PMPI Press Statement on the Jolo, Sulu church bombing

We are deeply disturbed and express our sincerest condolences and solidarity to the families and friends of the victims of the twin bombing attacks at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo Sulu during a morning mass last January 27. We are indignant about the loss of lives of innocent civilians and members of the Armed Forces in this senseless and brutal attack.

This is unacceptable. It is a clear attempt on the part of the perpetrators to undermine pursuits towards peace. It shows their contempt to sincere efforts of building bridges between conflicting parties. What is worst, it creates a state of fear, confusion, anger that can hinder us to think clearly, to be critical and remain steadfast in peace building.

"We are very sad and at the same time stunned when we learned about the incident. The victims are just ordinary church goers fulfilling their Sunday duty as Christians. We find this act deplorable. Its timing is appalling and has no place in community struggling to build peace in Mindanao at this point in time”, Community Health Based Program staff of the Diocese of Ipil and PMPI ZAMBASULI Cluster point-person, Joy Teves said.

 “We surmise that this was staged in a catholic church, to hide its real intention and instead fan the flames of animosities and divide among Christians and Muslims. Let us not fall into this trap. Let not the carrier of war and violence overshadow the victory of the recently concluded plebiscite on Bangsomoro Organic Law. Its ratification is an affirmation of a people longing and wanting peace to reign in our land”, PMPI National Coordinator Yolly Esguerra said.

We urge the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and make the perpetrators accountable for this atrocious act. We ask our fellow citizens to remain calm and vigilant in the face of this vicious challenge to peace making. And even as we are enraged, we offer prayers to the victims and their families. May they be consoled by the thought that their loved ones are martyrs of Peace. May their demise guide us in our quest for lasting peace in our country.

Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI), is a social development and advocacy network composed of 250 faith-based groups, non-government organizations and people’s organization spread in 15 regional clusters in the country.   

Jerico R. Catalla

Communications and Information Officer

Philippine-Misereor Partnership, Inc. (PMPI)

Pacific Century Tower 1472-1476

Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon Ave. Quezon City, Philippines

Contact number: +639176244320

http://pmpi.org.ph/

Navy holds Community Outreach Program in Ozamiz City

PAGADIAN CITY (Jan. 29, 2019) - Naval Forces Western Mindanao in collaboration with the Local Government Unit of Ozamiz City, partner stakeholders and other military units took part in the conduct of Community Outreach Program at Brgy Tabid, Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental on January 26, 2019.

The CMO Team under the command of Rear Admiral Rene V Medina AFP was welcomed by Brgy. Chairman Salvador C Canlas and its residents.

The event kicked off with a short program to welcome the participants.

CMOU-WM listed the following beneficiaries who have availed the following services:

-      Medical Consultation to ­­195 beneficiaries

 -Dental check-up and Tooth Extraction to 163 patients

- Eye Check-up and Eye Glasses Distribution to 150 individuals

- Free Haircut to 145 individuals

- Food Feeding to 352 children

- Distribution of Sardines and groceries to 400 families

- Free Circumcision to 26 youth/children

The NFWM Band also entertained the residents and Magic Show performance of Navy reservist which enjoyed by the kids and young at hearts.

Units involved in the conduct of Outreach program are the:

-      Civil Military Operations Unit-WM

-      Marine Battalion Landing Team 11

-      Marine Battalion Landing Team 3

-      Reservists under Naval Reserve Center – Western Mindanao (NRCen-WM)

-      BRP Waray (LC 288)

-      Medical Team from Kuta Heneral Cesar Sang-an Station Hospital, 1st “Tabak” Division, Philippine Army

-      PNP Ozamiz City and stakeholders from MEGA Global Inc.

-      YL Fishing Corp.

-      Universal Canning Corp.

-       Clear Vision Eye Center

-      Servitek

-      Venus Salon

-      Members of the Philippine Navy Ozamiz Batch 1976

-      Ozamiz City Health Office

-      Medical doctors and dentists from Mount Malindang Eagles Club

-      Doctors from Ciudad Medical de Zamboanga

-       Medical Clinic

-       Hilarion Ramiro Sr. Medical Center

-      Radio Emergency Communication Operation Network (RECON)

-      Jollibee-Ozamiz City Branch

-      Tropical Pension House also provided accommodation to the Fleet-Marine Team and volunteers.

Despite the threat in security posed by the adversaries, these men and women of the Philippine Navy with its volunteer-stakeholders still showed commitment to serve and bring basic services directly to the people of Brgy Tabid.

Likewise, the CMO initiatives is in support to Higher Headquarters’ Development Support and Security Plan “Kapayapaan 2017-2022” promoting peace, ensuring security, helping maintain public order and supporting the overall development initiatives of the government.

Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) will always be in service to the people to help them progress on their own while staying hopeful that this goodwill acts will led to a long term positive effect and impact to the children and the community. (By JONG CADION with NFWM PAO PR and photos)

ICRC deplores attack on civilians in Sulu

Jolo, Sulu Provincial Capitol

Manila (Jan. 28, 2019-ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) deplores the loss of life and injuries to civilians that resulted from yesterday’s twin explosions in Jolo, Sulu province, southern Philippines.

According to reports obtained from health officials in Sulu and Zamboanga, 20 people were killed while 111 were hurt in Sunday’s two successive blasts at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the provincial capital of Jolo.

“We are deeply concerned by the number of civilians being injured or killed as a result of deliberate attacks. We deplore any violence committed against civilians,” said Martin Thalmann, head of the ICRC delegation in the Philippines. “We appeal to all parties to the conflict to meet their obligations under international humanitarian law (IHL) and thus ensure that civilians and civilian objects are spared and protected at all times. IHL prohibits direct attacks against civilians and civilian objects in all circumstances,” he said.

In the wake of the attack, the ICRC team in Zamboanga City coordinated with its national partner, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), specifically its Sulu chapter that quickly responded to the incident; and with public and military hospitals where the wounded were taken. Two of these hospitals recently received donations of medicines and medical supplies from the ICRC.

Today, an ICRC health team visited a hospital in Zamboanga City to assess the needs of 18 severely wounded patients, and of patients who are being transported to Zamboanga, for possible support of their individual treatment.

The ICRC supports seven hospitals in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao with medicines and medical supplies. Last year, 242 responders in Mindanao, including nurses from Sulu, were trained to provide quality emergency medical care to wounded people.

It also supports capacity-building of PRC chapters in Sulu and Basilan to respond to emergencies and provides support for displaced civilians.

The ICRC is a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organization whose exclusive humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance, regardless of their political affiliation.

The ICRC seeks to speak to all sides involved in a conflict to secure access for humanitarian assistance and to ensure respect for the rules of armed conflict. (By Allison Lopez-ICRC)

"Let the people decide to vote either Yes or No" OPPAP Sec, Galvez By

Mike Navarro

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (jan. 29, 2019) - Cabinet Secretary,Military and Police officials attended the Provincial Peace and Order Coucil (PPOC) led by OPPAP Sec. Carlito Galvez, BGen. Thomas Sedano 2nd Mechanized Brigade Commander, LTC. Ronel Manalo 5IB Commander, PSSupt.  Cabanag PD LDN and LTO Lanao del Norte head Malic Sultan and the Highway Patrol Group to discuss the security preparation for upcoming Feb. 6 2019 BOL Plebiscite.

While provincials officials led by Gov. Imelda Dimaporo. Also in attendance are Maigo Mayor Rafael Rizalda, Munai Mayor Casan Maquiling and Hassanor Tawantawan of Salvador town.

2nd Mechanized brigade updated the situation in the province. The Military said that there is no treat so far in the province.

They also enhance their TF Plebiscite and monitor the security situation in different area in the Province.

While the PNP deployed Quick Reaction Team in every Municipal Police Station and standby Police personnel ready to deploy, said PSSupt Leopoldo Cabanag Provincial Police Director in Lanao del Norte.

BGen. Thomas Sedano Commander of 2nd Mechanized  Brigade assured the provincial officials of Lanao del Norte that Philippine Army are ready and additional troops will be deploy this Feb. 1 2019.

OPAPP Sec. Carlito Galvez said "let the people decide to vote either Yes or No" in Lanao del Norte and the will of the people must be respected. (By MNE)

Drug Suspect Arrested, 340K Worth of Shabu Seized in Drug Buy Bust Operation

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga Del Sur (Jan. 27, 2019) – A Illegal-Drug suspect was arrested while 340-Thousand pesos worth of suspected shabu was confiscated by combined elements of 902nd Maneuver Company of Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9, Zamboanga Del Sur PPO-Intel Branch, Zamboanga Del Sur PPO-Drugs Enforcement Unit, PDEA-Zamboanga Del Sur and Regional Intelligence Division 9 during drug buy-bust operation at Purok 3 Barangay Buyogan West in Kumalarang municipality of this province at about 11:50 in the morning of January 27, 2019

PCSUPT Emmanuel Luis D Licup, PRO9 Regional Director identified the drug suspect as Masdal Karil Mandi a.k.a. Masdal Abdulrajac, 35 years old, married, and resident of Purok 4, Barangay Poblacion, Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Confiscated from his possession and control are the following ites:  

One (1) heat-sealed plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu with estimated weight of 50-grams worth Three Hundred Forty thousand pesos (Php340,000);

One (1) cigarette pack used as container of suspected shabu; One (1) brown cellular phone;

One (1) brown envelope used to contain buy-bust money; and

One (1) bundle of boodle money topped with genuine Php1000.00 bearing serial numbers SM787553.

The arrested illegal-drug suspect is now temporarily detained at PDEA detention center, Provincial Capitol, Pagadian City, while appropriate case for violation of Section 5, Art II of RA9165 is being prepared for filing in court against the suspect. (By FERDINAND “Bong” CADION with PRO9 PO PR and photos)

CBCP condemns ‘act of terrorism’ in Jolo

MANILA — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) condemned the deadly twin bombings that happened on Sunday while a mass was ongoing at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu. 

“We condemn this act of terrorism that has taken place only a few days after the plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law,” CBCP President Archbishop Romulo Valles said in a statement.

Valles said the Catholic bishops received the “sad news” through Jolo Apostolic Administrator Fr. Romeo S. Saniel while the CBCP was holding its 118th Plenary Assembly in Manila on Sunday.

The Davao archbishop expressed sympathies to the families of the victims, including more than 20 people who perished in the twin explosions that took place at a minute interval inside and at the entrance of the Jolo cathedral.

“We condole with the families of the several soldiers and civilians who were killed by the explosions,” Valles said.

“We also express our sympathies with those who were wounded and extend our solidarity with the rest of the churchgoers inside the Cathedral and the rest of the church community in the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo,” he added.

Meanwhile, Valles urged Christians to join the people of Mindanao in prayer for peace to reign in the region.

“As we begin a new phase in the peace process with the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARRM), we ask our Christian brethren to join hands with all peace-loving Muslim and Indigenous People communities in the advocacy against violent extremism,” the Catholic prelate said.

“May all our religions of peace guide us in our quest for a brighter future for the peoples of Mindanao,” he added. (PNA)

Abu Sayyaf Group Member Nabbed in Zamboanga City

 ZAMBOANGA CITY (Jan. 27, 2019) – An alleged member of notorious Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member was arrested during law enforcement operation carried out by Regional Anti-Criminality Task Group of Regional Intelligence Division 9, PRO9 and Zamboanga City Police Station 6 at Barangay Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City at about 7:00 AM of January 25, 2019.

Police Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Luis D Licup, PRO9 Regional Director identified the arrested ASG member as Daud Isnani y Baluan alias “Umbra”, 33 years old, married and a resident of Barangay Arena Blanco, Zamboanga City.

Daud Isnani y Baluan was arrested by virtue of the warrant of arrest for the crime of Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention under Article 267 of RPC as amended under section 8 of RA 7689 under Criminal Case Number 3432, 3551, 3552, 3566, 3567, 3569, and 3570 issued by Presiding Judge of 9th RTC Branch 1, Isabela City, Basilan dated January 28, 2008 with no bail bond recommended.

He is presently detained at Zamboanga City Police Station 6 for booking, mug shots and finger prints prior turn over to the concerned court. (By FERDINAND "Bong" CADION with PRO9 PIO PR and photos)

Death toll in Jolo church bombing rises to 17

By Ely Dumaboc  January 27, 2019 - PNA

Jolo, Sulu Cathedral (Photos from United Kabalikat Civicom-Jolo chapter)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The death toll in the twin explosions that ripped through a church in Jolo, Sulu has risen to 17, which included five soldiers dead, while 57 others were reported wounded, police said Sunday.

Senior Supt. Pablo Labra II, Sulu police director, said two improvised explosive devices exploded one after the other at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Barangay Walled City, Jolo.

Labra said the first IED exploded around 8:15 a.m. Sunday inside the church and the second, a minute later outside the cathedral.

Labra said the five slain soldiers belonged to the Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion and were detailed to secure the church, while the other 12 fatalities were churchgoers.

Of the 57 wounded, he said 14 are soldiers of the Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion, one member of the Philippine Coast Guard, and the 42 others are churchgoers.

Photos from United Kabalikat Civicom-Jolo chapter

Based on investigation, he said a woman was seen to have entered the church and pretended to be a devotee prior to the twin explosions.

He said investigation is still ongoing in a bid to unmask the identities of the people behind the twin bombings.

Photo from FB post of Clarence Ann Arasad Fullero of Jolo, Sulu

Meanwhile, former Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan has condemned the incident, which he called a "barbaric act".

“We condemn the barbaric act of certain individuals or group in the cathedral bombing this morning against the worshippers as they try to sow terror and we should never give in,” Tan said. (PNA)

Mindanao execs condemn Jolo church bombing

Photo from FB post of Clarence Ann Arasad Fullero of Jolo, Sulu

DAVAO CITY -- Mindanao officials on Sunday condemned the deadly bombing inside a church in Barangay Walled City, Jolo, Sulu that left at least 17 dead and scores wounded.

"We condemn in strongest terms this murderous act that has victimized innocent lives in Jolo. This dastardly act of insanity should not be allowed to instill fear to our peace-loving populace,” Secretary Datu Abul Khayr Alonto, chairman of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), said in a press statement Sunday.

Alonto vowed that government security forces will track down those responsible and bring the ruthless killers to justice.

“Hand in hand, let us strengthen our resolve to overcome the evil designs of those cowards behind this senseless act,” Alonto urged Mindanaoans.

Alonto also called on all citizens to unite and help the government rid the society of this "menace" that threatens the gains of peace and development efforts.

PBA Party-List Representative and Sulu caretaker-congressman, Jericho Nograles, also condemned the Jolo bombing in the strongest term.

“We offer our condolences to the families of the victims. We pray for your loss and grieve with you,” Nograles said in a press statement.

He also called on the military and the police to bring the perpetrators to justice as soon as possible.

Nograles said the incident was a cowardly act that will only strengthen the government's resolve to rid Sulu of terrorists.

“I trust President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and his administration will do the best they can for Sulu and the Philippines,” he added.

The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) also sympathized with the people and condemned the bombing incident.

Maj. Gen. Felimon Santos, commander of the Eastmincom, ordered close monitoring and coordination with Armed Forced of the Philippines (AFP) counterparts in Western Mindanao and other law enforcement agencies like the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) for better situation analysis.

“Our security mechanism is in place to ensure the safety of everyone,” Santos assured the public.

He further assured that the troops have heightened the alert level in the Eastmincom area, particularly all places of worship and places of convergence.

“Be informed, however, that we have not received any hard information that any of our areas is directly under threat,” he added.

Santos called on the people to be more vigilant and cooperative with authorities through reporting any security-related concerns.

Santos, who recently assumed the helm of Eastmincom, also asked the people to remain calm and avoid spreading false information as it could only cause panic in the communities. (PNA)

Zambo City to transfer seat of government

Zamboanga City Hall (Photo file photo)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Jan. 24, 2019) -- The local government is eyeing to transfer the City Hall to its property in Barangay Cabatangan here.

Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) head, said Thursday the transfer is part of the local government's initiative to decongest the city proper.

Apolinario said the decongestion of the downtown area would create growth centers in the peripheries of the city.

He said the technical working group (TWG) has already met and is set to meet again anytime this month to look into the transfer of City Hall.

The TWG is composed of the City Engineers’ Office, City Legal Office, Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources, City General Services Office, City Mayor, and concerned national agencies.

Apolinario said that all of the local government offices will be placed under one roof for easy access to the public.

He said the century-old City Hall building would be transformed for other purposes, such as a museum. (PNA)

Maute-IS Remnant Surrender amidst intensified military operations

By JONG D. CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Jan, 25, 2019) - Two (2) Maute-IS member, one being a child warrior, surrendered to elements of 49th “Good Samaritans” Infantry Battalion based in Butig, Lanao del sur at around 3:00pm January 24, 2019, military official said.

Capt. Clint Antipala, OIC Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) Chief disclosed that the surrender came amidst focused-military operations in the adjacent municipality of Sultan Dumalandong.

Capt. Antipala identified the two returnees as, @Hussein, 17 and @Ashlani, 34, were recruited and trained by the Maute brothers sometime in 2013 at Brgy. Sandab, Butig, Lanao del Sur.

According to Lt Col Edgar Allan S Villanueva, Commanding Officer of the 49th Infantry Battalion, the duo surrendered in fear that they might be targeted for the next military operations.

“Takot kami na baka isunod nalang kami sa operation. Iniwan nalang kami ng mga leader pagkatapos nung encounter namin. Wala narin kami matakbuhan kaya sumuko nalang kami” (We were afraid that we will be operated on next. We were left by our leaders after one of our encounters. We have nowhere to run so we opted to surrender), said @Ashlani.

Their surrender was facilitated by the Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Post (JCMP) and the local community.

Relationships between the military and the local populace were also positively reinforced through intensified Civil-Military Operations conducted by units in the area.

“We have intensified our Civil-Military Operations to build good rapport with the populace in the area” LTC Villanueva Notes.

“Out here, it is not just about fighting the enemy, but also how to win communities – and that truly made a big impact when it comes to the accomplishing our mission.” He adds.

The returnees expressed their fear of government troops but was convinced to lay down their arms after referring to other locals.

“Nung una, natatakot kami na magsurender dahil baka saktan nila kami, pero sabi naman samin ng mga tao na mabait naman daw ang mga sundalo sa area. Masaya kami dahil tinatrato kami ng maayos ng ating kasundaluhan.” (At first we were afraid to surrender because the soldiers might hurt us, but we were told that soldiers in the area were kind. We are happy that we are being treated well by our soldiers) Ashlani remarks.

“Ngayon na nagsurrender na kami, makakatulog na kami at ang pamiliya namin ng maayos. Kung kailangan na panagutan namin ang ginawa namin, tatanggapin namin ang kapalaran namin” (Now that we have surrendered, we can sleep well without worrying about our and our family’s safety, if we have to face justice, then we will accept our fate) the returnee notes.

“We are giving them a chance to live a peaceful and meaningful life. We are calling on the remaining Maute-IS fighters to surrender peacefully to the nearest military installation before the next combat operations falls into your doorsteps. Take this offer now before it’s too late.” said Col Romeo Brawner, 103rd Infantry Brigade Commander.

"The armed encounter is the result of our relentless campaign against Maute ISIS remnants and Abu Dar group," Said Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo,1st Infantry Division and JTF Zampelan Commander.

"We also ask the local populace for their trust, support and prayers for our troops who are still in the area  to neutralize the remaining Maute ISIS remnants who continously threaten the safety and well being of Meranaos," He added. (With Tabak DPAO PR)

PRO9 Regional Director Lauded Police Forces for Peaceful Conduct of BOL Plebiscite in Isabela City

PAGADIAN CITY (Jan. 24, 2019) – The Police Regional Office 9 Director Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Luis D Licup lauded the police forces in Isabela City for their ready police services rendered to the people of Isabela City during the conduct of the Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite last January 21, 2019, regional police official disclosed.

“I wish to congratulate each and every member of PRO 9 for a job well done in maintaining the peace in the whole region during the BOL Plebiscite with only a very few kinks encountered, something that we truly can be proud of,” PCSupt. Licup said.

PCSupt. Licup added that the holding of the plebiscite on the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in Isabela City was generally peaceful as no untoward incidents were recorded that disrupt the conduct of plebiscite. Except for an isolated incident of ballot tearing incident in Barangay Sumagdang, Isabela City, Basilan.

“I also congratulate the security forces that were tasked to secure the plebiscite for the splendid execution of the security plan that resulted to a peaceful and orderly conduct of the exercise”. The Regional Director also said..

PRO9 PIO PSInsp. Helen L Galvez said the Police Regional Office 9 have dispatched some its personnel as augmentation forces to the existing security forces being set up by the Isabela City Police Station and the AFP in the city that are tasked to secure the BOL Plebiscite. 

Company size from Regional Mobile Forces Battalion 9, PRO9 K9 Group and 10 Zamboanga City Police Office PNP personnel trained board of election inspectors (BEIs) are some of the augmentation troops that the PRO9 sent to the Isabela City, Basilan for the BOL Plebiscite, Galvez disclosed.

Earlier, Galvez also said that Isabela City Police Station under Police Superintendent William Gadayan commended the augmentation forces from RMFB9, K9 Units and ZCPO during the send- off ceremony held at Isabela City Gymnasium, Isabela City, Basilan province.(By JONG CADION with PRO PIO PR and photos)

One Dead in Sirawai Clash

By JONG CADION

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Jan 23, 2019) – One member of lawless armed group was killed in an encounter with government forces in Brgy Sipakit, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte at around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday (January 22, 2019), military official said.

“The killed member was identified as Jul Hassan under Jamilon Tukalan Group who were involved in kidnapping and extortion in Zamboanga del Norte,” said Lt. Col Danilo Ambe, 42nd Infantry Battalion Commander.  

The troops of 42nd Infantry Battalion together with PNP patrolled in the community when the firefight against five lawless armed group transpired.

Both Army and PNP troopers recorded no casualty and recovered one caliber .45 and one caliber .38 handguns; one grenade; and a cellphone.

“We will continuously operate together with PNP to quell lawless armed groups in our area of responsibility,” said Col. Bagnus Gaerlan, 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) Commander, commended the efforts of the troops for the successful encounter.

       

“Our campaign against armed groups together with PNP will be relentless in order to minimize the atrocities and attain a just and lasting peace in our area of operation.” Maj. General Murillo added. (With DPAO PR and photos)