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Philippine Star  "A foothold for ISIS?" Relatives and friends mourned the soldiers who died from gunfire and improvised explosive devices set off by the Abu Sayyaf in clashes that started Saturday morning  in Basilan. The Armed Forces of the Philippines yesterday reported killing 13 more bandits, but the AFP’s own death toll of 18 is among the highest ever in its  decades-old battle with the terrorist group.  Among the enemy casualties was Ubalda Hapilon, identified as a son of top terrorist Isnilon Hapilon, who has a $5-million prize on his head. An intriguing casualty  was Mohammad Khattab, described by military intelligence as a Moroccan instructor in producing IEDs and a preacher of Islamic jihad.   [full text] Sun.Star Cebu  "Suspension as political weapon" THAT the Office of the President would order the suspension of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama isn't totally unexpected. The Aquino administration has been accused of  using the suspensi...

Philippine Star  "Lucrative industry" Local governments play a crucial role in the success of any campaign against extremists and criminal gangs. But there is persistent suspicion that local officials  themselves are in cahoots with the bandits,  using kidnapping to raise funds. With the government’s no-ransom policy just meaningless rhetoric, kidnapping has become  one of the most lucrative industries in Mindanao.  The Abu Sayyaf and other bandit groups in Mindanao have successfully prevented the development of some of the poorest areas in the Philippines. They continue to give  the country a negative image overseas, dampening tourism even outside their areas of operation. The Abu Sayyaf should have been neutralized a long time ago, with a  combination of security and development approaches. The government cannot allow this blight to thrive.   [full text] Sun.Star Cebu  "Violence by women" According to the master narrative dictated by c...