the group would execute the follow-up bombing. “What our intelligence community told me was that there was a plan.”

Officials earlier said the Davao City bombing was meant to divert military focus from the intensified operations against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu and Basilan. The Maute Group and the Abu Sayyaf are known to have links.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/davao-bombers-planned-another-attack-says-afp

Malaysia: Families of Kidnapped Sailors Miss Ransom Deadline

October 31, 2016, 4:29 pm

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From BenarNews (Oct 31): Malaysia: Families of Kidnapped Sailors Miss Ransom Deadline



Gustiah Sultan and her husband Tayudin Anjut sit with their two children during the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday in July 2016.

The families of five Malaysian sailors kidnapped in July and apparently being held by Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) militants in the Philippines are in limbo some two weeks after failing to meet the militants’ ransom demand.

 

Gustiah Sultan, a 46-year-old housewife who has acted as a spokeswoman for the sailors’ families, said she hoped for the best despite missing an Oct. 16 deadline to come up with a ransom of 2 million ringgit (U.S. $480,000). She said kidnappers threatened to behead the hostages if the families failed to come up with the money.

 

“I really don’t know what to do. All I could do is pray and hope that the government will help us with this troubled episode of our lives,” Gustiah told BenarNews.

 

On July 18, suspected ASG members kidnapped five crew members from the tugboat Serudong 3 during a hijacking at sea off the eastern Malaysian state of Sabah. The five men are Abd Rahim Summas, 62; Tayudin Anjut,45, Fandy Bakran, 26; Mohamad Jumadil Rahim, 23; and Mohd Ridzuan Ismail, 32. Ridzuan is from Felda Jengka 7, a palm oil settlement in Pahang state in peninsular Malaysia, while the other four are from Lahad Datu in Sabah.

 

Khalid Abu Bakar, the chief of Malaysian police, and Wan Abdul Bari Abdul Khalid, who heads the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM), told BenarNews that they had no updates on the kidnappings. Abdul Rashid Harun, the police commissioner in Sabah, declined comment.

 

Gustiah, whose husband is Tayudin, has spoken to the media about efforts to raise funds to pay the ransom since the days following their kidnapping.

 

The Borneo Post reported on July 21 – three days after the men were taken – that Tayudin had contacted his employer about a ransom of 20 million ringgit ($4.76 million). Tayudin told his boss that the men were in good condition and were in Basilan, a province in the far southern Philippines.

 

In September, Gustiah served as a spokeswoman when the families sought permission from police to ask the public for donations to pay ASG’s ransom demand. This time, she said the kidnappers had demanded 100 million Philippine pesos (8.65 million ringgit or $2 million), the New Straits Times reported on Sept. 28.

 

The most recent ransom demand came on Oct. 12.

 

Gustiah was able to speak to her husband during the phone call and intelligence officers determined that the call came from ASG. She said her husband told her that his fellow hostages were mostly well, but surviving on little food and water.

 

“We don’t have that kind of money. Even after four days, we could only come up with 3,670 ringgit ($881) through donations, which is far off that the amount they demanded,” Gustiah told Benar.

 

She has not spoken with the captors since the deadline passed and does not know the status of her husband and his fellow sailors.

 

“Even after the deadline, we can only collect about 20,000 ringgit ($4,800) in cash. I don’t think we can manage what they demanded by year’s end. I even begged them that we can’t afford such money and needed more than four days to come up with that amount. I just hope my husband and the rest are fine,” Gustiah said.

 

‘Unwitting financiers’

 

Southeast Asia terrorism expert Rohan Gunaratna said governments that pay ransoms are “the unwitting financiers of ASG.”

 

“The only government that refused to pay was the Canadians and ASG beheaded their nationals. Canada should convene a regional and a global meeting to address this global challenge,” said Gunaratna, a columnist for BenarNews who directs the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.

He added both Malaysia and Indonesia should work with the Philippines to develop a strategy to contain, isolate and eliminate ASG. Philippines alone is incapable of fighting ASG effectively.

Officials from both the Indonesian and Malaysian governments have denied that they paid ransoms earlier this year in securing the release of other sailors from their countries who had been held hostage by militants in the southern Philippines.

“Most ASG fighters support the Islamic State and the money will be used by ASG to grow and expand,” Gunaratna told BenarNews.

ASG, which has pledged allegiance to the extremist group Islamic State (IS), has collected millions of dollars through kidnappings in recent years, according to online reports.

This year alone, ASG has collected at least 354.1 million Philippines pesos (U.S. $7.3 million) from ransom paid for hostages, Philippine-based news website Rappler.com reported.

http://www.benarnews.org/english/news/malaysian/hostages-family-10312016142901.html

Malaysia’s New Anti-Terror Force

October 31, 2016, 4:33 pm

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From The Diplomat (Nov 1): Malaysia’s New Anti-Terror Force

Country forms integrated special operations unit to respond rapidly to terrorism threats.

Last week, Malaysia launched a new integrated special operations unit to respond rapidly to terrorism threats and attacks.

The National Special Operations Force (NSOF) – comprising officers from the Malaysian police, army, navy, and coast guard – will be the first responders to local terror threats, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said in a speech during the unit’s launch at an army camp.

According to Najib, Malaysia is the first country in the world to form an integrated security force to respond to terror threats.

According to a statement by Malaysia’s defense ministry, NSOF will serve as a quick reaction force, mobilizing land, air, and maritime units to confront a threat before handing over the reins to security forces. No further details were given as to how NSOF would operate.

NSOF, which Najib described as almost fully operational, will comprise 170 personnel, including 17 officers, and will be based at the Sungai Besi military camp just outside the Malaysian capital city of Kuala Lumpur. NSOF personnel would initially be seconded from the various agencies, with designated posts made once the unit is actually fully operational.

Najib said NSOF was being formed as part of the country’s National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS). Malaysia is one of the key countries that has served as a test case for the “Blue Ocean Strategy,” developed by two business professors, which argues that sustainable success comes from creating blue oceans of untapped new market spaces ripe for growth. Officially, Malaysia’s NBOS involves more than 80 ministries and agencies, with areas including not only safety and security, but also public service, women, youth and family, entrepreneurship, and education.

Najib’s announcement comes amid a rising Islamic State threat in Southeast Asia (See: “ASEAN’s Islamic State Conundrum”). Malaysia itself experienced the first ISIS attack on Malaysian soil when a grenade blast hit a nightclub in Puchong back in June. The attack came after months of arrests, deadly plots foiled by authorities, and worrying disclosures about some civil servants and even security forces being either actively involved in or sympathizing with ISIS (See: “How Serious is the Islamic State Threat in Malaysia”).

In his remarks, Najib said that 250 Malaysians involved with the group have been detained thus far, 32 have died in Iraq and Syria, and more than 60 people are still fighting for the group.

But the NSOF would not only be involved in tackling the Islamic State threat. Malaysia also faces a number of other security challenges as well, including Abu Sayyaf militants from the Philippines.

http://thediplomat.com/2016/11/malaysias-new-anti-terror-force/

New Maute bomb plot uncovered

October 31, 2016, 4:41 pm

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From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 1): New Maute bomb plot uncovered

The Philippine Army has uncovered a plot by the local terrorist Maute Group to bomb either Davao City or Maguindanao based on the testimonies of four members responsible for the Sept. 2 Davao night market bombing that killed 14 people and injured 70 others.

Col. Benjamin Hao, Army spokesperson, said in an interview that the plot was revealed during the interrogation of four members of the Dawla Islamiya Fi Cotabato–Maute Group who were earlier arrested by Army soldiers in Cotabato City.

The four were identified as Mohammad Lalaog Chenikandiyil also known as Datu Boi; Jackson Mangulamas Usi aka Abu Mansor/Jam; Zack Villanueva Lopez aka Haron, and Ansan Abdulla Mamasapano aka Abu Hamsa have been turned over to the Philippine National Police.

 

They were arrested on the strength of the search warrant, for violation of Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition), issued by Judge Banzawan Ibrahim of the Cotabato Regional Trial Court.

Diversionary tactic

As to the possibility that the plot could be carried out, Hao said: “Everything is possible because this is a terrorist group. Just the same our job is to make sure to stop them from their plans.”

Hao said the group had bombed Davao City as a diversionary tactic and in retaliation for the massive military operations launched against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and other local terrorist groups in Sulu and Basilan.

He stressed though that both the Army and the PNP were still working on evidence that would prove the plot to be true.

Based on the Army’s assessment and intelligence reports, Hao said the plot, if implemented, would target any place in Mindanao although Davao City and Maguindanao were mentioned in the interrogation report.

37 members killed

Meanwhile, another ASG member was killed in an early morning encounter between soldiers and members of the bandit group in Indanan, Sulu, on Sunday.

This brings to 37 the total number of ASG members killed since the intensified combat operations was launched in July while scores were also wounded on the ASG aside. On the other hand, 15 soldiers were killed and 28 were wounded during the same period.

Troops from the 11th Scout Ranger Company, acting on a report from local residents, immediately sent a patrol and engaged the bandit group of about eight men in a brief firefight before the ASG scampered away.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/837091/new-maute-bomb-plot-uncovered

Indonesia-Australia Defense Relations in the Spotlight

October 31, 2016, 4:49 pm

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From The Diplomat (Nov 1): Indonesia-Australia Defense Relations in the Spotlight

A look at where defense ties stand in some key areas following the fourth “2+2” dialogue.

The bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Australia, two neighboring, significant and highly-capable actors in the Indo-Pacific, has long been turbulent. But since the emergence of Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull last September, the bilateral relationship has been given a new boost. Turnbull made a successful trip to Jakarta in November last year, and Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is set to reciprocate that with a visit Australia next month.

Ahead of Jokowi’s trip, the two sides held the fourth “2+2” dialogue between their foreign and defense ministers, the primary forum to discuss defense and strategic issues within the bilateral relationship. The dialogue provides an opportunity to assess where they are on some key areas in their defense ties.

Unsurprisingly, most media attention was focused on the deliverables on the maritime security front. The joint statement noted areas for future collaboration, not just bilaterally, but also in regional and multilateral forums such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association, which Indonesia is chairing until 2017, and the East Asia Summit, with Jakarta and Canberra convening the 2016 Maritime Security Cooperation Seminar in Sydney.

But Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu stole the headlines when he said Indonesia and Australia were well on their way to starting bilateral patrols covering the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea (See: “Are Indonesia and Australia Mulling South China Sea Joint Patrols?”).

Of course, combined patrols between Australia and Indonesia are far from new. The Australian Defense Force and Indonesian Armed Forces have been conducting coordinated maritime security patrols (AUSINDO CORPAT) since the first one in April 2010.

This March, the Australian Border Force (ABF) conducted a maritime security patrol with the Indonesian Coast Guard (BAKAMLA), which is just beginning to take off under Jokowi (See: “Indonesia’s Maritime Ambition: Can Jokowi Realize It?“).
But focusing on the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea would no doubt be a significant step.With respect to the South China Sea, having two capable non-claimants maintain a combined, regular presence in the Indo-Pacific is a clear example of regional states managing a maritime front that has become increasingly tense following China’s growing assertiveness there. The Sulu Sea also offers additional opportunities for cooperation given the increased attention to it of late, including with trilateral patrols between Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines (See: “Confronting Threats in the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas: Opportunities and Challenges”).

There were also other issues discussed beyond maritime security. One important area of bilateral cooperation is counterterrorism amid growing worries about the Islamic State (See: “ASEAN’s Islamic State Conundrum”). Though cooperation here in areas like intelligence-sharing has been ongoing – albeit interrupted at times by crises and to an extent limited by some lingering distrust – it has gotten a boost over the past year or so. Last year, both sides set up and held the first meeting of the Indonesia-Australia Ministerial Council on Law and Security, which is now regarded as the primary forum to discuss matters of domestic law and security, including counterterrorism, complementing the “2+2” dialogue, which deals with defense and strategic issues.

Collaboration in specific areas is also picking up, with countering terrorism financing being a case in point. The inaugural Asia-Pacific Counterterrorism Financing Summit was launched last November and co-hosted by both sides. Though its existence may not be known to many, it is already making headway, developing a regional risk assessment on terrorism financing in Southeast Asia – the world’s first. The second meeting was held in Indonesia this August. Australia has also been working with Indonesia on detention and reintegration, as both are co-chairs of the Detention and Reintegration Working Group within the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF). In September, Australia’s Foreign Minister Julie Bishop officially launched the GCTF Countering Violent Extremism in Prisons Program, which has already been helping prison officials in Indonesia curb radicalization in prisons – long a problem in the country’s cells.

Cybersecurity is another area that deserves attention, especially since it is getting more formal attention in regional meetings. In June, the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) added a working group focused on cybersecurity (See: “ASEAN Defense Chiefs Agree to New Cybersecurity Group”). There are also a number of cyber efforts focused on measures such as incident response, confidence-building, and cyber-capacity-building. Earlier this month, Singapore unveiled the ASEAN Cyber Capacity Program at the inaugural ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Cybersecurity (See: “Singapore Unveils New ASEAN Cyber Initiative”).

The Australia-Indonesia joint statement was a bit vague on this cybersecurity relative to what some had expected, merely noting that the ministers had committed to “elevating security cooperation” including in the area of capacity-building. But there have been efforts to foster collaboration between the Indonesian National Desk for Information Resilience and Cyber Security and the Australian Cyber Security Center (Indonesia does not have its own cybersecurity agency as yet) (See: “Does Indonesia Need a New Cyber Agency?”). The statement also mentioned that the inaugural Indonesia-Australia Cyber Policy Dialogue will be held in Australia “at the earliest opportunity.”

Other areas of defense cooperation were also discussed between the two sides and included in the formal agenda. For example, the joint statement made reference to Australia’s support of Indonesia’s vision of providing 4,000 peacekeepers by 2019 as well as the establishment of the Bali Declaration on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons, and Related Transnational Crime. The two defense industries have also agreed to develop a mine-resistant armored vehicle, based on the Australian Bushmaster design and customized for the Indonesian military’s operational needs.

But beyond the specific agenda items at this “2+2” meeting, what is clear is that both sides are committed to strengthening the Indonesia-Australia defense relationship, and that this commitment is already yielding some significant returns. Though defense will be only one of several areas in focus when Jokowi visits Australia, that is a point that is worth remembering.

http://thediplomat.com/2016/11/indonesia-australia-defense-relations-in-the-spotlight/