ARMED CLASHES ON JOLO LEAVE AT LEAST 26 PHILIPPINE

UNCLAS MANILA 002714 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER MOPS PINS RP SUBJECT: ARMED CLASHES ON JOLO LEAVE AT LEAST 26 PHILIPPINE SOLDIERS DEAD ¶1. (SBU) Summary. The security situation in Jolo remains fluid with at least 26 Philippine soldiers killed and over 19 wounded since August 7 during armed clashes with the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group as operations against high value terrorists continue. The military claims to have killed 27 militants. The recent fighting has displaced over 4,300 persons and there is growing concern that the number of evacuees could increase as fighting continues. Charge offered condolences to Palace Executive Secretary Ermita, who described armed clashes on Jolo as unrelated to the July 10 ambush and beheadings on the nearby island of Basilan, and affirmed that despite the tragic loss of life, military operations on Jolo would continue. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) At least 26 Philippine soldiers have been killed and over 20 wounded since August 7 during armed clashes with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and rogue elements of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) near Indanan, Parang, and Maimbung, Jolo. According to Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Department of Social Work and Development Secretary Racma Imam, over 4,300 persons have been displaced since August 7. Imam expressed concern that the number of evacuees could grow as fighting continues. ¶3. (SBU) Charge offered condolences to Palace Executive Secretary Ermita August 10 on the loss of Philippine soldiers SIPDIS engaged in a tough fight against terrorists on Jolo island. Ermita appreciated the affirmation of U.S. support, and said he would convey U.S. sentiments to new Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and armed forces Chief of Staff General Esperon. Ermita described the recent armed clashes on Jolo as "completely unrelated" to the July 10 Basilan incident. Despite the tragic loss of life, commented Ermita, military operations on Jolo will continue. ¶4. (SBU) The military task force commander on Jolo, Major General Ruben Rafael, suspects ASG members under Radullah Sahiron, Albader Parad, and Abu Pula are among those involved in the attacks. MNLF vice chairman Hatimil Hassan claimed to the press that elements of the MNLF were responsible for one of the armed encounters near Maimbung August 9 that left ten Philippine soldiers dead. We are seeking independent confirmation of that claim of responsibility. Visit Embassy Manila's Classified SIPRNET website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm You can also access this site through the State Department's Classified SIPRNET website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/ JONES