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Philippines unrest: Who are the Abu Sayyaf group?

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From BBC (Oct 16): Philippines unrest: Who are the Abu Sayyaf group?

Group of Abu Sayyaf fighters with an Islamic State flag

Abu Sayyaf is one of several groups in the Philippines to have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group

Abu Sayyaf is one of the smallest and most violent jihadist groups in the southern Philippines. Its name means "bearer of the sword" and it is notorious for kidnapping for ransom, and for attacks on civilians and the army.

The group is believed to have an estimated 400 members and, since 2014, several of its factions have declared their allegiance to the so-called Islamic State (IS).

In 2016, Isnilon Tontoni Hapilon, one of Abu Sayyaf's most prominent leaders, was recognised as the leader of all IS-aligned groups in the Philippines.

Filipino authorities initially characterised the pledges as opportunistic attempts to obtain funds from IS. But IS recognised some pledges and the group's official media outlets have since claimed several attacks in the southern Philippines.

Hapilon and other Abu Sayyaf militants took part in clashes against government forces in the southern Philippine city of Marawi, where militants linked to IS have fought an insurgency since May.

Over the last year and a half Abu Sayyaf has also taken several people hostage - Malaysian and Indonesian workers, Western tourists and one Filipina among them.

Three groups of Indonesians and Malaysians were released earlier in 2016, but two Canadians and one German were killed after their ransom deadlines passed.
 
 
Image copyright AFP Image caption Abu Sayyaf hostage John Ridsdel, 68, was killed after demands for his ransom were not met

The group has also carried out attacks outside its stronghold in the south. In 2004 it bombed a ferry in Manila Bay, killing 116 people.
What does it want?

It's not clear to what extent the entire group sympathises with IS's cause.

Abu Sayyaf has its roots in the separatist insurgency in the southern Philippines, an impoverished region where Muslims make up a majority of the population in contrast to the rest of the country, which is mainly Roman Catholic.

It broke from the broader Moro National Liberation Front in 1991 because it disagreed with the MNLF's policy of pursuing autonomy and wanted to establish an independent Islamic state.

Its founder, Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani, was an Islamic preacher who fought in the Soviet-Afghan war, where he is said to have met Osama Bin Laden and been inspired by him. Al-Qaeda provided the group with funding and training when it was initially set up.

After Janjalani died, the group split into two main networks whose leaders were then killed in 2006 to 2007. Since then, Abu Sayyaf has operated as a collection of factions that work with each other through kinship or personal ties but which also occasionally compete against each other.

The beheading of a Malaysian hostage, Bernard Then, in 2015, for example, is reported to have resulted from a breakdown in negotiations as one of the two factions holding him wanted more money than was demanded, and different parties involved in the negotiations all sought a share of the ransom.

How dangerous is the group?

There has been growing evidence of ties between the Abu Sayyaf members fighting in Marawi, IS fighters in the Middle East, and jihadist sympathisers elsewhere in the region.

Authorities in Southeast Asia believe the group has co-ordinated with IS to send fighters to Malaysia to plan attacks.

In April 2016, the body of a Moroccan bomb expert, Mohammad Khattab, was discovered following a battle between the group and the Philippine army.

There are also fears that the group could be supporting terrorist activities by other IS-linked groups in the region. Investigators looking into the Jakarta attack in January said the weapons used in it had come from the southern Philippines.

While there is no evidence that Abu Sayyaf was involved in this, the group has long had ties to prominent Indonesian militant groups like Mujahidin Indonesia Timur and Jemaah Islamiyah (JI). Several JI members involved in the Bali bombings found shelter with the group after fleeing Indonesia.
 
 
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Abu Sayyaf's hijacking of ships is alarming Indonesia and Malaysia, who want to work together to prevent the disruption of regional trade routes

Its kidnap of Indonesian, Malaysian and Vietnamese sailors has also prompted fears of the maritime region becoming a "new Somalia", as Indonesia's chief security minister put it, which could disrupt regional trade.

Abu Sayyaf's hostages tend to be released if the ransom demanded for them is paid. This has been the outcome for most of their hostages. The group is known to kill captives if its demands are not met.

The Kuala Lumpur-based Piracy Reporting Centre has warned ships to stay clear of small suspicious-looking vessels in the area.

What is the Philippine government doing about it?
 
 
Image copyright AFP Image caption The Philippine army has been battling militant groups in the south for years

Abu Sayyaf has withstood numerous government crackdowns over the years and has continued to mount attacks in the face of military offensives.

After taking office in June 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to "eat alive" the group's militants.

In January, he launched renewed efforts to defeat the group, with the military conducting air strikes on Abu Sayyaf sanctuaries and killing prominent militants, leading to the surrender of dozens of the group's members.

But a failed military operation to capture Isnilon Hapilon in May saw Abu Sayyaf militants re-emerge as part of the hostilities in Marawi.

Southeast Asia's governments have recently increased joint efforts to deal with the threat Abu Sayyaf poses.

The Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia have launched joint air and sea patrols in the Sulu Sea, a lawless region that has long-been a hub of Islamist militancy.

The patrols may help ensnare Abu Sayyaf militants who are fleeing the Marawi battle zone.

Some observers argue that the roots of Abu Sayyaf lie in the economic and political disparities between the south and other parts of the country. "As long as Muslims continue to be oppressed, there will always be Abu Sayyaf," the vice-chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Ghazali Jaafar, has said.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-41638747

Lying in wait: Behind Malaysia's influx of foreign terrorists

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From Channel News Asia (Oct 21): Lying in wait: Behind Malaysia's influx of foreign terrorists
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian police have arrested more foreign terrorist fighters this year than in the past four years combined, with more possibly lying in wait - some sent by Marawi siege leader Mahmud Ahmad.

The head of the Malaysian special branch's counter-terrorism divison, Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, told Channel NewsAsia 70 foreign fighters have been detained by Malaysian officials since 2013.

Of that number, 45 were picked up this year alone, in operations sparked by intelligence that Islamic State (IS) militants were shifting focus, working with terror groups in Asia, as they lose ground in the Middle East.

Nine arrested were suspected militants from the southern Philippines-based Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), some of whom are thought to have been in contact with Mahmud, who is Malaysia's most wanted terrorist.

Police have intelligence he ordered militants from the group to slip into neighbouring Sabah in 2015 and form a sleeper cell that would launch attacks on Mahmud's command.

"One of the members we arrested was a senior member of ASG and he was involved in six kidnappings before and in terms of commitment, he had a strong commitment to terror," Ayob told Channel NewsAsia in an interview on Sunday.

"We do believe they have long term plans to carry out attacks in Malaysia."

However, if reports of Mahmud's death are true, any cell members still in the country could remain dormant.

"There are no other characteristic leaders to take over (Mahmud's) leadership," he said.

The Philippines says some 20 others involved in the Marawi siege, including Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and Maute Group’s Omar Maute, were killed in a military assault on Monday.

Malaysia, however, has yet to receive formal confirmation of Mahmud's death.

HOW ARE THE MILITANTS COMING IN?

Police in general are arresting more terrorists this year than they have in the past five but the entry of foreign fighters into Malaysia - whether they are transiting or planning attacks here - have been bolstered by several factors.

Authorities believe there are syndicates helping to create fake travel documents and employment visas for terrorists. Others have come in using student visas.

For many from Middle Eastern nations, however, including those from Syria and Iraq, entry into Malaysia is visa-free.

A proposal from the National Security Council last year to change this to avoid easy entry for terrorists was rejected by the cabinet, with the tourism minister then citing unfair profiling of Middle Easterners as well as safeguarding bilateral ties and tourism as factors.

Ayob could not comment on this decision, but he said even those who come in on legitimate student visas are difficult to vet.

"It is almost impossible also for the Ministry of Higher Education to do the background vetting or checking; it takes time," he said.

"For example, a student from Yemen applies for a student visa. Of course, the ministry can share their details with us, but we need to check with our counterparts and it will take maybe a few months before they can get back to us."

He said it is also possible that people who enter using student visas have no record at the time. However, once they reach Malaysia, they are recruited by terrorist groups.

Countries deporting terror suspects to "friendly" Malaysia is another issue. Still, countries like Turkey have taken advantage of Malaysia's visa-free provisions, deporting foreign terrorists trying to enter Iraq and Syria to Kuala Lumpur if they ask to go there.

In August, police launched a large scale manhunt for 16 terrorists deported to Malaysia by Turkey.

"Of course, we do have a small problem with certain countries ... Actually not 'certain', I'm referring to just one country," said Mr Ayob.

"If they arrest a foreign suspect involved in terrorist activities or using their country as a transit point to enter Syria and Iraq, those suspects should be deported to their country of origin, not to Malaysia.

"But this one, they're asking them where they want to go, and of course they want to come to Malaysia because we're the so-called friendly country, the Muslim country you see."

Porous borders are another way militants enter the country. Groups like Abu Sayyaf, however, are much closer to home - entering Sabah from the southern Philippines and Indonesia via the 1,400km porous coastline.

"We have the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) there, we have the navy patrolling the area - but it's almost impossible to cover the area unless there is intelligence," said Ayob.

"Recently, we have the trilateral border patrolling; intelligence agencies have also had trilateral meetings recently - so we are beefing up our cooperation and collaboration."

Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines launched joint maritime and air patrols over the Sulu Sea this year in a bid to block the movement of terrorist groups between their nations.

However, those still managing to slip in via Sabah have also made it to Kuala Lumpur without valid travel documents.

Police and immigration authorities are carrying out investigations into how this could have happened.

In March, an immigration officer stationed at the Sandakan airport was arrested for aiding people without valid travel documents, including IS militants from Malaysia and Indonesia, to travel into Sabah before heading to the Southern Philippines.

WILL MALAYSIANS OVERSEAS RETURN TO JOIN THESE FOREIGN FIGHTERS?

Even as terrorists are tasked to shift focus to Southeast Asia, Ayob does not expect the dozens of Malaysians fighting overseas to return to the region to join them.

"So far, we have no intelligence to suggest they want to come back," he said. "We have 53 Malaysians now in Syria.

"They want to die as martyrs, so that's their main objective (and) they're very sure if they come back they'll be arrested, charged in court and most probably convicted and serving a jail sentence."

However, Ayob foresees more Malaysians being radicalised to join a cause closer to home: Fighting alongside Rohingya militants in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

So far, they have arrested two suspects - one Malaysian and one Indonesian - who were planning to go there.

'We are very sure later there will be more as the issue in Rakhine is getting out of control, very serious," he said.

"Hopefully every country takes action to tackle the internal problem because if they don't, it will create opportunities for terrorist groups to recruit new members."

As for the more than 60,000 Rohingya who have fled the violence to Malaysia, Ayob said so far there is no intelligence so far to suggest they have been radicalized.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/lying-in-wait-behind-malaysia-s-influx-of-foreign-terrorists-9331160

NPAs burn millions in heavy equipment in Butuan quarry raid

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From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 21): NPAs burn millions in heavy equipment in Butuan quarry raid

Heavily armed men swooped down on a quarry site at midnight Friday, and set ablaze multi-million peso construction equipment at Barangay Bonbon, which is about 10 kilometers away from this city.

In separate reports, the military and police identified the raiders as members of guerilla-Front Committee 21 of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).


(MANILA BULLETIN)

The CPP-NPA-NEMRC has yet to issue a statement on its alleged involvement in the burning incident.

Troops from the 401st Infantry Brigade were already dispatched to track down the marauders.

Initial reports said the equipment that were destroyed included four backhoes, a payloader and a dump truck.

The owner of the heavy machineries refused to give any comment as of press time.

But according to one of the operators of the equipments, the raiders numbered about 30, all of them armed with automatic rifles.

They reportedly arrived at midnight Friday, and woke up all the drivers resting in the bunkhouse.

According to one of the heavy equipment operators, the raiders numbering 30 of them, armed The raiders then gathered them in a corner, and were told to watch as the suspects poured gasoline on the vehicles before setting them on fire.

After the incidents, the perpetrators immediately fled towards the southern portion of Barangay Bonbon, particularly in Pasiohan Complex, bordering Agusan and Bukidnon provinces.

No one was reported hurt during the incident.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/10/21/npas-burn-millions-in-heavy-equipment-in-butuan-quarry-raid/

Marawi residents plan on filing class suit against government

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From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Oct 20): Marawi residents plan on filing class suit against government


Photo courtesy of Tindeg Ranao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – A group of Marawi residents are planning to file a class suit against the government for the destruction of the city’s properties and the deaths of civilians due to the conflict between state forces and local terrorists.

Two support groups of the Marawi crisis victims said in a joint statement that Pres. Rodrigo Duterte should be made accountable for the devastation brought by the fighting between the government troops and members of the Abu Sayyaf, Maute Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

The war in Marawi has displaced thousands of civilians who fled during the first few days of the conflict.

During the siege, residents have witnessed various forms of abuses being committed not just by the extremists but also by the state agents.

These reports will be the basis of the class suit that the victims will be filing, said Jerome Succor Aba, spokesperson of the Suara Bangsamoro.

“There were numerous cases of human rights violations,” said Aba in an interview Thursday afternoon.

In a separate interview, Aida Ibrahim of Tindeg Ranao, many of the evacuees have already signed affidavits documenting the abuses they had experienced by government troops.

She said during the second round of the National Interfaith Humanitarian Mission (NIHM), some of the civilians have recounted the violations allegedly committed by soldiers.

Ibrahim said more evacuees are willing to execute affidavits to bolster the filing of the class suit.

Aba said the reports collated from the NIHM will be also be used as documentary evidence.

Both Ibrahim and Aba have yet to give the exact date of the filing as more documents are still being prepared.

In a joint statement, both Tindeg Ranao and Suara Bangsamoro are calling for the lifting of martial law in Mindanao as residents in Marawi have expressed their desire to return to their homes after Pres. Rodrigo Duterte declared the besieged city as “liberated.”

The President’s declaration came following the deaths of terrorist leaders, Abu Sayyaf’s Isnilon Hapilon and Maute Group’s Omarkhayam Maute.

Both groups and other belligerent factions in Mindanao have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.

In a joint statement released to the media Oct. 19, Tindeg Ranao and Suara Bangsamoro are demanding for the government to finally terminate the martial rule in the island, to stop the military the offensives and the pull-out of state forces in Marawi after Duterte made the pronouncement.

Suara Bangsamoro said it finds Duterte’s announcement of a “liberated” Marawi ironic because in place of “terrorists,” the Armed Forces of the Philippines aided by foreign troops including the US troops “are still in control of Marawi City because of the continuing Martial Law declaration and due to their role as architects of Marawi City’s rehabilitation.”

At the same time, evacuees who want return to Marawi “are afraid of military reprisal should they decide to file cases or hold responsible the government for the destruction of their communities and their more than four months-long displacement due to intensive military airstrike which became the response to suppress the Dawlah Islamiya [Maute Group],” Tindeg Ranao said.

The Moro groups have maintained that the government should be held accountable for the death and displacement of Marawi resident and the destruction of their community due to the aerial assaults carried out the by military.

They said the decisions and actions of the current administration undermine efforts for resolving conflict in Moro areas and push more Moro people to fight against fascist policies.

“[We] hope that calls for independent investigation to reports of human rights violations committed by the military to evacuees will not be glossed over as the government [announced] victory over the terrorist group,” they said.

Zia Alonto Adiong, spokesperson of the Lanao del Sur Provincial Crisis Management Committee, in a statement said that with the declaration of the President, Marawi and its people can now “focus on rebuilding, rehabilitating not only the physical infrastructures but more importantly, the social fabric of our community in the hope that we can truly have a peaceful, developed and a caring society in Marawi and its neighboring communities.”

Adiong said the deaths of Hapilon and Maute provides Marawi “an opportunity not only to win the war against violent extremism, but also the rare privilege of winning the peace by addressing the root causes of the conflict in Mindanao.”

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/marawi-residents-plan-on-filing-class-suit-against-government/

Russian Defense Minister in Manila on Oct. 23

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From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): Russian Defense Minister in Manila on Oct. 23

Russian Federation Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev on Saturday confirmed that Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu is set to visit Manila on Oct. 23 to discuss the supply of Russian military equipment to the Philippines.

Khovaev said Minister Shoigu will hand over the Russian military donation to the Philippines such as small arms, military weapons, and other equipment, including army trucks.

Discussions on establishing a legal framework for the transfer of military supplies and equipment are ongoing, but Khovaev said he does not see any problem that may hamper the document's creation.

"I don't see real difficulties, of course there are some issues to resolve, I have only one problem, the lack of knowledge about each other," Khovaev told reporters aboard Russian destroyer Admiral Panteleyev.

 "We expect a few contracts on the supply of Russian military equipment to the Philippines to be signed during the upcoming visit of the Russian Defense Minister Shoigi. It will be the first ever visit of the minister to this country, it's a historic event," he added.

A detachment of the  Russian Navy Pacific Fleet, consisting of the large anti-submarine ship Admiral Panteleyev and large tanker Voris Butoma, arrived at the port of Manila on Oct. 20 ahead of Minister Shoigu's trip.

During a press conference with Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhailov, Deputy Commander of Flotilla of the Russian Pacific Fleet and the Detachment Flag Officer, Khovaev confirmed that President Rodrigo Duterte will also tour the destroyer on Oct. 26, the departure date of the detachment.

The third Russian port visit to Manila this year comes following President Duterte's move to forge better bilateral relationship with Russia.

 'NO HIDDEN AGENDA'

Citing the need to "intensify" the people-to-people context of Manila and Moscow's ties, Khovaev asked Filipinos to dismiss misconceptions against Russia.

He stressed that the cooperation Moscow is offering Manila has "no hidden agenda" attached to it.

"The Philippines and Russia are on the right track. I am confirming once again that the Russian Federation is open to consider all bilateral cooperation on military and technical field, we fully support your fight against terrorism, we are ready to extend help to the country," he said.

 "If we extend our help to you, we are doing that with sincere wishes, we have no hidden agenda," he added.

The Russian envoy also noted that any cooperation on any field “will have no political conditionalities.”

“That’s a fundamental principle of our military policy, our military cooperation with all interested foreign partners,” he said.

“I have already stressed that our country is ready to help the Philippines in your legitimate fight against terrorism. I would like to take this opportunity also to congratulate all of you on the liberation of the city of Marawi in Mindanao,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1013477

Gov't troops remain on guard in Marawi

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From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): Gov't troops remain on guard in Marawi

Following President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s declaration of the liberation of Marawi, Malacañang on Saturday assured the Filipino public that the government would continue to be on guard against any remaining terrorist in the area.

In a statement aired over Radio Pilipinas, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella stressed that the start of the military pullout in Marawi does not signal the end of fighting between government troops and stragglers of the Maute terrorist group.

“While enemy force has greatly diminished, we will continue to be alert and assure the residents of the city that we will not compromise its security with the presence of some units of the Armed Forces,” Abella said.

The Palace official guaranteed that the government would not drop its guard for possible threats coming from the remaining network of the ISIS-inspired terror group, which may still be operating while the rehabilitation of Marawi is ongoing.

Meanwhile, the Palace also announced that authorities have put closure on the death of Michael Siaron, a suspected drug personality whose photo created a buzz after it was compared to the Pieta image.

Abella said ballistics examination from a recovered firearm revealed that Siaron was killed by a member of a syndicate also involved in the illegal drug trade.

According to Abella, this report verifies the government’s claim from the start that many drug-related killings in the country were actually perpetrated by those involved in drug operations, as drug traffickers and pushers try to eliminate each other.

“The relentless attribution of such killings to police operations was both premature and unfair to law-abiding enforcement officers who risk life and limb to stop the proliferation of illegal drugs in our society,” the official noted.

“Government assures the public and the families of victims of deaths under investigation that authorities will pursue cases until the truly guilty are brought before the bar of justice,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1013478

AFP welcomes surrender of terrorists' relatives

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From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): AFP welcomes surrender of terrorists' relatives

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday welcomed the move of some relatives of terrorists Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute to lay down their arms and surrender to the government.

“We are happy to note that there is some sense entering into the minds of all these relatives who bear arms and who have been part of the network. And as the days go by, let this be (the) good message to all these armed individuals and armed elements,” AFP spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr., said during the regular Mindanao Hour press briefing in Malacañang.

“Maging magandang mensahe po sana itong mga nangyayari sa Marawi na talagang determinado ang Armed Forces at ang ating pamahalaan na i-address lahat ng mga armadong grupo upang talagang manatiling safe ang ating mga kanayunan at ang ating mga siyudad,” he added.

The AFP spokesperson also asked the public’s cooperation to work hand-in-hand with the government in addressing the issue of loose firearms.

“Hangga’t hindi po naibabalik at naisu-surrender lahat ng mga loose firearms, ‘yung mga armas na hindi dapat nasa kamay ng mga tao na wala namang lisensya at hindi naman dapat naghahawak ng armas, dapat makuha po natin lahat ‘yan nang sa ganun, masabi nating ganap na maayos ang ating mga komunidad,” he said.

The AFP official meanwhile confirmed the death of Malaysian terrorist Dr. Mahmud Ahmad, who helped finance the Marawi siege, and said that the AFP is in the process of recovering the terrorist’s body.

He said Mahmud’s death was verified through a first-person account of a hostage who knew Mahmud and saw the events unfolding.

“He died during the assault of our troops the other day -- or the other night, where 12 other rebels died. And we are (in) the process of recovering the body of Dr. Mahmud,” Padilla said.

He also announced the successful rescue of 10 more hostages.

“With the number of hostages that have been rescued in the last 24 hours, we look forward to getting the rest of the hostages and [to] addressing the armed threat that still exists,” Padilla assured.

“We are giving it our best and we’re doing all that we can so that we can end these hostilities in this part of Marawi,” he added.

Following President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s declaration of the liberation of Marawi, Padilla said the AFP would now be shifting its forces to other areas for their required training and scheduled battalion activities.

“They will also be going back to Luzon for a much-needed break and for their long-delayed training in Fort Magsaysay and in other camps of the Philippine Army to enhance their skills and prepare them for their next mission,” Padilla said.

He clarified, however, that there are still units deployed in the war-torn city to continuously ensure the security of the people during the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase.

“Most of this will be dependent also in the key sector or areas in Marawi that they are holding. If these are relatively safe, then we will free up our units to depart,” Padilla said.

Padilla then sought the patience and understanding of the Marawi residents who are planning to return to their homes.

He said evacuees are still not allowed to enter the inner parts of the city until the AFP’s clearing operations are completed.

The AFP official stressed the need to clear all areas of all possible hazards like improvised explosive devices (IEDs), booby traps, and other unexploded ordnances, before allowing residents to return.

“Kinakailangan hanapin po natin lahat ng naiwang mga bomba na hindi pumutok, mga patibong na iniwan na hindi po namin nakita, at mga bagay na maaaring makasakit sa inyo,” Padilla stressed.

“Kaya hinihingi po namin ang pasensya at pag-unawa ng lahat. ‘Pag oras na po na kami’y ganap na sigurado na hindi na po talaga ito magiging balakid, kami po’y magbibigay ng senyales at makikipag-ugnayan sa local government upang pahintulutan na po ito,” he added.

For his part, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Assistant Secretary Kristoffer Purisima said a massive cleanup drive dubbed as “Brigada Marawi” is continuously being conducted in affected areas.

The initiative, which was launched on Oct.4, is led by the local government of Marawi, with the assistance of the AFP.

“As of yesterday, Oct. 19, 22 barangays benefitted from the cleanup drive and more sectors and stakeholders are joining the Marawi City local government unit, where they aim to restore the cleanliness and sanitation in the city,” Purisima cited.

Purisima also gave updates on the Post-Conflict Needs Assessment (PCNA) of affected areas. He said the inter-agency PCNA teams already assessed 10 barangays to date, with 16 more barangays yet to be visited.

Martial law still in effect in Mindanao
Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella reiterated the President’s statement that martial law in Mindanao would not be lifted until the last terrorist had been taken out.

The Cabinet official said the death of the ringleaders of the Marawi rebellion, including Omar Maute, Isnilon Hapilon, and Mahmud Ahmad, do not automatically result in the lifting of martial law.

“There are remnants, including networks supporting the Maute -- the Maute cause within Mindanao. The President is duty-bound not to compromise public safety,” Abella stressed.

On the other hand, Abella explained that President Duterte would still confer with the members of his Cabinet Security, the Justice and Peace Cluster in particular, to come up with a decision on the matter.

He said the President would discuss the necessary action to be taken with the Secretary of National Defense, who is the designated martial law administrator, and the AFP Chief of Staff, who is the designated martial law implementor.

No sacred government exec
Following President Duterte’s announcement that he sacked an undersecretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) due to allegations of corruption, Abella, in the same press briefing, said this development shows no government official is sacred under Duterte’s administration.

“The President’s action highlights that no government official is sacred under this administration,” Abella said.

“Let this be a reminder to all public officers that we are all here, not for ourselves but for the greater good,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1013449

Hapilon's death confirmed via DNA test: US Embassy

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From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 22): Hapilon's death confirmed via DNA test: US Embassy

The United States Embassy in Manila on Sunday confirmed that the DNA sample taken from a body in Marawi City was verified to be from Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, the declared Islamic-State "emir" for Southeast Asia and one of the lead figures in the five-month-long Marawi siege.

"At the request of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), a representative of the US Embassy in the Philippines Legal Attache office hand-carried the DNA sample taken from Hapilon‎'s body to Quantico in Virginia for identify verification,"said US Embassy press attaché Molly Koscina in a statement.

She also confirmed that the result was "positive".

"This is yet another example of how the US is supporting our friend, partner, and ally in the fight against terror," she added.

Government forces on Monday killed Hapilon and Omarkhayam Maute, leader of local terrorist Maute group who joined forces with Abu Sayyaf in the attack in Marawi City last May 23, which prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to cut short his visit to Russia and declare martial law.

Following the death of these two terrorist leaders, Duterte on October 17 declared the liberation of Marawi as soldiers continue to go after terrorists in the war-torn city.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said that US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents retrieved the DNA samples from the recovered bodies of the two terrorist leaders.

Aside from Hapilon, DNA samples of Maute and Malaysian Mahmud Ahmad, alleged financier of the siege are still awaiting verification.

"I shared the information I have at this time," said Koscina when asked about the schedule for the confirmation's release.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1013520

30 NPAs surrender since start of October: AFP

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From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 22): 30 NPAs surrender since start of October: AFP

Some 30 more members of the New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to government troops this month, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced Sunday.

The latest surrenderers were five NPA rebels from Guerilla Front 73 who voluntarily turned themselves and surrendered three high-powered firearms to the Philippine Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion on October 16.

Earlier, NPA Guerilla Front 53 member Alex Gawelan alias ‘Banate’, surrendered and turned over an M16 rifle to the Aemy’s 39th Infantry Battalion in Arakan, North Cotabato on October 1.

The AFP also facilitated other surrenders in Abra, Surigao del Sur, Zamboanga Del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao Del Norte, Compostela Valley, Occidental Mindoro, and Cagayan which yielded a total of 14 high-powered firearms such as M16, M14, AK47, and Garand rifles.

“Since day one of October, the AFP has been facilitating the surrender of more NPA members, some of whom voluntarily handed over their firearms to our troops. This affirms the continuous success of our focused military operations complemented by intelligence and civil-military efforts,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said in statement.

As of Oct. 19, continuous military operations have also led to the neutralization of 609 NPA rebels. Of this number, 121 were killed in operations, 71 were arrested, while 417 surrendered.

A total of 331 high-powered and low-powered firearms were either surrendered or recovered from the rebels.

The AFP has recorded 242 incidents of NPA atrocities since the scrapping of peace talks in February.

Prior to this, communist rebels have perpetrated 20 violent activities in January 2017 alone.

“Our incessant conduct of combat, intelligence, and civil military operations are now bearing fruit as more and more NPA rebels are now returning to the government folds,” AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año said.

“This is a good sign that our brothers and sisters are now choosing the path of peace rather than continue on to their violent ways. On our part, we will continue to work round the clock to sustain our operations in support to the government’s peace and development efforts,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1013502

2 BIFF men killed, 5 soldiers hurt in Maguindanao clashes

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From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): 2 BIFF men killed, 5 soldiers hurt in Maguindanao clashes

Two Moro jihadists were killed while five soldiers were hurt in the latest spate of hostilities in Maguindanao, the military said.

In a report released on Friday, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) said two members of the ISIS-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed when the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion fired artillery fire toward Barangay Pagatin 1 in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao, late Thursday afternoon.

Capt. Arvin John Encinas, 6ID spokesman, said that prior to the running gunbattle, five soldiers were hurt when suspected BIFF members tossed a hand grenade before nighttime on the Army’s 57th IB roadside detachment in Barangay Labo-Labo, Shariff Aguak, also in Maguindanao.

The victims, Sgt. Allan Labuyo, Cpl. Ebrahim Meto and Pvts. 1st Class Arnel Aspacio, Fernando Tangara, and John Mark Arroyo, sustained shrapnel wounds in different parts of their body.

Major Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, 6th ID chief, said the grenade attack was to avenge the death of two BIFF members, identified as Norolam and Saiden Kasan, during Thursday's 3 p.m. military artillery shelling in Datu Saidona, Maguindanao.

The Army launched the artillery bombardment after local residents alerted the military and government ally, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), about the presence of some 30 BIFF elements in Barangay Pagatin 1.

The slain BIFF members were followers of Esmael Abdulmalik, leader of a faction of the BIFF that pledged allegiance to the ISIS.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1013439

Militar sinisikap na tapusin ang Marawi siege

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From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 21): Militar sinisikap na tapusin ang Marawi siege

Sinisikap pa rin ngayon ng militar na tapusin na ang labanan sa Marawi City na pumasok na sa ika-anim na buwan ngayon araw, ngunit hirap pa rin ang mga sundalo na lipulin ang mga natitirang ISIS fighters, kabilang dito ang tinatayang 8 mga dayuhang jihadists.

Kabilang sa mga lumalaban ngayon ay pawang mga kaanak ng mga napaslang na ISIS militants. Patuloy naman ang paglapit ng mga tropa sa mga gusaling hawak pa rin ng mga jihadists. Sinugurado ng militar na hindi umano makakatakas ang mga militants dahil napapaligiran na umano ang mga taguan nila.

Ilang beses na rin nagbigay ng deadline si Western Mindanao Command chief General Carlito Galvez sa pagtatapos ng giyera, ngunit maraming beses na rin itong sumablay.

Ayon sa militar, umabot na sa 897 ISIS militants ang kanilang napatay mula pa noon Mayo 23 ng magsimula ang sagupaan, subali’t karamihan sa mga ito ay pawang naka-base lamang sa intelligence reports at hindi sa mga bilang ng bangkay na nabawi ng mga sundalo. Nasa 164 mga sundalo at 47 sibilyan ang napaslang rin, dagdag pa ng militar. Nabawi rin sa ibat-ibang lugar sa Marawi ang 850 mga armas na iginigiit ng mga opisyal eh pagaari ng ISIS.

Mahigit sa 200,000 residente ang nawalan ng tahanan at hanap-buhay dahil sa kaguluhan ng magtangka ang ISIS na gawin lalawigan nito ang Marawi na siyang kabisera ng Lanao del Sur sa magulong Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Idineklara ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na liberated ang Marawi matapos na mapaslang ng mga tropa kamakailan ang pinuno nitong si Isnilon Hapilon at commander na si Omar Maute at Malaysian jihadist Dr Mahmud Ahmad.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/militar-sinisikap-na-tapusin-ang-marawi-siege/

Quarry site, ginawang impyerno ng NPA

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From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 21): Quarry site, ginawang impyerno ng NPA

Nilusob kaninang madaling araw ng mga rebeldeng New People’s Army ang isang quarry site sa Butuan City at sinunog ang mga heavy equipment doon bago tumakas.

Hinihinalang nabigo ang may-ari ng quarry sa Barangay Bonbon na magbigay ng revolutionary tax sa mga rebelde kung kaya’t nilusob uto ng NPA. Apat na backhoe, isang truck at payloader ang sinunog ng NPA, ayon sa ulat.

Tinatayang mahigit sa dalawang dosenang rebelde ang lumusob sa quarry site na kung saan ay walang nagawa ang mga trabahador kundi masdan kung paanong binuhusan ng gasolona ng mga rebelde ang naturang heavy equipment.

Wala naman naiulat na sugatan o napatay sa atake ng NPA. Hindi pa mabatid kung bakit hindi natunugan ng militar at pulisya ang paglusob ng mga rebelde, gayun nasa ilalim ng martial law ang buong Mindanao. Ilan beses ng nagbanta ang NPA na aatake sa ibat-ibang panig ng Mindanao bilang bahagi ng kanilang pakikibaka sa pamahalaang Duterte.

Atras-abante naman si Pangulong Rodirgo Duterte sa kanyang pakikipag-usap sa mga komunista at ngayon ay balak muli nitong ituloy ang peace talks na kanyang ibinasura ng ilang ulit dahil sa hindi pagtugon ng NPA sa hinihinging cease-fire agreement ng pamahalaan.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/quarry-site-ginawang-impyerno-ng-npa/

Brawner says “no more hostages remaining;” expects end of fighting “today”

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From MindaNews (Oct 22): Brawner says “no more hostages remaining;” expects end of fighting “today”

Government forces battling terrorists confined in only one building near the lake are expecting to end the 153-day Marawi Crisis before midnight Sunday, confident that the remaining hostages held by the Maute Group have all been rescued, Col. Romeo Brawner, deputy commander of Task Force Ranao said.

“We believe there are no more hostages remaining,” Brawner told a press briefing at the provincial capitol early Sunday afternoon.

He said they “exhausted all means to rescue the remaining hostages.”

At the press conference announcing the death of the Abu Sayyaf’s Isnilon Hapilon and the Maute Group’s Omar Maute on October 16, General Eduardo Ano, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines said he was “certain that the neutralization of Hapilon and Omar was the last straw that has broken the camel’s back” and that the then 147-day Marawi Crisis “will be over — sooner than later.”

“The resistance of –or what is left of it — the terrorists will crumble. It’s a dead end. There is nowhere else to go for them,” he said.



Col. Romeo Brawner, Deputy Commander of Task Force Ranao/ MindaNwes file photo by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO

A day later, President Rodrigo Duterte declared Marawi has been “liberated from the terrorist influence” and rehabilitation would start soon, even as an estimated 30 hostages were still holding some 22 hostages then.

Two were rescued on October 18 in the military operations that killed 13, including Malaysian national Dr. Mahmud Abad.

On Sunday, Brawner told reporters 20 more hostages were rescued.

Brawner quoted Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, as saying “maaring matapos ngayong araw na ito” (that the fighting would be over today).

“Our government forces will try to do everything to finish the firefight today,” Brawner said.

“It means it’s either mapatay nila lahat ng Maute ISIS kasi nga po ito na yung desididong mamatay lahat or ma-capture natin or either mag-surrender sila” (it’s either all the Maute ISIS members are killed because these are those who are decided to die there or we capture them or they surrender), he explained.

He said some of them “are the ones who decided to just fight it out because of their belief that if they die here, they will go to heaven.”

As of Sunday noon, he said, “talagang nagpuputukan pa” (fighting was still going on) in that “one building left to clear.”

As of Sunday, Day 153 of the Marawi Crisis, Brawner said a total of 919 enemies had been killed while 165 government forces were killed in action.

He said an estimated 30 terrorists remain, including those who were wounded earlier. Of this number, around five are foreigners.

“Right now we cannot determine how many of the 30 are dead or who are still living,” he said.

But Brawner said there are also women, likely the wives of the Maute members, in that lone building,

“We believe they really chose to stay with their husbands,” he said, recalling that they “gave them all the chances to surrender, to come out together with teh hostages.”

“In fact, some of them did,” Brawner said, but could not give a number as they are still determining “if they are (hostage survivors) or wives of the Maute-ISIS.” He said those who got out will be treated as non-combatants and will go through the same process hostage survivors go through.

Brawner assured relatives of the hostage survivors that their loved ones are being attended to. He said the survivors immediately go through medical examination and those who need further medical attention are airlifted to Cagayan de Oro City.

He said survivors were lent mobile phones to call their relatives. Brawner added the hostages requested that their names be withheld for security considerations.

He assured relatives they will turn the hostage survivors to the local goverment unit “very shortly.”

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/10/brawner-says-no-more-hostages-remaining-expects-end-of-fighting-today/

Move to transfer 1003rd IB Bunawan District underway

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From the Mindanao Times (Oct 23): Move to transfer 1003rd IB Bunawan District underway

A GROUNDBREAKING ceremony will be conducted today in Barangay Mahayag, Bunawan District to mark the transfer of the 1003rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade headquarters in the city.

Maj. Gen. Noel Clement, the 10th ID commander, told TIMES yesterday that the transfer of 1003rd IB headquarters will help secure Davao City and some areas in Davao del Norte.
 
“We are bringing them in Bunawan to put them in the middle of their operational area at the same time we are giving them additional battalion so the brigade will be holding three battalions,” Clement said.

The 1003rd Brigade is covering the area of whole Davao city and Davao del Norte with three battalions of 3rd IB, 16th IB and 89th IB, the newly activated battalion.
 
The 16th IB will be moving now to Paquibato District while the 89th IB will be occupying the headquarters of 1003rd Brigade in Barangay New Visayas in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte.

For the three battalions that will be returning in 10th ID, they will form part of the maneuver battalion, which means they don’t have any specific area of responsibility but will give them operational responsibility.
 
“So if there are NPA formations, they will be the one to operate,” he added.

For now, he said, they are a waiting the order from general headquarters for the re deployment of three battalions sent to Sulu last year.

In a separate interview, Col. Jun Torres, 1003rd IB commander, said they are hoping to transfer by December of this year.

“If we had at least an office or place for work then immediately we will transfer totally,” he said.

At the same time, there will also be an opening of the training for the 240 CAA II in Barangay Mahayag, Bunawan District. Torres said there will be an opening of the two batches of CAA II will start their training today wherein at after the groundbreaking for the transfer of the brigade in Barangay Mahayag.

The groundbreaking would be the start of the construction of the facilities of the headquarters.

“One of that would be specifically for IPs to lead the foundation for the organization of the ancestral domain,” he said.

They are scheduled to undergo a 45-day training in the area that will be supervised by the 1003rd. The brigade already has 80 CAAs from the city government, and the new recruits will be deployed in Tugbok, Toril and Calinan areas to secure the ancestral domain areas.

Torres said they have directly consulted the tribal chieftains for the recruitment of the CAA II. “We are empowering them to protect themselves and ofcourse they will be accompanied by our troops,” he added.
 

3 AFP battalions returning to Davao

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From the Mindanao Times (Oct 23): 3 AFP battalions returning to Davao

THE THREE battalions of the Philippines Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID) that were sent to Sulu last year will be returning to Davao next month, said Gen. Eduardo Año, the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
 
The return of the soldiers to their mother headquarters at the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) is the AFP’s preparation in its drive to end the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army.

“After Marawi, it’s time to crush the CPP-NPA,” Año said. “That is why (we) will be returning the battalions (to Davao) to finish (the communist insurgency).”

Last year, the three members — the 68th Infantry Battalion (IB), 69th IB and 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion— were sent to Sulu to help in the fight against the Abu Sayyaf Group.

The 10th ID, also known as the Agila Division, operates in four regions, 12 provinces, seven cities, 72 municipalities and 1,681 barangays. It covers the whole of Davao Region, parts of Region 12 (Sarangani, South Cotabato, 2nd District of North Cotabato and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat), portion of Region 10 (Bukidnon) and parts of Region 13 (Trento in Agusan del Sur and Lingig in Surigao del Sur in Caraga area.
 
It has four brigades, composing of 14 battalions, under its command, including Task Force Davao and Joint Task Force Gensan.

Last month, the 10th ID has activated 89th IB as an additional force in Davao Region in the fight against CPP-NPA and other terror groups.

Meanwhile, the 4th ID, based in Norther Mindanao, has activated a new battalion, the 88th IB (Maringal), which will be tasked to secure the southern part of Bukidnon, in the boundary of Davao.
 
In a ceremony held at the 88IB headquarters in Maramag, Bukidnon, Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva, 4ID commander, emphasized that the ultimate objective of the new battalion is to fight terror groups.

“When we talk about terrorism, we don’t only mean Maute or ISIS, we also talk about the New People’s Army,” Villanueva said. He said the NPA has “long made the lives of our people in Bukidnon miserable.”

“Not only that they burn trucks and plantations but also extort hard-earned money from poor farmers,” he said. “Worst, (they) recruit children to fight against the government.”
 

Ex-barangay captain found beheaded in Basilan

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From Rappler (Oct 22): Ex-barangay captain found beheaded in Basilan

Relatives find the decapitated body of 58-year-old Hadji Najir Bohong in Barangay Mahatalang   



The body of a former barangay captain from Sumisip, Basilan was found beheaded on Sunday morning, October 22, according to police.

Based on the police's initial investigation, 58-year-old Hadji Najir Bohong left his home in Barangay Tumahubong on Saturday morning, October 21, to cut wood at a farmland in Barangay Mahatalang.


Bohong used to be the barangay captain of Mahatalang. His relatives later found his decapitated body at around 11 am on Sunday, also in the same barangay.

The Sumisip Municipal Police Station and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are still "determining the circumstances of the incident," police said.

The victim's decapitated head has yet to be found.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/186076-ex-barangay-captain-hadji-najir-bohong-beheaded-basilan

Marawi fully taken back before November – military

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From Rappler (Oct 22): Marawi fully taken back before November – military

Around 10 hostages remain in 5 buildings still held by enemies

LIBERATED. Soldiers hold up a Philippine flag on October 17, 2017 on President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of liberation of Marawi City. Photo by Bobbby Lagsa/Rappler

LIBERATED. Soldiers hold up a Philippine flag on October 17, 2017 on President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of liberation of Marawi City. Photo by Bobbby Lagsa/Rappler

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Sunday, October 22 that the war in Marawi City will be over before this month ends, as government troops close in on the last remaining 5 building held by enemies.

“Iba-iba ang takbo ng development sa battle area, pero ito po ang isang garantiya na magagawa, masasabi natin, hindi na po ito tatagal hanggang nobyembre, ‘yan po ‘yung sigurado,” AFP spokesperson Major General Restituto Padilla said in an interview over radio DZMM on Sunday. (Developments in the battle area differ from time to time, but I guarantee this will be done, I can say that this will not reach November, that's for sure.)

Padilla said that the Task Force Marawi led by Brigadier General Danilo Pamonag was still clearing the 5 buildings located in a half-hectare area.
Padilla said there are still around 10 hostages left inside the battle zone, and that troops are still pursuing two foreign terrorists.

“Inaantabayan po natin yan, hinihintay po natin (si General Pamonag) na magbigay ng senyales kapag nakubkob na po nila ang kahuli-hulihang armadong elemento,” Padilla said.

(We are closely monitoring, we're waiting for General Pamonag to give us a signal once they have closed in on the last armed element.)

Padilla said the remaining enemies refuse to surrender and are still fighting intensely with government troops.

Padilla said the armed forces remain proactive in the event that terrorists plan a retaliation.

Though some soldiers have been allowed to go home to spend some time with their family after an intense 5-month battle in Marawi City, Padilla said the military has enough force to guard other vulnerable areas such as Lanao, Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi.

“Makakaasa po kayo at malalaman po ng ating mga kababayan sa pamamagitan mga kaibigan natin sa midya tulad po niyo ang mga pangyayaring ‘yan, lalo na po ‘yung talagang pinakahuling kaganapan na magbibigay ng senyales na talagang nakuha na natin ng ganap ang siyudad ng Marawi,” Padilla said.

(You can trust that we will update the public know through the media, especially the latest development which will indicate that we have truly taken back Marawi.)

President Rodrigo Duterte declared the liberation of Marawi City on Tuesday, October 17, after the troops were able to neutralize top targets Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute.

Two days after, Duterte confirmed the military has also killed Mahmud Ahmad, the Malaysian terrorist who helped finance the Marawi siege.
The 5-month-long war was triggered by a military raid on Hapilon. Over a thousand people died, and many more displaced due to the war.

The Office of Civil Defense said rehabilitation will begin as soon as the military declares the city is cleared of bombs. Displaced residents will then be assisted into moving back to their homes, if still intact.

A site is also ready in Barangay Sagonsongan in Marawi for transition shelters.
 

Marawi heroes: Soldier brings home brother killed in Marawi

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From Rappler (Oct 22): Marawi heroes: Soldier brings home brother killed in Marawi

Brothers Romeo and Rojero Rayco – both with the rank of Private First Class – fought in Marawi City, but only one of them comes home alive

BACK HOME. Private First Class Rojero Rayco sprinkles holy water on the casket of his brother, Private First Class Romero Rayco

BACK HOME. Private First Class Rojero Rayco sprinkles holy water on the casket of his brother, Private First Class Romero Rayco

It's been years since Private First Class Rojero Rayco returned to his native Albay, but a dark cloud hung over his homecoming on Friday, October 20.

Rojero, 26, brought home the remains of his older brother, 28-year-old Private First Class Romeo Rayco. The Rayco brothers hail from Barangay Tobog, Oas town in Albay. Both fought in Marawi.

Rojero and the casket bearing the remains of Romeo were transported from Marawi City to Albay on Friday afternoon, through a Philippine Air Force nomad aircraft. Rome was given full military honors at the Tactical Operations Group 5-Philippine Air Force headquarters in this city.

Rojero said his brother was killed during clearing operations in Marawi at 2 am on Thursday, October 19 – two days after President Rodrigo Duterte announced that Marawi had been "liberated from terrorist influence."

Rojero served in the Philippine Army for 6 years while Romeo belonged to the 8th Special Forces Company, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), Special Operations Command of Philippine Army. The older brother served the military for nearly 4 years.



SALUTE. Full military honors are given to Private First Class Romero Rayco at the AFP at Tactical Operations Group 5-Philippine Air Force headquarters in Legazpi City

Rojero, who is part of the Army's anti-terrorism task force, was deployed to Marawi City when the war broke out on May 23. His older brother was sent to Marawi on September 25 for a test mission before he could graduate from his schooling.

Rojero said even though they were both in Marawi, he and his brother only saw each other once – and only for 10 minutes – on October 12. He went to Romeo to bring him food.

“We were able to see each other for just 10 minutes when I brought him food. That’s a short period of time. We hugged each other before parting ways,” Rojero told Rappler in between sobs.

During his 5 months in Marawi, Rojero saw 7 of his fellow soldiers dying right in front of him. The war in that city was the worst he had ever seen, he said.



WAR WIDOW. Carol Rayco and daughter Rhianna. Photo by Rhaydz Barcia/Rappler

“I was assigned in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, whenever there is a chaos, as member of the Philippine Army’s anti-terrorism task force. The war in Marawi is the worst not only because of numerous soldiers were killed but due to big number of Filipino casualties, specifically civilians who lost their precious lives and paid the price of ISIS-linked terrorism activities in Mindanao,” he said.

“I’m lucky as I survived the bloodiest battle and still alive but I’m unhappy sending my elder brother back home lifeless. My brother is a loving and caring brother not only to his kin but to his friends,” he added.

Romeo's wife, Carol was with 3-year-old daughter Rhian to meet her fallen husband at PAF headquarters. Carol, overcome by grief, lost consciousness during the ceremony.

Legazpi Mayor Noel Rosal, chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council, said that Romeo Rayco was the fourth soldier from Albay killed in Marawi.

“Romeo’s contribution to liberate Marawi from the hands of terrorists is an ultimate sacrifice. Rest in peace our hero,” Rosal said.




TEARFUL REUNION. Private First Class Rojero Rayco has a tearful reunion with his sister and mother. Photo by Rhaydz Barcia/Rappler

Major General Manolito P. Orense, commanding officer of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division said in a statement read at the ceremony: “Every soldier knew what risks they would take when they were in combat and that is the risk they are willing to give even their lives are at stake. Giving one’s life for your country is the highest act of patriotism."

“His bravery and valor are evident. He died defending the freedom for the country he loved and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country,” Orense added.

To date, 7 soldiers from the Bicol region had been killed in the war in Marawi.

Rojero returned to his mother unit after bringing his brother's remains to Albay.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/186004-soldier-brings-home-brother-marawi-hero-albay

LOOK: Soldiers in Tanay welcome home heroes of Marawi

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From Rappler (Oct 21): LOOK: Soldiers in Tanay welcome home heroes of Marawi

'Your accomplishments is the proof of the combat expertise and excellence of the Jungle Fighters wherever we may be deployed in country,' says 2nd Infantry Division Commander Major General Rhoderick Parayno

WELCOME HOME. Troops of the 1st Infantry Battalion are given a hero's welcome. Photos courtesy of the Philippine Army 2nd Infantry Division

WELCOME HOME. Troops of the 1st Infantry Battalion are given a hero's welcome. Photos courtesy of the Philippine Army 2nd Infantry Division

 The Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division on Saturday, October 21, welcomed soldiers fresh off an almost 5-month deployment to Marawi City.

Troops from the 1st Infantry Battalion, led by Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Tampus, were met with a hero’s welcome at Camp General Mateo Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal.

Tampus and his troops were among the first to arrive in Marawi to augment local forces after local terrorists attemped to take over the city on May 23.




Major General Rhoderick Parayno, Second Infantry Division Commander, praised his men and women, who helped in the recovery of firearms and rescue of hostages.

“Your accomplishments is the proof of the combat expertise and excellence of the Jungle Fighters wherever we may be deployed in country,” Parayno said.

He also commended the female soldiers who, he said, were the “embodiment of the modern Maria Clara – strong, aggressive, determined, patriotic and above all, ladylike and charismatic.”







On May 23, soldiers tried to arrest Isnilon Hapilon, Abu Sayyaf commander and supposed emir in an attempt to establish an Islamic State in the Philippines. Government officials were surprised to find armed fighters, wearing black and brandishing the ISIS flag, emerging to clash with government troops as a response to the operation.

Nearly 5 months later, on October 16, Hapilon and Omar Maute, leader of the Maute group, were killed in a military operation. The following day, President Rodrigo Duterte declared the “liberation” of Marawi, although clashes continued in some areas.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/185985-philippine-army-welcome-marawi-soldiers

US defense chief arrives in Philippines

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From Update Philippines (Oct 23): US defense chief arrives in Philippines
United States Defense Secretary Jim Mattis arrived in Clark on October 23 for the 4th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus which will be attended by defense chiefs of ASEAN countries plus Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and United States.

Philippines is this year’s host of ASEAN meetings and related meetings.

The ASEAN defense chiefs will also be holding the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) during the October 23-24 meet in Clark Field, Angeles City, Pampanga.


US DoD photo

“Our Chairmanship of the ASEAN this year coincides with its golden anniversary. As such, we will be pushing forward several initiatives to include a three-year work programme that will focus on streamlining, synergizing, and rationalizing ADMM efforts,” this year’s chairperson of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus, National Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana.

“This is to pursue our cooperative mechanisms in the most efficient and effective way possible. We will also be coming up with frameworks for maritime interaction, education and training exchanges, aircraft encounters, among others,” Secretary Lorenzana said.

https://www.update.ph/2017/10/us-defense-chief-arrives-in-philippines/21999
 
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