Abu Sayyaf killed in counter-terrorist ops in Tawi-Tawi

ZAMBOANGA CITY — A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) covered by martial law order for rebellion was killed in a counter-terrorist operation in the province of Tawi-Tawi, police reported.

The Tawi-Tawi Provincial Police Office identified the slain ASG bandit as Sabri Teka Opong, who carries the aliases of Sika, Sabri and Umpung, and is listed as number 683 of the Martial Law Instruction number one.

The police said Opong was killed during the conduct of counter-terrorist operation around 3:15 p.m. on Good Friday in Barangay Luuk Buntal, Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi.

Opong was killed when he traded shots with the joint policemen and military operatives who launched the counter-terrorist operation.

According to police reports, Opong was involved in the kidnapping of two Indonesian fishermen on Nov. 19, 2016 in the waters of Konak District, Malaysia.

Police said recovered from the possession of Opong were .45-caliber pistol with ammunition, 10 grams of suspected shabu and assorted illegal drug paraphernalia.

Police said the remains of Opong was turned over to the officials of Barangay Belatan, Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi. (PNA/By Ely Dumaboc)

Vote! Yshmael "Mang" Sali for Governor

WestMinCom confirms death of Maute leader Abu Dar

By: PIO Western Mindanao

The Western Mindanao Command confirms that Maute leader Owaydah Marohombsar, alias Abu Dar, was one of the four terrorists killed in an armed engagement with the troops of the 49th Infantry Battalion in Tubaran, Lanao del Sur on March 14.

Authorities requested U.S. counterparts to subject the then-unidentified body to DNA testing when informants initially identified it as that of Abu Dar, believed to be the only terrorist leader who escaped when government forces took back Marawi in 2017.

Abu Dar is regarded as the successor of Isnilon Hapilon, the emir of ISIS in Southeast Asia who was also killed in Marawi along with the Maute brothers.

“His (Abu Dar’s) death brought to a feat our focused operations against beleaguered fighters of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute group, but this success will not stop us from furthering our offensives to triumph over terrorist groups in our area,” said Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command chief.

“We, nevertheless, carry out our intense operations to pursue remaining rebels cowered by the resilience and resolve of our combat troops,” he added.

“Rest assured of our commitment and our cooperation with the local government and the people to realize the internal security and development in Mindanao,” said Dela Vega.

Also seized from the encounter site were an M16 rifle, an M653 rifle, a Caliber .45 pistol, two grenades, several magazines and ammunition, and cellular phones. On the other hand, four soldiers were killed and two were wounded in the clash.

Abu Dar is said to be responsible for bombing the Limketkai Commercial Area in Cagayan de Oro in 2013 where several doctors were killed. He was also responsible for killing several soldiers, policemen, and Christians in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur.

“We thank our US counterparts and the citizens of Lanao del Sur for helping us neutralize the last remaining leader of the Maute-ISIS Group in the person of Abu Dar. We will not rest until we neutralize all the other remnants of this terrorist group,” said Colonel Romeo Brawner Jr., 103rd Infantry “Haribon” Brigade Commander.

“With his neutralization, we are hoping that this would also finally put an end to the Maute-ISIS in Lanao,” he added.

“The neutralization of Abu Dar is a significant accomplishment of the government and the people of Lanao del Sur who worked together to rid their beloved province of terrorists. Meanwhile, we will continue our operations so that the sacrifices of our fallen comrades in pursuit of peace will not go to waste,” said Brigadier General Roberto Ancan, Joint Task Force ZamPeLan Commander.

Vote! Yshmael "Mang" Sali. ang GOByernong lahat ay kaSALI.

Vote!  Yshmael "Mang" Sali.

A man with an action, a big heart, and has a better visions for Tawi-tawi.

Yshmael "Mhang" Sali nangunguna sa kumpanya bilang Governor ng Tawi-Tawi

Bongao, Tawi-Tawi - Mayor Yshmael "Mhang" Sali nangunguna na ngayon sa talaan ng probinsya na mas lamang na siya laban sa kanyang katunggali bilang isang Gobernador ng probinsiya na si dating Governor Sadikul Sahali.

"Mhang" Sali ay isang negosyante at politiko na kasalukuyang mayor ng munisipalidad ng Languyan na handang tumulong sa mga mahihirap sa pamamagitan ng pagsagawa ng farm-to-market road projects, eskwelahan, palengke, mosque at marami pang iba upang maibsan ang kahirapan at maangat ang pamumuhay sa mga nakakarami.

Sa buong probinsya, basi sa talaan ng mga taong nakasalamuha, itong si Yshmael "Mhang" Sali ang nangunguna sa nagyon, at may malaking potential na maihalal bilang isang gobernador ng probinsiya.(the redline news)

Infra - projects in Languyan Municipality boost economy - Yshmael "Mhang" Sali

LANGUYAN development particularly on its present leadership of MAYOR YSHMAEL "MANG" I. SALI is considered tremendous per observation not just of the local residents but also outsiders.

In fact, there is actually an increase in the municipal population as many people not just from nearby places but as far as mainland Mindanao and Visayas have already migrated here for an opportunity or greener pasture.

“Our officials are not solely relying on what the national, regional and provincial government can offer. They are exerting all efforts sourcing out assistance to ensure fast tracking of projects to catch up the demand of time,  although in comparison to other LGUs it has failed in the rating with big question mark said Pershing Taiyab, Information Officer.

 "But for us it's gonna be alright so long our people are assured of their livings and enjoying the progress and development were the  Municipal Government has been giving them", Taiyab added.

Mayor "Mhang" Sali is a good person, he has big heart to everyday especially those needy persons, not only in Languyan but the whole province and some visiting populace coming  from other places in the country.

Vote Yshmael "Mang" Sali ang GOByernong kaSALI ang lahat

Malacañang condemns Sultan Kudarat bombing

MANILA -- Malacañang on Thursday condemned the recent bombing in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat that injured at least 17 people.

"The Palace deplores yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon’s explosion in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, which wounded scores of individuals who are currently receiving medical treatment," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

Panelo said investigation on the incident is ongoing.

"According to the Philippine National Police, extortion is behind this dastardly act," he said.

Panelo advised the public to remain vigilant and report unusual behaviors to authorities.

"

While we commit to bring the perpetrators to justice, we also continue to advise the public to remain vigilant in their surroundings and not to be hesitant in reporting any unusual behavior that they may observe, to proper authorities," he said.

An unidentified bomber, posing as a customer, on Wednesday went inside a restaurant with two bags and wearing a surgical mask. After buying chicken, he left behind the bomb-laden bag under the outdoor air-condition condenser unit situated at the front outside the establishment.

Half an hour later at about 3:15 p.m., a blast ripped through the establishment, wounding at least 17 people, among them six minors and a pregnant woman.

Isulan Mayor Marites Pallasigue, in an interview, said a new extortion group preying on big businesses has emerged in their area. (By:EJ Roque PNA)

VOTE Yshmael "Mhang" Sali for Governor - Ang GOByernong kaSALI ang lahat

YIS for Governor province of Tawi Tawi!
YIS Gov. mo?
YIS Gov. ko!
YIS dimasayang boto nyo!...

IBOTO natin pagka Gobernador ngayong Mayo 13, 2019..

YSHMAEL "MHANG' SALI for Governor

Ang GOByernong kaSali Tayong Lahat " Yshmael I. Sali pledge over his thousands supporters in Languyan

Hadja Jumda A. Sali ( left) heartily supports her Husband Yshmael "Mhang" I. Sali ( standing) while giving his message to his supporters in Languyan after  SOMA)

Languyan, Tawi - Tawi - Gubernatorial candidate  of Tawi-Tawi Yshmael "Mhang" Sali organized a "Thank You Party" in his house for more than 10,000 people were attended and to pledge supports for his candidacy aiming  gubernatorial seat this coming May 13, 2019 election.

Jumda A. Sali, the wife of Gubernatorial candidate and current President of Women's council of Tawi-Tawi also initiated this party just to help his husband to deliver  personally his "Thank You Message" to the people who would be there during  their ups and down and made Languyan progressive and well-develop municipality.

"The most invaluable asset I have, is the gift of your supports, your dedication has rewarded me with love and understanding, I hope, this moment  I could share my blessings to everyone because you made me stronger and better person' and much better and better, and  very much better if everyone of you help my battle this coming election because I could extend my blessings and ideas on how to improve our province  progressive',.said Sali.

People pledge supports to Yshmael "Mhang" Sali for Governor, "Ito na ang pagkakataon natin na pumili ng nakakabuti sa lahat, and "Gobyernong kaSALI tayong lahat", said Omar, not his real name, a No.1 supporter of Mayor Sali.

Coast Guard displays anti-terror, rescue op capability

BRP-Bagacay (MRRV-4410) displays its firefighting capability at sea during the anti-terror operation and rescue capability exercise off Zamboanga City on Tuesday (April 2). (Photo by Teofilo P. Garcia Jr.)   

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- It was a sunny day and the weather was calm when suddenly a distress call sounded on the marine band radio transceiver of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) here.

The call was from a commercial vessel’s skipper, who managed to make a distress call, as armed pirates aboard a “jungkung” type motorboat intercepted them while sailing east of Sibago Island in nearby Basilan province.

The pirates commandeered the commercial vessel, M/V Legend, while holding hostage all the crew aboard.

The 3rd Tactical Operations Wing (3rd TOW) of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) dispatched a helicopter to conduct reconnaissance and confirmed that M/V Legend was hijacked following coordination from the Coast Guard District South Western Mindanao (CGDSWM).

This prompted the CGDSWM to dispatch three gunboats to pursue and to contain the movement of the commandeered passenger vessel.

In few minutes, the BRP-Bagacay (Multi-Role Response Vessel-4410); BRP-Panglao (Fast Patrol Boat-2402); and, BRP-Malamawi (FPB-2403) arrived east of Sibago and managed to kept M/V Legend in one location.

Immediately, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) convened and tried to negotiate for the safe release of the hostages but failed.

Two Rubberized Inflatable Boats with Coast Guard Anti-Terrorist Unit personnel aboard were dispatched to undertake a high-risk board and rescue mission as the CDRRMC made a critical decision and ordered the conduct of a rescue operation.

One of the hijackers was killed while four others were captured in the shootout when the anti-terror unit boarded the M/V Legend. The rescue operation secured the lives of the crew, although one of them was injured

The injured hostage was then taken to BRP-Bagacay and was provided first aid by Coast Guard paramedics. He was brought later to a hospital for medication.

Meanwhile, the M/V Legend caught fire while in transit to the local port but was immediately extinguished by firefighters aboard BRP-Bagacay, which has an off-shore firefighting capability.

Upon arrival at the port, the captured gunmen were turned over to the police for detention and filing of appropriate cases.

The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) boarded the M/V Legend and conducted on board investigation. The remains of the slain hijacker were turned over to a local funeral parlor for proper disposition.

All this formed part of the simulated scenarios when the CGDSWM on Tuesday conducted the Response Capability Exercise off the shore of Zamboanga City.

The exercise showcased the response capability of-of the CGDSWM floating assets and its personnel in line with its mandate to enforce all applicable maritime laws within the territorial waters of the Philippines.

“We have highly-trained personnel on how to address piracy and armed robbery (at sea),” said Commodore Joseph Coyme, CGDSWM commander.

“They are well-trained to conduct anti-terrorism, high-risk boarding and at the same time all the skills needed on board the vessel,” Coyme added.

The exercise is part of CGDSWM's 51st founding anniversary on April 5, anchored on the theme “strengthening maritime security efforts and intensifying law enforcement operations.” ( By Teofilo Garcia,Jr/PNA)

VOTE YSHMAEL "MHANG" SALI for GOVERNOR

Hadja Jumda A. Sali speech during the moving-up ceremony in Kalabaro Agri High School

Languyan, Tawi-Tawi - There are lot of women who considered themselves empowered, "their right to their own body, the right to not be violated, the right to have equal resources, to be to divide work inside the home and have the right  to refuse and to decide", said Hadja Jumda A. Sali.

Jumda sighted that all students in this school specially those moving-up graduates that they were always keep on dreaming and reach their goal for their best future someday.

"The good leader never discourage, anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow", she encourage all students must be optimistic and be active their studies because someday, somehow, the great leader starts with them.

Jumda is the wife of Mayor Yshmael "Mhang" I. Sali who run for gobernatorial seat this coming May poll election in the province of the Tawi-Tawi.

She is very empowered and active woman and ready to serve the people.

Asian media groups told to adopt new technology

Chinese Vice Minister of State Council Information Office Guo Weimin gives his speech at the Boao Forum for Asia's Asia Media Cooperation Conference in Boao, Hainan Province on Friday, March 29, 2019. (PNA Photo by Kris Crismundo)

 BOAO, Hainan Province -- Media groups in Asia are urged to innovate as the new media age has started, China’s State Council Information Office Vice Minister Guo Weimin said Friday.

During the Asia Media Cooperation Conference as part of the Boao Forum Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2019, Guo said the media industry in the region shall embrace the omnimedia era by advancing innovation through adopting new technology.

Omnimedia is the convergence of various channels in the media industry, shifting from single platform to multiplatform –print, television, radio broadcasting, and internet.

“Innovation is the driving force for social development, and media is an important key for this change. 

Innovation is the key to media development… We need to take advantage of the advancement of new technology, so the latest technology can be applied in media development,” Guo said.

He noted that mobile media will also play a critical role in ushering the industry to this new era of rapid growth.

As the new media age has started, Asian media groups shall develop a new trend of strategy and cooperation and align it with each other, he added.

“In the omnimedia age, we need to reach consensus and share best practices to create more cooperation program,” Guo said.

Likewise, BFA Department of Media and Culture Head Zhong Hui said this new technology should strengthen the media industry in Asia.

“The voice of Asia should be delivered by Asian media, but we are weaker compared to America and Europe. We need to take action together to make our voice louder together,” she said.

Meanwhile, Philippine Broadcasting Service Deputy Director Carlo Jose Villo represented the Philippines for BFA Asia Media Cooperation Conference.

Villo said the state-owned radio network continues to search for breakthroughs in communication and technology to improve the government’s media services. (By Kris Crismundo / PNA)

Palace defends law enforcers over killing of 14 NegOr ‘farmers’

 MANILA -- Malacañang on Monday defended a joint military and police operations that resulted in the killing of 14 people and arrest of 12 others tagged as members of the New People’s Army in Negros Oriental.

“It’s a legitimate police operation. The search warrants were issued by a competent court, and they were implementing that,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

Earlier, the Philippine National Police (PNP) claimed that the farmers resisted arrest and fought back despite the search warrants issued by local courts for possible illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Panelo defended the PNP after the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) announced that it would be conducting an investigation on what has been described as “tokhang-style” police operations.

He did not directly respond to whether Palace would support the CHR probe after some rights groups tagged the legitimate police operations as a “massacre”.

“Fourteen of them fought with the law enforcers, and they were killed in the process. Twelve of them were arrested and are now doing the process, legal process,” Panelo said.

Panelo also rejected critics saying that government is deliberately targeting farmers with supposed links to communists.

“You know, that is the usual statement issued by those who are linked with the Communist Party of the Philippines,” Panelo said.

He, however, said the people subject of a search warrant have been identified as suspects in certain ambushes, assassinations, assassination attempts which is why courts issued the search warrants.

“It’s police operation and backed up by documents. And the courts believed in them that’s why they issued these warrants,” he added.

Local police reported that a total of eight people were killed in Canlaon City, four in Manjuyod and two in Sta. Catalina town.

PNP chief, General Oscar Albayalde, however, said the PNP-Internal Affairs Service will conduct an investigation on the possible lapses of the policemen during the operation.

Albayalde said the PNP is ready to face investigation to show that these were legitimate operations.

PNP spokesperson Col. Bernard Banac said it is the duty of the PNP to enforce the law and maintain peace and order to ensure public safety and security against criminal and other lawless elements.

Despite this, some lawmakers and militant groups condemned the police operations which they described as “a crime against farmers”. (By Azer Parrocha /  PNA)

BARMM agri chief urges workers to observe time management

TIME ELEMENT. Dr. Mohammad Yacob of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform on Monday (April 1, 2019) stresses the importance of time management in serving the Bangsamoro people. Yacob made the remarks as part of his vow to make the office responsive to the needs of the region’s agriculture and fishery sector.(Photo courtesy of MAFAR)

COTABATO CITY -- The chief of the agriculture and fishery office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Monday pushed for the observance of correct work time among government employees under his supervision.

Dr. Mohammad Yacob of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) made these remarks as part of his vow to make the office responsive to the needs of the region’s agriculture and fishery sector.

On March 29, he and other members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority took their oath before BARMM Interim Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim to make the newly expanded autonomous region a success for the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.

“Please, let us all observe time management,” Yacob told officials and employees at the MAFAR regional office inside the BARMM compound.

“As employees being paid for by people’s money, one should observe time management, report for work on time and make every minute productive,” Yacob said in the vernacular.

"Make it a habit to come early for work to serve the Bangsamoro people,” he added.

Yacob said in the coming days he will lay down his policies that will improve MAFAR services to its clients. (By Edwin Fernandez /PNA)

IBOTO ang GOByernong kaSALI ang lahat,,, YSHMAEL "MHANG" SALI for GOVERNOR

Maasahan, madaling lapitan,,,, ang gobernador na kaSALI ang lahat...

VOTE YSHMAEL "MHANG' SALI  for Governor

Mayor Yshmael I. Sali deliver his SOMA - teary-eyed speak over a thousand of followers in Languyan gymnasium

(Photo by Pershing Taiyab-Info.Officer)

Languyan, Tawi-Tawi - The municipal mayor of this municipality deliver his 3rd  State of the  Municipal Address today in order to give reports and to updates people about his accomplishments during his term.

Sali emotionally thanks everybody for all their supports which led to Languyan being progressive and well developed town  during his leadership.

He urged  also his constituents to help him to continue his projects if people trust them again with their votes for his gubernatorial seat this coming May 2019  election.

"He may not be a good leader as what his constituency have expected with him, he felt sorry for it", but he try his very best to continue his projects that would uplift the living condition of the people, not only in Languyan but the whole province of Tawi-Tawi', the mayor said.

In his speech, Mayor Yshmael I. Sali said, "wherever I will be, I shall remain the Mang Sali that I used to be and as you used to know and nothing will gonna change".

"With teary-eyed" speak  solemnly because of his strong attachment of his people and he loved to serve for them. " I will never forget you all, instead I will expanded my hands throughout the province because there are many people also needs my help too. 

"I do my best to extend my leadership and pursue my vision and mission for the good of people of our beloved Tawi-Tawi" he added.

After he give  thanks to the people, he deliver his accomplishments reports over a thousand of people inside the gymnasium.

He is proud to deliver his accomplishments like: farm-to-market roads, water system, port terminal, a multi-million gymnasium projects, barangay road projects and more on going projects that need to finish, said the mayor.

He added that the Languyan municipality during his administration has recorded the most highest tax collection in the whole province because of some businesses and investors invest in Languyan during his term.

He appealed also to his constituents and the whole province  as well,  to help him this coming election "for governor" in order to continue and expand his assistance and helps especially those in far-flung areas, "I will do my best to serve you Tawi-Tawians", he said.