Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 5): Maute now confined to much smaller area: AFP

Areas controlled by the Maute Group terrorists in Marawi City has now shrunk to around 5 to 7 hectares.

This was disclosed by AFP public affairs Col. Edgard Arevalo in press briefing late Wednesday.

This is smaller compared to the 8 to 9 hectares previously reported and is indicative that the military is steadily pushing and constricting the enemy into a much smaller and tigher space.

Arevalo added that remaining numbers of Maute Group terrorists are also down to 40 or 10 fighters lower than previously reported.

Number of slain lawless elements are placed at 753 while government losses are at 155 since fighting started last May 23 after a botched attempt to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and his cohorts.

Rescued hostages are now at 1,733 while Marawi City residents slain or executed by the bandits are put at 47.

Recovered Maute weapons are now at 795.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1011822

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 5): 50 locals trained on explosive ordnance

A total of 50 participants from various sectors here are set to graduate Friday from a five-day Explosive Ordnance Reconnaissance Training course initiated by the local government.

Mayor Eliseo Garcesa Jr. said the Oct. 2–6 training aims to keep participants abreast of their respective functions in reporting and securing their community against threats of terror bombings.

The participants include members of the town police force, Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team or BPAT, vendors, drivers, traffic enforcers and private individuals.

Garcesa said the trainees would be issued vests and identification cards for easy recognition in times of emergency situations.

Members of the ordnance reconnaissance group are tasked to keep communication lines open at all times for quick response versus bomb detections.

Garcesa has also rallied town folks to be vigilant at all times in helping report to authorities suspicious-looking persons roaming in their respective villages especially during nighttime.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1011918

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 5): Remote East Samar town monitors ‘Balik Islam’ converts

The local government here confirmed efforts of some Muslims to convince locals in this town to join the Islamic faith, prompting them to be cautious of possible entry of radical movements.

Mayor Heraclio Santiago was, however, quick to say that they respect people’s decision to change religion as part of the so-called "Balik Islam" campaign.

"Balik Islam" is a worldwide phenomenon implying that those who embrace Islam are actually just returning to their previous faith.

Santiago said "Balik Islam" was introduced in their remote town in 2015 by converts from Nueva Ecija, Cavite, Tacloban City and from the nearby Dolores town, where there is a big community of Muslims.

More than a hundred residents of Maslog have been converted to Islam, according to Santiago.

Validated information from village officials revealed that preachers offered livelihood assistance, housing aid, and political influence in their communities.

Santiago added that although some of residents were convinced to change religion, most of them are not really that devoted to Islamic faith.

“Most of them are on 'wait and see' attitude if the promises given to them would really happen,” he added.

Latest verification by the Maslog Municipal Police Station shows more than 100 converts, about 66 of them decided to return to Roman Catholic faith.

“Maybe they got tired of waiting for the fulfillment of the promises, that’s why they decided to return to their former religion,” said town police chief, Insp. Michael Oraller.

Oraller stressed that even if they respect others people right to promote religion, they are also cautious on the entry of new faces in their town to ensure that no one propagates radical movement.

Maslog is a fifth class town in Eastern Samar, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 5,407 people. It can be reached from the national road in Dolores town through a three-hour boat ride. Dolores is 184 kilometers northeast of Tacloban.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1011861

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 5): FBI, US Legal Attaché Office to hold anti-terror seminar

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Office of the Legal Attaché of the United States Embassy in Manila will hold a one-day Seminar on International Terrorism and Crisis Management on Thursday in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

The provincial government of Negros Oriental, headed by Governor Roel Degamo, is spearheading the seminar to respond to the needs for a pro-active stance in the face of a real terror threat, said Joint Task Force Leon Kilat Executive Director Bimbo Miraflor.

Miraflor on Wednesday said the resource speakers are Legal Attaché Lamont Siller and Steven Miller from the FBI, an agency under the Office of the Legal Attaché.

This is the first-ever seminar of its kind in Negros Oriental, and similar to the one held previously in Boracay, he said.

The US Embassy in Manila communicated with the provincial government offering to train the Task Force Leon Kilat and other attached agencies on crisis management and anti-terrorism, said Miraflor.

Law enforcement agencies like the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Coast Guard, the National Bureau of Investigation and similarly-natured units are attending the seminar.

Other participants include government agencies such as the Land Transportation Office, the Philippine Ports Authority and the Bureau of Customs, who play a vital role in security and safety, and civilian authorities, such as the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) president, the Councilors’ League president, and the League of Mayors of the Philippines-Negros Oriental chapter president.

Because of limited slots, only the heads of these civilian organizations are invited to the seminar but they are hopefully expected to echo the seminar down to the lower levels, Miraflor said.

The whole morning of the seminar will be dedicated to lectures and theory while the afternoon will be spent for tabletop exercises, he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1011737

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4): 3 hurt in Zambo explosion

The police is conducting an in-depth probe to identify and arrest the suspects behind the improvised bomb explosion that injured three people in Zamboanga Sibugay.

Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) identified the victims as Melyn Sumaylo, 50; and her two children, Leo, 17; and Levie Jane, 19. They sustained minor injuries.

The police said the incident happened at around 11;30 p.m. Monday in Barangay Sto. Niño, Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay.

PO3 Raul Agsaluna, case investigator, on Wednesday said investigation showed the victims were in deep slumber when they were awakened by a loud explosion.

Agsaluna said the victims were injured from debris as the explosion partially damaged their house.

He said post-blast investigation showed the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED).

He said all possible motives are being considered in a bid to unmask the suspects, who fled after setting off the IED.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1011767

From Rappler (Oct 5): WATCH: PH, China improve ties amid sticky issues in West PH Sea

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua and Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Eduardo Año cite proverbs to rule 'new era' of relationship

The Philippines gets more guns from China. The second batch of 3,000 rifles are handed over to the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Thursday, October 5.

China celebrates what it calls a "new era" of relationship with the Philippines, and commits to forge stronger defense cooperation with its neighbor.

The maritime dispute in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) remains a sticky issue, but both sides commit to overcome them.

Carmela Fonbuena filed this report.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/184427-philippines-china-new-era-relationship

From Rappler (Oct 5): Duterte appoints newly retired Army chief to BCDA Board

Glorioso Miranda is the latest in the growing list of former military officers in the Duterte administration

NEW APPOINTMENT. Newly retired Philippine Army chief Glorioso Miranda is the latest in the growing list of former military officers in the Duterte administration.

President Rodrigo Duterte appointed newly retired Philippine Army chief Glorioso Miranda to the board of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA).

He is the latest in the growing list of former military officers in the Duterte administration.

Duterte announced the appointment during the Philippine Army change of command ceremony on Thursday, October 5.

Miranda served as acting chief of the Philippine Army for 10 months. He stepped down after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Miranda belongs to the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983. He is the classmate of Armed Forces chief General Eduardo Año, who is also expected to join the Department of the Interior and Local Government after he steps down later in the month.

Miranda is replaced in the Army by Major General Rolando Bautista, the chief of the 1st Infantry Division and ground commander in Marawi.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/184414-duterte-appoints-retired-army-chief-bcda-board

From Rappler (Oct 5): 36 human remains laid to rest in mass burial in Marawi

This is the third batch of remains buried in the area. They were recovered from the main battle area in Marawi City.

MASS BURIAL. Smoke rises from the distance after an air strike by an F/A50Ph fighter planes as members of the Lanao del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office bury 36 human and 4 animal remains in Maqbara, Papandayan, Marawi City on October 5, 2017. Photos by Bobby Lagsa/Rappler

36 human remains and 4 animal remains were buried on Thursday, October 5, at the Maqbara Mass Grave in Barangay Papandayan, Marawi City.

This is the third batch of remains buried in the area. They were recovered from the main battle area in Marawi City.

Police Senior Superintendent Mary Leocy Mag-abo, Regional Chief of Crime Laboratory 10, said the remains were processed by the Scene of Crime Operatives (SOCO) for DNA sampling for identification.

The Maqbara Mass Grave now has 90 human remains buried there.

Mag-abo added that of the 36 bodies buried today, 25 are suspected ISIS members while 11 remained.

Mag-abo said that they only suspect those who are wearing black ISIS uniform but they cannot be completely certain.

“We can say that they are IS fighters because they are wearing black uniforms and they have pistol belts and other indicators that they are fighters, but we can also say that they could be just dressed up, Baka binihisan lang,” Mag-abo said.

Mag-abo also said that they can only identify the bodies if there will be someone who reports a missing person.

“Even if we have DNA generated from these samples, if there is no person who comes out and reports that their relatives are missing, then we only have generated DNA with no match,” Mag-abo said.

Mag-abo added that they also examined 110 remains, 10 of which are animal remains. The others are human remains.

90 of these human remains are buried in Maqbara while 7 are buried in Iligan City, including the 4 bodies of ISIS who were with Farhana Maute when she was arrested.

EXHUMATION. Marines from the 7th Marine Landing Battalion Team (MLBT) exhume a grave thought to contain the remains of Marine Private Alejandro Balean. Photo by Bobby Lagsa/Rappler
Search for the missing marine

SOCO also tried to exhume the suspected remains of a missing Marine soldier Private Alejandro Balean of the 7th Marine Landing Battalion Team.

Balean went missing on June 9,2017 after he jumped from Balo-I (Mapandi) bridge during a fierce fire fight in an operation to retake the bridge. He was swept by the current.

SOCO records show that human remains in a Marine pants uniform was recovered in the Agus River near Rurug Agus.

SOCO records also showed the remains were buried in graveyard A-1-32 on September 5.

Marines exhumed the grave so SOCO could extract more DNA samples from the remains.

Mag-abo said that extracting DNA from skeletons is more difficult as compared to other parts such as hair or muscles.

Balean’s parents came forward to locate their missing son.

However, when the marines recovered the body bag containing what supposed to be the remains with Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) of the suspected marines, the body bag did not match with the DVI and grave marker.

Mag-abo said that the DVI on the Body bag and the grave marker should have matched.

It is only then that SOCO found out that there is a mix-up on the DVI and grave marker on the second batch of bodies buried there.

The grave caretaker said that what they did was record the number, not the DVI on the body bag and the grave marker causing a problem with SOCO’s standard practice.

Mag-abo said the government spent resources on DNA sampling and following procedures on proper burial in mass graves, only to have them mixed-up during the burial.

There were 27 bodies buried on the 2nd batch of the mass burial on September 5, 2017. It is still unclear how will SOCO and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council will correct the mix-up as it was starting to rain while the burial was still on-going.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/184400-human-remains-buried-mass-grave-marawi-maqbara

From Rappler (Oct 5): Philippines, U.S. 'level up' military exercises for 2018

The US is also expected to begin the construction of facilities inside select Philippine military camps next year

The Philippine and United States militaries are planning to hold a total of 261 activities next year including exercises on territorial defense, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Eduardo Año.

"A total of 261 activities composed of exchanges and exercises. From 258 [this year] to 261, meaning to say ni-level up natin 'yung mga activities (we are leveling up the activities)," Año said.

The Philippine military chief met with the Americans as President Rodrigo Duterte gets friendlier to the country's treaty ally.

"That was last year," Año said about Duterte's plans to lessen exercises between the US and Philippine militaries, especially the territorial defense exercises conducted in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), as he seeks warmer ties with China.

"Sabi nga ni Presidente, 'I want to be friendlier to US.' After all, hindi naman natin kalaban 'yung US. Hindi naman natin kalaban 'yung China," said Año.

(As the President said, "I want to be friendlier to the US." After all, the US is not our enemy. China is not our enemy either.)

The flagship Balikatan exercises will continue. (READ: U.S. says Balikatan a 'most important exercise')

It's not clear how the territorial defense exercises will happen. Two major exercises in the West Philippine Sea were scrapped – the Phiblex between the Marines and CARAT between the fleets.

The 261 activities lined up for 2018 include exchanges, exercises, command post exercises, table top exercises, conferences, consultations, humanitarian assistance, and construction of roads and school buildings, among others. (READ: U.S. gives Philippines anti-terror weapons)

The US is also expected to begin construction of facilities inside predetermined Philippine military camps. (READ: Duterte: No denying it, PH soldiers are pro-U.S.)

https://www.rappler.com/nation/184395-philippines-united-states-military-exercises-2018

From the Facebook page of the Leonardo Panaligan Command (Oct 3): Mayor Magdaleno "Magsie" Peña, naglapta sang iya ramag sa magallon

Press release:

October 3, 2017

You JB Regalado
Spokesperson
Leonardo Panaligan command
New Peoples Army
Central Negros Guerrilla Front

Mayor Magdaleno "Magsie" Peña, naglapta sang iya ramag sa magallon

The LPC-Bhb in central negros quite gid nagakondenar to strength kag mga kagarukan nga ginahimo ni mayor magdaleno "Magsie" Peña to magallon nape in the. Magsie nga want nga kontrolon ang pumuluyo nga nagareklamo sa iya the-ugalingon kag against-then kag in in in Padilla Padilla.

Want want want then kag pahipuson si Vice Mayor Ella Garcia yulo kag mga suod nga mga tinawo periodically para wala sang sa tanan nga kagustohan ni peña kag mga alipuris periodically kaangot sa iya mga "modus operandi" both both extreme extreme extreme in Pumuluyo kag gagmay nga trader, Pagpang-agaw sang duta, paghupot sang goons kag nagkalain-then sang sang,,,,, sang "" in "" in in the boss Abusar in the area, lapnagon nga corruption, pagpwesto as consultant sang pdea para gamiton ini nga authority nga panghinabon sa iya illegal nga business kag activities lips that the pagbaligya man sang illegal nga druga.

Agud Indi mabulgar ang naglapta nga mga ramag ni peña at magallon masobra na sa 20 ka government employees nga the ni Vice Mayor Ella Garcia Yulo the to stall emphasize nothing nothing nothing nothing in in. In Karon Naga-the in in in. Dugang more, nagbatyag sang sang sang sang extreme in in in sang sang sang kag kag kag right. Masubo sa tanan kay ginpasakaan pa ini the the kag kag kabutigan then case both both then illegal illegal kag kag kag in they baladhay,,,,,, sang sang sang sang sang sang sang sang sang sang sang sang sang sang sang sang sang sang sang sang sang sang sang sang Dry periodically nga pakahuy-an victims in public kag pakahuy-an man si Vice Mayor Ella Garcia Yulo.

Agud mapreserbar ang pagkapoderoso ni magsie sa magallon, puguso nga ginpang-the ni Vice Mayor Ella Garcia yulo sang the nga tinawo ni peña halin to banwa sang pulupandan, Negros Occidental. Ini nga the ni Peña Naga-Imbolbar to " five por agad " nga loan sa municipal sang magallon sa messenger magsie agud ihigot ukon " I " the in blasted blasted to to. Plans by peña nga magpadalagan as congressman in the 5TH DISTRICT SANG NEGROS OCCIDENTAL UKON INDI GANI MAGPADALAGAN AS MAYOR TO BANWA SANG ISABELA, samtang the magallon ihatag niya sa iya mga masaligan nga tinawo nga masami nagasaludar ukon nagasunud-lang sa iya the .

Lapnagon man corruption by magsie in pagkurakot in the ark sang reaksyunaryong state both sang panning sang wala end nga infrastructure to banwa sang Moses padilla emphasizing they the serbe supplier in its entirety projects. Makagagahum sa tanan nga ginareklamo sang the lips that in in in sang sang sang the in in sang sang sang sang sang sang sang sang sang kag kag kag padulong in in in kag padulong padulong in in Budgets man then the municipality sang magallon kaangot in its entirety project.

Nagareklamo man ang gagmay nga vendors nga nahamtang sa Ceres terminals sa magallon tungod sang pagpahalin sa ila. Lipod with victims nga pahamtangan ini ini sang sang sang building emphasize the sang sang periodically that that sang sang sang sang sang. Bisan ang bag-o nga palawan pawnshop building tubtob karon wala pa makabalhin tungod ginapangayuan ini ni magsie sang five milyones pesos (P5m) Kabahin sang ila in sa mga trader emphasize kakunsabo man ang pila ka mga local legislatives sang Moses Padilla.

Ginareklamo man sang pumuluyo ang madata nga pagpang-sang sang of sang sang sang sang sang arms kag kag in in in. Gintumod nga mga abusador sila real prado, Merjan Prado, Rudy Lopez kag madamo pa tanan sang mambalio, Moses Padilla. Poderoso man nga mga alipuris ni magsie sila pnp chief allan reloj kag iban pa nga pnp personels, SB Nene Grande, jiji gayona, Engr. Glia gayona mabag, Jonalyn Diaz, a reputable bluebird kag doctora agrabante.

Is Peña man the utok in pagpareyd in balay, pagdakop kag pagtanum sang shabu to pnp joshua barili in bacolod city sadtong exchanged nga September 2017 tungod dry ni magsie nga magtimalos kay barili kay nagpati he is one is with the team leader sang Pnp operatives nga nagreyd kag nagkumpiska sang iya mga illegal nga arms sadto. Handum man man death is in the maximum kag of the minimum mapapriso to pahipuson is nape on the kagarukan of Peña.

GINAPANAWAGAN SANG LPC-NPA the victims nga malig-on nga manindugan sa inyo Maki-mga mga handum kag principle. Quite nga suportahon kag itib-Ong the armed revolution in balayon sang democratic revolution sang banwa sa handum kag paghimakas sa pagbag-o sang pagdumalahan sang Moses padilla kadungan in pagbag-o sang mala-colonial kag Mala-feudal then sang sang Filipinos. Ini ang torch nga arms nape in in there there ni mayor magdaleno " Magsie Peña, goons kag iya mga alipuris sa magallon.

Upod sa inyo kag sa wide nga pumuluyo lips na sang resin anakbalhas, paagi sa inyo cooperation kag support, ululupod kita nga maghimakas for one ka pagbag-or classy emphasize mapaluntad the nga democracy, pungsodnon nga kahilwayan kag justice-classy.
https://www.facebook.com/leonardopanaligancommand/posts/1132257623571511

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (Oct 5): Federalism and the proposed Bangsamoro Government

(IN PHOTO)- MILF PIP Chair Mohagher Iqbal speaking to participants during the Forum on the Role of Bangsamaoro Youth in Pursuit of Peace in Mindanao in Zamboanga City

When President Rodrigo R. Duterte assumed the presidency, he directed his cabinet, and lawmakers to navigate on his peace agenda on two tracks. First track is the shift of government from unitary to federal and the second track is the peace deal with NDF/ CCP - NPA and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

While the government is pursuing the federal form of government through charter change and mass movement for federalism, majority of the Bangsamoro people are adamant and apprehensive considering that there is a peace deal between the government and the MILF for the establishment of the Bangsamoro political entity, and afraid that the shift might affect their aspiration.

For purposes of understanding federalism, it is a form of government where sovereignty is constitutionally shared between a governing authority and constituent political units called states or regions.

There are some groups espousing to hold in abeyance the establishment of Bangsamoro entity until such time a federal shift is in place. The question is till when and what guarantee do they have that the initiative will materialized.

MILF on their part is not against federalism. It is only a matter of sequence. BBL first before federalism as what Bangsamoro CSO's are saying. Establish Bangsamoro entity first through the passage of BBL then federalism.

As what President Duterte said, " We can use Bangsamoro government as a template for federalism."

While is it true that federalism may address many issues confronting the government but it is national in its scope. Bangsamoro people have a distinct identity, ethnicities and faith that only the passage of BBL could address all of these.

MILF Chair of Peace Implementing Panel Mohagher Iqbal has been emphasizing that, " Federalism could solve the entire problems of people in the country, while the BBL can solve the Bangsamoro question on right to self - determination."

It is argued that the shifting to federal government from unitary government will take more time considering that there are factors to be considered in this initiative i.e. process of charter change either constituent assembly or constitutional convention, federal model to follow, organizational structure, budgetary requirements in setting up and many more.

Bangsamoro Basic Law is already filed in Congress and the MILF leadership reiterated their call to all stakeholders to support it and appealed to all Bangsamoro people to unite for common good.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1037/federalism-and-the-proposed-bangsamoro-government

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (Oct 4): ARMM and The Proposed Bangsamoro Government: A Glimpse on the Bangsamoro Aspiration

The Bangsamoro aspiration is not about religion per se but a struggle to regain their rightful place in the Philippines mainstream society, their usurped traditional landholdings and their legitimate rights to self – determination as embodied in the United Nations Character.

But in Islam, the affairs of the government and practice of religion are inseparable. Unlike, in the western concept of governance that the church and state are separable. The Philippine Constitution provides, that " the separation between the church and state is inviolable “. As what the late Chairman of MILF, Sheik Salamat Hashim (Allah yarhamo) had said, " Practicing Islam without governmental sanction is a truncated version of faith and therefore , un - Islamic. A government not founded on Islamic principles (Qur'an and Sunnah) is unquestionably un - Islamic.

Bangsamoro armed struggle is originally a secession movement calling for the independence of Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan from the Philippines but when the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) entered into a Final Peace Agreement in 1996 they opted for Autonomy which is now the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The dilemma is when the Organic Act was crafted in congress the MNLF had no participation, resulting in a measure that the MNLF continues to believe as abrogated peace deal which the former President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino II declared as " failed experiment ".

For its part, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have their Final Peace Agreement through the signing of Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on March 27, 2014 that led to creation of Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) mandated by the Philippine Government to craft a basic law for the establishment of the Bangsamoro Government.

Unfortunately, the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) crafted by the BTC created by Pres. Aquino through an executive order failed to pass by congress.

Under the current administration, an expanded BTC composed of 21 Commissioners representing all sectors of the Bangsamoro homeland for purposes of inclusivity and co - ownership of the proposed legislative measure crafted a new version of Bangsamoro Law and submitted to Congress. The said proposed law has been sponsored in the lower house by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, HoR Majority Floor Leader Rudy Fariñas, and other lawmakers.

The proposition is that the, " ARMM as failed experiment " is attributed to two factors, viz a viz: First, the organic act creating ARMM is an imposed measure and did not reflect the true aspiration of the Bangsamoro people considering that the MNLF has no participation in the crafting of the said law.

Second, good governance. The leaders failed to address the socio - economic problem besetting the marginalized sector. The poverty incidence is so high and remained as one of the poorest regions in the country.

The moment of truth has finally come, i.e. the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law in the 17th Congress. The MILF remained firm in their position that the provisions of the BBL crafted by the BTC reflect the Bangsamoros legitimate aspiration for identity, homeland, self - governance and right to self - determination.

Granting without admitting that the draft BBL is diluted by congress, the proposed Bangsamoro Government will again doom to fail. History may repeat itself.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1035/armm-and-the-proposed-bangsamoro-government--a-glimpse-on-the-bangsamoro-aspiration-

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (Oct 4): European Union Delegation visits MILF Leadership

European Union Ambassador to the Philippines, Franz Jessen headed a delegation of EU Member States’ Ambassadors in their visit to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Leadership at the Moro Front’s Administrative Camp in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Monday, October 2.
MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and majority of the members of the MILF Central Committee were in attendance who welcomed the diplomat- guests cordially.

MILF Peace Implementing Panel (MILF-PIP) Chairman Mohagher Iqbal delivered the welcome remarks and described the meeting as not just only historic in many senses but it has come at a time when the issue of the Marawi crisis transpired, and the BTC-crafted Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) has just been filed and sponsored by many lawmakers in the lower house.

In the course of their discussion, Ambassador Jessen and other EU Member States’ Ambassadors have expressed their concerns over the proliferation of ISIS in Mindanao, the Marawi Crisis, the situation on the ground, and BBL passage. They have also reiterated their support to the peace process.

Chairman Ebrahim thanked the EU delegation for responding to the invitation of MILF. He summarized the situation in the ground saying there are relative peace in many areas, while in other areas, there are some hostilities being staged and made by some religious extremists who are seen to be inspired by foreign nationals’ ideology.

“Some of those who have joined the said movement were the result of their displeasure. The situation is believed to continue to exist until a political solution will be arrived at”, Chairman Ebrahim added.

Ghazali Jaafar, 1st Vice Chairman joined Chairman Ebrahim in the view that with the present rise of radicalism lately, there is a pressing need to take steps to prevent its spread and grievous consequence.

The passage of BBL, the implementation of signed agreements, a strong political structure, are the keys to Right to Self-Determination (RSD), which the Bangsamoro have long clamored for, will pave the way for peace, progress on political, social, cultural and economic developments.

The leadership when asked about the steps being done to counter the problem besetting the area, replied, “there are programs and changes in the approach in ideological and social spheres being carried out.

But the best counter is for the peace process to succeed, finally setting up a political structure that will be acceptable to the people, Chairman Ebrahim stressed.

MILF-PIP Chairman Iqbal explained briefly about the issue on Parliamentary System.

For his part, BIAF-MILF Chief of Staff Sammy Al Mansour updated the guests on the situation on the ground on MILF’s campaign against the extremists’ elements.

The MILF leadership once again expressed gratitude for the European Union’s continued support for the Peace Process. In return, the EU delegation thanked the MILF leadership for the invitation to come. It was an exhaustive meeting bringing hope for a more promising events and developments.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1036/european-union-delegation-visits-milf-leadership

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (Oct 4): MILF Peace Implementing Panel holds Youth Forum on the Trend of Extremism in General Santos City

(IN PHOTO)- MILF PIP Chair Mohagaher Iqbal speaking to participants during the Youth Forum on the Trend of Extremism in Mindanao

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) – Peace Implementing Panel (PIP) conducted a Youth Forum on the Trend of Extremism in Mindanao last September 27-28, 2017 held at the Family Country Hotel, General Santos City.

The forum started with an invocation by Salabi A. Yahya of Moro Youth Organization in General Santos City followed by welcome remarks by Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (CHD) Country Representative Suzanne Damman, read by Annieza Mohammad, on behalf of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (CHD).

Ms. Mohammad of CHD Cotabato gave the objective of the activity followed by the introduction of the participants by Dr. Zulqarnayn Abas and Dr. Norodin Salam.

Professor Abhoud Syed Lingga, member of MILF Peace Implementing Panel gave updates on the Bangsamoro Peace Process. He discussed the current status and ways forward of MILF and GPH peace process.

He also discussed the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) version of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) recently filed in the House of Representative which is known as House Bill (HB) no. 6475 sponsored by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and more than one hundred congressmen co-sponsored the said bill.

In the second session of the activity entitled “The Youth, Violent Extremism and the Bangsamoro, Uz. Abdulhadie Gumander in power point presented the topic “What is extremism and how does it affect the Bangsamoro” while Us. Abdulkahar Musa discussed the “Correct Aqeeda”.

Ustadz. Gumander said that Islam expressly prohibits all forms of extremism, whether violent or non-violent because Islam is a moderate religion. Islam prohibits compulsion of religion and that Prophet Mohammad Sallahu Alayhi Wassalam commanded his ummah Muslim to treat with kindness and justice the non-Muslim during his time in Madina, Saudi Arabia which was later declared as the first Islamic state in the world.

Ustadz. Musa started his lecture by giving the Five pillars of Islam and the Six Articles of Faith, which are the foundation of Islamic Faith or the Correct Aqeedah. He reminded the youth participants that Prophet Mohammad Sallahu Alayhi Wassalam, in one of his hadiths, said that the “Muslims will split into 73 sects and only one will go to Jannah. It is very important that we are following the right path”, he further said.

Mohagher Iqbal, Chairman of MILF Peace Implementing Panel, MILF-Central Committee on Information, and Commissioner of Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) gave the history of the Bangsamoro Struggle.

He started his discussion with video presentation of the Bangsamoro Struggle from Moro-Spanish war, the American occupation of Mindanao, and the Philippine colonization of Bangsamoro Homeland.

He discussed the Bangsamoro Problem and the importance of restoring the rights of the Bangsamoro to self-determination. “Bangsamoro problem is a political problem which requires a political solution”, he further said.

He also discussed the roadmap of MILF and GPH peace process and the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB).

During the closing program, the youth participants expressed their full support to the immediate passage of the BBL and the complete implementation of the CAB. They also called on the leaders of the House of Representative to immediately pass the BBL as it is the shield against rising violent extremism and radicalism in Mindanao.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1032/milf_peace_implementing_panel_holds_youth_forum_on_the_trend_of_extremism_in_general_santos_city

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (Oct 3): UBJP-Southern Mindanao Region holds Meeting to Discuss Ways forward

The United Bangsamoro Justice Party- Southern Mindanao Region held meeting in General Santos City last September 29, 2017. The said meeting was graced by its Vice President Mohagher M. Iqbal who is also the Chairman of the MILF Peace Implementing Panel.
The activity was participated by the five Chief Executive Officers and the Regional Staff of the UBJP-Southern Mindanao.

UBJP-Southern Mindanao is composed of the three provinces of Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Sarangani, and two cities of Tacurong and General Santos. It has an active members and officers of around seven hundred which was manifested during its Founding Assembly last December 10-13, 2017 held at Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat.

Iqbal briefed the participants regarding the updates on the implementation of the peace agreement between the GPH and the MILF where specifically pointed some salient points on the status and progress of the BBL in the Congress both in Lower House and in the Senate.

He said, “We are hopeful that the 17th Congress will pass a good and acceptable BBL to the MILF”. “What we are seeing now is that there are many members of the Congress interested in sponsoring the BBL crafted by the 21-member of the new BTC in the Duterte Administration,” he added.

However, he also reminded the Chief Executive Officers and Regional Staff of the UBJP-Southern Mindanao that, “Our Bangsamoro struggle for self-determination which the United Nations charter has put forward, to freely determine our political status and freely pursue our economic and socio-cultural development”. On this note, he said, “whether a good and unacceptable BBL is passed by the 17th Congress we have to continue asserting our basic rights stipulated in the UN Charter.

The more than two hours meeting was concluded with ways forward to strengthen further the UBJP-Southern Mindanao region.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1033/ubjp-southern-mindanao-region-holds-meeting-to-discuss-ways-forward

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6): Pres. Duterte leads Philippine Army's 58th change of command rites

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, October 5, reminded the members of the Philippine Army to remain loyal to the Constitution and to the people as he led the Philippine Army’s 58th change of command ceremony at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

“Maintain your loyalty to the Constitution and to the flag. Do not nurture a personal or a person diyan,” the President said in his address before the troops.

“Kaming lahat diyan sa gobyerno, dumadaan lang. But it behooves upon you, I said, to see to it that this country will grow, prosper until the end of time,” he said.

The President also said he wants to leave the presidency with a strong army and police that can respond to simultaneous attacks. But to achieve that goal, the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police must upgrade their equipment and capability to cope with the present challenges, especially in fighting terrorism, he said.

One of the President’s suggestions is for the Armed Forces to use its properties and forge join ventures with the private sector. The AFP could enter into long-term lease agreements to fund its modernization program.

“I’ll give you this place. Lahat ito with a one sole condition. ‘Yung lahat kikitain ninyo diretso sa inyo. At gawain ninyo ang gusto ninyong gawin to modernize. Pera ‘yan. Malaking pera ‘yan. Just start to lease here --- trillion ito. But I would need the money in the coming years also to meet your expenses,” Duterte said.

“Buy all the equipment you need to meet the challenges way, way ahead,” he said. He also said that soldiers and policemen will also receive a higher pay by January next year.

The President meanwhile praised the country’s soldiers after a recent survey showed that the Philippine Army got an impressive +75 net trust rating in the first semester of 2017.

“It’s a testament of the troops’ commitment to protect the people and defend the democratic rights,” Duterte said.

Duterte also commended the AFP and the PNP for their efforts to quell rebellion in Marawi City.

“As an experience from the Middle East, it takes a lot, about half a year or three months. And I am not surprised and you should not be surprised that it has taken this long really to move inch for inch. Because of the prepositioned maneuvers by the enemies and the fact that you have to breach semento pati bakal. And that takes a lot of hard work,” he said.

“Maswerte tayo dito, in a very short time and I would credit it to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the toil of the Philippine National Police. Hindi ho madali ‘yung trabaho na ‘yan,” he added.

The President also mentioned the ongoing campaign against communist insurgents. “We are fighting the New People’s Army. At this stage, I am not ready to talk to them because it is not good for the country. Eh kung para lang sa bayan, okay ‘yan. But the way that it is now, ayaw ko. And maybe it would take some time to… maybe another President to do it,” he said.

President Duterte meanwhile said outgoing Army chief Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda will join the board of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). Major General Rolando Bautista, former head of the Presidential Security Group (PSG), succeeded Miranda as Army chief.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1011945

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6): Negros task force to review anti-terror, crisis management plans

The Joint Task Force on Security codenamed Leon Kilat of Negros Oriental will review and improve its structure and security plan following learning experiences from Thursday’s seminar on terrorism and crisis management by the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

In an interview after a whole-day seminar, Task Force Leon Kilat Executive Director Bimbo Miraflor said their group would look into the methods and the learning experiences shared by the FBI to determine what is applicable, can be adopted and innovated in the local scenario.
Miraflor said the task force would deliberate on ways to“fill in some gaps after assessing the roles and responsibilities of the JTF as far as the maintenance of peace and order."

About 100 participants, comprising representatives from law enforcement and the civilian sector attended the one-day seminar on international terrorism and crisis management, conducted by the Office of the US Legal Attaché and the FBI based at the US Embassy in Manila.

During a series of modules presented in the seminar, the FBI officials said some novelties need to be addressed by law enforcement agencies, which Miraflor acknowledged.

“Most security personnel here are looking at the usual procedures”, he said, pointing out that many are not keeping an eye or are aware of the new methods being employed by the terrorists.

The FBI lecturers cited as an example that of the Inabanga, Bohol incident where members of the extremist Maute Group had penetrated that Central Visayas province from Mindanao via the sea.

“With the help of the FBI we will have a very solid ground for us to develop some initiatives” to further strengthen the province’s security contingency plan and disaster response, Miraflor said.

Miraflor said a meeting of the Joint Task Force Leon Kilat will be held in the coming weeks to discuss potential areas for review and revision.

During the seminar, the FBI discussed and shared multiple scenarios on terrorist attacks and crisis management and response.

They highlighted the need for cooperation between and among law enforcement agencies and the private sector.

The US Embassy officials also assured their counterparts here on law enforcement of their support and cooperation on intelligence gathering and investigation of interest to both countries.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1011927

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6): Duterte: Talking to communists not good for the country

President Rodrigo Duterte said he not ready to talk with the communist rebel group and talks may not take place during his presidency.

“We are fighting the New People’s Army. At this stage, I am not ready to talk to them because it is not good for the country,” he said during the 58th Change of Command Ceremony of the Philippine Army at the Philippine Army Headquarters Grandstand, Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on October 5.

Amid Duterte’s efforts in reaching out to the communists, its armed group NPA continued to attack government forces and private businesses.

“Eh kung para lang sa bayan, okay ‘yan,” he said. “But the way that it is now, ayaw ko.”

“And maybe it would take some time to – maybe another President to do it,” he added.

“It’s been 50 years. Estudyante ako noon, nakikinig naman ako kay Sison,” he said. “Alam mo, pagka bata ka pa, you’re full of… meron pang naiwan. Konti na lang. It’s full of ideal – a set of what you want the world to be. But when you get older, alam mo na this is not really possible, that life is really unfair. It ain’t really fair.”

https://www.update.ph/2017/10/duterte-talking-to-communists-not-good-for-the-country/21376

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6): No destabilization plot vs. gov't: AFP spokesman

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has yet to verify or uncover any destabilization plot against President Rodrigo Duterte and the government.

"We will be conferring with other government agencies. But in so far as the AFP is concerned, we have not monitored any such destabilization plan," AFP chief of public affairs, Col. Edgard Arevalo, said late Thursday.

Arevalo reiterated that the military would not allow any attempt to undermine the stability of the government.

"We will frustrate any effort that will cause the disruption of our democratic way of life. That is, and shall always be, our commitment to the nation and our people," he added.

Earlier reports claimed that a still unidentified group is attempting to destabilize the Duterte administration.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1011953

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6): NegOcc tourism firms urged to be vigilant vs NPA attacks

The Negros Occidental Tourism Division urged tourism establishments in the province to be vigilant in terms of security to counter possible adverse effects of rebel atrocities to the industry.

Cristine Mansinares, provincial supervising tourism operations officer, said Friday the latest clash between government forces and suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Cauayan town will “influence” the tourism flow in the area.

Cauayan, along with other localities in southern Negros Occidental, especially Sipalay City, host the province’s major tourist destinations with its beaches and diving spots.

The resorts offer various nature and sports tourism activities like diving, island hopping, and snorkeling, among others, mostly for foreign tourists.

Mansinares said insurgency concerns, if not addressed, may discourage visitors to come to these areas.

“Aside from continuing vigilance, local tourism establishments are also urged to closely coordinate with the barangays and local government units,” Mansinares said.

On Tuesday afternoon, at least 30 members of the rebel group ambushed personnel of Cauayan Municipal Police Station on board a patrol vehicle.

Three civilians were injured after being caught in the crossfire on the road in Barangay Caliling.

The civilian-victims included two tourists, Swedish Karl Christer Arvidson and Brazilian Juliana Palmero, and Filipino driver Jason Tumayao, who were traveling to the neighboring Sipalay City.

Mansinares said security is everybody's concern.

“Apart from our police force, the community, including tourism establishments must be engaged to help in the prevention and detection of further threats that could really impact negatively the industry," she added.

Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson earlier said with the recent clash, the province needed a lot of public relations work to show to the world that Negros Occidental is still a place worth visiting especially for foreigners.

It is very evident and clear that tourism is an avenue that can further contribute to the economy especially amid the pressing challenges hounding the sugar industry, he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012064

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Pres. Duterte leads Philippine Army's 58th change of command rites

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Duterte: Talking to communists not good for the country

No destabilization plot vs. gov't: AFP spokesman

NegOcc tourism firms urged to be vigilant vs NPA attacks