The Armed Forces of the Philippines consider ‘peace training’ as a means of conflict resolution in Mindanao. The AFP also announced purchase of Vietnam-vintage Hueys from the US. The government is reconsidering the 1996 peace pact with the Moro National Liberation Front.
Philippines: Mindanao Muddle
Troops killed five Abu Sayyaf fighters in Basilan, including commander Abdul Karim Jamjali. The US government announced it was conditioning some aid on solving unsolved political killings. A bank director from Jeddah vanished in Sulu.
Abu Sayyaf bandit slain in Basilan
A Philippine Special Forces Company killed an Abu Sayyaf operative in Basilan. Investigators of the Manila mall blast requested a week to finish their work, while negligence remained high on the list of suspected causes. Efforts to reform madrassas in the Philippines continue. USAID is providing computer courses in Mindanao.
The government launched a new “humanitarian offensive” in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. The United States vowed to increase its contribution to such programs as part of a $60 million budget for aid to the Philippines. The amount was $14 million higher than that requested by the US State Department. Meanwhile, a new book […]
Three suspected Muslim militants arrested in southern Philippines
The Philippine National Police said it was unlikely the blast at a mall in Manila’s financial district was caused by a terrorist attack. Explosives have not been detected at the site, and a bomb crater and fragments have not been found. The theory is a gas leak caused the explosion, but the investigation is ongoing.
The Rajah Sulayman Movement (RSM), a terrorist group of Christian converts to Islam, claimed responsibility for the Makati bomb attack. Security officials doubt the RSM’s claim. Abu Sayyaf denied involvement in the bombing.
Luuk folks want MNLF camp out
B.A. Patty was recently embedded with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. In part three of the series, Patty discusses the role investments – in the NCO corps of the AFP, in the local economy – play in counterinsurgency.
A bomb blast at mall in Makati City killed eight and wounded 129. Police indicated high explosives were likely used in the bombing, while unnamed police sources said traces of C4 were discovered at the site. The government strongly denied claims that the bombing was conducted to give the government an excuse to impose martial […]
Army, MILF hold joint medical civic action program
B.A. Patty was recently embedded with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. In part two of his three-part series, Patty examines the the Philippines’ role in the Long War.
B.A. Patty was recently embedded with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. In part one of his three-part series, Patty examines the roles of organizations such as Abu Sayyaf and MNLF in the insurgency and what Filipino and US troops are doing to squelch terrorist activities.
Philippines: Government fears terror attack as Abu Sayyaf receives new funds
Australia warns citizens against insurgent attacks in Philippines rural areas
Abu Sayyaf leader among slain bandits in recent Basilan clash
MILF aided Abu Sayyaf: military
Philippine troops in Basilan attack beheaders
Abu Sayyaf support dries up in the Philippines
Operations against Abu Sayyaf will continue throughout Ramadan while the military is deploying two additional battalions to the islands of Basilan and Jolo. MILF rejected an offer of autonomy.
Furugi Indama, an Abu Sayyaf commander believed to have been killed in a raid on August 18, is still alive according to military intelligence. Armed Forces Chief of Staff Hermogenes Esperon expects the military forces operating in Basilan and Sulu to show “substantial positive results”over the next two months.
Marines killed two Abu Sayyaf fighters during an offensive in Basilan. The Manila police chief denied Abu Sayyaf bombers entered the city. The government will allow foreign monitors at MILF camps in Basilan and Jolo.
Military intelligence officers are searching for six Abu Sayyaf bombers believed to have smuggled bombs into Manila. MILF claimed MNLF fighters are helping the military track Moro insurgents. Two soldiers were wounded during fighting in Basilan.
Police arrested a suspected Abu Sayyaf operative attempting to bring weapons to Manila. Marines uncovered an Abu Sayyaf plot to kidnap businessmen and media personalities and use them as human shields to thwart the government offensive in Sulu. MILF is requesting a temporary safe zone to avoid fighting in the south.
President Arroyo visited troops in Mindanao as 24,000 residents fled the fighting. The Marine commander in Basilan has been relieved of command. Abu Sayyaf is suspected of conducting Tuesday’s bombing in Zamboanga City.
The military will expand the fight against Abu Sayyaf in Basilan, and Scouts, Special Forces, and SEALs will be thrown into the fight. MILF agreed to pull out its forces from a town in Basilan to avoid a fight with the military. A bomb blast in Zamboanga City wounded 14.
MILF Seeks Leverage as Fighting Against Abu Sayyaf and MNLF Escalates
Marines are working to seal off Abu Sayyaf escape routes on Basilan and are advancing on Abu Sayyaf positions after shelling their strongholds. The military said over 100 MILF fighters reinforced Abu Sayyaf during battles over the weekend. Talks between the government and MILF have been canceled.