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DWDD: SIEGE ENDS | CSAFP: Marawi experience to be evaluated

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From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 24): SIEGE ENDS  |  CSAFP: Marawi experience to be evaluated



CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año expressed relief that the government has achieved total victory in its campaign to free Marawi City from the hands of the Daesh-inspired Maute terror group.

He described the last stand of the remaining terrorist at Bandariingan Mosque and an adjacent two-storey structure as very intense. They were trying to convince the remaining terrorist to surrender but most were suicidal and opted to fight it out.

In the aftermath, troops were able to recover more than forty (40) cadavers of terrorist and some of their relatives.

Since President Rodrigo Duterte declared Marawi as liberated, government force incurred 32 Wounded-in-Action and 2 Killed-in-Action.

Based on the latest tally, the total number of terrorist killed was at 962, while the AFP and PNP lost 165 officers and men.

Gen Año stated that with the large number of terrorist neutralized in the Marawi siege, it will serve as a stern warning to Maute remnants and other terrorist groups to think twice before launching any similar event. Secondly, it was also a lesson for civilians that in order to defeat terrorism, it needs the full cooperation and vigilance of the community.

Gen Año meanwhile added that the government can now concentrate with the next phase which is the return of Marawi residents back to their homes and the reconstruction and rebuilding of homes and structures destroyed by the siege.

When asked by media if the Marawi siege was a defining moment for his career, Gen Año reiterated that the victory gained in Marawi was a concerted effort by the AFP, PNP and other law enforcement agencies, not by a single entity. But what he was able to prove to himself was that at critical times, as the Chief of Staff and his experience as a soldier, he was able decide and strategize effectively, aside from the fact that he has great commanders on the ground.

On lessons learned, the AFP will be reviewing its doctrines and strategy, specially on the appreciation of intelligence information, like in the case of the Maute who were downplayed as a small ragtag group, despite numerous intelligence report reporting otherwise. They will also review and implement new strategies on urban warfare, since the AFP concentrated on jungle warfare. AES/ALS

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/24/siege-ends-csafp-marawi-experience-to-be-evaluated/

DWDD: 6IDat30 | Kampilan Troopers Kaagapay ng Mamayan sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran

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From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 24): 6IDat30  |  Kampilan Troopers Kaagapay ng Mamayan sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran



CAMP BGEN GONZALO SIONGCO, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao (DWDD) – The 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division of the Philippine Army celebrated its 30th Foundation Anniversary on October 23, 2017 with the theme, “Sa Ika-Tatlumpung Taon, Matibay at Matatag na Samahan , Kaagapay ng Mamamayan tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran.”

Lt Gen Rolando Joselito Bautista, Commanding General, Philippine Army was the Guest of Honor and Speaker for the celebration.

The celebration was highlighted with the wreath laying on the tomb of unknown soldier; presentation of firearms recoveries of 6ID for the 2017; Parade and Review; and awarding of 6ID’s best personnel, brigade, battalion, and outstanding key civilian stakeholders that contributed in the peace and development initiatives of 6ID in Central Mindanao. 6DPAO/MCAG



 












 http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/24/6idat30-kampilan-troopers-kaagapay-ng-mamayan-sa-kapayapaan-at-kaunlaran/

Russian military trucks for Philippines spotted arriving

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From Update Philippines (Oct 23): Russian military trucks for Philippines spotted arriving

Military trucks to be officially transferred by the Russian government to Philippines were spotted at Subic Bay Freeport being unloaded from a Russian ship.

Photos were shared by MaxDefense Philippines in its official social networking page. The photos were said to be taken by MaxDefense Philippines community member Justin Dupuis.

According to MaxDefense, these trucks are Ural-4320. Ural-4320 is a general purpose off-road 6×6 vehicle, produced at the Ural Automotive Plant in Miass, Russia built primarily for use in the Russian army.





These military trucks, 20 units, along with 5000 units of Kalashnikov rifle and ammunition will be formally turned over to the Department of National Defense – Armed Forces of the Philippines on October 25.





The turn over will be led by Russia Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu who is in the country 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.

https://www.update.ph/2017/10/russian-military-trucks-for-philippines-spotted-arriving/22010

West PH Sea defender named as Air Force top commander

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From Update Philippines (Oct 23): West PH Sea defender named as Air Force top commander



Western Command (WESCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) commanding general Lieutenant General Galileo Gerard R. Kintanar JR. was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to take over the Philippine Air Force (PAF) leadership.

This is after current commander Lieutenant General Edgar R. Fallorina reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

WESCOM is the primary military formation tasked to protect Kalayaan Island Group in West Philippine Sea.

The change of command ceremony will be held today, October 24.

Kintanar received his 3rd star, Lieutenant General rank on October 4.

He is a member of PMA Sandiwa Class 1985. He is the 29th commander of WESCOM. He took over the WESCOM leadership in August 2017.

He also previously served as chief of staff of PAF.

https://www.update.ph/2017/10/west-ph-sea-defender-named-as-air-force-top-commander/22014

PH Navy future frigates getting British SharpEye™ radars

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From Update Philippines (Oct 23): PH Navy future frigates getting British SharpEye™ radars

British designer and manufacturer of navigation and surveillance systems, Kelvin Hughes has announced that it is providing the two soon-to-be built frigates of Philippine Navy with I Band and E/F Band SharpEye™ radars.

Kelvin Hughes said it was contracted by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) the winning bidder in Philippine Navy Frigate Acquisition Project (FAP).

Kelvin Hughes said it will supply HHI two SharpEye™ navigation radars along with multifunction bridge radar displays for the Philippine Navy FAP.

“The new naval vessels for the Philippine Navy are expected to have enhanced survivability, seakeeping and maneuvering capability and be operable in up to Sea State 5 and also have stealth characteristics,” the British company said.

“SharpEye™ is ideally suited to frigates, corvettes and OPVs operating in high clutter conditions and for navies undertaking modernization programmes where the upmast equipment contributes to the stealth or RCS reduction requirements. I am extremely pleased that Kelvin Hughes is working with HHI on this project,” Kelvin Hughes Regional Sales Manager Mark Butler said.

These two frigates will be designated as P159 and P160 while under construction.

https://www.update.ph/2017/10/ph-navy-future-frigates-getting-british-sharpeye-radars/22017

920 Terrorists killed in 5-month Marawi City battle

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From Update Philippines (Oct 24): 920 Terrorists killed in 5-month Marawi City battle



With the decisive defeat of the Maute Group terrorists in Marawi City, lawless elements will be forced to think twice before occupying another city or town in the Philippines. This was emphasized by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año in an interview Monday.

“[With a total of 920] terrorists killed since the start of the campaign [in May 23], they will think twice of occupying another city or town,” he said.

Government troops killed in the five-month fighting stands at 165. Despite these losses, Año said the AFP feels very happy as the job to liberate Marawi City has been completed successfully.

With this, the job of allowing the families displaced by the fighting and rehabilitation and reconstruction of facilities and homes damaged by the war can now start, he added.

“We can now proceed with the next phase, makakabalik na yung mga kababayan natin sa Marawi,” the AFP chief emphasized.

Also, the fighting in Marawi City has also served as a wake up call to all Filipinos that to defeat terrorism, cooperation is vital from everyone in the community.

https://www.update.ph/2017/10/920-terrorists-killed-in-5-month-marawi-city-battle/22020

18 NPAs surrender with their firearms, improvised bombs

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From Update Philippines (Oct 24): 18 NPAs surrender with their firearms, improvised bombs

Eighteen (18) NPA members with their firearms and improvised bombs surrendered to the 33rd Infantry ‘Makabayan’ Battalion (33IB) of the Philippine Army on October 24. The rebels were from the mountains of Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat.

“Said surrenderors voluntarily turned themselves in to the government authorities due to the fear of being caught in the massive combat operations that will be launched against the communist terrorists,” said 33IB headed by Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc.


33IB photo

The rebels were presented by First Lieutenant Austin John Jamora, commanding officer of 33IB Alpha Company, to Senator Ninoy Aquino Mayor Randy ‘Junjun’ Ecija Jr.

The surrenderors reportedly have known the good treatment accorded to their comrades who had earlier laid down their arms.

33IB said the latest surrender of NPA rebels was a result of the collaborative action among different agencies including the Makabayan Battalion, Military Intelligence Group 12 Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Office of the Mayor Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat.

https://www.update.ph/2017/10/18-npas-surrender-with-their-firearms-improvised-bombs/22022
 

Army chief pins elite trooper badges in fallen heroes’ uniforms

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From Update Philippines (Oct 24): Army chief pins elite trooper badges in fallen heroes’ uniforms
Philippine Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito Bautista on October 23 personally recognized the heroism of fallen soldiers during the 5-month battle against terrorists in Marawi City.

Lieutenant General Bautista who assumed command of the entire Philippine Army on October 5 was the Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry Division and Commander of Joint Task Force Marawi who led the fight in Marawi City.

Bautista together with Army Special Operations Command commander Major General Danilo Pamonag pinned the tab/badges in uniforms of fallen heroes who completed elite training in Marawi.


1st Infantry Division photo
The fallen heroes graduated together with other Marawi City heroes who completed their training in the main battle area of Marawi City.

Courses completed during the joint ceremony are Special Forces Combat Qualification Course, Special Forces Operations Course, Scout Ranger Course, and Counter Terrorism Course.


1st Infantry Division photo
“They deserved these badges. They sacrificed their lives just to save and liberate Marawi. Their gallantry will not be forgotten,” the Army chief said.

https://www.update.ph/2017/10/army-chief-pins-elite-trooper-badges-in-fallen-heroes-uniforms/22028

U.S. defense chief Mattis praises PH for success in Marawi

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From Rappler (Oct 24): U.S. defense chief Mattis praises PH for success in Marawi

Mattis: 'It was a very tough fight as you know in southern Mindanao. And I think the Philippine military sends a very strong message to the terrorists.'

PENTAGON CHIEF. In this file photo, U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis arrives on Capitol Hill, October 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. Drew Angerer/Getty Images/AFP

PENTAGON CHIEF. In this file photo, U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis arrives on Capitol Hill, October 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. Drew Angerer/Getty Images/AFP

US Defense Secretary James Mattis on Monday, October 23, praised the Philippines for its successes in battling Islamic State (ISIS) supporters, as he began an Asian trip aimed at reaffirming American support for regional allies.

Mattis echoed Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's statement last week that Filipino forces had "liberated" the southern city of Marawi, after 5 months of bitter urban fighting that had claimed more than 1,000 lives, even though battles have continued.


"One of the first things I'm going to do when I get there is commend the Philippine military for liberating Marawi from the terrorists," Mattis told reporters on the flight to the Philippines, according to an official transcript.

"It was a very tough fight as you know in southern Mindanao. And I think the Philippine military sends a very strong message to the terrorists."

Gunmen who had pledged allegiance to ISIS occupied parts of Marawi, the largest Islamic city of the mainly Catholic Philippines, on May 23 in what Duterte said was a bid to establish a Southeast Asian caliphate there.

Hundreds of insurgents withstood a US-backed military campaign, including near daily air strikes and artillery fire, that displaced more than 400,000 people and left large parts of Marawi in ruins.

Duterte last week travelled to Marawi to declare it had been "liberated", a day after the Southeast Asian leader for ISIS, Isnilon Hapilon, was shot dead there.

However deadly fighting has continued, with the military reporting dozens of militants are still resisting in a small pocket of the city.

Mattis flew to the Philippines to attend a meeting hosted by Southeast Asian defense ministers at the former American military base of Clark, two hours' drive north of Manila.

The Philippines is a former American colony and the two nations are bound by a mutual defense treaty.

But relations have soured under Duterte as he has sought to build closer ties with China and Russia.

Defense ministers from Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Russia are also scheduled to attend the two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) event.

Mattis' Asia trip, which will also take him to Thailand and South Korea, comes ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to Asia next month.

Some American allies in the region have become wary of Trump's interest in Asia.

Mattis sought to reassure allies.

"The US remains unambiguously committed to supporting ASEAN," Mattis said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/186121-us-defense-chief-mattis-praises-philippines-marawi-isis-battle

MARAWI COUNTDOWN | Govt forces tell 30 Maute holdouts in fortified building to surrender

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From InterAksyon (Oct 22): MARAWI COUNTDOWN | Govt forces tell 30 Maute holdouts in fortified building to surrender



Damaged buildings in Marawi City seen through a hole in a wall. (Reuters)

Despite being declared “liberated” by President Duterte last week, fighting continued Sunday in Marawi City, where government forces gave some 30 Maute Group holdouts until midnight of Monday to surrender, promising to treat them humanely.

Authorities declined to use the word “ultimatum” but Col. Romeo Brawner, deputy commander of the Joint Task Group Ranao (JTGR), said in a briefing that the holdouts have until midnight to give up.

The military on Sunday also said there are no more civilian hostages held by the Maute terrorists inside a heavily fortified building in Marawi, where the estimated 30 terrorists are said to be making a last stand.

It was learned that a handful of so-called noncombatants – wives of some Maute fighters who have refused to abandon their husbands – are with the holdouts in the basement of a building.

Brawner said they believe only five foreign terrorists remain with the Maute Group. The Islamic State-inspired homegrown terrorists had teamed up with some Southeast Asian jihadis, sparking concern, especially among Malaysia and Indonesia, that the IS was beefing up its presence in the region after being driven out of strongholds in Iraq and Syria.

As of Sunday, the Armed Forces had rescued the last 20 hostages held by the Maute Group, which seized the city on May 23 along with the Abu Sayyaf unit of Isnilon Hapilon.

President Duterte declared Marawi liberated last week after Hapilon and Omarkhayam Maute were confirmed killed by the government troops, but clearing operations continue.

As of Sunday, government data show 919 terrorists killed and 864 firearms seized.

A total of 1,780 civilian hostages were rescued; but 165 government forces were killed in the fierce battles – on air and on the ground – that left the bustling Islamic city in near-total ruins.

The military reopened 9 barangays that were least affected by fighting, but set an Oct. 25 or 26 timeline for allowing people back in to other parts of the city, mainly because of two things: every corner must be cleared of any explosive material; and basic services like water and power must at least be present.

In all, nearly 400,000 residents were displaced by the fighting, which saw the Philippines pouring in units from across the country while getting material and technical help from allies like the US, Australia and China.

Alleged Maute terror financier arrested in Valenzuela (Photo)

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From ABS-CBN (Oct 23): Alleged Maute terror financier arrested in Valenzuela



Maan Macapagal@maan_macapagal
Aminkisa Romato Macadato, alleged financier & member of the Maute group, arrested by PNP CIDG-NCR operatives in Valenzuela City. @ABSCBNNews

PNP captures suspected Maute group funder

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From Rappler (Oct 24): PNP captures suspected Maute group funder

Aminkisa Macadato is included in the Martial Law Arrest Orders of the Department of National Defense   

 [Video report]

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has captured a suspected funder of the Maute terror group.

Chief Inspector Joselito Brioso , PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) spokesperson, shared to media the initial report on the capture of Aminkisa Macadato on Tuesday, October 24.

According to the report, authorities arrested Macadato in Barangay Paso de Blas, Valenzuela City, on October 7, for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Operatives of the PNP CIDG and Eastern Police District (EPD) found Macadato with a gun and a grenade.

Macadato is included in Martial Law Arrest Orders 1 and 2 of the Department of National Defense (DND) for his supposed connection to the Maute group.

Macadato is a nephew of Farhana Maute, the matriarch of the homegrown terrorist group. (READ: Terror in Mindanao: The Mautes of Marawi)

According to an ABS CBN News report, Macadato is also suspected of involvement in previous Maute attacks and was in contact with enemy combatants from the Marawi battle zone. (READ: Marawi: 153 days and more).

https://www.rappler.com/nation/186214-pnp-capture-aminkisa-macadato-maute-group-funder-marawi

Lessons learned from Marawi

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From Malaya Business Insight (Oct 24): Lessons learned from Marawi

ARMED Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año said the military could have done better in the just-concluded battle against the Maute Group in Marawi City had it better appreciated intelligence information about the plan of the Islamic State-inspired group to attack and take control of the city.

He said the military had been so focused on going after the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu and Basilan, and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters Maguindanao prior to the attack on May 23 that it failed to fully appreciate information that reached it.

“It’s in appreciation of intelligence information,” said Año on the area where the military could have improved. “Information reached us but we’re busy running after terrorists in Sulu, in Basilan (and) in Maguindanao,” he said.

Año had targeted to defeat the Abu Sayyaf and other terrorist groups within the first six months of the year. That objective was not attained, partly because the military had to shift focus in containing the Marawi crisis.

“We lacked appreciation (of intelligence information) that these bunch of Maute ISIS holed somewhere in Butig and Piagapo (towns in Lanao del Sur) will do the unthinkable -- which is occupy Marawi,” said Año.

The Marawi siege was led by senior Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, said to have been named by the Islamic State as its leader for Southeast Asia, and brothers Abdullah and Omar Maute. The three died in the operation.

“It was there where we lacked appreciation. We could have prepared and deployed more troops and we should have assigned commanders with high-level of appreciation of intelligence,” said Año

Año said had the military appreciated the intelligence information, “we could have developed and deployed more intelligence assets in those areas (in Marawi).”

Año, who is due to retire from the service on Thursday, would not acknowledge that the feat in Marawi is the defining moment of his 37-year military career. He assumed the top military post in December last year.

“Not really, this (feat) is team effort. This is still AFP (effort), it so happened that I am the chief of staff and I’m happy that during this critical time, I’m the one at the helm of the AFP,” he said.

Año last month said the conflict would be over before he retires.

Año also said the Marawi conflict should serve as a lesson to the people.

“For so many years that the Maute Group built up in Marawi, not even one gave information to us. Who is at the losing end here? It’s the people of Marawi who did not give us information and didn’t cooperate,” he said.

Videos and documents found by the military showed the Maute had planned for the attack.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced the end of the operations  in Marawi yesterday, after five months of fierce and unfamiliar urban war that has marked the country’s biggest security crisis in years.

The Maute occupation stunned a military inexperienced in urban combat and stoked wider concerns that Islamic State loyalists have gained influence among local Muslims and have ambitions to use Mindanao as a base for operations in Southeast Asia.

Those fears are compounded by the organization of the Maute and its ability to recruit young fighters, lure foreign radicals, stockpile huge amounts of arms, and endure 154 days of ground offensive and air strikes.

President Duterte declared Marawi City liberated six days ago, even though fighting was not actually over.

 http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/lessons-learned-marawi

ISIS Threat in Philippines Spreads in Remote Battles

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From The New York Times (Oct 23): ISIS Threat in Philippines Spreads in Remote Battles



Members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front preparing to battle Islamic State-inspired militants in the southern Philippines last month.Credit Jes Aznar for The New York Times        

DATU SALIBO, Philippines — The leader of the Islamic State in the Philippines, Isnilon Hapilon, is dead. The city his forces seized, Marawi, on the island of Mindanao, is all but completely back in government hands after months of scorched-earth combat.

But the Islamic State’s influence in the Philippines is far from over, and communities on Mindanao are bracing for the next battles.

“I don’t like to fight. But this is our land and we will not let them take this like they destroyed Marawi,”said a veteran Christian militia fighter who goes by the nom de guerre Commander Ilangilang. (She named herself after the tree blossoms that bloom densely around her hometown.

She says it is only a matter of time before the Islamic State’s black flag flutters in the mountainous periphery on the outskirts of Kauran, the farming community where she grew up and where she talked to Times journalists recently, about 90 miles south of Marawi.

“That’s why I have these,” she said, gently tapping her .45-caliber pistol and a separate revolver, both holstered loosely around her thin waist.

The commander said she picked up her first gun when she was 13, in the early 1970s, and her family was embroiled in fighting Muslim separatist rebels in the area.



Arabian Denal, 28, with her 3-month-old son, Johore, inside a makeshift evacuation camp in Tagoloan, Lanao del Norte, last month. Credit Jes Aznar for The New York Times

That separatist movement, and the sectarian and political resentment that drove it, never really went away. It evolved into Muslim militant groups that fought the government for decades, and in recent years proved to be fertile ground for the Islamic State ideology and recruiters, as that Middle East-based movement sought to extend its influence around the globe.

That the old and resilient militant cells here are now being strengthened by the brand and resources of the Islamic State’s international network has people worried all over Mindanao — including even some of the Muslim militants whose former comrades joined the Islamic State.

In a twist that would have been unimaginable even after they signed a peace deal with the Philippine government three years ago, members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, or MILF, are now leading their former enemies in the army against what some believe could become the next big Islamic State uprising.

They are fighting in the forbidding marshlands of the town of Datu Salibo, about a 130-mile drive south from Marawi.

Local Islamist groups claiming to represent the Islamic State have been trying to recruit the young with promises of cash and adventure, according to Commander Asiong. He is the self-appointed spokesman of the same Christian militia unit that Ilangilang belongs to: Red God’s Army.

Asiong, 60, a former soldier turned community leader, said that even with the militants in Marawi close to total defeat, the Islamic State’s reach on Mindanao has spread. It has been aided by operatives in the Middle East who have posted well-produced videos of the so-called religious war, he said, and particularly by how the Islamic State loyalists in Marawi managed to fight off the government for months.



Navy Special Forces patrolling a lake near the main battle area in Marawi in September. Credit Jes Aznar for The New York Times



Marawi after airstrikes against an Islamic State position in September. Credit Jes Aznar for The New York Times



A Philippine soldier in Marawi last month. Credit Jes Aznar for The New York Times

“They may be close to being defeated in Marawi, but they can spread out,” Asiong said in his tiny shed in Kauran.

His years of army service, spent fighting Muslim militants, have left him with deep scars in his neck and torso, and his left leg was all but cut away to save it after several bullets hit him there.

“They can regroup, join other I.S. allied groups here,” he said, using the initials for the Islamic State. “While we have guns, our community is no match for them. So we pray that the government finishes them in Marawi. If not, there is nothing we can do except to protect ourselves and fight to the death. We will defend our land until troops arrive.”

(On Monday, the Philippine defense secretary declared an end to the fighting in Marawi, saying that the “last group of stragglers” in the siege there had been killed.)

Asiong and Ilangilang spoke to journalists for The New York Times over goat meat stew in Asiong’s hut. As we talked, the sound of explosions kept coming across the distance — mortar fire from an army camp targeting local rebels in a swampy region miles away.

On Christmas Day two years ago, a breakaway faction from the MILF called the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, or BIFF, attacked several areas, including Kauran, and killed 11 Christian farmers, Asiong said.

While BIFF says it is not officially affiliated with the Islamic State loyalists who fought in Marawi, the local authorities think otherwise.





The body of an Islamic State fighter killed in a firefight with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Datu Salibo. Credit Jes Aznar for The New York Times



Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters traversing a swamp to fight Islamic State-inspired militants in Datu Salibo. Credit Jes Aznar for The New York Times



The borderlands of Cotabato, Maguindanao and Bukidnon form the heart of Mindanao. Credit Jes Aznar for The New York Times

The rebel force has welcomed the Marawi offensive and has helped divert the army’s attention by attacking nearby civilian communities. In June, as heavy fighting was going on in Marawi, BIFF militants briefly held more than 30 students in the remote town of Pigkawayan, about 50 miles south, forcing the military to spread its forces even more thinly.

A spokesman for the group, Abu Misry Mama, said in a brief telephone interview: “The fighting in Marawi is a good distraction. All I can say is, they do not belong to our group, which continues to fight for a separate homeland. But the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”

Another of those jihadist friends, a group that has explicitly pledged loyalty to the Islamic State, is fighting government and MILF forces in the marshlands near Datu Salibo.

The Islamic State militants here are headed by the militant commander Abu Turaipe and are believed to number a few hundred. He was once allied with MILF, but broke away in protest over the peace deal with the government.

The swamp battle with the Islamic State militants has been going on since August, but has gotten little press coverage, largely because the area is inaccessible and much of the attention has been focused on Marawi.

Von al-Haq, the MILF’s military commander, said that his fighters were “swimming while attacking, because the swamp waters are very deep.”

But the MILF and army alliance has slowly been winning, and in one offensive last month reported that it had recovered at least 20 improvised bombs and a number of black Islamic State flags.

Nassrolah Gani, a 35-year-old police officer whose unit is helping the military in recovering casualties from the crocodile-infested marshland, said his men would be easily lost in the swamps were it not for their MILF guides.

Boots get sucked off by the mud, and thorny bushes are a natural impediment to moving faster. Their assault rifles often get wet, making them less reliable.
“It’s an open mostly flat marshland, where you are open to sniper fire,” Mr. Gani said. “When you enter the swamps, you’ve already dug your own grave.”



Muslim farmers gathering sweet potato leaves in Amai Manabilang town, Lanao del Sur. Credit Jes Aznar for The New York Times



Villagers discussing the threat of Islamic State terrorism in their town, Midtimbang, in Maguindanao. Credit Jes Aznar for The New York Times



A mosque after Friday prayers in Cotabato city last month. Credit Jes Aznar for The New York Times

Mr. Gani said the latest intelligence data they received indicated that there were several Malaysian fighters who had joined Abu Turaipe’s group.
Whether they had escaped from Marawi to this new front was hard to tell, but he believes their presence has bolstered the enemy force.

“We used to fight the MILF, but they are now fighting alongside us. So what is the bigger enemy? It is the Daesh-inspired groups,” he added, using another name for the Islamic State.

Rommel Banlaoi, a security analyst who heads the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, says that other southern cities are at increased risk of attack by energized Islamic State loyalists.

“They have won the battle strategically, as they have proven how long they can endure the fight against government forces,”he said, adding that the Marawi battle will stand as an example of “martyrdom that can inspire others."

After the spectacle of the Marawi siege, more foreign fighters will be attuned to the fight on Mindanao, where past government efforts had aimed at ousting Muslims in favor of the Christian majority.

“Mindanao will continue to suffer the challenges of armed conflicts and violence because of many issues associated with the struggle of the people there for self-determination” being advocated by the Muslim forces, Mr. Banlaoi said. “It has simply become the new land of jihad.”



A machine gun mounted by government soldiers to guard Lanao lake near Marawi in September. Credit Jes Aznar for The New York Times       

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/23/world/asia/isis-philippines-mindanao-marawi.html

Lorenzana turns over ADMM chairmanship to Singapore

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From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 24): Lorenzana turns over ADMM chairmanship to Singapore

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, chairperson of the 11th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and 4th ADMM-Plus, handed over on Tuesday the event's chairmanship to Singapore. 



“Your Excellency Minister Ng Eng Hen, I have the honor to hand over the chairmanship of the ADMM and ADMM Plus to Singapore. I am confident that we will be able to sustain and further enhance our defense cooperation under your leadership. We shall reciprocate the support you have extended to us, and we look forward to the 12th ADMM and 5th ADMM-Plus in Singapore next year,” Lorenzana said in front of ministers from 10 ASEAN member states during the handover ceremony here.



Lorenzana thanked his fellow ministers for making the Philippines' chairmanship memorable with several “first” activities held for the first time which included the convening of special ADMM Meeting on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism, which resulted to a ministerial meeting about this when Marawi broke out.



“Indeed, this year’s meetings have been productive and it would not have been possible without the cooperation of all my fellow defense ministers. It was a challenge to host such an event on such special occasion of ASEAN’s 50th anniversary given the pressing security concerns in the country, particularly in Marawi and duties as Secretary of National Defense,” Lorenzana said.



“With the support and full cooperation extended by my fellow ADMM-Plus ministers, we are able to mark ASEAN’s 50th anniversary with enhanced defense cooperations towards a peaceful and stable region under the theme, Partnering for Change and Engaging the World. I wish to express my appreciation for all your support for the Philippines, ASEAN chairmanship, particularly for the 11th ADMM and 4th ADMM-Plus,” he added.



He said cooperation and new guidelines have been enhanced with the more than 10 years of defense cooperation under ADMM as well as seven years of collaboration with the Plus countries through ADMM-Plus.



“With a decade of defense cooperation behind us, we deemed it timely to take stock all initiatives under the ADMM and came up with ways to streamline, rationalize and synergize these initiatives together and along with those under ADMM-Plus to ensure we do not duplicate our efforts. We have come up with parameters to determine how to streamline ADMM-Plus Experts, Working Groups under the ADMM-Plus,” Lorenzana said. 



The ADMM is the highest defense consultative and cooperative mechanism in the ASEAN.

It was established in 2006.

It aims to promote mutual trust and confidence through greater understanding of defense and security challenges, as well as enhancement of transparency and openness among 10 ASEAN member states namely: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.



The ADMM-Plus dialogue partners include Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the United States. It was established in 2010.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1013765

Marawi now returning to normal: AFP chief

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From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 24): Marawi now returning to normal: AFP chief

The situation in Marawi City is now returning back to normal.

This was stressed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año when asked about the situation on the locality after the government officially declared the end of all combat operations in the area.

"The situation in Marawi now is (returning) to normal, we have actually sent off units also going out of Marawi (and) nagde-deploy tayo in preparation sa ASEAN Summit this coming November at saka unti-unti na nating ibabalik yung mga units na kinuha sa Visayas at saka Luzon pero meron pa rin tayong mga pwersang iiwanan dyan sa Marawi," he added.

No skirmishes have been reported as of this time, the AFP chief pointed.

Troops are helping the damage assessment and physical clearing of bombs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) left by the Maute Group which could cause casualties if left unattended.

Asked if he considers the Maute Group defeated after the battering it got in Marawi City, Año replied: "Matagal na, sa tingin ko matagal na panahon yan maga-attempt sila mag-recover, they don't have such capability na ginawa nila katulad dito sa Marawi, ang babantayan lang natin dito yung mga lone wolf attack, yung meron isa dalawa at magpapakitang gilas at magpapasabog ng IED, yun ang babantayan natin na wala sanang mangyaring ganun, pero yung scale na ginawa nila not (Marawi attack), they don't have (that) capability (anymore)."

Around 920 Maute Group terrorists and their allies were killed in the five-month battle that started last May 23 when authorities tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and his cohorts.

The AFP chief also expressed confidence that all terrorists had been wiped out in the fighting and all that remains for the military to neutralize is the Abu Sayyaf and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1013731

China guarantees PH partnership on Marawi rehab

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From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 24): China guarantees PH partnership on Marawi rehab

China Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua on Tuesday said the country could find a "partner" in China as it begins the process of Marawi reconstruction.

This, after China handed over 47 units of heavy equipment to the Philippines on Oct. 23 (Monday) for the rehabilitation and rebuilding of the war-ravaged city.

"I’m glad China is the first country to donate and deliver rehabilitation equipment to the Philippines. There is a Chinese saying, that is, when you want to do something good, then do it timely," said Zhao in a speech sent by the Chinese embassy to the media.

"These equipment arrived just at the time when the reconstruction of Marawi City is about to begin. The donation is timely and they are going to (be) put to use immediately," he added.

At the beginning of the campaign against Islamic State-inspired terrorists, Zhao said China committed to stand together with the Philippines.

"It is not only because combating terrorism is the shared responsibility of all nations, but also, and more importantly, that we are close neighbors, partners,and friends," he said.

China has delivered two batches of rifles and ammunition to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

As per the embassy, the third batch will be delivered in the first half of 2018, with total value of PHP800 million.

Cash donation for the purpose of humanitarian assistance provided by Beijing has reached PHP95 million.

Zhao congratulated the Philippine government, the AFP in particular, on the victory of its anti-terror campaign in Marawi after two key figures of the siege, Isnilon Hapilon and Omarkhayam Maute, were confirmed killed in a military operation.

"It was a tough fight in an urban environment but through your determination and bravery, gallantry and combat capabilities, you have proven yet again that terrorism can be defeated and will be defeated," he said.

"I am fully confident that under the wise leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte, the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Marawi City will be a complete success," he noted.

"In this important reconstruction process, you will have a friend and partner," he ended.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1013744

Australia to provide urban warfare training to PH troops

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From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 24): Australia to provide urban warfare training to PH troops

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) would provide Filipino troops urban warfare training, Australian Defense Minister Marise Payne said here Tuesday.

During the Philippines-Australia Joint Conference at the 4th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus, a high-level regional security forum among the regional bloc's member states and other countries, Payne said the ADF would deploy mobile training teams who would provide urban warfare counter-terrorism training in the Philippines in the coming days.

She said the practical training the ADF would provide would ensure that Filipino troops would be more equipped in countering brutal tactics by terrorists.

"Through our significant involvement in the Counter-Daesh campaign in Iraq and Syria, Australia has skills and knowledge that we can share with the Philippines’ Armed Forces," Payne told reporters. Daesh is another term for the Islamic State (IS).

“It’s like made up of mobile training teams, approximately 80 in total. We will go to the appropriate military bases as agreed with the Philippines' Armed Forces and the Philippine Government, to provide the urban warfare training to work with the army and the marines. The focus will be on conducting urban operations,” she added.

The Royal Australian Navy would also conduct ship visits to the Philippines that would involve a range of cooperative activities to help build the Philippine Navy’s capacity, Payne said, noting that this cooperation would begin with next month’s visit of an Australian patrol boat.

She also confirmed that Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had agreed to a new range of measures that would strengthen the two countries' cooperation to ensure that the Philippine Armed Forces would be able to face the challenges posed by modern-day terrorism.

“As part of the increased cooperation, we have also agreed to work together to enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in the southern Philippines; strengthen information-sharing arrangements; and enhance maritime security engagement and bilateral maritime patrols,” the Australian defense minister said.

Australia and the Philippines would also co-host a multiagency civil, military and law enforcement seminar on post-conflict rehabilitation efforts later this year, she said, adding that this would focus on lessons from past operations and international and local civil-military-police expertise that would beef up the Filipino troops’ ability to combat terror threats in the long run.

For his part, Lorenzana welcomed the partnership between Manila and Canberra on the extensive Defence Cooperation Program that provides the mechanisms for military support, intelligence sharing, and people-to-people exchanges.

“Minister Payne and I discussed various programs and activities aimed at strengthening the defense cooperation between the two countries, particularly the possibility of visiting combat training facilities in Australia for some members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), as well as information sharing, maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, the growing security concern in the Korean peninsula, and finalizing mutual agreements between the two countries,” he said.

The defense chief said Australia had already offered to provide training based on the Philippines’ needs and Australia’s capabilities, including airspace coordination, urban warfare, and maritime operations.

“While we need the troops now for the training on urban warfare, we also need to build a capacity to… train our troops. So the program that we are going to do in the future is to build our urban fighting centers,” he said.

Lorenzana expressed his gratitude to the Australian government for providing invaluable support to the AFP’s operations against the Maute Group, particularly on increasing operational and situational awareness in the conflict area by providing surveillance planes to help our troops on the ground.

“Truly, the fight against global terror cannot be addressed by one country alone, and we are very much appreciative of Australia’s support for our counter-terrorism program,” he said.

“Together with Minister Payne, I am confident that the Philippines and Australia will continue to strengthen our defense cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two countries,” Lorenzana said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1013708

Kintanar assumes top PAF post Tuesday

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From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 24): Kintanar assumes top PAF post Tuesday

Lt. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar, Jr., a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985, will be assuming command of the Philippine Air Force during short ceremonies in Clark Airbase, Pampanga Tuesday afternoon.

He will be replacing Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina, a member of PMA Class of 1982, who will be retiring from the service after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

President Rodrigo Duterte will be leading the change-of-command and retirement ceremonies.

Kintanar is described by his peers as silent worker, strategic thinker and an expert pilot.

He also served as Western Command head, which is headquartered in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, prior to his selection as PAF chief.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1013684

Intel appreciation could have cut short Marawi campaign: Año

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From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 24): Intel appreciation could have cut short Marawi campaign: Año

If there is anything that the military could have done differently in the five-month battle for the liberation of Marawi City against the Maute Group terrorists, it would be in intelligence appreciation.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año made this statement when asked on what particular adjustments the military could have made to shorten or made the Marawi City campaign less costly or prolonged.

Around 920 terrorists were killed since the campaign in Marawi City started in May 23 while 165 troopers made the ultimate sacrifice in the course of the five-month campaign.

"Siguro yung tinatawag nating appreciation sa intelligence information, marami nang mga dumating na information but we're busy running after terrorists in Sulu (and) Basilan in Maguindanao, so nagkulang tayo ng appreciation na this bunch of Maute-ISIS holed somewhere in Butig and Piagapo, they did the unthinkable which is occupy Marawi, yun nagkulang tayo sa appreciation, " he said.

And if they have time to do this, Año said the AFP could have prepared and deployed more troops and equipment to counter the terrorists aside from employing commanders skillful in the use of intelligence and developing assets in the conflict area.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1013660
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