258 Abus neutralized, 148 firearms seized in Western Mindanao

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (June 30, 2017) - The all-out military campaign launched by the Joint Task Forces of the Western Mindanao Command within its joint area of operations since January this year yielded to the deaths of 94 hard-core members of the Abu Sayyaf Group, apprehension of 66 more, surrender of 98, and recovery of 148 firearms of the group, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay said, as the timeline given by the Commander-in-Chief to defeat the Abu Sayyaf comes to an end, 2 more Abu Sayyaf members surrendered to the Joint Task Force Basilan under Colonel Juvymax Uy. Serham Hasi Akkalun and Hapid Madjakin, both Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf members, yielded to the elements of the 13th Special Forces Company based in Barangay Guinanta, Albarka, Basilan at 4pm on Thursday (June 29).

“We welcome those who return to the fold of the law and accord them the opportunity to live normal lives, far from what they have been facing before as combatants who engaged the government forces and who fight for extremism to thrive in Mindanao,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“Rest assured that with all these operational feats, we will not rest on our laurels and will, instead, continue to work hard and integrate the efforts of our soldiers and our stakeholders in sustaining the internal security in Mindanao and in bringing about the defeat of the Abu Sayyaf,” added Lieutenant General Galvez.

Cpt. Petinglay said turned over by Akkalun and Madjakin were an M1 Garand rifle and a clip with four rounds of live ammunition. The subjects underwent custodial debriefing conducted by the Joint Task Force Basilan soldiers. Both will be turned over to the police today for the legal procedures.

Information disclosed by Akkalun revealed that he twice escaped from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Basilan on December 13, 2009 and on January 27, 2015. Madjakin also revealed that he is an Abu Sayyaf member under the late sub-leader Long Malat.

“On the tactical level, the combat operations of our troops are currently being intensified to pressure the Abu Sayyaf bandits to yield to the government forces. With the surrender of the bandits and the seizure of their strongholds, we are confident that our offensives on the ground are effective,” said Colonel Uy.

17 bodies found in Gadungan, Marawi City

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (June 29, 2017) – Seventeen (17) cadavers were recovered while government troops together with PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection and civilian volunteers were conducting retrieval operations in Barangay Gadungan, Marawi City in the nearby province of Lanao del Sur at 11:40AM on Wednesday (June 28), official said.

“The recovered cadavers are believed to be among those helpless civilians who were murdered by the Maute/ASG terrorists. This is a manifestation of Maute/ASG’s brutality who killed these innocent civilians in cold blood,” said Brig. Gen. Rolando Bautista, Joint Task Force Marawi Commander.

PNP SOCO is undertaking procedures to identify the bodies for proper disposition.

Retrieval operations are being conducted in Barangay Gadungan and other areas which the terrorists previously held.

2 Criminal Gangs member surrendered in Talusan

By Jong Cadion  

ZAMBOANGA CITY (June 29, 2017) - Two alleged members of notorious Itting Abba Criminal Group voluntarily surrendered to the Talusan MPS at about 2:20pm Tuesday (June 27) due to the intense law enforcement manhunt operation against most wanted person being conducted by Police units of Police Regional Office 9, official said.

PSSUPT NESTOR Y TIEMPO, Acting Provincial Director, Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office, identified the two suspects as Hussein Abbas y Parail and Hassan Abbas y Parail, twin brother, of legal age, both residents of Barangay Kasigpitan, Talusan in the nearby province of Zamboanga Sibugay.

Information officer PCINSP HELEN L GALVEZ, ZCPO-PRO9, disclosed that both suspects are members of the Itting Abbas Criminal Group, a notorious group involved in sea piracy, extortions, and drug trade operating in the whole Zamboanga Sibugay Province. Allegedly, said criminal group affiliated with the ASG/ Maute Group. The twin brother has a pending warrant of arrest for the crime of Robbery with Homicide docketed under Criminal Case I-4056.

                                                         

PCINSP GALVEZ said, in a report reaching to this office, the two notorious criminal gang members were accompanied by the Vice Mayor of Mabuhay Hon. Annam Dammang and Vice Mayor of Talusan Hon. Ralimson Ramiso, all of Zamboanga Sibugay, to the Talusan MPS to submit themselves to the authorities.

The aforesaid personalities are now under the custody of Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office, Sanito Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay for tactical interrogation and paraffin test.   

PRO9 to recruits 230 New Police Officers for Attrition Quota

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (June 28, 2017) - The Police Regional Office 9 will recruit additional 230 newly police officers under the attrition recruitment quota aims to replenish personnel losses because of retirement, separation from service or death. The 230 police recruits will be distributed to various Police Stations in PRO9, official said.

PSUPT AILEEN E ARAÑAS, Deputy Chief, RPHRDD/Chief, Recruitment Selection Section, said that the 2^nd Cycle PO1 Attrition Recruitment Program is now accepting online application for initial screening and evaluation which will start on June 1 –June 30, 2017 thru the PNP website www.attrition.pnp-dprm.com, a PNP Online Recruitment Application System (PNP ORAS) which is a web based and central recruitment application system that will simplify the submission of accomplished PNP PO1 application form while the oath taking of the newly recruits police officers is set to be scheduled on November 16, 2017. 

The interested applicants must possess the following qualifications: must be a Filipino citizen; a person with good moral character; physically and mentally fit; must have eligibility: PNP Entrance (NAPOLCOM), Career Service Professional, RA 1080 (Bar and Board Examination), RA 6506 (Board of Criminologist), PD 907 (CS eligibility for College Honor Graduates); must not have been dishonorably discharged from military employment or dismissed for cause from civilian position in the government; must not have been convicted for final judgment of an offense or crime involving moral turpitude; must be at least 5’4” in height for male and 5’2” for female; must weigh not more or less than five kilograms (5kgs) from the standard weight corresponding to his/her height, age, sex and; Must not be less than twenty-one (21) nor more than thirty (30) years of age.

PSupt Arañas said that successful applicants who will pass the initial screening and evaluation process will proceed to the following stages of recruitment process: Physical Agility Test, Psychiatric/Psychological Examination (PPE), Physical Medical Dental Examination (PMDE), Drug Test and Final Deliberation. Thereafter, oath taking of the newly recruit Police Officers 1 will take place.

PSupt Arañas further said that the new recruits will undergo Public Safety Basic Recruit Course for six months, and Field Training Program for another six months. After which Police Trainees will proceed with mandatory special training of PNP SCOUT or PNP Special Counter –insurgency Unit Training course for 45 days to 5 months to enhance them in militaristic/tactics for future assignment in the different Public Safety Forces and Police Stations.

For inquiries relative to the PNP Recruitment Program, applicants may email at www.rss_pro9@yahoo.com or contact us at ORPHRDD Hotline Number 09176541985 or visit the ORPHRDD, PRO9, Camp Col. Romeo A. Abendan, Mercedes, Zamboanga City, PSupt Arañas added.

                       

Aiding displaced families in remote areas outside Marawi

A map to show the location of Ditsaan-Ramain and other areas on the east of Lake Lanao that also host displaced families who are in need of support. (To get to this area today, one has to go around Lake Lanao since Marawi is closed.) 

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (June 28, 2017) - On June 23-24, the ICRC together with the Philippine Red Cross provided much-needed relief items to nearly 13,000 displaced people in Ditsaan-Ramain, east of Marawi City in the nearby province of Lanao del Sur. This municipality is difficult to reach due to access and security issues.

Allison Lopez, Head of Public Communication, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to the Philippines, said that thousands of people who were not able to flee the fighting in Marawi by going north toward Iligan City, moved toward municipalities on the east of Lake Lanao.

Ditsaan-Ramain is one such hard-to-reach municipality where displaced families do not receive as much relief supplies due to access and security issues, and have to cope with the higher prices of food and other basic commodities.

To support them, we distributed on June 23-24 household items such as sleeping mats, jerry cans, mosquito nets, blankets, and kitchen utensils to nearly 13,000 displaced people staying in evacuation centers and with their relatives in Ditsaan-Ramain, together with volunteers from the Philippine Red Cross. Around 650 people in evacuation centers received hygiene items as part of the assistance, said Lopez.

Since the onset of the clashes, the ICRC and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) have been working together to assist the affected people. The well-trained volunteers of the PRC are crucial to the timely and efficient delivery of the support for displaced residents of Marawi. (Photo by: ICRC)

An ICRC staff assists an elderly woman with her relief items. It is the first time that displaced families in this area received this amount of relief items. (Photo by: ICRC)

An ICRC officer briefs displaced families on the distribution of relief items to ensure a smooth process. (Photo by: ICRC)

Each displaced family received household items such as sleeping mats, jerry cans, mosquito nets, blankets, and kitchen utensils. (Photo by: ICRC)

Hygiene items were also given to families staying in evacuation centers. The assistance was given just before the end of the holy month of Ramadan. (Photo by: ICRC)

A child looks on at the ICRC-PRC distribution of relief items in Ditsaan-Ramain, east of Marawi City where fighting has been going on for more than a month. (Photo by ICRC)

On day 34, 9 hostages rescued in Marawi

          

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (June 28, 2017) - After 34 days, government troops rescued 9 persons who were held hostage by the Maute terrorist group in Marawi City in the nearby province of Lanao del Sur, military official said.

Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, Task Force Marawi spokesperson said there are still more or less 120 civilians hostages being held up by the Maute terrorist group.

The rescued civilians, who are all male, identified as: (1) Ariel Ansaw; (2) Ronie Albacete; (3) Lando Albacete; (4) Dilbert Macatulag; (5) Micheal Ongos; (6) Mario Manggubat; (7) Jimboy Guinsayao; (8) Bryan Catipay; and (9) Algin Generalao. They were given immediate medical assistance. Gun powder tests on the said civilians yielded negative results. They said Father Chito Suganob is among those who are still being held hostage.

Lt. Col. Herrera said the government is doing all necessary measures to safely rescue the remaining hostages.

“We have received reports from the ground that the Maute terrorist group is using their hostages as human shields to deter military offensives against them,” Lt. Col. Herrera said.

Isabela City Police Station placed under Operational Control and Administrative Supervision of PRO9

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (June 28, 2017) - The Isabela City Police Station (ICPS) is now under the administrative supervision and operational control of Police Regional Office 9 under the helm of PCSupt Billy B. Beltran, official said.

Information officer PCInsp Helen L. Galvez, ZCPO-PRO9, disclosed that

this is after the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Isabela City, through its Resolution No. 16-5205, filed before the NAPOLCOLM requesting the administrative and operational supervision of ICPS will be place under the PRO9, was approved by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOLM) by virtue of Resolution No. 2017-300 dated May 25, 2017.

Previously, the Isabela City Police Station, pursuant to PNP-NHQ General Order Number DPL-02-04 dated March 15, 2002, was placed under the administrative control of the Regional Director, PRO9, while operational control over it was vested to the Regional Director, Police Regional Office, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), said PCInsp. Galvez.

PCSupt Billy B. Beltran, Regional Director, PRO9 welcomed the NAPOLCOLM resolution placing ICPS under the PRO9 as it will rectify such dysfunction in the PNP organization since both administrative and operational supervision now lies with the PRO9. He stressed that the organizational lines of authority and supervision constitute a departure from management standard and the principle of Unity of Command.

PRO9 is now composed of Zamboanga City Police Office, Zamboanga Del Norte Police Provincial Office, Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office, Zamboanga Del Sur Police Provincial Office and Isabela City Police Station.        

Tabak Division starts recruitment and processing for Candidate Soldier Course 2017

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (June 27, 2017) - The 1^st Infantry (TABAK) Division, Philippine Army based in Upper Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur will start the recruitment and processing of applications for the Candidate Soldier Course for the Calendar Year 2017, official said.

LTC Jo-Ar A. Herrera (INF) PA, Command Spokesperson, disclosed that interested applicants would like to serve the people and the country is advised to pre-register at Gate 2 of the Division; 101Bde Busbus, Jolo, Sulu; 102Bde, Sanito, Ipil, ZSP; 103Bde, Campo Ranao, Marawi City and 104Bde, Isabela City Basilan Province.  Likewise, the applicants should attend the pre-screening activity for the basic requirements that will also be held at the Division Headquarters from June 29, 2017. 

The basic requirements for the pre-screening are as follows: 1) 18-26 years of age; 2) Height – 5 feet above; 3) Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test (AFPSAT) – score of 45 above; 4) Birth Certificate from National Statistics Office with Official Receipt; 2) Marriage Contract of Parents with Official Receipt;3) Form 137, Transcript of Record, Diploma with dry seal (High School and College); 4) one 2x2 picture with name tag; and 4) valid identification cards. 

Registration from June 29, 2017 to August 1, 2017, the Candidate Soldier applicants will be given an Application Form to be accomplished and returned to Registration section.

LTC Herrera stresses that those who will be qualified for the next step will undergo different set of examinations such as the Physical Fitness Exam which consist of Push-up and Sit-up in 2 minutes and must perform a minimum of 47 and 55 repetition respectively while for Pull-ups a minimum of 5 repetitions.  Lastly, a 3.2 Kilometres Run (Up and Down Hill) which must be finished at the minimum of 17:09 minute.

For further clarifications and inquiries, interested applicants may contact OG1, 1^st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army Hotline: 0975-860-7576 (Globe), he added.

“Humanitarian Pause" Declared in Marawi Operations

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (June 26, 2017) - Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief-of-Staff General Eduardo Año, in approving the recommendation of LTGen Carlito Galvez, Jr. who heads the Western Mindanao Command, declares a "Humanitarian Pause" in military operations in Marawi starting 6am to 2pm on Sunday (June 25), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the declaration seeks to allow the Islamic faithfuls to celebrate prayerfully and peacefully Eid al-Fitr which happen to fall on Sunday, June 25, 2017 in Marawi City, Philippines.

"We declare a lull in our current operations in the city on that day as a manifestation of our high respect to the Islamic faith.

"A testimony to the AFP's solid commitment to provide our brother Muslims especially in the City of Marawi an opportunity to observe this festive event marking the end of the month-long period of Ramadan.", says General Año.

Cpt. Petinglay said that the "Humanitarian Pause" in the AFP's offensive operations will only cover a halt in the employment of its capabilities during the inclusive period.

She further said that it will be lifted immediately if any of the following conditions occur:

(1) the security of our troops is jeopardized;

(2) the safety of civilians is threatened; and

(3) if the enemy starts shooting. At that point, our personnel may exercise their right to self-defense.

3 Arrested, 6M Seized during Anti- Illegal Drugs operation in Zamboanga City

By Jong Cadion

   

ZAMBOANGA CITY (June 26, 2017) - Three High Value Drug suspects were arrested while a total of Sixty Million Pesos (P60,000,000.00) worth of alleged Shabu were confiscated during an anti-illegal drug operations carried out by Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of Zambaonga City Police Station 6 (Tetuan) at Vallerosa Subdivision, Barangay Sinunuc, Zambaonga City at about 8:30 AM on  Saturday (June 24), official said.

PSUPT NONITO ASDAI, Zambaonga City Police Station 6 Station Commander, identified the arrested suspects as Almujir Sabtal y Usman a.k.a ‘Ogie’, 29, single, a resident of Municipality of Luuk, Jolo, Sulu; Carmin Aliakbar Maluddiny, 36 years old, married and Sakur Jimo Alijam, 26 years old, married, both residents of Vallerosa Subdivision, Sinunuc, Zambaonga City.

Recovered/confiscated from the possession of the suspects were: One (1) piece small size heat sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance (Buy bust items) believed to be “shabu”, Three (3) pack size more or less Three (3) kilos containing white crystalline substance believe to be “shabu”, (recovered item) with estimated street value of Sixty Million Pesos (P60,000,000.00) and Three (3) pieces of One hundred Pesos (PHP100) bill used as marked money with serial number AU958249, UL157996 and CU723952.

The confiscated alleged shabu will be turned over to PNP RCLO9 for qualitative and quantitative examination. Suspects are presently detained inside the detention cell of Zamboanga City Police Station 6 for inquest proceedings.

With this, PCSUPT BILLY B BELTRAN, PRO9 Regional Director, lauded and commended the operating police units of Zamboanga City Police Station 6, ZCPO for a job well done and for their utmost efforts that resulted to the arrest of drug personalities involved in drug pushing / trafficking in Zamboanga Peninsula.  

PCSUPT BELTRAN urges the public to support once again the police in the campaign against illegal drugs dubbed as “Oplan Double Barrel, Reloaded” by providing relevant and timely information on the identity of drug personalities in their respective places to report it to the nearest police station or to the PNP hotline numbers 911- 09178475757 – 09175062000 and KKK Mobile App.

  

Suspect in the brutal murder of 23-year old woman in Zamboanga City nabbed in Police Operation in Cavite

By Jong Cadion

  

ZAMBOANGA CITY (June 26, 2017) - The suspect in the brutal murder of 23-year old woman in Lantawan, Zamboanga City was arrested by combined operatives of Zamboanga City Police Station 7 led by PCINSP JOSEPH LAPUT ORTEGA and Imus City Police Station led by PSUPT NORMAN TABALDO RAÑON at Block 4, Lot 6, Phase 1, Celina Plains Subdivision, Barangay Malagasang 1-B, Imus Cavite at about 9:05 PM on Friday (June 23), official said.

ZCPO-PRO9 information officer PCINSP. HELEN L. GALVEZ disclosed that the suspect was identified as Roselinni Arcillas Y Lozada, 31 years old, married and a resident of Zambowood, Zamboanga City and presently residing at the above-cited place. This is by virtue of warrant of arrest docketed under criminal Case no. 35882 for murder issued by Regional Trial Court, 9th Regional Judicial Branch 14, Zamboanga City with no bail recommended issued by Hon. Vera T. Vergara, presiding judge, RTC Brance 14, Zamboanga City dated June 15, 2017.

PCInsp. Galvez said that the arrested suspect was the primary suspect in the murder of as 23-year old Maria Clariz Fernandez Faylona, single and a resident of Villa Rio Drive Pasonanca, who was found at abandoned building owned by the Universidad de Zamboanga located in Lantawan, Pasonanca on April 9, 2017. The cadaver was reportedly naked and in an advanced state of decomposition.

The suspect is now temporarily detained at Imus City Police Station waiting for his delivery to proper judicial authority as mandated.

As this developed, PCSUPT BILLY B BELTRAN, PRO9 Regional Director, lauded and commended the Zamboanga City Police Station 7, ZCPO headed by PCINSP JOSEPH L ORTEGA for a job well done and for their utmost efforts which resulted to the arrest of notorious murder suspect.  

Soldiers in Marawi also fight battle over the Internet

Photo by 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division PA

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (June 24, 2017) - While the conflict in Marawi City is ongoing where government troops engage the Maute terrorist group in fierce firefights, soldiers are also fighting another battle over the Internet.

When the crisis in Marawi broke out on May 23, 2017, the Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division was incidentally conducting a series of trainings on Digital Media Capability Enhancement. The participating personnel in the said training from various units all over the Division eventually became the core of Task Force Marawi’s social media monitoring team.

“This is part of the Division’s digital media initiatives to equip our personnel not only for actual combat operations but also enhance our digital capability in facing another kind of battle using Internet technologies for disseminating information online and bring the Division to the community it serves,” said Brig. Gen. Rolly Bautista, Commander of the 1stInfantry (Tabak) Division and Task Force Marawi.

According to Marlon Magtira, digital media training facilitator, positive sentiments on the military are overwhelming while there are negative and fake information posted on social media networks.

“The enemy and their supporters are actively utilizing online digital media to spread false information about the situation in Marawi City. But our team is on the look-out to engage and provide counter measures and prevent the enemy of sowing fear and terror,” Brig. Gen. Bautista said.

“The unity of the people to dispel the disruptions caused by terrorists,” said Brig. Gen. Bautista.

Philippine Navy’s Landing Dock Arrives in Zamboanga City

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (June 24, 2017) - The Philippine Navy’s one of two Landing Docks, BRP Davao del Sur (LD602) arrives in Zamboanga City on Thursday (June 22) at Zamboanga City Pier, military official said.

Rear Admiral Rene V. Medina, Commander, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) disclosed that the said vessel will be having its “OPEN HOUSE”on Friday, June 23, 2017 to showcase its capability as a landing platform dock as well as to give opportunity to the populace of Zamboanga Cityfor a guided tour aboard ship. Along with Naval Reserve Center-WM and in coordination with all the units of Naval Forces Western Mindanao and the Municipality of Zamboanga City, the Navy will also conduct recruitment activities on the same date aboard ship for interested individuals who wish to join the roster of the Philippine Navy.

RADM Medina said that the arrival of LD602 is aimed at promoting peace, develop friendly relations and bring the Philippine Navy and the Armed Forces of the Philippines closer to the hearts of the Zamboanguenos and of the Filipino people in general.

BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602) was launched on September 29, 2016 and commissioned in the service of the Philippine Navy on May 31, 2017. She was named after one of the main provinces of Mindanao, Davao del Sur and has a length of 123m (404 ft), beam of 21.8m (72 ft) and has a maximum carrying capacity of 11,583 tons and could last at sea for 30 days. She was the second ship ordered and constructed by the Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL after BRP Tarlac (LD-601) which was delivered in May 2016. LD-602 can transport heavy equipment, supplies and troops anywhere in the archipelago.

63 civilians rescued, 2 BIFF members nabbed as pursuit continue in Central Mindanao

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (June 23, 2017) - Sixty-three civilians were rescued by the Joint Task Force Central in the all-out conduct of combat operations against members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in North Cotabato, while two of the bandits were arrested in a checkpoint established by the military in Maguindanao at around 6pm Wednesday (June 21), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that the elements of the 602nd Brigade advanced towards the Malagakit Elementary School to rescue the hostages, who were used as human shields, and engage the fleeing BIFF members in Barangay Malagakit, Pigcawayan, in the nearby province of North Cotabato.

Cpt. Petinglay said that upon sensing the movement of the troops, the bandits immediately retreated, leaving behind their 31 captives. Meanwhile, 32 residents trapped in the crossfire went out of their houses, for fear of being accosted by the BIFF members, and joined the rescued hostages. The 63 rescued civilians were brought to the Battalion Tactical Post of the 34th Infantry Battalion for proper disposition.

"At around 6:29pm yesterday (Wednesday), Barangay Malagakit was cleared of the presence of BIFF bandits," said Major General Arnel Delavega on Thursday, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central.

Elements of the 34th Infantry Battalion provided mortar fire support to the Simsiman Detachment in Barangay Simsiman, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, and conducted blockade in Barangay Malagakit.

Troops from the 7th Infantry Battalion and the 34IB further engaged the BIFF members, while CAA members continue to exchange gunfire with the bandits, resulting in the wounding of one of its members, who was promptly given medical attention by the responding medical team.

"Air assets were also deployed to specific areas of engagement for close air support," added MGen Delavega.

The exchange of gunfire, however, resulted in the death of a member of the Civilian Active Auxiliary and the wounding of two others, who were immediately brought by the responding troops to the Midsayap Diagnostic Center for medical attention, Cpt. Petinglay added.

Cpt. Petinglay further added, meanwhile, two BIFF members, identified as Jahren Mantukay, 23 years old, and Bardurin Limba, 28 years old, were held by the troops of the 22nd Mechanized Company, 2nd Mechanized Battalion, Mechanized Division, Philippine Army on checkpoint in Butilin, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao at 9:20am Wednesday.

She further said that seized from Mantukay and Limba were two sachets of suspected shabu. Per information from the concerned individuals, the subjects are members of the BIFF Special Operation Group under a certain Palos and were often seen operating the motorized boat utilized by the BIFF for transportation and movement. Mantukay and Limba, both resident of Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao. The arrested persons were then brought to Datu Piang Police Station for proper investigation and disposition.

Major General Arnel Dela Vega, said that coordination was made with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the ceasefire committee as part of the area of engagement is occupied by the 105th Base Command of the MILF.

"As of press time, pursuit is continuously being conducted by the 602Bde, following the attack perpetrated by the BIFF bandits under Commander Abunawas, OB10, Abu Saide, Sala and Agila against the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team at an outpost in Barangay Malagakit at around 6am yesterday (Wednesday)," said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. on Thursday, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

"I commend the troops and policemen for their swift response over the problem and for driving away the BIFF without causing any injuries or harm to the civilians."

"Much recognition also has to be given to the good Governor of Cotabato, Governor Lala Talino, and her staff for the fast and calibrated response over the tension."

"It is now very evident that once a community and its leaders are united in fighting off bad elements of society, surely, evil will never triumph," added LtGen Galvez.

Surrendered Abu Sayyaf members reach almost a hundred as 11 others yield anew in Western Mindanao

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (June 23, 2017) - Eleven (11) more members of the Abu Sayyaf Group, including a sub-leader, chose to return to the fold of the law and surrender their firearms amid the intensified conduct of combat operations launched by the military and the ameliorating support of the local government in Basilan at 10am Wednesday (June 21), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) information officer Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that Ibrahim Malat Sulayman, a sub-leader and native of Macalang, Albarka, and 10 more Abu Sayyaf members yielded to the troops of the Joint Task Force Basilan, composed of the 68th Infantry Battalion and the 74th Infantry Battalion, in a surrender rite held at the Sumisip Municipal Hall Complex in Barangay Buli-Buli, Sumisip, in the nearby province of Basilan.

Cpt. Petinglay said that the Abu Sayyaf members were identified as Salimbawa Ahlil Tanjal, a.k.a. Salim Toong Masud, Salasni Ambing Mahawan, a.k.a. Ado Emmong, Ahmad Abbi, a.k.a. Bolkia, all listed under Nurhassan Jamiri; Mar-ie Cabulut Indama, listed under Furuji Indama; Muhammad Kalung-Hassan, Salman Hawkasa; Husael Fernandez; Roy Mendoza Cabiangan; Ebtor Asano; and Madja Palinta.

Turned over by the hard-core ASG members were seven (7) high-powered and four low-powered firearms with magazines and ammunition, she added.

"With the continuing pressure employed by the troops on the ground, we are confident that more Abu Sayyaf members will be compelled to cross the line. This feat will convince us even more to intensify our offensives against the remaining fighters," said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

Sulayman and 10 of the surrendered members were turned over to the Sumisip local for further disposition.

“We further recognize the assistance extended by the local government of Basilan to support the all-out military campaign of the Joint Task Force Basilan under Colonel JuvymaxUy,” added the WestMinCom Commander.

Since January 1, 2017, a total of 96 Abu Sayyaf members yielded to the Joint Task Forces of Western Mindanao, 54 of whom surrendered in Basilan, 19 in Sulu, 21 in Tawi-Tawi, and two in Zamboanga City.

"This is, by far, a breakthrough having so much surrendered hard-core ASG members in just a short span of time. We will continue to put pressure until the last bandit will be taken down," added LtGen Galvez.

Escaping terrorists blend with evacuees in Marawi – AFP

Photo from 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, PA

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (June 22, 2017) - After the series of arrests of alleged members of Maute terrorist group including the parents of Maute brothers who led the attacks in Marawi City, hopeless terrorist members have chosen to abandon their firearms and blend in with civilian evacuees who are escaping from ground zero, military official said.

Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, Spokesperson of Joint Task Force Marawi said: “As their bailiwick native land, the terrorists are knowledgeable of the terrain here in Marawi City. They are also using that advantage to slip out of the area to escape. But the authorities assure that the combined strength of the security forces and other government agencies, these terrorists have nowhere to hide.”

IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) are causing the clearing operations to take one sure step at a time, according to Brig. Gen. Ramiro Manuel A Rey, Commander of Task Force Ranao.

“The Maute terrorists are pushed back in a corner due to the AFP’s continuous effort. But they are using IEDs to block the government troops. They are also using hostages as human shields and slaves from gaining grounds. Hostages were even forced to place LPG tanks with fuel as IEDs against the AFP troops. The cause of the fire eruptions inside ground zero was caused by LPG tanks strapped with fuel and is detonated as troops continue to gain ground,” Brig. Gen. Rey said.

According to Lt. Col. Herrera, the number of enemies that are currently being engaged dwindled to a little over a hundred. “According to the information we are getting from the ground troops operating in the area, there are more or less 100 members of Maute terrorist group left after the 1 month battle here in Marawi,” he said.

As of Wednesday, June 21, 2017, the AFP counted a total of 268 Maute terrorists killed and 271 recovered firearms. On the government side, 56 are killed in action and 461 are wounded.