The country’s forces have arrested nine women who were related to Abu Sayyaf commanders and militants in the south and could have been “potential suicide bombers, ” the military said.
The women were captured on Friday in raids on houses in three towns in the predominantly Muslim province of Sulu, said Lt GenCorleto Vinluan Jr, who heads the military’s Western Mindanao Command, yesterday.
The southern province is the stronghold of Abu Sayyaf, which is known for ransom kidnappings, beheadings and bombings.
Troops also seized bomb parts, including batteries, detonating cords, suspected explosive powder and oil, an iron pipe and nails, along with a grenade, cellphones, backpacks and a sketch of a suspected targeted bombing area, the military said in a statement.
Published January 30, 2021, 12:01 PM
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The provincial government of Tawi-Tawi, with the help of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Tawi-Tawi, was able to dismantle a Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) camp at a coastal area of Bongao, the capital town of the province.
The group of the military is heading to the MNLF camp to ask them to dismantle their camp in Lakid-Lakid, in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. (Nonoy E Lacson / MANILA BULLETIN)
Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael I. Sali said on Friday, January 29, that his office, in coordination with JTF Tawi-Tawi, was able to settle an emerging security concern in the province with the dismantling of an MNLF camp in Bongao.
PHOTO VIA NONOY LACSON/ MANILA BULLETIN
Armed Force of the Philippines- Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom) Commander Lt Gen Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said on Friday, January 15, the six NPA members were all residents of Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.
Vinluan said they were members of the Platoon West (Samsung), Guerilla Front Musa, Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR).
They surrendered to the 37th Infantry Battalion stationed in Barangay Tibpuan, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat at around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, the AFP-WestMinCom said.
Vinluan identified them as Tener Mantang Maquil, alias Buyo-Buyo, a supply officer; Anamie Maquil Bal-ot, alias. Lyn-Lyn, a medic; Allan Mistibo Samblang, alias Caesar; Tyron Asom Saligan; Timbangan Ganang Maquil, alias Kilohan; and Mike Ganang Maquil, alias Arnold.
Published January 15, 2021, 8:09 AM
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Elements of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NavForWem), together with the maritime police and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), rescued four passengers and 14 crew members of a distressed motorboat off Lampinigan Island in Isabela City, Basilan, at dawn Thursday, January 14.
The sinking motorboat ML “Queen Shaima 3” off Lampinigan Island in Isabela City, Basilan province (via Nonoy Lacson / MANILA BULLETIN)
NavForWem Commander Commodore Toribio D. Adaci Jr said naval forces came to the aid of ML Queen Shaima 3, which was reported to have incurred a hole in its hull, causing water to get into its engine room.
PHOTO VIA NONOY LACSON/ MANILA BULLETIN
A belated report reach this city said, Monday, Malata Barangay Chairperson Bin Saudi Sarakil of Ungkaya Pukan town was traveling onboard a car with three companions in Sitio Banah when they were waylaid by armed men.
According to Armed Force of the Philippines- Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom) Commander Lt Gen Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Sarakil and his companions died on-the-spot due to gunshot wounds sustained during the ambush.
Vinluan said soldiers from the18th Infantry Battalion immediately responded to the area after hearing the burst of automatic gunfire at Sitio Bacud in Barangay Banah, Tipo-Tipo town