BCPCH installs commissioners for BARMM provinces

 The newly installed commissioners of the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH) unveiled the new seal on Wednesday, May 26, 2021. (Photo provided by BIO)

 PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (May 30, 2021) - Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH) officially presented Wednesday, May 26, its newly installed commissioners for the provinces of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The newly installed commissioners are BCPCH Chairperson Dr. Salem Y. Lingasa for Maguindanao, Robert Maulana Alonto for Lanao del Sur, Ardan D. Sali for Sulu, Elmasia L. Madjilon for Tawi-Tawi, and Guiamal B. Abdulrahman, representing Indigenous Peoples (as ex-officio)

Meanwhile, representative for settler communities and the commissioner for the province of Basilan are yet to be identified.

Also, on May 25 to 26, the BCPCH conducted its first en banc meeting to review its mandates, powers, and functions as newly created commission.

“We found out that this mandate is quite huge […] the primary mandate is to write the Bangsamoro history, its preservation and promotion of culture,” Chairperson Salem said.

With the enormous task the Commission will be undertaking, the BCPCH will be partnering with other agencies, particularly with the Development Academy of Bangsamoro (DAB) to conduct series of trainings.

During the two-day meeting, presentation of budget proposal for this year and the new seal were also presented.

The commissioners shall take their oath before the month of May ends. (By JONG CADION with reports from Bangsamoro Information Office)

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9 Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group members nabbed, war materials seized in Lanao

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (May 30, 2021) - Combined elements of the military and police conducted a joint law enforcement operation in Barangay Paigoay, Tubaran at 1:20 a.m., May 29.

“While approaching the target’s residence to serve warrants of arrest for murder and attempted murder against Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group members Farahufon Hadji Satar, a.k.a. Abu Zacariah/Omar, 43 years old, male, married, and resident of Brgy Paigoay; and Muna Kali, a.k.a. Abu Dimam, troops of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, 5th Infantry Battalion, Naval Special Operations Unit, Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office, PNP Special Action Force, and PNP Special Operations Group were fired upon by the suspects and their cohorts,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command.

Government forces immediately returned fire and subdued the suspects.

“The targets were able to elude arrest nevertheless the operation resulted in the apprehension of nine of their cohorts identified as Camaroden Tindug, 52 years old, male, married; Sabdullah Sarip, 36, male, married; Oter Macaungun, 35, male, married; Asnare  Alisood, 20, male, single;  Alisood Dima, 52, male, married;  Sowaib Abdullah, 18, male, married; Saaduden Adapun, 30, male, married; Zaenal Abdulatip, 33, male, married; and Aleem Salih Pitiilan, 45, male, married; all residents of Paigoay," said  Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, 103Bde Commander.

"Recovered from the said personalities' possession were two M16 rifles, three M16 magazines with live ammunition, one carbine, two cal. 45 pistols, two base radio, six portable radio, six touch screen cellphones, seven keypad cellphones, one laptop, two USBs, one improvised explosive device, one cal. 45 fired cartridge, one cal. 45 slug,  wallets and money amounting to PhP1,900.00, and propaganda materials,” Brig. Gen. Cuerpo II added.

Apprehended personalities and recovered items were brought to 5IB Advance Command Post for appropriate action and disposition of the PNP SOCO.

“We continue to intensify our operations to hunt and pound the remaining DI-MG members in our area of operation,” said Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, Commander, Joint Task Force ZamPeLan.

Since January 2021, JTF ZamPeLan neutralized a total of 18 DI-MG members, two of which were killed, seven surrendered, and nine were apprehended

“Congratulations to the troops of JTF ZamPeLan for your remarkable successes. Carry on your good work for the people and our country,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.(By JONG CADION with report and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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Military’s drive against loose firearms nets 27 guns in Tawi-Tawi

 

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (May 30, 2021) - Civilians yielded more than twenty loose firearms to security and local government officials in Tawi-Tawi in the first five months of 2021.

“Through the combined efforts of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi and the local government units, the campaign against loose firearms yielded to the surrender of a total of 27 high-powered and low-powered firearms by residents of the island province of Tawi-Tawi,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command.

Of the 27, one was handed over by a resident of Barangay Panglima Alari, Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi on May 26, 2021.

“Through the series of negotiations and dialogues with local officials and other stakeholders, a 52-year old man turned over his Springfield M1 Garand rifle with seven rounds of live ammunition and one magazine clip to the troops of the 312th Marine Company stationed in Barangay Poblacion of the municipality of Sitangkai,” said Lt. Col. Aladdin Caluza, Commanding Officer of Marine Battalion Landing Team 12.

The said firearm is temporarily kept at the 312MC headquarters while waiting for the scheduled turnover to higher headquarters.   

“We continue to conduct mobile security forum/dialogue to local government units and barangay officials to encourage others to hand over their undocumented firearms,” said Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Commander of JTF Tawi-Tawi.

“This is an initiative of the armed forces to assist local government units in keeping the peace and order in the province,” Brig. Gen. Rojas added.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. commended the troops of JTF Tawi-Tawi for this significant accomplishment.

“In the long run, we expect to achieve more as we receive more support from the different organizations and the people,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan Jr. stated. (By JONG CADION with report and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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Peace advocates work hard to keep Basilan safe and secured

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (May 30, 2021) - Another municipality in Basilan forged pact to support the small arms and light weapons (SALW) program in Basilan.

According to Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., military and police officers together with the local government officials of Tabuan Lasa signed this morning, May 25, an agreement to support the implementation of the SALW program in the said municipality.

The MOU was signed by Joint Task Force Basilan Commander Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, PNP Provincial Director Police Col. Rodrigo Maramo, 4th Special Forces Battalion Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Alex Ampati, and Provincial Administrator Manny Muarip at the Basketball Court of Lanawan Island, of the said municipality.

The MOU provides for the reduction and management of small arms and light weapons of individuals and groups doing hostile activities in the communities.

The elected municipal and barangay officials of Tabuan Lasa led by Mayor Brenda Junaid also took part in the signing of MOU.

Brig. Gen. Gobway said this is a good development in the implementation of the program in the province of Basilan.

“Last Friday, same memorandum was signed in the municipality of Hadji Mohammad Ajul. We hope that the other municipalities will also signify their support to the program,” said Brig. Gen. Gobway.

Meanwhile, the activity today was highlighted by the presentation of seven assorted loose firearms to Brig. Gen. Gobway and Gov. Hataman by 1st Lt. Alvin Balangcod, the Commanding Officer of the 14th Special Forces Company.

“These loose firearms were voluntarily surrendered by civilians from the different barangays of Tabuan Lasa,” said 1st Lt. Balangcod.

Since January 2021 to date, a total of 52 loose firearms were handed over to JTF Basilan, 22 of which are recovered through rido settlement, and 30 are surrendered by the civilians.

“To end terrorism, we must address its root causes which include the proliferation of loose firearms. I am happy that JTF Basilan is achieving a greater height in the campaign against loose firearms through the SALW program in their area of operation,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. stated.(By JONG CADION with report and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)]

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Military engineers facilitate installation of power lines in Tawi-Tawi

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (May 29, 2021) - The Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) through the 54th Engineer Brigade (54EBde) facilitates the ongoing installation of distribution line extensions (DX) in Lupa Pula, Mapun, Tawi Tawi.

WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., together with 54EBde Commander Brig. Gen. Anthony Cacayuran, checked on the progress of the said project on Monday morning, May 24, 2021.

According to Brig. Gen. Cacayuran, the project commenced on March 13, 2017 in the island municipality of Mapun and it is now 95% completed.

"Currently, we are doing the installation, stringing, and tensioning of Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced ( ACSR) wire on the 11 steel poles at Sitio Batutay in Barangay Gupah," said Brig. Gen. Cacayuran.

Target completion of the project is by the end of the 2nd quarter.

A Sangguniang Bayan member said the people of Mapun are very happy and grateful of the support the military is extending to improve their status of living.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. also paid a courtesy call on Municipal Officer-in-Charge Omar Mockthar Abdulpatta on the same day.

On behalf of Mayor Suraida Muksin, Abdulpatta expressed his gratitude to Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. and to the troops deployed in the different barangays of Mapun for maintaining the peace and order in the communities.

Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. lauded the good governance of the local government officials of Mapun.

"Let us continue to work together for peace and prosperity here in the beautiful island of Mapun," the commander said.

"Rest assured that Team WestMinCom will always be your partner for development while we continue to sustain the peace in the area," he added.(By JONG CADION with report and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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Abus nabbed in Sabah now in custody of Philippine authorities

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (May 29, 2021) - Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) handed-over to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) the eight Abu Sayyaf Group personalities yesterday morning, May 28, 2021.

According to Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, the turn-over of the eight Sulu-Based ASG personalities, namely: ASG Sub-Leader Sansibar Bensio, Firdaus Omar, Munimar Binda, Ladin Mujahirin Faizal, Hamzah Faizal, Sansis Mohammad, Halim Akhir, and Yusuf Akram to the Sulu Provincial Police represented by Police Lt. Col. Waylon Mang-Oy and Police Master Sergeant Rogelio Hortillas, Jr. of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group 9 (CIDG 9) transpired in Great Bakungan (Malaki), Taganak, Tawi Tawi at about 9 a.m., May 28, 2021.

The hand-over activity was graced by the presence of JTF Tawi-Tawi/2nd Marine Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Naval Task Group Sulu/4th Marine Brigade Commander Col. Hernanie Songano, Marine Battalion Landing Team 8 Commanding Officer Abdulmoel Alamia, Tawi-Tawi Bureau of Immigration Officer 1 Cesario Jala; and the representatives from Sabah led by ESSCOM Commander Gen. Datuk Ahmad Fuad Othman, Deputy ESSCOM Commander Brig. Gen. Adnan, Senior Assistance Commissioner Gen. Zaki Mohd Zain, and Chief of Police Gen. Hazani Ghazali.

In his message, Gen. Datuk said, "The ESSCOM joins the Armed Forces of the Philippines in its advocacy to defeat and end terrorism in its areas of operation".

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Rojas acknowledged the unwavering support of ESSCOM that led to the successful apprehension of the terrorists.

"With our unique partnership comes great and significant endeavors. Our intelligence collaboration works and this is a manifestation of a successful anti-terrorism drive with our neighbors," said Brig. Gen. Rojas.

On the same day, said ASG personalities were transported to Sulu onboard LCH 298 (BRP Ivatan) of the Philippine Navy for the presentation to Joint Task Force Sulu Commander Maj. Gen. William Gonzales and to the Sulu Provincial Police Director.

“They will be subjected to COVID-19 testing and quarantine protocols which will be facilitated by the IATF Sulu prior to the filing of appropriate charges,” said Col. Songano.

Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. narrated that the eight ASG personalities were apprehended on May 8, 2021, in Jalan Taman Sri Arjuna, Beaufort, Sabah through the successful coordination and exchange of intelligence information between ESSCOM and WESTMINCOM. 

“Based on reports from the ground, said ASG personalities have already established community cell in the squatter area in Jalan Taman Sri Arjuna wherein most of the residents therein are their relatives/family members,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

ASGSL Sansibar BENSIO, and members Muayyar Binda and Lugah Sanchez are Eastern Sulu-based ASG and were involved in numerous encounters with marine forces at Bud Bawis Complex, Panamao.

Accordingly, ASGSL Sansibar Bensio and the late ASGSL Mabar Binda were planning to conduct kidnapping activities in Sabah however, it was preempted due to the continuous exchange of information and monitoring with the target personalities which led to the successful conduct of special police operation against the group in Beaufort, Sabah..(By JONG CADION with report and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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Soldiers facilitate rido settlement in Tawi-Tawi

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (May 29, 2021) - Troops of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi, in coordination with the municipal police station and local government officials of Sapa-Sapa, facilitated a rido settlement on May 27, 2021.

According to Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. families who are involved in the feud are the Sariol and Ingkas clans.

“Based on the report from the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi, the conflict between these two families has finally come to an end through a settlement held at the Municipal Hall in Barangay Poblacion, Sapa Sapa, Tawi-Tawi,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

The momentous event was presided by Councilor Putli Aisa Matolo, the President of Councilors League of Tawi-Tawi, together with Lt. Col. Venjie Pendon, Commanding Officer of Marine Battalion Landing Team 6.

Lt. Col. Pendon expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the two feuding clans represented by Birong Sariol, a former rebel who surrendered to the military, from Sariol clan; and Sabal Ingkas from Ingkas Clan.

Both parties signed a peace agreement with the following terms and conditions: to finally set the boundary of Sitio Patung-Patung and Sitio Sikawla, all of Sapa-Sapa as agreed by their clan heads in which both also agreed to only plant their seaweeds in the agreed boundaries; that the families involved in the armed conflict should never cross the agreed boundary and remain in their place to avoid any conflict which could endanger stability and peace in the area; and to stop provocative actions and acts of lingering and recurrence of armed conflict at all times which will be under stern warning and/or penalty by the duly constituted authority.

Also, they voluntarily surrendered the following firearms to the MBLT6: from Sariol clan: one cal 7.62 G1 FAL rifle, with one magazine and four live ammunition, one M203 Grenade Launcher, one cal. 45 pistol Colt; and two cal .38 revolvers with; and from Ingkas clan: four cal .30 M1 Garand rifle, one cal. 9mm rifle with one magazine; six clips of M1 Garand magazine with 47 rounds of live ammunition.

Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi Commander Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas said the two clans were locked in a series of violent armed encounters last February 2021 which resulted in the deaths of Birong’s son named Arsi Sariol and a certain Sibi from the Ingkas clan.

“The initial settlement of feud between the two warring families was conducted on March 31,” Brig. Gen. Rojas stated.

“This rido settlement will normalize the situation and bring forth peace and development in their community,” the commander added. (By JONG CADION with report and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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Firearms, explosive yielded by ASG member in Basilan

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (May 29, 2021) - An Abu SayyafGroup member handed over his firearms and explosives to the military during his surrender on May 27, 2021.

“A.k.a. Ajid, 22 years old, and a resident of Lamitan City submitted himself to the troops around 3 p.m. on Thursday,” said Western Mindanao Comand Chief Lt. Gen, Corleto Vinluan, Jr.

The said personality was subsequently presented to 4th Special Forces Battalion Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Alex Ampati at the unit’s headquarters in Barangay Cabunbata, Isabela City Basilan.

According to Lt. Col. Ampati, Ajid turned over one cal. 45mm with four rounds of ammunition, one cal. 40mm M203 Grenade Launcher, and one fragmentation hand grenade.

Ajid and his surrendered items are currently under the custody of 4SFBn for proper disposition.

“Our sustained campaign against terrorism prompted the Abu Sayyaf Group member to surrender,” said Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, Commander, Joint Task Force Basilan.

Brig. Gen. Gobway expressed his commitment to the attainment of lasting peace in Basilan.

Since January 2021, a total of 19 ASG personalities were neutralized in Basilan and nine firearms were gained by the military.

“JTF Basilan continues to achieve substantial gains in our bid to end terrorism and win peace and development here in Mindanao,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

“My congratulations to all the members of JTF Basilan for the continued vigor and dedication,” the commander added. (By JONG CADION with report and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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2 BIFF militants killed in a relentless military offensive in Maguindanao

PAGADIAN CITY (May 18, 2021) – Two members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were killed during an encounter with the military on Sunday, May 16, 2021.

“Troops of the Joint Task Force Central were conducting focused military operation when they encountered the terrorists in Barangay Mao, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao at about 6:00 a.m., Sunday,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

A firefight ensued which lasted for 10 minutes after which the enemies, believed to members of the BIFF-Karialan Faction led by Mohiden Animbang, a.k.a. Karialan, scampered in different directions.

According to Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central, no casualty was listed on the government side while two enemies were killed during the clash.

While scouring the encounter site, operating troops discovered two enemy foxholes believed to have been dug by the enemy a few months ago.

The troops also recovered the cadavers of the two slain terrorists, one bandolier with two long magazines for an M16 rifle with 50 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, two civilian backpacks with personal belongings, one broken handguard of an M16 rifle, and assorted foodstuff.

“I directed more troops to reinforce the engaged units and establish blockade on the enemy withdrawal routes to ensure that no terrorist will escape from the pursuing forces,” said Maj. Gen. Uy.

Troops continue to scour the area.

“I commend the forces of the Joint Task Force Central for the unrelenting efforts to eliminate the terrorists in central Mindanao,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

“We are confident that with the support of our partners and stakeholders, we will soon be able to totally eradicate the menaces of society,” the commander added.

From January 2021 to date, a total of 89 BIFF terrorists were neutralized, 41 of which were killed and 48 surrendered. In addition, the JTF Central also listed a total of 56 firearms gains, 52 of which are high-powered and four are low-powered. (By JONG CADION with repots and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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3 ASG terrorists killed in an encounter with the military in Basilan

PAGADIAN CITY (May 18, 2021) – Three Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf Group members were killed in an encounter with the troops of the Joint Task Force Basilan on May 16, 2021.

“Based on the report from Joint Task Force Commander Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, our troops encountered eight ASG members under ASG Sub-leader Pasil Bayali at Sitio Kura-Kura, Barangay Baiwas, Sumisip, Basilan around 7:40 in the morning, Sunday,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

A firefight ensued which lasted for 30 minutes after which the terrorists withdrew in different directions.

Brig. Gen. Gobway said that reinforcing troops linked-up with the engaged troops and recovered two terrorist cadavers. "We are still verifying the identification of the slain terrorist," Brig. Gen. Gobway said.

*While  the reinforcing  troops were conducting clearing operations in the area, another armed confrontation ensued with the terrorists. The 15-minute exchange of fires resulted in the death of another ASG member and the recovery of one M16 rifle," Brig. Gen. Goway added.

“Due to the persistent offensive operations by our gallant troopers, a total of three terrorist cadavers and one firearm were recovered in the said operations. Our troops are continuously conducting hot pursuit operations against the fleeing ASG members. With the series of engagements, we are certain that most of the terrorists incurred gunshot wounds as evident on the bloodstains in the area. We will find, fix and neutralize the remaining fleeing terrorists” said Brig. Gen. Gobway. 

Meanwhile, the identities of the slain Abu Sayyaf Group members are yet to be verified.

“We are grateful that no soldier was hurt during the successive encounters. We thank the active participation of the local officials and the community of their desire to end terrorism by providing us real time information for the neutralization of the terrorists. Rest assured that we will continue to bolster our operations to keep the communities safe and secured,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

For this year, a total of 18 Abu Sayyaf Group members were neutralized in Basilan, four of whom were killed, 13 surrendered, and one was apprehended. (By JONG CADION with repots and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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Collaborated efforts peacefully dismantle unregistered MNLF camp in Tawi-Tawi

PAGADIAN CITY (May 18, 2021) – The Local government officials and security forces in the province of Tawi-Tawi peacefully dismantled an unregistered MNLF encampment in Tawi-Tawi on May 16, 2021.

“Establishment of unregistered camps of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is strictly prohibited so the troops of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi in coordination with local government of Tawi-Tawi and the Barangay officials of Barangay Duhol Bato, Mapun, Tawi-Tawi proceeded to Sitio Mount Leran, the area where the unregistered camp is situated, and conducted a dialogue with the inhabitants of the said camp,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

The said dialogue resulted in the voluntary dismantling of the unregistered camp by the MNLF personnel led by Mr. Akip Damli. The group also voluntarily removed their signage and MNLF flags in the vicinity.

“The negotiating team reminded the peace-inclined group that they are not allowed to hoist their flag and establish a camp in the area as this is not recognized by the military and the local government,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added.

The group was further reminded to avoid doing things that might violate the peace agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MNLF.

It can be recalled that Mapun residents previously reported that the group of Damli Akip was conducting extortion activities in the area. However, through a dialogue with said group and coordination with BLGU, said illicit activities were stopped.

“Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi is in full support of the peace initiatives of the government towards peace-inclined groups. So far, this is the third MNLF that was dismantled in Tawi-Tawi through the efforts of local government units and the security forces,” said Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi.

“That is the beauty of good governance and the active participation of the locals. Small problems are easily and peacefully resolved through the interagency collaboration and cooperation,” Brig. Gen. Rojas added.

The first camp situated in Barangay Lakit-Lakit, Bongao was dismantled in March 2021 through the efforts of the military and Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael Sali while the second camp in Saluag, Sitangkai was dismantled last month (April).

“We ensure that the peace agreement between the government and the MNLF is implemented in accordance with the Implementing Guidelines, Rules, and Regulations (IGRR). We will continue to implement and support government programs here in Tawi-Tawi. More importantly, I thank the support of the  local government of Tawi-Tawi and the communities in sustaining the peace,” Brig. Gen. Rojas concluded.(By JONG CADION with repots and photos from WestMinCom-PIO)

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Military recovers high-powered firearms, IED while pursuing terrorists BIFF in central Mindanao

PAGADIAN CITY (May 11, 2021) - Military troops recovered high-powered firearms and an improvised explosive device in separate operations against the local terrorists Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) in central Mindanao, WestMinCom-PIO Chief Col Alaric Avelino Delos Santos disc;osed.

According to WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., while the troops from the Joint Task Force Central were conducting a combat clearing operation in Sitio Balisa, Barangay Lepak, Pandag, Maguindanao around 1:10 p.m. Monday (May 10, 2021), they seized one Elisco M16 rifle loaded with a long magazine and 22 ammunition; and one Colt M16 rifle with one long magazine with 30 ammunition and one short magazine loaded with 17 ammunition.

Troops from the JTF Central continue to scour the area and pursue the BIFF local terrorist group.

“The said firearms are believed to be owned by the fleeing BIFF terrorists who are responsible for the recent violence in Datu Paglas,” said Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central.

Meanwhile, an IED was recovered by the joint elements of the AFP and PNP on Sunday morning, May 9.

The PNP personnel of Isulan Municipal Police Station received a report of a suspected IED placed on top of a fuel tank at Purok Masagana, Kalawag 1, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Combined elements of the PNP and AFP immediately proceeded to the area to verify the report.

According to Brig. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, upon confirmation, the operating troops immediately cordoned the area and secured the item.

“The prompt response of the government forces preempted the enemies from executing their terror plan,” said Brig. Gen. Galido.

Recovered was a complete set of IED which include one Cartridge 81mm high explosive, one 9-volt battery, one improvised electric blasting cap, one sniper veil, white masking tape, brown packaging tape, and one Emylo receiver.

“This exemplifies that the active participation of the people is vital in sustaining the peace and tranquillity in the community,” said Maj. Gen. Uy.

Since January 2021, the military recovered a total of 12 firearms and 74 explosives of the BIFF.

“Congratulations to the troops of the Joint Task Force Central and the PNP for these accomplishments,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

“I enjoin everyone to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious person or thing in your locality. With your unrelenting support, it is assured that we will soon attain genuine peace and sustainable development here in Mindanao,” the commander added. (By JONG D. CADION with reports and photos from WestinCom-PIO)

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Bilateral anti-terrorism efforts led to the arrest of 2 notorious ASG sub-leaders and 6 followers in Sabah

 

PAGADIAN CITY (May 11, 2021) - The strengthened collaboration and cooperation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Eastern Sabah Southern Command (ESSCOM) led to the apprehension of two notorious Abu Sayyaf Group sub-leaders and six of their followers in Sabah on May 8, 2021, WestMinCom-PIO Chief Col Alaric Avelino Delos Santos disc;osed.

“Based on the report from the ground, the ESSCOM responded to the information provided by the Joint Task Force Sulu and launched a police special operation in Jalan Taman Sri Arjuna, Beaufort, Sabah around 3:00 o'clock in the morning., May 8, 2021, Saturday,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., WestMinCom Commander.

The anti-terror operation resulted in the apprehension of Sansibar Bensio, 40-45 years old; and Mabar Binda, 25-30 years old, both sub-leaders of the Eastern Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf Group.

Also apprehended were the following ASG members: Muayyar Binda, 30-35 years old; a.k.a. Sansis; and a.k.a. Firdaus, all members under ASGSL Mabar Binda; Lugah Sanchez, 45-50 years old and Bonijar Samsula, both members under the late ASGSL Juhurim Hussein (Patikul Based; and Alim Sukarno, member under ASGSL Sansibar Bensio

According to Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, Commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu, ASGSL Sansibar Bensio, and ASGSL Mabar Binda (the known successor of his father Hatib Munap Binda) are both sub-leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group/Kidnap-for-Ransom Group based on the eastern/second district of Sulu.

“They are involved in the series of armed confrontations with the military including the encounter on July 2011 at Sitio Tubig Magtuh, Barangay Panglayahan, Patikul, Sulu wherein the late 2nd Lt. Michael Baladad of the Philippine Marines was beheaded,” said Maj. Gen. Gonzales.

Their other involvements include the encounters on the following dates: February 2018 at Bay Sunog, Bud Bawis Complex that resulted in the deaths of five ASG members; December 2019 at Sitio Jatih, Bud Bawis Complex that resulted in the successful rescue of two Indonesian nationals and the death of the late ASGSL/KFRGL Hairulla Abduraja at Bud Bawis Complex; November 2020 at Bay Takas, Bud Bawis Complex that resulted in the deaths of ASG member Bensio Barahama and ASGSL Hatib Munap Binda.

Bensio was also involved in the kidnapping of the foreign nationals identified as Lorenzo Vinciguerra (Swiss National), Ewold Horn (Dutch National), Samiun Bin Maneu (Indonesian National), Maharudin Bin Lunani (Indonesian National), and Muhammad Farhan (Indonesian National).

Among their Filipino victims were Ronnie Sandagon, Jerel Pepito, Eddie Reubal, Marcial España, Arvin Sabaduquia, Rufino Bustillo, Joseph Bani, Hajan Terong, Joshua Bani, and Michelle Tolentino Panes.

Binda, on the other hand, was also involved in the kidnapping of the Indonesian Nationals mentioned above. 

According to 4th Marine Brigade Commander Col. Hernanie Songano, "due to the sustained intelligence, focused military operations, and civil-military cooperation in the province of Sulu particularly in the second district, the now-apprehended personalities escaped and transferred to Sabah and established an ASG cell based thereat to conduct spotting and casing of probable kidnap victims and facilitate the Foreign Terrorist Groups operating in the Southeast Asian countries conducting terror activities in the Philippines."

Meanwhile, “the intensified intelligence operations and the support of the community coupled with the constant coordination between the AFP and the ESSCOM contributed to the successful neutralization of the ASG sub-leaders and their cohorts. The arrest of these terrorists is a big blow to the ASG” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

“My congratulations to the troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu and the ESSCOM for the aggressive measures taken to ensure that these terrorists will not be able to conduct horrendous activities anymore particularly off waters of Sabah” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. added. (By JONG D. CADION with reports and photos from WestinCom-PIO)

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