Winners emerge in BARMM Qur’an recitation competition 2021

From left to right) Mojhahir Bito and Ayman Abdulatip, the winners of BARMM’s Qur’an reading and memorization 2021, posed with Bangsamoro Wa’lī Sheikh Khalipha Nando on Friday, May 7, 2021 in Cotabato City.

COTABATO CITY—Cotabato City and Maguindanao bets emerged as champions of the month-long series of Qur’an reading and memorization competition 2021 in the Bangsamoro region.

During the grand finale of the said competition on Friday, May 7, held at Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, Bangsamoro Government Center in the city, the Office of the Wa’lī announced Ayman Abdulatip from District 8 of Cotabato City and Mojhahir Bito from Markaz Ibrahim, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao as champions.
 
Abdulatip secured the top spot for the Qur’an Reading Competition (senior category), while Bito won the Qur’an Memorization Competition (junior category). Each received certificates of recognition, cash prizes worth Php20,000.00, cellphones, and gifts from the Office of the Wa’lī and other BARMM officials.
 
Meanwhile, here are the following runners-up who also received certificates of recognition, cellphones, gifts, and cash prizes worth Php15,000.00, Php12,000.00, and Php10,000.00, respectively :
 
Senior category:
1st runner-up: Ahmad Haron, Tamontaka 4, Cotabato City
2nd runner-up: Usman Lucman, Maguindanao Province
3rd runner- up: Abbas Agilan, Sigayan Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat
 
Junior category:
1st runner-up: Ayan Ulama, Ma’had Imam Ibn Aljazarie
2nd runner-up: Nur Ma’arif Silungan, Markaz Ibrahim
3rd runner-up: Zuhair Silongan, Markaz Ginakit
 
Bangsamoro Wa’lī Sheikh Khalipha Nando said this activity is in line with the observation of the Holy Month of Ramadhan 1442H (2021), wherein it aims to “increase the faith of mankind and keeps us on the right track.”
 
In Islamic faith, reading the Qur’an is one of the acts of worship, aside from praying, fasting, and charity giving. It is also believed that Qur’an was revealed in the Month of Ramadhan, making it even more significant.

This year’s conduct of “Ramadhan and Qur’an in the Bangsamoro” was spearheaded by the Office of the Wa’lī, in partnership with the various Members of the Parliament, Hay-ato Ulama El-Muslimina Bil-Filibbin, Inc., Committee on Noble Qur’an- Tarbiya Sub-Committee, Da’wah Committee and Masajid Affairs, and the Union of Muslim Youth Organizations (UMYO). (Bangsamoro Information Office)

On legislative measures: Recapping Bangsamoro Parliament’s sessions

COTABATO CITY - More than two years since the establishment of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, members of the Bangsamoro Parliament accomplished most of its tasks, including the passage of two priority codes cited in the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

The Bangsamoro Parliament passed the Administrative Code and Civil Service Code in October 2020 and February 2021, respectively, after a series of public consultations and deliberations.

Local Government and Education codes advanced to second reading and are now referred to appropriate committees for final deliberation, the Committee on Rules for Local Government Code and Committee on Basic, Higher, and Technical Education for Education Code. 

Other priority bills such as Electoral Code, Revenue Code, and Indigenous Peoples Code are yet to be filed.

Some of the approved bills facilitated the inauguration of commissions on human rights, women, youth, and sports.

To date, the Parliament has passed 17 bills, including:

Bangsamoro Administrative Code;

Bangsamoro Civil Service Code;

Adoption of the Bangsamoro Flag;

Adoption of the Official Bangsamoro Emblem;

2020 Bangsamoro Appropriations Act;

Bangsamoro Human Rights Act;

Bangsamoro Attorney-General’s Office Act;

Bangsamoro Socio-Economic Development Planning System Act;

Bangsamoro Hymn Act;

Bangsamoro Women Commission Act;

Recruitment Agency Regulation Act;

Bangsamoro Youth Commission Act;

An Act Defining the Power of Appointment in the BARMM;

Bangsamoro Sports Commission Act;

An Act Extending the Availability of the 2020 Bangsamoro Appropriations to December 31, 2021;

2021 General Appropriations Act of the Bangsamoro; and

Adoption of the Official Seal for the Bangsamoro Parliament.

A total of 122 resolutions were also discussed and passed in the plenary. 

Atty. Pangalian Balindong, Bangsamoro Parliament Speaker, said that the Parliament has been working for the past two years to pass legislative measures that address the needs of the people.

Despite the serious health crisis brought by the pandemic, Speaker Balindong said the Parliament has stepped up its efforts to enact priority legislative measures to operationalize the Bangsamoro government's foundation.

"The Parliament was able to enact the Administrative Code and the Civil Service Code on time and is currently on track to legislate Local Government Code, Education Code, Electoral Code and Revenue Code," Atty. Balindong said.

"The adverse conditions and difficulties we are facing did not prevent us in the Parliament from fulfilling our duties, and we also assure the Bangsamoro people that we are all working in the Parliament to accomplish our tasks, especially during the transition period," he added.

Article XVI of the BOL lists the priorities of the BTA during the transition period: (1) the enactment of priority legislation; (2) determination of parliamentary districts for the first regular election; (3) organization of the Bangsamoro government bureaucracy; (4) full transfer of powers and properties of the Autonomous Regional Government in Muslim Mindanao to the Bangsamoro Government, except those properties, land, and structures located outside of the ARMM; and (5) disposition of the personnel of the ARMM.

There are also about 100 bills and 430 resolutions filed before the Parliament. 

The BTA serves as the interim government in the Bangsamoro region during the transition period. (Publication and Media Relations Division, BTA)

 

 By Priam Nepomuceno  

(PNA photo by Robert Oswald Alfiler)

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana called the end of the holy month of Ramadan a good opportunity for all Filipinos to unite for peace and prosperity.

"As our Muslim brothers and sisters mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan, we reflect and renew our sense of hope and devotion. Indeed, this celebration is an opportune moment to come together in our collective drive to achieve peace and prosperity for our country," Lorenzana said in a statement as the Muslim faithful celebrates Eid-al-Fitr on Thursday.

Despite the trials caused by the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Lorenzana said he is grateful for the compassion and unity showed by Filipinos from all walks of life in caring and helping the less fortunate members of society,

"May the spirit of harmony and understanding according to the teachings of the Islamic faith continue to inspire us all as we work together to heal as one. Eid al-Fitr Mubarak from your One Defense Team! May the mercy and blessings of Allah be upon us!" Lorenzana further said.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also joined Muslim Filipinos in the celebration of a meaningful and inspiring conclusion to the holy month of Ramadan.

"The pandemic that has persisted in the past year and months have indeed compounded the existing challenges to Filipino Muslim communities here and abroad," AFP chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said.

He also expressed hope that Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr have given Muslim brothers and sisters fortitude and strength, and empowered them to live their best life according to their faith.

"Rest assured that the AFP will continue to stand beside you in all the challenges that will come our way. A solemn and blessed Eid-al-Fitr to all!" Sobejana said.

Share dream of peaceful, progressive country

In his message for the occasion, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar urged Filipino Muslims to share the dream of a peaceful, harmonious, and progressive community

"(Eid-al-Fitr) reminds us not of our differences, but of the ideals and goals that unite us as one people, as Filipinos seeking to rise above difficulties and to triumph amid adversity," Eleazar said.

He also expressed hope that Filipinos, despite having different beliefs, will unite in the pursuit of peace, equality, and progress.

"We affirm that all human beings are brothers unto one another. With this, let us be one in building a strong nation with continuous economic growth and with good and honest leaders," he added. (with Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)

 

Happy Eid uL- Fitr Mubarak - D.E Ajan S. Ajijul

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

Assalamu Alaykum Wa Rahmahtullahi Taala Wa Barakatuh.

In behalf of Sulu 1st Engineering District of Ministry of Public Works , Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, My employees, Officials, friends and my family would like to greet the whole Muslim believers a Happy Eid'uL Fitr .

May every moment of this Eid brings us closer to Allah (SWT) and gets us  rewarded for a good deeds ! Eid Mubarak Everyone!.

Engr. Ajan S. Ajijul
District Engineer

Sulu 1st DEO, MPW-BARMM

Jolo, Sulu

Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim’s Message on the Celebration of Eid’l Fitr 1442

 

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

Assalamu Alaykum Wa Rahmahtullahi Taala Wa Barakatuh.
 
The Bangsamoro Government joins the rest of the Muslim world in celebrating Eid’l Fitr this year. As one of the two biggest feasts in the Islamic tradition, Eid’l Fitr marks the culmination of the month-long fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadhan. This blessed celebration serves as a reflection to the wonderful virtues of the said month and a time to show our love to one another and our unity as one Muslim Ummah.
 
Although there are still trials that we continue to face during this pandemic, none of which will hinder us from performing our obligations to the Almighty Allah and practicing the significant Sunnah or traditions taught by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
 
I would like to appeal that as we observe this meaningful day, we should not be complacent and put our guards down. Covid-19 still exists and it is incumbent upon all of us to continue practicing the minimum health standards such as wearing of face masks, frequent hand washing of hands, and observing physical distance.
 
If we continue these practices and with the help of our vaccination program, we will have the chance of having a better Ramadhan next year, In shaa Allah.
 
The Holy Month of Ramadhan was an opportunity for us to achieve Taqwa. Let us pray that even as we bid farewell to this year’s Ramadhan, we carry the values it has taught us for the rest of our lives and that Allah (SWT) may accept our Ibadah, our Salah, our prayers, our fasting, our generosity through our Sadaqah and all other good deeds that come with the observance of the Holy Month of Ramadhan. Let us ask Allah’s forgiveness for our sins and that He may always extend to us His blessings and guidance in all our undertakings.
 
Let us also pray for the success of our journey in establishing a regional government that is responsive to the needs of every Bangsamoro.
 
May we have a peaceful and meaningful celebration of Eid’l Fitr, In shaa Allah.
 
Eid’l Fitr Al-Mubarak! Wassalamu Alaykum Wa Rahmahtullahi Taala Wa Barakatuh.

 

Happy Eid ul-Fitr!

May the magic of this Eid brings lots of happiness in our life and may we celebrate it with our family and  friends  and  may it  fill our hearts with wonders.

In behalf of Sulu 1st DEO, MPW-BARMM,  officials , employees and my whole family would like to greet a HAPPY EID UL - FITR to everyone !!!..

Engr. Ajan S. Ajijul
District Engineer
Sulu 1st DEO, MPW-BARMM

287 Chinese ships sighted in latest PH maritime patrol off WPS

 By Priam Nepomuceno  

MANILA – The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF WPS) on Wednesday said a maritime patrol on May 9 spotted the presence of 287 Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels scattered over the various features of the Municipality of Kalayaan, both within and outside the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the country.

Bigger groupings of CMMs were sighted at the artificial islands built by China while some were observed near islands occupied by the Philippines, a statement signed by NTF WPS chair and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. showed.

The body said the Philippine maritime patrol sighted two CMM vessels and two Houbei-class missile warships inside Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, one CMM off Lawak (Nanshan) Island, 11 CMM vessels located approximately 29 nautical miles southwest of Recto (Reed) Bank; and another CMM vessel off Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.

A Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel was seen at the shoal during an earlier patrol last May 7.

"As for the features forming part of the Pagkakaisa (Union) Banks, the 9 May 2021 maritime patrol reported the presence of 34 CMMs at Juan Felipe (Whitsun) Reef (JFR), two Vietnamese (VN) logistics/supply ships, and one VN Coast Guard vessel at Sin Cowe East (Grierson) Reef and 77 CMMs in Chigua Reef," the NTF WPS said.

The body also emphasized that Julian Felipe Reef is a low tide elevation (LTE) located 175 nautical miles from Bataraza, Palawan, and within the country's 200-nautical mile EEZ.

"It is part of Philippine territory inasmuch as it is located within the overlapping 12 NM (nautical mile) territorial seas of McKennan (Chigua) Reef and of another possible high-tide feature, Grierson (Sin Cowe East) Reef, also our territories under the Municipality of Kalayaan," it added.

From May 3 to 10, the Area Task Force–North reported an average of four CCG vessels at Bajo de Masinloc (BdM) (Scarborough Shoal), and an average of one CCG each for both the Pag-asa Islands and Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.

"Despite China’s illegal unilateral 'fishing ban' covering its fishing vessels in waters north of 12 degrees latitude in the South China Sea, from 1 May to August 16, 2021, two CMMs were nonetheless observed harvesting shells inside the lagoon of the BdM," NTF WPS said.

It also reported that an average of 10 Filipino fishing boats were seen fishing inside the BdM lagoon from May 7 to 9.

"The ATF-West 9 May 2021 maritime patrol reported 14 CMM vessels and one CCG vessel positioned off the main Pag-asa Island, and 16 CMMs at Zamora (Subi) Reef. An earlier 6 May 2021 patrol sighted 24 CMMs, complemented by one CCG anchored at the Pag-asa Cays showing no visible activity," the body said.

It added that the same patrol observed two CMMs at Panata Island; one Vietnamese fishing vessel off Kota (Loaita) Island; 64 CMM in Burgos (Gaven) Reef North; two Vietnamese fisheries surveillance ships off Paredes (Discovery Great) Reef; and one Chinese rescue service ship, three People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN) warships and 55 CMM vessels at Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reef.

"In line with Presidential directives, the NTF WPS is undertaking continuous law enforcement function and maritime exercises in the WPS. The PCG (Philippine Coast Guard) and the BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) are coordinating their efforts under the former’s Task Force Pagsasanay, and deployed PCG BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4003), BFAR MCS 3001 and 3008 at the Municipality of Kalayaan, while PCG BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407) and BFAR MCS 3005 are covering the area of BdM," the body said.

It added that PCG and BFAR vessels are being complemented by the Philippine National Police–Maritime Group (PNP-MG) through the assignment of four high-speed tactical watercraft, three police gunboats, and police fast boats to patrol the municipal waters and portions of the country's EEZ in the WPS.

These police water assets are under the Regional Maritime Units 1, 3, 4B and personnel of the 2nd Special Operations Unit based in Palawan.

"Moreover, PNP-MG personnel to be posted at the Municipality of Kalayaan are set to depart on 15 May 2021," it added.

NTF WPS said these efforts are in wake of the April 27 and 29 Sabina Shoal law enforcement function and maritime exercises where the PCG challenged and successfully dispersed seven and five CMM vessels, respectively, for illegally encroaching in the country's EEZ.

"On 7 and 8 May 2021, government vessels again spotted CMM vessels illegally occupying Sabina Shoal. BFAR MCS 3001 accompanied by BFAR MCS 3008 challenged and dispersed three CMMs on both days," it added.

Due to the shallow waters inside the reef, the BFAR launched rubber boats to escort the CMMs out of the shoal.

"On 4 May 2021, PCG BRP Sindangan, traveling with BFAR MCS 3005, was illegally shadowed by a CCG vessel and issued two radio challenges while approaching BdM," it added.

This incident along with the continued illegal incursions of foreign vessels sighted near Philippine-held islands have been submitted to the relevant agencies for possible diplomatic actions.

"The Philippine government continues to strengthen its presence in the WPS with a view towards law enforcement, deterrence of illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing (IUUF), and protection of the welfare and safety of our fisherfolk. The latter are encouraged to sail and fish in the WPS," NTF WPS said.

It added that NTF WPS remains guided by the national policy and interest in asserting our territorial and sovereign rights as upheld by the 2016 arbitral ruling.

"The articulation of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte at the 75th UN General Assembly emphasizing that the ruling is now part of international law and beyond compromise remains the supreme expression of foreign policy by this government. We reiterate that the Philippines shall continue to defend its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea, and shall not yield an inch of our territory," the body said. (PNA)

 

New police cars to speed up BARMM's security response

Cotabato City — To help speed up the region's security preparedness and emergency response, the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG) has provided five (5) units of patrol cars to several police offices across the Bangsamoro region.

On Monday, May 10, MILG Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo led the ceremonial turnover  to the beneficiaries that include the Philippine National Police Regional Office - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (PPO), Sulu PPO, and Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station in Maguindanao.
 
One patrol car was also provided to police officers deployed inside the Bangsamoro Government Center in the city.
 
“Ang hope natin ay ma-increase ang capacity ng PNP natin na mag resolve ng crimes at mag prevent ng violence sa region,” Minister Sinarimbo said.
 
“Magpo-propose din tayo ng budget for 2022 para naman sa ibang probinsya ng BARMM,” he added.
 
Datu Odin Sinsuat Mayor Cheryl Mary Rose Sinsuat who was present during the ceremony thanked the Bangsamoro Government for granting their request to have an emergency vehicle.
 
“We had requested 1 unit of police car para magkaroon tayo ng agarang aksyon kapag meron tayong mga crime scenes," the mayor said.
 
"Nagpapasalamat kami sa BARMM dahil nabigyan kami ng napakagandang regalo ngayong Eid'l Fitr,” she added.
 
Also present during the event were PNP PRO-BAR Regional Director PBGEN Eden T. Ugale and his delegation, DOS local government officials, and other key officials from Lanao del Sur and Sulu.
 
On April 15, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim and Minister Sinarimbo personally inspected the  five (5) police cars, five (5) fire trucks, and four (4) units of ambulance that will be given to the different priority LGUs in the region.
 
Two ambulances are for the regional government's Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi) and the other two are for the provincial government of Tawi-Tawi. As for the firetrucks, the MILG has a deployment agreement with the Bureau of Fire Protection on who among the priority LGUs will receive the vehicles.
 
The turnover ceremony for the emergency vehicles is eyed after the holy month of Ramadhan.
 
The funding of  said vehicles are from 2020 contingency fund of the Office of the Chief Minister.  (Bangsamoro Information Office)

 

2 BIFF bomb courier captured in Maguindanao

PNP-Criminal Investigation Detection Group (CIDG-BAR) escorted two suspected members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) bomb carrier Jerwali Salem Zabel, male, 32 years old and Nasrullah Abdullah Walingan, 24 years old married, resident of Sitio Mupak, Barangay Poblacion, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao. Members of MILF captured two BIFF while conducting a checkpoint after the Datu Paglas attack incident. Confiscated from their possession are Two (2) Unit of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and 45 caliber pistol (Mark Navales)

Cotabato City – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) member have captured two suspected Pro Islamic State bomb couriers a day after Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) militants headed by Abu Karialan attacked  a town of Datu Paglas, Maguindanao and engaged in gun-battle for six hours before they retreated over the weekend, the military said Tuesday.

Arrested BIFF militants, identified as Jerwali Salem Zabel, 32; and Nasrullah Abdullah Walingan, 24, both members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, were intercepted by former Moro Islamic Liberation Front around 8:00 a.m. on Monday in the village of Mangadeg, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao, said Army’s Brigadier General Roy Galido, Commander of 601st Infantry Brigade.

“The suspects admitted that they were supposed to deliver food to their companions that are continuously being hunted by government forces,” Galido said, adding two improvised explosive devices (IED’s) and a 45 caliber pistol were confiscated from the suspects.

On Saturday, BIFF militants, a breakaway of the MILF, entered the town of Datu Paglas and took over the main public market, engaged in running gun battle with government security forces until they retreated towards the marshland areas.

Also on the same day, soldiers conducting a combat clearing operation in the nearby town of Pandag, also in Maguindanao, recovered assorted weapons and ammunition believed to be owned by the militants.

Galido said the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG-BAR) took custody of the suspects working under Commander Karialan of BIFF.

Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar, the local military spokesman, said the security sector still has control of the situation while pursuing BIFF militants on the ground.

“We have intensified our operation against these militants in the past few months,” Baldomar said, adding the latest encounter that occurred on Sunday in the marshland near Datu Paglas.

Government security forces advanced with Simba tanks support secured the Hi-way after Pro Islamic State militants Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) occupied the town proper of Datu Paglas in Maguindanao on Saturday May 8, 2021. In 2019, the BIFF was blamed for a series of bomb attacks in the south, including on a town market and at a restaurant in the town of Isulan that injured eight and 18 respectively. BIFF members are former MILF fighters who had opposed that peace deal. Members pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) extremist group. (By Mark Navales)

 

The military said there were no reports of any hostages being taken during the militants’ siege of the market and ground troops recovered four improvised bombs, which the BIFF militants had planted around the town.

In 2019, the BIFF was blamed for a series of bomb attacks in the south, including on a town market and at a restaurant in the town of Isulan that injured eight and 18 respectively. BIFF members are former MILF fighters who had opposed that peace deal. Members pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) extremist group.

With the latest incident, Rommel Banlaoi, chairman of the Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research in Manila, urged the Philippine government and former Muslim rebels to intensify their campaign in preventing violent activities in the southern Philippines days after militants linked to the Islamic State attacked a southern Philippine town and caused a large displacement of civilians.

“The BIFF has been targeting areas that have a weak presence of government forces and they saw the town has the only small presence of troops since the military focused their operation in the marshland,” Banlaoi said.

When asked about its implication in the peace process, Banlaoi explained that both the central government and Murad Ibrahim, interim chief minister of the BARMM, claimed pocket skirmishes cannot be avoided on the ground despite the signing of peace agreement since armed groups like the BIFF and Abu Sayyaf still active in Mindanao. (By Mark Navales-The Redline News)

 

 

Russia hit by one-day tally of over 9K Covid-19 cases

 

MOSCOW – Russia confirmed 9,270 Covid-19 cases over the past day, bringing the total case tally to 4,814,558, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Saturday.

In relative terms, the growth rate reached 0.19 percent.

Over the past day, 737 Covid-19 cases were confirmed in St. Petersburg, a new high since March 27; 649 in the Moscow Region; 228 in the Rostov Region; 166 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region; and 160 in the Samara Region.

Moscow’s Covid-19 case tally rose by 3,208 over the past day to 1,096,019.

The number of the so-called active cases or patients who are undergoing treatment now has risen to 267,455, according to the crisis center.

Number of recoveries

Russia also registered 8,637 Covid-19 recoveries over the past day, and the total number of recoveries hit 4,436,583.

The share of recovered patients remained at 92.1 percent of all those infected.

Over the past day, 978 patients were discharged in St. Petersburg; 545 in the Moscow Region; 218 in the Pskov Region; 204 in the Rostov Region; and 183 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region.

Some 1,929 patients were discharged over the past day, and the total number of recoveries reached 993,348.

Currently, 84,297 people are undergoing treatment in the capital.

Number of deaths

Russia likewise confirmed 392 Covid-19 deaths over the past day versus 397 a day earlier, and the total death toll since the start of the pandemic hit 110,520.

The mortality rate climbed to 2.3 percent, according to the crisis center.

Over the past day, 34 Covid-19 deaths were registered in St. Petersburg; 23 in the Rostov Region; 22 in the Moscow Region; 15 in the Samara Region; 12 in the Krasnodar Region; as well as in the Nizhny Novgorod and Sverdlovsk Regions.

Fifty-nine deaths from coronavirus were registered in Moscow, bringing the total death toll in the capital to 18,374. (TASS)

2 dead, 6 wounded includes BIFF spokesperson in Maguindanao clash

Members of Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) from Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Police and Military security forces secured JPST station, a government facility in Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi town in Maguindanao. Local terrorist group BIFF has been opposing the setting up a government facility post in the area. Last month, 14 suspected BIFF militants died in days of clashes just to discontinue building this security post after more than 50 militants occupied a village in the remote town of Datu Saudi Ampatuan. (Mark Navales)

 

Datu Saudi Ampatuan Maguindanao – Two civilians were killed and Abu Jihad, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) spokesperson was among the six wounded in the recent clash between government troops and pro-Islamic State militants last Wednesday.

Casualties were identified as Bahria Alon, 40; and Lagabai Mohalidin, 24; while four soldiers and another civilian aside from Jihad were injured in the explosion according to regional military spokesman Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar.

Army Col. Pete Balisi, commander of 1st Mechanized Brigade said that Jihad lost his left leg following the blast shortly before 10:00 a.m. in Kitango, a remote village in the mumicipality.

“Based on the accounts of our witnesses, he lost his leg,” Balisi said.

“The civilians were hit by shrapnel, not by bullets,” he added.

 Local terrorist group BIFF has been opposing the setting up a government facility post (JPST station), joint peacekeeping force by MILF and government security forces in the area.

Last month, 14 suspected BIFF militants died in days of clashes in the restive southern province of Maguindanao after more than 50 militants occupied in the said village.

"The clashes started with a bomb explosion in the village of Kitango around 9:00 a.m. that followed by mortar shelling by the military," Rohanna Salik, Datu Saudi Ampatuan local disaster response officer stated.

“The military was conducting clearing operations. There was an improvised explosive device that exploded then it followed by an exchange of gunfire,” she added.

“Local know that there are no people living in that area, why did they go there?” Datu Saudi Ampatuan Mayor Edris A. Sindatok said.

"We immediately brought one wounded civilian to provincial hospital in Maguindanao by ambulance and we gave financial assistance to the two women killed in the incident," he added.

About 540 families displaced by fresh fighting between soldiers and BIFF are seen at the evacuation center in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town in Maguindanao. Local terrorist group BIFF has been opposing the setting up a government facility post in the area. Last month, 14 suspected BIFF militants died in days of clashes just to discontinue building this security post after more than 50 militants occupied a village in the remote town of Datu Saudi Ampatuan.(Mark Navales)

The recent encounters forced 540 families to evacuate to safer grounds in the middle of the celebration of Ramadan.

BIFF is a splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the country’s largest rebel group when it signed a peace deal with Manila three years ago.

MILF then dropped its separatist bid for an independent state in the south, an idea that did not sit well with BIFF.

In 2019, BIFF was blamed for a series of bomb attacks, including on a town market and at a restaurant in the town of Isulan that injured dozens of civilian respectively. (Mark Navales/The Redline News)