Duterte orders military to step up intelligence ops vs lingering security threats

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 8): Duterte orders military to step up intelligence ops vs lingering security threats

President Duterte has ordered the military to step up intelligence operations to continue fighting lingering security threats such as terrorism and insurgency.





President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers a message during the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) 1st Quarter 2018 Command Conference and Sergeants Major Forum at the Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City on April 7, 2018. (TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)
Addressing the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) 1st Quarter of 2018 Command Conference and Sergeants Major Forum in Davao City yesterday, the President acknowledged that gathering timely and accurate intelligence information was crucial to protect the nation from enemies of the state.

Duterte said that while he commends the military for neutralizing high-value communist and Islamic terrorists due to effective intelligence operations, they must sustain such gains.

“I could not stress enough the importance of timely, accurate and useful intelligence in securing the country and protecting our people from all enemies of the state,” he said in his remarks.

“May you further improve your intelligence and counterintelligence operations, and continue to work closely with other intelligence units and concerned stakeholders in the crucial tasks of gathering and processing intelligence information,” he added.

The President said he was counting on the military intelligence unit and the sergeant majors to remain steadfast in protecting and defending national security.

“Our fight for a peaceful, stable and secure Philippines rests greatly on the two pillars of the AFP gathered here today: the ISAFP, which heads the intelligence efforts of the AFP, and the Sergeants Majors, which collectively provide steady operational leadership to the entire non-commissioned corps of the AFP,” Duterte said.

“As we consolidate our gains in this time of rapid progress and growing strength, I count on the ISAFP and our Sergeant Majors to propel our country towards real and lasting peace,” he added.

“With you by our side, our dream of a truly strong Philippines will be achieved in the next few years,” he further said.

Duterte also vowed to continue providing support to the military, from implementing the modernization program to extending better benefits to the soldiers.

“Rest assured that the government remains steadfast in looking after your welfare and in modernizing the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/04/08/duterte-orders-military-to-step-up-intelligence-ops-vs-lingering-security-threats/

AFP, PNP, other agencies demo skills in Oslob

From the Sun Star-Cebu (Apr 8): AFP, PNP, other agencies demo skills in Oslob
 

The sea, for a stage. Soldiers from all three branches of the military, the police, Coast Guard, firefighters, and local reservists conducted a demonstration in Oslob of their preparations against terror threats. (SunStar Foto/Johanna Marie O. Bajenting) 

 

AHEAD of Boracay’s temporary closure to tourists, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Central Command and other government agencies conducted a capability demonstration in the southern town of Oslob, Cebu.

Three scenarios were executed, which were a supposed infiltration attempt by the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, the detonation of a bomb planted by its members, and the escape plan the “terrorists” would execute.

 

“Our focus is on terrorism because in the past, security was focused more on insurgency in southern Cebu. But with what happened in Marawi, our preparations are continuous so as to prevent such a thing from happening in the Visayas,” said Lt. Gen. Paul Atal, Centcom commander.

 

The demonstration, he said, showcased the responsiveness of different troops and responders, should such an incident happen.

 

“We have to protect the local and foreign tourists. Efforts on security by the whole Central command will now focus on that threat,” he said.

 

Atal said that the demo was also part of their preparations for the expected influx of tourists in Oslob while Boracay’s tourism establishments remain closed for six months.

 

“Well, this is part of the anticipation already for the pending closure of Boracay so we are expecting that tourists will be shifting to Bohol and Cebu,” the commander said.

 

In the summer of 2017, an Abu Sayyaf squad did land in Bohol but were neutralized by government authorities.

 

He added that Oslob was the area chosen for the demonstrated because aside from its shoreline, it is close to Mindanao.

 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Navy, Coast Guard, Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection, among others, joined the demonstration in Oslob.

 

Oslob Mayor Jose Tumulak said that the demo was the first in Oslob and aimed to encouraged locals to join as reservists. He said it also gave 80 reservists from the town a chance to apply their training.

 

Lucia Skvareninova, who hails from Slovakia, said she felt safe and was impressed after she and her companion witnessed the demonstration.

 

“I think this is a good performance, especially for the people. In case there is a terrorist or any dangerous situation, people would know that they are secure,” Skvareninova said.

 

She added that it was her second time in Oslob and promised that she would return next year.

 

Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) Director Senior Supt. Edgar Okubo rated the demo a 7 out of ten.

 

“So from there we saw the initial response in case there will be terrorist problems because those attacks it may happen anytime. The response is very important. There is room for improvement,” Okubo said.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2018/04/08/afp-pnp-other-agencies-demo-skills-oslob-597347

PH to observe 76th anniversary of Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 8): PH to observe 76th anniversary of Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9



The gallantry and heroism of Filipino and American soldiers who fought in World War II will be honored during the 76th grand anniversary of “Araw ng Kagitingan” (Day of Valor) in Bataan on Monday.The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office said that President Rodrigo R. Duterte will be the guest of honor and speaker.
When the Japanese invaded the Philippines on Dec. 8, 1941, they thought they would conquer the country in less than a month, but they underestimated the heroism and sacrifices of the Filipino and American defenders who held their ground in Bataan. The fighting lasted for three months and two days.

Pvt. Teodoro Clarin, this writer's uncle, was killed in action in Bataan.

The delay altered the war plan of the Japanese Imperial Army to conquer countries in Asia.

This also enabled Gen. Douglas McArthur, commander of US forces in the Philippines, to undertake a daring escape to Australia aboard a torpedo boat on his way to the United States where he planned a counter attack to retake the Philippines to fulfill his promise to the Filipino people of “I shall return.”

Meanwhile, guerrilla forces were organized across the archipelago to continue the war against the Japanese. This writer's mother, Milagros Bautista, joined the guerrilla movement as a courier, while his younger brother, Jose Bautista, was drafted to the Philippine Scout as a second lieutenant with headquarters in Palawan.

When Bataan surrendered on April 9, 1942, some 60,000 Filipino and American troops were taken prisoners of war by the Japanese.

They were made to walk some 112 kilometers from Mariveles, Bataan to Capas, Tarlac under the scorching sun with no food and water for days in what is known the world over as the “Death March.”

Some 18,000 Filipino soldiers and 650 Americans died during the “Death March” due to exhaustion or were either shot or bayoneted to death.

For the next three years, Filipino and American guerrilla forces continued the fighting against the highly superior Japanese Imperial Army.

On Oct. 20, 1944, McArthur fulfilled his promise of “I shall return” when he led US and allied forces made a triumphant landing in Palo, Leyte to liberate the Philippines from the clutches of the Japanese invaders.

The Japanese were clobbered and forced to retreat, the first time since they occupied the Philippines, but they were pursued wherever they went.

A week later, the USS Submarine Gar (206) transported guns, ammunition and other logistics to Filipino guerrilla freedom fighters in northern Luzon to fighting the remaining Japanese forces until they were crushed and forced Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita and his men to surrender.

The “Araw ng Kagitingan” on Monday will honor the thousands of Filipino and American forces, who fought and gave their lives for freedom and democracy to live in peace in the years to come.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031074

Davao police to meet with contractors after latest NPA attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 8): Davao police to meet with contractors after latest NPA attack

Following the burning of heavy equipment by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) here, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) chief and representatives from the city government will meet with project contractors this week to address security issues in the city.

City Chief of Police Alexander Tagum said this is to remind contractors not to leave their heavy equipment unattended, which may entice lawless armed groups to burn them.

He said he would recommend that contractors who have ongoing construction projects should park their equipment in areas where security forces are present.

"By then, we already formulated guidelines so that the incident will not happen again. Part of it is to come up with a consolidation point or safe haven in all barangays and police stations where they can park their equipment after their work where there is presence of our security forces," Tagum said in vernacular.

The meeting will be called following results of the investigation that there were lapses found on the side of the operators.

Investigation showed 10 heavy equipment burned in Barangay Farima in Paquibato District, Dalagdag, Calinan District and Barangay Callaw, Buhangin District were left unattended.

"According to our joint investigation, the heavy equipment were left without informing the nearby army battalion,” he said.

He said the 89th Infantry Battalion near Callawa, for instance, had no knowledge about the heavy equipment left in the project area until the incident happened on March 31.

He added that as soon as the contractors agree with the proposed guidelines, it would be strictly implemented.

"So that if there will be (similar) incident we will be held responsible,” Tagum said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031253

Army cycling team shares prize to disabled troops

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 8): Army cycling team shares prize to disabled troops

The Philippine Army (PA) Cycling Team donated 10 new wheelchairs to disabled soldiers undergoing treatment and rehabilitation at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center last April 6.

In a statement Saturday, Army spokesperson, Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva, said that Army Headquarters Support Group head Brig. Gen. Roy T. Devesa, and PA Special Service Center chief Col. Antonio John B. Divinagracia led the turnover ceremonies while members of the PA Cycling Team personally handed the brand-new wheelchairs to the designated beneficiaries.

Funds for the wheelchairs were sourced from the team's cash prize in the recently concluded 8th LBC Ronda Pilipinas 2018, where the PA Cycling team bagged the 2nd overall award honors.

Villanueva said the 8th LBC Ronda Pilipinas 2018 was held last March 13-18.

The competition covered a distance of 1,416 kilometers, which started from Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, towards Filinvest Alabang, and Muntinlupa City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031250

AFP special forces units now under one command

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 8): AFP special forces units now under one command

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Sunday activated the AFP Special Operations Command (AFPSOCOM), which effectively places control of all special operation units of major services under one command.

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero said the activation of AFPSOCOM was the “result of lessons learned in the Zamboanga City attack in 2013 and the Marawi siege in 2017".

"I have personally seen the need for a joint SOCOM, having been a Brigade, Division, and Area Commander. In the Eastern Mindanao Command, I saw the need for a single unit that would oversee the proper employment of the different major service special operations forces deployed in the area," he added.

"I expect that all of the gaps and challenges we encountered in joint operations involving our SOFs will be addressed with our activation of the AFPSOCOM. (These) organizational improvements will ensure that the AFP remains responsive and adaptive to current and emerging challenges in the global security environment," Guerrero stressed.

Lt. Col. Emmanuel Garcia, AFP public affairs chief, said the AFPSOCOM is headquartered in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, adding that the activation process took place last April 6.

With the AFPSOCOM now online, the former Special Operations Command was deactivated and its officers and enlisted personnel form the core of the new command.

Garcia said AFPSOCOM will take command and supervision of the Special Operations Wing of the Air Force, the Naval Special Operations Group from the Navy; the Army's Scout Ranger Regiment, the Army's Special Forces Regiment and Light Reaction Regiment; and the Joint Special Operations Group of the AFP General Headquarters.

"We are all very thankful because our dream of being under one umbrella has been realized. This has been our dream because we know the intricacies and peculiarities of special operations," AFPSOCOM head, Maj. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista, said.

"Now that we have an AFP special operations command controlling special operations units down the line, the utilization of special operations forces will be more efficient and effective," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031252

DWDD: SIMEX 2018 | EMC spearheads Whole of Community Simulation Exercise

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 5): SIMEX 2018  |  EMC spearheads Whole of Community Simulation Exercise



NAVAL STATION FELIX APOLINARIO, Panacan, Davao City (DWDD) – Eastern Mindanao Command led the conduct of Anti-Terrorism Simulation Exercise that started on April 4, 2018, and expected to culminate on April 6, 2018.

Integrating the land and water-based scenarios various agencies from the safety and security sector participated in the said activity.

It includes the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC), Davao City Police Office, Davao Central 911, Coast Guard and the Eastern Mindanao Command.

The SIMEX aims to enhance and develop joint and inter-agency operations mechanism and inter-operability and strengthen Whole of Nation Approach in addressing various threats. Significantly, the latest Simulation Exercise will utilize both sea and water assets and will simulate terrorist attacks from sea to land, land to sea.

Other Scenario includes Maritime Interdiction, Pursuit Operation, Hostage Taking, Bomb disposal and another incident that might happen during a terrorist attack. The closing ceremony will be on April 6, 2018, at 10:00 AM at the Public Safety Command Center wherein the Davao City Mayor Hon. Sara Duterte-Carpio is expected to attend. EMC / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/05/simex-2018-emc-spearheads-whole-of-community-simulation-exercise/

DWDD: EXTORTION ATTEMPT | 76 families evacuate in Sarangani after encounter

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 5): EXTORTION ATTEMPT  |  76 families evacuate in Sarangani after encounter

ALABEL, Sarangani (DWDD) – A total of 72 families were forced to evacuate after troops from the 73^rd Infantry Battalion encountered several members of the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) Front Committee 71 in Barangay Tokawal, Alabel, Sarangani.

   

In an interview by DWDD with Capt Jerry Lamosao, 10ID Public Affairs officer, 12 families were caught in the crossfire but were immediately rescued by responding soldiers, while another 60 families were forced to evacuate after hearing gunshots.

The Sarangani Police Provincial Mobile Force also conducted checkpoints and monitored the situation of the evacuees. Local Government authorities immediately provided relief packs to the affected families while some of the victims were subjected to stress debriefing by social workers.

Troops are conducting pursuit operations. They are also verifying reports that the enemy sustained casualties during the encounter. Troops were able to recover a bag containing an Improvised Explosive Device.

Meanwhile, a soldier was reportedly wounded in the encounter and is now recovering.

Last week, the military monitored the plans of the Communist Terrorist to conduct extortion activities in the area. AES

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/05/extortion-attempt-76-families-evacuate-in-sarangani-after-encounter/

DWDD: FIRST REGULAR MEETING | 10ID Holds Multi-Sector Advisory and Action Group Meeting

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 5): FIRST REGULAR MEETING  |  10ID Holds Multi-Sector Advisory and Action Group Meeting

BGEN MANUEL YAN, Compostela Valley (DWDD) – The Command of the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division, Philippine hosted the Multi-Sector Advisory and Action Group (MSAAG) First Regular Meeting 01-2018 held at Headquarters 10ID, Camp General Manuel T Yan Sr, Brgy Tuboran, Mawab, Compostela Valley Province on March 4, 2018.

  

The said meeting was also attended by Major General Noel S Clement, 10ID Commander; Personal and Special Staff and 10ID G-staff Officers, the Brigade and Battalion Commanders under 10ID, Joint Task Force Haribon and Task Force Davao Commanders, Mr Ednar Carlos G Dayanghirang, MSAAG Chairman, Secretary Jesus J Dureza, Chairperson, Committee on Strategic Communication (Represented by Mr Chinot Adao), Mr Jeffrey Jess Mataro, Member, Peace And Development Committee, Hon Allan Rellon- Member, Msaag (Represented by PSSupt Cesar L Azares (Ret), Ms Hope Fernandez , Chairman, Committee on Human Rights, Dr Guillermo Torres Jr, Co-Chairperson, Committee on Strategic Communication (Represented by Mr Roy Geonzon), Fr Juan Macalisang, Member, StratCom & Governance Committee, Mr Randy Ponteras, Chairperson, Assessment & Review Committee and Dr Rhodora Gail T Ilagan, Chairperson, Committee on Peace & Development. Several discussions during the meeting include the Peace and Order situation under 10ID area; Declaration of CPP-NPA as terrorist by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte; Mass Surrenderors, Half way home for FRs; Combat Stress Management Referral System; Senior NCO counselling/mentoring and Strengthening Psychological preparation.

MGen Clement, awarded the plaque of recognition to the outgoing MSAAG member. Likewise, the Governance Strategy Management Office, Office of the Inspector General, Office of the AC of Staff for Operation, G3 and Office of AC of Staff for C4S, G6 were awarded the Plaque of Agila Governance Pathway as “Initiated”. 10DPAO / MCAG








http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/05/first-regular-meeting-10id-holds-multi-sector-advisory-and-action-group-meeting/

DWDD: WELCOME ABOARD | PMC inducts candidate Marines

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 5): WELCOME ABOARD  |  PMC inducts candidate Marines



MARINE BARRACKS RUDIARDO BROWN, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City (DWDD) – A total 160 recruits solemnly pledge to join the Philippine Marine Corps, in front of Brown Hall, Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on April 4, 2018.

THE FEW, THE PROUD, THE MARINES. MCPAO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/05/welcome-aboard-pmc-inducts-candidate-marines/

DWDD: INTEROPERABILITY | PH, Australia’s Maritime Engagement

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 5): INTEROPERABILITY  |  PH, Australia’s Maritime Engagement

NAVAL STATION ROMULO ESPALDON, CALARIAN, Zamboanga City (DWDD) – The Philippine Navy (PN) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) successfully concluded its 2nd Combined Maritime Security Engagement (MSE) last April 2, 2018 at Officers’ Club, Naval Station Romulo Espaldon, Bagong Calarian, Zamboanga City.

  

The Closing Ceremony was attended by Lt. Col. Judd Finger, the Commander of Joint Task Group 629 as the Keynote Speaker and Rear Adm. Rene V Medina, Commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao represented by Capt. Joe Anthony C Orbe, the Acting Commander of Naval Task Force 61 (NTF 61). Also present were the officers and crew of PN and RAN vessels engaged in the maritime patrol.

Prior to the closing ceremony is the presentation of the review and evaluation on the just-held maritime cooperation. Moreover, RAN appreciated the professionalism and skills showed by their Filipino counterparts and emphasized that the engagement help out in the development of operational concepts and enhanced interoperability in handling threats faced by both countries in the maritime sphere.

  

During the MSE, the PN through the NTF 61 of NFWM utilized the following vessels namely, BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF15), BRP General Mariano Alvarez (PS 38), BRP Felix Apolinario (PC 395), BRP Filipino Flojo (PC 386) and BRP Florencio Inigo (PC 393). Water Assets from the Australian Navy were the HMAS Broome (ACPB 90) and HMAS Launcestaun (ACPB 94). The patrol areas were along the Area of Operation of Joint Task Force Tawi-tawi, Sulu and Basilan.

Recently, the PN and RAN successfully held its first Combined PN-RAN Maritime Security Engagement last Nov. 10- Dec. 1, 2017. The patrol areas were focused in the waters of Sulu Sea. This activity had enhanced the Maritime Cooperation with other regional navies and continues to secure the maritime domain of the Sulu Sea. The continuous partnership of both countries indicates the level of trust and the commitment to achieve a common goal of protecting the Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs) from terrorism and crimes perpetrated using the maritime space.



Overall, the maritime cooperation accomplished all its objectives on improving the interoperability, enhancing professional skills and capabilities during the conduct of tactics and procedures aboard ship and exchanging of experiences on maritime operations that turn out to be highly beneficial for both parties.

The Philippine Navy through the Naval Forces Western Mindanao will continue to perform its mandated tasks of securing the maritime domain of Western Mindanao unilaterally or in partnership with its allies. NFWM / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/05/interoperability-ph-australias-maritime-engagement/

DWDD: IMPROVE CAPABILITY | TOG 3 Airmen enhance skills in WASAR Operations

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 5): IMPROVE CAPABILITY  |  TOG 3 Airmen enhance skills in WASAR Operations



SAN JOSE, Tarlac (DWDD) – The Tactical Operations Group 3 of the Philippine Air Force held a two-day Water Search and Rescue Capability Enhancement Training to its personnel from April 2 to 3, 2018 at Tarlac City Recreational Park, San Jose, Tarlac City in order to uplift their level of proficiency and skills, particularly in performing WASAR operations.

The group regularly programs the conduct of capability enhancement training to its personnel to prepare them for emergency situations requiring WASAR operations such as typhoons. TOG 3 / MCAG
 

 

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/05/improve-capability-tog-3-airmen-enhance-skills-in-wasar-operations/

DWDD: PEACE WARRIOR | Lt Gen Carlito Galvez Jr, Next AFP chief

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 6): PEACE WARRIOR  |  Lt Gen Carlito Galvez Jr, Next AFP chief

MANILA (DWDD) – President and AFP Commander-in-Chief Rodrigo Duterte has picked Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez Jr., current Commander of the AFP Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM), as the next Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)


Lt Gen Carlito Galvez Jr





With his designation as the new AFP chief, Galvez will be bringing along with him his rich combat and administrative experiences, having commanded key military field units in Mindanao, as well as protector of the government’s peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). He has been working most of his career in Mindanao – western, central and eastern – and knowing the area and the people well.

Prior to his current post as Westmincom commander, Galvez served as the Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade commander in Basilan before his designation to the government’s peace process with the MILF as Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH). During his CCCH stint, Galvez worked with then Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process head Teresita Deles in preventing the escalation of hostilities between government forces and the MILF rebels at the height of the Mamasapano police-led anti-terror operations.

From his CCCH post, Galvez was appointed as AFP deputy chief for operations and he was later reassigned to Mindanao as commander of the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division.

The president was given a shortlist of three key contenders that were recommended by the AFP Board of Generals. The two other contenders were Lt Gen Benjamin Madrigal, Commander, AFP Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) and Philippine Army Commanding General Lt Gen Joselito Bautista. The three belong to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Sandiwa Class of 1985.

“I would like to thank the President for the trust and confidence and I would do my best with honor, integrity and loyalty. I will serve the best that I can,” Galvez said

Galvez will be serving as AFP chief for eight months as he is slated to retire from the service on Dec. 12 this year, unless his term is extended by the President, AES / MCAG.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/06/peace-warrior-lt-gen-carlito-galvez-jr-next-afp-chief/

DWDD: LIEUTENANT GENERAL CARLITO G. GALVEZ JR

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 6): LIEUTENANT GENERAL CARLITO G. GALVEZ JR

 

President Rodrigo Duterte has designated LIEUTENANT GENERAL CARLITO G. GALVEZ JR, AFP as the next Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines.

He is currently the Commander of Western Mindanao Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines

He is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy “SANDIWA” Class of 1985. He has been with the military service for more than 34 years with all his command billets spent in conflict-affected areas of mainland Mindanao, Basilan and Sulu. He is an Airborne, Intelligence and Scout Ranger qualified. His fields of specialty include the following: Combat and Intelligence Operations; Leadership Development, Counter-terrorism, Humanitarian Assistance, Strategic Management, Systems Dynamics Modeling, and Peace-building, Negotiation and Mediation (“Rido” Settlement).

He completed his Masters in Project Management at the University of New South Wales, Australia in 2004. He also participated and finished Executive Education at Harvard University, Massachusetts; Asian Institute of Management Center for Bridging Leadership; Infantry Officer Advance Course in Fort Benning, Georgia, Military Operation Research Symposium in Singapore; Crisis Management Course in Hawaii, Counter-terrorism Conference, NDU, D.C. and Rules of Engagement in San Remo, Italy.

Lt Gen Galvez Jr. graduated from the AFP Command and Staff College Class 47 as the Class President and Valedictorian (CSAFP and CGPA Award).

His notable achievements include the following: Recipient of the most prestigious United States Eisenhower Fellowships in 2006. In 2007, he was adjudged as one of the “The Outstanding Philippine Soldier (TOPS)”. Additionally, during his stint as Commander of the First Scout Ranger Battalion, which operated against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu and Basilan, the said unit was adjudged as the Best Scout Ranger Battalion for two consecutive years in 2000 and 2001 and was chosen as the Philippine Army Best Battalion for Combat Operations in 2002. In 2013, during the height of the Zamboanga Siege, he led the successful defense of Lamitan City, during the onslaught of combined forces of Abu Sayyaf Group and Lawless Elements from September 12 to 14, 2013.

During the Marawi Siege, he provided strategic direction and inspiration and deployed forces to successfully rescue the civilian hostages, neutralize IsnilonHapilon, all the Maute Brothers and terrorists, and clear Marawi during the five months of continuous battle.

As WestMinCom Commander, he was able to lead his six Joint Task Forces with resounding success, with the neutralization of 436 Abu Sayyaf members, 276 communist terrorists, 311 BIFF members, and 1,065 Maute members.

In line with the pronouncement of President Rodrigo RoaDuterte, the campaign against loose firearms was launched by the troops to implement the Security, Governance and Development Strategies of Martial Law in Mindanao. Through the diplomatic mentoring strategy of LtGen Galvez, a total of 1,343 loose firearms were surrendered to and recovered by the Joint Task Forces, 345 of which were from Central Mindanao, 195 from ZamPeLan, 229 from Zamboanga City, and 574 from Sulu.

He is also a bemedalled officer with a Philippine Legion of Honor, 3 Distinguished Service Stars, 2 Outstanding Achievement Medals, 6 Gold Cross Medals, 8 Bronze Cross Medals, 40 Military Merit and Commendation Medals and lastly the Wounded Personnel Medal. Lt Gen Galvez Jr. is also a recipient of the DSWD “Salamat Po” Humanitarian Award and an Outstanding Citizen of Taguig City Award. Just recently, he was awarded by President Duterte with the Order of Lapu-lapu, Level of Kamagi, for his outstanding performance as the Unified Commander during the Liberation of Marawi City.

Lt Gen Galvez Jr. is happily married to the former Marissa M Pascua, an International Flight Purser of Philippine Airlines and blessed with a daughter, Mary Frances Therese. MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/06/lieutenant-general-carlito-g-galvez-jr/

DWDD: ELIGIBLE NOMINEES | PAF candidates for The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) 2018

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 6): ELIGIBLE NOMINEES  |  PAF candidates for The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) 2018



COL JESUS VILLAMOR AIRBASE, Pasay City (DWDD) – Here are the Philippine Air Force (PAF) eligible nominees for the Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) 2018:

OFFICER:

 COL SIMEON Z FELIX JR PAF (GSC) – TOC – TOWCEN
COL REYNOLD R RUECA PAF (GSC) – AETDC
COL LORETO B PASAMONTE PAF (GSC) – 300TH AISW
COL GENARD DC MENOR PAF (GSC) – AETDC
LTC THOMAS RYAN R SEGUIN PAF – ADC – 5TH FW
LTC ANGELICA DL TORRES DS – AETDC
MAJ RHANJEE G LAO PAF – AMC – 220TH AW
MAJ MARIA GHIRLY A SOLIS PAF – 250TH PAW

ENLISTED PERSONNEL:

 TSg Darius T Valdez PAF – AMC – 505th SRG
TSg Wilson E Babadilla PAF – AETDC
SSg Jake P Belino PAF – TOC – TOWNOL (TOG1)

PAF PIO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/06/eligible-nominees-paf-candidates-for-the-outstanding-philippine-soldiers-tops-2018/

DWDD: DONNING OF RANKS | NSSC promotes 19 personnel

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 6): DONNING OF RANKS  |  NSSC promotes 19 personnel



NAVAL STATION PASCUAL LEDESMA, Fort San Felipe, Cavite City (DWDD) – Two (2) officers and seventeen (17) Enlisted Personnel of the Naval Sea Systems Command were donned with new ranks during the Donning of Ranks Ceremony held at the Parade Grounds, Naval Station Pascual Ledesma in Fort San Felipe, Cavite City.

In his remarks, NSSC Chief of Staff Captain Wilfredo A Chavez PN(GSC) reminded newly-promoted personnel that their respective promotions have an equivalent increase in responsibilities that they must perform. NSSC PAO / MCAG 




http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/06/donning-of-ranks-nssc-promotes-19-personnel/

DWDD: READY TO SERVE | Two former rebels finish training as soldiers

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 6): READY TO SERVE  |  Two former rebels finish training as soldiers

LABANGAN, Zamboanga Del Sur (DWDD) – From hiding in the mountains to fighting for the country.

  

Two former rebels who turned their back on the terrorist group New People’s Army (NPA) are now ready to serve as soldiers, this according to Major Ronald Suscano, spokesperson of the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division.

The two were identified as Private Arnold Lumangcag and Private Gerald Bation, who underwent a rigid four (4) month Soldier Course at the Division Training School in Labangan Zamboanga Del Sur.

Aside from the two former rebel, among the 736 new privates are 90 from the “Subanen” indigenous group, some are Muslim and others are Christians.

The new Tabak Fighters will be given a “short break” before being fielded as soldiers to various units of the division. 1DPAO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/06/ready-to-serve-two-former-rebels-finish-training-as-soldiers/

DWDD: COMMUNITY OUTREACH | Naval Forces West Participates in “Ugnayan sa Barangay”

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 6): COMMUNITY OUTREACH  |  Naval Forces West Participates in “Ugnayan sa Barangay”

PUERTO PRINSESA, Palawan (DWDD) – Naval Forces West thru the Civil Military Operations Unit – West participated in the program of the local government of Puerto Princesa City dubbed as “Ugnayan sa Barangay” which aims to give basic services in the different far-flung barangays of the City.

More or less one thousand resident of Barangay Longogan, Conception and Tanabag benefited with this activity. NFW CMOU-West / MCAG







http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/06/community-outreach-naval-forces-west-participates-in-ugnayan-sa-barangay/