Thursday, February 6, 2020

Kalinaw News: NPA officer nabbed by gov’t forces in Oroquieta City

From Kalinaw News (Feb 6, 2020): NPA officer nabbed by gov’t forces in Oroquieta City (By Kalinaw News)



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- February 06, 2020

AFP and PNP operatives conducted joint law enforcement operation which led to the apprehension of an NPA officer in her residence in Oroquieta City at 12:30pm on February 5, 2020.

“Jenefer Aguhob, a.k.a. Ace/Jen/Joy, 40, single, and a resident of Purok 3, Barangay Buenavista, Oroquieta City was arrested by virtue of a Warrant of Arrest with CC number 22655 for murder issued by Hon. Victoriano Lacaya Jr., the presiding judge of RTC 9th Judicial Region, Branch 9, Dipolog City and with no bail recommended,” said Brig. Gen. Gene Ponio, commander of the JTF ZamPeLan.

Aguhob is the Finance, Liaison Officer of Sub-Regional Military Area II (Monterosa) and Chairman of Karapatan and Makabayan bloc.

She is also a contact of the following Western Mindanao Regional Committee (WMRPC) officers: Ma. Luz Ranan, a.k.a. Ynez/Bonsai of Guerilla Front Sendong and wife of former Deputy Secretary of the Region, Rommel Salinas, a.k.a. Vencio/Beto/Carlos/Domeng/Artem/Mark; former Finance Officer Rowena Rosario Delambaca Tabanao, a.k.a. Wena/Weng/Pasing/Lourdes/Rowena/Doris; and former Logistics Officer Leonardo Jacotin, a.k.a Jess/Mario/Jasper. All are now incarcerated.

Additionally, she was sighted visiting a.k.a. Beto at Ozamis City Jail and attending his court hearing.

“Our troops, together with our partners from the PNP continuously conduct operations against the communist terrorists to prevent them from instigating hostilities in the communities,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“With the weakened leadership, I now call on the members of the WMRPC to lay down their arms, return to the folds of the law, and be one with us in our peace building mechanisms,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.

Aguhob is placed under the custody of Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office for proper disposition.

“I attribute this achievement to the strong collaboration among officers and men of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan and the Philippine National Police. My snappy salute to all of them. With your selfless service, our people will certainly live peacefully and happily,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana concluded.



[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/npa-officer-nabbed-by-govt-forces-in-oroquieta-city/

Locsin: Risky for PH to terminate visiting forces agreement with U.S.

From Rappler (Feb 6, 2020): Locsin: Risky for PH to terminate visiting forces agreement with U.S. (By Sofia Tomacruz)

Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr says the 'continuance of the agreement is deemed to be more beneficial' to the country



DFA CHIEF. Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. during the Senate hearing on the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the United States on February 6, 2020. Photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler

Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr on Thursday, February 6, warned against the far-reaching consequences and risks for the Philippines if it were to abrogate its Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States.

In a speech before the Senate during its hearing on the agreement, Locsin said the VFA has served as a deterrent to Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea; facilitated assistance in huge disasters; helped the Philippine military modernize and combat terror; and promoted economic ties not only with the US but its allies.

He pushed for a review of the VFA, rather than its outright revocation.

(EXPLAINER: Visiting Forces Agreement)

President Rodrigo Duterte had announced he wanted the deal dead.

Locsin said that while that is the President's prerogative, "the continuance of the agreement is deemed to be more beneficial to the Philippines compared to any benefits were it to be terminated," Locsin said.

"Terminating the VFA will negatively impact Philippine defense and security arrangements as well as the overall bilateral relations with the US and perhaps even at the sub-regional and multilateral level. Our contribution to regional defense is anchored on our military alliance with the world's last superpower," he added.

(READ: With threats to scrap VFA, Duterte gambles Philippines' security)

Go deeper: Without the VFA, various forms of US assistance would be in peril, according to Locsin. These include the following:

1. VFA ensures operability for other defense pacts with the US such as the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and 2014 Enhanced Cooperation Development Agreement (EDCA)
  1. Locsin described the VFA as the "substance" that makes the MDT real. The same goes for the EDCA, he added, which is hinged on the VFA.
  2. "There would essentially be no practical use for an EDCA in the absence of the VFA which is the legal framework for the presence of US military personnel and US exercises and actual military responses under the MDT. Without them the MDT is just a piece of paper," Locsin said.
2. VFA allows the US to provide a "total package" of defense equipment would be compatible with others system already in place in the Philippine military
  • Current military equipment comes mostly from the US through incremental procurement over the years
  • Locsin said military assistance was pegged at $544.55 million for 2016-2019. This is on top of another $200 million the US planned to spend in assistance for 2020-2021.
  • "Without the VFA, the US departments of State and Defense will be hard out to get funds from congress for defense assistance programs to the Philippines," Locsin said.
3. VFA promotes interoperability between Philippine orces and their counterparts
  • This is seen through annual joint activities between Philippine and US forces. In 2020, some 390 exercises were lined up for the two militaries.
  • Terminating the VFA threatens PH-US capability to respond to threats as the lack of an agreement would hamper the purchase of defense assets and cancel cooperative defense activities.
4. VFA allows for continued support in addressing non-traditonal security threats
  • This covers threats like trafficking in persons, cyberattacks, terrorism, illegal narcotics addressed through training, joint exercises, and exchange visits
  • Covered here is humanitarian assistance in disaster response and search and rescue missions
  • "US assistance in counter-terrorism has proven to be vital," Locsin said, adding such was "crucial" in the the Philippine military's victory in Marawi over terrorists.
More to lose: Aside from this, Locsin said the VFA's "indirect benefits" should be considered in deciding to scrap the agreement. These included the Philippines' conduct of relations among US-allied and US-friendly countries, and recent US actions that showed commitment to the Philippines (shown through US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper's visits).

Locsin noted the VFA acted as a deterrent to Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea and a further "deterrent to any attack form any power." To terminate it, he warned, would "very likely dilute the US' commitment to the MDT."

Other than this, Locsin said the Philippines' economic relations, investments, and assistance would also be in peril were the VFA scrapped. As it stands, the US is the Philippines' 3rd largest trading partner, biggest export market, 5th largest sourse of investments, 3rd largest tourism market.

The DFA chief highlighted the US was also the Philippines largest source of grants, accounting for 36.89% of official development assistance given to the country in 2018. "There are no loans," Locsin said.

High-stakes decision. As Locsin laid out what was at stake were the Philippines to walk away from the VFA, he requested the Senate hold an executive session on the matter.

Throughout the hearing, security and foreign officials were reluctant to state their positions on Duterte's threats to scrap the VFA, instead laying out the benefits and costs linked to the VFA. Pressed for more details by senators, the officials requested to explain their positions behind clsoed doors.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/251149-locsin-risky-to-terminate-visiting-forces-agreement

The First Quarter Storm of 1970 revisited

From Rappler (Feb 6, 2020): The First Quarter Storm of 1970 revisited (By Ernesto M. Hilario)

Armed with nothing more than angry slogans and sticks and stones – and an occasional pillbox or two – those who manned the barricades during the FQS would undergo a baptism of fire that would change their lives forever



RAGE OF THE '70s. Anti-Marcos activists reunite to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the First Quarter Storm. In photo are Philippine ambassador to China Chito Sta Romana (standing, 6th from right), former human rights commissioner Etta Rosales (seated, middle) and ex-UP president Dodong Nemenzo (seated, middle). Sourced photoMANILA, Philippines – Fifty years ago, they marched in rage in the first months of 1970 to protest the abuses of the Marcos dictatorship – a tumultuous period that has since been called the First Quarter Storm (FQS). On Friday, January 31, they met again, this time no longer as student activists but as FQS veterans still dreaming of a better nation.

The FQS reunion was held in a historic venue, the Club Filipino in San Juan, where Cory Aquino was sworn into office as president after the EDSA People Power revolt in February 1986. Those who came for the gathering were in their late '60s and early '70s, some perhaps even older – though once upon a time, with clenched fists and idealism, they tried to turn Philippine society upside down with the rallying cry of, "makibaka, huwag matakot!" (fight, be not afraid!).

Fifty years on, with little indication that radical change is about to take place and their dream of a just and equitable Philippine society remaining just that – a pipe dream – those who gathered for the reunion seemed just thankful that they had survived a long and arduous journey, because many others simply didn't. 

(READ: Timeline: First Quarter Storm)

"Walang pulitika" (No politics) was what reunion organizer Fluellen Ortigas, a former spokesman of the militant Kabataang Makabayan, promised in his Facebook Messenger invite.

This was a veiled reference to the split in the ranks of the national democratic movement in late 1980s and early 1990s, leading comrades-in-arms to choose sides between the so-called Reaffirmists, or those who stood by the old precepts and the strategies and tactics that had worked in the past, and the Rejectionists, who wanted to chart a different direction for the revolutionary movement.

The "no-politics" directive was duly noted, and from all indications, diligently observed.

The reunion gathered not just the natdems, or the leaders and members of KM and its allied organization, the Samahang Demokratiko ng Kabataan (SDK), but also a handful of "moderates" or social democrats and even those that the natdems derisively called "revisionists," or those who adhered to the Soviet line in the ideological debate instead of Mao's teachings on "people's war."

The 3 main players in the movement for change had in fact been united in the lead-up to the FQS and even in the January 1970 demonstrations. But relations grew increasingly acrimonious as differences in ideology got in the way of friendships.

For this reunion, old friendships were rekindled, new ones started, with smiles and polite acknowledgment of everyone who was there regardless of past and present political persuasion.

Exiled in China

Easily a highlight of the reunion was the presence of 3 leaders of the FQS who had to stay longer in China after the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus following the Plaza Miranda bombing of the Liberal Party in August 1971. They had standing warrants of arrest for alleged subversive activities.

Current Philippine ambassador to China Jose Santiago "Chito" Sta. Romana, former Time magazine writer and CNN reporter and now Peking University Professor Jimmy FlorCruz, and former University of the Philippines student council chairman Ericson Baculinao even rendered a song in Chinese to the delight of the assembled crowd.

We managed to hear only the latter half of their performance as we were busy lining up to partake of the merienda prepared by our genial host, former Malabon Mayor Len Oreta Jr. (husband of Ninoy Aquino's sister Tessie), who was clamped in prison twice by Marcos for alleged gunrunning for Ninoy.



50 YEARS AGO. Student activists protest the abuses of the Marcos regime in a rally in MalacaƱang in January 1970. Sourced photo.

Other prominent activists in the reunion were Rafael Baylosis of the SDK, an honor graduate of UP in 1970 who went underground and had been arrested a number of times, most recently after the collapse of the peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF), as well as former SDK spokesman Gary Olivar, who was arrested in 1971 shortly after the writ suspension and now writes a column for a daily broadsheet. He is an economist and is active in the banking and finance sector.

Fernando Tayag, a leading figure in the underground in the early 70s, also came. He is the brother of Nilo Tayag, the former KM national chairman who spent at least 10 years in prison since his arrest in 1970 more and has since become a bishop of the Aglipayan Church, now renamed as Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI).

Etta Rosales, former ACT Party-List Representative and ex-chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights, arrived at the gathering and immediately engaged in animated conversation with former UP President Francisco "Dodong" Nemenzo, wife Princess, and his sister Gemma, now editor of a US-based online publication dealing with Fil-American issues. Dodong and Princess were colleagues of communist party founder Jose Ma. Sison in the early '60s when the KM was established, but broke away to establish the Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation.

KM stalwarts at the reunion included Luzvimindo David, secretary-general of the militant group in the early '70s before his arrest and detention for many years at Fort Bonifacio. Another KM leader was Ric Reyes, who is now helping Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto in implementing a housing program for city residents.

Abrino Aydinan, who hails from Ifugao, also made it to the reunion despite difficulty walking from the effects of a debilitating stroke years back. He was among those we first met at the Youth Rehabilitation Center in Fort Bonifacio when we were detained there for 18 months, from June 1973 to December 1974.

Linggoy Alcuaz, who was part of the social democratic movement during the FQS days, was there as well.

Slogans, sticks and stones
The reunion started at 3 pm amid much laughter and fond remembrance of the old days. If you were an outsider, you'd be hard-pressed to imagine these grizzled veterans were the same angry young men and women who 50 years ago laid siege on MalacaƱan Palace on the night of January 30, 1970 and kept the whole nation teetering on the edge of turmoil throughout the first 3 months of 1970.

As Philippine society stood on its head, they reasoned then, it needed to be turned upside down. Armed with nothing more than angry slogans and sticks and stones – and an occasional pillbox or two , an improvised explosive device meant more as a political statement than a serious intent to maim or kill – those who manned the barricades during the FQS would undergo a baptism of fire that would change their lives forever.

For this particular commemoration of the tumultuous period known as the FQS, we may have gone our separate ways since those heady days. But surviving Martial Law, years spent in prison or constantly on the run to escape arrest were valid enough reasons to reminisce about the past.

By sharing stories and lessons learned from the struggle for real change with the younger generation, we might be able to help build a better future for the nation, not necessarily through social upheaval as we once thought, but perhaps by tackling one issue at a time.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/251141-first-quarter-storm-1970-revisited

FULL TEXT: Locsin on impact assessment of VFA termination

From Rappler (Feb 6, 2020): FULL TEXT: Locsin on impact assessment of VFA termination

What is at stake and is the Philippines ready to terminate the VFA?



DFA CHIEF. Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. during the Senate hearing on the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the United States on February 6, 2020. Photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler 

Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr on Thursday, February 6, explained the sweeping risks for the Philippines if it were to abrogate its Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States.

In a speech before the Senate committee on foreign relations, Locsin elaborated on both the direct and indirect benefits derived from the VFA and presented a preliminary impact assessment an abrogation of the agreement.

What's at stake and is the Philippines ready to terminate the VFA? 

(READ: With threats to scrap VFA, Duterte gambles Philippines' security)

Read Locsin's full speech, as delivered to the Senate, below:

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, Chairman. Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Senators Go and Tolentino, members of the Senate committee on foreign relations, colleagues in government service, friends, good morning.

I wish to first of all thank the chair, and the honorable members of the Senate committee on foreign relations, for the invitation to discuss with you our defense and security arrangements with the US, specifically the Visiting Forces Agreement.

We welcome this opportunity to get a sense of the legislative branch's views on the matter and its attendant issues, as we also welcome inputs from other stakeholders.

We would wish to respectfully request that in making this presentation the committee call an executive session, owing to the highly sensitive nature of the topics to discuss. But we in the Department of Foreign Affairs are fine with any arrangement. My colleagues in the cabinet, however, in charge with the nuts and bolts of the national defense may wish to have an executive session and I hope they are accommodated.

Thank you Mr chair.

My presentation this morning will focus primarily on the Visiting Forces Agreement. It will also tangentially touch on other Philippine-US defense security related agreements such as the Mutual Defense Treaty and the Enhanced Development Cooperation Agreement.

The flow of presentation will cover the following: the direct and indirect benefits derived from the VFA and a preliminary impact assessment of an abrogation of the VFA given the benefits identified.

Note, the DFA is not proffering any options at this point, as it chooses to also take into account the views of the legislative branch and other quarters of society before doing so. Not to mention, the Department of National Defense, which is at the forefront of the issue because this is about national security. The highest object of foreign and domestic policy.

I have repeatedly said the foreign affairs in my watch is the fist in the iron glove of the armed forces. We will listen to other views on how and whether to continue the VFA.

The option for the Philippines to terminate the VFA is an exercise of sovereignty. The termination of the VFA may facilitate closer relations with non-traditional partners, such as, ideally, far-Russia – a power like the US, too far to meddle in our internal affairs without any acquisitive interest in our territory, yet strong and with a long enough reach to hit a common enemy in mutual defense.

In the matter of national defense, closer relations cannot ever encompass a military alliance with a near power because that is illogical, impractical, self-defeating, and an invitation to foreign aggression. However, the termination of the VFA must be weighed in terms of the overall national interest of the country.

We have listed 4 areas where the direct benefits derived from the VFA are most manifest. Clearly, these will be in respect of Philippine defense, military, and security arrangements.

1. The VFA ensures operability of other Philippines-US defense arrangements and modalities of cooperation.

Other Philippines-US agreements and modalities of defense and security operation may be rendered inoperative, despite remaining legally valid. Some of these agreements and modalities of cooperation include the Mutual Defense Treaty, which the VFA serves. The Enhanced Cooperation Development Agreement, which gives substance to the commitments in the MDT.

The Mutual Logistics Support Agreement and Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board approved joint exercises on combatting traditional and non-traditional security threats, which is to say Islamic terrorists, with which we can never be at peace.

For the MDT, the VFA is the substance that makes it real and makes it work. The EDCA, on the other hand, is hinged on the VFA. There would essentially be no practical use for an EDCA in the absence of the VFA, which is the legal framework for the presence of US military personnel in military exercises and actual military responses under the MDT. Without them the MDT is just a piece of paper. There are contrary views to this.

2. The VFA allows the US to provide a total-package approach on defense articles that would be compatible with equipment, assets, and systems that are already in place.

There are again different views on this. But, current military equipment, assets, and systems are largely patterned from and/or provided by the US. Through the years, the requirements for AFP modernization were addressed by the incremental procurement of defense articles that the Philippines has made after due diligence undertaken by relevant Philippines government agencies, specifically the Department of National Defense.

The dollar amount for security assistance security cooperation programs obtained from the US for the period of 2016 to 2019 totals $554.55 million. This includes $267.75 million in foreign military financing for the procurement of defense articles for the same period.

In addition, under the VFA, the Philippines is able to receive after-sales servicing in the form of maintenance packages that increase the articles' value and lifespan.

The US plans to spend over $200 million in 2020 to 2021 providing aircraft, training, equipment, and construction for the AFP, and more than $45 million in FMF (foreign military financing).

Without the VFA, the US Departments of State and Defense will be hard put to get funds from the US Congress for FMF and other defense assistance programs to the Philippines.

3. The VFA promotes interoperability between the Philippines' forces and law enforcement agencies and their US counterparts.

Again, we will listen to contrary views but for now, the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board have approved joint activities between the militaries and law enforcement agencies of both countries through the years.

The termination of the VFA may impact the upcoming fiscal year 2020 activities which the Philippines military and law enforcement agencies need to enhance their capabilities in countering threats to national security.

There are some 319 activities lined up for the year. The absence of the VFA would result in a severe curtailment of defense engagements with the Philippines and the cancellation of cooperative defense activities in the Philippines as it provides the legal framework for the presence of US forces in the Philippines.

The US will not operate without a VFA.

4. The VFA allows for the continued support for addressing non-traditional security threats.

Through the VFA, US forces have been instrumental in assisting the Philippines to combat non-traditional security threats such as trafficking in persons, cyberattack, terrorism, and illegal narcotics through training, joint exercises, and exchange visits.

The US has also provided support for humanitarian assistance and disaster response as well as search and rescue operations. Disaster response is more than humanitarian in purpose. The new military doctrine assumes that developments in warfare partake in destructiveness of natural calamities like typhoons and earthquakes. So disaster response to natural or military inflicted calamities must be in the same scale.

US assistance on counter-terrorism, especially on intelligence and capability-building, have proven to be vital. This support was crucial in enabling the Philippines security forces to prevail in the Battle of Marawi in 2017. Recently, the US Department of Defense support has enabled continued AFP operations to degrade ISIS-East Asia-aligned militants in Southern Philippines as well as several successful operations to rescue British and Indonesian citizens taken hostage by the Abu-Sayyaf Group.

Curtailment of the Department of Defense support resulting from a terminated VFA would diminish the AFP's immediate capabilities to degrade and deter terrorism and respond to terrorist emergencies.

There may be new developments on this, contrary to this view.

On the other hand Mr chairman, the following is an enumeration of 6 areas where the indirect benefits of continuing the VFA are manifest, or put differently, may be put at risk should the VFA be terminated.

1. The Philippines' international standing as viewed by other US allied countries is maintained.

While the VFA is a bilateral agreement between the Philippines and the US, there may be repercussions in the way other US-allied and/or US-friendly countries – e.g. Japan, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, and Israel – perceive and/or conduct their foreign relations with the Philippines should it be decided that the agreement be terminated.

Philippine credibility to deliver on mutual military arrangements to maintain peace and stability in the region depend as much, if not more, on our American alliance. Behind us, is a sense of American support.

2. Recent actions by the US have shown its renewed commitment to its defense obligations to the Philippines.

Through the pronouncement of US Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark T Esper during their visits to Manila in 2019.

In addition, in the fiscal year 2020 US National Defense Authorization Act, signed into law on 20 December 2019, the US Congress has tasked both Secretaries of State and Defense to submit a report on a strategy to preserve and strengthen PH-US alliance, including appropriate support to enhance Philippines' defense capabilities, particularly in the seas.

This derives from provision of MDAA that states, and I quote, "An armed attack on the armed forces public vessels or aircraft of the Republic of the Philippines in the Pacific, including the South China Sea, would trigger, the mutual defense obligations of the United States under Article 4 of the Mutual Defense Treaty."

This is an unequivocal commitment that had been conveyed verbally in the past. It is now in writing. In short, in a military engagement, the sinking of a Philippine vessel triggers an American response.

The regular presence of US forces including those conducting Freedom of Navigation Operations in the South China Sea including the West Philippine Sea serve as a deterrent to China taking more aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.

Corollarily, the MDT is a deterrent to any attack from any power. The termination of the VFA will very likely dilute the US commitment to the MDT.

3. The existing goodwill and friendly relations between the Philippines and the US may be compromised.

The historically robust and friendly relations between the Philippines and the US are further strengthened by the high level of trust and confidence between the Philippines and the United States. With the termination of the VFA, overall relations may be adversely affected in various areas of bilateral and multilateral involving both countries' cooperation may be put in jeopardy.

In this regard, it may be recalled that President Donald J Trump, just a year into his presidency, showed special preference to the Philippines by coming to Manila for the ASEAN Summit in 2017. This led to the country's highly successful hosting of that event. President Trump has not attended any ASEAN Summit since – those hosted by Singapore in 2018 and Thailand in 2019.

4. Philippine-US robust economic relations may be affected.

The US is the Philippines' third largest trading partner at US $8.70 billion registered end-2018 and our biggest export market, and our fourth largest import source.

The Philippines also enjoys preferential treatment on its exports to the US, as a beneficiary of the US generalized system of preferences (GSP). And we'll continue to be such until December 31, 2020. The GSP was reauthorized on 23 March, 2018, after US President Donald Trump signed the Omnibus Pending Bill, which included GSP renewal language. Our GSP exports account for 16% of our total exports to the US valued at an estimated $1.7 billion in 2018.

It may be noted also that the Philippines currently enjoys a trade surplus with the US, with our exports outpacing our imports by as much as US $371.98 million, as of June 2019.

5. The healthy state of our bilateral trade investments in tourism may be imperiled.

The US is the Philippines' 5th largest source of investments, accounting for some P12.9 billion in 2018. The US is also the Philippines' third largest tourism market, with over 1 million tourist arrivals in 2018.

Finally, in respect of official development assistance (ODA), the US is the largest source of grants. There are no loans, accounting for 36.89% share of total grants in 2018 at US $886.47 million.

6. US assistance facilitated by VFA may dry up.

From 2016 to 2019, the US provided substantial development assistance in the amount of $336.306 million, for a total of P16.8 billion. This amount funded programs for scholarships and seminars, and projects on education, health, environment, agriculture, fisheries, trade, labor, and governance. This brings total US assistance to the Philippines for the same period to $904.93 million.

Let me conclude with some basic and incontrovertible facts and principles valid at all times and in all places in the conduct of foreign affairs.

1. That Mutual Defense Treaty is a promise and a threat.

It is a mutual promise by two countries to defend one another in attack, as if that attack were made on the other.

2. As a promise, the MDT is only as good as its performance or delivery when it is triggered.

The poet Robert Frost said, "The afternoon knows what the morning never suspects."

We will not know how real it is until we or the US is attacked. Then we must, as we should, declare and make war on its attacker, whatever the cost to us. Failure forfeits our claim to be a real sovereign state whose word is its bond. This is called prestige in international relations.

In a mutual defense arrangement, no one counts cost because while it exists, both parties draw down on its main benefit – and what is that benefit? It is deterrence. The geographical proximity of the Philippines to the most likely aggressor against the US or against the Philippines given the MDT and its supportive arrangements in the EDCA and VFA, is a severe deterrent.

That proximity means response will be near instantaneous. In mutual defense, there is to be no second thought or any second wasted in response. In warfare, time is power and money.

Hence, while the Mutual Defense Treaty abides, the Enhanced Cooperation Development Agreement was adopted to shorten the response time by prepositioning assets, closer to the possible threat of war so as to reduce the cost, keeping the mutual defense vibrant and effective.

No, prepositioning is not a violation of sovereignty, but an upholding of sovereignty. Without prepositioning, our sovereignty is at risk.

Under EDCA, we have given the US access locations in the Philippines. The US has developed one. No one can say the US is hungry to stretch the extent and duration of its passing and never permanent, but always necessary presence in the Philippines.

Concomitant with the EDCA, is the Visiting Forces Agreement, which provides a template governing the behavior of US military personnel while they are in the Philippines on a visit for say, joint military exercises. We have a similar agreement with Australia, we might have one with Japan.

It has been proposed to abrogate the VFA with the US. It has also been said that a Mutual Defense Treaty and presumably the EDCA are to remain in place. That is not entirely up to us. The US may see no need to continue EDCA without the VFA because its military capability depends on human operators whose behavior needs to be regulated. As such as how they are to be dealt with, when and if they commit crimes.

The Mutual Defense Treaty without the VFA and EDCA may be compared to a deflated balloon. For all practical purposes, it becomes an extra large rubber for an Asian. Far more elastic than he can ever need for its purpose and far more suitable as a shower cap than a prophylactic against foreign aggression.

Can any other power or powers replace the US? It is rationally inconceivable to have a Mutual Defense Treaty with any military power, except one that is too far to meddle in ones internal affairs but with a strong and long enough reach to hit the mutual enemy. Thus, logically, we can only have a military alliance with Russia in far north and the United States in the far east across the Pacific.

But Russia does not want to take on the US, nor does China, as Foreign Minister Wang Yi told our President.

While the Philippines has prerogative to terminate the VFA anytime, the continuance of the agreement is deemed to be more beneficial to the Philippines, compared to any benefits were it to be terminated.

Terminating the VFA will negatively impact the Philippines' defense and security arrangements, as well as the overall bilateral relations of the Philippines with the US and perhaps even at the sub-regional and multilateral level. Our contribution to regional defense in anchored on our military alliance with the world's last superpower.

There are of course irritants which need to be addressed, but the DFA has taken steps to clarify with the US certain items pertaining to the VFA to avoid any issues in the implementation of the agreement.

However, it must be said, that the VFA is the logical target when the country's sovereign justice system, modeled after the US no less, is disrespected. When US senators demeaned the Philippine justice system, which is the mirror-image of the United States, by demanding the release of the accused properly charged by two rulings of our Supreme Court, it insulted the most basic aspect of sovereignty: the monopoly of justice within its territory, on top of which the US senators insulted their own justice system after which ours is faithfully modelled.

Therefore, there is value in revisiting VFA to address sovereignty, such as jurisdiction and custody. An early resumption of bilateral clarificatory talks may serve as a basis, as well as a jump-off point for a review of the VFA.

At this point, we would like to open the floor to questions.

Thank you.
– with reports from Sofia Tomacruz/Rappler.com


https://www.rappler.com/nation/251198-full-text-locsin-speech-impact-assessment-visiting-forces-agreement-termination

Alleged killer of Agusan Sur town mayor slain in Butuan

From MindaNews (Feb 6, 2020): Alleged killer of Agusan Sur town mayor slain in Butuan (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 6 February) – The alleged communist rebel who reportedly planned the kidnapping and murder of a town mayor in Agusan del Sur and his son in 2015 was killed in a joint military and police operation on Wednesday morning, Feb. 5.


Lumads view a tarp showing the corpse of Loreto town Mayor Dario Otaza during an anti-communist rally in Butuan City on Oct. 27, 2015. MIndaNews file photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

Maj. Francisco Garello Jr., civil military officer of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, said Manuel G. Magante alias Jino/Saldo was killed when he reportedly tried to shoot it out with the operatives who came to his rented room in Rosales St., Brgy 15, San Ignacio, Butuan City.

Garello said the operatives came to arrest Magante on the strength of warrants for homicide and robbery issued by Executive Judge Hilarion P. Clapis Jr. of the11th Judicial Region, Branch 3, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro.

He said recovered from the scene was the caliber .45 pistol Magante allegedly used in the brief gun battle.

The military said the slain rebel was allegedly the finance officer of the NPA Regional Operations Command and Special Operations Group of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Magante allegedly planned the abduction and murder of Loreto town Mayor Dario Otaza and his son, Daryl, whose bodies were found a day after they were abducted in Butuan City on Nov. 20, 2015.

The New People’s Army Southern Mindanao Regional Command owned responsibility for the killings.


“Revolutionary justice prevailed when the Southern Mindanao Regional Operations Command of the New People’s Army authorized the imposition of a Standing Order and punished warlords GPH mayor Dario Otaza and Daryl Otaza,” the NPA said in a statement on Nov. 25, 2015.

Otaza was known for his anti-communist stance in his municipality.

Aside from the Otaza murders, Garello further alleged that Magante participated in the NPA raid on the mining compound of Mayor Joselito Brillantes Jr. in Brgy Olaycon, Monkayo, Davao de Oro that netted 74 assorted high-powered firearms in 2015; disarming of the peace and order personnel of Brgy Mahungcog, Magpet, North Cotabato in 2016; synchronized attack of Lorenzo residence in Calinan, Davao City; and burning of Lapanday Corp. Plastic Plant in Mandug, Davao City in 2017. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)

Top NPA leader slain in South

From the Mindanao Examiner (Feb 6, 2020): Top NPA leader slain in South

Security forces killed a senior communist rebel leader who clashed with policemen, backed by soldiers who tried to capture him alive in his hideout in the southern Philippine city of Butuan, an army spokesman said Thursday.

Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said
Manuel Magante, who served as the regional finance officer and head of the special operations group of the New People’s Army, was slain in the fighting in the village of San Ignacio on Wednesday.

He said Magante was tracked down in his hideout after a long and careful surveillance operation.
“Magante was killed when he resisted and fought with the AFP-PNP inter-agency team who were about to serve warrants of arrest against him,” Balagtey said. “Magante was a notorious rebel leader who had a string of criminal cases from multiple murders to arson across the region.”







Philippine Army photos released to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner show the body of the slain rebel leader Manuel Magante.

Troops recovered Magante’s automatic pistol and magazines, including a motorcycle, a cell phone and a laptop computer.

Balagtey said the slain NPA leader was linked to the murders of a tribal chieftain Datu Ruben Labawan and the abduction of Jail Warden Jose Melvin Coquilla in Compostela Valley in 2015; and the abduction and murder of Mayor Dario Otaza and his son Darryl, of Agusan del Sur’s Loreto town in Butuan City also in 2015.

He added that Magante was also accused as behind the disarming of peace officers in North Cotabato’s Magpet town and the raid and burning of construction equipment in Davao City in 2018.

There was no immediate statement from the NPA on the death of its top leader. The rebel group has been fighting for many decades now in an effort to topple down the democratic government and install a communist rule. (Mindanao Examiner)

Insurgency in Leyte is under control, Army official says

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 6, 2020): Insurgency in Leyte is under control, Army official says (By Ninfa Barcena-Quirante)

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TACLOBAN CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA)—An army official on Wednesday declared that insurgency in Leyte is under control.

"Kokonti nalang sila, kaya natin i-control," (trans: They are but a handful, we can easily control them.) BGen Lope Dagoy, battalion commander of the 802nd Brigade in Ormoc City told the media at Panginsayod ha PIA on February 5.

He said that for the past years there had been a few encounters.

"Talagang konti nalang sila," (Their number has really gone down.) he reiterated.

He also talked of the massive surrender of more than a thousand rebels which President Rodrigo Roa Duterte witnessed on January 23 in San Isidro, Leyte.

But he said they still have something to do.

"We are still trying to address the problems in some areas, especially the white areas where recruitment is being done," said Dagoy.

The official could not hide his contempt as he talked of the recruitment of some minors to join in the mass protests that some leftist are doing.

"Sobra na yung panlilinlang nila, minors na isasali sa rally, once na mainvolve yung minors, ibang usapan nayan," (Their recruitment is too much, they drag along minors to mass protests, that is a different story, altogether.) Dagoy said.

The official also talked of how they tried to pursue rebels relentlessly that the masses would discourage the partylists from entering the barangays.

"Huwag kayong magtagal, darating si Dagoy," he quoted them.

Dagoy who is retiring in March this year has issued a statement in past interviews that the year 2020 will signal the total neutralization of the NPAs in the province of Leyte. (nbq/PIA 8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034099

Naitan-Insulman road project ng ELCAC, pakikinabangan ng katutubong Naibuan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 6, 2020): Naitan-Insulman road project ng ELCAC, pakikinabangan ng katutubong Naibuan (By Voltaire N. Dequina)



Isinagawa ang groundbreaking ceremony ng Naitan-Insulman Local Access Road na isa sa mga proyektong pangkaunlarang pinagsikapan ng lokal na pamahalaan ng San Jose katuwang ang PTF-MTF-ELCAC at Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). (Municipal Tourism Office San Jose)

Ayon sa lokal na pamahalaan ng bayang ito, malaking kapakinabangan sa mga residente ng Barangay Naibuan ang Naitan-Insulman Local Access Road, na kanilang proyekto sa, katuwang ang Provincial at Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-MTF-ELCAC).

Sinabi ni Engineer Edgar Masangkay, opisyal ng Municipal Engineering Office, bagama’t ang nasabing iko-kongkretong daan ay bahagi ng Brgy. Batasan, ito ang nag-iisang lansangan patungo sa pinakabagong barangay ng San Jose, ang Naibuan. Sa Naibuan matatagpuan ang pinakamalaking bilang ng indigenous peoples (IPs) sa San Jose at maituturing kabilang sa pinakamahihirap na barangay dito. Kaya aniya, kapag nasemento ito, mapapadali ang transportasyon ng mga kalakal at paghahatid ng tulong sa Naibuan, lalo na sa panahon ng pangangailangan. “Itong kalyeng ito ay nagkakahalaga ng higit P12 milyon at tatapusin natin ngayong taon,” paniniguro ni Masangkay.

Kinumpirma naman ni Roger Calaranan, opisyal ng San Jose Office of the Mangyan Affairs, na malaking kapakinabangan ang nasabing local access road sa higit 3,000 katutubo na naninirahan sa Naibuan lalo na sa mga mag-aaral. “Sakaling matapos na ang programa, hindi na maglalakad sa putikan ang mga katutubong estudyante ng Naibuan,” pahayag ni Calaranan. Sa kasalukuyan aniya ay pumapasok ang mga katutubong high school student sa mga kalapit na Brgy, ang Batasan at Murtha.

Samantala, binigyang-diin ni Masangkay na ang Naitan-Insulman Local Access Road ay kabilang sa mga tinukoy ng LGU na proyektong pangkaunlaran na direktang mapakikinabangan ng mga taga-Naibuan.

“Mula ito sa pondo ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) at isa lamang sa mga pinagsisikapang proyekto ng mga kasapi ng PTF-MTF-ELCAC, LGU at ng Philippine Army bilang aksyon sa problema sa insurhensiya ng barangay, “ dagdag ni Masangkay.

Paliwanag ni Captain Rex Michael Pedraza, CMO ng 4th Infantry Battalion, madalas binibisita ng mga Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) ang Naibuan upang maka-recruit ng mga miembro. “Sinasamantala ng mga ito (CTG) ang nararanasang kahirapan ng mga katutubo at usapin ng lupaing ninuno upang manghikayat ng kasapi,” saad ni Pedraza. Dagdag ng opisyal, malaking bagay ang mga proyektong pangkaunlaran ng PTF-MTF-ELCAC dahil nararamdaman ng mga katutubo ang presensya ng pamahalaan.

Ang PTF-MTF-ELCAC ay mga nagsama-samang ahensya ng pamahalaan katuwang ang LGU, na may layong tugunan ang problema sa insurhensiya ng lalawigan sa pamamagitan ng pagbababa ng iba’t ibang programa ng pamahalaan nasyonal sa mga lugar na may presensya o target pasukin ng Communist Terrorist Group (CTG). (VND/PIA MIMAROPA/Occ Min)

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https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033723

Rebel returnees organized in Kalinga

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 6, 2020): Rebel returnees organized in Kalinga  (By Peter A. Balocnit)


CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga, Feb. 5 (PIA) - - Municipal chapters of the Kalinga Returnees Association (KRA) in at least three towns are now organized to help government achieve peace.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Max Mayer Adong said officers of the returnees associations of Balbalan, Pasil and Tinglayan recently took their oath before their respective mayors.

Adong said the KRA was first organized with Marcelino Velasco Ibana as its president, and is accredited as a civil society organization by the Sagguniang Panlalawigan.


He said returnees associations will be closely guided in order for them to become strong partner in ending insurgency in the province. “This only shows that government is ready to accept rebels returning to the folds of the law,” Adong stressed.

KRA members and those in the municipalities have already received their benefits under the Expanded Comprehensive Local Integration Program. Papers of two former rebels are on process and upon approval will make them eligible to get their benefits

Velasco said they embraced the offer of government for their integration to mainstream society seeing the sincerity of the Duterte administration.

“Now that we are recognized by the government, we have to also respond by helping government in its efforts to unite the country towards achieving a common goal,” he said.

KRA members through its president wrote President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for financial assistance to finance their projects and activities.

Meanwhile, Adong informed an operation center will be opened at their office to synchronize activities of End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) Task Force members. (JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga)

64 former rebels, supporters get TESDA certificates, tool kits

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 6, 2020): 64 former rebels, supporters get TESDA certificates, tool kits (By Michael L. Uy)

NABUNTURAN, Davao de Oro, Feb. 5 (PIA) - A total of 64 former rebels and supporters obtained on Tuesday, February 5, certifications from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

During the graduation in Barangay Tagugpo in Pantukan, 24 former rebels got NC1 on Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW),
while 40 former rebels and supporters acquired certificate of competency on Cake Making, which is a pre-requisite on NCII of the Bread and Pastry Production.

Aside from the certificates, TESDA Davao de Oro also distributed starter tool kits to the graduates. The SMAW graduates received welding machine, mask and angle grinder worth around PhP 12,000, while the cake-making graduates got electric oven, and baking tools amounting to around Php 8,000.


According to TESDA Davao de Oro acting provincial director Mafel Joan Gamale, the agency partnered with two institutions to provide the technical and vocations skills. These are Assumption College of Nabunturan for SMAW and Southern Philippines College of Technology in Monkayo for Cake Making.

Gamale emphasized that the trainings were based on the needs assessment of the community, raw materials available in the area, and the preparedness and acceptance of the beneficiaries.





She also stressed that TESDA also conduct after-training activities for the graduates.

“We will make sure that our graduates will be employed. We will let them undergo Pre-Employment Seminar for Local Applicants (PESLA) and others. And when I say employment, it does not mean wage employment only, it also covers self employment.”

One of the graduates alyas ‘Tata’ was very thankful for the training and facilities given by the government.

“Kini nakahatag jud sa akoa dugang income para sa pamilya ug pang eskwela pud sa akong mga anak,” Tata said. (This gives me additional income for my family and for the schooling of my children.)

Tata was a former platoon leader of the New People’s Army, who served the communist movement for more than four years.

He surrendered last November 2019 at the 66th Infantry Battalion because he wanted to have a future with his family.

“Nagsurender lang jud ko aron gusto ko mabuhi ug tarong, ug makahatag ko sa akong pamilya. Kung di man gud ko mosurender, pabilin ko dinha sa bukid magtago-tago, then dili ko makahatag ug supurta sa akong mga anak.” (I surrendered because I want to have a good life and provide for my family. If I did not surrender and remain in the hiding in hills, I could not then provide support to my children.)

For now, Tata is accepting haircut and welding services at his house. He is also applying for a welder position in a company in Davao City. (PIAXI, Michael Uy)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034103

NOLCOM, private institution provide aid to Taal eruption victims

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 6, 2020): NOLCOM, private institution provide aid to Taal eruption victims (By Trixie Joy B. Manalili)

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CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM), through 1st Civil Relations Group, and Central Luzon Doctors’ Hospital Educational Institution, Inc. donated Thursday relief goods to the victims of Taal volcano eruption.

“Since the start of the calamity, we have prepared our troops and readied our logistics assets for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations in Taal Volcano eruption affected areas. All military conveyance and equipment are ready for use in any case the need arises,” NOLCOM Commander Lieutenant General Ramiro Manuel Rey said. 


Personnel of the Northern Luzon Command delivers the relief good items to the local government of Batangas. (1st Civil Relations Group)

Two military trucks delivered the relief items composed of 291 relief bags filled with assorted goods, bottled water and six large boxes of assorted clothes. 


Relief good items for the displaced families of the Taal Volcano donated by the Northern Luzon Command and Central Luzon Doctors’ Hospital Educational Institution, Inc. (1st Civil Relations Group)

Each relief bag, which will be distributed to the displaced families, contains rice, noodles, biscuits, canned goods, shampoo, bath soap, detergent soap, sanitary napkin, face towel, toothbrush and toothpaste.

“As part of our duty to serve, our troops, as well our capabilities, are ready to support in immediately extending aid to the affected victims. NOLCOM is always ready to collaborate with the local government units, non-government organizations and other concerned stakeholders in extending necessary support and assistance not only here in our area of responsibility but also in areas that will be needing our help,” Rey added. (CLJD/TJBM-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034131

DOST brings tech transfer to poor villages to end insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6, 2020): DOST brings tech transfer to poor villages to end insurgency (By Gerico Sabalza)



AGRI TECHNOLOGY. Villaconzoilo village farmers in Jaro, Leyte share expertise in crop production to learners from different parts of Leyte province. The village is a former rebel-infested village awarded as the 2019 Best Community Empowerment through Science and Technology in the Philippines. (Photo courtesy of Villaconzoilo Farm School)

PALO, Leyte -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has reached out to poor and conflict-stricken villages in Eastern Visayas through its technology-based livelihood program.

In 2019, the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program has assisted 90 groups in 65 CEST communities all over the region, Ramily Uy, DOST Region 8 information officer and CEST regional coordinator, said in an interview on Thursday.

“This is our support program to end the local communist armed conflict. Our accomplishments addressed the needs of the marginalized sector that are vulnerable to the insurgency,”
said Ramil Uy, DOST Region 8 information officer and CEST regional coordinator.


The program is a package of science and technology interventions that aim to build empowered, progressive, and resilient communities in Leyte, Eastern Samar, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, and Northern Samar.

The DOST has implemented 61 interventions for livelihood, 71 for education, 11 for health and nutrition, 29 for disaster risk reduction and management and climate change adaptation, and eight for environmental protection and conservation.

The program specifically targets communities in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, the marginalized sector including farmers, fisherfolk, indigenous people, and women's groups.

Uy said DOST is committed to identifying more communities for CEST through the convergence of various government and non-government agencies, the academe, and other stakeholders.

“This is the effort of our department to seriously join the effort of the task force on ending local communist armed conflict,” he said.

CEST’s implementation entails the provision and transfer of technology-based livelihood projects to the identified communities.

Five development challenge areas that lend themselves well to science and technology responses show the extent of interventions that DOST can introduce in the target communities.

The desired results from implemented interventions contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals being pursued by the country relative to poverty reduction and people empowerment.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093116

New maneuver battalion to boost fight vs. insurgency in Panay

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6, 2020): New maneuver battalion to boost fight vs. insurgency in Panay (By Gail Momblan)



RALLYING THE TROOPS. Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya (right), commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, rallies the troops of the 12th Infantry Battalion (12IB) during the start of their organizational training on Monday (Feb. 3, 2020). The 12IB will be converted to a maneuver battalion, which will provide Panay Island with more foot soldiers to fight insurgency. (Photo courtesy of 3ID Public Affairs Office)

ILOILO CITY -- The Philippine Army in Panay Island will soon have fresh legs to step up its fight against insurgency as the 501-strong 12th Infantry Battalion (12IB) undergoes organizational and Community Support Program (CSP) training.

The training of the 12IB, composed of 19 officers and 482 enlisted personnel, has formally started on Monday.

Capt. Cenon Pancito III, the spokesperson of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said in an interview Thursday that the 12IB troopers are seen
to boost the fight against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Panay Island.


The 12IB used to be a “cadre” battalion, or the one handling administrative requirements of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU).

Pancito said they will be converted to maneuver battalion that will now include foot soldiers.

“We have seen the lack of troops here in Panay. We have a deadline to beat (to end insurgency) that is supposed to happen this year. If not, hopefully at the end of the term of the President,” Pancito said.

Panay Island and the island province of Guimaras are covered by only one maneuver battalion which is the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) with its headquarters in Miagao town, Iloilo. The 61st IB is composed of almost 500 troops.

“One of the constraints that we cannot solve, the Panay part is we really lack the strength, the operations to do so,” he said.

The 12IB will have six weeks of training at the Battalion Retraining Facilities (BRF) in Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz.

The troops will dedicate four weeks for operational training and two weeks of Community Support Program (CSP) training.

Lt. Col. Sisenando Magbalot, a former commander of the 61st IB, will lead the 12IB, Pancito said.

Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya, commander of the Army’s 3ID, said the 12IB is expected to be at the top shape after the training.

In the meantime, the 12IB will be faced with “low equipment readiness” as the process of converting them into a maneuver battalion is quite similar to creating a new infantry battalion.

“Your equipment also came from other existing battalions that is why you can expect low equipment readiness for the meantime. But the point is, you can look at this as a problem, a challenge, or an opportunity,” Vinoya said, adding that the 12IB can be creative and get away from established norms that have been leading the army to mediocrity.

He encouraged the troops to give their best during the said training as they are expected to enhance their operational capability and conduct CSP in the grassroots communities.

“Give your best shot during the training for you are doing this to prepare yourselves and your unit in performing and bringing your mandate to the next level. This time, you will not only serve the Visayans but will fulfill their fervent desire for an insurgency-free community,” Vinoya said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093127

Troops nab ranking NPA leader in Oroquieta City

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6, 2020): Troops nab ranking NPA leader in Oroquieta City (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



REBEL LEADER NABBED. Jenefer Aguhob, 40, a ranking leader of the New People's Army, poses for a mugshot after her arrest in a military and police operation on Wednesday (Feb. 5, 2020) in Oroquieta City. Brig. Gen. Generoso Ponio, Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, said Aguhob has a standing warrant of arrest for the crime of murder with no recommended bail issued by the court in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte. (Photo courtesy of Western Mindanao Command Public Information Office)

Military and police operatives have arrested in a law enforcement operation a ranking New People’s Army (NPA) rebel in Misamis Occidental, officials announced on Thursday.

Brig. Gen. Generoso Ponio, Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander,
identified the NPA leader as Jenefer Aguhob, 40, who carries the aliases of "Ace", "Jen", and "Joy".

Ponio said Aguhob was nabbed by law enforcers armed with a warrant of arrest around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at her residence in Purok 3, Barangay Buenavista, Oroquieta City.


He said Aguhob has a standing warrant of arrest for the crime of murder with no recommended bail issued by the court in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.

He said Aguhob is the finance and liaison officer of the Sub-Regional Military Area II (Monterosa) and chairperson of Karapatan and Makabayan bloc.

Aguhob, Ponio said, is also a contact of the following Western Mindanao Regional Committee (WMRPC) officers: Ma. Luz Ranan of Guerilla Front Sendong and wife of former Deputy Secretary of the Region, Rommel Salinas; former NPA finance officer Rowena Rosario Delambaca Tabanao; and former NPA logistics officer Leonardo Jacotin. All are now detained.

He said Aguhob was sighted visiting a certain Ka Beto at Ozamiz City Jail and attending his court hearings.

“Our troops, together with our partners from the PNP (Philippine National Police) continuously conduct operations against the communist terrorists to prevent them from instigating hostilities in the communities,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief.

“With the weakened leadership, I now call on the members of the WMRPC to lay down their arms, return to the folds of the law, and be one with us in our peace-building mechanisms,” Sobejana said.

Aguhob was placed under the custody of Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office for proper disposition.

Sobejana attributed the arrest of Aguhob to the strong collaboration among officers and men of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao provinces) and the PNP.

“With your selfless service, our people will certainly live peacefully and happily,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093152

2 NPA rebels surrender in Aurora

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6, 2020): 2 NPA rebels surrender in Aurora (By Jason De Asis)



REBEL NO MORE. One of the two members of the New People's Army (NPA) who voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion (91IB) at the boundary of Aurora and Nueva Ecija provinces on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2020. The two belonged to the Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla (KLG) Sierra Madre group of the NPA. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 91st Infantry Battalion)

BALER, Aurora – Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to the military troops on Wednesday, citing reasons of lack of mass-based support and resources from their organization.

Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, acting commanding officer of Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion (91IB), said
the two insurgents who surrendered to his troops at the boundary of Aurora and Nueva Ecija provinces, belonged to the Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla (KLG) Sierra Madre.

Rubio identified the surrendered rebels as Jordan Laque Barrios, alias "BM/Diane", second squad leader; and Jhonrey Borja Gulle, alias "Jay/Uri", of Platoon Dos KLG Sierra Madre.


“Our troops, while conducting joint intelligence operations in Barangay Villa, Maria Aurora, Aurora facilitated the surrender of the two rebels,” he said.

Rubio thanked the surrenderers for returning to the fold of the law where they can avail of the various programs of the government, specifically the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“The former CPP-NPA terrorists are now undergoing necessary procedures to facilitate their inclusion in the E-CLIP,” he said.

He said they coordinating with various local government units (LGUs) and concerned government agencies to ensure that the former terrorists would be able to avail of the necessary support and benefits.

Meanwhile, Col. Andrew Costelo, commander of the 703rd Infantry Brigade, lauded the troops who had conducted joint operations against the insurgents with the Philippine National Police.

He called on the active members of the communist organization operating in the area to lay down their arms and avail of the benefits and programs being offered by the government.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093131

Army troopers donate blood to help save lives

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6, 2020): Army troopers donate blood to help save lives (By Edwin Fernandez)



GIVING BLOOD. Army soldiers belonging to the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion (IB) lay down on camp beds while being attended to by a Philippine Red Cross (PRC) staff member during a bloodletting activity on Wednesday (Feb. 5, 2020) inside the headquarters of the 40IB in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat. The PRC managed to collect 38 blood bags from the soldiers. (Photo courtesy of 40IB)

Personnel of the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion (IB) have joined the Philippine National Red Cross (PRC) bloodletting activity in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat, an Army official said Thursday.

Lt. Colonel Rogelio Gabi, 40th IB commander, said the soldiers are not only ensuring the safety of Filipinos and securing the land “but also saving lives”.

“This is your soldiers today, we give blood because we want to save lives,” Gabi said in his brief message during the bloodletting activity, dubbed, “Dugo Ko, Buhay Ko, Alay Ko”, held at the battalion headquarters in Barangay Tual, President Quirino on Wednesday.

Gabi said the event was made possible in cooperation with St. Louis Hospital and the PRC of Sultan Kudarat.

“It aims to help address the depleting amount of available blood units of the province,” he said.

Prior to the bloodletting, a PRC staff member conducted an orientation regarding the benefits of donating blood. During the program, the Army’s “Magiting Band” serenaded the soldiers while donating blood.

A total of 38 blood bags were collected from the soldiers. Gabi said with this kind of activity the 40th IB lives up to the Filipino tradition of “bayanihan” that is service above self and sacrifice for the many.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093138

3 ranking police officials relieved from post

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6, 2020): 3 ranking police officials relieved from post (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



PNP chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa. (PNA file photo by Joey Razon)
Three ranking police officials were relieved from their posts effective on Thursday.

In an order signed by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa, relieved from their posts were Brig. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, Police Regional Office 7 (Central Visayas) director; Col. Emma Libunao, Bulacan Provincial Police Office (PPO) director, and Col. Gil Francis Tria, deputy director for operations of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG).

De Leon, Libunao and Tria are reassigned to the Office of the Chief PNP in Camp Crame.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro, then deputy regional director for operations of the National Capital Region Police Office, replaced de Leon as PRO 7 director.

De Leon was previously called out by Gamboa after three police officials in Central Visayas were relieved after being caught playing golf during weekdays.

Gamboa, meanwhile, reminded all regional directors of the PNP’s hardline stance against all forms of illegal gambling activities and other crimes against public morals in their areas of jurisdiction.

He said the relief and reassignment of police officials to key posts are based on the evaluation of factors such as performance and the campaigns against illegal drugs, illegal gambling, rogue cops, and failure to adhere to command policies.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093118

PH naval contingent for Mideast evacuation now in Oman

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6, 2020): PH naval contingent for Mideast evacuation now in Oman (By Priam Nepomuceno)



NAVY CONTINGENT IN OMAN. Members of the Philippine Navy contingent meet with officials of the Philippine Embassy in Oman headed by Ambassador Narciso CastaƱeda (center) in a courtesy call in Muscat on Wednesday (Feb. 5, 2020). The naval contingent is tasked to evacuate overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East who would avail of repatriation. (Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Thursday said the strategic sealift vessel BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) and offshore patrol ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), which are tasked to evacuate Filipino overseas workers in the Middle East, finally arrived and docked off Muscat, Oman Wednesday afternoon.

Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, PN public affairs office chief, said the two ships carrying the contingent of Naval Task Force (NTF) 82 safely arrived at the Sultan Qaboos Port in Muscat.


Mission head Marine Col. Noel Beleran, along with the commanding officers of the two PN ships, immediately made a courtesy call on Philippine Ambassador to Oman Narciso CastaƱeda.

Roxas said the two ships will serve as a sea-based platform for the government to process and facilitate the repatriation of displaced OFWs.

"Specifics and other details about the repatriation are expected to be finalized after the scheduled joint AFP-PNP command conference to be presided by the Commander-In-Chief, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in MalacaƱang on which NTF 82 will take part via video teleconferencing together with Ambassador CastaƱeda," she said.

Beleran said the PN contingent is "all safe and sound" upon arriving in Oman.

The contingent left Pier 13, Manila South Harbor last January 13 and made refueling and reprovisioning stop in Sri Lanka last week before heading for Oman.

"The troops are very happy and in high spirits, since this event serves as another milestone for our Navy that we can already transcend across the deep waters of the Indian Ocean or the Arabian Sea," he added.

Beleran said the sailors and marines "are ready to assist and support the government's effort in repatriating our unsung heroes, the OFWs in this Middle East conflict".

Roxas added that the safe arrival of the PN contingent in Oman signified the tangible means of the government's effort to ensure that OFWs will be safely repatriated to the Philippines, aside from showcasing the preparedness of Filipino navy ships in overseas deployment.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093073

PH Army briefs troops on nCo

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6, 2020): PH Army briefs troops on nCo (By Priam Nepomuceno)



INFO DRIVE. An officer from the Office of the Army Chief Surgeon holds a briefing on the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease in Fort Bonifacio on Wednesday (Feb. 5, 2020). The briefing focused on raising the troops' awareness of the threat level of the virus in the country, recognizing symptoms, and implementing best practices to avoid contracting the disease. (Photo courtesy of Army Chief Public Affairs Office)

In line with government efforts to boost the information drive on the 2019-novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD), the Office of the Army Chief Surgeon (OACS) on Wednesday held a briefing on the disease on troops assigned at Philippine Army Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the briefing is in support of the advisory issued by the Department of Health (DOH) last January 22.

He added the OACS' information drive on the coronavirus focused on raising the troops' awareness on the threat level of the virus in the country, recognizing symptoms, and implementing best practices to avoid contracting the disease.


“Aside from informing our troops about the novel coronavirus, we also wanted to lessen panic of the public. We want to avoid a public reaction which is disproportionate to the level of threat that we are currently facing,” Capt. Ramius Dizon said.

Pursuant to Executive Order 168, s. 2014 (Creating the Inter-Agency Task Force for the management of emerging infectious diseases in the Philippines), the DOH recommended the enlistment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to supplement the Philippine National Police to enforce quarantine of specific areas or facilitating the transport of emerging infectious diseases patients when the need arises.

"We want to ensure that our personnel know how to protect themselves from the virus and prevent its spread because they have a very important role in security that requires them to be ready to serve 24/7,” Zagala added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093077

PMA homecoming activities reset to Feb. 22

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6, 2020): PMA homecoming activities reset to Feb. 22 (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Due to safety concerns over the 2019-novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD), the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (PMAAAI) announced that activities for its annual homecoming have been rescheduled to February 22.

"PMAAAI announces that PMA Homecoming for this year is postponed to a later date, 22 February 2020, Saturday, at Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City. This is in deference to health and public safety concerns regarding nCoV," the group said in a statement late Wednesday.

The academy's homecoming activities were originally scheduled for February 14 and 15.


"The decision was reached with the help of Baguio City Mayor, Cav. Benjie Magalong '82, and PMA Superintendent, VADM (Vice Admiral) Allan Cusi '86, making the two-day event into one. Alumni classes especially Jubilarians caught in these late-breaking developments are advised to exercise their best judgments on how to proceed with their individual Class events in sync with the new date," it added.

It also said Magalong has already coordinated with the Hotels and Restaurants Association of Baguio regarding the matter.

"Cavalier-members who have prior reservations are advised to call their respective hotel, and request for a rebooking. There will be no surcharge or fee. But the hotels will keep/retain the payment that was already made. This will be deducted from your bill upon check-out," it added.

The group added that its secretariat shall continue to give updates at telephone numbers: 8912-5074 or mobile 0906-220-1196 / 0905-999-0711.

The PMA temporarily closed its grounds to visitors and outsiders due to nCoV scare.

However, cadets' parents and relatives may visit with the supervision of PMA health practitioners.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093078

Termination of VFA may ‘negatively impact’ PH: DFA chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6, 2020): Termination of VFA may ‘negatively impact’ PH: DFA chief (By Jose Cielito Reganit)



Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. 

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. Thursday said terminating the Philippines' Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States at this time would most likely have negative effects on the country.

“While the Philippines has the prerogative to terminate the VFA anytime, the continuance of the agreement is deemed to be more beneficial to the Philippines compared to any benefits where it to be terminated,”
Locsin said during the hearing by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

“Terminating the VFA will negatively impact the Philippines’ defense and security arrangements as well as the overall bilateral relations of the Philippines with the US, and perhaps even on the sub-regional and multilateral levels,”
he said.

Locsin said ending the 21-year-old pact may not only compromise existing PH-US goodwill and friendly relations but might as well affect the robust economic relations between the two countries.


“The US is the country’s third-largest trading partner at USD18.17 billion registered in 2018, our largest export market and our fourth-largest import source. The Philippines also enjoys preferential treatment on its exports to the US as a beneficiary of the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP),” he noted.

“GSP exports account for 16 percent of total exports to the US valued at USD1.7 billion in 2018. It may be noted also that the Philippines currently enjoys a trade surplus with the US with our exports outpacing imports by as much as USD371.98 million as of June 2019,” Locsin said.

The US is also the Philippines’ 5th largest source of investments, accounting for some USD12.9 billion in 2018, he said.

“US assistance facilitated by VFA may dry up,” Locsin said.

In terms of official development assistance (ODA), Locsin said the US is the country's largest source of grants, accounting for 36.89 shares of total grants in 2018 amounting to USD886.47 million.

From 2016-2019, the US provided substantial development assistance in the amount of USD336.306 million (PHP16.8 billion), which funded programs for scholarships and seminars and projects of education, health, environment, agriculture, fisheries, trade, labor, and governance.


“This brings total US assistance to the Philippines for the same period to USD904.93 million,” Locsin said.

On the other hand, Locsin admitted that there are “irritants” in the agreement that need to be addressed.

He assured lawmakers that the DFA has already taken steps to clarify with the US certain items pertaining to the VFA to avoid any issues in the implementation of the agreement.

Locsin also took a swipe at US Senators Patrick Leahy and Richard Durbin for “insulting the basic aspect” of the country’s sovereignty, in connection with the US lawmakers’ plea for the Philippine government to release Senator Leila de Lima.

De Lima has been in jail since February 2017 on charges that she benefitted from the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison when she was still the justice secretary under the Aquino administration.

Locsin said the VFA is the "logical target" when the country’s sovereign justice system was disrespected by the US lawmakers.

"When US senators demean the Philippine justice system, which is the mirror image of the US, by demanding the release of an accused, properly charged by two rulings of our Supreme Court, it insulted the most basic aspect of sovereignty -- the monopoly on justice within its territory,” he said.

“Therefore, there is value in revisiting the VFA to address issues of sovereignty, such as jurisdiction and custody. And the early resumption of bilateral clarificatory talks should serve as a basis as well as a jump-off point for a review of the VFA,” Locsin said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093177

Peace with communists might be realized ‘much earlier’: Duterte

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6, 2020): Peace with communists might be realized ‘much earlier’: Duterte (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)



President Rodrigo R. Duterte (File photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he remains optimistic that his administration would be able to achieve a lasting peace with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) at a “much earlier” time.

Duterte made the statement, as he noticed that many members of the CPP’s armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), are surrendering and seeking reintegration into the society.

“With the rate that the NPAs are surrendering, mukhang I think we’d be able to realize peace much earlier,” the President said during the mass oath-taking of new presidential appointees held at Palace’s Rizal Hall.

To recall, Duterte on Jan. 23 led the distribution of government assistance packages to at least 263 former communist insurgents in San Isidro, Leyte.


Duterte, in his previous speech, hinted that he might give in to the demands of the communist movement in a bid to realize long-lasting peace in the country.

The President, however, did not elaborate on the communists’ specific favors for the possible revival of peace negotiations between the national government and the CPP’s political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF).

“The most important thing is to come up and comply with the promise to the rebels,” he said.

“Kaya sabi ko doon sa mga sundalo, bitawan na lang niyo. Umalis na lang kayo diyan. Ibigay na lang ninyo sa mga NPA. Lagyan na lang natin ng… Ah ayaw kong sabihin kasi may gusto akong ilagay (That’s why I told the soldiers, just let go. Leave the place and just give it to the NPA. We’ll just place a… I don’t want to mention it but I want to place something there),” Duterte added.

On Nov. 23, 2017, Duterte signed Proclamation 360 to formally scrap the peace negotiations with the NDF due to the series of attacks waged by the NPA rebels against the government forces and civilians.

The termination of peace talks was followed by the Dec. 5, 2017 signing of Proclamation 374, branding the CPP-NPA as terror group because of the crimes they allegedly committed "against the Filipino people, against humanity, and the law of the nations."

Apart from the Philippines, the CPP-NPA has also been tagged as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

The peace talks between the national government and the NDF have been intermittent since 1986.

But in an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN on Jan. 10, Duterte said his government is ready for the possible resumption of talks with the communist party.

Duterte, during the television interview, announced that he had already formed a new government peace panel that would hold negotiations with NDF consultants for the crafting of a binding peace pact between the two parties.

The new state peace negotiators would replace the members of the national government's now-defunct negotiating peace panel led by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093178

Lorenzana: Philippines doesn't need the VFA indefinitely

From the Philippine Star (Feb 6, 2020): Lorenzana: Philippines doesn't need the VFA indefinitely (By Ratziel San Juan)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that while the Visiting Forces Agreement was “born out of a mutual need” between the Philippines and the United States, the main priority is having a self-sufficient national defense rather than maintaining the agreement.

“I think our long-term interest is to be self-sufficient in our defense. We should have at least a minimum or deterrent capability,” the Department of National Defense chief told Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chairman Sen. Richard Gordon during the Thursday morning hearing on the VFA, Mutual Defense Treaty, and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
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“Now, whether we need the VFA indefinitely, I think we do not need the VFA indefinitely. So we should use the interim (meantime) to build up our capabilities.”

On January 23, Duterte gave Washington a one-month deadline to reconsider the cancellation of Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa's US visa, leveraging the two-decade-long VFA.

RELATED: Bato dela Rosa says US canceled his visa

The said agreement signed in 1998 allows American and Filipino troops to conduct joint training operations in Philippine territory.

RELATED: Duterte threatens to end VFA if US fails to 'correct' Bato visa cancellation

"I think the VFA was born out of the mutual need from the US to the Philippines,” Lorenzana said, recalling that before 1992 practically all military equipment came from the United States.

On Sept. 16, 1991, the Senate voted not to renew the Military Bases Agreement between the Philippines and the United States.

"When they left, all the supplies, spare parts, everything, dried up. So I think in 1992, we had about more than 100 helicopters flying...in 1999 when they came back I think only three dozen of our helicopters were flying,” the Defense Secretary said.

“That is a lesson that I think we should learn very hard — that we cannot source our equipment from just one source.”

The Senate can conduct inquiries in aid of legislation, with the Foreign Relations Committee hearing considering the following five Senate resolutions:

Senate Resolution 299 – Review of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement
Senate Resolution 303 – Implication of the Termination of RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement
Senate Resolution 305 – Senate Concurrence in Treaty Withdrawal/Termination
Senate Resolution 306 - Validity and Implementation of the Visiting Forces Agreement Between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America
Senate Resolution 312 – Expressing the Sense of the Senate for the President to Reconsider His Plan to Unilaterally Withdraw from the Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States of America

RELATED: Senate VFA review starts today

"[A] careful deliberation of these matters must be taken into account before finally arriving at a decision which will ultimately affect not only the secruity and economy of the Philippines but also that of our neighboring countries in the Asia Pacific region," reads the most recent resolution filed on Monday.

Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III and Sen. Panfilo Lacson have since appealed to Duterte to reconsider the termination of the VFA until the upper legislative chamber has had proper time to review the impact of withdrawing from the said agreement.

RELATED: Senators' resolution urges Duterte to reconsider VFA termination

The Defense secretary previously said the Philippines can unilaterally (one-sided) withdraw from the bilateral (two-sided) agreement.

“The termination of the VFA may be unilaterally initiated by the Philippines, and it is well within the right of the Philippine government to do so if it determines that the agreement no longer redounds to our national interest,” he said in a message to reporters on January 24.

RELATED: Philippines can terminate VFA unilaterally — Lorenzana

This was affirmed by Lacson, who heads the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, saying that lacking a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the matter, Duterte has the capacity to unilaterally break a treaty or bilateral agreement without the consent of a supermajority (2/3) vote of the Senate.

However, the senator said that the cancellation of a US visa does not have the same weight as terminating the VFA, urging the high court to act "soonest."

“The Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and United States is a BILATERAL accord that went through some back-and-forth diplomatic discussions prior to ratification by the Senate, after some intense plenary deliberation,” he said.

“On the other hand, the US visa is a conditional authorization UNILATERALLY given to a visiting foreigner which may be granted, canceled or even denied outright, without need for explanation or justification.”

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/02/06/1990871/lorenzana-philippines-doesnt-need-vfa-indefinitely