Monday, February 17, 2020

PH can boost military capabilities sans VFA: experts

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb  18, 2020): PH can boost military capabilities sans VFA: experts (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)



VFA TERMINATION. Ramon Casiple (middle), Executive Director of Institute for Political and Electoral Reform (IPER), says he agrees with the stand of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. on the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), during the Pandesal Forum at Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City on Monday (February 17, 2020). Also in photo are forum moderator Wilson Lee Flores (left), and UP Professor Bobby Tuazon (right), Director for Policy Studies and in-house policy analyst of the Center for People Empowerment in Governance. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon) 

The Philippines can be self-reliant when it comes to enhancing its military’s defense capabilities, experts said on Monday, following President Rodrigo Duterte’s move to abrogate Manila’s 22-year-old Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with Washington DC.

In a media forum held in Quezon City, political analyst Ramon Casiple said the Philippines can give support to Filipino troops and combat terrorism even without the VFA.

The Philippines, hence, does not need the scrapped military deal, Casiple said.

“Kailangan ba natin ‘yun para makatayo? Ang sagot ko diyan: hindi (Do we need that for us to rise? My answer is no),” he said. “We can do all that without the VFA.”

The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, sent the formal notice of termination of the VFA to the US government on February 11.

The agreement will be abrogated 180 days after the US receives the formal termination notice from the Philippines.

Casiple said the VFA merely gives Washington DC the “pleasure” than Manila.

He also echoed Philippine officials’ stance that the military pact was more advantageous to American forces than Filipino troops.

“Ako ang tingin ko (The way I see it), we don’t need VFA as a necessity in terms of even our national security. In fact, it’s an argument kung bakit humina ‘yung military natin (why our military weakened). Kasi naging usapin dito ‘yung palaging sinasabi ng mga pro-VFA na (Because those who are pro-VFA are always saying), ‘You need the US,’” Casiple said.

The VFA, signed in February 1998 by the two nations, allows visiting US soldiers to arrive in the Philippines without visa and passport restrictions. It also gives them the privilege to use their permits and licenses in the host country.

Former ambassador to the United States Reynaldo Arcilla, who was also a guest speaker at the media forum, viewed the VFA as a useless military deal.

Citing the admission of an unnamed retired military general, Arcilla said the training provided under the VFA is “not actually training in the sense of military welfare.”

“We don’t need that,” he said.

More advantageous to PH

A day after Manila sent the formal termination notice to Washington DC, US President Donald Trump said on February 11 that it was fine that Duterte scrapped the VFA because the US would be able to “save a lot of money.”

Duterte was elated that Trump understood and respected his decision to revoke the VFA, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said on February 15.

George Siy, head of the Integrated Development Studies Institute, said the Philippines would benefit from the abrogation of the VFA because it can now pursue its independent foreign policy.

“Mas may leverage tayo kapag tayo ay independent (We have more leverage when we act as an independent state). I’m not saying we should break ties (with the US). Our policy should be for an independent foreign policy,” Siy said at the forum.

Casiple said the Philippines can boost its military capabilities without relying on other countries, like its long-time ally, the US.

“An independent country kagaya natin, lalo na may independent foreign policy, ang usual logic is that kung gusto mo ng pro-military, you would enhance it, hindi ‘yung mag-depend ka on other countries (An independent country like us, especially since we have an independent foreign policy, the usual logic is you would enhance your defense capabilities and not depend on other countries if you’re pro-military),” he said.

Be ready for consequences

Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines professor Bobby Tuazon warned the government of possible grave repercussions of Duterte’s move to scrap the VFA.

Tuazon said the current administration should be ready to face “bigger” challenges, such as the military and economic sanctions that might be imposed by the US against the Philippines.

He also cautioned that Washington might implement possible visa restrictions for Filipinos and might take “retaliatory actions” against Filipinos residing and working in the US.

“The Duterte administration should be prepared for this. It will invite some strong diplomatic reactions or sanctions from the US,” Tuazon said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094084

AFP-CRS: 5-taong plano ng CPP-NPA para sirain ang Pilipinas

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 17, 2020): 5-taong plano ng CPP-NPA para sirain ang Pilipinas

TAKTIKAL NA PROGRAMA
Issue 1.9 Series of 2020

Dahilan ng pagpapahaba at pagpapatupad ng taktikal na programa:

-Pagbugso ng armadong pakikibaka at mga protesta
at pakikibakang masa.

-Samantalahin ang krisis sa pulitika para agad na makamit ang itinatakda ng programa.

Ang mga ito ay nakadisenyo patungong kasiraan ng tao upang makaramdam ng galit sa gobyerno at sumapi sa mga terorista.

#AFPyoucanTRUST l www.afpcrs.com

Image may contain: 1 person


[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: Localized Peace Initiative Ends 33-Year Struggle of Bukidnon Peasant Group

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 13, 2020): Localized Peace Initiative Ends 33-Year Struggle of Bukidnon Peasant Group

LOCALIZED PEACE INITIATIVE. The 33-year struggle of the Bukidnon Free Farmers Agricultural Laborers Organization (BUFFALO), Tribe Agricultural Movers Association of Rural Active Workers (TAMARAW), Land Tiller Inhabitants of Musuan (LIMUS) collectively known as BTL formally ended today with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Central Mindanao University (CMU) and the officers and members of the said organization.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

Image may contain: 1 person, text


[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Proper Burial to Neutralized CPP-NPA Member

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 13, 2020): Proper Burial to Neutralized CPP-NPA Member

PROPER BURIAL. One (1) member of the New People’s Army was left behind dead by his fleeing comrades after an encounter against the troops of 65th Infantry (Stalwart) Battalion who were able to seize 3 high-powered firearms at an uninhabited area of KM 17 Barangay Besigan, Cagayan de Oro City at 03:20 pm on February 12, 2020. The encounter site is located 50 kms from downtown Cagayan de Oro City.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com



[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Dawlah Islamiya Fighters Yield in Lanao del Sur

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 13, 2020): Dawlah Islamiya Fighters Yield in Lanao del Sur

FIGHTERS SURRENDER. Two Dawlah Islamiya fighters have surrendered amid the pressure of continuous military offensive against them in Lanao del Sur.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com




[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: 5-taong plano ng CPP-NPA para sirain ang Pilipinas

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 14, 2020): 5-taong plano ng CPP-NPA para sirain ang Pilipinas

TAKTIKAL NA PROGRAMA
Issue 1.8 Series of 2020

Gagamitin ang mga pwersa ng pakikibaka sa larangang armado at di-armado, iligal, at mala-ligal, sa kanayunan at kalunsuran upang mabuo ang malakas na Partido galing sa kanilang mga nautong biktima para sirain at pabagsakin ang pamahalaan. .

#AFPyoucanTRUST l www.afpcrs.com



[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Persona-Non Grata Declaration Results in Army Clash with CPP-NPA

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 14, 2020): Persona-Non Grata Declaration Results in Army Clash with CPP-NPA

COMMUNITY COOPERATION. The troops of 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) clash with the CPP-NPA Terrorist(CNT) in the hinterland of Barangay Tolingon, Mainit, Surigao del Norte, today, 11:10 AM, February 12, 2020.

The encounter was a result of reported presence of the CNTs who were trying to extort money, and recover their former mass base supporters.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

Image may contain: one or more people, possible text that says 'PYTHON 13FEBUARY2020 PERSONA-NON GRATA DECLARATION RESULT TO ARMY CLASH WITH CPP-NPA "The continuous declaration every barangay of CPP-NPA as PNG, limits the mobility of the CNTs. the civilian sees these terrorists, they immediately call attention. With that, we advice the CNTS before too late. Your space getting smaller, the people had already turned their backs on you. The government sincere in its offer of peace." LTC JEFFREY Commander, VILLAROSA INF (GSC) PA Infantry Battalion, 4ID,PA CRSAFP ©crsafp afpcrs.com CivilRelationsServiceAFP #AFPyoucanTRUST'


[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: CPP-NPA support in Ilocos crumbles, members surrender in Isabela

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 14, 2020): CPP-NPA support in Ilocos crumbles, members surrender in Isabela

“The government prepared sustainable programs for you (CPP-NPA) to be able to live in peace; all you have to do is take it, come back to the folds of the law.

Our synchronized collaboration is the key in achieving our goal of sustaining lasting peace in our area. Let us continue working together in serving our people and in building a better nation for our fellow Filipinos.”

LTGEN RAMIRO MANUEL A REY AFP
Commander, Northern Luzon Command, AFP

#AFPyoucanTRUST | #SupportOurTroops



[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: IED cache discovered in Maguindanao

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 14, 2020): IED cache discovered in Maguindanao

“The Army troops discovered the cache while they were operating in the barangay of Pikit, North Cotabato and Dasawao in Maguindanao to track and locate a group of fleeing Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters following an encounter last February 7, 2020 in Barangay Manaulanan, Pikit.”

MGEN DIOSDADO C CARREON AFP
Commander, Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry Division, PA

#AFPyoucanTRUST | #SupportOurTroops

Image may contain: 1 person


[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: 17 deceived CPP-NPA members surrender in Aurora

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 14, 2020): 17 deceived CPP-NPA members surrender in Aurora

“The rebel returnees left the underground movement due to misunderstanding with their leaders, hardship and unfulfilled promises. We talked with the former insurgents one at a time and found out that some of them came from Mindanao as reinforcement of the NPA's Komiteng Larangang Guerilla (KLG) Sierra Madre.”

PCol Raul C Siriban
Provincial Director, Aurora Police Provincial Office

#AFPyoucanTRUST | #SupportOurTroops

Image may contain: 2 people, text


[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: CPP-NPA abandons wounded member, salutes AFP for a spared life

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 14, 2020): CPP-NPA abandons wounded member, salutes AFP for a spared life

“The NPAs are all liars. I was deceived by their lies and propaganda. They are agitating and deceiving several IPs with false promises by encouraging them to leave their ancestral domain for better lives in the cities. I am not afraid to divulge these things because I did nothing wrong to them."

Gabriel Hilogon alias Patrick
Abandoned wounded NPA Fighter

#AFPyoucanTRUST | #SupportOurTroops

Image may contain: one or more people, possible text that says '14FEBRUARY2020 CPP-NPA ABANDONS WOUNDED MEMBER, SALUTES AFP FOR A SPARED LIFE "The NPAs are all liars. I was deceived by their lies and propaganda. They are agitating and deceiving several IPs with false promises by encouraging them to leave their ancestral domain for better lives in the cities. I am not afraid to divulge these things because I did nothing wrong to them.' Gabriel Hilogon alias Patrick Abandoned wounded NPA Fighter O CRSAFP ©crsafp afpers.com CivilRelationsServiceAFP #AFPyoucanTRUST'


[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: CPP-NPA Losing Ground

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 17, 2020): CPP-NPA Losing Ground

NPA LOSING GROUND. The 4ID said the recent operations against the NPA on February 11 and 12 in Cabadbaran, Agusan del Sur, and Cagayan de Oro City, resulted in the dismantling of two rebel hideouts and the killing of a rebel. The operations also led to the recovery of several firearms and ammunition.

In both instances, the 4ID said residents and village officials played crucial roles in terms of providing tipoffs. It also helped, it said, that local governments in most parts of the two regions have declared the CPP-NPA and its front organizations' persona non grata.

The Army division also credited the initiatives of the regional, provincial and city task forces to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) in Northern Mindanao and Caraga.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com


Image may contain: 1 person, text


[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Iloilo Town Gives Hope to Former CPP-NPA Rebels

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 16, 2020): Iloilo Town Gives Hope to Former CPP-NPA Rebels

AID FOR EX-REBELS. Tubungan Mayor Roquito Tacsagon (3rd from right) and Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, commander of the Philippines Army's 61st Infantry Battalion, lead the distribution of financial and livelihood aid to three former rebels on Feb. 9, 2020. The assistance to former Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army members is in line with the town's social project dubbed "ROKIT" Reintegration Oplan Kabalaka for Deserving Individuals in Tubungan. (PNA photo courtesy of Army's 61st Infantry Battalion)

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com




[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Top CPP-NPA Leader Killed in North Cotabato

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 16, 2020): Top CPP-NPA Leader Killed in North Cotabato

TOP NPA LEADER KILLED. Juanita Gore Tacadao alias “Isay” or “Maring”, a female senior communist NPA leader was killed after a gunfight erupted while policemen and soldiers were trying to arrest her in North Cotabato’s Makilala town on Saturday.

Tacadao was the regional logistic head and finance chief of the New People’s Army (NPA), which has been fighting for almost six decades now for the establishment of a Maoist state.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

Source: https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/02/16/news/regions/top-npa-leader-killed-in-ncotabato/686254/

Image may contain: 1 person, text


[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Wall of Peace Highlights NPA Atrocities in Davao

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 16, 2020): Wall of Peace Highlights NPA Atrocities in Davao

WALL OF PEACE. BGen. Filmore Escobal, Police Regional Office in Region 11 director (left) and Col. Kirby John Kraft, Davao City Police Office director (right), unveil the 'Wall of Peace' on Friday (February 14). The murals depict images showing the atrocities of the New People's Army.

"It was important to emphasize the wrongdoings of the NPA and be known to the public for them to be aware and avoid their deception." -Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal, Police Regional Office in Region 11 (PRO-11)

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093947

Image may contain: text


[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

MILF-CC: Joint GPH-MILF facility to ensure protection of decommissioned weapons completed

Posted to the Committee on Information, Moro Islamic Liberation Front Central Committee (MILF-CC) Website (Feb 17, 2020): Joint GPH-MILF facility to ensure protection of decommissioned weapons completed


In Phot- ceremonial cutting of ribbon for the first of eleven Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) barracks in Camp Abubakar As-Sidique

Camp Abubakar, Barira, Maguindanao (14 February 2020) – The first of eleven Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) barracks to be built in seven provinces across Mindanao was officially turned over to the Joint Peace and Security Committee (JPSC) on Wednesday in this former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) stronghold.

The barracks are being constructed with funding support from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its Support to Peacebuilding and Normalization (SPAN) Programme.

Newly-installed JPSC co-chair BGen Francisco Ariel Felicidario III AFP, who also co-chairs the Coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities – Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (CCCH-AHJAG), accepted the barracks on behalf of the JPSC.

The facility shall serve as the headquarters of the first JPST team which has been tasked to safeguard weapons turned over by members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front – Bangsamoro who have undergone the process of decommissioning.

The decommissioned firearms are now kept in the Secured Arms and Storage Area (SASA) inside the camp under the oversight of the International Decommissioning Body (IDB).

The JPST team, composed of 15 members each from the MILF-BIAF, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), has been deployed in the area for almost a week.



Symbol of trust in the peace process

OPAPP Undersecretary David B. Diciano, head of the Joint Normalization Division and Chair of the GPH Peace Implementing Panel and Enrico Gaveglia, UNDP deputy resident representative, led the turnover of the facility.

“Today’s turnover of the first of 11 JPST barracks that will be established in mutually agreed areas symbolizes our desire to ensure the implementation of the security component of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB),” Diciano said.

“The decommissioned weapons you will be securing here in this camp represents the decades of armed struggle of the Bangsamoro People. And now that they have been put to rest, they will serve as a reminder to all of us of the sacrifices made by our Moro brothers and sisters in order to uplift the lives of their people,” he stressed.

“The laying down of these firearms are concrete proof of the Bangsamoro People’s trust and confidence in the peace agreement forged between the government and the MILF,” Diciano said.

The JPSC coordinates with the GPH and MILF implementing panels on security arrangements, develops policies and operational guidelines for creating a more effective partnership among JPST members, and carries out security arrangements for activities related to the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

Unwavering commitment to peace process

Diciano pointed out that the numerous accomplishments in the Bangsamoro peace process were achieved because of the unwavering support and commitment coming from the government’s various local and international peace partners.

“The major milestones we have achieved in the Bangsamoro Peace Process over the years are largely due to the support coming from our local and and international peace partners who share our belief that the only way to resolve the armed conflict in Mindanao is by walking the path of peace,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gaveglia reaffirmed UNDP’s continued support to the government, MILF and the normalization process as a whole, as he lauded the parties for working very hard to move the peace process forward.

“UNDP reaffirms its commitment to support OPAPP and the normalization mechanism [by] helping to move the process forward through our SPAN Programme,” he said.

“UNDP has been working with Joint Normalization Committee (JNC) and JPSC to support the operationalization of the JPSTs — to [gather] the needed supplies, equipment and uniforms, conduct JPST trainings, procure vehicles, and construct barracks and stations,” Gaveglia added.

He explained that the UNDP’s implementation of projects under the normalization track is being carried out in partnership with the Embassy of Japan. The agency, he said, looks forward to completing the other 10 barracks in the first quarter of 2020.

“This is actually a testimony of a wider purpose, it is the emblem of the Normalization Process. I do believe that this is just the first step of a longer journey,” Gaveglia said.

The Lt. Col. Sherpor Nezam Abdul Ghapor, IDB deputy chief of staff, also reaffirmed the body’s continued commitment to the Bangsamoro peace process.

“This facility, along with JPST personnel, will provide the IDB with the assurance and security that it needs in giving protection not only to the storage area but to the personnel as well,” Ghapor said.

“I would like to reiterate the unwavering commitment of the IDB member-countries towards the implementation of the GPH and the MILF Peace Agreement,” he added.

Ghapor also thanked the AFP’s 1st Marine Brigade headed by Col Jonas Lumawag of the Philippine Navy, which has been assigned as the “maneuver unit” which will secure the perimeter of the Camp Abubakar or Camp Iranun.

The IDB is mandated to oversee the decommissioning of the MILF combatants and their weapons. It is composed of representatives from the governments of Turkey, Norway, Kingdom of Brunei, and local experts nominated by the GPH and MILF.

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2001/joint-gph-milf-facility-to-ensure-protection-of-decommissioned-weapons-completed

NDF: 50th Anniversary of First Quarter Storm (FQS) celebrated in the Netherlands

Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Feb 16, 2020): 50th Anniversary of First Quarter Storm (FQS) celebrated in the Netherlands

Dozens of young and senior activists gathered in Utrecht, the Netherlands on 15 February to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Philippines’ First Quarter Storm of 1970 – a series of massive and nationwide protest actions against the looming Marcos fascist dictatorship, producing an entire generation of revolutionary cadres who have victoriously built the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army (NPA) and organizations of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).



The anniversary celebration was an occasion to launch the second edition of the book The First Quarter Storm of 1970, a collection of articles written during that momentous period by Prof. Jose Maria Sison, Founding Chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines. The event was also an occasion for a reunion of several of the activists who led and participated in the protest actions themselves in 1970.

Speaking at the gathering, Prof. Sison recalled how the First Quarter Storm of 1970 (FQS 1970) provided experience and strength to Filipino activists who were able to assist in the nationwide expansion of the revolutionary forces.

He stressed that today, “the CPP as the revolutionary party of the proletariat leads tens of thousands of members, thousands of Red fighters in the NPA, hundreds of thousands of people in revolutionary organizations and millions of peoples (within) the provisional revolutionary government.”



Speaking about the relevance of the FQS 1970 to the global anti-fascist and anti-imperialist struggle, Prof. Sison drew a connection between the Filipino people’s struggle in the 1970s to the struggle of people around the world against 21st century fascism and imperialism.

“It was inevitable that the FQS had connections with the global struggle against fascism and imperialism in 1970. US imperialism was the common enemy of the Filipino people and the people of the world,” he said.

Prof. Sison pointed out, “At that time, the revolutionary storm was in Southeast Asia and the eye of that storm was in Vietnam. The Filipino youth and the youth of the world were inspired by the heroic revolutionary struggle of the Vietnamese people and were moved to engage militantly in mass protest actions against the US war of aggression.”

He explained that in the last 50 years, the world proletarian revolution have experienced serious setbacks, including “the Dengist counter-revolutionary coup” in 1976 and the rapid restoration of capitalism in China, the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and US imperialism becoming the sole superpower.

“But despite such dismal developments,” he said, “the Filipino people have persevered in the new democratic revolution through protracted people’s war… they have stood out as the torch bearer of the anti-imperialist struggle and the world proletarian-socialist revolution.”

He said that today, “the forces of the national democratic movement are far larger, more widespread and stronger than in 1970 and are far more capable of fighting and winning against the Duterte tyranny and the entire ruling system.”



Also speaking at the event, Dr. Bert de Belder of the Workers Party of Belgium explained that the articles in the book The First Quarter Storm of 1970 “makes clear to what extent a correct analysis of events and developments is absolutely indispensible if you want to speak to the mind of the activists, instill them with a clarity of vision and mobilize them with concrete calls to action… the ideas, the creativity, the activism, the principles and the commitment continue to have their full relevance for the new generations, the world over.”



Ms. Charito Ramirez, one of the leaders of the FQS 1970, graced the occasion and shared her experience. She likened the protest actions as drops of rain. “The rallies on 26 January in front of Philippine Congress and on 30 January in front of the Presidential Palace were the first drops of rain,” she said. “By the end of the first quarter in March, the rain had become a storm.”

Connecting the protests of 50 years ago to the current situation, Dr. de Belder said, “Ours is the task – and it is an urgent task – to seize the moment and give those slogans, feelings and actions a clear class content and orientation, as happened during the First Quarter Storm, so as to enlighten and mobilize the new generations to take the initiative and change the world.”



A young Filipina activist, Ilena Saturay, shared her thoughts to the gathering: The youth of today are once again living in dangerous times. Those who speak up against the rotten Philippine society become victims of the Duterte regimes killings, illegal arrests, harassments and much more.

“It is our time to arouse, organize and mobilize,” Saturay said. “We should go back to the streets with bigger numbers. We owe it to the youth before us, and we owe it to the youth of tomorrow. It is our time to dare to struggle, dare to win.”

FQS 1970 activists who were able to attend the gathering recalled their experience of those historic months. They joined the cultural presentations, singing protest songs and chanting protest slogans against the US-Marcos dictatorship, the calls for social revolution still relevant to this time.

https://ndfp.org/50th-anniversary-of-first-quarter-storm-fqs-celebrated-in-the-netherlands/

Kalinaw News: Tatlo patay at tatlo ang nailigtas na kasapi ng teroristang CPP-NPA sa naganap na engkwentro sa Isabela

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 17, 2020): Tatlo patay at tatlo ang nailigtas na kasapi ng teroristang CPP-NPA sa naganap na engkwentro sa Isabela (By 5ID Star Troopers)



CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela – Ang puspusang kampanya para tapusin ang Teroristang Komunistang NPA ng 502nd Infantry Brigade at 95th Infantry Battalion ay nakasagupa nila ang ilang miyembro ng armadong Teroristang Grupo na kinabibilangan ng pinagsanib na miyembro ng Central Front at Regional Sentro De – Grabidad (RSDG) ng Komiteng Rehiyong-Cagayan Valley (KR-CV) na dahilan ng agarang pagkamatay ng tatlong kasapi ng armadong NPA at pagkasagip din ng tatlo pa nilang kasamahan (NPA) sa tulong mismo ng ating nasagupang kasundaluhan malapit sa Brgy Rang-ayan, Ilagan City, Isabela noong ika-16 ng Pebrero 2020.

Ayon kay LTC Gladiuz C Calilan, Battalion Commander ng 95IB, ang nasabing engkwentro ay dahil sa pagsuplong ng mga mamamayan sa mga kasundaluhan na nagsasagawa ng Community Support Program (CSP) sa nasabing lugar na may mga armadong grupo na nagsasagawa ng pananakot at pangingikil kung kaya’t umaksyon agad ang kanilang tropa na nagresulta ng nasabing sagupaan.

Ayon pa kay LTC Calilan ay pilit nilang kinumbinsi ang mga teroristang grupo na sumuko nalang ngunit sila ay nagmatigas at lumaban na nagdulot sa pagkasawi ng tatlo nilang kasamahan at pagkarekober ng isang M16 Assault Rifle, tatlong Caliber 45 at mga bala.

Sa pakikipag-usap sa mga tatlong nailigtas na NPA sa bakbakan, at sa tulong ng mga naunang sumuko sa pamahalaan ng San Mariano, Isabela napag-alaman na ang dalawa sa nasawing NPA ay mga lider ng grupo bilang Squad Leader at Team Leader /Medical Officer na sina Aka Bobby at Aka Princes (lalaki). Habang isa sa mga naligtas na si Aka Jimboy ay isang Katutubong dumagat na menor de-edad sa taong disi-sais (16 y/o). Patunay nito ang patuloy sa paggamit ng teroristang CPP-NPA-NDF sa mga kabataan bilang “Child Warriors” at hindi pagkilala sa karapatang pantao. At ang dalawa pang sumuko ay kinilala sa hindi tunay nilang pangalan na si Aka Lesli at Aka Alvin na may katungkulan din bilang Supply Officer at Team Leader mula sa Central Front, Komiteng Rehiyong-Cagayan (CF, KR-CV).

Sa panayam din sa katutubong menor de edad siya ay lubos na nagagalak at nasisiyahan dahil nakamtan na niya ang tunay na kalayaan mula sa mapanlinlang na teroristang grupo. Sapagkat, matagal na niyang gustong tumakas dahil napag-alaman niya ang hirap na kanyang naranasan bilang utusan ng mga NPA lider sa pagganap ng kanilang kagustuhan.

Binigyang diin naman ni BGen Laurence E Mina AFP, Brigade Commander, 502nd Infantry (Liberator) Brigade, na mas lalo pa nilang paigtingin ang joint AFP-PNP Law Enforcement Operations at Focused Military Operations upang panagutin ang mga teroristang grupo sa mga krimen na kanilang nagawa.

Samantala, nagpasalamat naman si MGen Pablo M Lorenzo AFP, Commander, 5th Infantry (Star) Division, sa tulong at pakikiisa ng mamamayan sa mga kasundaluhan sa pagkamit ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran. “Hindi hihinto ang kasundaluhan ng 5ID sa pagtugis sa mga teroristang NPA upang masiguro na ang bawat mamamayan ay makapamuhay ng malaya at payapa.”

“Hinihikayat namin ang mga natitirang teroristang grupo na nasa kabundukan na magbalik-loob sa tunay na gobyerno sapagkat may nakalaang programa at benepisyo na nag-aantay sa inyo upang makapagsimula ng isang tahimik at bagong buhay kasama ang inyong mga pamilya,” dagdag ni MGen Lorenzo.






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Soldier killed, 5 others injured in clash with Maute remnants in Lanao Sur

From MindaNews (Feb 17, 2020): Soldier killed, 5 others injured in clash with Maute remnants in Lanao Sur (By RICHEL V. UMEL)

ILIGAN CITY (MindaNews / 17 February) – A soldier was killed while five others were wounded in a clash with the Dawlah Islamiya, or the remnants of the Maute Group, on Saturday in the hinterlands bordering the towns of Balindong and Piagapo, Lanao del Sur, belated reports reaching here Monday said.

Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the troops
clashed with about 20 Dawlah Islamiya members, who “also suffered casualties based on the bloodstains found in their escape route.”


He assured the troops will continue to go after and defeat the terrorists in Lanao province.

Cuerpo claimed that soldiers “have taken over the security positions and captured some camps of the Dawlah Islamiya in the area.”

Brigadier General Gene Ponio, 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division commander, pinned the wounded personnel medals to the injured troops and assured them “of the best medical treatment for their speedy recovery.”

Ponio extended the military’s sympathies to the bereaved family and friends of the slain soldier from the 55th Infantry Battalion (IB), whose name was withheld.

The wounded soldiers include four from the 82nd IB and one from the 55th IB.

Additional troops were sent to pursue the fleeing terrorists as well as to ensure the safety and security of the local populace, Ponio said.

NPA commander captured in Mindanao

From the Mindanao Examiner (Feb 17, 2020): NPA commander captured in Mindanao

Soldiers and policemen captured a top communist rebel leader at a checkpoint in Surigao del Sur province in southern Philippines, officials said Monday.

Officials said
Renan Cantos was intercepted over the weekend in the village of La Purisima after security forces received intelligence information the 30-year old New People’s Army commander would pass in the area.

Cantos is facing at least 10 arrest warrants for multiple murders and kidnapping charges against him, according to Brigadier General Joselito Esquivel Jr, the regional police chief, who confirmed the capture of one of the most notorious rebel commander in northern Mindanao.


A police photo shows the arrested NPA leader Renan Cantos.
He said Cantos was also the former commander of the NPA’s Guerrilla Front 8 under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

“The operation that led to his arrest is part of our aggressive and more intensified campaign against insurgency and wanted persons,” said Esquivel.

Esquivel also called on NPA members to stop fighting the government and urged them surrender peacefully, and take advantage of the amnesty program being offered by the Duterte administration.

“The government is offering the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) which provides several benefits like financial assistance and livelihood program to former rebels and militiamen who surrendered to the government,” Esquivel said.

E-CLIP is a peace-building and social protection program that provides interventions to former NPA members and become productive citizens of society. It offers livelihood and financial assistance to all rebels who opted to abandon the armed struggle and surrender peacefully to the government.

Last week, security forces killed Juanita Tacadao, the NPA’s regional logistic head and finance chief, in a firefight in North Cotabato’s Makilala town. Tacadao was also facing a string of criminal charges, mostly murder and robbery cases, in Davao del Sur province. She was slain in the village of Malabuan where security forces tracked down her hideout.

The NPA has been fighting for many decades now in an effort to overthrow the democratic government and install a communist regime. (With a report from Rhoderick Beñez.)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/02/npa-commander-captured-in-mindanao.html

31 young FRs in Caraga surrender to Army

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 17, 2020): 31 young FRs in Caraga surrender to Army (By Jennifer P. Gaitano)


BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 17 (PIA) - Some 31 young former rebels have surrendered to the Philippine Army and are now ready to live a normal life back to their respective families.

During the coordination and processing of children involved in armed conflict by the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police (PNP), the young former rebels have learned about the benefits and assistance that they could avail from the government under the Enhanced - Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Of the 31 former rebels, two are minors while others have served the new people’s army for several years already.

According to Jason Ryan Lam of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Caraga, the government is ready to assist former rebels to return to normal, productive, and law-abiding way of life.

“Under the E-CLIP, the government ensures the provision of the needed services and programs for the former rebels. The issues and concerns are also being addressed, and with all these efforts of the government, no one will be left behind,” Lam said.

402nd brigade commander, Brigadier General Maurito Licudine bared that coordination with the parents and relatives of the surrenderees is ongoing, and necessary assistance for them is underway.



The official further urged the youths to be more responsible and prevent themselves from getting involved in illegal activities.

“Value this opportunity that is given to you as you return to your community and start a new life. The government is always here ready to help and assist you in your needs,” cited Licudine.

PNP-Caraga regional director Police Brigadier General Joselito Esquivel, Jr. also stressed to the surrenderees the value of respecting their parents and elders, and that they should serve as a role model to their peers.

“Always pay respect to your parents and elders, because that is very basic. Be nationalistic and always inculcate to your minds that there is only one government for all the Filipino people,” said Esquivel.

Meanwhile, regional director Manuel Orduña of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Region 10 also reiterated the vital role of the youths towards attaining lasting peace and sustainable development in the country.

He added that the successive surrender of the former rebels is a clear manifestation of the government’s fruitful efforts in addressing the problem on insurgency. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034627

Army seizes NPA hideout in Surigao Norte

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 17, 2020): Army seizes NPA hideout in Surigao Norte (By Susil D. Ragas)

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Feb. 17 (PIA) -- Troops of the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB), Philippine Army recently overran another Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) hideout in the hinterlands of Sitio Puhagan, Barangay Mahanub, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte.

The 30IB’s security operation has been conducted after receiving of reports from civilians that the CNTs were conducting extortion activities in the said area.

Civil Military Operation Officer Lt. Wilfredo Quilang said the enemy withdrew after 30 minutes of firefight resulting to the recovery of two anti-personnel mines, one bandoleer with seven magazines loaded with 150 rounds for AK47, 36 poncho tents, some personal belongings and other subversive documents. (30IB-Philipine Army/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034718

PNP chief to NPAs: Gov’t ready to accept you

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 17, 2020): PNP chief to NPAs: Gov’t ready to accept you (By Carlson B. Alelis)

Featured Image

ILOILO CITY, Feb. 17 (PIA) – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa said the government is ready to accept members of the New People’s Army (NPA) should they decide to surrender and return to the folds of law.

“Bakit hindi pa kasi kayo bumaba. It’s a different government, nandito kami (Why not just come down. It’s a different government, we are here),” he said during his visit to the Police Regional Office (PRO)-6, last Saturday.


PNP chief Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa pays his respects to Captain Efren Espanto, Jr. during the fallen cop’s wake at PRO-6, last Saturday. Espanto was killed during an encounter with members of the New People’s Army (NPA). (CBA-PIA6 photo)

The nation’s top cop made the statement following the death of Captain Efren Espanto Jr., team leader of the Reconnaissance Company of the Western Visayas Regional Mobile Force Battalion.

Espanto was killed during an encounter with members of the NPA last week.

He said if communist rebels go down and surrender their firearms, there are livelihood and housing offered by the government.

“At pwede kayong bumalik sa ordinaryong pamumuhay rather than ganito maglaban laban tayo kapwa Pilipino (And all of you can go back to your ordinary lives rather than having us, fellow Filipinos, fight each other),” Gamboa said.

There are also proposals to have these communist rebels commissioned to the armed forces as members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU).

Gamboa paid his respects to the fallen cop during Espanto’s wake at PRO-6, last Saturday.

Espanto’s immediate family received financial assistance and government benefits from the PNP, National Police Commission, Comprehensive Social Benefit Program, and the Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund, Inc. (PSMBFI).

The Civil Service Commission also gave a posthumous award/citation (Pamanang Parangal sa Lingkod Bayan) to Espanto. (LTP/CBA/PIA-6)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034749

3 NPA rebels killed; 3 others surrender in Isabela

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 17, 2020): 3 NPA rebels killed; 3 others surrender in Isabela (By Villamor Visaya, Jr.)



CLASH SITE. The encounter scene between the 95th Infantry Battalion and communist rebels in Rang-ayan, City of Ilagan, Isabela on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020. Three rebels were killed in the clash. (Photo courtesy of 5ID, Philippine Army)

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela -- Three alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a clash with government troops in the mountains of Rang-ayan village in the City of Ilagan, Isabela on Sunday.

Army Major Noriel Tayaban, 5th Infantry Division (5ID) public affairs chief and spokesperson, on Monday said
the two fatalities were identified as NPA squad leader Ka Bobby and team leader-medical officer Ka Princess (a man).

The third fatality remains unidentified. Their bodies were brought to the Ramos Funeral Parlor in the City of Ilagan.

The clash occurred after a platoon of Army soldiers belonging to the 95th Infantry Battalion (95IB) went to the site upon receiving information from villagers that about 50 communist rebels belonging to the NPA Isabela Central Front led by a certain Ka Brad and the Regional Sentro de Gravidad (RSDG) led by a certain Ka Bang were in the area.

"The rebels were reportedly asking for food and apparently retaliating with the declaration of CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front) as persona non grata in Ilagan," Tayaban told the PNA.

After a 15-minute firefight, the rebels withdrew, leaving behind their killed comrades. Soldiers seized from them an M-16 Armalite rifle and three .45-caliber handguns.


An hour prior to the encounter, three communist rebels surrendered to 95IB soldiers in the same village.

Military officials identified them as Ka Alvin, rebel team leader in San Mariano town; Ka Leslie, who is from the Visayas, supply officer; and a 16-year-old minor, Ka Jimboy from Divilacan, Isabela.


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093997

'Ranking NPA leader' nabbed in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 17, 2020): 'Ranking NPA leader' nabbed in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)



RANKING REBEL LEADER. Combined forces of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army arrested high-ranking New People’s Army leader Renan Ayad Cantos, 30, in a checkpoint on Saturday (Feb. 15, 202) in Barangay La Purisima, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur. Officials say Cantos is facing a string of criminal cases that include murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, serious illegal detention, and robbery. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

An alleged ranking leader of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested by joint forces of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army in Surigao del Sur over the weekend.

Col. James Goforth, Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office (SDSPPO) director,
identified the suspect as Renan Ayad Cantos, resident of Barangay Poblacion, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur.

Goforth said Cantos, 30, is known in the NPA movement as alias “Loki, Ronin, and Sanjo” and was the former commanding officer of Platoon 7 of the NPA's Guerrilla Front Committee 19 (GFC-19).

Cantos allegedly also served as the vice commanding officer of the NPA's sub-regional Sentro de Gravidad (SDG) Southland of the guerilla movement's Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC). In addition, police and military officials described him as a former member of the NPA's national special operation group.


In an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Monday, Goforth said Cantos has 11 standing warrants of arrest.

Cantos was arrested by combined elements of the First Surigao del Sur Provincial Mobile Company, Cagwait Municipal Police Station, Regional Intelligence Division of the Police Regional Office 13 (PRO-13) and the Army's 7th Special Forces Company (7SFC) in a checkpoint in Barangay La Purisima, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur.

The warrants of arrest issued by Judge Kimal M. Galacop of the Regional Trial Court Branch 6 in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur against Cantos cites a string of criminal cases that include murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, serious illegal detention, and robbery.

Goforth said the suspect is now under the custody of Cagwait PNP for proper disposition.

In a statement issued on Monday, PRO-13 police director, Brig. Gen. Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr. said the arrest of Cantos was the result of the" aggressive and intensified campaign of the PNP and the Army against communist insurgency."

Esquivel also called on the remaining NPA combatants in the area to surrender and avail of the integration program of the government.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094025

5 wounded soldiers feted after Lanao Sur clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 17, 2020): 5 wounded soldiers feted after Lanao Sur clash (By Divina Suson and Richel Umel)



WOUNDED PERSONNEL AWARD. Brigadier General Gene Ponio, Commanding General of the 1st Infantry "Tabak" Division of Philippine Army, pins the Wounded Personnel Medal on one of the five wounded military troopers confined inside the 1ID army hospital on Monday (Feb. 17, 2020). Five soldiers were wounded and one was killed in the military operations February 15 in the hinterlands between Balindong and Piagapo towns in Lanao del Sur. (Photo courtesy of 1ID)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines awarded on Monday five soldiers wounded in a clash on Saturday with the suspected remnants of terrorist group Dawlah Islamiya (DI) in the hinterlands of Balindong town, Lanao del Sur.

They are Second Lieutenant Edon John Sumpay, Privates First Class Jeson Orias and Alony Gado, Jr., and Sergeant Rodgen Pumares, all of the Army's 82nd Infantry Battalion; and Private Almie Maputi of the 55th Infantry Battalion.


Brig. General Generoso Ponio, 1st Infantry Division commander, pinned the Wounded Personnel Award after the flag-raising ceremony inside the Kuta Cesar Sang-an Station Hospital at the 1ID headquarters in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

Ponio assured the soldiers they would be provided with the best medical treatment for their speedy recovery.

“We also extend our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and friends of our soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice in protecting the people against the terrorist group and we salute his gallantry and bravery,” Ponio said.

Saturday's encounter resulted in the death of Private Ellasar Palma of the 55IB, said Captain Clint Antipala, acting civilian-military operations officer of the 1ID.

Colonel Jose Maria Cuerpo, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, said the 20 DI remnants likely suffered casualties during the encounter as evidenced by the bloodstains found along their withdrawal route.

“In the last few days, the security forces have taken their camps and security layer positions. Your forces will continue to pursue them with the ultimate objective of defeating terrorism in Lanao province”, Cuerpo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094014

Air Force allots P11.9-M for FA-50H jet servicing equipment

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 17, 2020): Air Force allots P11.9-M for FA-50H jet servicing equipment (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Two of the Philippine Air Force's FA-50PH at the runway in Clark Air Base, Pampanga (File photo)

In line with efforts to ensure that all of its aircraft are mission-ready at all times, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has allocated PHP11.9 million for the procurement of servicing equipment for its 12 South Korean-made FA-50PH "Fighting Eagle" jet aircraft.

These various devices or platform are used to service and support the operations of the aircraft between flights, and crucial in maintaining components even before they need to be replaced.

The PAF, through its Bids and Awards Committee, advised all interested bidders to submit their applications before 9 a.m. of February 24, the bid opening day, at the Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.


"The Philippine Air Force reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders," PAF Bids and Awards Committee chair, Brig. Gen. Carlo Bueno N. Buena said in the bid bulletin posted at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System website.

The Philippines' contract with Korea Aerospace Industries for 12 FA-50PHs is worth PHP18.9 billion and it was signed on February 2014.

The jets were delivered from 2015 up to 2017.

The FA-50PHs has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093989

Joma Sison reveals talks of a military coup against Duterte

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 16, 2020): Joma Sison reveals talks of a military coup against Duterte (By Martin Sadongdong)

After the Philippine government sent a notice of termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) to the United States, Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison has claimed that some pro-America officers in the military were talking about a possible coup d’etat against President Duterte.



Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison (ROCKY NAZARENO / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

Sison, who is in self-exile in The Netherlands, said Duterte has “aroused” the interest of some pro-US Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officials after he approved the sending of the termination of the two-decades-old military pact with America.

“Just by giving the US a notice of terminating VFA, he has aroused quite a number of pro-US military officers to talk against him and curse him for prejudicing hundreds of projects under the VFA. Some of these officers have been talking about a coup,” Sison said in a statement on Saturday.

Sison also noted that quite a number of the officials planning the ouster plot were “assets” of the US Defense Intelligence Agency and Central Intelligence Agency who remain “loyal to their pocketbooks rather than to the Filipino people.”

But as early as last week, AFP Chief General Felimon Santos Jr. had already dismissed the rumors that some military officials disapproved of Duterte’s decision to scrap the VFA.

Santos had said that there was no need for the military to conduct a loyalty check among its ranks since the change of command, with Duterte on top as the military’s Commander-in-Chief, remains uncompromised.

“We are loyal ever since,” Santos said on February 12.

The Philippine government sent last week the notice of termination of the VFA to the US government. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper had confirmed that Pentagon already received the notice.

The VFA, signed in 1998 to allow joint trainings between American and Filipino soldiers in the Philippines and govern the conduct of US troops while they are in the country, will officially be terminated after 180 days since the sending of the notice.

Advice

Sison also offered pieces of advice to Duterte for him to overcome all ouster plots against him due to his firm stand to terminate the VFA.

The top Communist leader said it would be “laudable” if Duterte could scrap all military agreements with the US, including the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), and the Mutual Logistics and Support Agreement (MLSA).

“For him to do so and counter any coup threat from pro-US military officers, he would need to invoke national sovereignty and at the same time, complement this with highly patriotic and progressive social, economic and political reforms to get solid support from the people as in Cuba, Vietnam, and Venezuela,” Sison said.

Doing so would enable the President to get the support of the “truly patriotic” military officers and enlisted personnel, Sison added.

‘Do it with China, too’

Meanwhile, Sison argued that if Duterte was capable of asserting national sovereignty over America, he should also be able to do it with China by demanding its withdrawal from artificial and militarized islands built in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the country in the West Philippine Sea.

“Otherwise, the scrapping of the military agreements with the US would be considered as merely favoring Chinese imperialism and the surrender of the West Philippine Sea to China,” Sison said.

ADF reduces footprint in potential Philippines 'caliphate'

From 9News (Feb 17, 2020): ADF reduces footprint in potential Philippines 'caliphate' (By Mark Saunokonoko)


The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has scaled back its presence in the Philippines, two years after Islamic State affiliated rebels executed a bloody siege of Marawi that left 1100 dead.

Operation Augury, a joint taskforce between the Australia and the Philippines, was launched in 2017 to help stop an Islamic State 'caliphate' rising on Australia's doorstep.

At its peak, the ADF had deployed two spy planes, two navy patrol boats, a team of special forces and more than 100 ADF personnel to counter the spread of Islamic extremism.


Philippine Marines detonate a target as they train with Australian Defence Forces. (AP)

As Operation Augury transitions into its next phase, nine.com.au has confirmed the ADF has withdrawn its surveillance planes and both naval vessels, and will maintain a floating personnel headcount that will sometimes number as few as five.

The ADF will continue to send up to 100 personnel to the Philippines at various times to assist the training of the Philippines Armed Forces.

During the five-month Marawi siege, the Philippines army struggled to root out stubborn pockets of fighters in the densely populated city in the Mindanao region.

Over the last two years, the ADF has trained more than 10,000 Philippines army and marine personnel in urban combat, air strike tactics in an urban environment and maritime security.

Australian special forces have assisted the Philippines army with urban close combat warfare and sniper and counter-sniper tactics.

"A significant program of engagement with the Philippines is planned for 2020," a Defence Department spokesperson told nine.com.au.

Five Defence staff have been stationed in Manila since January, as Operation Augury moves into an enhanced co-operation program with the Philippines military, the spokesperson said.


An ADF member watches a Philippine Marine firing during a training exercise at a marine base in Ternate, Cavite province, Philippines. (AP)


In this 2017 photo, Philippine Navy commandos ride on a gunboat as it patrols the periphery of Lake Lanao. Smoke rises from the main battle area where pro-Islamic group militants made a final stand amid a massive military offensive of Marawi city in southern Philippines. (AP)

The five staff, who began their mission in January, will co-ordinate the arrival of ADF personnel on training exercises.

"The number of ADF personnel deployed to the Philippines will fluctuate between five and approximately 100 individuals depending on the task and the type of training ADF teams will undertake at the request of the Armed Forces of the Philippines," the spokesperson said.

In a statement, ADF Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Greg Bilton said Operation Augury had been "extraordinarily successful" and boosted counter-terror security in the region.

Australia's military ties with the Philippines now take on even greater significance, after last week's shock announcement President Rodrigo Duterte was ending a major security pact with the United States.


Members of the Philippine Marines 1st Brigade conduct a clearing operation at the main battle zone to liberate the ruined city from the presence of Daesh terrorists in Marawi City, Philippines on September 15, 2017. (Getty)


A devastated mosque in the ruined city of Marawi, Lanao del Sur province, Philippines. Authorities now face the task of rehabilitating the devastated city and providing housing to the displaced residents. (AAP)


A Filipino government soldier conducts a patrol on a reclaimed former Maute stronghold in Marawi City, Mindanao, in a photo dated May 2017. (AAP)

President Duterte's decision means American forces will no longer be able to train in the country.
The US fear the move will undermine Philippine security and foster aggression in the disputed South China Sea.

A US military presence in the strategic waterway has been seen as a crucial counterweight to China, which claims virtually the entire sea.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/adf-australian-military-maintain-smaller-presence-in-philippines/0bfe6d42-70db-4bc3-8bde-cad2ed230b52