Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7, 2021): NPA anti-personnel mines seized in Masbate (By Connie Calipay and Mar Serrano)

HOT PURSUIT. Photo of assorted sizes of anti-personnel mines seized by the Masbate City Police and Army troops in a hot pursuit operation against perpetrators of an anti-personnel blast in Barangay Anas, Masbate City that killed the Far Eastern University football player and his cousin, and wounded a minor on Sunday (June 6). (Photo courtesy of Masbate City Police Station)

Operatives of Masbate City Police Station and Army troops conducted hot pursuit operations after Sunday's anti-personnel land mine (APM) blast believed to be planted by New People's Army rebels in Barangay Anas, Masbate City that killed the Far Eastern University (FEU) football player, and his cousin, and wounded another family member.

Government troops clashed with fleeing NPA rebels in Barangay Mapiña and seized assorted sizes of APM at the encounter site.

“The firefight lasted for 10 minutes with no casualty among the government troops while undetermined on the enemy side,” said Lt. Col. Steve dela Rosa, Masbate City chief of police, in an interview on Monday.

He said the area is still being scoured by the composite teams while checkpoints have been put up in Barangay Kinamaligan and Bayombom.

Meanwhile, in Bulan town, Sorsogon, an NPA guerrilla identified as alias Gorio surrendered to Army's 22nd Infantry Battalion (22IB) on Sunday.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Nelson Mico, Battalion Commander of 22IB, said the surrenderer also turned in an M16 rifle, an improvised hand grenade, and one .38 caliber revolver.

“Alias Gorio was also encouraged to go down the mountains after learning about the continuous surrender of his former comrades since the beginning of 2021,” he said.

Col. Aldwine Almase, Brigade Commander of 903rd Infantry Brigade, lauded his troops for the undying passion and commitment to efficiently deliver positive results for the government's all-out war against communist insurgency.

"While the CTG (communist terrorist group) is trying to carry out their evil acts, we are doubling our time to continue crippling them, bring them on bended knees, and eventually push them to extinction," Almase said.

In Donsol, Sorsogon, a separate joint combat operation overran CTGs hideouts and seized several materials and supplies.

Lt. Col. Eric Culvera, Battalion Commander of 31st Infantry Battalion, said the accomplishment will restrict the movement of the NPA rebels as they will have to look for another encampment, making them more vulnerable to the government troops.

Maj. Gen. Henry Robinson Jr, commander of the Joint Task Force Bicolandia, said despite CTGs' attempts to hamper the implementation of the Whole-of-Nation Approach, the security sector holds fast to its mandate of finishing the fight against communist insurgency.

"Our resolve to make the CTG irrelevant and put an end to their useless cause is firm enough to be swayed by the terrorist group's atrocities. What makes our campaigns triumphant is the support from the Bicolanos whose clamor is genuine peace and sustainable development," Robinson said.

The use of APMs is a violation of the International Humanitarian Law and the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention adopted by the international community, prohibiting the acquisition, production, stockpiling, and use of weapons.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1142819

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7, 2021): Minor, 3 others hurt in NPA mine blast in Legazpi (By Connie Calipay and Mar Serrano)

CONDEMNATION. The military on Monday (June 7, 2021) condemns the terroristic act committed by the New People's Army in Legazpi City on Sunday. Four civilians including an 11-year-old girl were wounded when anti-personnel mines planted by the rebels exploded in an upland village road. (Infographic courtesy of 9ID)

Four civilians were wounded, including a retired government official and a minor, when hit with shrapnels from an anti-personnel mine (APM) that exploded, planted by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels along an upland village road here on Sunday, a Philippine Army (PA) report said on Monday.

Capt. Ronnel Cabagnan, head of the Civil-Military Operations of the Army's 31st Infantry Battalion, identified the victims as Romeo, 38, and Visitacion, 40, both surnamed Mariscotes, an 11-year-old girl, and lawyer Merda Paterson, a retired Ombudsman investigator.

The victims were on board a car that was negotiating the road near the Delta Homes subdivision in the sub-village of Tico-Tico in Barangay Homapon when the explosion occurred at around 10 a.m. They were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of shrapnel wounds.

More than seven hours earlier, a Globe cell site in the village was set on fire by the same group of NPA rebels that planted the APM along the road, the military report said.

Cabagnan said the torching of the cell site happened at around 2:30 a.m.

According to villagers, they sighted a group of still unidentified people roaming around the Globe facility before the fire broke out.

Apparently, the rebels poured gasoline at the cabinet that houses three rectifiers, micro antenna, and other equipment at the cell site.

Capt. John Paul Belleza, chief of the public affairs office of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division (9ID), in a phone interview, said the incident was an NPA tactic to step up their extortion activities and a diversionary strategy by setting up APM offensive against military and police responders.

Meanwhile, the 31st Infantry Battalion (31IB) condemned the attack perpetrated by the rebel group.

“Ang naturang panununog at pagpasabog ng mga teroristang NPA ay isang tahasang paglabag sa Comprehensive Agreement on Respect to Human Rights and International Law. (The torching and explosion acts done by the NPA are violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect to Human Rights and International Law)," Lt. Col. Eric Culvera, 31IB commander, said in a statement.

He said he ordered the Army troops to continue conducting security operations to maintain peace and order in the community and make sure that NPAs will not harm other civilians.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) - NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1142792

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7, 2021): Serve Filipinos with passion, selflessness, new soldiers urged (By Edwin Fernandez)

NEW SOLDIERS. A total of 185 proud and young soldiers are ready to serve the country as they completed military training at the Division Training School in Maguindanao on Sunday (June 6, 2021). The MANDILAAB Class 653-2020 (Mandirigmang Lalaban Alang-Alang Sa Bayan) has undergone extensive military training for five months. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) now has 185 new, proud young soldiers who are ready to serve the country.

“As new graduates, serve the Filipino people with passion and selfless service,” Major General Juvymax Uy, 6th ID commander and concurrent chief of the Joint Task Force Central, said in a statement released Monday.

This, after the new batch of soldiers, has completed on Sunday their military training at the 6ID Training School in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Uy reminded the young soldiers to always follow legal orders and continuously aim for excellence by taking up specialized training in the future.

“Obey the chain of command and perform outstandingly as true soldiers of the Filipino people,” he said.

The 185-strong members of the Candidate Soldier Course “MANDILAAB Class 653-2020” (Mandirigmang Lalaban Alang-Alang Sa Bayan) have undergone rigorous and tremendous military training for five months.

Candidate Soldier Michael Flores, the class forerunner, received the “Leadership Award” for demonstrating outstanding aptitude, military knowledge, and exemplary military bearing.

Topping the class were candidate-soldiers Eugene Herrera, Jerom Delausa, and Darryl Caritativo, having a general average of 92.32 percent, 92.21 percent, and 91.95 percent, respectively.

Herrera also received the “Physical Fitness Proficiency Award” for obtaining the highest rating in the physical fitness test.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1142786

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7, 2021): BARMM cop chief seeks deeper probe on nabbed gunrunners’ links (By Edwin Fernandez)

CAUGHT. Highway patrol unit officers and soldiers conduct data gathering after two suspects (in civilian clothes) were nabbed for possession of high-powered firearms (inset) at a Joint Task Force Kutawato checkpoint on Delta Bridge connecting Cotabato City and Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on June 4, 2021. Police probers are currently digging deeper into the case to determine possible links of the suspects to lawless groups operating in nearby Maguindanao province. (Photo courtesy of PRO-BARMM)

The chief of the Police Regional Office - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BARMM) has ordered a deeper probe on the links of two suspected gunrunners who recently tried to sneak in a pistol and a crew-served machine gun in Cotabato City.

Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale issued the order Monday to police offices of Maguindanao, Cotabato City, and the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) to determine where the firearms – a disassembled .50-caliber machine gun and a .45-caliber pistol – were headed to before they were found in the possession of the suspects.

“I want to know if there exists a connection between the suspects and the armed group operating in Maguindanao,” Ugale said.

On June 4, suspects Mohammidin Sabal Monico, 31, and his nephew Alidatu Abdul Monico, 26; who were arrested with the firearms inside their car at the Delta Bridge checkpoint bordering the city and Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

The police and HPG personnel were supposed to check why the two were not wearing seat belts while onboard their metallic gray Toyota Vios car but found the firearms inside instead.

“When they were flagged down, the driver and the passenger appeared restless, making the police conduct plain view inspection while HPG personnel inspect the car’s registration records,” he said.

He said suspects claimed they are residents of Sitio Talaingid, Barangay Tamontaka Mother in Cotabato City but village officials disowned them saying they have no residents with such names.

Cases of violation of RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and RA 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code) for non-wearing of seat belts were filed against the suspects.

The duo are detained at Police Station 1 lock-up cell while the car was turned over to Regional Highway Patrol Unit -BARMM for verification and custody.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1142782

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2021): NPA leader wanted for IHL violation nabbed in Masbate (By Connie Calipay)

File photo

Police arrested on Saturday a high-ranking New People’s Army (NPA) leader operating in Masbate, who is also the No. 5 most wanted person in Pio V. Corpus town.

Maj. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Police Regional Office-5 (PRO-5) spokesperson, on Sunday identified the suspect as Narciso Jao, 39, a habal-habal (motorcycle for hire) driver and a resident of Barangay Alegria in Pio V. Corpus.

"Jao was arrested on Saturday morning, based on an arrest warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 49 in Cataingan, Masbate last July 16, 2020, for violation of Republic Act 9851 or Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and other Crimes Against Humanity," the report said. “No bail was recommended.”

Jao, also known as Ka Manong, is a member of Militia ng Bayan under Rogelio Suson Command as the commanding officer of Larangan 2, Komiteng Probinsya in South Masbate, the report stated.

The suspect is under the custody of Pio V. Corpus Municipal Police Station.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, regional director said the success in capturing the NPA leader is proof of the police's determination to end the five-decade of harassment of insurgents.

"Hindi natin pahihintulutan ang mga ito na muli’t muling gawin biktima ang ating mga kababayan sa kanilang baluktot na ipinaglalaban (We will not allow them to use our fellow Bicolanos for their wrong ideology)," Estomo added.

He urged other members of the NPA to go down from the mountains, return to the fold of the law, and avail of government programs to rebuild their lives.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1142756

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2021): Parents of rescued IP kids deceived on Davao-Cebu transfer (By Che Palicte)

CLUELESS. Larry Mandakawan (left), one of the rescued Indigenous Peoples students, bares in a virtual press briefing with his father, Datu Butigon, on May 28, 2021, that his parents were clueless about their transfer from Davao to Cebu City. The parents thought that all along, their children were at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines Haran Center in Davao City. (Screengrab from NTF-ELCAC)

One of the indigenous peoples (IP) students rescued from the University of San Carlos (USC) campus in Cebu City on Feb. 15, 2021 said heir parents were forced to sign, using thumbmarks, a waiver indicating that they allowed their children to study at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Haran Center in Davao City.

“But the contract said otherwise,” said Larry Mandakawan, citing that the waiver was actually a consent for them to be transported to Cebu City.

In the recent National Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) virtual press conference dubbed "TAGGED: Debunking lies by telling the truth”, he insisted that UCCP Haran administrators deceived their parents who were told that their children will be staying at UCCP Haran.

“Our parents signed the waiver. They did not even know the content of the document. They were only told that it is to signify that they allow us to stay in Haran to study,” he said in vernacular.

“Even us, we didn’t know that we will go to that place. We came to Haran to study because that’s what they promised to us. But despite that, we still thought that we were brought to Cebu to study,” Mandakawan added.

Before the rescue

Mandakawan was once a student of Salugpungan Ta'Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center, Inc. in Talaingod, Davao del Norte but when the Department of Education in Region 11 ordered the closure of the “bakwit” (evacuee) school in October 2019, he went to Haran to continue his education.

“When the Salugpungan was shut down, we looked for a school where we can continue our studies. And we thought that the right place was in Haran,” Mandakawan recounted.

He said they stayed for one week in Haran and were told that they will be transferred to Cebu where a “bakwit” school awaited them.

“When we reached Cebu, two vans are waiting for us. One was for the girls and the other one for us,” he recalled.

Mandakawan said they were brought to a rally before they were transferred to Minglanilla.

“As far as I remember, we joined the rally three times there. After the rally, we went home and we did not have anything to eat. Sometimes we eat salt as viand. There were a lot of mosquitos in our room and it was also stinky,” he said.

Mandakawan said they did not mind the struggle for they were promised education.

After Minglanilla, he said they were brought to St. Escolastica where they stayed for 11 days and again joined a rally.

“Then we were transferred to the USC campus where we were rescued,” he further said.

Root of misery

Mandakawan’s father, Datu Butigon, said in a press briefing in Tagum City, Davao del Norte on May 18, that his wife, Samana, was severely stressed after learning their son has been brought to Cebu and eventually died.

He wants justice not only for his child but also for his wife.

“She was worried a lot and the loneliness caused her death,” he said.

He appealed to the national government to help children and their families attain justice.

“Help us to fight against them. They need to face trial for kidnapping and abducting our children,” he said in the vernacular.

Datu Butigon also wants charges filed against the members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who are "victimizing" their children.

Various charges

Lawyer Marlon Bosantog, NTF-ELCAC spokesperson on Legal Affairs and IP concerns, previously said the abductors committed child abuse, illegal detention, and trafficking.

“The state mandates that the custody of the children will always be with their parents. What is Chad Booc’s right over these minors? Right there and then, the parents denied them custody,” Bosantog pointed out, referring to one of the abductors.

“Until now, they can’t show that consent was given. You cannot bring one person to another place without parental consent,” he added.

He added that the government has filed cases for violations of International Humanitarian Law for turning IP minors into child warriors.

The CPP-NPA is also listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1142765

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2021): FEU booter, cousin killed in NPA mine blast in Masbate (By Connie Calipay)

SENSELESS. One of the two victims of an explosion incident, reportedly masterminded by the New People’s Army, lies on a grassy area in Purok 4, Barangay Anas, Masbate City on Sunday (June 6, 2021). Police identified the victims as Nolven Absalon, 40, and Far Eastern University football player Kieth Absalon, 21. (Contributed photo)

Two people were killed, including a young football player of the Far Eastern University (FEU), while a minor was wounded in an anti-personnel land mine (APM) blast believed to have been planted by the New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Masbate on Sunday.

In a statement, Maj. Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) spokesperson, said the incident in Purok 4, Barangay Anas killed FEU varsity player Kieth Absalon, 21, and his cousin Nolven Absalon, 40.

Chrisbin Daniel Absalon, 16, Nolven’s son, sustained injuries and is being treated at the Masbate Provincial Hospital.

A suspected anti-personnel land mine was detonated while the victims were riding on a bicycle.

The Masbate City Police Station received information from local residents about the explosion.

"Based on the investigation, the victims were cycling with their family and relatives going to Barangay B. Titong in the town proper," Calubaquib said.

Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, PRO-5 director, ordered the deployment of an additional police team in the area.

"All adjacent police stations were directed to conduct checkpoints," Calubaquib added.

PRO-5 condemned the rebel group’s attack.

"Ang insidenteng ito ay isa namang malinaw na patunay sa makasariling pilosopiya ng mga NPA, karahasang walang pinipiling tao, lugar o edad. Ang PNP Bicol ay kaisa ng bawat pamilyang Bicolano upang tuldukan ang limang dekadang pananakot at pagkitil sa mga buhay ng mga inosenteng mamamayan (This incident is another proof that the NPA only thinks about its interests. Their violent acts spare no one. PNP Bicol is one with the entire region in the bid to end five decades of instilling fear and killing innocent lives)," Estomo said in a statement.

Kieth Absalon: Jan. 1, 2000 - June 6, 2021 (Photo courtesy of Malaya FC)

Heartbroken

Tributes poured in on Facebook for Absalon.

“We are all still very much in shock,” FEU football program head Vince Santos said in a statement.

"The FEU Tamaraw Community is deeply saddened by the passing away of Kieth Absalon of the FEU men’s football team. Kieth started his football journey with FEU as a 13-year-old, seventh grader in 2013 and became one of the best high school players in UAAP football history. Kieth’s toughness on the field and constant smiles off will truly be missed by his brothers in the men’s football team and the entire FEU community," FEU posted on Facebook.

Malaya Football Club, a non-profit organization that helps aspiring football players, said on Facebook “our hearts are broken as we bid farewell to another of our own”.

“A born leader, always motivating and inspiring his U19 teammates even at their lowest during their games. A follower of the highest order, always willing and able to take on any position assigned to him by his coaches and perform his best,” Malaya FC posted.

The group described Absalon as kind, gentle, and respectful off the pitch.

“Farewell, Keith. Thank you for sharing your brief moment on Earth with Malaya FC and bringing pride and inspiration to our lives,” the post read.

The FEU women’s football team sent its “heartfelt sympathy” to the Absalon family.

“We hope your family get courage to face the days ahead and with loving memories to hold in your hearts. May God help you get through this difficult time,” the post read.

Terroristic acts

The international community adopted the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine (APM) Ban Convention prohibiting the acquisition, production, stockpiling, and use of the weapons.

More than 160 states are party to the APM Ban Convention that went into effect in 1999.

APM is prohibited under international humanitarian law.

Even if it is “command detonated” as alleged Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) information officer Marco Valbuena always justifies, APM kills and can kill civilian non-combatants, according to authorities..

The CPP-NPA is also listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1142761

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 7, 2021): Southern Leyte solon hopeful TF-ELCAC bill taken up after SONA (By Marcelo M. Pedalino)

MAASIN CITY, June 4 (PIA) -- The legislative measure that seeks to institutionalize the whole-of-nation approach in ending the decades-old communist insurgency in the country may be calendared after the President’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) next month.

This was expressed by Cong. Roger Mercado, principal author of the said house move, in an impromptu press briefing Wednesday at his residence in this city.

He said he would make a follow up on this matter after the President shall have delivered his annual address, his sixth and final SONA, on the last Monday of July, this year the date is July 26.

The lone district lawmaker of the province earlier confirmed he had filed a bill to make permanent in the government’s agenda matrix the implementation of Task Force - End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) and its corresponding counterpart down to the regional and local government levels.

Last month, during a virtual press conference Panindugan anchored by Olive Tiu, PIA regional director, it was Col. Perfecto Peñaredondo of 8ID who revealed that Cong. Mercado initiated efforts in the lower house of Congress to enact a law integrating TF-ELCAC functions.

With Executive Order 70 as basis for now since 2018, the task force is actually a convergence of several national line agencies including the private sector whose primary goal is to bring various services to vulnerable, distant, and isolated barangays, to let people feel and see how government works.

“We should not be fighting each other. Ever since I have advocated peace and development for our people in the countrysides,” Cong. Mercado emphasized.

On attempts to defund the budget of TF-ELCAC, Cong. Mercado was confident it will not prosper.

Meanwhile, two house bills with local application were approved on second reading, and these are HB 9534 and HB 9536, both establishing fish ports in Saint Bernard and Barangay Ichon, Macrohon, respectively, according to Diego Credo, the congressman’s info officer, in a message sent to local media. (ldl/mmp/PIA8-Southern Leyte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1077183

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 6, 2021): Camp Bushra Somiorang chief hails gov’t support for Bangsamoro (By Claire R. Gigje)

BUTIG, Lanao del Sur, June 6 (PIA)--Camp Bushra Somiorang chairman, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Northeastern Mindanao Front’s commander and parliament member Basit “Jannati” Mimbantas” Abbas pleasantly lauded the present administration for the visible relevant initiatives delivered in Bangsamoro communities through the normalization track.

During the turnover of mobile rice mills kicked off by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) at his camp in Lanao del Sur Friday, June 4, Abbas recognized the striving departments and organizations that kept an eye on the peace process.

“We thank the generous assistance of the different contributors from the government, the DTI and other departments, the OPAPP, JNC, JPSC, other organizations and individuals who are behind the realization of our elusive dreams and for all the projects and developments in implementing the normalization track of the peace process,” Abbas warmly stated in his opening message.

He further delivered his appreciation to leaders in authority, groups, and the public who exerted efforts to campaign for the approval of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

“We convey our ocean of gratitude to the international community, to all stakeholders both local and national for all your unforgettable contributions and assistance, to our President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the Senate and Congress, the Supreme Court, the AFP, PNP, peace mechanism, local government units, and our masses who supported and voted overwhelmingly for the Bangsamoro Organic Law during the historic plebiscite,” Abbas expressed.

The BOL was signed way back in 2018 and designated as Republic Act No. 11054 paved the way for the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) repealing the law of the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

With this, Abbas acknowledged the impact brought by the realized Bangsamoro transition.

“The invisibility status of the Bangsamoro for the past 500 years is now in the state of visibility in the corners of the globe because of all your support and historic assistance for which the Bangsamoro is indebted,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abbas saw the latest conducted government service in their area as a notable initiative as it signified the continuous pushing of their mission which is peace and progress.

“Our momentous gathering today is a very significant and historical event because this is a reflection or continuation of our noble endeavor and sacrifices to attain just and lasting peace and development in the Bangsamoro in particular and our country in general,” he pronounced.

During the recent government outreach at Camp Bushra Somiorang, the DTI and the OPAPP handed over five mobile rice mills for the camp’s noted cooperatives through the Inter Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization-Peaceful Return and Aggressive Inclusion Social Entrepreneurship (ICCMN-PRAISE). (CRG/ PIA-ICIC)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1077350

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 6, 2021): MILF Northeastern Mindanao Front backs govt’s peacebuilding efforts (By Claire R. Gigje)

BUTIG, Lanao del Sur, June 6 (PIA)--Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Northeastern Mindanao Front through its commander Parliament Member Basit “Jannati” Mimbantas” Abbas conveyed its commitment to support the peacebuilding efforts of the government through engaging in educational campaign deliberately for Bangsamoro citizens.

“We are here to strengthen our peacebuilding efforts in the Bangsamoro by implementing, launching or participating in the information and education campaign (IEC) on the normalization of the Bangsamoro peace process which is spearheaded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), and PNP force and Development Center (PPDC),” he said in the launching of mobile rice mill project at Camp Bushra Somiorang in the province of Lanao del Sur Friday, June 4.

According to Abbas, the IEC will serve as the platform for different participants to deepen their understanding of the political and normalization tracks of the Bangsamoro peace process.

He stressed that their partaking in various governmental endeavors is driven by their desire to promote a solid relationship to their citizenry as they believe that it is the peacebuilding initiative that posts the realization that one cannot prosper without the other.

“We are here to establish strong ties among ourselves. We are one body and one soul… The right hand will protect the left hand and all the organs of our body will take care of each other or otherwise, the body will be destroyed. A house divided cannot stand,” stated Abbas.

Meanwhile, the front commander reminded his constituents of their major mission which is to reform their society which they believe has been ‘corruptive’ for centuries.

He maintained that what they are fighting for does not signify personal interest, position and honor, rather, it implies their noble struggle to establish lasting peace, justice, happiness, and prosperity for the people and the children of the coming generations.

Abbas also refreshed the public that the BARMM is and will always be everyone’s treasure and not just of one individual.

“The Bangsamoro autonomous government is all ours. This is not a personal property of the MILF nor the MNLF. Sa atin lahat ang BARMM [BARMM is for all of us], both Muslims, Christians and indigenous people,” he emphasized.

Abbas then called on his people to inculcate in mind the change they want which they think will lead them to the betterment of their society.

With this, he finally enjoins the current administration to support the extension of the Bangsamoro transition authority.

“That is why we and our people are asking for the extension of the BTA in order to fulfill and implement in its totality all the signed agreements between the government of the Philippines and the MILF. This is not an extension of power but an extension of the mandate of the Bangsamoro transition authority,” Abbas urged. (CRG/ PIA-ICIC)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1077349

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 6, 2021): DTI assures MILF coops of marketing assistance (By Apipa P. Bagumbaran)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 5 (PIA)--Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Special Concerns and Trade Promotions Group assured Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) cooperatives who will receive entrepreneurial projects of the Department’s assistance in providing market access.

Macatoman, who recently visited MILF’s Camp Bilal in Lanao del Norte and Camp Bushra Somiorang in Lanao del Sur to lead the turnover of mobile rice mill projects, conveyed that DTI is not only committed to provide equipment and other shared service facilities but also marketing support and other related services such as branding, packaging, and labeling, among others.

“Expert po ang DTI sa mga marketing assistance kung papano nila ibenta (yung mga produkto). Dun sa value chain, kami ay makakaassist sa kanila pati sa packaging kung sila ay may mga products na gusto nilang ibenta,” he said.

[DTI is an expert in marketing assistance, on how they can sell (their products). In the value chain, we can assist them as well as in packaging if they have the products they want to sell.]

Macatoman said he is attending turnover of projects under the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization-Peaceful Return and Aggressive Inclusion Social Entrepreneurship (ICCMN-PRAISE) program to personally assess what other interventions are needed by the MILF camps noting the different characteristics and needs of each camp.

“Tinitingnan natin yung pwedeng mga high-value crops na pwede nilang maexport not just for domestic consumption. Aside sa palayan o kaya mais, tinitingnan din natin ang coconut, lalong-lalo na yung virgin coconut oil na pwede tayong makapagbigay din ng equipment para makapagprocess sila,” he said. [We are looking at possible high-value crops that they can export, not just for domestic consumption. Aside from rice or corn, we also look at coconut, especially virgin coconut oil wherein we can also provide equipment for them to process (VCO).]

Macatoman added that DTI is also eyeing shared service facilities for the production and processing of other high-value crops such as coffee and cacao.

On Friday, June 4, MILF cooperatives under the five base command of the Northeastern Mindanao Front received mobile rice mill projects from DTI through the ICCMN-PRAISE, a program that seeks to boost economic development in major MILF camps and Bangsamoro communities.

The recipients are 120th Base Command Madrasah Norol Hidaya Picotaan Producer Cooperative based in Lumbatan town; Bangsamoro Bushra Region Producer Cooperative 119th Base in Butig town; and 101st Base Command Robinhood Farmers and Fisherfolk Producer Cooperative, 103rd Base Command Producers Cooperative, and Insan Livelihood Service Cooperative, all based in Nusa, Balindong. (APB/PIA-ICIC)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1077346

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 6, 2021): OPAPP manager cites importance of concerted efforts in peacebuilding (By Apipa P. Bagumbaran)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 5 (PIA)--The Northern Mindanao area manager of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) reiterated on Friday, June 4, that attaining sustainable peace can be achieved through the concerted efforts of all sectors of society.

Speaking at the launching of the Mobile Rice Mill Project for former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants in Lanao del Sur, James Alih Abdul said peacebuilding has now shifted to the whole-of-nation approach (WNA) strategy.

“Ang peacebuilding naging whole-of-nation po ito dahil sa Executive Order na ginawa ng Presidente, ang EO 70... ito ang tinatawag na whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach. Ito po ay isang realization na yung approach natin sa armed conflict hindi lang sa pamamaraan ng military solution, kailangan lahat ng mamamayang Pilipino ay makaparticipate at kasali sa usaping peace building,” he said.

[Peacebuilding has become whole-of-nation because of the Executive Order of the President, the EO 70 .. this is called the whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach. This is a realization that our approach to the armed conflict is not only through a ‘military solution’, but all Filipinos must be able to participate in peacebuilding.]

The WNA is a multi-pronged strategy wherein government agencies will prioritize and sync their efforts to bring social development interventions to conflict-affected and conflict-vulnerable communities and ensure active participation of all sectors of society in the pursuit of inclusive and sustainable peace.

Abdul noted that such participation is also needed to sustain the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process.

“Dito, na establish na natin ang BARMM...pero hindi huminto dun sa peace agreement or dun sa pag decommissioned ng mga combatants. Tuloy-tuloy ang support ng gobyerno kaya meron tayong socio-economic support through the DTI,” he said while citing the mobile rice mill project as part of the dividends of the peace agreement between the government and the MILF.

[Here, we have established the BARMM ... but it did not stop with the peace agreement or the decommissioning of the combatants. The government's support is continuous, that is why we have socio-economic support through the DTI.]

“Yung limang mobile rice mill, inaasahan natin na yung ating mga decommissioned combatants ay makinabang dito with their families and their communities,” he added.

[We hope that our decommissioned combatants with their families and their communities will benefit from the five mobile rice mills.]

Meanwhile, Abdul reminded the former combatants of their commitments to strengthen peacebuilding and development efforts.

‘On our part, dapat magsubmit din tayo dun sa mga polisiya at guidelines ng cooperative [On our part, we must also submit to the policies and guidelines of the cooperative],” he emphasized referring to the usufruct agreement between the DTI and the recipient-MILF cooperatives on the operation of the mobile rice mill. (APB/PIA-ICIC)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1077344

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 6, 2021): MILF’s mobile rice mill to benefit other Bangsamoro communities (By Apipa P. Bagumbaran)

MARAWI CITY, June 5 (PIA)--Bangsamoro communities near the camps of the five Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Base Command in Lanao del Sur are also set to benefit from the mobile rice mill project granted to the MILF Northeastern Mindanao Front.

MILF Northeastern Mindanao Front commander and Bangsamoro Government Member of the Parliament Basit “Jannati” Mimbantas Abbas expresses gratitude DTI, OPAPP, and other agencies and organizations for implementing projects under the normalization track of the peace process.

Front commander and Member of the Bangsamoro Parliament (MP) Basit “Jannati” Mimbantas Abbas gave the assurance that his base commanders are going to share the livelihood facility from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to other farmers in neighboring communities

“I instructed our base commanders saka yung mga cooperatives natin na recipient ng mobile rice mill na galing sa DTI na hindi lang yan sa atin, para yan sa mga barangay natin, at mga farmers natin para mapakinabangan yung mobile rice mill,’ he said.

[I instructed our base commanders and our cooperatives that are recipients of the mobile rice mill from the DTI that it is not just for us, it is for our barangays, and our farmers so we can take advantage of the mobile rice mill.]

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) launched the mobile rice mill project in Camp Bushra Somiorang in Butig on Friday, June 4, as part of the government’s commitment under the normalization track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

The project was launched through the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization-Peaceful Return and Aggressive Inclusion Social Entrepreneurship (ICCMN-PRAISE) program, a socio-economic intervention that aims to create economic opportunities for decommissioned MILF combatants, their families, and their communities.

DTI Special Concerns and Trade Promotions Group Usec. Abdulgani Macatoman lauded the MP for his instruction to share the facility.

‘Ito rin naman usaping kapayapaan ay hindi lang para sa isang asosasyon o kooperatiba lamang, kung hindi ang magiging recipient ay pangkahalatan,” he said. [This peace talk is not just for a particular association or cooperative only, but for all.]

Macatoman also explained that the usufruct agreement stipulated that the facility should be shared.

“This would be shared . Kaya lang ina-identify lang natin yung cooperative, yung people’s organization or association para sila yung mangangalaga dun sa facility,” he further said. [This would be shared. But we identify the cooperative, the people's organization or association for they are the ones who will take care of that facility.]

Meanwhile, Macatoman assured that DTI field staff from the Project Monitoring Office will be ready to assist the recipient-cooperatives should they need further assistance in the operation of the facility.

“May mga field staff na tuloy-tuloy ang pagmonitor kung kailangan pa nila ng training at sapat na kaalaman kung paano gamitin ang facility or equipment, ituturo natin yan sa ating mga recipient na kooperatiba,” he added. [There are field staff who are constantly monitoring if they still need training and sufficient knowledge on how to use the facility or equipment, we will teach that to our recipient-cooperatives.] (APB/PIA-ICIC)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1077342

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 6, 2021): MILF communities in Lanao del Sur thankful for gov’t projects (By Apipa P. Bagumbaran)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 5 (PIA)--Leaders of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) communities here in the province conveyed their gratitude and appreciation to the government for bringing in projects that could boost economic development in their respective communities.

A member of one of the MILF recipient cooperatives shows a thumbs-up gesture after their cooperative got a mobile rice mill from the government. (PIA-ICIC)

Through the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization-Peaceful Return and Aggressive Inclusion Social Entrepreneurship (ICCMN-PRAISE) program, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), launched on Friday, June 4, mobile rice mill projects for five MILF base command under the Northeastern Mindanao Front whose general headquarter is in Camp Bushra Somiorang in the municipality of Butig.

Muhammad Rabani, commander of the 120th Base Command based in Lumbatan town, said the mobile rice mill is indeed a big help for the farmers as they will be spared from spending money in taking the paddy (palay) to private rice millers in other barangays and bringing back the rice to their barangay.

“Libre at walang bayad ito (this is free of charge),” he said, thankful that they can get the milling work done right at their camp or barangay.

“Sobrang nagpapasalamat kami sa (we are very grateful to) DTI at sa (and) national government,” expressed Mahid Diongal, president of the 120th Base Command Madrasah Norol Hidaya Picotaan Producer Cooperative. With the mobile rice mill, he said it would be convenient for the cooperative members to mill the paddy.

Brgy. Sandab chairperson Macalawan Diamaoden also thanked the government for the intervention which for him would create a great impact on the socio-economic development of his barangay that envisions to be one of the top rice-producing barangays in the province.

Meanwhile, Northeastern Mindanao Front commander and Bangsamoro Government Member of the Parliament Basit “Jannati” Mimbantas Abbas thanked DTI, OPAPP, and other agencies and organizations for implementing projects under the normalization track of the peace process.

“Today is very significant and historical because this is a reflection or continuation of our noble endeavors and sacrifices to attain just and lasting peace and development in the Bangsamoro and our country in general,” he said. (APB/PIA-ICIC)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1077341

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 6, 2021): 5 MILF base command in Lanao del Sur get mobile rice mill (By Apipa P. Bagumbaran)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 5 (PIA)--Former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants in Lanao del Sur and their families are set to benefit from the national government’s livelihood and entrepreneurial projects.

This, after the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), launched on Friday, June 4, mobile rice mill projects for five MILF base command under the Northeastern Mindanao Front based in Camp Bushra Somiorang in the municipality of Butig, this province.

The recipients are 120th Base Command Madrasah Norol Hidaya Picotaan Producer Cooperative based in Lumbatan town; Bangsamoro Bushra Region Producer Cooperative 119th Base in Butig town; and 101st Base Command Robinhood Farmers and Fisherfolk Producer Cooperative, 103rd Base Command Producers Cooperative, and Insan Livelihood Service Cooperative, all based in Nusa, Balindong.

The project turnover was implemented through the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization-Peaceful Return and Aggressive Inclusion Social Entrepreneurship (ICCMN-PRAISE), a program that seeks to boost agricultural productivity and economic development in major MILF camps and Bangsamoro communities.

Usec. Abdulgani Macatoman of DTI Special Concerns and Trade Promotions Group said the initiative is part of the national government’s sustained efforts to fulfill its commitment under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

The CAB is the final peace agreement signed by the government and the MILF in 2014 after 17 years of negotiations.

Under the Normalization track of the CAB, programs that cover the aspect of security, political participation, confidence building, transitional justice and reconciliation, socio-economic interventions, and sustainable livelihood must be implemented to uplift the lives of decommissioned MILF combatants and accelerate the transformation of MILF camps into peaceful and resilient economic zones.

Macatoman said the mobile rice mill project can create job opportunities and provide a livelihood to the recipient MILF-communities.

“Kami sa DTI, adhikain natin na makapagbigay ng maraming trabaho at makapagcreate ng maraming negosyo at kabuhayan. Ito po ay ginagawa natin para makatulong doon sa mga kapatid nating Bangsamoro na hindi makahanap ng trabaho, makapagturo ng tamang pagnenegosyo, at makapagbigay ng pangkabuhayan,” he said.

[We at DTI, aim to provide more jobs and create more entrepreneurship opportunities. We are doing this to help our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters who cannot find work, to teach them proper entrepreneurship, and provide them livelihood.]

Asec. Ameenah Fajardo of DTI Special Concerns reiterated her Department’s commitment to support efforts in fulfilling the commitments made by the government under the CAB.

“We, at DTI, make sure to find ways to help Filipinos to get back on their feet not only for themselves but also their families,” she said.

She also emphasized that the establishment and operation of the mobile rice mill will provide lucrative means of livelihood and job opportunities for MILF members in Camp Bushra.

During the project launching, the respective Presidents of the recipient-cooperatives of each base command signed a usufruct agreement which sets forth their duties and responsibilities and the role of DTI in monitoring the project.

The signing was witnessed by Northeastern Mindanao Front commander and Member of the Parliament Basit “Jannati” Mimbantas Abbas who thanked DTI, OPAPP, and other government agencies and organizations for implementing projects under the normalization track of the peace process.

“Today is very significant and historical because this is a reflection or continuation of our noble endeavors and sacrifices to attain just and lasting peace and development in the Bangsamoro and our country in general,” he said.

Mobile rice mill projects were also turned over to five cooperatives under Camp Bilal in Lanao del Norte on June 3. The same project is also set to be launched on June 10 in Camp Darapanan in Simuay, Maguindanao. (APB/PIA-ICIC)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1077339

From the Mindanao Times (Jun 7, 2021): Task force as tip of spear vs. terrorist groups in Mindanao (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

THE ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) activated the new Joint Task Force (JTF) for Peace and Security in Mindanao on June 4 to widen the net against terror groups in the south.

AFP Chief of Staff Cirilito Sobejana said, “The creation of JTF-Mindanao aims to unify the efforts of the two Unified Commands, the Eastern Mindanao Command (EestMinCom) and Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), to widen its reach in addressing common peace and security problems, most especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and its peripheries.”

The JTF-Mindanao was conceptualized as an offshoot of the President’s directive to the AFP during the Command Conference in Cotabato City on May 8, 2021. It shall assist local government units (LGUs) and the Joint Normalization Committee in ensuring the success of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority particularly on the normalization process of former MILF combatants.

The military said it will further develop and implement a contingency plan to defeat armed terrorist groups and other peace spoilers that would pose as a serious threat to the smooth implementation of the Final Peace Agreement and the transition to theBangsamoro Autonomous Region as embodied in the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

Moreover, the joint task force is tasked to synchronize the operations of EastMinCom and WestMinCom in the holistic whole of nation approach to restore peace and order in conflict-affected areas as well as prevent conflicts in vulnerable areas.

This will be done in collaboration and cooperation of field offices of the national government agencies and the LGUs.

Sobejana presided over the activation ceremony held at the General Headquarters Canopy in Camp Aguinaldo.

Present were key officers from the general headquarters and the incoming commander of the JTF-Mindanao, Lieutenant General Jose Faustino Jr.

“In order to lead this unit, we need a very capable, highly competent and dependable leader – a leader who has forged his career under the banner of excellence and selfless service through his exemplary achievements making him truly worthy of being chosen as the Commander of JTF Mindanao,” said Sobejana.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maringal” Class of 1988, Lieutenant General Faustino is the former acting commanding general of the Philippine Army.

He had been designated as battalion and brigade commander in Western Mindanao, particularly in Basilan and Sulu; he also served in Eastern Mindanao as commander of 10th Infantry Division covering Regions 11 and 12, and commander of the EastMinCom securing Regions 10, 11, 12, and 13.

“Rest assured that Lieutenant General Faustino has the AFP’s vote of confidence and we are certain that he would be able to successfully achieve the two main objectives of the creation of this Joint Task Force. This is to establish a conducive environment in our continuing pursuit of lasting peace and the inclusive development for the entire Mindanao region,” the AFP Chief of Staff said.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/06/07/task-force-as-tip-of-spear-vs-terrorist-groups-in-mindanao/

From Panay News (Jun 8, 2021): Military tells Concha: Surrender before it’s too late (By Ruby Silubrico)

BOCALA

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is calling on Maria Concepcion “Concha” Araneta-Bocala, a high-ranking official of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Panay Island, to surrender “before it’s too late”.

“We have caught Bocala before…we definitely can catch her again,” said Major Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

Bocala is the wife of Reynaldo Bocala, also a ranking rebel leader in Panay Island, who died in a police operation in Barangay Balabag, Pavia, Iloilo on May 28 along with his aide Willy Epago.

“If I were her, she better surrender, stop being hard-headed. Tomorrow may not be favorable to her. Baka maubos din swerte nya gaya ng asawa nya,” Pancito said.

The military had been patiently hunting Reynaldo for some 30 years.

“There is no safe haven for (rebel) leaders and their fighters. They move every now and then to evade government troops,” Pancito said. “Every day is an opportunity to bring them to justice.”

Citing intelligence reports, Pancito said Bocala – recently tagged a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council – is still in Western Visayas hopping from one place to another to avoid being caught.

“She is literally living the life of an NPA (no permanent address),” said Pancito. “We will never get tired (looking for her).”

Bocala was arrested by combined forces of the military and police on Aug. 1, 2015 at a safe house in Barangay Calumpang, Molo, Iloilo City. She was temporarily released from detention in 2016 to participate in the peace talks between the Communist Party of the Philippines and the national government in Norway.

After President Rodrigo Duterte terminated the negotiations 2017, Bocala sought the help of comrades to hide.

“We will still give Bocala and other leaders (a chance) to surrender. (But) hanggang kailan sya magtatago,” Pancito said.

In the early 1970s, Bocala was a student activist at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. When martial law was declared, she joined the NPA to fight the Marcos dictatorship.

Her husband Reynaldo handled several positions in the NPA in Panay Island before he was killed. He was the former deputy secretary of the NPA Southern Front Committee, chief of the NPA regional operational department and finance officer, among others.

https://www.panaynews.net/military-tells-concha-surrender-before-its-too-late/

From Palawan News (Jun 8, 2021): AFP chief visits troops in Palawan (By Aira Genesa Magdayao)

3rd Marine Brigade (3Mbde) headquarters in Puerto Princesa City welcomes Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Cirilito Sobejana

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Cirilito Sobejana on Monday, June 7, visited the soldiers of the 3rd Marine Brigade (3Mbde) headquarters in Puerto Princesa City.

3MBde commander Col. Jimmy Larida told Palawan News that Sobejana’s visit was to acknowledge the accomplishments of the military units in the province, particularly the awarding of Campaign Streamers to them, Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 (MBLT-3), Marine Battalion Landing Team-4 (MBLT-4), Naval Forces West (NAVFORWEST), Tactical Operations Wing West (TOW-WEST), and the 18th Special Forces Company (SFC).

“Ang pinakapurpose nito [ng pagbisita] ay to acknowledge the accomplishments ng brigade and its attached units. Nagbigay sya ng Kapayapaan Streamers for the accomplishment in dismantling the KLG- Palawan since last year up to this year,” Larida said.

He added that the chief of staff also conducted inspections on the capability and readiness, and at the same time, to boost the morale of the personnel in the province.

“Ang guidance ay ‘wag magsawa at mapagod na magsuporta [to AFP’s mission. Kasabay niyan ay to see the readiness and capability of the troops here in Palawan. Parang regular na inspection,” Larida explained.

“Of course, all the personnel are very happy na nabisita tayo ng ama ng mga sundalo. High morale silang lahat,” he said.

He also ensured that the camp and its personnel are strictly imposing health protocols against COVID-19.

“Dito sa brigade at sa attached units ay alam natin ang epekto every time na may magpositive. Kaya in our level, we implement the protocols strictly,” he said.

The AFP chief also flew to Naval Station Emilio Liwanang (NSEL) in Barangay Pag-asa, Kalayaan in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

During his visit, Sobejana talked to the troops stationed on the island and inspected the logistics facilities at the station.

He also conducted a tree planting activity along with his staff and distributed school kits provided by the National Bookstore to school children of Pag-asa Elementary School, in preparation for the coming school year.

Among the facilities inspected by Sobejana were the beaching ramp, sovereign marker, the ongoing rehabilitation of the communication tower and the newly constructed fish port facility of the local government unit. He also received a briefing from the commander of the Joint Task Unit Pagasa on the prevailing security and covid-19 situation in their joint area of responsibility.

https://palawan-news.com/afp-chief-visits-troops-in-palawan/

From the Business World (Jun 6, 2021): Suspected Abu Sayyaf bomber killed in Basilan police operation

PNP

A SUSPECTED bomb-maker of the Islamic State-linked Abu Sayyaf group was killed Saturday morning by police after allegedly resisting arrest based on a court-issued warrant.

In a statement on Sunday, Police chief Guillermo T. Eleazar identified the suspect as Aroy “Oroy” Ittot whom he described as “one of the trusted bomb-makers” of the late Abu Sayyaf leader Furuji Indama.

“During the service of Warrant of Arrest, the suspect fired upon the arresting team using his M16 rifle which prompted the operating troops to return fire that eventually led in the neutralization of Oroy,” Mr. Eleazar said.

The warrant was based on a murder case filed at a local court.

The police recovered various guns and ammunitions, grenade riffles, and components for making improvised bombs.

The police said the suspect was involved in various bombing incidents in Basilan, including attacks targeting local government officials.

https://www.bworldonline.com/suspected-abu-sayyaf-bomber-killed-in-basilan-police-operation/

From Rappler (Jun 4, 2021): Former army chief Faustino named Joint Task Force Mindanao commander (By JAIRO BOLLEDO)

(1st UPDATE) Lieutenant General Jose Faustino Jr will oversee the combined units of the Eastern and Western Mindanao Command

Lieutenant General Jose Faustino Jr, former chief of the Philippine Army, was appointed as the first-ever commander of the new Joint Task Force (JTF) Mindanao on Friday, June 4.

His term as the 6th commanding general of the army was cut short in May 18, after Senator Panfilo Lacson, flagged Faustino’s appointment as unconstitutional.

Lacson argued that Faustino’s appointment was illegal under the law that required major service chiefs and other senior officers – except for the military chief of staff – to have at least one year in active service as a condition for their promotion. Faustino fell short of the one-year active service requirement because he started as army chief in February and would reach his mandatory retirement by November 2021.

Originally, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Cirilito Sobejana said Faustino would be appointed as the Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff on Peace and Development.

New task force

On Friday, the AFP also announced the activation of the JTF Mindanao, which unified the two military commands in the southern Philippines: the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) and the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

According to Sobejana, the creation of the task force will streamline the military operations in Mindanao.

“The creation of JTF-Mindanao aims to unify the efforts of the two Unified Commands, the Eastern Mindanao Command and Western Mindanao Command, to widen its reach in addressing common peace and security problems, most especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and its peripheries,” Sobejana said in a statement.

The JTF Mindanao would also assist the local government units (LGUs) in the normalization of former rebels in the region. Normalization was the process where former rebels would be provided jobs, livelihood to help them participate in society.

The task force was also created at the height of new threats of terrorism in Mindanao. Just last month, on May 8, over 100 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters linked to the Islamic State occupied the Datu Paglas market in Maguindanao.

Sarapida Pacasum Jr, former leader of Lanao del Sur provincial capitol rescue team, said that the delay in rehabilitation, as well as the government’s unfulfilled promises caused unrest among Maranaos. This anger could breed terrorism, the former official said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/former-army-chief-named-joint-task-force-mindanao-commander