News Update
As of September 20, 2017 (Wednesday)
1. Manila Bulletin
New armed group emerges
A new armed group in Marawi City emerged Monday night to demand the Islamic State (IS)-inspired Maute Group to leave the besieged city at once and free all their hostages – Muslims and Christians alike. In a 14- minute video posted online, the group introduced themselves as Meranaw Victims Movement (MVM), a group composed of armed Maranao evacuees from Marawi City.
The new group is also demanding from the government that civilians be allowed to return to their homes in areas in Marawi City that were already cleared by the military; to stop the aerial bombings and the abuses of some military and police personnel at checkpoints; and accord respect to civilians, especially the women. And if their demands will fall on deaf ears, the MVM said it would be compelled to face the Maute Group and “that Jihad becomes our legitimate recourse.”
http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/09/20/new-armed-group-emerges/
2. Philippine Star
Philippines to explain drug war before UN
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano will raise the government’s war on drugs and campaign against criminality during his address to the United Nations on Saturday. Cayetano will deliver the President’s message for the international community to unite against terrorism, nuclear weapons and other common threats. Cayetano is also expected to share with UN member-states the efforts of the Duterte administration to protect the rights and promote the welfare of Filipino migrant workers as well as the ongoing campaign against criminality and illegal drugs. The UN has repeatedly condemned the Duterte government’s war on drugs that has seen a spate of summary killings of drug suspects and minors.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/09/20/1740908/philippines-explain-drug-war-un 3. Daily Inquirer
Japan deploys missile interceptor near North Korea flight path
Japan on Tuesday moved a mobile missile-defense system on the northern island of Hokkaido to a base near recent North Korean missile flyover routes. Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said a Patriot Advanced Capability-3 interceptor unit was deployed at the Hakodate base on southern Hokkaido “as a precaution” as part of government preparations for a possible emergency.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/931793/north-korean-missile-crisis-japan-missile-interceptor 4. Manila Times
‘US has many military options in Korea crisis’
The United States has “many” military options against North Korea, including some that don’t put Seoul at risk, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Monday. His comments come after President Donald Trump’s administration ramped up pressure on North Korea on Sunday, warning Pyongyang will be “destroyed” if it refuses to end its “reckless” nuclear and ballistic missile drive.
He did not provide details, but he responded affirmatively when asked if these included options that would not put Seoul at grave risk. Mattis also confirmed that the US and Seoul had discussed the option of sending limited-size “tactical” nuclear weapons to South Korea.
http://www.manilatimes.net/us-flies-bombers-korean-peninsula/351417/
