Martial Law: Alert Memo

Last week's martial law update ended with Duterte wishing the Philippines would be spared from being attacked by ISIS. As ignorant as that wish is since ISIS has been in the Philippines for years and has already attacked several times most notably the Marawi siege his statement was based on a leaked AFP memo warning of ISIS attacks in Luzon. But now the AFP denies the veracity of that memo's contents.

https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/8/6/ISIS-northern-Luzon-threat-AFP.html

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) poses no threat to northern Luzon, the Armed Forces said, contrary to a leaked alert memo warning of possible attacks on churches and establishments in certain areas in the region carried out by the radical Islamist terror group. 

“So far sa mga nakita na natin [with what we’ve seen,] it’s negative. But again … we should never let our guards down,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo told CNN Philippines’ The Source on Tuesday. 

Arevalo said the AFP is continuing its monitoring and surveillance activities to verify possible attacks in areas under the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom). 

“Alam po ninyo hindi po ito isang snapshot lang that stands still over time. Nage-evolve ang situation, nagde-develop ang situations around the country so kailangang bantayan natin,” he said. 

[Translation: You know this is not just a snapshot that stands still over time. The situation evolved and develops around the country so we need to keep an eye on it.] 

A leaked alert memo ordered Nolcom’s intelligence units to intensify its operations as “crusader cities” and “crusader churches” in Laoag City, Vigan City, Manaoag in Pangasinan, and Tuguegarao City might come under attack from ISIS militants. 

While the military is continuing to validate these possible attacks, Arevalo said residents in those areas have nothing to fear and should continue with their day-to-day activities. 

He added that the military is trying to contain ISIS militants in Mindanao, particularly in Jolo, Sulu. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana previously said that they plan to eliminate them within the year. 

But he said it is possible that members of the terror group have spilled over to other areas. 

“Maybe, yes. Maybe a no. It could be their means of diverting our attention ... para sa ganun ‘yung focus natin ma-diffuse nila, dito naman lumipat [so that they can diffuse our focus to a different area,]” Arevalo said.

The contradictions here are numerous. There is no threat but the AFP is still validating the threat. The leaked memo is authentic but its contents are false. Why would they write such an alarmingly specific memo if that information had no basis?  Read it for yourself.

Of course it is possible that there are ISIS elements in every single province in the nation and that attacks are being planned. That is why the AFP and PNP are on alert. Anything is possible but this memo is giving out specific information about locations as well as types of landmarks which would be targeted which lifts attacks in Luzon out of the realm of mere possibility. Likely they are denying this information so as to not scare the public. What should scare the public more than information like this is how the AFP routinely handles such information. If the Marawi siege has taught the public anything it should be that the AFP does not know how to effectively utilise intelligence.

Tuguegarao City is listed on the target list in the memo and they are not taking any chances. In an effort to preteen terorrism they have rescinded motorcycle helmet laws and forbidden backpacks to be taken in the AFI festival.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1231296757049064&set=a.144358975742853&type=3&theater

This memo also mentions chatter on social media regarding ISIS. It would seem that the AFP are most certainly being too quick to dismiss the information in their memo in order to not panic the public.

No doubt the AFP would rather focus on more positive stories like the defeat of BIFF in Mguindanao and the dwindling influence of ISIS affiliated Maute group.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077230

The military here announced Wednesday the termination of surgical operations against the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao, paving the way for the return of internally-displaced persons back to their homes. 

Lt. Colonel Roberto Breboneria, speaking for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6th ID), said Major Gen. Diosdado Carreon, 6th ID chief and head of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), has ordered the cessation of operations starting Sunday, Aug. 4. 

“The BIFF is already out of the area,” Breboneria said, referring to the “SPMS box” where the BIFF were reported massing up before the military offensive that commenced last July 25. 

In a radio interview, Breboneria appealed to residents to alert the military if they notice lawless elements roaming in their communities. 

He also urged the public to remain vigilant and be watchful of possible retaliatory attacks by the BIFF through roadside bombings and other terror acts.

The BIFF is "out of the area" but not yet defeated.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077418

The capability of the Dawlah Islamiya, formerly known as the Islamic State-inspired Maute group, is dwindling because of the neutralization and surrender of its leaders, the chief of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said Thursday . 

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana issued the statement after a former sub-leader of the Maute group and a follower surrendered to troops in Lanao del Sur on Tuesday. 

Hadji Omar Olama, alias Omar and Ivan, a former sub-leader of the Maute Group, and his follower, Ibrahim Abbas Olama, surrendered to the Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Bayabao Poblacion, Butig, Lanao del Sur. 

“With the neutralization of their potential leaders, the capability of local terrorist groups in Lanao area is now dwindling,” he said. 

“While we continuously conduct our focused military operations, we encourage all the remaining bandits to submit themselves to the government forces and take advantage of the livelihood programs and other services offered by the national government and its stakeholders,” Sobejana added.

Pretty amazing that these two men who likely participated in the Marawi siege will now be eligible to receive large sums of cash as well as a house and schooling rather then be tried and sentenced for their crimes.  Members of terrorist organisation BIFF who surrendered are also receiving such benefits.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077182

Twenty-nine former combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were chosen as beneficiaries of a livelihood package extended on Tuesday by the Maguindanao provincial government. 

Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu led Tuesday's distribution of livelihood assistance at the satellite Provincial Capitol grounds in Buluan town with actor Robin Padilla. 

Mangudadatu expressed confidence that the assistance to the 29 beneficiaries would dissuade them from rejoining their comrades still in the jungles fighting a lost cause. 

The former BIFF rebels, who formed an association, were given 20 units of hand tractors with carts, bags of rice seedlings, 13 fishing boats, fishnets, and 60 packs of assorted groceries. 

The governor encouraged the former rebels to convince their friends and relatives not to join extremist groups for the sake of their families. 

“There is no more need to take up arms against the government because I promise to provide you with basic government services that would be brought to your communities,” she said during the turnover ceremony on Tuesday.

Did these former BIFF rebels also receive large tracts of land to farm? It simply boggles the mind that with all the poor farmers out there these terrorists are receiving such equipment. Were they farmers before they were fighters? At any rate at least they aren't working at the Provincial Capitol.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077089

Some 38 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) received food and non-food aid, as well as cash assistance, in a turnover ceremony held at the Army's 60th Infantry Battalion (60IB) here on Tuesday. 

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) provided the assistance, and the provincial government of Davao del Norte gave the former rebels PHP2,000 each. 

“The assistance will not only be limited here, as we also provided medical assistance to their families,” Binancilan said. 

Binancilan said OPPAP is currently embarking on a program that would provide the FR community a comprehensive and integrated program that is sustainable and that provides durable solutions for them to start a new life. 

“We are also considering the need for a water system, schools, health centers, day care centers and hospitals on the planned community,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib vowed to support the former NPA members, saying some of them can find work at the Capitol.

There certainly is a lot of trust being placed in all these surrendering Muslim terrorists and NPA rebels. Trust they will use the tools and money given to them for legal purposes. Trust that they won't return to the fight. Why trust them so much? Why spend so much money on these people who are rebels and terrorists while many law abiding citizens languish in abject poverty? While actual farmers continue to get gunned down by government forces! At least the turnover of the following equipment was not to NPA surrenderees but to law abiding citizens in order to prevent them from joining the NPA.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/local-government-unit-29th-infantry-battalion-turn-over-of-new-livelihood-equipment-in-agusan-del-norte/

Hon. Dale B. Corvera, Governor of Agusan del Norte and Hon. Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba, 2nd District Representative led the turn-over for the Integrated Abaca Enhancement Enterprises for Agusan del Norte and Enterprise Development Subproject. The equipment included 2 hauling trucks, 10 push carts, 15 stripping machines, 10 stripping machines shed, 1 forklift (3 toner) and 2 units of moisture meter. 

Cong. Angel made a strong appeal to the people with her message, “Magtinabangay ta sa pagpalambo sa atong proyekto kay walay NPA kung naa nay saktong panginabuin ang mga tao. Ayaw mo’g hatag suporta sa NPA kay walay gyu’y kapaingnan ang usa ka lugar nga naa sa kagubot. Let us work together towards the success of this project, because there would be no NPA if the people have enough income from their livelihood. Do not provide support to the NPA because it will not bring any good to a conflict affected area.)”

The message here is the as long as the people have jobs and a full stomach they will not want to rebel. True enough but there are others who join the CPP-NPA for much more idealistic reasons. Those would be students many of whom are minors.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/08/09/dilg-vows-to-recover-minors-recruited-by-leftist-groups/

In a recent Senate hearing, DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año warned parents of the active recruitment of leftist organizations in schools and universities nationwide. 

He asked the parents to be vigilant and be “involved in guarding their children since these Communist-Terrorist Groups (CTGs) have little to no regard for the lives of the youth.” 

The DILG chief these organizations were masquerading as “progressive pro-poor organizations” when, in fact, they were front organizations or recruitment centers of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA). 

“These organizations are brainwashing the children and destroying the youth of our country,” he said. 

Año disclosed the recruited minors were usually deployed to the mountains and they “eventually end up as casualties in the firefight between Government forces and the Communist rebels.” 

“There is a violation of the law in these recruitments. Those mothers in the Senate hearing mirror the sentiments of many families who have lost sons and daughters to the bankrupt ideology of these terrorists and leftist groups,” he added. 

In the recent Senate hearing, a group of mothers emotionally conveyed stories of how their children abandoned their families “for the chance to fight for the country” after being brainwashed by Leftist groups. 

According to Año, there are 500 to 1000 youths being indoctrinated by the CPP-NPA every year who either become a member of the NPA or return to their respective schools as militant student leaders. 

“They are using their alleged nationalism to teach children to kill and take up arms against the government,” he said. 

Año said the DILG was keen on revisiting and reviewing the memorandum of agreement it has with State Universities and Colleges regarding police visibility in infiltrated schools and universities. 

He insisted that, in line with the government’s “whole-of-nation-approach” in eliminating local armed conflicts as stated in Executive Order No. 70, police presence in infiltrated schools and universities could be increased to deter the recruitment program of Leftist groups.

How would increased police presence on campus prevent recruitment? Bato thinks the NPA and PNP should play the same game and indoctrinate students with pro-government sentiments in a race for recruits. Not only that but the thinks there should be a law to allow this.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/08/11/schools-should-allow-pnp-afp-to-indoctrinate-students-dela-rosa/

“They are using government resources and yet they are producing enemies of the state so dapat macorrect ito (so this must be corrected),” he pointed out. 

In particular, Dela Rosa said members of the police community relations group or the military’s civilian-military unit, should be given access to the campuses and be allowed to also talk to students. 

(Our government instrumentalities are more legal, so we should give our soldiers and our policemen some liberty to engage, to provide insights to our students inside),” he said. 

“At magkakaroon tayo ng race: kung sinong mas maraming makumbinsi mas maraming ma-recruit na kabataan papunta ba sa NPA o sa militar o pulis? (and this will become a race: who can recruit and convince the most of our youth to join the NPA or the military and police?),” Dela Rosa said. 

(How can you force, or even engage these members of the left who are part of the school administration if there is no law? Many of the school administration are being obstinate because most of them are leftist),” Dela Rosa pointed out. 

(So we should craft a law that states if they refuse to follow the law, they will be penalized, especially these teachers whom we believe are just fooling our students, and threatening them that they won’t graduate or they refuse to let them pass a certain subject if they refuse to join immersion activities),” he explained.

What such a law would like who can say. "There ought to be a law" is the cry of many but it's not that easy. Perhaps the PNP and AFP would set up large booths and tables with pamphlets and other literature maybe even have speeches and talks.

Do the communist groups have large tables and booths out in the open? Do they have public talks? Or are they recruiting secretly behind closed doors? It is undeniable that communism in its most idealistic and utopian form is a tempting philosophy to young people. Promises to end poverty, to rid the nation of corruption in the form of foreign influence, to nationalise industries so that they belong to the people these are all very alluring. In the past two decades at least 513 minors have been neutralised in the war against the NPA.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/703778/513-minors-recruited-by-npa-have-been-neutralized-bato-dela-rosa/story/

A total of 513 minors recruited by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army have been neutralized in the past two decades, Senator Ronald dela Rosa said Wednesday.

Dela Rosa, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, presided over the hearing on the missing senior high school students who were allegedly recruited by leftist group Anakbayan.

Dela Rosa said the figure accounts for those who surrendered, captured, and killed based on data from the Armed Forces of the Philippines 

A breakdown provided by his office showed that of the number, 362 minors have surrendered, 134 have been captured, and 17 have been killed. 

Dela Rosa believes the number would be bigger if those still in the mountains will be included.

If they know who this group is why wouldn't they attempt to infiltrate it? Such an operation would take a long time but could prove fruitful. Never forget that the DND had men inside Maute who were providing the government with their every move until they were found out and killed. 

While the NPA have admitted their guilt in the abduction and killing of four PNP officers in Negros Occidental they have denied being behind a string of assassinations in the same region. The many recent killings had some calling for martial law but Duterte has finally decided against it.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1151063/duterte-no-martial-law-in-negros-oriental

“You have a ruckus there in Negros. The ‘drastic’ I was talking about was that I would fill it up with soldiers, just like Jolo. I have one division and I will send another,” Mr. Duterte said on Tuesday. 

He added: “Let us make it clear: I will never declare martial law. Except in Mindanao, where it’s needed, because there was already a rebellion.” 

The President made the remarks after leading the oathtaking rites of newly elected officers of the League of Cities of the Philippines and the Liga ng mga Barangay in Malacañang. 

“Look, there will never be a time that I will declare martial law. What I said was that I would take drastic actions,” he said. 

The President added: “Martial law, if you just add more troops there, it’s the same. It has nothing to do with … You do not go after innocent people. Martial law, you go after the lawless elements.” 

“So why do you have to declare it? Why do I have to tell Congress?” he said. 

However, the President hinted at “declaring” something else but declined to tell his audience what was precisely on his mind. 

“If it is really something which bothers the country, well I might declare another thing. And that is for you to guess what would it be,” he said.

Nobody has time to guess what this man will do next. Better to just go with his flow.