Friday, July 6, 2018

DWDD: TALK WITH MEN | CSAFP visits troops of JTFs Basilan and Zamboanga

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 3): TALK WITH MEN  |  CSAFP visits troops of JTFs Basilan and Zamboanga 



CAMP NAVARRO, Calarian, Zamboanga City (DWDD) In his message to the troops of the Joint Task Forces Basilan and Zamboanga during his consecutive visit on July 01, 2018, AFP Chief of Staff General Carlito Galvez, Jr. repeatedly reminded the soldiers to manage their finances properly and refrain from having multiple loans.

In Basilan, he also mentioned about the forthcoming change of leadership whereby Brigadier General Juvymax Uy will be designated as the Assistant Division Commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Colonel Fernando Reyeg will take over as the JTF Basilan commander.

 

General Galvez was welcomed by the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees of the two JTFs respectively.

He was given an operational update by the JTF officers on the ongoing military campaign in preventing and countering violent extremism.

CSAFP concluded by commending the troops of both JTFs for their numerous accomplishments and encouraged them to exert more effort to attain lasting peace in Mindanao. WESTMINCOM / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/07/03/talk-with-men-csafp-visits-troops-of-jtfs-basilan-and-zamboanga/

DWDD: Government forces thwart BIFF occupation of an urban center in Maguindanao

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 4): Government forces thwart BIFF occupation of an urban center in Maguindanao



DATU PAGLAS, Maguindanao—Combined Army and police forces had blocked the attempt of the IS-inspired terrorist group in occupying the seat of the municipal government here on Tuesday (July 3).

In a swift combined arms operations, the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade composed of the 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion, the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, and the 4th Special Action Battalion attacked the occupied positions of BIFF terrorists led by Sulaiman Tudon at 5:00 am on July 3.

Spearheaded by Lt Col Harold M Cabunoc, the Commanding Officer of the 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion, the troops attacked the enemy-held cluster of concrete houses in Sitio Mopac of Barangay Poblacion, an area that is about 500 meters from the municipal hall.

Supported by armored vehicles and infantry mortars, the house-to-house close quarter battle lasted about 9 hours in an area that is located in the middle of a rice field.

Three military personnel were slightly wounded in the skirmishes due to shrapnel and bullet wounds. They were identified as Cpl Millard Bacatan and Pvt Allan Cabildo of the 33rd IB, and, militiaman Musa Kalim. No civilians were reported hurt in the fighting.

At about 3:00 pm, Philippine Air Force choppers blasted the remaining BIFF positions before the clearing operations by the ground forces. The troops recovered and disrupted three (3) improvised bombs that are emplaced along the pathways towards the enemy occupied positions.

Lt Col Harold M Cabunoc said that he carried out the combat actions deliberately to prevent civilian casualties and minimize the risks on the ground troops.

“We confronted enemy snipers and improvised bombs as we seized the areas that are previously occupied by the terrorists. We also wanted to contain the fighting outside of the highly populated area some 500 meters away,” said Cabunoc.

Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, the Commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division had sent augmentation forces to support the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade led by Brigadier General Bismarck Soliba.

“Let us prevent the terrorists from sowing chaos in urban centers to imitate the tactics that they used in Marawi last year. We must work closely with the civilian leaders in monitoring the enemy’s sinister plans in perpetrating violent actions to spoil the peace,” said Sobejana.

The government forces have maintained its security patrols in the peripheries of the engagement area to facilitate the return of the internally displaced persons in collaboration with the local government authorities.

The Army has facilitated the delivery of humanitarian assistance for the 500 people who have sought refuge in the municipal gym here.

Photos from – LTC HAROLD CABUNOC

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/07/04/government-forces-thwart-biff-occupation-of-an-urban-center-in-maguindanao/

DWDD: BLOCKED | 33IB thwarts BIFF occupation of an urban center in Maguindanao

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 4): BLOCKED | 33IB thwarts BIFF occupation of an urban center in Maguindanao

DATU PAGLAS, Maguindanao (DWDD) – The combined Army and police forces had blocked the attempt of IS-inspired terrorist group in occupying the seat of the municipal government here last July 3.

 

In a swift combined arms operations, the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade composed of the 33rd Infantry “Makabayan” Battalion, the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, and the 4th Special Action Battalion attacked the occupied positions of BIFF terrorists led by Sulaiman Tudon at 5:00 am on July 3.

Spearheaded by Lt Col Harold M Cabunoc, the Commanding Officer of the 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion, the troops attacked the enemy-held cluster of concrete houses in Sitio Mopac of Barangay Poblacion, an area that is about 500 meters from the municipal hall.

 

Supported by armored vehicles and infantry mortars, the house-to-house close quarter battle lasted about 9 hours in an area that is located in the middle of a rice field. Three military personnel were slightly wounded in the skirmishes due to shrapnel and bullet wounds. They were identified as Cpl Millard Bacatan and Pvt Allan Cabildo of the 33rd IB, and, militiaman Musa Kalim. No civilians were reported hurt in the fighting.

At about 3:00 pm, Philippine Air Force choppers blasted the remaining BIFF positions before the clearing operations by the ground forces. The troops recovered and disrupted three (3) improvised bombs that are emplaced along the pathways towards the enemy occupied positions.

 

Lt Col Harold M Cabunoc said that he carried out the combat actions deliberately to prevent civilian casualties and minimize the risks on the ground troops.

“We confronted enemy snipers and improvised bombs as we seized the areas that are previously occupied by the terrorists. We also wanted to contain the fighting outside of the highly populated area some 500 meters away,” said Cabunoc.

Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, the Commander of the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division had sent augmentation forces to support the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade led by Brigadier General Bismarck Soliba.

 

“Let us prevent the terrorists from sowing chaos in urban centers to imitate the tactics that they used in Marawi last year. We must work closely with the civilian leaders in monitoring the enemy’s sinister plans in perpetrating violent actions to spoil the peace,” said Sobejana.

The government forces have maintained its security patrols in the peripheries of the engagement area to facilitate the return of the internally displaced persons in collaboration with the local government authorities. The Army has facilitated the delivery of humanitarian assistance for the 500 people who have sought refuge in the municipal gym here. 33IB Makabayan / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/07/04/blocked-33ib-thwarts-biff-occupation-of-an-urban-center-in-maguindanao/

DWDD: SCMONCO CLASS 19-18 | Former CRSAFP Commander Graces CMO Course Opening

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 4): SCMONCO CLASS 19-18  |  Former CRSAFP Commander Graces CMO Course Opening

CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, QUEZON CITY (DWDD) – The Strategic Civil Military Operations Non-Commissioned Officers (SCMONCO) Course Class 19-18 being conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippine Civil Military Operations School (AFPCMOS) formally opened today, July 4, 2018, at the Bulwagang Reyes of the Civil Relations Service, AFP (CRSAFP) in Camp Gen Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.



The event was attended by retired Brigadier General Victor N. Corpus, a former Commander of CRSAFP as guest of honor and speaker. Also present during the occasion were Major Jerome Cabigon, the Commandant of the school; Major Mark Lester Cabunoc, the course director; CRSAFP Chief of Staff Colonel Noel dela Cruz who delivered the welcome remarks; and the deputy commander, Colonel Antonio Z. Francisco Jr., who represented Major General Bienvenido R. Datuin, Jr., Commander of CRSAFP.

A total of 34 students are taking the CMO course that will last for three (3) months. The course is expected to mould the students into becoming warrior diplomats who are strategic thinkers, planners and implementers of civil military operations.

 

In his message to the students, read by Col Francisco, Major General Datuin expressed his gladness that more and more personnel from the AFP and other uniformed personnel, as well as employees from other government agencies are being sent to take the courses at the AFPCMO School. He also encouraged them to seriously pursue this course that he said is going to serve them well when they go back to their respective units, and will also benefit them in their personal circumstances.

On the other hand, General Corpus emphasized in his speech that strategic CMO is effective in defeating the enemy without firing a single bullet or blood being shed. He also shared his experience inside the communist organization to the future warrior diplomats.

It is no secret that as a young officer, General Corpus left the military service, joined the communist group and lived with them for years until he decided to be reinstated and continued his service in the Philippine Army. His experience inside the communist organization made him an effective CMO propagator which was put to further use when he became the 20th Commander of the CRSAFP

General Corpus is also the author of the book, Silent War, which provides his insight on communism and chronicles his experience inside the communist organization. Text / Photo by Anabel T. Lasaten / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/07/04/scmonco-class-19-18-former-crsafp-commander-graces-cmo-course-opening/

DWDD: KALAYAAN ATIN ITO | WESCOM awards Gallant Troops of Kalayaan Island Group

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 5): KALAYAAN ATIN ITO  |  WESCOM awards Gallant Troops of Kalayaan Island Group

PUERTO PRINSESA, Palawan (DWDD) – AFP Western Command (WESCOM) Commander, Lieutenant General Rozzano D Briguez AFP together with Naval Forces West Commander, Commodore Rommel Jason L Galang AFP awarded the Kalayaan Island Group Campaign Medal and Ribbon and Military Merit Medal to our gallant troops who were deployed in different detachments in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the West Philippine Sea at Headquarters Western Command.



#TeamWESCOM commends the patriotism and professionalism displayed by our Filipino troops for several months guarding our national territory in Kalayaan Island Group. Mabuhay ang Sundalong Pilipino! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. WESCOM / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/07/05/kalayaan-atin-ito-wescom-awards-gallant-troops-of-kalayaan-island-group/

DWDD: RIMPAC 2018 | Arrival of the 2 PN ships

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 6): RIMPAC 2018  |  Arrival of the 2 PN ships



PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (DWDD) – Arrival of the two Philippine Navy vessels, BRP Andres Bonifacio and BRP Davao Del Sur.

These are the first ships from Philippine Navy (PN) to participate in the world’s biggest maritime exercise in and around Hawaii and Southern California.

25 nations, 46 ships, 5 submarines, 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are taking part this year multi-nation military maritime exercise. NPAO / video courtesy to the RIMPAC FB / MCAG



DWDD: NEW LEADERSHIP | BGen Melgrito bids Farewell as Deputy Commander NOLCOM

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 6): NEW LEADERSHIP  |  BGen Melgrito bids Farewell as Deputy Commander NOLCOM

CAMP GEN SERVILLANO AQUINO, Tarlac City (DWDD) – A Testimonial Parade and Turn-Over Ceremony for the second highest position in Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) was conducted on July 5, 2018 (Thursday), at the Grandstand, Camp General Servillano Aquino, San Miguel, Tarlac City.

 

The Testimonial Parade and Review was in honor of Brigadier General Milfredo M Melegrito, AFP, the Deputy Commander, NOLCOM (DCN), as he retires from the service.

This was followed by the Change of Chief of Office of the Deputy Commander NOLCOM, between BGen Melegrito (the outgoing DCN) and Colonel Arwel R Oropesa, which was presided and graced by the Commander NOLCOM, Lieutenant General Emmanuel B Salamat AFP.

BGen Melegrito, a member of PMA “Singtala” Class of 1986, has been the first Commander of the Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights in Syria, the Commander of the Army’s 702nd Brigade before becoming the Deputy Commander of NOLCOM from May 29, 2017 to date. He also became one of the Ten Outstanding Philippine Soldier (TOPS) awardee in 2012 awarded by Metrobank Foundation.

On the other hand, Col Oropesa, also a member of PMA “Singtala” Class of 1986 and an Armor Officer, is a graduate of both Masters in National Security Administration (MNSA) and Masters in Public Administration.

He was designated as Commandant of The Armor School (TAS) and Commanding Officer of 3rd Light Armor Battalion (3LAB), both of the Light Armor Division (LAD), Philippine Army (PA). COL OROPESA also became the Deputy Commander of the 1st Mechanize Infantry Brigade (1MIBde) and as the Chief of Staff of the Mechanized Infantry Division (MID).

Following the military customs and tradition, new breed of leaders will carry on and NOLCOM will continue to honor and acknowledge the contributions of its great leaders and the efforts of the men and women of the command, who unwaveringly and selflessly served the armed forces, the people and the nation. NOLCOM / MCAG
 
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/07/06/new-leadership-bgen-melgrito-bids-farewell-as-deputy-commander-nolcom/

DWDD: ROTARY FOUNDATION | CSAFP Gen. Galvez, a Paul Harris Fellow

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 6): ROTARY FOUNDATION  |  CSAFP Gen. Galvez, a Paul Harris Fellow

 

HACIENDA DEL PALMERAS HOTEL, Zamboanga City (DWDD) – The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International names General Carlito Galvez Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, a Paul Harris Fellow “in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.”
 

As a Paul Harris Fellow, Gen. Galvez received a certificate and pin during the 71st Turn-Over and Induction Ceremonies of the Rotary Club of Zamboanga City District 3850 on Sunday, 1 July 2018, at Sigay-Capiz Room, Hacienda de Palmeras Hotel and Restaurant, Zamboanga City.

Many other notable figures have been named as Paul Harris Fellows, including former US President Jimmy Carter, erstwhile Russian President Boris Yeltsin, American astronaut James Lovell, and past UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar. Photos by PO3 Jayson Rutao PN / PAOAFP

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/07/06/rotary-foundation-csafp-gen-galvez-a-paul-harris-fellow/

DWDD: RIMPAC 2018 | PH Naval and Marine special forces trains with counterparts

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 6): RIMPAC 2018  |  PH Naval and Marine special forces trains with counterparts

BOONDOCK TRAINING AREA, Marine Corps Base, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii (DWDD) – Elements of the Philippine Navy’s two special forces, the Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) and Marine Special Operations Group (MARSOG), are undergoing series of drills and exercises with foreign counterparts at Boondock Training Area, Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay. NPAO / Photos courtesy of the RIMPAC FB / MCAG



http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/07/06/rimpac-2018-ph-naval-and-marine-special-forces-trains-with-counterparts/

DWDD: RIMPAC 2018 | PN ships in action

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jul 6): RIMPAC 2018  |   PN ships in action

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (DWDD) – Philippine Navy landing platform dock BRP Davao Del Sur (LD 602) moors at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2018 Exercise

With 25 nations, more than 45 ships and submarines, about 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel participating in RIMPAC, it is about time we started creating galleries highlighting each aspect.

This gallery will highlight the #shipsofRIMPAC during the exercise.



The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) enters Pearl Harbor



Royal Malaysian Navy frigate KD Lekiu (FFG 30)



Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331) arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam



Guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70)



Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Mana (F111)



The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105)



French Navy frigate FS Prairial (F731) U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jason Isaacs



Royal Australian Navy multi-product replenishment oiler HMAS Success (OR 304) U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jason Isaacs



Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer helicopter ship JS Ise (DDH 182) U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jason Isaacs



Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer helicopter ship JS Ise (DDH 182) U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jason Isaacs



Korean Americans and foreign nationals welcome the Republic of Korea Navy destroyer Yulgok Yi I (DDG 992) U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Corwin M. Colbert



International ships participating in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2018 exercise moor at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Arthurgwain L. Marquez



Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331) in dressed ship state for Canada Day reception Canadian Armed Forces photo by Imagery Technician Sgt Devin VandeSype/Released



International ships participating in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2018 exercise moor at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Arthurgwain L. Marquez

The Royal Australian Navy Tanker Success (OR 304) U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kory Alsberry



Royal Australian Navy landing helicopter dock ship HMAS Adelaide (L01) U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Arthurgwain L. Marquez



Chilean Navy frigate CNS Almirante Lynch (FF 07) U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Arthurgwain L. Marquez



Philippine Navy landing platform dock BRP Davao Del Sur (LD 602) U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Arthurgwain L. Marquez



International ships participating in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2018 exercise moor at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Arthurgwain L. Marquez



International ships participating in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2018 exercise moor at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Arthurgwain L. Marquez



Civilians wave as Military Sealift Command (MSC) hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class John Herman/Released



The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) is moored pierside at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise.



Guided-missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG 77), USS Preble (DDG 88), USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) and USS Sterett (DDG 104) sit moored during the harbor phase of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2018.

NPAO / MCAG /RIMPAC 2018

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/07/06/rimpac-2018-pn-ships-in-action/