Civilian tip-off leads to Army-NPA encounter, female rebel killed in Aklan

From Panay News (Apr 5, 2022): Civilian tip-off leads to Army-NPA encounter, female rebel killed in Aklan (By Boy Ryan Zabal)

A female rebel killed of Sentro de Grabidad (SDG) Igabon Platoon, Central Front of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (KR-P). 301st Brigade, PA

A New People’s Army (NPA) member was killed in an encounter with Army troopers in Libacao, Aklan on April 1, 2022.

The 15-minute gun battle resulted to the death of a female fighter of Sentro de Grabidad (SDG) Igabon Platoon, Central Front of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (KR-P).

Authorities seized a homemade shotgun with ammunition, empty shells of 5.56 mm and homemade shotgun, a backpack containing personal belongings, and subversive documents.

The encounter of the 31st Division Reconnaissance Company under the supervision of the 12th Infantry Battalion against five NPA rebels in Sitio Maytaraw in Barangay Dalagsa-an took place at around 2:10 p.m.

No one was hurt on the side of government troops after the brief firefight.

In a statement, Brigadier-General Marion Sison, 301st Infantry Battalion commander, lauded the trust and support of the community in providing reliable and timely information to the government soldiers.

“It is a clear manifestation that the civilian populace is now aware of the treacherous, deceitful, and evil acts of the NPAs that only sow fear and terror in their community,” he stressed.

Two rebels were also killed in a joint operation of the 94th and 79th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Kulihaw, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental on April 1.

Last year, there were 49 NPA rebels killed, 22 were apprehended and 71 had surrendered in Central and Western Visayas regions, according to the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division.

Major General Benedict Arevalo, 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division commander, commended the dedication of the government troops for their relentless operations against NPA rebels.

“We will never stop securing and serving our people until we attain long and lasting peace and development in this part of the country. We will continue to hunt the remaining terrorist groups,” he added.

https://www.panaynews.net/civilian-tip-off-leads-to-army-npa-encounter-female-rebel-killed-in-aklan/

21 former NPA rebels yield in Albay

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 5, 2022): 21 former NPA rebels yield in Albay (By: Michael B. Jaucian)

More than 20 former rebels in Albay surrendered Tuesday (April 5) to the military. | Photos by Michael Jaucian, Inquirer Southern Luzon

LIGAO CITY––Twenty-one former New People’s Army (NPA) members operating in Albay and Camarines Sur provinces surrendered Tuesday to the Philippine Army in a ceremony in this city.

At the base camp of the Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Tastas in this city, soldiers welcomed the rebels and assured them of a peaceful and progressive life under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“This is the result of continuous campaign effort of the government in convincing them to surrender to have a normal life and avail of the readied programs, particularly the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict,” Colonel Edmundo Peralta, commander of the 902nd Infantry Brigade.

With the surrender of nine rebels and 12 Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad members, along with their firearms, the membership and influence of the communist guerrilla group would further lessen, he said.



More than 20 former rebels in Albay surrendered Tuesday (April 5) to the military. | Photos by Michael Jaucian, Inquirer Southern Luzon

“Ka Darren,” a member of the NPA for 20 years, said he surrendered because he was tired of the system.

“The [rebel] commander [is the] only one benefitting from extortion activities,” Ka Darren said.

Duterte says not endorsing any presidential bet to avoid controversy

Meanwhile, soldiers from the military’s 9th Infantry Division, based in Pili town in Camarines Sur province and operating in Bicol, are on red alert status for the coming May polls. This means security and combat operations are more frequently done in the region to prevent the possible attack and harassment of the members of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed group NPA.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1578680/21-former-npa-rebels-yield-in-albay

3 rebels surrender

From the Mindanao Times (Apr 5, 2022): 3 rebels surrender (By RHODA GRACE SARON)

Photo courtesy of 10th Infantry Division

THE military reported three more members of the New People’s Army surrendered to the 89th Infantry Battalion (89IB) in Davao de Oro Sunday.

Colonel Jorry Baclor of the Public Affairs Office of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the three belonged to the Subregional Guerilla Unit, Subregional Committee Five (SRC5) of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).

Baclor said the htree also brought with them their rifles; a Garand, an M16 and a shotgun.

He added that the battalion is still processing the benefits due them through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Maj. Gen. Nolasco A Mempin, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, said the surrender of the rebels was due to implementation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

“We are now reaping the fruit of the relentless programs of the NTF-ELCAC. For the first quarter of this year, numerous high-ranking communist terrorist group leaders surrendered to 10ID. At the same time, two CTG guerilla units, namely Subregional Committee 5 (SRC5) and Subregional Guerilla Unit (SRGU) were dismantled,” Mempin said.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2022/04/05/3-rebels-surrender/

Rebel couple accorded proper burial

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 5, 2022): Rebel couple accorded proper burial (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The two NPA members who were killed in a gun battle with government security forces, were given a decent burial by Army soldiers on April 3 at a public cemetery in Himamaylan City.* PA photo

A New People’s Army couple, who died and were left behind by their fleeing comrades following a recent encounter with government security forces, were given a decent burial by the Himamaylan City Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (HTF-ELCAC).

The burial of Elbert Nicolas Quillano, deputy secretary of the Central Negros (Front) 2, and his wife, Jessa, medical officer of Sentro De Grabidad Platoon of CN2, were facilitated by the 94IB soldiers, who buried them at the public cemetery of Himamaylan City on April 3, its commander, Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, said.

The rebel couple died on April 1 following an encounter between 94th and 79th Infantry Battalion soldiers in Sitio Kulihaw, Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City.

Almonte said the masses that trusted the NPA are fed up and no longer endure the extortion and threats they received from the terrorist group.

This prompted them to abandon the armed group and takes side with the government.

On March 26, two suspected NPA rebels, who are brothers also died in an encounter with 94IB soldiers in neighboring Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City.

https://visayandailystar.com/rebel-couple-accorded-proper-burial/

NPA loses 9 high-powered firearms in Caraga skirmishes

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2022): NPA loses 9 high-powered firearms in Caraga skirmishes (By Alexander Lopez)

LOSING FIREPOWER. The Army’s Fourth Infantry Division (4ID) reports the seizure of nine high-powered firearms and four improvised explosives from the New People's Army rebels during the series of armed encounters in the Caraga Region in March this year. Photo shows firearms recovered by government troops after a clash on March 29, 2022 in Barangay San Vicente, Carmen, Surigao del Sur. (Image courtesy of 36IB)

The series of armed encounters last month has reduced the firepower capabilities of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Caraga Region with the recovery of high-powered firearms, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said.

In a press release Monday evening, the 4ID said four improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were also recovered by Army troopers during last month's operations.

In an encounter on March 29, troops under the 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) engaged the rebels in a 10-minute gun battle in Barangay San Vicente, Carmen, Surigao del Sur.

This resulted in the recovery of an M16 rifle, a Carbine rifle, a caliber .22 rifle with scope, a .45 caliber pistol, assorted ammunition, and four IEDs.

A day before that, troops under the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB) also recovered four high-powered firearms concealed by the NPA rebels in the hinterlands of Barangay Ibuan, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, following a tip from an NPA surrenderer.

The tipster, a female NPA fighter, was wounded during the series of encounters with the 23IB troopers on February 4 and March 16 this year in Barangay Tungao, Butuan City.

Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag, 4ID commander, vowed the Army will continue its focused military operations in Caraga Region against the communist insurgents.

“We will not hesitate to use all available AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) assets, if necessary, to address every emerging CTG (Communist Terrorist Group) threat in the area of responsibility,” Mamawag said in a statement.

Mamawag also urged the remaining NPA rebels in Caraga Region to return to their families and rebuild their lives under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government.

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

The National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171410

Reds face raps for landmine attack in N. Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2022): Reds face raps for landmine attack in N. Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)

TREACHEROUS. Residents carry a body of a policeman killed in an anti-personnel mine attack by the New People's Army (NPA) in Las Navas, Northern Samar on Monday (April 4, 2022). Police and military officials condemned on Tuesday (April 5) the treacherous attack by the NPA that killed a police officer and hurt five others from the government side. (Photo courtesy of Northern Samar police)

Police and military officials said Tuesday criminal charges will be filed against members of the New People’s Army for the attack that killed a police officer and hurt five others in Las Navas, Northern Samar.

“Charges will be filed against those responsible for the crime. We call upon the Commission on Human Rights to investigate this treacherous attack of the terrorist group. The use of anti-personnel mine clearly defies and violates the objectives of the International Human Rights Law in general,” Philippine National Police Eastern Visayas Regional Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said.

He said government forces were just heading to Las Navas town center to get booster shots on Monday morning when the communist terrorist group detonated an anti-personnel mine in San Miguel village.

Killed on the spot was Pat. Harvie Lovino, 30, of San Isidro, Northern Samar.

Injured by the roadside blast were three policemen and two soldiers.

“We are in deep sorrow having lost a comrade. Such loss is not only painful to his family but for the whole organization as well. I have directed all units to conduct hot pursuit operations against the suspects,” Banac said.

The police fatality and those injured belong to the government’s retooled Community Support Program (CSP) team deployed in remote Osang village of nearby Catubig town.

CSP is a flagship program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines used to clear communities of NPA infestation while neutralizing the politics-military structure the rebels established in the villages.

Lt. Col. Joemar Buban, commander of the Philippine Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion, scored the NPAs for the violation of the Mine Ban Treaty that prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines.

"The Philippine Army has been doing its best to help the conflict-affected barangays through our CSP teams to achieve long-lasting peace and sustainable development, but the NPA returned in an attempt to recover their lost mass base,” Buban said in a separate statement.

The recent NPA atrocities prompted the military and police to redeploy CSP teams in conflict-affected villages to ensure the project implementation of the Barangay Development Program (BDP).

The villages of San Miguel in Las Navas and Osang in Catubig are two of the six villages in Northern Samar covered by the national government’s BDP.

Each village is a recipient of the PHP20 million infrastructure projects such as farm-to-market roads, school buildings, village health stations, and water supply systems.

The BDP, a hallmark program of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, brings development to former conflict-prone communities.

Alma Gabin, former education deputy secretary of the NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, said the attack is proof that the NPA has weakened.

"The recent ambush perpetrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA in Las Navas, Northern Samar shows their desperate move to appear significant amidst their weakening condition," she said in a statement.

Gabin, captured by the police in 2021, said the NPA is fully aware that the use of anti-personnel mine is prohibited but the communist rebels still use it, even putting civilians in danger.

“Because of this, they become more isolated and hated by the masses,” she added.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Fund as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171417

Air Force's 1st lady fighter pilot inspires young town mates

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2022): Air Force's 1st lady fighter pilot inspires young town mates (By Edwin Fernandez)

TOWN INSPIRATION. Philippine Air Force 1Lt. Julaiza Mae Camposano-Beran, the country’s first fighter pilot, has become the inspiration of young people in her hometown in Tulunan, North Cotabato. Tulunan Mayor Pip Limbungan says Tuesday (April 5, 2022) that a red carpet awaits the PAF pilot if she decides to visit the town. (Photos courtesy of PAF and Tulunan LGU)

Residents of the North Cotabato town of Tulunan are honored with the achievement of a local beauty queen, who is now the country’s first female Philippine Air Force (PAF) fighter plane pilot.

“If she decides to return home or visit her birthplace, the town government will give her a red carpet welcome,” said Abraham Contayoso, secretary of Tulunan Mayor Pip Limbungan, in a phone interview Tuesday about PAF 1Lt. Jul Laiza Mae Camposano-Beran.

Residents are very proud of the achievement of this daughter of Tulunan, said a resident, Alma Sioson, in a separate phone interview.

Sioson recalled that the young Jul Laiza already displayed talent and humility while still studying in elementary and high school.

During her teen years in Tulunan, neighbors remember Jul Laiza as a regular beauty pageant candidate.

Limbungan said he and other local officials are proud of Jul Laiza's feat, adding that the mother of the lady PAF pilot was a former municipal government employee.

Many young residents, the mayor said, have become interested in joining the Philippine Military Academy and follow the footsteps of the lady pilot.

“She is our role model, the young girls and boys are looking up to her as their inspiration too,” Limbungan said.

Jul Laiza belongs to PMA SINAGLAHI Class of 2015 and is now a member of the 5th Fighter Wing stationed in Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171436

No threat to peace, order in Himamaylan City: police

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2022): No threat to peace, order in Himamaylan City: police (By Nanette Guadalquiver) 

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) has assured the public that Himamaylan City remains peaceful and orderly despite the series of clashes between government troops and communist rebels in its hinterland villages in the past several weeks.

Lt. Abegael Donasco, the spokesperson of NOCPPO, said on Tuesday the encounters are just isolated cases and there is no need yet to deploy more police personnel to the area.

“These do not mean that Himamaylan City is in danger or not safe. Rest assured, there is no peace and order threat in Himamaylan. It has not moved to the Red category,” she said in a virtual press briefing.

In the classification of election watchlist areas (EWAs), Himamaylan is listed under Category Orange, which refers to areas of immediate concern, where there is a serious armed threat.

Category Red is tagged as an area of grave concern, with serious armed threats that may warrant the motu proprio (on its own) declaration of Commission on Elections control.

On April 1, the Philippine Army’s continuing combat operations against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in central Negros neutralized rebel-couple Elbert and Jessa Quillano in Barangay Buenavista.

On March 26, NPA fighters Arnulfo and Jayson Sabanal were also killed in a clash in Barangay Carabalan.

On March 16, a soldier and three rebels were injured during an encounter also in Barangay Buenavista.

Donasco said the NOCPPO has not monitored election-related incidents or violence since the start of the local campaign.

In Negros Occidental, the police has listed 18 EWAs, four of which are under Category Red, including Escalante City as well as the municipalities of Calatrava, Moises Padilla, and Candoni.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171442

New road eases transport of military supplies in Basa Air Base

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2022): New road eases transport of military supplies in Basa Air Base (By Zorayda Tecson)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed a road network project inside Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, this province.

Pampanga 2nd District Engineer Gregorio Audea Jr. and Assistant District Engineer Cecil Lawrence Cruz led on Tuesday the final inspection of the 3,359.80-lineal meter road improvement project in support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program.

The construction of the road network inside the airbase consisting of eight different sections amounted to PHP39.19 million.

“We know the importance of having safer and better roads that can greatly improve accessibility and mobility within the air base, and with the completion of this project, the transportation of military equipment and supplies in and out of the air base will be much easier,” Audea said in a social media post.

Cruz, meanwhile, said: “Our military has made a significant contribution in shaping the course of nation-building and we are proud to be a part of their efforts by continuing to support the modernization of our armed forces through our projects.”

The Duterte administration has given its full support to the improvement of military facilities through the projects under the Department of National Defense-Department of Public Works and Highways (DND-DPWH) Convergence Projects or the “Tatag ng Imprastraktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad” (TIKAS).

The TIKAS program was initiated for the mutual benefit of the two agencies wherein the DND can mount projects with the DPWH while the soldiers shall safeguard infrastructure projects in conflict areas.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171488

'Balikatan' troops end 2-day house clearing exercise

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2022): 'Balikatan' troops end 2-day house clearing exercise (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Philippine Army

The Philippine Army (PA) on Tuesday announced that one of its platoons participated in a two-day room-clearing combined interoperability exercise (COIE) with their US Army Pacific (USARPAC) counterparts in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija from April 3 to 4.

"The room-clearing drill is part of the series of CIOEs that will culminate in the military operations in urban terrain/airfield seizure joint interoperability exercise (JIOE) in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija," Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement.

He added that troops from the 92nd Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division trained side by side with their USARPAC counterparts in attacking and clearing an airfield, involving isolating the objective and suppressing the threat.

This training also included advancing the assault element, assaulting the building, clearing the building, and consolidating and reorganizing the force.

PH, US Air Forces train on mass casualty exercise

As part of the "Balikatan" exercises, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said its personnel have trained with US Air Force units on mass casualty exercise (MASCAL) and other similar scenarios from March 28 to 31.

In a statement Monday night, Air Force spokesperson Col. Maynard Mariano said this subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) took place at Clark Air Base, Pampanga, and is part of the ongoing "Balikatan" exercises.

"The PAF and PACAF (Pacific Air Forces) exchanged dialogue of their best practices, knowledge, and skills which aims to enhance aeromedical evacuation or patient movement capabilities; civilian-military interoperability; and critical care air transport during MASCAL," he added.

Mariano added that PAF personnel from the Office of Chief Surgeon Air Force, Office of Chief Nurse Air Force, 505th Search-and-Rescue Group, Aeromedical technicians, and Medical Admin Corps officers were present during the SMEE through video teleconferencing and face-to-face.

He said Covid-19 safety and health protocols were observed during the event.

"Balikatan" which means “shoulder-to-shoulder” or “shouldering the load together” is an annual joint and combined exercise hosted by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and US Indo-Pacific Command conducted to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

Around 8,900 Filipino and American soldiers are participating in this year’s iteration of "Balikatan".

The annual bilateral exercises, hosted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and US Armed Forces Indo-Pacific Command, are geared at strengthening interoperability and enhancing capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171419

PH-Japan ministerial meet set on April 9 in Tokyo

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2022): PH-Japan ministerial meet set on April 9 in Tokyo (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

The Philippines and Japan will hold an inaugural foreign and defense ministerial meeting or the 2+2 on April 9 in Tokyo to ramp up cooperation amid the growing complexity of regional and international security environment, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed Tuesday.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana will head the Philippine delegation.

The meeting, set by President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Foreign Minister Kishida Fumio Kishida during their tele-summit in November 2021, serves as the "next logical progression" in the deepening policy and security cooperation between Tokyo and Manila and is envisioned to be a key component in strengthening the two nations' decade-old strategic partnership, the DFA said.

Japan is one of the only two countries, next to the United States, with which the Philippines has a 2+2 dialogue mechanism.

In its statement, the DFA said the two countries had forged close ties in various areas of cooperation over the past six decades, which have resulted in the improvement of the Philippines’ maritime law enforcement capabilities, increased maritime domain awareness, and enhanced counterterrorism and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities, among others.

The DFA has yet to provide details on specific topics that would be covered but said the meeting would lay the groundwork for the Philippine-Japan security partnership in the next decade.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171430

Lorenzana sees smooth transition, handover of DND to successor

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2022): Lorenzana sees smooth transition, handover of DND to successor (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo)

With less than three months left before the end of the Duterte Administration, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday said he has already ordered his staff to prepare for the transition and handover of responsibilities to his successor.

"What I am doing now is I have directed my staff to prepare my own transition and prepare the documents, including our clearances from the Ombudsman and all those agencies requiring us to get a clearance, and they are now listing or putting in a paper, sheet of paper, all of the functions of the SND, (committees) where I am chair, where I am member, so that when the new (SND) will arrive or assume the post, he will be ready)," Lorenzana said at the sidelines of the wreath-laying ceremonies for this year's Philippine Veterans Week at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani.

Lorenzana also said his successor will not experience any problem regarding the turnover of responsibilities.

The 73-year-old retired military officer took over the helm of the DND in 2016, replacing Voltaire Gazmin.

"And I think there will be a very smooth transition like what Secretary Gazmin did to me, nagkaroon kami ng usapan, nag-briefing, nag-briefing din sa akin e, sa akin kung anong gagawin (we had a meeting and he briefed me on what to do)," he added.

After completing a full term as defense chief, Lorenzana said he will enjoy life as a private citizen upon stepping down on June 30.

"Pahinga muna ako, pressure talaga rito sa DND (I will be resting for a while, there is really a lot of pressure at the DND)," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171426

DND looking for new proponents in offshore patrol vessel project

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2022): DND looking for new proponents in offshore patrol vessel project (By Priam Nepomuceno)

File photo

The Department of National Defense (DND) is now looking for new proponents for the Philippine Navy's (PN) procurement of six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) due to pricing issues with Australian shipbuilder Austal.

"Pending our approval of the contract for the purchase, they (Austal) said the cost has increased -- materials, labor and everything. They asked for additional payment. I think our budget is PHP30 billion, so they want PHP12 billion more for the six OPVs or they said we can reduce the number from six to five," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on the sidelines of the rites for this year's Philippine Veterans Week at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani on Tuesday.

Lorenzana added that they cannot anymore ask the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for additional funding.

However, he also said reducing the number of OPVs to be acquired is not an option for the PN.

"Ang gusto nila (Navy) anim talaga dahil talagang (yun) kailangan natin, so ang ginawa nila ay nakikipagusap sila ngayon sa mga ibang proponent (na) kayang tugunan without any increase in price or reducing the number of ships (What they really want is six because that is the number they need, so they are now talking with other proponents capable of giving that number without increasing the price or reducing the number of ships)," he added.

Lorenzana also said that shipbuilders from France, Sweden, South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries, Japan, and India have expressed interest in the PN's OPV project.

Initially, Australian shipbuilder Austal was believed to be the frontrunner in the OPV project.

Lorenzana, in earlier statements, said tapping Austal for the project will be greatly advantageous to the country as it will provide jobs to Filipinos as the company has an existing shipyard in Balamban, Cebu which it had acquired from Aboitiz.

This is aside from the transfer of technology which will also be beneficial to the Philippines in the long run, he added.

Asked if the OPV contract will be signed before President Rodrigo R. Duterte steps down on June 30, Lorenzana said this depends on certain circumstances.

"Siguro kung madidesisyunan ngayon para ma-negotiate natin yung mga price at saka provisions ng contract, maybe we can sign it before the end of the President's term, otherwise ipasa ko na lang sa susunod, sila na ang pipirma, katulad ng (ginawa) sa akin ni Secretary (Voltaire) Gazmin yung dalawang frigate, actually it was ready for signature, so sabi nya ipasa ko na lang, tapos pina-review ko, di pinirmahan ko (Maybe if we can negotiate the price and provisions in the contract, maybe we can sign it before end of the President's term. Otherwise I will just pass it to the next administration, so they will be the ones signing, like what Secretary Gazmin did on the two frigates, actually it was ready for signature, but he said I will just pass this to you, I have it reviewed and then I signed afterwards)," he said.

The OPV project is expected to replace the World War II surface assets decommissioned by the Navy.

The DBM already released the funds for the project last year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171434

AFP partners with NGO to promote human rights advocacy

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2022): AFP partners with NGO to promote human rights advocacy (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of AFP

As part of efforts to advance its human rights advocacy, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a non-government organization (NGO) advocating human rights protection.

AFP chief, General Andres Centino, and Sulong Peace Inc. (SPI) executive director Joeven Reyes-Escober inked the agreement in a ceremony held at the AFP general headquarters building in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The MOU signing was facilitated by the AFP Center for Law of Armed Conflict (AFPCLOAC) headed by Brig. Gen. Joel Alejandro Nacnac.

"The AFP remains committed to ensuring that Human Rights (HR) and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) continue to be invigorated to safeguard our country's enduring peace and security. Our military personnel's understanding of the significance of HR and IHL for individuals and groups involved in armed conflict can save many lives, especially during war," Centino said.

The MOU allows both organizations to collaborate and conduct joint capacity building and training within and outside the AFP; joint activities promoting HR, IHL, and Rule of Law; and sharing of reports on alleged violations of state and non-state actors for appropriate action of concerned agencies.

"As a civil society organization, we are grateful for the trust that the AFP has bestowed upon us and we promise to continue upholding Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (IHL)," Reyes-Escober added.

SPI is a citizen's network dedicated to advocating peace, human rights, and IHL. It is a neutral and impartial organization that promotes peace through peacebuilding and development.

Also present at the ceremony were Ambassador Bjørn Jahnsen of the Royal Norwegian Embassy and representatives from the Spanish Development Cooperation of the Spanish Embassy, Commission on Human Rights, and Department of Social Welfare and Development.

"The Armed Forces will always champion Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law in all our undertakings as we continue to transform into a strong and credible force that is a source of national pride," Centino said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171438

No PH-China tiff, sea row can be talked over: PRRD

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2022): No PH-China tiff, sea row can be talked over: PRRD (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

NO PH-CHINA QUARREL. President Rodrigo Duterte says there is no squabble between the Philippines and China during the inauguration of the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge in Manila on Tuesday (April 5, 2022). Duterte expresses confidence that the ongoing maritime disputes between the two nations can be talked over. (Screengrab from Radio Television Malacañang)

Despite the Philippines’ long-standing sea disputes with China, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday reaffirmed the two nations’ good relations, stressing that the unresolved maritime claims could be settled through diplomatic negotiations.

Duterte made the remarks, as he thanked the Chinese government for being a “partner” of the Philippines in its ambitious “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program.

Acknowledging China’s support for his infrastructure program, Duterte said Manila has no rift with Beijing.

“I also thank and with gratitude the People’s Republic of China for the confidence and for being a partner in enhancing key infrastructure projects in our country,” Duterte said during the inauguration of Binondo-Intramuros Bridge in Intramuros, the City of Manila which was also attended by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian.

Addressing the Chinese envoy, Duterte added: “Ambassador Huang, the Philippines and China, we don’t have any quarrel.”

Duterte also said the Philippines and China can also discuss their territorial disputes and the Filipinos’ fishing rights within the contested waters.

“We can talk about the Spratly Islands and probably the fishing rights of my countrymen, plain talk, nothing else. In doing so, our people are given the chance to experience economic growth and enhance productivity,” he said.

Duterte’s statement came amid China’s expansive maritime claims in the hotly contested South China Sea and reported incursions into the Philippine waters.

On March 14, the Department of Foreign Affairs summoned Huang after a People’s Liberation Army - Navy vessel was caught in “illegal incursions” into the Sulu Sea in January and February this year.

Duterte is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on April 8.

Xi sought a dialogue with Duterte in light of a possible spillover of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to Asia, including the Philippines and China.

Malacañang, however, was not privy to the issues that Duterte might discuss with Xi.


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171485

More maritime patrols in PH-Malaysia-Indonesia border eyed

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2022): More maritime patrols in PH-Malaysia-Indonesia border eyed (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Deparment of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (right), Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto (left) and Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammudin Hussein (center) (Photo courtesy of Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Facebook page)

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday said plans are now afoot to increase maritime patrols in the tri-border areas of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Lorenzana made this statement when asked for details of his meeting with other members of the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement (TCA) last March 28.

Speaking on the sidelines of the rites for this year's Philippine Veterans Week at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Lorenzana said they are looking to deploy more fast ships and reconnaissance aircraft to patrol the tri-boundary areas as the strategy is working against terrorist and criminal groups operating in the area.

"It has been more than two years already at there is not much kidnapping and it is very good, (this means) our tactic or strategy is working, so ngayon ang gusto, paigtingin pa namin yan (so what we want is to intensify further)," the DND chief said during the sidelines of the rites for this year's Philippine Veterans Week at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani.

Lorenzana said that they are looking at the possibility of 24-hour patrols to ensure that the terrorist groups or religious extremists operating in the tri-boundary area of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines will not be able to move or carry out their attacks.

Lorenzana, Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin Hussein and Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto held a ministerial meeting on the TCA in Kuala Lumpur.

"To further strengthen the security of Sulu and Sulawesi Seas, we agreed to develop the TCA beyond the current security landscape through multiagency combination and enhance intelligence in surveillance operations," he said in a previous Facebook post.

Lorenzana said all parties have agreed to institutionalize TCA yearly, increase monitoring of seas, and explore the possibility of joint training on land.

"Since the signing of the TCA in 2017, the conduct of joint patrols and sharing of intelligence resulted in zero incidences of kidnapping for ransom which used to be very rampant in the Sulu and Sulawesi Seas," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171469

India-PH bilateral meeting eyed this April: envoy

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2022): India-PH bilateral meeting eyed this April: envoy (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

A bilateral meeting between Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and his counterpart Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar "later this month" is in the works, the Indian Embassy in Manila revealed Tuesday.

Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran said Locsin is expected to visit India to follow up on the discussions he had when Jaishankar went to Manila in February, wherein security, defense, and regional and global issues were among the topics covered.

Kumaran said among the agenda of this visit is the creation of a "legal framework" for the further expansion of New Delhi and Manila's partnership.

Locsin's supposed India trip would come on the heels of his bilateral meetings with his counterparts this month, including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa on April 9.

Kumaran admitted that India's engagement with Manila is "not as well-developed and multifaceted" compared to its partnership with other countries in Southeast Asia.

But thanks to the growing trade relations, interactions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, and the latter's independent foreign policy, the envoy said the two nations have managed to bring a degree of energy into their partnership.

"With the recent developments in the Indo-Pacific, in particular, the complications around relationships with rising new powers and the smaller (Southeast Asian) nations there's definitely been an interest in India and in India's approach, and reciprocally for India, the Asean and Philippines have been countries of considerable interest," he added.

Some areas of interest Kumaran said the two nations could further work on are vaccine production, business process outsourcing, and financial technology.

He said the two nations are also trying to develop cooperation on defense and security, particularly on counterterrorism.

"Space-based applications, new technologies that help both in terms of development and national security, these could all be potentially very, very important drivers for this relationship in the future," he said.

In January this year, the Philippines also formally signed the PHP18.9 billion contract for the Indian-made BrahMos medium ramjet supersonic cruise missile system which is programmed for the Navy's Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile System.



READ: DND inks P18.9-B cruise missiles deal with Indian firm

While talks are "still at an early stage", the envoy said he also sees potential opportunities in terms of naval platforms and systems.

"I don't think anything is mature enough to be able to get to a contract, but surely the conversations are ongoing. We just had a joint defense committee meeting in India last month and I think the discussions that were very positive," he said.

During the said meeting, Filipino authorities have outlined Manila's needs under the Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization program, requirements Kumaran believes India has the capacity to meet.

"[W]e're willing to do far deeper and more sustainable cooperation, which involves a lot of military-to-military engagements to support capability acquisition, not just purely in terms of buy and sell, but also in terms of working together military-to-military, trying to develop the capability in the true sense through training, extensive maintenance support, and clearly establishing ourselves as a serious player in the defense business," he said.

In the same forum, the ambassador underscored the need for New Delhi and Manila to work together, citing the fact that both nations are committed to the rules-based order and both "have experienced, if you will, similar challenges to our sovereignty and territorial integrity-- inland or in the maritime domain".

"Clearly, we need to work together to try and bolster each other's capabilities. We need to exchange more information with each other and work together wherever possible," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171495