Friday, April 13, 2018

DND confirming reports China deployed jammers in Spratlys

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13): DND confirming reports China deployed jammers in Spratlys

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the Philippines is still confirming reports regarding Chinese jammers reportedly installed on Mischief and Fiery Cross Reefs on Spratly Islands.

"None has been confirmed by us. All reports has been coming from the US and we have not received any formal communications to that effect. So far our regular patrols in the WPS (West Philippine Sea) have not reported any incidence of jamming," he said Thursday.

"We will confirm using our resources if there really are jammers and if so what kind: to disrupt communications or disrupt weapon systems," the DND chief stressed.

Lorenzana said jammers come in small and large sizes which could be used to jam communications, while the more sophisticated ones could be utilized to disrupt weapon systems.

Some jammers could also be fitted in buildings and ships, he added.

"It could be turned on or off depending on the mission. Even if you have a sensor you will not know if it's not turned on," he said in Filipino.

"I suspect the US Navy ships received the jamming signals. What's the purpose of China's jammers? Because they know US Navy ships are armed," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031821

Outgoing AFP chief a 'great leader and well-rounded gentleman'

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13): Outgoing AFP chief a 'great leader and well-rounded gentleman'

A military official has described outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero as a "well-rounded gentleman and officer" and a "great leader" who prioritizes the morale and welfare of his men.

"The outgoing CSAFP (Chief-of-Staff, AFP) is a well-rounded gentleman and officer. He is amiable and endowed with great leadership, that he always put on his priority the morale and welfare of his men," Philippine Army (PA) Spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva described the retiring AFP chief as a military professional on Thursday.

He added: "I have seen him as aggressive yet prudent in providing direction to his command as well as giving operational decision. He follows and stick with the standard of the organization."

Guerrero was appointed as AFP chief last Oct. 26 replacing Gen. Eduardo Año. The outgoing AFP chief is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1983 and graduated as top three.

Guerrero is also a recipient of the Legion of Honor, Bronze Cross Medal, Distinguished Service Star and Military Merit and Commendation Medals and various letters of commendation and plaques of recognition from various non-government organizations and local government units.

Guerrero is scheduled to step down on April 24. He will be replaced by Western Mindanao Command head Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, a member of PMA Class of 1985.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031820

Japanese destroyer JS Akizuki now in PH for 3-day goodwill visit

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13): Japanese destroyer JS Akizuki now in PH for 3-day goodwill visit

The Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer, the JS Akizuki (DD-115), has now docked at the Alava Wharf, Subic Bay Metropolitan Area, Olongapo City for a three-day goodwill visit which started Friday until Monday.

Philippine Navy (PN) Spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said the ship is being manned by 200 officers and enlisted personnel. Prior to docking, the JS Akizuki was given a meeting point procedure off Morong, Bataan by BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35).

JS Akizuki is commanded by Cmdr. Kazunori Ishii. Also aboard was Capt. Ryoko Azuma, JMSDF Escort Division One commander, the first female to command a JMSDF squadron, which includes the helicopter carrier, the JS Izumo (DDH-183), which also visited the Philippines last June.

Her appointment took place last March 6, Lincuna said.

"The visit aims to strengthen the relationship between the two navies. It will further enhance and sustain promotion of peace, stability and maritime cooperation of the two countries through naval diplomacy and camaraderie," Lincuna said.

Similar to their previous visits, the JMSDF personnel will engage in a series of confidence-building activities with their PN counterparts, including goodwill games and boodle fight.

Lincuna said the visit of the Japanese ship will be capped with a send-off ceremony and passing exercise on April 16.

The JS Akizuki is a member of the four ship Akizuki-class destroyers designed to protect the JMSDF's Hyuga class and Izumo class helicopter destroyers and escort other sophisticated Japanese naval vessels.

The former is designed to engage surface, sub-surface and air threats and is equipped with sensors and weapons for the above-mentioned missions. JS Akizuki weighs 6,800 tons at full load and is capable of cruising at a speed of 30 knots.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031823

DWDD: DWINDLING | NPA in Cam Sur losing strength

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 12): DWINDLING | NPA in Cam Sur losing strength

  

CAMP GUILLERMO, Nakar, Lucena (DWDD) – The terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) in Camarines Sur province have been losing strength.

According to Lt Gen Danilo Pamonag, Commander, AFP Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) they are urging the remaining guerrillas in the area to voluntarily surrender.

“Their efforts are futile. Because we value the lives of our fellow Filipinos, I encourage them to lay down their arms,” LTG Pamonag said.

After the death of the NPA top rebel leader in the region Alfredo Merilos alias “Ka Bendoy,” the communist terrorist and some supporters in Camarines Sur have immensely weakened and are demoralized. Merilos was killed in an encounter with government forces in Naga City on March 15.

On April 10 and 11, four communist terrorist were killed and five others were captured in separate encounters with Army soldiers in Bato and Lagonoy towns, while a 15-year old child warrior was captured in the Bato encounter.

Pamonag condemned the NPA for recruiting children warriors and students to replenish its dwindling fighters. “We should give them books, not guns so that they can be part of the solution and not part of the problem,” he said. Citing a statute of the International Criminal Court, Pamonag said: “Conscripting or enlisting children into armed groups is considered a war crime in international and non-international armed conflicts.” But he reiterated that Solcom is fully supportive of President Duterte’ call for the resumption of peace talks with the NPA rebels. “We prefer to resolve this peacefully, but we shall not hesitate to use our full might in crushing the insurgency in Southern Tagalog and Bicol regions,” he vowed. SOLCOM / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/12/dwindling-npa-in-cam-sur-losing-strength/

DWDD: ACTIVATION | 95th Infantry Battalion to help fight insurgency

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 12): ACTIVATION  |  95th Infantry Battalion to help fight insurgency

   

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela (DWDD) – The 5th Infantry Star Division (5ID) has formally activated the 95th Infantry Batallion.

According to Major Genenral Perfecto Rimando, Comamnder, 5ID, the battalions activation is based on the recommendation of the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines Gen Rey Leonardo Guerrero and was approved by the Department of National Defense.

MGen Rimando added that the newly-activated batallion wold forst undergo organizational formation training before they are sent out and help in the fioght against insurgency. 5ID / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/12/activation-95th-infantry-battalion-to-help-fight-insurgency/

DWDD: 83IB neutralizes NPA members in encounter

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 10): 83IB neutralizes NPA members in encounter

BATO, Camarine Sur (DWDD) – 3 CPP-NPA terrorists were killed and 5 were captured during an encounter with troops of 83rd Infantry Battalion at Bato, Camarines Sur, on April 10. Other war materiel recovered from the enemy were 3 M16 rifles.
    

The firefight lasted for 1 hour, resulting to two wounded out of the five captured. No casualties on the government side.

Meanwhile, pursuit operations are ongoing and the wounded terrorists are being given medical attention.

Yesterday, NPAs abandoned a dead comrade during an encounter with troops of 83rd Infantry Battalion in Brgy Gubat, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, on 8:40 AM, April 9, Monday. The troops also recovered an M14 from the retreating terrorists.

According to Lt Gen Danilo Pamonag, Commander of Southern Luzon Command, although SOLCOM supports the President’s intention to resume peace talks, military troops under SOLCOM operating in Southern Tagalog and Bicol will still perform their mandate to protect the people. He further added that the troops’ concern for their fellow Filipinos and their respect for human rights is to be commended. One of the wounded rebels had almost died but the troops’ medics did their best to revive the wounded rebel. SOLCOM / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/10/83ib-neutralizes-npa-members-in-encounter/

DWDD: CAPABILITY SHOWCASE | TOW WESTMIN Hosts Stakeholders Forum on HADR

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 12): CAPABILITY SHOWCASE  |  TOW WESTMIN Hosts Stakeholders Forum on HADR

  

EDWIN ANDREWS AIRBASE, Zamboanga City (DWDD) – The Tactical Operations Wing Western Mindanao is very proud to play host to this year’s Stakeholders Forum on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response on April 6, 2018 at Edwin Andrews Air Base Grandstand, Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City with Colonel Rafael M Alunan III PA (GSC) (Res) as the guest of honor and keynote speaker.

TOW WESTMIN has played a significant role consistent with its mandate of providing airpower to all surface forces in its area of responsibility. We have the capability to provide Close Air Support assets and heli-lift platforms to our combat forces as exemplified in the just concluded Marawi Air Campaign. We also provide airlift and heli-lift capability to our stakeholders using our Uh-1h and C-130s.

But aside from our military role, we also play an active part in national development and in a more specific way – in humanitarian assistance and disaster response through our search and rescue missions. In fact, in the recent Typhoon Vinta, TOW WESTMIN flew a total of 21 hours, 23 sorties, ferried 35 passengers, and airlifted 6,700lbs of cargoes.

Today, we take another big step to ensure the commitment of our unit and the PAF to the people of Western Mindanao through this Stakeholders Forum on HADR. We are indeed very lucky with the presence of our subject matter experts who will later on explain and elaborate on substantive topics on PAF capabilities in SAR, Region 9’s disaster response plan, and a discussion of the Philippine Disaster Management Plan to be delivered by our highly esteemed keynote speaker. We also have a SAR Capability Demonstration which was performed by our SAR pilots, crews, our reservists, and other rescue units here in Western Mindanao.

This Stakeholders Forum initiated by TOW WESTMIN featured distinguished speakers on the subject matter. These SMEs include BGen Leoncio A Cirunay Jr AFP (Res), Director, Office of Civil Defense, Chairperson, NDRRMC Region IX, on the topic “Region IX HADR Plan” and Col Frederick M Cutler, Group Commander of 505th Search and Rescue Group on “PAF Capability in HADR.”

Stakeholders’ Forum was attended by local government units, non-government organization and different stakeholders of Zamboanga City. TOW WESTMIN / MCAG













http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/12/capability-showcase-tow-westmin-hosts-stakeholders-forum-on-hadr/

DWDD: THE FEW, THE PROUD | PMC Mobile Recruitment in CDO

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 13): THE FEW, THE PROUD  |  PMC Mobile Recruitment in CDO



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan De Oro City (DWDD) – The Philippine Marine Corps will conduct “Mobile Recruitment in Cagayan de Oro City (Region X) Northern Mindanao”.

Applicants can proceed to the Headquarters, 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division at Camp Evangelista, Cagayan De Oro City.

Below are the scheduled dates of mobile recruitment activities:

Information Drive (16 – 26 April 2018)
Screening of Applicants (26 April – 10 May 2018)
AFPSAT/IQ Examination (12 – 16 May 2018)
NP Screening (13 – 18 May 2018)
Securing of Clearance (Applicants) (19 – 28 May 2018)
Record Check (29 May – 02 June 2018)
Physical/Medical Examination (02 – 06 June 2018)
In House of Selected Applicants (08 – 11 June 2018)
Proposed Oath taking (11 June 2018)

See Poster for more details.

PMC / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/13/the-few-the-proud-pmc-mobile-recruitment-in-cdo/

DWDD: RESERVE FORCE FOR PEACE | 39th National Reservist Week

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 13): RESERVE FORCE FOR PEACE  |  39th National Reservist Week



CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will celebrate the 39th National Reservist Week (NRW) from April to September with activities across the Philippines.

The events theme “Laang Kawal: Kaakibat sa Pagkakaisa Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran”.

The NRW aims to update Reservists on current AFP policies, update their capabilities on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response, and disseminate the direction of ROTC to school administrators and cadets.

The Southern Luzon Command recently conducted one NRW activity at Camp Mateo Capinpin, Headquarters, 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division and University of Rizal (Tanay Campus) on April 7-8, 2018. AFPRESCOM / MCAG

  

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/13/reserve-force-for-peace-39th-national-reservist-week/

DWDD: PORT VISIT | Two Australian Navy ships visit the Philippines

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 13): PORT VISIT  |  Two Australian Navy ships visit the Philippines

  

SUBIC BAY METROPOLITAN AUTHORITY, Olongapo city (DWDD) – The Royal Australian Navy vessels, Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Anzac (FFH150), a Long Range Guided Missile Frigate and HMAS Success (OR 304), an Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) vessel, arrived at Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in Olongapo City for a goodwill visit until Sunday, April 15. NPAO / MCAG
   

   



http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/13/port-visit-two-australian-navy-ships-visit-the-philippines/

DWDD: LEAVING A LEGACY | CSAFP Guerrero satisfied with performance

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 13): LEAVING A LEGACY  |  CSAFP Guerrero satisfied with performance



CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) With just a few days before he retires from military service, AFP Chief Staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero has expressed satisfaction over his performance in past six months.
According to Gen Guerrero, his six-month stint as the Chief of Staff was enough to implement reforms in the organization and since the AFP has the “DSSP Kapayapaan”, it serves as the institutions roadmap towards attaining its goals.

“Okay naman masaya nakapaglingkod tayo sa AFP at sa bayan with the support of my family, my wife of course.” “The time was enough to continue some of the reforms when I took over and some of the initiatives I put in place, actually nandiyan nayan nakalatag na yan itutuloy na lang, we have the DSSP Kapayapaan and we all implement that,  the term of CSAFP is not about the person, not about me, it’s a team effort.” Guerrero said.

Meanwhile, Guerrero believes that professionalism is the AFP’s key to attaining a very high public trust rating. The professionalism of our soldiers, the way the AFP handled the Marawi Crisis and the way we dealt with the problem of insurgency, especially with the CPP/NPA.  Added to this was how the organization welcomed former rebels and making them feel that their Armed Forces always has an open-arm for those who wish to return to a peaceful life. This AFP showed its human side of the AFP, especially when they facilitated the meeting of almost 700 former rebels with the President Rodrigo Duterte.

When asked about his career after leaving the AFP and his possible new role as part of MARINA, Guerrero quipped that his leadership will still be the same although he will be implementing policy changes. He must also remember that he will soon be out of the AFP but he can use the experience in facing his new endeavor. But for now, Guerrero maintains that he is not yet thinking of his new pot in MARINA, since he is still the Chief of Staff of the AFP.

In regards his successor Lt Gen Carlito Galvez Jr., he believes in the capability of the gentleman, especially his leadership and being an effective peace negotiator.
On his message to President Rodrigo Duterte: “Labis ang pasasalamat ko kay Pangulong Dutetre sa tiwalang binibigay nya sa akin, susunod at susunod po tayo sa kanyang mga ipaguutos, ipagpapatuloy natin ang pagtulong tayo sa kanyang kampanya laban sa drugs, corruption at terrorism.” AES / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/13/leaving-a-legacy-csafp-guerrero-satisfied-with-performance/

DWDD: WINNING THE WAR | AFP makes headway against CPP-NPA

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 13): WINNING THE WAR  |  AFP makes headway against CPP-NPA

   

CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines is winning the war and gaining ground against the Communist Terrorist group CPP-NPA.  

AFP Chief of Staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero revealed that more than 5,000 members of the Communist Terrorist group have surrendered to the government since January of this year alone.

The bulk of the surrenderees consist of regular members and mass supporters of the NPAs in the countryside, which is different from their armed fighters.

Based on his experience as a battalion commander, these supporters were also being exploited by the Communist front and their armed wing the NPA. The AFP capitalized on this loophole with the CPP-NPA and the government came through with various community support programs and have talk with local government officials to effectively address the problem.

Among this program is the Comprehensive Local Integration Program or CLIP under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Guerrero added that the renewed call by President Rodrigo Duterte for Peace Talks with the Communist terrorist would be their last chance to achieve that elusive peace through dialogue and diplomacy. If things will not fall into place, the AFP will just follow its mandate to protect our democracy against any threat.

Meanwhile, Guerrero assured the public that the AFP is ready to support any endeavours for the rehabilitation of Marawi. “There is a national plan for the recovery, rehabilitation and  reconstruction of Marawi City. Right now, all of the affected areas have been visually cleared, that means our engineers  in there have looked around for unexploded bombs, IEDs and other explosives. Generally Marawi City is close to being fully cleared, (75%) I can say, and the construction efforts can already begin most areas. However there is one remaining sector that we are currently working on where we believe bombs are buried underneath the rubble so we using special equipment for that.” AES / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/13/winning-the-war-afp-makes-headway-against-cpp-npa/

DWDD: ARSON INCIDENT | Communist Terrorist torched Banana Plantation in South Cotabato

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 13): ARSON INCIDENT  |  Communist Terrorist torched Banana Plantation in South Cotabato

    

TUPI, South Cotabato (DWDD) – Government troops are pursuing a band of some 20 armed men believed to be CPP-NPA terrorists (CNT) who partially burned a banana packing plant of Dole-Stanfilco at Barangay, Kalkam, Tupi, South Cotabato on April 12 l 2018.

The 27th Infantry “Action”Battalion under the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, 10th Infantry “Agila” Division based along the Gensan-Marbel Road in Brgy. Kablon, Tupi and the Tupi Municipal Police Station, PNP immediately responded to the arson attack together with the Tupi Municipal Fire Station of the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Tupi Rescue Team. The speedy response saved the production bodega from damage but not an estimated P500,000 worth of properties that were destroyed by the blaze.

Fortunately, however, no one was injured in the incident. While withdrawing about 9:45pm, the armed men, who are likely members of Platoon Roxas Range, Guerrilla Front 73, Far South Mindanao Operational Command, CPP-NPA, also disarmed a Barangay Tanod member of his service shotgun and handheld radio transceiver unit while rendering duty at the Barangay Tanod outpost in Sitio Sabuy, Barangay Lunen, some two kilometers from the beleguered packing plant.

According to witnesses, six of the armed men equipped with R4, Garand and M14 rifles, a shotgun and Caliber .45 pistols entered the packing plant about 7pm and introduced themselves as CPP-NPA members. The other armed men reportedly deployed themselves outside the compound. At gunpoint, the six armed men warned the guard-on-duty and six other workers present not to react against them as they only intend to burn the facility. Speaking in Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) dialect with heavy Blaan accent, the CNTs reportedly told them that they were imposing punitive action against Dole-Stanfilco due to its expansion activities that may drive them away and permanently displace. With three gallons of gasoline they brought with them, the CPP-NPA terrorists set on fire the packing plant and agri-bodega. The CNT band withdrew from the area around 7:40pm. The latest burning incident is believed to be the 80th arson attack nationwide, the 70th in Mindanao and the 64th in eastern Mindanao that were either claimed by or blamed against the NPA since President Duterte assumed office at noon on June 30, 2018. Similarly, it was presumed to be the 8th arson case nationwide this year that was attributed to the CNT. 27IB / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/13/arson-incident-communist-terrorist-torched-banana-plantation-in-south-cotabato/