JTFC drowns enemy’s lair in Liguasan Marsh

CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao --- A focused military operation launched by the Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) has eradicated the identified improvised explosive device (IED) factory of the terrorists at its identified lair in the vast southern Liguasan Marsh in Maguindanao province.

The JTFC launched a surgical air strike at the  identified and confirmed targets that complemented a focused ground operations against the DAESH-inspired terrorist group sometime dawn of June 10, 2018.

With the successful operations, government security forces were able to negate death, destruction, and panic the manufactured  IEDs could have caused the peaceful communities.

Follow-on operations contained the terrorists in the area and prevented a spill-over to nearby towns.

The operation resulted to the destruction of an IED factory of the DAESH-inspired terrorists, recovery of a certain number of IEDs, death of 15 who were killed in action and wounding of eight, and the arrest of one bomb expert and his wife.

The pre-dawn raid on the terrorist lair was conducted by the ground troops of the 33rd Infantry Battalion led by Lt Col. Harold M. Cabunoc, 4th Special Action Battalion led by Police Superintendent Darwin Padla, and 61st Division Reconnaissance Company led by 1Lt Ruel Fortuna.

HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT

HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao observes the Philippine Environment Month this June with a coastal clean-up to underscore the need for extensive environmental care. In his message, DENR-ARMM Secretary Hadji Kahal Q. Kedtag said: “It is not only for a month, or a day, that we extend our efforts to preserve the environment. It must be done on a daily basis,” adding: ‘This [Environment Month] celebration is only a reminder that we must always safeguard a healthy ecological condition.”  (DENR- ARMM/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

PNP-12 most efficient in solving 'riding-in-tandem killings'

GENERAL SANTOS CITY --- The Police Regional Office (PRO)-12 has emerged as one of the most efficient among the country's regional police offices in resolving cases of "riding-in-tandem killings" since last year, an official said.

Chief Superintendent Marcelo Morales, Region-12 police director, said Thursday (June 14) that the region's police units achieved a combined efficiency rating of 64 percent, topping the latest assessment conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) central office.

From October 11 to May 14, he said they recorded a total of 86 cases of murder cases in the region that were perpetrated by motorcycle-riding suspects, the fourth highest among the country's 17 regions.

But the police official was quick to point out that 66 of these cases have been solved, the suspects having been identified and charged in local courts.

"Although we are fourth on the list for the number of riding-in-tandem killings, it turned out that we're the most efficient in terms of solving these cases," Morales said in a statement.

He attributed such accomplishment to the intensified conduct of operation plans or Oplans Sita, Bitag, and Salikop, as well as the conduct of random checkpoints along national highways and other strategic roads in the region.

Morales cited the efforts of the Highway Patrol Group-12 and the enhanced intelligence operations of local police units against motorcycle-riding criminals.

He said the roads and highways in the area have even become safer for local residents.

The official assured that there will be no let-up in their campaign against motorcycle riding-in-tandem criminals, especially suspected hired killers or assassins.

“I have clearly instructed my men to shoot any riding-in-tandem suspect and criminals who will evade checkpoints or resist arrest,” he said.

He also ordered police personnel to be always prompt in responding to killings and related incidents in the streets and highways. (PNA - Cotabato/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

CLEARING OPERATION ---  Government troopers onboard small motorized bancas check for remnants of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the waters of Liguasan Marsh in Maguindanao following joint military and police offensive against the IS-inspired armed groups launched last June 10. (Photo by 6th ID/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Duterte's idea of arming barangay captains slammed

METRO MANILA --- Minority lawmakers and some barangay captains themselves oppose President Rodrigo Duterte's plan of arming village chiefs and officials to fight crime and illegal drugs.

Caloocan Rep. Edgay Erice said the idea will only lead to a "wild, wild west scenario."

"Arming barangay captains of the 40,000 barangays simply means creating a private army of political kingpins in cities, provinces, and municipalities," Erice said in a statement.

Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat warned of "more abuse and violence," stressing that barangay officials are not equipped to enforce laws with guns in their hands.

"They don't have the skill, orientation, and education. Their primary task in law enforcement is to act as monitors for the police, help enforce local ordinances, and report the more serious crimes to capable law enforcers," Baguilat said.

Barangay Captain Joey de Guzman of Barangay Socorro, Quezon City is also not convinced holding a gun can deter crime.

"Walang training ang barangay about diyan. Hindi kami police enforcement," de Guzman said.

All village chiefs will have to undergo marksmanship training first before owning a firearm, Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said.

"Hindi pwedeng bigyan mo yung isang tao na hindi marunong bumaril napakadelikado nun (You cannot just give it to someone who does not know how to use a gun, that is dangerous). You have to train these people also kung talagang magkaron ng directive to arm them," Albayalde said.

Speaking before the barangay chairmen of Central Luzon lastJune 12, Duterte said he “might consider” arming them to support the government's anti-crime and anti-drug campaign.

He promised to stand by village leaders who face charges in the performance of their duty.

"Remember this. Pag nagka-atraso kayo [If you get in trouble], and there is a case filed against you and you think you are in the performance of your duty as a barangay (captain) tapos napatay mo o nabugbog mo. Do not be afraid. The only thing i ask of you is... kung mali mo, huwag ka nang lumapit sa akin [If you're the one who committed the mistake, don't seek for my assistance]," he said.

In accordance to law

Interior Undersecretary Martin Diño assured that firearms will be given only to qualified villages officials who are keen on fighting crime and illegal drugs.

"Hindi ko bibigyan ng pagkakataon mag-armas ang mga questionable na barangay captain (Questionable barangay captains won't get firearms)," he said.

He added arming barangay officials does not violate any law.

He cited Section 389 of the Local Government Code, which states, "In the performance of his peace and order functions, the Punong Barangay shall be entitled to possess and carry the necessary firearm within his territorial jurisdiction, subject to appropriate rules and regulations."

Liga ng mga Barangay National President Edmund Abesamis told CNN Philippines that while the law allows barangay officials to carry firearms, they still have to go through an application process to be granted a permit to carry firearms.

Diño said he will ask Albayalde to expedite barangay captains' requests for licenses to own and carry firearms - a request he also made to former PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa. (CNN Philippines Staff with  Gerg Cahiles and Eimor Santos contributing to this report/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Region-12 cops seize P10.3-M shabu in 6 months

GENERAL SANTOS CITY --- Police units in Region-12 have recovered around P10.3 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu" in various anti-drug operations in the last six months.

Superintendent Aldrin Gonzales, public information officer of the Police Regional Office-12, on Thursday (June 14) said a total of 1,731 grams of shabu were seized during 811 police operations in parts of the region from December 5, 2017 to May 28, 2018

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency pegs the current street value of shabu at P5,000 to P6,000 pesos per gram.

Gonzales said a total of 893 drug personalities were arrested during the period and are currently facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

These comprise 134 drug users and 759 emerging and target-listed pushers, financiers and couriers, he said.

Gonzales said at least 77 drug pushers and 1 user were killed during shootouts after resisting arrest.

Citing orders from Philippine National Police central office, he said the intensified campaigns against illegal drugs will continue and they are determined to totally cleanse the region of the menace.

Gonzales said anti-drug operations are focused on personalities who are included on the government's "narco-list."

Region-12 or Soccsksargen comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato. (PNA – Cotabato/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Barangay chiefs urged to help rid of illegal drugs

MANILA ---  President Rodrigo Duterte  ordered last June 14 the barangay chiefs around the country to help the national government in its war on drugs.

Duterte warned barangay captains who will tolerate the proliferation of illegal drugs in their respective communities of harsh consequences.

The President said he would have his eyes on villages which frequently figure in drug cases.

“I will give you a chance. [You could be charged with] gross neglect of duty or I either suspend you or dismiss you outright,” Duterte said during the oath-taking of 4,000 newly-elected Calabarzon barangay captains in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The President has proposed arming barangay captains to ensure their protection in the war on drugs and criminality.

Duterte clarified that arming the barangay officials does not mean they would now lead anti-drug operations.

“You only give the direction, but the actual operation belongs to the police,” Duterte said.

The interior department has ordered the barangays around the country to set up their respective anti-drug abuse councils, and failure to do so would lead to charges of misconduct and dereliction of duty.

The President earlier tagged several barangay officials in the drug trade, with government releasing a 'narco-list' naming several village officials before the recent elections.  (Dharel Placido, ABS-CBN News / Google News – PH/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

DOH reminds public of 4S against dengue

THE Department of Health (DOH) has stressed the importance of using the 4S strategy in checking the number of dengue cases in the country.

“Dengue is everyone’s concern. I call on all Filipinos to make 4S a part of our daily routine in order to achieve the highest level of prevention and control against dengue,” DOH Secretary Francisco Duque said last June 14 during a program at Puerto Princesa, Palawan for the 8th Asean Dengue Day.

According to the DOH, the 4S strategy involves searching and destroying mosquito breeding places; securing self-protection; seeking early consultation; and supporting fogging and spraying in hotspot places.

“Our goal to prevent dengue starts within ourselves by maintaining cleanliness in our surroundings by emptying containers of stagnant waters to eliminate breeding places of Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes,” Duque added.

The DOH said dengue cases in the country dropped by seven percent, from 40,993 in 2017 to 37,959 in the same period of 2018.  Males with ages from 10 to 14 were the most affected, comprising 52 percent of the total cases.

For this year’s event, the DOH held several activities, such as a scientific forum about the disease, a poster making contest for school children, and the ASEAN Dengue Walk for the Search and Destroy of mosquito breeding areas.

Duque’s visit also highlighted the inspection of fast lanes for dengue victims, especially those vaccinated with the dengue vaccine.

The DOH has been rocked by controversies surrounding the national anti-dengue vaccination program, after government allegedly hastily procured Dengvaxia anti-dengue vaccines from Sanofi Pasteur.

The Public Attorney’s Office has filed several cases against former DOH officials, including Duque, while claiming that the health secretary had a hand in the dissemination of the anti-dengue vaccine.  (Gabriel Pabico Lalu, INQ.net / Google News - PH/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Peaceful celebration of Eid’l Fitr noted

A Muslim religious congregation during celebration of the June 15, 2018 Eid’l Fitr at the ORG-ARMM compound in Cotabato City .  (Photo courtesy of Engr. Avila Abobakar of ORG ARMM)

COTABATO CITY ---  Thousands of Muslim faithful gathered in various congregational prayer venues here last June 15 as they celebrated Eid’lFitr, the culmination of the month-long fasting period of Ramadan.

Law enforcement units remained on alert although no major untoward incidents were reported across the city.

“The celebration (Eid’lFitr) has been generally peaceful. So far, so good,” said Senior Superintendent Rolly Octavio, city police director.

Mayor Cynthia Guiani–Sayadi has earlier urged Cotabateños to celebrate the event solemnly and peacefully with family and friends.

Sayadi warned that the police would arrest violators for indiscriminate firing of guns and igniting of fireworks, among others, during the festivity.

“Fortunately, there were no reported indiscriminate firing of guns in the air, no firecracker bursts, no victims of stray bullets whatsoever in the city compared to same event in the past,” said Halima Satol-Ibrahim, city information officer.

However, traffic though stalled in several areas of the city due to the Eid’l congregational prayer events at the Cotabato City Central Pilot School along Sinsuat Avenue; the Bolkiah Grand Mosque in Timako area; and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) complex along Governor Gutierrez Avenue.

In the ARMM complex alone, an estimated 3,000 people gathered in the morning prayers.

“Banded together – as peers and friends, as families, as communities, as one people sharing the same aspirations – we become even more mindful of the greatness we can achieve through Allah,” ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said in a statement.

He said that Ramadan is a time of both reflection and struggle amid so many choices even as Muslims are taught to submit to the will of Allah; to side with what is kind, just, and good; to be cleansed of negativity, and emerge from every challenge with peace and greater clarity of purpose.

During Eid al-Fitr, Muslims congregate in open areas to perform prayers followed by a short sermon given by the Imam or worship leader.

Family gatherings, feasts, visits to relatives and friends, and exchanging of gifts are part of the celebration.

Malacañang  declared Friday, June 15, a regular holiday throughout the country in observance of Eid’lFitr.  (Noel Punzalan, PNA - Cotabato)

Muslims’ wish

MANILA --- One venue of the Eid’l Fitr ceklebration  was the Blue Mosque at Maharlika Village in Taguig City as devotees prayed for unity and peace as Ramadan formally ended.

“Wala tayong hinahangad o hindi hinihiling sa Allah, sa lahat ng mga Muslims, pagkakaisa, magkaisa tayo para sa ating bayan, pagkakaisa bilang Muslim. Tulong-tulong. Ipakita natin na tayong mga Muslim ay walang ginagawang masama dahil ang mga Muslim, hindi gumagawa ng karahasan, kundi pagsunod sa Allah, pagmamahal sa kapwa,” Datu Basher “Bong” Alonto Al Hajj, chairman of the Metro Manila Muslim Community for Justice and Peace told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

He also urged Filipino Muslims to obey God's teachings on justice and peace, veering away from violence and hatred.

“Panawagan namin sa ating mga kapatid na mga Muslim na kung tayo ay naliligaw ng landas, hindi natin nakikita ang tama, pagsunod sa Panginoon, pagsunod sa batas... Dahil napakasakit sa tinatawag minsan yung mga terrorist na gumagawa minsan ng labag sa batas, labag sa Islam ng mga Muslim, actually ang Muslim ay hindi gumagawa ng anumang ikakasama at ikakapinsala ng kanilang kapwa,” he said. 

Al Hajj said that celebrating Eid-al-Ftr is a religious event wherein Muslims all over the world manifest their devotion and obedience to Allah’s commandments and to 'sacrifice' annually as Ramadan takes place.

“Itong ginagawa natin ay ito yung katapusan ng tinatawag natin na sacrifice, itong Ramadan na tawag sa amin (pertaining to Muslims) at ang lahat ng Muslim sa Pilipinas, hindi lang sa Pilipinas kundi sa buong mundo ay sabay-sabay na ganitong pagsara na tinatawag natin na Eid-il-Ftr,” he said.

Eid'l Fitr is a celebration of faith, of fear of God, of peace, mercy, reconciliation, forgiveness, among others. It is a day of thanksgiving for passing the test for patience, hunger, and material and non-material deprivation.

Eid” is an Arabic word which means “festival” while “fitr” is “conclusion of the fast.” Thus, Eid'l Fitr is a celebration marking the end of the Ramadan holy month.

As commanded by Quran, Muslims should complete their fasting on the last day of Ramadan and then recite the “Takbir or Allahu Akbar” all throughout the period of Eid. Typically, during the Eid’l Fitr, Muslims wake up very early in the morning before the sun rises.

They offer a prayer called Salatul Fajr, put on new clothes or the best one available and apply perfume.

Since Eid’l Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, it is forbidden for Muslims to fast on that day.

That is why it is advisable to take a small breakfast of sweet dish, preferably the date fruit, before attending the special Eid’l Fitr prayer called Salah.

Meanwhile, Datu Alonto Al Hajj lauded President Rodrigo R. Duterte for his initiative in coming up with the proposed Bangsangmoro Basic Law (BBL).

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa ating mahal na Pangulo na talaga nga namang ito ang pagkakataon na inassure nya na meron tayong BBL. Sa atin namang mga Muslims, suportahan nating itong BBL, suportahan natin ito at magkaisa,” AL Hajj said. (Christopher Lloyd Caliwan with reports from Rachel Banares, OJT/PNA/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Anti-drug ops net Lanao Sur town councilor

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao --- Anti-narcotics agents, backed by police and Army personnel, collared a municipal councilor in an anti-drug operation las6tJune 13 in Balabagan, Lanao del Sur.

A report relayed to this camp by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency –Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-ARMM) identified the arrested suspect as Abedin Disalongan, a town councilor of Balabagan.

Armed with a search warrant issued by a local court, a combined team of PDEA-ARMM, the police’s Special Action Force, and the Army’s 6th Infantry Battalion personnel swooped down on Disalongan's residence in the Poblacion area around 5 a.m.

Disalongan, who was in his residence during the raid, did not resist arrest.

Recovered from the councilor’s house were 50 grams of suspected “shabu,” one M-16 rifle, two 9mm pistols, and a pick-up truck believed being used in his nefarious activities.

Disalongan has been placed under the custody of PDEA-ARMM and is facing charges  for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act.

On the same day, authorities also raided the house of a drug-linked couple in Barangay Banago of the same town but both managed to elude arrest. The couple is identified as Billy Jack Ogca, a newly elected barangay councilor, and his wife, MayleenBiruar.

“The raiding team was armed with a separate search warrant but failed to get the suspects as they have sensed the arrival of the arresting team,” said Capt. Arvin John Encinas, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) spokesman.

Seized from the couple’s home were several sachets of “shabu” weighing 60 grams, a digital weighing scale, and several bank documents.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, 6th ID commander and concurrent chief of Joint Task Force Central, has vowed to continue helping law enforcement agencies in the fight against illegal drugs in Central Mindanao. (Noel Punzsalan, PNA - Cotabato/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Cotabato City turns 59

FEAST --- Cotabato City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi leads the June 12 Independence Day observance, ribbon cutting of formal opening of the newly rehabilitated city plaza, and at the same time the kick-off of the 59th "Araw ng Cotabato" celebration. (Junamin Sanday Dimacisil)

COTABATO CITY - celebrates its 59th Araw ng Kutabato or charterhood on June 20, 2018   amid the week-long festivities prepared by the local government unit and its development partners since June 12 on occasion of the 120th Independence Day of the Republic of the Philippines.

Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi formally opened the city’s founding day anniversary after a floral offering at the foot of the monument of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal at the City Plaza on Independence Day..

Mayor Guiani-Sayadi also officially opened to the public the newly rehabilitated Cotabato City Plaza.

"We also presented the eight candidates for this year's Search for Mutya ng Cotabato," Mayor Guiani-Sayadi said.

Offerings to the public from June 12 to June 20 are song and dance competitions, artist workshop showcasing local talents, sports events, boat race, duathlon, socio-cultural presentations, and cooking showdown, among others.

Aside from the annual search for "Mutya ng Cotabato 2018,” other activities include the DepEd Cultural Show at the City Plaza, Dog and Cat Wellness Day at the People's Palace grounds, Livelihood Training on Household Cleaning Products, 3^rd Cotabato Toy Fair 2018 at the City Mall, Youth Spoken Poetry and Rap Battle competition at the City Mall, Mayor Cynthia Culinary Arts Competition at the People's Palace, Cosplay Competition at the CityMall, Sayaw Cotabato Dance Workshop and Open Invitation Dance Competition at the Cotabato City State Polytechnic College  gym, 3rd Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi Invitational Taekwondo Festival, Cotabato Ultimate Frisbee Tournament 2018 at the People's Palace grounds, 2nd Mayor's Cup Open Invitational Table Tennis competition, 2^nd Jiujitsu Nogi Tournament and Submission Super Fights at the Mall of Al Nor Convention Center;

Lawn Tennis Tournament in PC Hill, Padyak Takbo para sa Turismo, A Duathlon at the People's Palace, 2nd Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi Boxing Tournament at City Mall, Pakuya sa Awang, Boat Race Year 4 in Tamontaka

River, Clash of Kings 2, Flowerhorn Competition at the City Mall, Halal Industry Development Forum, and the Socio-Civic Military Parade together with the launching of Sayaw, Cotabato Zumba on the 20^th.

In spite of the fun and excitement brought about by the festivities, the city government still observes the nightly curfew and respect for the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Mayor Guiani-Sayadi appealed to the people of Cotabato City to remain united in combatting terrorism and all other forms of crimes as these undermine the maintenance of peace and security and endanger the efforts of the city government in strengthening the city's economy.

The law and order efforts of the city government paid off when no less than the Philippine National Police (PNP) declared recently Cotabato as the second safest city in the country and the first in Mindanao.

The national PNP released the report with the help of records by local police in the entire country on the crime incidences in their respective areas of responsibility during the first quarter of 2018.

Cotabato City came in second to Ormoc City, which has recorded a total of 134 crimes. Coming in third is Puerto Princesa with 227 crimes during the first three months of 2018.

Accordingly, Cotabato City recorded only a total of 220 crimes in the months of January - March of this year.

"Our local authorities remain on full alert and ready to protect the city's residents and tourists from any forms of violence," the lady mayor stressed.

Last June 4, the city government in coordination with the Local Arts Council (LAC) also opened to the public the "Inaul Fabric Exhibit" by Datu Omar B. Patadon and Gilmhar A. Lao. The exhibit at the old city hall runs from June 4 to 30. (GILMHAR A. LAO/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Senior citizens' group seeks SSS pension loan

MANILA --- A senior citizens' organization on Thursday (June 14) called on the Social Security System (SSS) to heed the clamor of pensioners for a pension loan designed especially for the needs of the elderly and other retirees.

“We urge the SSS to provide pension loans to help us in our present financial needs. I know how much SSS loves us, so we hope that they will soon give these loans for our pensioners,” said Federation of Senior Citizens Association of the Philippines (FeSCAP) president Jorge Banal, Sr. during the Pensioners’ Day held at the SSS Main Office.

Banal added that the SSS pension loan would put a stop to the growing incidence of pensioners falling victims to loan sharks.

“There are hard-up pensioners who borrowed money even at a high interest rate from these loan sharks and they are asked to surrender their ATM cards with their monthly pension in it to ensure payment,” said Banal.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc said that the SSS is cognizant of the plight of its pensioners and in response to their clamor for the urgently needed support, the Social Security Commission is considering offering a pension loan program.

“We acknowledge the need of our pensioners for financial assistance to help defray daily expenses. Being a senior citizen myself, I also have needs for my medicines, vitamins, and other expenses for my daily needs,” said Dooc.

Dooc added that the SSS recognizes the need to safeguard pensioners from loan sharks who take advantage of them in the guise of being good Samaritans that they can count on during financial distress.

"We want to thank Mr. Banal and the FeSCAP for being our partner in continuously bridging our relationship with our pensioners. We assure them that SSS loves them and we will always look after their welfare,” said Dooc.

More than 300 SSS pensioners from Metro Manila attended the SSS Pensioners’ Day, which was held in cooperation with the FeSCAP. To date, the SSS has 2.3 million pensioners. (PNA from SSS/PR/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Dureza: No resumption of peace talks on June 28

Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza 

THE formal resumption of peace negotiations between the government and communist rebels will not proceed on June 28 as the Duterte administration wants to hold more consultations with the public.

Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza made the announcement last June 14, saying it is important to get the support of the people in the process of finalizing a peace deal with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front.

Dureza said, it was President Rodrigo Duterte himself who issued the instruction last June 13 for government negotiators, in cooperation with the private sector, to engage the "general public as well as other sectors in government."

"Our peace efforts to succeed should have good support from the general public, hence, it is necessary that all efforts be exerted to inform and engage them in the same way as the government engages the rebels in addressing the root causes of conflict," Dureza said at a news conference in Malacañang.

"The almost 50 years of intermittent and oftentimes disrupted peace negotiations with the communist rebels across several presidencies need a close study for lessons to learn from to ensure that our 'last chance' to put a dignified closure to the armed rebellion will not be squandered away," he added.

Dureza said the government has already informed the NDF and Norway, the third party facilitator of the talks, about the development.

He added that the government will have to make the “final call” on the resumption of negotiations.

"We are now at the cusp of some major breakthroughs in the peace talks, hence, the urgent need now to take deliberate steps to ensure that we do not falter. Just and sustainable and lasting peace will happen only when our people understand and support these efforts," Dureza said.

Dureza did not say if the concern raised by uniformed personnel during the command conference in the Presidential Palace was a big factor in the decision to push back the resumption of the talks.

Earlier in the day, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the military and police expressed concern that in the past, the CPP-NPA will take advantage of peace talks "to regroup and to strengthen their ranks."

Duterte has invited CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison, who has been living in self-imposed exile in The Netherlands, to return to the Philippines so they can directly negotiate peace and oversee the talks during the 60-day period set by the chief executive himself.

Sison said he was willing to come home provided there would be significant development in the peace negotiations and his lawyers are satisfied with legal and security precautions.

Duterte has repeatedly assured Sison that he will be safe should he return to the Philippines and that he will be free to leave “unhampered and unfettered” even if the negotiations fell through.

The peace talks had been scuttled last November, which the government blamed on continued attacks by the rebels on government troops and civilians.  (Virgil Lopez, GMA News / Google News – PH/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Military asks Duterte for 3-month postponement of peace talks

SECURITY CONCERNS --- President Rodrigo Duterte presides over the Joint Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police (AFP-PNP) Command Conference. (Malacañang photo)

MANILA --- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) asked President Rodrigo Duterte to postpone  the formal resumption of peace talks  with the communists by three months during the joint military and police command conference last June 13.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said this is to give the military time to assess the implications of any cease-fire on its operations.

"They request this postponement so that the AFP can look into the ramifications of the stand-down and the succeeding cease-fire in its security operations," Lorenzana told Rappler last June 15.

       

Initially, the military had wanted a longer postponement – six months.

"The AFP initially was thinking of six months," said the defense chief.

The three-month period agreed upon would also be used to thresh out "the parameters and criteria to be followed during the stand-down," he added.

"The AFP is expected to submit its recommendations within the three-month period," said Lorenzana.

Road to peace

On Thursday (June 14), Chief Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza announced that Duterte ordered the postponement of peace talks, scheduled to take place on June 28.

Dureza had said this was to give time for the public to be "consulted" on the draft agreements put forward by the National Democratic Front (NDFP) – the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) – and the government negotiating panel.

Duterte, however, in his speech last June 14, said talks in July may still be possible.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque had said that the military and police expressed support for Duterte's peace initiative but that they wanted that the New People's Army, the armed wing of the CPP, could use the resumption of peace talks to regroup.

CPP founder Jose Maria Sison had slammed Duterte's "disappointing" and "frustrating" decision to push back the talks.

He said the two negotiating panels had discussed a cease-fire declaration on June 21, or a week before the initial June 28 talks in Oslo, Norway.

Sison urged the panels to publicize agreements signed on June 9 and 10.

"It is starkly clear that the GRP (government of the Republic of the Philippines) under Duterte is not interested in serious peace negotiations with the NDFP," said Sison.

Because of Duterte's decision, Sison, his former professor, said the NPA "have no choice but to singlemindedly wage people's war."

Despite the postponement of talks, Malacañang has said Duterte remains committed to pursuing the peace process with communists. (Pia Ranada, Rappler.com/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

4 drug suspects arrested in DOS

MILLION PESO DRUG SEIZURE --- A  PDEA-ARMM agent inventories seized evidences against suspects in illegal drug trade. (Photo supplied)

CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat (DOS), Maguindanao -- Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency - Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-ARMM) with Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station, Maguindanao Provincial Police Office, troops of 90^th Infantry Battalion, and personnel from 6^th Infantry Division apprehended drug personalities at Petron Awang Gasoline Station in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao last June 15, 2018 during the drug buy- bust operation. 

The operation was also supported by local barangay officials of Barangay Awang, who have been very active on the campaign against illegal drugs in their jurisdiction.

The suspects were identified as Salama Diwa Talib, a public school teacher of Datu Unsay Elementary School; Saiden Adil Yusa @ Erin, a resident of Barangay Pagatin, Datu Salibo; Mahmod Guiamalodin Dimudtang, also from Barangay Pagatin, Datu Salibo; and Naser Kamurindong Pasawilan from Barangay Tina, Shariff Aguak, all of Maguindanao.

Seized from the suspects were 20 pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu weighing more or less 1,000 grams worth P6,800,000, four units of assorted mobile phones, several identification cards, bank documents, one unit white Toyota Hi-Ace van, and one unit silver gray Toyota Camry.

The suspects have been placed in  the PDEA-ARMM custodial facility for filing of appropriate cases.

6^th Infantry Division Commander Brig Gen. Cirilito E. Sobejana said that this is the result of the convergence effort of all stakeholders in its law enforcement operations on the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

To recall, the Joint Task Force Central met last June 5 with other security agencies and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (MILF-CCCH)  to discuss matters on campaign against illegal drugs in Central Mindanao. (ODPA, 6th ID/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Law allows arming village execs – DILG

SANTA ROSA, Laguna ---  Interior Undersecretary Martin Diño said the law allows the government to arm barangay officials, backing President Rodrigo Duterte who is considering arming village officials to fight criminality.

Speaking to reporters, Diño cited Chapter 3, Section 389 of the Local Government Code, which states that barangay chairmen are allowed to possess and carry firearms within their jurisdiction, in the performance of their function of ensuring peace and order.

“That is in the law. The President only emphasized that he will support all barangay captains who will fight illegal drugs and criminality and he will give them legal support,” Diño said.

“If there is a disorder in the barangay, to whom do the people run? Who is the first line of defense? Barangay captain. Small or big, any disorder in the barangay. That is why the legislators created this law,” Diño said.

Diño said village officials would be allowed to have one long firearm and one short firearm.

Those in the “narco-list,” or the list of government officials allegedly in cahoots with drug traffickers, will not be allowed to carry firearms, he said.

“Remember, the Philippine National Police issues the license to carry and own firearms,” Diño said.

The public can file complaints before the interior department and the ombudsman in case of abuses, he added.

Diño urged critics to read the law first before thumbing down Duterte’s proposal.

“I am puzzled [as to why there are criticisms]. They should have read the law first. Barangay captains are guaranteed [firearms] provided they follow the appropriate rules and regulations,” he said. (Google News – PH/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

Liguasan communities, Army forge alliance against BIFF

WETLAND --- An aerial shot of the 220,000-hectare Liguasan Marsh situated in the boundaries of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and North Cotabato provinces in Central Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of DENR-12) Liguasan communities, Army forge alliance against BIFF

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao --- The military and communities around the vast Liguasan Marsh in Maguindanao have forged an alliance to fight abuses brought by the IS-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the area. CLICK HERE TO RERAD MORE......

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion commander, said local residents who catch mudfish and catfish in the marshland were denied by the BIFF of livelihood, prompting villagers to pinpoint the terrorists’ location to the military.

“The communities were obviously angered by BIFF armed men preventing freshwater fishermen to catch fish in the marshland that led them to cooperate with us,” Cabunoc told reporters here last June 15.

He said the BIFF has made life difficult for fishermen the past several years and got fed up, encouraging them to report the location of a bomb-making factory of the BIFF in the border of Pagalungan and Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun towns.

Military airstrikes and artillery fire destroyed the BIFF’s bomb-making facility during a bomb run earlier last week that also resulted to the killing of 15 BIFF elements including five Indonesians and a Singaporean.

The Army’s “surgical” operation also resulted to the capture of a couple allegedly involved in bomb-making.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, said eight other BIFF were killed in succeeding clashes in Datu Unsay and Datu Hofer towns, also in Maguindanao and in Midsayap, North Cotabato.

Despite evacuation that took place in some areas, settlers along Liguasan Marsh have expressed joy that the BIFF is gone in the vicinity of the wetland.

“There were Indong-Indong (Indonesians) armed men and they don’t want us to fish near their camp,” said fresh water fisherman Jamadel, 40 of Barangay Midpandacan, Gen. SK Pendatun in  Maguindanaon dialect.

Cabunoc said Army ground troops, cruising on motorized bancas, continue to hunt down BIFF remnants in the 220,000-hectare marshland situated in the boundaries of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

“Our orders are to finish the BIFF for good,” he said. (Edwin Fernandez, PNA – Cotabato/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)