Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

From Rappler (Jun 19): NCRPO verifying alleged 'memo' on Metro Manila bomb plot

National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Oscar Albayalde urges the public not to spread the still unverified document on social media

DOCUMENT CHECK. The NCRPO says it is checking information about an alleged bombing plot being circulated on social media. File photo by Darren Langit/Rappler

Be careful about what you share on social media.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Monday, June 19, said it was "investigating" a supposed internal police memorandum about an alleged plot to bomb parts of Metro Manila.

"At the advent of technology, the spread of information, factual or unverified via social media, is fast and boundless," said NCRPO chief Director Oscar Albayalde in a statement on Monday evening.

"Today, a document allegedly from the Station Intelligence Branch of Valenzuela Police Station was circulated via Facebook, personal messages, and other platforms. The spread was too fast that even before we confirmed its validity it's already everywhere. Following this I have ordered the Northern Police District Director Bong Fajardo to investigate the document handling procedure at the Valenzuela Police Station," said Albayalde.Ads by AdAsia

In the supposed memo, the Valenzuela City Police Station's intelligence branch informed community precincts about a "Plan Bombing in Metro Manila."

The memo, which was dated June 16 and was supposedly written by the city's intelligence chief, detailed a supposed plot by the Maute Group to "conduct bombing in Trinoma, Quezon City, SM Cubao, Quezon City Circle, certain places in Quiapo and Makati."

It reminded community precincts to "initiate counter security measures to prevent government casualty and attacks from the enemy, particularly PNP stations/AFP units and vital installations in your respective AORs (areas of responsibility)."

Albayalde called on the public to "stop the spread or posting" of the still unverified document.

Still, he said police "do not take for granted any information reported to us."

"We process every information received and task our police on the ground to validate all these so that we will be able to address any threat immediately and appropriately," the NCRPO chief added.

The supposed memo comes as government troops continue to flush out terrorists in Marawi, who attempted to take control of the city on May 23.

President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Mindanao island under martial law, partly to quell the threat of the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups, who earlier pledged allegiance to international terror group Islamic State (ISIS). (READ: 20 ISIS cell groups operate in Mindanao – Calida)

Police in the National Capital Region have remained on alert following a string of high-profile events and the declaration of martial law in Mindanao.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/173410-ncrpo-alleged-memo-metro-manila-bomb-plot

From Rappler (Jun 19): Alleged Maute sister, 2 others brought back to CDO after Iloilo arrest

The suspects are identified as Farida Pangumping Romato, Aljadid Pangumping Romato, and Abdulrahman Dimacuta

A woman suspected to be a sister of the Maute brothers, founders of a local terror group, was flown back to Cagayan de Oro City along with two other suspects on Monday, June 19, after being arrested the previous day.

The alleged Maute sister was on board the MV St. Therese of the Child Jesus along with two companions near the Iloilo port on Sunday, June 18, when she was arrested.

The suspects were identified as Farida Pangumping Romato, Aljadid Pangumping Romato, and Abdulrahman Dimacuta.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) intercepted the ship before it was able to dock at the Iloilo port.

Prior to the arrest, the Coast Guard District Northern Mindanao (CGDNM) and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Region 10 tracked down the suspects in Barangay Macabalan near the Cagayan de Oro City port on Saturday, June 17.

Believing that the suspects were on board the last ship departing from Cagayan de Oro City bound for Iloilo City, CGDNM searched the vessel to no avail.

But the vessel remained under the authorities' watch until it docked at the Iloilo port.

During the hot pursuit, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in Cagayan de Oro City reviewed security camera footage from the port. They confirmed that the suspects passed through the X-ray machine of the port around 10:35 pm on Saturday.
Captain Leovigildo Panopio, district commander of CGDNM, then dispatched a PCG Islander plane for the suspects' arrest.

The ship was ordered to delay its arrival at the Iloilo port until given a signal in order to corner the suspects.

After the arrest, the suspects were initially brought to Coast Guard Station Iloilo for further investigation and turnover. They were then flown back to Cagayan de Oro City early Monday.

The Maute Group, alongside the Abu Sayyaf Group, attempted to take over Marawi City on May 23 after a military raid targeting Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon. The two groups earlier pledged allegiance to the international terror group Islamic State (ISIS).

Several members of the Maute clan and their supporters have been arrested by government forces since clashes began. The Maute patriarch and matriarch, key personalities in the terror group, were arrested at separate checkpoints in Mindanao. They have since been transferred to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

Following the clashes in Marawi City, President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Mindanao island under martial law. He also suspended the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, which gives military and police more leeway in effecting warrantless arrests. (READ: Dela Rosa: Martial law to thank for Maute arrests)

http://www.rappler.com/nation/173292-alleged-maute-sister-cagayan-de-oro-iloilo-arrest

From Rappler (Jun 20): In Bicol, military spearheads relief drive for Marawi

'We might be sleeping soundly here but our brothers in Marawi City are in miserable condition,' Colonel Alden Juan Masagca, commanding officer of the Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade, says in his appeal to Bicolanos

BICOL'S PRIDE. Army Col. Alden Juan Masagca, commanding officer of the Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade, says they're ready to send additional soldiers in Mindanao if needed. Photo by Rhaydz Barcia/Rappler

The Armed Forces of the Philippines in Bicol is knocking on the doors of Bicolanos to gather aid for Marawi evacuees affected by the ongoing conflict in Mindanao.

Army Colonel Alden Juan Masagca, commanding officer of the Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade, personally appealed over local radio for donations of used clothing, cash, kitchen utensils, food, and school supplies for Marawi evacuees in temporary government shelters.

“To our kababayans in Bicol, we are knocking on your doors to solicit any assistance you can share to our brothers Marawi City in Mindanao affected by the ongoing conflict,” he said.

Masagca, who hails from Catanduanes, said that the aid is not for soldiers, but for the civilians.

“We might be sleeping soundly here but our brothers in Marawi City are in miserable condition. [Their]houses were destroyed. They don’t have a home to return to when the conflict is over. For our soldiers, we are asking for your prayers for their safety fighting against the terrorists,” Masagca said.

He said that they will wait until June 30 to collect assistance from the Bicolanos. The donations will then be sent to Marawi City through the Philippine Air Force, which will distribute it to the evacuees.

On Monday, June 19, the AFP launched the "Pagmakulog sa Sadiring Lahi (Compassion for our Fellowmen)" project, an initiative to lend a hand to the evacuees.

The launch was done in Bicol's 6 provinces, appealing for help from everyone willing to send aid to Marawi. Soon after the launch, the AFP in Bicol also tapped social media to appeal for help from netizens.

The Tactical Operations Group 5 of the Philippine Air Force, led by Colonel Rover Sobrino, appealed on its Facebook page for help for the evacuees.

The program aims to encourage Bicolanos to give any form of assistance they can, including moral and spiritual support, to boost the morale of the displaced families.

AFP Bicol earlier sent at least 3 battalions to Mindanao before the Marawi City siege broke out to go against the terrorist group sowing fear in different areas in Mindanao.

In Masbate City, different stakeholders, including the Muslim community, businesses, students, non-government organizations, and government agencies participated in the military's kick-off ceremony.

In Sorsogon, Governor Bobet Lee Rodrigueza invoked the "bayanihan" spirit to encourage provincemates to help the affected civilians, and asked for prayers for the military and police fighting in the conflict.

Since the Marawi siege started in May 23, at least 3 Bicolano Marines and an army soldier have been killed in action. The fallen heroes were given military honors here.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/173435-afp-bicol-appeal-marawi-evacuees

From Update Philippines (Jun 20): Embraer declared as ‘lowest calculated bidder’ for Close Air Support Aircraft project

The Department of National Defense (DND) confirmed to Update Philippines that Brazilian aerospace conglomerate Embraer was declared as the lowest calculated bidder in the ongoing Close Air Support Aircraft Acquisition Project for the Philippine Air Force.

“Embraer was determined as the lowest calculated bidder for the Close Air Support Project, but they still have to undergo and pass the post-qualification inspection to be awarded the contract,” DND told Update Philippines.

Post-qualification inspection includes the checking of manufacturer’s facilities and the aircraft offered.

The said project will acquire six close air support aircraft to replace/complement the Air Force’s Rockwell OV-10 “Bronco” turboprop attack planes.

Embraer offered the Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano also referred to as A-29.

https://www.update.ph/2017/06/embraer-declared-as-lowest-calculated-bidder-for-close-air-support-aircraft-project/18264

From Update Philippines (Jun 20): NPA commander killed in Davao Region

Soldiers from Philippine Army’s 701st Brigade under the command of Colonel Ruben Basiao killed a commander of the NPA and four members in different operations June 17 and 18 in Davao Region, the Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (EASTMINCOM) said.

The first encounter transpired dawn of June 17 along Sitio KM 35, Taytayan, Cateel, Davao Oriental when troops of 67th Infantry Battalion, while responding to a report of NPA presence in the area, was fired upon leading to a firefight, EASTMINCOM said.

The said encounter lasted for an hour. NPA rebels left the site with three dead members, two M16 rifle one AK47 rifle, one M203, one M14 rifle and two IED.

“Noon of June 17, 2017 troops of 66IB acting on the report of NPA presence in Araibo, Pantukan, Compostela Valley encountered the group of @ Lepi a known leader of NPAs being monitored in the area,” EASTMINCOM said. “The firefight led to the death of @Lepi and an unidentified NPA member and the recovery of a cal. 45 pistol. Two soldiers were reported to have been wounded during the said encounter which accordingly are in stable condition now.”

Another encounter happened June 18 which resulted to recovery of one M16 rifle, one AK 47 rifle numerous various ammunition, one rifle grenade, improvised explosive device paraphernalia, hammocks, rubber boots, radio sets, subersive documents and personal belongings.

https://www.update.ph/2017/06/npa-commander-killed-in-davao-region/18267

From Update Philippines (Jun 20): US, PH navies launch joint training program ‘Sama-Sama’

United States and Philippines naval forces launched Maritime Training Activity Sama-Sama (together) this year. Activities for the said joint training started June 19 ending on the 25th and will be held in the vicinity of Cebu.

Maritime Training Activity Sama-Sama aims to enhance the complexity and diversity of training opportunities, while strengthening the longstanding alliance between the U.S. and the Republic of the Philippines, the US Navy said.

US assets participating are Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4), Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport USNS Millinocket (T-EPF 3), and a P-8 Poseidon aircraft.

“Marines assigned to the III Marine Expeditionary Force, Navy Seabees, and staff from Commander, Task Force 73 and Destroyer Squadron 7 will also participate,” US Navy said.

Del Pilar-class frigate BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15), BRP Agta, an AW109 helicopter, and a BN-2 Islander aircraft, a Philippine Marine company and other naval staff will represent the Philippine Navy.

“The training we will perform over the next week will provide excellent opportunities to deepen our long-time maritime partnership with the Philippine Navy,” said Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, commander, US Navy Task Force 73. “We thank the Philippine Navy and the people of the Philippines for being gracious hosts and we look forward to enhancing our professional ties in meaningful ways that benefit both nations.”

https://www.update.ph/2017/06/us-ph-navies-launch-joint-training-program-sama-sama/18270

From Update Philippines (Jun 20): Terrorists in Marawi are not Muslims – AFP command chief

Terrorists are not Muslims, this is the statement of Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command commanding general Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez after 11 kilograms of shabu were recovered by government forces in Marawi City during a clearing operations.

The seizure of said illegal drugs in structures previously held by terrorists strengthens the theory that terrorists are fighting government forces under the influence of illegal drugs.

“This strengthens our findings that these terrorists are using illegal drugs which according to Muslim religious leaders is HARAM,” Lieutenant General Galvez said.“These ASG and Maute terrorists are not Muslims. They have violated every tenets of the teachings in the Holy Quran.”

https://www.update.ph/2017/06/terrorists-in-marawi-are-not-muslims-afp-command-chief/18276

From Update Philippines (Jun 19): AFP neutralizes 50 NPAs since start of Marawi crisis

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said that amid the intensity of operation against terrorists in Marawi City, the military has neutralized at least 50 NPA fighters through yielding and offensives.

Since the Marawi siege started on May 23, 36 voluntarily surrendered to government forces, nine (9) were killed, and five (5) were arrested in various operations.

“While the AFP is busy combating the Maute-ISIS group in Marawi, significant developments are happening in our fight against the NPA, particularly after the Government did not participate in the fifth round of peace negotiations with the communist terrorists,” Colonel Edgard Arevalo, AFP Public Affairs Office Chief said.

AFP said military forces were able to conduct successful operations against the NPA, mostly in North-eastern Mindanao.
Also recovered are 16 high-powered and low-powered firearms while 15 firearms were turned over by surrendering NPA members.

However, NPA’s aggressiveness was fueled since the declaration of Martial Law.

“It seemed like the NPAs wanted to affiliate with the Maute-ISIS group as shown by their order of offensives against the AFP on account of the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao, which was implemented to protect our people from the ISIS-linked terrorists,” Colonel Arevalo said.

https://www.update.ph/2017/06/afp-neutralizes-50-npas-since-start-of-marawi-crisis/18252

NPA-Panay propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Jun 19): Sagot sa mga kasinungalingan ng PRO-6 hinggil sa matagumpay na reyd ng NPA sa Maasin (Response to the lies of PRO-6 regarding the successful NPA raid in Maasin)

Ka Julio Montana, Spokesperson
NPA-Panay (Coronacion Chiva “Waling-Waling” Command)

19 June 2017
Press Release

Walang katotohanan ang pinagsasabi ng mga matataas na opisyal ng PRO-6 na diumano’y kinuha ng NPA ang mga pera at alahas ng mga pulis ng Maasin sa panahon ng reyd noong umaga ng Hunyo 18, 2017. Sa pag-usisa sa mga kasamang nagsagawa ng operasyon, itinanggi nila na may dinalang pera o mga alahas mula sa istasyon. Hindi din totoo ang sinasabing pagyapak ng NPA sa ulo ng mga pinadapang pulis. Alam mismo ng mga naka-duty na maliban sa paggapos sa kanilang kamay para hindi makapanlaban, naging makatao ang pagtrato sa kanila ng NPA. Marahil mas masahol pa ang epekto sa kanila ang labis na panlalait ni Senior Superintendent Christopher Tambungan kahit na nasa state of shock pa ang kanyang mga tauhan.

Mali ding sabihin nga robbery ang ginawa ng NPA dahil ang kinuha ay mga kagamitang militar na ginagamit ng PNP laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan at sa mamamayan. Ang iba pang bagay na di sinadyang dinala at mapapatunayang personal na gamit ay ibabalik ng NPA sa mga kinauukulang may-ari.

Inaasahan ng NPA-Panay na gagawa pa ng iba-ibang estorya ang mga opisyal ng PRO-6 para takpan ang kahinaan ng kanilang hanay at kapalpakan ng matataas na opisyal at ang matagumpay na taktikal na opensibang ito ng NPA. Ganunpaman, hindi nito maitatanggi ang kasiyahan ng maraming masa sa matagumpay na aksyon ng kanilang Hukbo. Sa panig ng NPA, pinanghahawakan nito na ang anumang gawain ay kailangang tumutugon sa interes ng masa, at kung wala ang malakas nilang suporta, hindi matatamo ng Hukbo ang tagumpay sa mga pagsisikap nito.

Sa kabilang banda, pinupuri ng NPA-Panay ang disiplina ng mga Kasama sa kanilang pagsisikap na maiwasan ang madugong engkwentro, pagseguro na mailayo sa panganib ang mga sibilyan at makataong pagtrato sa mga nahuling pulis. Kinikilala din ng NPA-Panay ang wastong desisyon ng mga naka-duty na pulis na huwag nang lumaban nang makita nilang kontrolado na ng NPA ang sitwasyon. Dahil dito, naiwasan ang casualty sa tauhan ng magkabilang panig at sa mga sibilyan sa paligid.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170619-sagot-sa-mga-kasinungalingan-ng-pro-6-hinggil-sa-matagumpay-na-reyd-ng-npa-sa-maasin

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jun 19): BTC Completes, Signs Draft Bangsamoro Law

BTC Chair Ghazali Jaafar and former Chair Mohagher Iqbal shared a moment during the signing of the proposed 2017 Bangsamoro Basic Law. Photo by Amirah Gayak/BTC Secretariat

The Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) has completed its task to draft a Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), Mindanews online report said on June 17.

BTC chair Ghazali Jaafar told MindaNews via text message that “it’s complete and ready for submission” to President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Bangsamoro Transition Commission completed on Friday, 16 June 2017, its draft Bangsamoro Basic Law, and is now ready to submit it to President Rodrigo Duterte. Photo courtesy of BTC Facebook

The BTC had scheduled June 15 for the submission of the draft BBL but BTC Executive Director Mike Pasigan said they received no confirmation from Malacañang.

“We are waiting for the fixed schedule of our submission of the BBL to the President,” BTC chair Ghazali Jaafar told MindaNews Wednesday.

The new draft BBL consists of 114 pages and18 articles.

Chairman Jaafar, who is also 1st Vice Chair of the MILF, told MindaNews: “This new (draft) Bangsamoro law now accommodates all stakeholders in the areas of Bangasmoro — indigenous people, settlers or Christians, traditional leaders or sultans, women, youth and Ulama. Lahat sila meron (All of them will have) reserved seats sa Bangsamoro Parliament.”

Commissioner Omar Yasser Crisostomo Sema describes the draft BBL as a “converged BBL” that will implement not only the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed by the Philippine government (GPH) and the MILF, but will also be “implementing all peace agreements, resolving all contentious issues in the MNLF-GPH peace process.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/892/btc-completes--signs-draft-bangsamoro-law-

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jun 18): Lanao Del Sur Muslim Leaders Urge Gov’t To Stop Aerial Strikes In Marawi City

Lanao del Sur Muslim leaders comprising sultans, datus and imams gathered in Iligan City on Thursday and urged the government to stop aerial strikes in Marawi City.

An ABS- CBN online report said that the leaders urged President Rodrigo Duterte to be open to negotiations with the terrorist Maute group to address the crisis in Marawi and to include the sultanates in Mindanao in all talks.

Sheik Haron Ali Tomawis, the oldest of the Maranao tribe leaders, said war is not the option to address the crisis in Marawi. Tomawis also asked the military for a ceasefire and consider their observance of the holy month of Ramadan, the report also said.

The group also asked for considerations from the local government of Iligan City to allow Maranaos to go out during curfew hours.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/890/lanao-del-sur-muslim-leaders-urge-gov---t-to-stop-aerial-strikes-in-marawi-city

From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Jun 20): Troopers not using poison bomb in Marawi

NO POISON BOMB . JTF Marawi spokesperson Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera (left) told reporters in a press conference at the Provincial Capitol in Marawi on Monday that government troopers are not using poison bomb during the ongoing military offensives against the members of Maute. Brig. Gen. Ramiro Manuel Rey (right), commander of TF Ranao is also present during the press conference. (Alex D. Lopez/davaotoday.com)

MARAWI CITY, Philippines – The Joint Task Force Marawi said land and air forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines involved in the continuing military offensives against the ISIS-linked Maute Group here do not use poison bombs.

This was clarified by JTF-Marawi spokesperson Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera in the midst of some reports that poisonous bombs might have been used by government forces in areas identified as strongholds of the subject terrorist group.

“We are guided by the rule of law. Our forces do not use poison bombs,” Herrera told reporters in a press briefing on Monday, June 19.

Efforts to drive away Maute members inside Marawi now run into four weeks, the military is still not certain when the offensives will finally flush out the said terror group from the city.

It is estimated that 100 to 120 Maute members are still holed up in four villages that are still considered as their stronghold.

Herrera said the members of Maute are also copying the tactics used by ISIS in Syria and Iraq, particularly on the utilization of rocket-propelled grenades and other high-powered firearms.

Ground troopers have also taken down drones believed to have been deployed by Maute to pinpoint locations of ground forces.

Herrera did not specify how many drones were already destroyed since the start of the Marawi siege.

US presence

Herrera also told reporters on Monday that the presence of a number of US forces in Marawi is just normal.

“The Philippines has existing mutual agreements with the US especially on defense,” he said.

But he also clarified that US forces are not involved in actual ground offensives inside Marawi.

“They have no direct participation in tactical operations. All the forces involved on the ground are Filipino soldiers,” he said.

The US troopers in Marawi, he added, only provide intelligence information, Herrera said.

Since Monday, June 19, a total of 257 Maute members were already killed while 250 high-powered firearms were also recovered by government troopers.

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/troopers-not-using-poison-bomb-in-marawi/

From DZRH News (Jun 19): AFP denies using chemical weapons to bomb Marawi

Photo Credits: REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco

The military denied reports that poison was mixed with one of the bombs that was dropped in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur, in order to eradicate the Maute terror group.

During a press briefing, Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera, spokesperson of Task Force Marawi, clarified that there is no truth in reports stating that Armed Forces of the Philippines is using chemicals for their airstrikes.

According to Lt. Herrera, military operations follows the rules of war.

The AFP official also appealed that the public do not believe on fake news that are being posted in the social media.

Herrera insist that the people must believe the authorities who are legitimate sources of news regarding the conflict in Marawi.

The spokesperson of TF Marawi further added that the surgical strikes in the war zone of Marawi will continue, and will only target members of Maute terror group and Abu Sayyaf group.

http://dzrhnews.com/afp-denies-using-chemical-weapons-bomb-marawi/

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): Marawi unlikely to become IS fighters' new hub — Palace

Malacañang on Tuesday said Marawi City is unlikely to turn into a new hub for extremist fighters from Southeast Asia as it downplayed concerns raised by several American lawmakers due to presence of foreign militants in the area.

At a Palace briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) had been able to thwart the ISIS-inspired Maute group from taking over the whole of Marawi and making it as base for Islamic State operations.

“At this stage, we’ll have to take the position that it’s unlikely for Marawi to become a new hub for IS fighters. The Philippine military has already preempted the Maute group from establishing a wilayat or a province in Marawi,” Abella said.

The Palace official issued the statement after some US lawmakers expressed their belief that the US should take a bigger role in the Marawi operations to prevent the spread of the extremist group’s reach in the region.

At present, the role of the US in the month-old crisis is limited to providing aerial surveillance and Malacañang wants it to stay that way.

“The role of the US is to provide technical assistance as prescribed by the Constitution and we will abide by that. Let’s go by what is already present, technical assistance,” Abella said.

He also downplayed suggestions that Philippine-US cooperation against extremist forces in Marawi was indicative of an improving relationship.

“It’s always existing like that. Gen. Padilla has expressed that particular aspect of agreement has always [been] in existence,” Abella said, referring to AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr.

The Palace official likewise said that President Rodrigo Duterte has accepted the technical assistance being provided the US in the war against terror.

“He’s accepted the situation at this stage,” Abella said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996429

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): NAPOLCOM allows recruitment of professionals into police service

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has authorized the recruitment of professionals with highly technical qualifications for lateral entry into the police service.

NAPOLCOM Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Rogelio Casurao said the Commission en banc approved Resolution No. ‎2017-229 dated May 31, 2017 granting the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) the authority to fill up 545 vacancies for the ranks of Police Senior Inspector and Police Inspector under the PNP CY 2017 Lateral Entry Program.

"The PNP Lateral Entry Program is aimed at strengthening the corps of Technical Service Officers in the police service," Casurao said in a statement on Tuesday.

Out of the 545 vacancies in the various technical services of the PNP, 182 are for Police Senior Inspector (equivalent to Captain in the military) and 363 are for Police Inspector (equivalent to Lieutenant).

The quota distribution for Police Senior Inspector is broken down as 100 lawyers, 48 medical doctors and 34 priests, imams or pastors.

For the rank of Police Inspector, the PNP needs 85 registered nurses, 50 psychologists, 54 dentists, 50 forensic chemist/chemical engineers, 50 criminologists, 18 electronics and communications engineers, 40 information technology specialists, 11 civil engineers, three electrical engineers and two architects.

"The Chief of Office or Unit and the members of the Lateral Entry Board and the Screening and Selection Committee, including the head and members of the Secretariat, who shall fail to strictly observe and comply with the rules and procedures on appointment of police personnel shall be dealt with under existing rules and regulations," Casurao added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996393

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): Authorities start to secure homes cleared by military in Marawi

With resistance from terrorist Maute and Abu Sayyaf Group declining in Marawi City, authorities have started securing abandoned houses and commercial establishments already cleared of lawless elements by government forces.

Salma Jayne Tamano, Lanao del Sur provincial information officer, said in a phone interview Tuesday that Lanao del Sur Gov. Soraya Alonto-Adiong has coordinated with the military and the police to close ranks with local government unit to save whatever left in the houses and buildings the Maute and Abu Sayyaf gunmen looted during the siege.

”This is to ensure that properties and valuables left by Marawi residents could be salvaged from looters and robbers,” Tamano said.

“After thorough inspection by clearing units of the Army and PNP, the gates of residential compounds and the doors of houses and establishments in areas subjected to the security mission were padlocked complete with documentation to ensure transparency,” Tamano said in a phone interview.

Led by the Provincial Security Force (PSF), the padlocking mission was documented by video and still photos,” she added.

The conflict that started on May 23 destroyed at least five villages within the city’s commercial and residential areas. Among the structures destroyed by the terrorists were a Catholic Church, a Catholic College and several ancestral homes of known Maranao clans.

Tamano said once clearing operations are over and the military issued the green light for residents to return, civilians will be allowed to visit their homes.

The United Nations Development Programme is helping the provincial government in the restoration.

Assemblyman Zia Alonto Adiong, spokesperson of the Lanao del Sur provincial crisis committee, lauded the UNDP, International Committee of the Red Cross and other national and international organizations for helping Marawi slowly rise up from the rubbles of war.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996446

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): Duterte to rebel IPs: Yield arms, join AFP

President Rodrigo Duterte has called on tribal militiamen affiliated with the communist rebel movement to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law.

“They should stop fighting (against the government). For as long as they shoot and talk, they will remain neglected as it will be hard for the government agencies concerned to reach their respective localities,” President Duterte said, referring to New People’s Army (NPA) fighters belonging to Indigenous People’s groups in Caraga Region.

Duterte made the appeal in a speech as guest of honor and speaker during the 50th anniversary of Agusan del Sur in Cabadbaran City over the weekend.

The President noted that a sizable portion of the NPA cadres in Caraga belong to the lumads (IPs), adding that IP groups are being lured into the rebel movement because of poverty and lack of opportunities in rural areas.

Duterte noted the absence of able-bodied men in his numerous visits to IP communities in Mindanao, particularly in Caraga Region, saying “most of the dwellers there are women and children.”

Calling on the tribal militiamen within the NPA ranks to “lay down their arms,” the President also urge them to avail of the “plenty of services” offered by the government under his administration.

Those who wish to serve in the Armed Forces, he added, may train and be “integrated into the military service.”

After the speech in Cabadbaran City, the President proceeded to military’s Camp Bancasi, this city to talk to the troops and presided the giving of military honors.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996445

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): Aklan police units urged to remain on terror alert

Police units in 17 towns in Aklan as well in Boracay were ordered to remain on full alert status following the recent raid by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) on a police station in Iloilo province.

Senior Supt. Lope Manlapaz, acting Aklan police director, said though the province was declared insurgency-free, the incident prompted increase security.

Manlapaz said it was necessary to take precautionary measures.

He said the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) had been coordinating with the members of the Philippine Army to prevent the entry of any rebel group and terrorist in the province.

NPA rebels raided the Maasin Police Station in Iloilo on broad daylight on June 18.
Meanwhile, the Manlapaz stressed the need of cooperation of the public in preventing any terror attacks.

He urged the public to report any suspicious people in their area especially with a number of refugees from the besieged Marawi City coming to the province.

Likewise, as part of its information dissemination campaign, the APPO has already installed signage with faces and identities of the Maute groups in Marawi in different areas in the province, including ports to and from Boracay.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996431

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 20): Government forces seize shabu, firearms in Marawi City, gear towards city’s rehab

Government forces recovered illegal drugs as well as cache of high-powered firearms over the weekend in Marawi City, a Palace official said on Monday, June 19.

During the regular Mindanao Hour press briefing in Malacañang, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said eleven kilos of suspected metamphetamine hydrochloride also known as shabu was recovered by troops after a brief firefight with Maute militants at 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The confiscation of the illegal substance is one of the significant developments by the Joint Task Force Marawi in the ongoing clearing operations in besieged city.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Spokesperson Brigadier General Restituto Padilla Jr., who joined Abella at the press briefing, said soldiers also seized more than 20 high-powered firearms last Saturday in Marawi City.

“So you may not be aware of the nature of the confiscated firearms. These are among the firearms that have been confiscated and they are not ordinary firearms at all but high-powered firearms that can fire from afar, hit targets and destroy them,” Padilla said.

“This is indicative of the length of planning that went to this operation of these rebels, when they were able to get this number of firearms and bring it to the area of operations over a period of time," he added.

Other war materials that have been confiscated are improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other explosives.

According to Abella, the AFP is prepared to embark on other key tasks such as rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi City once it is cleared of the terrorists.

“It has already prepared the Combat Engineering Brigades [from] the Army and the Navy for immediate deployment as soon as the clearing operations are [completed],” he said of AFP’s preparations.

In the meantime, however, he said the focus remains on combat, intelligence, and civil military operations.

The government troops have so far rescued 1,637 civilians, recovered 250 firearms and killed 257 terrorists, Abella reported adding that the Maute’s resistance "continues to wane".

At least 62 soldiers have been killed while thousands of people have been displaced since the siege started last month.

In response to people expressing desire to help families of troops killed-in-action and internally displaced persons, the government set up two separate bank accounts under Landbank where concerned people could deposit money.

For families of slain soldiers, they can deposit money to AFP Marawi Casualty with account number ‎00000552107128.

For evacuees from Marawi City, people can send money to Marawi IDP with account number ‎00000552107136.

Band together in fight vs terrorism

Meanwhile, Padilla reiterated his call to the public to support the government in fighting terrorism describing the enemy as “a different breed.”

He said the presence of foreign fighters in Mindanao is part of a continuing concern because they bring something different than from that of home-grown terrorists.

“But if we do not work as a nation and band together to fight it, the threat might increase," he said.

He added that if Filipinos work together as one nation, it will be harder for the extremists to rule and the government could easily root them out. (PND)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2131497884261/government-forces-seize-shabu-firearms-in-marawi-city-gear-towards-city-s-rehab

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 20): Marawi readies for rehab, peace-building efforts

While the clearing operations against the Maute terror group are going on in Marawi City, a rehabilitation plan is now readied by the city government.

The rehabilitation plan of Marawi City includes prevention and mitigation measures against lawlessness coupled with peace-building efforts, Mayor Majui U. Gandamra said in an inter-agency meeting held Monday, June 19, at the Mahogany Hills in Barangay Pala-o this city.

“Given the magnitude of the damage, we will need your continued support to let Marawi City rise again better and stronger,” Mayor Gandamra appealed to the government agencies present in said meeting.

The damage wrought by the siege to properties and infrastructures has already reached more than P300 million, the mayor reported.

Gandamra also cited displacement, loss of livelihood and educational opportunities, damage to properties, health and environmental hazards, trauma, divide and renewal of mistrust as among the adverse effects of the Marawi crisis on the residents.

To date, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) has reported that 69,296 families or 338,536 persons have been displaced by the armed conflict in Marawi City. Three thousand seven hundred forty seven families or 17,724 persons are housed in 83 evacuation centers while 60,785 families with 296,972 dependents are home-based as tracked from seven regions.

In a related development, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is arriving here today, June 20, to lead the distribution of the P1,000 cash as food emergency financial assistance to families living in the evacuation centers.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), “the beneficiaries are those validated internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Marawi City as of June 15.”

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1431497883673/marawi-readies-for-rehab-peace-building-efforts-

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