New Philippine Basing Access Strengthens U.S. Marine, Navy Plans

Posted to Naval News (Feb 9, 2023): New Philippine Basing Access Strengthens U.S. Marine, Navy Plans (By Aaron-Matthew Lariosa)

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 12 Marines, 3d Marine Division, deploy High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems during Balikatan 22 in northern Luzon, Philippines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Melanye Martinez)

These new bases could improve U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy operations in the Philippines during exercises or responding to contingencies in the region.

A week ago, the Philippines and the United States took steps to expand the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with U.S. access to four bases in the Philippines. This builds on the previous five bases in the original agreement created in 2014, greatly enhancing U.S. capabilities in the Philippines. This increased access can be of great benefit to U.S. forces which are seeking an increased presence in the region to counter adversaries, such as China. Of the U.S. services engaging with the Philippines with this threat in mind, the U.S. Marine Corps has taken center stage in these efforts. These new sites can prove to be crucial for Marine plans going forward in the Western Pacific.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 12 Marines, 3d Marine Division, deploy High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems during Balikatan 22 in northern Luzon, Philippines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Melanye Martinez)

Concepts of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030, and Expeditionary Advanced Basing Operations, have been employed in the many exercises the force holds in the Philippines. This was seen prominently in Balikatan 2022, which saw the inaugural deployment of the 3d Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR). During the exercise, the MLR deployed a number of concepts in coordination with the Philippine Marine Corps’ Coastal Defense Regiment. Balikatan 2022 saw multiple Expeditionary Advanced Bases and the first U.S. Army deployment of Patriot SAMs to the exercise. Many segments of the Balikatan took place in provinces on the Luzon Strait facing Taiwan.

One of these provinces is Cagayan. Encompassing northeastern Luzon, the province held many of the coastal defense activities in Balikatan 2022. Two locations in Cagayan were examined for EDCA-basing access, which makes the province a top candidate for hosting some of the recently approved bases. U.S. access to bases directly on the Luzon Strait, like those being looked at in Cagayan, would allow for faster response times for contingencies in the region. They could also be used for prepositioning of MLR equipment and other assets in the Philippines.

 

Philippine Marines secure a beach landing after inserting from an assault amphibious vehicle during a bilateral amphibious landing during Balikatan 22 at Claveria, Cagayan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 2nd Lt. Erin Scudder)

The expansion of the number of bases is two-pronged. On one hand, the U.S. and the Philippines have a longstanding security relationship, with the Philippines relying heavily on the U.S. for its defense. But on the other, the U.S. is looking for increased capacity across the first island chain to counter China. This puts Taiwan as a key factor in the use of these bases and facilities.

In a Taiwan Contingency, access to the Philippines for the Marines would be crucial in their MLR operations. With the location of Philippine-owned features, and the potential to be resupplied from Philippine bases, the Philippines holds an important place for various scenarios in the Western Pacific. From the Philippines, the U.S. could contest the Luzon Strait or project forces into the South China Sea.

Ben Lewis, an Independent Defense Analyst tracking Chinese activity around Taiwan, said that these bases would provide U.S. forces “major” advantages in the event of a Taiwan Contingency.

“The ability to deploy naval and air capabilities from the Philippines would allow U.S. forces to counter PLA operations against Southern Taiwan, and provide the U.S. Navy with an additional base from which to refit and rearm its ships.”

While not as clear as the USMC’s outlook for the Philippines, the Navy’s future plans require forward-based facilities for their vessels. SECNAV has stated multiple times the necessity for repair facilities in-theater.

This focus is being brought up in the second Staff-to-Staff talks between the Philippine and U.S. Navies, with a Philippine press release stating:

“The meeting will yield meaningful discussions on important topics such as mutual cooperation and seek military exchange opportunities including maritime cooperative activities, naval aviation activities, exercises, port visits, personnel exchanges, and support for maritime defense industries, particularly shipbuilding and ship repair.”

These Staff-to-Staff talks between the two navies are taking place in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the former site of the massive American Subic Bay Naval Base. This base offered U.S. vessels forward-based facilities to repair, maintain, and rearm from during the Cold War. While Subic Bay is no longer the military installation it once was, civilian-operated yards in the Bay have the potential to once again offer these services to American vessels. One section of the former base that has gained attention in recent times is the sprawling Agila Subic Shipyard.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Loss Carlson, at one of Agila Subic Shipyard’s large drydocks. Photo via the Ambassador’s Twitter Account.

Subic Bay has changed drastically since the departure of the U.S. Navy in the 1990s. Today the yard is owned by Cerberus Capital Management, an American investment company. Now known as Agila Subic Shipyard, the facility is split between Cerberus and the Philippine Navy. The Philippine Navy section, Naval Operating Base Subic, is the largest base the force has ever occupied. The base is to receive several upgrades, including a new finger pier. These upgrades highlight the plans the Philippine Navy has to make this leased section their main base, capable of hosting their most capable and modern warships.

Highlighted in yellow is the area being leased to the Philippine Navy by Cerberus Capital Holdings. Note that the two large drydocks are not included in the Philippine lease. Courtesy of MaxDefense Philippines.

It should be noted that Naval Operating Base Subic is not yet confirmed as the EDCA site in Zambales. However, Agila Subic Shipyard may still be able to be used by U.S. ships for repair even without its inclusion in the list of new EDCA sites because the site is owned by a private entity. In fact, the space that makes up the Philippine military presence in the facility is leased, not owned, by the Philippine government.

The BRP Tarlac (LD-601), USS Miguel Keith (ESB-5), and the USS Ashland (LSD-48) operate off the coast of the Philippines during Balikatan 22. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kallahan Morris)

U.S.-Philippine military cooperation will reach new heights this year, as alongside the new EDCA bases several key exercises and engagements will take place. Balikatan 2023 will be the largest in the exercise’s history, topping last year’s number with 16,000 personnel partaking in activities across Northern Luzon and the Luzon Strait. The U.S. Navy also plans to restart joint patrols with the Philippines, with a focus on helping Manila solidify its territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea.

 

[Posted by Aaron-Matthew Lariosa:  Aaron-Matthew is a freelance writer based in Washington, D.C. He is currently studying International Relations at American University, and is interested in U.S. Marine Corps developments in the Pacific and Philippine Naval modernization efforts.]

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/02/new-philippine-basing-access-strengthens-u-s-marine-navy-plans/

Why is Balikatan in Northern Luzon?

From Malaya Business Insight (Feb 8, 2023): Why is Balikatan in Northern Luzon? (By Malaya Business Insight)

THE military establishments of both the Philippines and the United States are gearing up for the conduct of the 38th iteration of the “Balikatan” exercise in April.

Balikatan is an annual military exercise between the US military and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which is held in specific areas in the mountains and seas, shorelines and lakes of the Philippines. The word “Balikatan” itself means “shoulder-to-shoulder” and aptly describes the strong military alliance and cooperation between the two countries. The term therefore reflects the spirit of cooperation between the participants of these war games, and seeks to inspire them to adhere to such binding spirit if and when the real war occurs and they find themselves fighting together on one side.

Almost a year ago, the Philippine Marine Corps and the United States Marine Corps performed an amphibious landing exercise in Claveria, Cagayan on March 31, 2022 as part of the 37th Balikatan exercises. This year, Cagayan province and other parts of Northern Luzon will again host the said exercises, albeit with grudging complaints coming from several local officials.

‘It is no secret that the geopolitical tension in the Taiwan Strait between China and Taiwan has been a cause for concern for the Asia-Pacific region including the US, and that the repeated conduct of war games in Philippine seas very near this flashpoint area might be seen by China as a provocation.’

The largest annual military exercises of the AFP with the US Armed Forces will roll out in April. Col. Medel Aguilar, AFP spokesman, said last Monday that although this is a bilateral activity, the AFP takes the lead in planning and execution, supported by the US Armed Forces with other like-minded nations as observers.

“Balikatan 38-2023 will result in the development of the AFP capability not only in the conduct of external defense operations but also in fulfilling its obligation in working with other countries in the region against terrorism and other threats,” he added.

The tentative schedule for the conduct of the exercise is in the second week of April in the areas covered by the Palawan-based Western Command, Cebu-based Visayas Command, and Tarlac-based Northern Luzon Command, according to Col. Jorry Baclor, chief of AFP public affairs office.

Lt. Gen. George W. Smith Jr., commanding general of the US Marine Expeditionary Force, visited the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Feb. 3 to discuss the preparations for the Balikatan.

While details are still being ironed out between the two camps, the government’s Philippine News Agency (PNA) already announced that around 16,000 Filipino and American troops are set to join this year’s Balikatan which will be hosted by Ilocos Norte, Fuga Islands, Calayan Island in Cagayan, and Batanes.

Last year, Balikatan registered the highest number of participants with 8,900 servicemen joining the training as well as 40 observers from the Australian Defense Force.

Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba, meanwhile, has aired his reservations on the AFP’s choice of Cagayan and Northern Luzon for these exercises, saying the Cagayanons who are peace-loving people are alarmed at the presence of warships, tanks and soldiers in their province and region which are very near Taiwan.

It is no secret that the geopolitical tension in the Taiwan Strait between China and Taiwan has been a cause for concern for the Asia-Pacific region including the US, and that the repeated conduct of war games in Philippine seas very near this flashpoint area might be seen by China as a provocation.

The AFP should realize the calculated risk that they are facing in joining these exercises in areas so close to the hot spot, and therefore should prioritize caution and restraint in joining this activity.

https://malaya.com.ph/news_opinion/why-is-balikatan-in-northern-luzon/

Hawaii soldiers deployed for Operation Pathways could spend more time in Philippines

Posted to Stars & Stripes (Feb 4, 2023): Hawaii soldiers deployed for Operation Pathways could spend more time in Philippines (By WYATT OLSON)

Soldiers with the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, conduct team live-fire training during the Salaknib exercise at Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base, Philippines, March 8, 2022. (Matthew Mackintosh/U.S. Army)

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii — Like last year, soldiers with the Army’s 25th Infantry Division will spend much of March and April in the Philippines as part of Operation Pathways, an expeditionary-style training campaign with decade-old roots.

But with the announcement this week by the Philippines and U.S. that the two nations will speed up defense cooperation, soldiers from the Hawaii-based 25th ID will likely be spending more time in that Southeast Asian nation than in years past.

“It looks like we're going to be able to open up the aperture, not only on this year in Salaknib and Balikatan, but perhaps in years to come as well,” Maj. Gen. Joseph Ryan, the division’s commander, said Wednesday during a phone interview.

Salaknib, an army-to-army exercise, begins in early March. The much larger Balikatan, joint training that includes U.S. Marines, sailors and airmen, runs through most of April.

“We’ll actually get another bite at the apple later on this summer with another bilateral engagement with the Philippine army that we're calling Salaknib 2, but that exercise is kind of still coming together,” Ryan said.

The nascent Salaknib 2 and deepening defense cooperation announced this week are part of a general warming of relations between the U.S. and Philippines with the election last year of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as president.

His predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, had slowed implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, which had called for increasing rotations of U.S. troops in the country. Duterte took an antagonistic approach toward America, while striking a more conciliatory pose with China.

The neighboring countries have long grappled with dueling claims of sovereignty over areas of the South China Sea. Marcos has welcomed greater American assistance in curtailing Chinese maritime incursions into areas the Philippines considers its territory.

Operation Pathways began in 2014 as Pacific Pathways and deployed small units in the Indo-Pacific region for a few months at a time by moving through a series of established multinational exercises.

It has since grown into something well beyond a string of exercises.

“We don't view them as independent events,” Ryan said. “We view them as a campaign. That’s the model that we apply, that this is a campaign for the 25th division in the region.

“When we're forward in the region, and we're operating alongside partners and allies, especially in a place like the Philippines, we get a lot of feedback that our deterrence efforts have momentum,” he said.

In an interview with Stars and Stripes last year, Gen. Charles Flynn, commander of U.S. Army Pacific, described Operation Pathways as “posture for us.”

“The goal is to get to about an eight-month period of time where we are operating in the region west of the international date line as a way to contribute to deterrence against our adversaries in the region,” Ryan said.

“I believe strongly – and I think there's a lot of data to support the fact – that when we are forward with ready forces, we're deterring more than we are when we're back here on Oahu in Hawaii or elsewhere,” he said.

The lead element from the 25th for this year’s Pathways is the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, supported by the division’s aviation, artillery and sustainment brigades, Ryan said.

The brigade prepared for Pathways with training on Oahu in October as part of the Army’s Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center, which operates large-scale combat training centers in Hawaii and Alaska, as well as one that is deployable throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

Ryan is headed to the Philippines this weekend to kick off a senior-leader symposium, where he will meet leaders of the Philippine army’s 5th and 7th divisions, he said. The 25th ID will execute a staff exercise with that pair of divisions during Salaknib, he said.

Operation Pathways continues with the Talisman Saber exercise in Australia, slated for July and early August.

The Pathways campaign closes out with Garuda Shield in Indonesia in September.

https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2023-02-03/army-operation-pathways-philippines-china-9032298.html

Opinion: US Re-Launches Military Alliance With Philippines

Op-Ed piece posted to Eurasia Review News & Analysis (Feb 19, 2023): US Re-Launches Military Alliance With Philippines – OpEd (By Thalif Deen--IDN)

 


Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is welcomed to the Philippine Department of National Defense in Manila, Philippines, Feb. 2, 2023. Photo Credit: Chad McNeeley, DOD

When Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was presiding over a right-wing authoritarian regime in the Philippines (1965-1986), the United States was one of his closest political and military allies.

After a long break of successive regimes, where the US was cold-shouldered, the Biden administration re-launched in January 2023 its military alliance with the Southeast Asian nation—this time a country headed by Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the son of Marcos Sr.

The US relationship with the government of President Rodrigo Duterte, however, remained strained during his six years in power which ended last year.

The US will now have access to nine military bases, including four new ones under a revitalized “strategic partnership” which is also aimed at neutralizing the rising military power of China and deterring a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan which Beijing has long claimed as its legitimate territory.

The strained American relationship with China was followed February 4 with the shooting down of a “spy balloon” over US territorial waters, off the state of South Carolina, in a further escalation of the growing confrontation between the world’s two major nuclear powers.

Mao Ning, a spokeswoman for China’s foreign ministry, said: “Out of self-interest, the United States continues to strengthen its military deployment in the region with a zero-sum mentality, which is exacerbating tension in the region and endangering regional peace and stability.”

She said, “countries in the region should remain vigilant against this and avoid being coerced and used by the United States”.

Meanwhile, speaking of the new agreement with the Philippines, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said in Manila: “This is an opportunity to increase our effectiveness and our inter-operability.”

But this new military alliance has also transformed the Philippines into one of the biggest US arms markets in Southeast Asia.

According to published reports, Carlito Galvez Jr., the Philippines’ defense secretary, declined to name the locations of the four additional sites, saying the government needed to consult local officials first.

American officials have long eyed access to the Philippines’ northern territory, such as the land mass of Luzon, as a way to counter China in the event that it attacks Taiwan.

In November, Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro of the Philippines said that Washington had identified five possible sites, including two in Cagayan, one in Palawan, one in Zambales and one in Isabela.

Cagayan and Isabela are in the northern part of the Philippines, with Cagayan sitting across from Taiwan.

According to the US Commercial Service, the trade promotion arm of the US Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) already has an ongoing 15-year modernization program (2012-2028), designed to protect defense modernization efforts from shifts in the country’s political climate.

The third milestone (2023-2028) has a hefty projected budget of $4.0 billion dollars, with a long list of military requirements, including fighter aircraft, multirole fighters, ships, unmanned vehicles, intelligence and surveillance systems, communications, personal protective equipment, weapon systems and naval vessels.

The US Government has expressed its intent to make available to the Philippines $100 million in foreign military financing (FMF) to be used by the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) to fund its armed forces modernization programs.

The strong relationship developed between the Philippines and the US in recent years has contributed for the development of significant opportunities for US defense and security equipment manufacturers and service providers to enhance the Philippines’ self-defense capabilities, the US Commercial Service said January 23.

Key priorities, and potential for US defense contractors include capability to address counterterrorism, maritime domain security, cybersecurity, and internal threats.

According to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Philippine armed forces (AFP) has approximately 130,000 active-duty personnel (90,000 Army; 25,000 Navy, including about 8,000 Marine Corps; 15,000 Air Force.

As of 2022, the AFP’s primary air and ground operational focus was on internal security duties, particularly in the south, where several separatist Islamic insurgent and terrorist groups operated and up to 60% of the armed forces were deployed.

Additional combat operations were being conducted against the Communist Peoples Party/New People’s Army, which was active mostly on Luzon, the Visayas, and areas of Mindanao; prior to a peace deal in 2014, the AFP fought a decades-long conflict against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a separatist organization based mostly on the island of Mindanao.

The MILF’s armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), had up to 40,000 fighters under arms

US Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a joint statement on February 2: “We applaud the announcement of four new defense sites under the U.S.-Philippine Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement”.

“This arrangement between our two countries highlights our shared commitment to address regional threats and challenges. With the addition of these new military installations, the Philippine government is demonstrating the true value of our alliance to the American people. We appreciate the Marcos Administration for all its efforts to strengthen ties with the United States.”.

“As the leaders of the two principal Senate committees focused on national security, we remain committed to advancing a strong and enduring alliance with the Philippines. There remains, however, much more work to be done to secure the Indo-Pacific against Chinese aggression. We call on the Biden Administration to shore up our deterrent in the region through fully funding the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and accelerating the provision of high-end military capabilities to our allies.”

Meanwhile, a 1947 Military Bases Agreement gave the United States a 99-year lease on a number of Philippine military and naval bases in which US authorities had virtual territorial rights. In August 1951, a mutual defense treaty (MDT) was signed between representatives of the Philippines and the United States.

An amendment to the bases agreement in 1966 reduced its 99-year term to 25 years. In 1979, after two years of negotiation, the bases agreement was renewed with some amendments.

A “Fact Sheet” released by the White House during Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to the Philippines in November 2022 said the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) builds on the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement.

The agreements provide a legal basis for Philippine and American service members to undertake security cooperation exercises, pursue joint and combined military training activities, and rapidly respond to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts from agreed locations in the Philippines on a rotational basis.

US and Philippine forces have also used EDCA sites during Kamandag and Balikatan military exercises.

The United States has allocated over $82 million towards EDCA implementation at all five existing locations.

This investment, and forthcoming additional allotment, will complete 21 projects, enabling the United States and the Philippines to build lasting security infrastructure to promote long-term modernization, build a credible mutual defense posture, maintain humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities, and enhance the strength of the alliance.

New EDCA locations have also been identified to enable the United States and the Philippines to continue to work together towards achieving the agreed objectives under EDCA.

The United States has awarded the vast majority of contracts supporting these projects to Philippine companies, generating economic growth in local Philippine communities and building lasting friendships between the United States and the Philippines.

https://www.eurasiareview.com/10022023-us-re-launches-military-alliance-with-philippines-oped/

Military FM radio station to air soon in Kalayaan municipality

From Palawan News (Feb 9, 2023): Military FM radio station to air soon in Kalayaan municipality (By Orlan Jabagat)

Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) first FM radio station in Palawan will soon air in Barangay Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan town, in the West Philippine Sea.

Western Command’s (WESCOM) former public affair’s office chief, Maj. Cherryl Tindog, announced this in an Inter-Agency Public Affairs Forum recently.

According to her, everything has been prepared for the airing of the radio station (87.5Khz), whose station manager will be the commander of the 6th Civil Relations Group (CRG) who is also the task group commander for Civil Military Operation.

The FM station will also have broadcasters who will come from the different units of the AFP and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

“Nandoon na po ang radio station, may transmitter na, nandoon na ang antennae, may tower na, nandoon na ang mga gamit, ang hinihintay na lang po doon ay ‘yong broadcasters,” said Tindog, adding they’ve already conducted training on broadcasting and programming.

She said they will also be distributing transistor radios to residents of Kalayaan, including fishermen who go on fishing sojourns in the West Philippine Sea.

“Ang pangunahing tagapakinig ng ating radio transmission via radio waves ay ‘yong mga mamalakaya po natin ‘dun,’ yong mga mangingisda natin. Since, sila ang mga audience natin ‘dun, bibigyan natin sila ng mga transistor radio na solar powered tapos nakalagay po ‘dun ‘yong frequency natin,” she added.

Tindog said not only Kalayaan residents can listed to the radio but the whole world as well as it will also do live streams through social media, such as Facebook.

This will be possible with the internet connection provided by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in Kalayaan.

She also said that the Kalayaan community will be able to use the FM station for communication. (OCJ/PIA-MIMAROPA, Palawan)

https://palawan-news.com/military-fm-radio-station-to-air-soon-in-kalayaan-municipality/

PH-US ‘Marine to Marine’ talk kicks-off in Puerto Princesa

From Palawan News (Feb 10, 2023): PH-US ‘Marine to Marine’ talk kicks-off in Puerto Princesa

Photo from 3rd Marine Brigade

The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and the United States Marine Corps Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC) started a 5-day Marine-to-Marine talk on February 8, the goal of which is to improve cooperation between both forces and make it easier for them to work together.

The PMC-MARFORPAC Staff Talk is an annual event hosted by the PMC that allows both marine corps to work together on common interests and goals, as well as plan for future activities and exercises aligned with their mission and vision.

“These staff talks will be the ground for both forces to plan training opportunities that will continue to increase interoperability, strengthen capabilities, and serve as a foundation for Peace and Security in the region,” said 3rd Marine Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Jimmy Larida.

Previously, the marine-to-marine talks resulted in the conduct of various bilateral exercises and exchanges on several subject matters that strengthened the PMC-USMC Partnership.

Representatives of the Joint U.S. Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG) also attended the activity.

https://palawan-news.com/ph-us-marine-to-marine-talk-kicks-off-in-puerto-princesa/

Army’s 301st Brigade gets new commander

From Panay News (Feb 10, 2023): Army’s 301st Brigade gets new commander (By Ruby P. Silubrico)

Colonel Michael Samson (2nd from right) is the new commander of Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade (303IBde), replacing Brigadier General Marion Sison (leftmost). The change of command ceremony was spearheaded by Lieutenant General Benedict Arevalo (2nf from left), commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

ILOILO City – The Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade (303IBde) based in Dingle, Iloilo has a new commander.

Colonel Michael Samson, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade in Murcia, Negros Occidental, replaced Brigadier General Marion Sison during a change of command ceremony at Camp General Adriano D. Hernandez in Dingle yesterday.

Sison will be transferred to the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) as assistant division commander as part of his promotion.

Samson said his new assignment is a big challenge because his predecessor had an excellent performance in maintaining peace and order.

 However, he was honored that he was given the chance to lead the 303IBde.

“I’m honored to serve Panay and Guimaras and be part of a great team that is tasked to maintain the peace and order in this area. I’m also thankful for the opportunity, the trust and confidence despite it’s only in an acting capacity,” Samson said.

He also said that his primary target is to run after insurgents in Panay and Guimaras.

“By the aid of the Divine Providence and the strength of the people who desire peace, we will prevail against terrorists who intend to topple our government. With the bayanihan spirit, we shall anchor our efforts to the whole of nation approach in ending communism, insurgency under the umbrella of the Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict,” he said.

Samson added that under his leadership, in coordination with their counterparts especially the Philippine National Police (PNP), he will seek to destroy the remaining armed groups in their area of responsibility who continue to harass the innocent people./PN

https://www.panaynews.net/armys-301st-brigade-gets-new-commander/

CHR asked to probe NPA executions

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 8, 2023): CHR asked to probe NPA executions (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Regional Task Force 6 to End Local Communist Armed Conflict has asked the Commission on Human Rights to investigate the spate of killings perpetrated and claimed by the New People’s Army in Negros Island.

In a statement, Flosemer Chris Gonzales, RTF6 ELCAC spokesperson, disclosed that the CPP NPA openly admitted that they have sanctioned and ordered the summary executions of civilians.

The New People’s Army in Negros, in multiple statements issued, justified the killings of six civilians, including a barangay kagawad, they alleged as military informants engaged in counter revolutionary and other illegal activities.

Gonzales, who strongly condemned the NPA for the deaths of innocent civilians, also challenged all those what he called as self-anointed “human rights defenders” to condemn the killings owned by the CPP-NPA in Negros Island.

These open, brazen, and arrogant admissions of the commission of murders of innocent civilians by the CPP-NPA are a manifestation of the desperation and the sense of futility that is being felt among the remaining members of the KR-Negros, he added.

Gonzales further said that the CPP-NPA terrorists have resorted to sowing terror among the local populace, to deter the people of Negros from cooperating with state security forces.

In the end, the CPP-NDF-NPA only alienated the people of Negros Island, Gonzales said, adding that they have proven themselves to be the enemy of the people, as criminals, extortionists, murderers, and terrorists.

Gonzales said he is also confident that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with rebels responsible for the killings.

We ask the state security forces to pursue and neutralize these terrorists and to bring them before the bar of justice, he added.

Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the AFP Visayas Command, earlier ordered the Philippine Army, to address the spate of killings claimed by the NPA in Negros Island.

https://visayandailystar.com/chr-asked-to-probe-npa-executions/

Kabankalan gun battle casualties identified

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 8, 2023): Kabankalan gun battle casualties identified (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Mayor Benjie Miranda (3rd from left) with Col. Orlando Edralin, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, and Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94IB commanding officer (right) visit the encounter sites in Brgy. Oringao, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.* PA photo

The three suspected New People’s Army rebels died in recent gun battles with Army soldiers in Sitio Bugne, Brgy. Oringao, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, have been identified by the Philippine National Police

P/Capt. Judesses Catalogo, spokesperson of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, yesterday identified them as Joemarie Calumba, 47, of Brgy. Oringao, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental; Jun Jun Callete, 42, of Sitio Buhi, Brgy. Tanlad, Tayasan, Negros Oriental, and Diomedes Lasida, 70, of Brgy. Pinggot, Ilog.

Catalogo said Calumba was positively identified by his wife, Leolita; while Callete was identified by his mother, Bebita.

Capt. Mervin Rosal, spokesperson of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, yesterday said Calumba is a member of the Central Negros 1 under the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/ Cebu/Bohol/Siqujior.

Three firearms and a rifle grenade, several backpacks containing personal belongings, including a T-shirt of the Municipal Disaster Risk and Reduction Office of Binalbagan, were among the war materials and items recovered by Army soldiers at the encounter site.

The mother of Callete told the police that her son was invited by his friends, who later surrendered to authorities, to join the NPA last year.

Catalogo also said that they are also investigating the recovery of a Binalbagan Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) T-shirt, at the encounter site in Brgy. Oringao, Kabankalan City.

He raised the possibility that it could have been stolen by rebels, or the owner may have been related to somebody working at the Binalbagan municipal government.

Catalogo also recalled that NPA rebels have a history of using uniforms of military or police, in the conduct of their terroristic activities.

https://visayandailystar.com/kabankalan-gun-battle-casualties-identified/

Army’s 55th Engineer Brigade has new commander

From MindaNews (Feb 8, 2023): Army’s 55th Engineer Brigade has new commander (By MARIVIC OMANDAM DAVIS)

BALO-I, Lanao del Norte (MindaNews / 8 February)—The 55th Engineer “Mobilizer” Brigade of the Philippine Army based here has a new commander.

L-R: BGen. Crespillo, Col. Olarte, and BGen. Sebastian during the turnover ceremonies. MindaNews photo by MARIVIC OMANDAM DAVIS

Col. Ulpiano T. Olarte assumed the command from Brig. Gen. Erinio F. Sebastian, who is retiring, during turnover ceremonies presided by Brig. Gen. Steve D. Crespillo (PA Vice Commander) at its headquarters in Barangay Maria Cristina here on Tuesday.

Sebastian was the 14th commander of the 55EBde, starting his tour of duty in November 2020.

Olarte already served in the brigade from 1995 to 2002. He is a licensed civil engineer and a holder of a master’s degree in public management majoring in development security and a master’s in history.

In his speech, Olarte recalled that during the Marawi Siege in 2017, he led a combat engineer battalion “providing mobility, counter mobility, and survivability in general support to Task Force Marawi.”

He said he is ready to face the challenges “in all facets of engineering operations,” including projects like school buildings, farm-to-market roads, electrification, water systems, bridges, and flood control.

Olarte commended his predecessor in leading the 55EBde to have “remained steadfast in providing general engineer support to the Philippine Army units and contributing to the socio-economic development programs of the government” despite the COVID-19 pandemic. (Marivic Omandam Davis / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/02/armys-55th-engineer-brigade-has-new-commander/

MILF: MILF frees 39 soldiers in Lanao del Sur after 24 hours

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Feb 8, 2023): MILF frees 39 soldiers in Lanao del Sur after 24 hours (Repost from Rappler)

(1st UPDATE) Brigadier General Eduardo Gubat, the chairman of the government's Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, says the reported disarming of the soldiers is merely a 'procedural gesture'

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – More than three dozen Army soldiers held by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Lanao del Sur for a day were freed following negotiations on late Wednesday afternoon, February 8.

Colonel Michele Anayron Jr., the commander of the Army’s 403rd Brigade, said the soldiers belonging to the 1st Special Forces Battalion were released after members of the government’s and MILF’s coordinating committees on the cessation of hostilities went to Maguing town, Lanao del Sur.

The soldiers were held by the MILF after they strayed close to the Front’s 103 Base Camp in Barangay Delimbayan in Maguing town at around 4:30 pm on Tuesday, February 7.

Officials said the soldiers, in three Special Forces teams, had just raided a nearby rebel camp of the New People’s Army’s (NPA) and were returning to their base when they strayed close to the MILF camp in Delimbayan.

“The soldiers are safe and have gone back to their headquarters. We used the peace mechanisms to effect their release,” Anayron told Rappler on Wednesday night.

He said the soldiers were not released immediately because it took time for members of the coordinating committees to reach Delimbayan.

Anayron said the government team led by Brigadier General Eduardo Gubat arrived before lunch while the MILF committee members led by Butch Malang arrived around 2 pm on Wednesday.

“After a short talk, the soldiers were released and allowed to leave the MILF camp,” Anayron said.

Malang earlier coordinated with Gubat on what to do with the soldiers who were being held in Delimbayan.

“We would like to seek your recommendation with regard with the proper handling of the said 38 soldiers in reference to existing ceasefire protocols,” read Malang’s note to Gubat earlier.

The Lanao del Sur police reported there were 39 soldiers, not 38, who were held for hours by the MILF.
For more than 24 hours since Tuesday afternoon, tension gripped Lanao del Sur because of the incident.

As of 4 pm on Wednesday, negotiations for the release of the soldiers were still ongoing, said Lanao del Sur police spokesperson Major Alvison Mustapha.

Officials said the incident was the result of a lack of coordination between the Army’s Special Forces and the MILF which could have led to a repeat of the bloody Mamasapano encounter in Maguindanao in 2015 had it not been for cooler heads and the ongoing peace process.

Malang, the chairman of the MILF’s Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, said Bangsamoro parliament member Marjanie Mimbantas-Macasalong and ceasefire mechanism committee personnel had gone to the area to resolve the issue.

Gubat, the chairman of the government’s Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, had earlier described the situation and the reported disarming of the soldiers as a “procedural gesture.”

Malang, for his part, said the soldiers were merely “requested” to lay down their firearms, and “not disarmed.”

Gubat said the lack of coordination at the grassroots level, despite efforts at the top level, led to the incident.

He said the soldiers went there because the military was continuously on the move against various threat groups in the Lanao provinces, including communist rebels and terror organizations.

The government and MILF have forged a political settlement, and the peace process has been a work in progress. The agreement ended the decades-old armed conflict that paved the way for the creation of a new entity, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The decommissioning of former rebels has been one of the still unresolved issues.

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2541/milf-frees-39-soldiers-in-lanao-del-sur-after-24-hours

Soldiers held by MILF forces in Lanao due to ‘miscommunication’ – gov’t panel

Posted to MindaNews (Feb 8, 2023): Soldiers held by MILF forces in Lanao due to ‘miscommunication’ – gov’t panel

Members of the Army’s Special Forces take a rest as peace negotiators discuss what to do on Wednesday, 8 February 2023. Photo courtesy of PNP-Lanao del Sur

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 09 February) – The “detention” of a platoon of soldiers under the Philippine Army’s 1st Special Forces Battalion by members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Lanao del Sur was a “simple case of miscommunication,” the government’s Peace Implementing Panel (PIP) said Thursday.

At least 39 Army Special Forces detained by MILF forces in Maguing town for at least 25 hours were freed late Wednesday afternoon.

“The situation involving a platoon of the Army’s Special Forces in Maguing, Lanao del Sur has been resolved by the parties following the intervention of the joint peace mechanisms, specifically the Joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities in the area on Wednesday, February 8,” the PIP said in a statement.

The panel said the incident was brought by “a simple case of miscommunication.”

According to the PIP, the soldiers under the 4th Infantry Division passed through the area of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), the armed wing of the MILF, during an operation against the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

“To ensure the safety of the (government) troops, the MILF-BIAF provided the troopers a safe space to spend the night on February 7 and to effect the established procedures with the joint ceasefire mechanisms,” it said.

The members of the Army platoon safely returned to their home base after the situation was peacefully settled.

Col. Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, earlier said the soldiers had just raided a nearby camp of the NPA’s Sub-regional Committee 5 and were going home when they strayed close to the perimeter of the MILF camp.

Maguing shares borders with the municipalities of Talakag and Kalilangan of Bukidnon, which has a strong NPA presence.

“The soldiers are also safe and have gone back to their headquarters. We used the peace mechanisms to effect their release,” Anayron explained

This is another testament of the parties’ high regard to the peace process and their tolerance that prevented possible untoward incident to happen despite the problem in communication due to poor signal in the area, the PIP statement said.

The deep understanding of the peace process and ceasefire guidelines was instrumental for its swift resolution, it added.

The MILF has yet to issue a statement on the matter. (MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/02/soldiers-held-by-milf-forces-in-lanao-due-to-miscommunication-govt-panel/

39 Special Forces soldiers held by MILF in Lanao Sur released

Posted to MindaNews (Feb 8, 2023): 39 Special Forces soldiers held by MILF in Lanao Sur released (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 8 February)—More than three dozen Special Forces soldiers earlier detained for more than 25 hours in Lanao del Sur by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were released late Wednesday afternoon.

Peace negotiators discuss their options in Maguind, Lanao del Sur on Wednesday (8 February 2023). Photo courtesy of PNP-Lanao del Sur

Col. Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, said the soldiers belonging to the Army’s 1st Special Forces Battalion were released after the arrival of the government and MILF Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) in Maguing town, Lanao del Sur Wednesday.

The MILF earlier “put on hold” the soldiers after they strayed close to the MILF’s 103rd Base Command in Barangay Dilimbayan, also in Maguing town, around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The soldiers—three Special Forces teams—have just raided a nearby camp of the New People’s Army’s (NPA) Sub-regional Committee 5 and were going home when they strayed close to the perimeter of the MILF camp, Anayron said.

Maguing shares borders with the municipalities of Talakag and Kalilangan of Bukidnon, which has a strong NPA presence.

“The soldiers are also safe and have gone back to their headquarters. We used the peace mechanisms to effect their release,” Anayron explained.

The Special Forces soldiers take a rest as peace negotiators dicuss what to do. Photo courtesy of PNP-Lanao del Sur

The government and the MILF signed a peace agreement in 2014, ending the decades-old insurgency and paved the way for the creation of a new autonomous entity, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

But more than 20 years ago, the government and the MILF already have agreements that resulted in the creation of the GPH-MILF Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), bodies that facilitate coordination to avoid misencounter between government troops and MILF forces.

Anayron said the delayed release of the soldiers was due to the late arrival of the government and MILF CCCH teams in Barangay Dilimbayan.

He said the government CCCH team led by Brig. Gen. Eduardo Gubat arrived at the MILF camp before lunch Wednesday while the MILF team led by its chair, Butch Malang, arrived around 2 p.m.

“After a short talk, the soldiers were released and allowed to leave the MILF camp,” Anayron said.

Malang earlier coordinated with Gubat on what to do with the detained soldiers in barangay Dilimbayan.

“In this regard, we would like to seek your recommendation with regard to the proper handling of the said 39 soldiers in reference to existing ceasefire protocols,” Malang said in his note to Gubat.

Malang also said it was improper to say that MILF troops disarmed the government soldiers, but it was just a request to lay down the firearms as negotiations were being held.

Gubat, on the other hand, said “it was just a procedural gesture” when asked about the case of disarming the government soldiers.

He said the issue was that “coordination has not reached to the very grassroots, though efforts at the top level were coordinated.” (Froilan Gallardo, with reports from Ferdinandh Cabrera / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/02/39-special-forces-soldiers-held-by-milf-in-lanao-sur-released/

MILF holds dozens of elite soldiers hostage in the Philippines

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Feb 9, 2023): MILF holds dozens of elite soldiers hostage in the Philippines

COTABATO CITY - The former rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) held hostage 39 elite army soldiers in Lanao del Sur province in southern Philippines and released them a day later after security officials negotiated for their freedom.

The MILF, which signed a peace deal with Manila in 2014, captured the soldiers who are members of the Special Forces, in the village of Dilimbayan in Maguing town.

The soldiers were all disarmed and brought them to an MILF camp on Tuesday afternoon, February 7, where heavily armed men guarded them throughout the night.

The soldiers, part of a group that stormed a communist rebel base near the town, were returning to their rendezvous when MILF forces surrounded and captured them.

Members of the government’s ceasefire committee negotiated with their MILF counterpart and successfully recovered the soldiers after their release on Wednesday, February 8.

It was unclear whether MILF gunmen returned the weapons they seized from the Special Forces soldiers.

The Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City has not released any report on the disgraceful incident, saying the soldiers belong to the Eastern Mindanao Command in Davao City, but security officials there also did not report the troops’ capture.

The MILF, whose leader is Murad Ebrahim, the current governor of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, has not released a statement on the incident. (Mindanao Examiner)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/02/milf-holds-dozens-of-elite-soldiers.html

CPP/CIO: On the recent visit of US Defense Secretary Austin

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Feb 5, 2023): On the recent visit of US Defense Secretary Austin

 


Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

February 05, 2023

The recent visit of US Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin served to reinforce the master-puppet relationship between the US government and the subservient Marcos regime. In exchange for new military hardware contracts and other promises, Marcos and his officials gave Austin assurances to allow the US to establish more military bases and facilities inside AFP military camps and allow “joint maritime patrols” with the US military in the South China Sea.

In doing so, Marcos is more and more allowing the Philippines to be used by the US as a launching pad for its provocations against China. He is practically allowing the imperialist US to drag the Philippines into a war against its own interest.

By allowing the US to use the country as a base of its operations, Marcos is virtually turning the Philippines into a target of China’s weapons, whether for aggression or counter-aggression.

Austin makes false assurances that the military bases and facilities being established by the US inside the military camps of the AFP are “not permanent.” The US and its puppets have been using the term “rotational presence” to circumvent the prohibition of the 1987 constitution against foreign military bases.

However, the fact cannot be denied that US military forces have maintained permanent presence in the country for more than twenty years now, stationing troops from Luzon to Mindanao. The US has kept weapons and military equipment in various military bases. Naval warships of the US have regularly docked in Philippine ports and other parts of the country’s waters, anytime they wish, with or without permission of the Philippine government.

Austin’s visit to South Korea and the Philippines forms part of the US government’s continuing strategy of preparing the war theater against China. The US geopolitical strategy is to encircle China from all sides and provoke it by undermining the One China policy, inciting subversion in Taiwan, making naval passes through the Taiwan strait and patrols in the South China Sea.

The Filipino people, together with peoples of Asia and the world, must continue to demand a stop to imperialist war mongering and an end to war preparations especially by the US. They must demand the dismantling of all US military bases and call for the removal of US and other foreign military troops in the country, as well as the dismantling of Chinese military facilities within its maritime territory.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/on-the-recent-visit-of-us-defense-secretary-austin/

CPP: Celebrate Ka Joma’s 84th birth anniversary amid bright prospects of advancing the revolution

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Feb 8, 2023): Celebrate Ka Joma’s 84th birth anniversary amid bright prospects of advancing the revolution

 


Communist Party of the Philippines
February 08, 2023

We mark today the 84th birth anniversary of Prof. Jose Maria Sison, founding chair of the Communist Party of the Philippines, fully conscious of the continuing profound significance of Ka Joma’s work in the unremitting struggle of the Filipino people for national democracy and socialism, which form part of the international anti-imperialist resistance of all oppressed and exploited peoples.

In celebrating his revolutionary life and work, let us reaffirm our adherence to the universal correctness of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism and its application to the concrete conditions of the Philippines as practiced and taught by Ka Joma, and as embodied in the principles, policies and program of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Let us also look forward to the 130th birth anniversary of Chairman Mao Zedong later this year and Ka Joma’s 85th birth anniversary next year by studying with all energy the classic writings of Marx, Engels, Lenin, Stalin, Mao, Ho as well as those of Ka Joma, and using them as guide as we carry forward with all vigor the national democratic revolution.

As founding chair and guide of the CPP, Ka Joma incisively analyzed the semicolonial and semifeudal conditions in the country and pointed to the necessity of carrying out a people’s democratic revolution by waging protracted people’s war along the strategy of encircling the cities from the countryside.

Wielding both the New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front as sword and shield respectively, the Party has achieved myriad revolutionary successes over more than five decades. The victories accumulated in waging resistance and building revolutionary power are testament to the correctness and lasting validity of Ka Joma’s teachings and to the indefatigable determination of the Party’s cadres to carry forward the tasks of the Philippine revolution.

Inspired by Ka Joma’s boundless revolutionary optimism, the Party and all patriotic and democratic forces are determined to bring the national democratic revolution to final victory, no matter the sacrifice and however long it takes. The liberation of the Filipino people from imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism hinges on winning the revolution.

The passing away of Ka Joma on December 16, 2022 was a profound loss to the Party. Still, his revolutionary spirit and the treasure trove of Marxist-Leninist-Maoist writings which he bequeathed continue to unite the Party and imbue it with strength. His death has inspired a revolutionary education movement among Party cadres and activists to study his teachings in order to raise their knowledge of revolutionary theory and history, and to sum-up and guide their revolutionary practice in the field of revolutionary armed struggle and mass movement in the cities and countryside.

This study movement is characterized by a review of the basic principles of the Party as laid out by Ka Joma in the first and second great rectification movements. Party cadres are also carrying out further research and social investigation to enrich and deepen understanding of the semicolonial and semifeudal conditions of the people.

Through this study movement, leading committees of the Party have taken initiative in self-criticism efforts to identify, root out, repudiate and rectify errors of subjectivism which have impeded the growth of the revolutionary movement and weakened it in some parts. The level of revolutionary energy and enthusiasm is steadily rising, and with it, the Filipino people’s determination to carry forward the revolution.

In the field of armed struggle, Party cadres in the New People’s Army are exerting efforts to surmount the problem of self-constriction in order to consistently expand and deepen the mass base and take the initiative in mounting annihilative tactical offensives combined with widespread attritive tactical offensives. In the field of the mass movement in both the cities and countryside, revolutionary forces are overcoming problems of reformism, legalism and conservatism in order to expand the people’s organized strength, lead their democratic struggles, raise their struggles against imperialist neoliberal policies and military intervention, and link and extend support to the armed struggle.

A vigorous study movement of Ka Joma’s teachings is bound to take root among the Filipino youth and students, ensuring the emergence of a new generation of revolutionaries and communists who will lead the Party and carry forward the revolution into the future. The campaign to promote Marxism-Leninism-Maoism and a culture of revolutionary collectivism and selfless service to the people, especially among young intellectuals, direct challenges the culture of social apathy, individualism, self-centeredness, hedonism and other rotten anti-social traits being promoted by imperialism and the ruling classes in media and social media.

During Ka Joma’s lifetime, the reactionary ruling classes did all they can to suppress and silence him. With his death, the reactionaries are now forever haunted by his red specter. Mortally fearful of the national democratic revolution, the Philippine reactionary government, representing the interests of the imperialists, the big bourgeois compradors and big landlords, continues to employ to brutal state terrorism and fascist suppression in a futile effort to stop the forward march of the Filipino people and their revolution. They have resorted to placing entire villages under military rule, dropping half-ton bombs from the air, extrajudicial killings, torture, abducting pregnant women and children, fake surrenders, and endlessly spinning lies. Their repeated declaration of having defeated the revolutionary movement is set to explode in their face as the Party, the NPA and the NDF gain strength and carry the revolution to greater heights.

The viciousness with which the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) wages its counter-revolution, however, succeeds only in further exposing the rottenness of the ruling system. Fascist violence is inciting the broad masses of the people to fight back. It shows them that there is no path to attain their aspiration for justice and freedom other than the revolutionary mass movement and armed struggle.

Amid aggravation of the crisis of overproduction of the global capitalist system, the leading imperialists powers are resorting to wars and pushing the entire world towards the brink of widespread death and destruction. The conditions of great disorder and turbulence being generated by the global capitalist system is compelling the proletariat to rise up and lead the oppressed and exploited classes to wage revolution.

Guided by Marxism-Leninism-Maoism and the teachings of Ka Joma, the Communist Party of the Philippines vows to persevere in leading the Filipino people along the path of the national democratic revolution. Together with rising anti-imperialist and antifascist struggles around the world, the Party is determined to contribute to the resurgence of socialist and new democratic revolutions worldwide and help forge a new period in the world history of the proletariat.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/celebrate-ka-jomas-84th-birth-anniversary-amid-bright-prospects-of-advancing-the-revolution/

CPP/NDF-KAGUMA: Celebrate the 84th Birthday of Ka Joma Sison! Immortalize His Legacy of Marxist-Leninist-Maoist (MLM) Teachings to Further Advance the People’s Democratic Revolution!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Feb 8, 2023): Celebrate the 84th Birthday of Ka Joma Sison! Immortalize His Legacy of Marxist-Leninist-Maoist (MLM) Teachings to Further Advance the People’s Democratic Revolution!

 


Katipunan ng mga Gurong Makabayan (Kaguma)

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

February 08, 2023

The Katipunan ng mga Gurong Makabayan (KAGUMA) joins the Filipino people in celebrating the 84th birthday today, February 8, of Prof. Jose Maria Sison. Fondly called by his comrades and friends as Ka Joma, Sison is the founding chairperson of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and stood as the great teacher and guide of the Philippine revolution.

Ka Joma may have passed away but his revolutionary spirit lives on in the Filipino people’s unwavering commitment to forward the national democratic revolution with a socialist perspective until final victory. On his birthday, the revolutionary educators, education students, and education workers under KAGUMA, along with other patriotic and progressive educators and academic workers, announce our resolve to carry out the Party’s Central Committee’s call for the organizing of a study movement centered on the writings and teachings of Ka Joma.

Applying the proletarian science of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism (MLM) to Philippine society, Ka Joma’s writings and teachings had been fundamental in analyzing its semi- feudal and semi-colonial condition and prescribing its revolutionary overthrow. The study of Ka Joma’s works is essential for any genuine endeavor to end exploitation and oppression and forward a socialist future.

The vigorous study of MLM was key to the achievements made by proletarian revolutionaries in the period of bitter struggle with the revisionists of the old Party that led to the reestablishment of the CPP in the 1960s and the period of the second great rectification movement in the 1990s that saw the repudiation of traitors to the revolutionary cause. Indeed, the review and study of revolutionary theory and principles was an essential component to the revitalization and resurgence of the revolutionary movement after periods of retreat and disorientation.

By raising the theoretical foundations and grasp of revolutionary activists of MLM theory and history, the study movement that we begin today helps in strengthening the resolve and militance of the revolutionary teachers movement and the Filipino people to resist and defeat the fascist attacks and state repression that continue to intensify today under the second Marcos regime.

On his birthday, the best gift we can bequeath Ka Joma is our firm resolve to return to his writings and teachings as part of the overall endeavor to advance the Philippine revolution as our contribution to the fruition of the World Proletarian revolution.

Ka Joma Lives!

Immortalize Ka Joma’s Legacy of MLM Teachings to Further Advance the People’s Democratic Revolution!

Long Live National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP)!

Resume Peace Talks! Delist Ka Joma and All NDFP Peace Negotiators and Consultants from Terrorist Listing!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/celebrate-the-84th-birthday-of-ka-joma-sison-immortalize-his-legacy-of-marxist-leninist-maoist-mlm-teachings-to-further-advance-the-peoples-democratic-revolution/

DND lauds Senate for bill to amend AFP officers' fixed term law

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8, 2023): DND lauds Senate for bill to amend AFP officers' fixed term law (By Priam Nepomuceno)

(Photo courtesy of the Office of the President)

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) officer-in-charge Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Wednesday thanked three senators who came up with a bill seeking to amend portions of Republic Act (RA) 11709, which prescribes fixed terms for key military officials.

"The DND and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are eternally grateful to the Senate, in particular, Senator Jingggoy Estrada, chair of the Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation and his co-sponsors, for addressing the concerns of our brave men and women of the AFP regarding the implementation of RA 11709, through Senate Bill No. 1849 under Committee Report No. 23, which was passed on Tuesday, 7 February 2023," he said in a statement.

Republic Act 11709 is also known as the "Act Strengthening Professionalism in the AFP."

"We in the DND also extend our deepest appreciation to the House of Representatives for having passed their own version in December 2022," Galvez said.

He added that the strong support of both houses of Congress for amending certain provisions of RA 11709 would ensure that the AFP would remain professional, dynamic, responsive, and capable of adapting to current times.

Senate Bill 1849, authored by Estrada and co-authored by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, seeks to amend five sections – Sections 2, 6, 10, 11, and 15 of RA 11709.

Section 2 refers to the fixed three-year term of the tour of duty of key AFP officers while Section 6 calls for the compulsory retirement of officers from 2nd lieutenant to colonel or their equivalent upon accumulation of 30 years of active service.

Section 10 refers to the forced attrition of officers, Section 11 calls for the forced attrition of enlisted personnel, and Section 15 calls for officer grade distribution.

During his sponsorship speech, Estrada said the amendments would "address the gaps, issues, and unintended consequences brought about by the implementation of RA 11709."

"Most importantly, it will definitely usher in a level of improved morale within and among the ranks of our armed forces. Ensuring a level playing field for career advancement is the least we can do for our soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines who continue to lay their lives on the line protecting the Filipino people and defending the Philippines," Estrada added.

He noted that "this piece of legislation remains consistent with the spirit and intention of RA 11709 that is anchored on meritocracy and professionalization, while providing the organization with the necessary room for flexibility, ensuring stability, and improving the morale in our Armed Forces."

Fair chance

Meanwhile, Zubiri said the new bill aims to open a healthier environment for promotion within the ranks, which gives officers a fair chance to step up to leadership positions they have worked for during their career.

He also said this would foster a more professional AFP, one with solid and stable leadership, while allowing dynamism and positive change.

"I enjoin my colleagues in support of this measure, towards a stronger AFP, and we commit to our AFP, rank and file, together with the officers, that we will pass this as soon as possible," Zubiri added.

Co-sponsor Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. likewise said during the plenary that the measure is a constructive validation that the Senate highly values the proposals and recommendations from the AFP officers and enlisted personnel to enhance some of the provisions of RA 11709 for it to be more responsive to the changing needs and the development of the AFP organization.

"It is our privilege to co-sponsor this measure that will serve as our responsive tool paving the way for significant long-term plans and programs to further strengthen and modernize the AFP. Indeed, continuity in leadership and excellence in the AFP can never be more vital to the defense and security of our nation. Former president Fidel Valdez Ramos correctly stressed the armed forces have a critical nation-building function. 'Sila ang isa sa haligi ng ating lipunan na ang mandato ay itaguyod ang konstitusyon, tiyakin ang seguridad ng bayan, at gwardiyahan ang ating territoryo at soberenya' (They are one of the pillars of our society whose mandate is to uphold the Constitution, ensure the country's security, and guard our territory and sovereignty)," Revilla said.

Under RA 11709, the AFP chief of staff, vice chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, heads of the major services (Army, Navy, and Air Force), unified command commanders, and inspector general will have a three-year term of office "unless sooner terminated by the President."

The President may also extend the AFP chief of staff's tour of duty in times of war or other national emergencies declared by Congress.

During the Jan. 17 Senate hearing, the DND presented proposed amendments to RA 11709.

These include having the AFP chief a maximum term of three years, while service commanders like the Army, Navy, and Air Force will have two years and the Philippine Military Academy superintendent having a four-year tenure.

Meanwhile, the AFP vice chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, unified command commanders, and inspector general can be appointed to a higher post if they still have a year left in active service.

Also included are proposals that no military officials can be promoted to brigadier general or commodore if they have less than six months left in the service.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194672

PH Army names new commanders to 3 key posts (Bio Data)

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8, 2023): PH Army names new commanders to 3 key posts (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) on Wednesday announced the appointment of new commanders to three key posts.

In a statement, PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said Col. Ulpiano T. Olarte was appointed to command the 55th Engineer Brigade (EBde) deployed to Lanao del Norte while Col. Jason Jumawan was designated as the new PA assistant chief of staff for operations.

Meanwhile, Col. Jose Eduardo F. Liboon was named as the new Army Chief of Engineers.

Olarte took over the 55th EBde's helm in a change of command ceremony held at the unit's headquarters in Balo-I, Lanao del Norte on Tuesday.

"Col. Olarte assumed as the new 55EBde commander succeeding Brig. Gen. Irineo F. Sebastian who will hang his uniform for the last time after a military career spanning nearly 36 years," Trinidad said.

Olarte served as deputy brigade commander of the Cebu City-based 53rd EBde before his new command.

55th Engineer Brigade commander Col. Ulpiano Olarte (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

He also served as the chief of the Real Estate Office of the Philippine Army’s Installation Management Command; deputy of the Army Real Estate Office; and assistant chief of the academy staff for personnel of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

"Col. Olarte belongs to the Officer Candidate Course Class 11-1994 of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) Officer Candidate School. He is a registered civil engineer who holds a civil engineering degree from the Technological Institute of the Philippines. He holds two master’s degrees: History from the Cebu City-based University of San Carlos and Public Management major in Development Security from the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP)," Trinidad said.

Sebastian, Olarte's predecessor, held key positions in the 55EBde before becoming its commander in November 2020 after leading the unit in an acting capacity since June 2019.

"He also served as commanding officer of the Training and Doctrine Command’s Headquarters and Headquarters Service Battalion and as command engineer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center," Trinidad said.

Sebastian, a member of PMA Class of 1991, holds a mechanical engineering degree from Tarlac State University and a graduate diploma in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of the Philippines (UP).

Meanwhile, Jumawan, the new PA assistant chief of staff for operations, replaces Col. Alvin Luzon.

PA assistant chief of staff for operations Col. Jason Jumawan (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

He served as executive assistant of PA chief Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. and has held key staff positions at the AFP office of the deputy chief of staff for operations; commanding officer of the 82nd Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division; and executive officer of the 301st Infantry Brigade.

Jumawan is a member of PMA Class of 1995 and holds three master’s degrees in National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines, Public Management from the DAP, and Public Administration from UP.

Luzon will now assume as Senior Military Assistant to Department of National Defense officer-in-charge Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

He is a member of PMA Class of 1994 and holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of the Visayas, a Master of International Security Studies from the Sydney-based Macquarie University, a master's in Public Management major in Development Security from the DAP, and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University in Washington DC, USA.

Also, the PA on Tuesday installed Col. Jose Eduardo F. Liboon as the new Army Chief of Engineers during short ceremonies in Fort Bonifacio.

Prior to his appointment post, Liboon served as the acting commander of the 51st Engineer Brigade.

 

Army Chief of Engineers, Col. Jose Eduardo Liboon (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

He also led other units such as the chief-of-staff of the 53rd Engineer Brigade; assistant chief-of-staff for logistics of the 3rd Infantry Division; and chief of the governance and strategy management office of the 52nd Engineer Brigade.

Liboon is a member of the PMA Class of 1994 and holds a Master's in Community Development from the University of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, outgoing chief Col. Antonio C. Rota Jr. will be the commander of the 51st Engineer Brigade.

Before being Army Chief of Engineers, he also headed other units as chief-of-staff of the 54th Engineer Brigade; commanding officer of the 547th Engineer Construction Battalionunder 54th Engineer Brigade; and assistant chief-of-staff for Civil-Military Operations under 52nd Engineer Brigade.

Rota is a graduate of the Officer Preparatory Course and was commissioned in 1993.

He also has a Master's in Public Management from the Development Academy of the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194678

PH, US Navy fleets to tackle cooperation, exchanges in 3-day meet

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8, 2023): PH, US Navy fleets to tackle cooperation, exchanges in 3-day meet (By Priam Nepomuceno)

(Photo courtesy of Philippine Fleet)

MANILA – The Philippine Fleet and US 7th Fleet would hold staff-to-staff talks from Wednesday to Friday to discuss mutual cooperation and military exchange opportunities.

Lt. Giovanni Badidles, Philippine Fleet spokesperson, said the event will be held at the Lighthouse Marina Resort, Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales province.

He added that Philippine Fleet commander, Rear Admiral Renato David, will chair the proceedings along with US 7th Fleet commander, Vice Admiral Karl Thomas.

"The meeting will yield meaningful discussions on important topics such as mutual cooperation and seek military exchange opportunities including maritime cooperative activities, naval aviation activities, exercises, port visits, personnel exchanges, and support for maritime defense industries, particularly shipbuilding and ship repair," Badidles said.

He added the staff-to-staff talks between the Philippine Fleet and the US 7th Fleet is a regular dialogue and information exchange that aim to strengthen existing mutual cooperation between the two Navies.

Badidles added that the activity is part of the Philippine Navy's efforts to International Defense Security Engagement activities that will strengthen cooperation and improve the PN's capacity and capability in accordance with the Active Archipelagic Defense Strategy and PN Capability Development Plan.

"Last October 11, 2022, a landmark Terms of Reference between the Philippine Fleet and the United States Seventh Fleet was signed, which signified the culmination of the staff-to-staff talks between the two naval forces held last February 2022 in Manila," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194727

No formal talks yet between PH, Japan on VFA: Marcos

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8, 2023): No formal talks yet between PH, Japan on VFA: Marcos (By Azer Parrocha)

NO FORMAL TALKS YET. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers a speech before flying to Japan to embark on a five-day official visit on Wednesday (Feb. 8, 2023). Marcos told the media on board a flight to Japan that the Philippines and Japan have not yet begun formal talks on a possible signing of a visiting forces agreement. (Photo courtesy of Bongbong Facebook page)

MANILA – The Philippines and Japan have no formal talks yet on a possible visiting forces agreement (VFA), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Wednesday.

Marcos made this remark after the Department of National Defense announced that it is eyeing a VFA with Japan, to make it the third nation with which the country has the type of agreement next to the United States and Australia.

Despite the lack of dialogue between the two countries on the VFA, Marcos cited Japan’s assistance in helping the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in terms of capacity-building which includes providing equipment.

“Yung support nila sa Coast Guard, matagal na ‘yan (They have long been supporting the Coast Guard), that kind of cooperation has been ongoing. Siguro sa kanilang palagay (Perhaps to them), the next step is to the improvement, rehabilitation in Subic, para nga sa Coast Guard (for the Coast Guard),” Marcos said in an interview with reporters while on board a flight to Japan.

Last month, the government submitted a proposal to Japan for building a PCG facility in Subic Bay.

Former Department of Defense officer-in-charge Jose Faustino Jr. said both countries would like to have a VFA so that Japanese troops can conduct exercises with their Philippine counterparts.

The PCG announced its plan to purchase additional ships from Japan that will complement the BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) and BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), its biggest and most advanced assets.
Marcos, likewise, underscored the importance of boosting defense cooperation with the country's long-time ally.

“Naturally, the reason behind all this is they would like to have more patrols along… South China Sea para naman (so that) we can assure the freedom of passage,” he said.

He added that fostering stronger cooperation with Japan will also help the country achieve its goal of continuously modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“So, this is a new element to our relationship because we’re now talking about the security of the region. So being, of course, all interested in the same thing, i.e., security in the region, I think cooperation is not a bad thing,” he said.

Marcos is currently in Japan for a five-day official visit from Feb. 8 to 12 to forge closer political ties, stronger defense and security cooperation, as well as lasting economic partnerships.

More agri-biz investments

Meanwhile, Marcos expressed optimism about attracting more agri-business deals from Japan.

“Well, number one, that opens up hindi lamang (it won’t just be) the usual exchange of technology, but that’s an important part of it, but also investment in agriculture and hopefully opening markets in Japan for our agricultural products,” he said, referring to key deals expected to be signed between the Philippines and Japan, which include an agreement in agricultural cooperation.

He said he would be holding meetings with various Japanese officials and business leaders to seal more investments and forge business relations.

“So that’s a very wide-ranging discussion. So yes, we hope to do a lot in that regard para ma-accelerate ‘yung ating (to accelerate our) agricultural development,” he added.

Japan is the only country with which the Philippines has a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) called the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).

In 2021, Japan was the Philippines’ second-largest trading partner as well as the third-largest export market and the second-top source of imports.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194776

Zubiri pushes for PH-Japan VFA talks

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 9, 2023): Zubiri pushes for PH-Japan VFA talks (By Leonel Abasola)

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri (File photo)

MANILA – Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Thursday urged the Philippine and Japanese governments to begin exploratory talks on a possible Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) now that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is on a five-day official working visit to Japan.

In a media interview at the Okura Hotel in Tokyo, Zubiri, who is part of the Philippine delegation for the President’s state visit, recalled that he had already brought up the idea of pursuing VFA with Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Koshika Kazuhiko last year.

The Senate President said that while formal talks about the VFA have yet to reach Marcos, this is an opportune time for him to raise the issue with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.

"It makes strategic sense. Japan is an ally, and with ongoing territorial disputes over our waters, we stand to benefit from stronger security cooperation with our allies," Zubiri said.

He noted that Japan is already offering vital support to the Philippine Coast Guard -- not just through vessels and equipment but also through other capacity-building opportunities such as training — and a VFA will further strengthen the partnership between the two countries.

Zubiri however clarified that “peaceful diplomacy” remains our foremost move toward conflict resolution, “but we also have to be prepared for any eventuality.”

“With Japan on our side, we will be able to empower our Coast Guard and Armed Forces in times of conflict,” he said.

Besides being crucial to building up our security and defense, Zubiri said a VFA with Japan will also be massively helpful in times of natural calamities and disasters by using the their disaster management training and knowledge to help the Philippines become a more resilient country as well.

"Given all the benefits we stand to gain from the VFA, I am hopeful that we will be able to begin formal discussions about it soon, and I am pretty certain that we will be able to garner enough support in the Senate for it," Zubiri said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194823

PH, Japan affirm defense, security cooperation

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 9, 2023): PH, Japan affirm defense, security cooperation (By Azer Parrocha)

DEFENSE COOPERATION. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida witness Department of National Defense (DND) officer-in-charge, Senior Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr., and Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada shaking hands following the signing of the Terms of Reference (TOR) concerning Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Activities of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) in the Republic of the Philippines in Tokyo on Thursday (Feb. 9, 2023). The TOR aims to simplify the procedures for visits to the Philippines by the JSDF, as one of the efforts to enhance and facilitate cooperation on HADR. (Screengrab from RTVM)

MANILA -- The Philippines and Japan on Thursday affirmed their commitment to strengthen defense and security cooperation during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s five-day official trip to Tokyo.

In a joint statement, Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said this would be done through “strategic reciprocal port calls and aircraft visits, transfer of more defense equipment and technology, continuous cooperation on previously-transferred defense equipment and capacity building.”

“In concrete terms, the leaders affirmed to strengthen efforts to complete transfer of air-surveillance radars systems, and for its related personnel training,” the statement read.

Marcos referred to Japan’s useful defense equipment transfer program, and the potential for deepening collaboration, joint work, and interoperability.

Terms of reference

The two leaders also welcomed the signing of the Terms of Reference (TOR) concerning Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Activities of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) in the Republic of the Philippines.

The TOR aims to simplify the procedures for visits to the Philippines by the JSDF, as one of the efforts to enhance and facilitate cooperation on HADR.

“The leaders concurred to continue to consider ways to further advance defense cooperation including through frameworks that will enhance and facilitate education and training exchanges as well as reciprocal visits of defense and military officials,” the statement read.

Aside from defense, other bilateral documents and agreements signed during Marcos’ official trip to Japan are cooperations in infrastructure development, agriculture, and information and communications technology.

Marcos and Kishida also welcomed the progress of bilateral defense exchanges such as through the Vice Minister's Defense Dialogue in December 2022, Staff Talks in July 2022, Japan-Philippines Military-to-Military Meeting (MM) in October 2022.

Marcos, likewise, welcomed Japan’s intention to establish a new cooperation framework for the benefit of armed forces and other related organizations of recipient countries for the purpose of deepening security cooperation.

Maritime dialogue

Marcos and Kishida also reaffirmed efforts to reinforce Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and maritime law enforcement based on international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), for the stability in the South China Sea and the Sulu–Celebes Seas, and their surrounding areas.

They affirmed the importance of regular bilateral engagements through the Maritime Dialogue, for maritime policy coordination and the effective pursuit of projects and activities, whose fifth meeting is expected in the first quarter of 2023.

Marcos welcomed Japan’s support to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) by way of implementing the memorandum of cooperation (MOC) on coast guard affairs in January 2017.

He thanked Kishida for the training and scholarships for PCG personnel and staff-to-staff programs by the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) and the continued dispatch of JICA experts.

The two leaders also committed to strengthening knowledge transfer and sharing Japan’s best practices, including through the “SAPPHIRE” in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Marcos also expressed satisfaction with concrete projects for the enhancement of maritime law enforcement capabilities, such as the development of a PCG Subic Bay support base, which could serve as the home of Japan-made 97-meter-class patrol vessels, and the installation of a satellite communications system on patrol vessels.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194874

New NTC, ISAFP heads named

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10, 2023): New NTC, ISAFP heads named (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

MANILA – Malacañang on Friday released the names of new appointees of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., including the respective heads of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP).

NTC officer-in-charge Deputy Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez has been tapped as the agency's new commissioner, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil confirmed.

Garafil said the appointment paper of Lopez, a lawyer, was signed on Feb. 7.

Before serving as NTC commissioner, Lopez worked as the director of the commission, officer-in-charge of its legal branch, and chief of staff of the Office of the Commissioner.

Lopez earned her bachelor's degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman and studied law at the Ateneo de Manila University.

A government agency attached to the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the NTC is primarily responsible for the regulation, supervision, adjudication, and control of all telecommunications services and television and radio networks in the country.

Garafil also announced the appointment of Maj. Gen. Leonel Nicolas the new chief of ISAFP, the office in charge of the military's intelligence efforts.

Nicolas, whose appointment paper was signed on Feb. 1, was among the military officers who were recently promoted to two-star rank.

Before his new post, Nicolas served as the AFP's deputy chief of staff for intelligence.

He was also the commander of the Army's 102nd Infantry Brigade and the Joint Task Force Zamboanga.

Nicolas became chief of staff and assistant chief of staff for operations, and commanded the 10th and 5th Infantry Battalions of the 1st Infantry Division.

He is an Airborne and Scout Ranger and a well-rounded military officer with expertise in operations, intelligence, and managerial acumen.

Nicolas earned his Master of Management from the Liceo de Cagayan University and his Master of Public Management major in Development Security from the Development Academy of the Philippines.

Marcos, Garafil said, also signed on Feb. 7 the appointment papers of the new members of the National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (NTIPC) and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), both operating under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The President designated Arturo Baesa, Annie Geron, Angelita Señorin, and Jesus Villamor as members of the NTIPC, representing the labor sector.

The NTIPC, the main consultative and advisory body mechanism lodged with the DOLE's Bureau of Labor Relations, is responsible for processing major issuances affecting labor, employment, and related concerns, as well as a clearinghouse for the recommendation and ratification or denunciation of International Labor Organization Conventions.

Meanwhile, Juan Johnny dela Cruz and Alfonso Lao were appointed as members of the RTWPB in the Cordillera Administrative Region and Romeo Sustiguer Jr. as board member in Caraga, representing the employers' sector.

The RTWPB is responsible for setting minimum wages and promoting productivity improvement programs.

Marcos also tapped Romeo Leyes (Director IV), Josemari Hernando (Director III), and Lita Rosales (Director III) as new officials at the Department of Agrarian Reform; Karen Kristien Roscom (Director IV) at the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards; Paul Limson (Director IV) at the Bureau of Animal Industry; and Ma. Jozzenne Claire Beltran-Carandan and Maria Dionesia Rivera-Guillermo IV, both Deputy Executive Director IV at the Government Procurement Policy Board-Technical Support Office.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194875