NTF WPS condemns harassment by China on PH resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal

From Palawan News (Sep 9, 2023): NTF WPS condemns harassment by China on PH resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal



The National Task Force on West Philippine Sea issued a statement Friday expressing outrage over the latest incident of harassment by Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia on the civilian vessels that conducted rotation and resupply sortie at the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal yesterday.

NTF WPS said it is standing by the statement of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the recently concluded 43rd ASEAN Summit to pursue peaceful means of resolving issues among claimant countries in the South China Sea.

While the two civilian vessels were able to succeasfully carry on with their mission, NTF-WPS said what the CCG and CMM did were deplorable acts.

“The task force strongly deplores and condemns the continued illegal aggressive, and destabilizing conduct of the CCG and the CMM within our nation’s EEZ,” the statment read.

“We reiterate what President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. said during the recently concluded 43rd ASEAN Summit regarding the South China Sea: “Practical cooperation in the maritime domain can only flourish with an enabling environment of regional peace, security, and stability anchored in nternational law.” We call on all to do their part in ensuring a peaceful and rules-based international order in the oceans,” it added.

CCG and militia vessels posing as fishing vessels once again blocked Unaizah May 1 (UM1) and Unaizah May 2 (UM2) while enroute to Ayungin Shoal for a RORE mission on Friday morning.

NTF WPS emphasized that the mission was a routine and regular operations well within the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), reiterating and reemphasizing further that the “operations are pursuant to our Government’s legitimate exercise of its administrative functions and jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea, firmly anchored on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award [by the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration.]”

https://palawan-news.com/ntf-wps-condemns-harassment-by-china-on-ph-resupply-mission-to-ayungin-shoal/

Again, China tries to block Philippine resupply mission to Ayungin

From Rappler (Sep 8, 2023): Again, China tries to block Philippine resupply mission to Ayungin (By BEA CUPIN)

Video from the Philippine Coast Guard shows Chinese ships sailing dangerously close to Philippine vessels

MANILA, Philippines – Just a day after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. decried the “dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the South China Sea” before world leaders, Chinese vessels on Friday, September 8, tried to block Philippine boats en route to Ayungin Shoal to bring supplies for Filipino Marines stationed onboard the BRP Sierra Madre.

 


“There were attempts to block our RORE (rotation and reprovisioning) mission using China Coast Guard vessels (CCGV) and maritime militia that were prepositioned along their (RORE vessels) route to BRP Sierra Madre. At one instance, we saw how a CCGV conducted dangerous maneuvers in between our RORE vessel and the escorting PCG vessel, which is a very irresponsible and unprofessional act,” said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar.

The AFP’s contracted resupply ships and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships that escorted them completed the mission despite China’s harassment, said Aguilar.

“This tactical operation is a manifestation of our firm resolve to assert our sovereign rights and jurisdiction in our maritime zones, and the fulfillment of our responsibility to look after the well being of our soldiers who are stationed not only in Ayungin Shoal, but in every remote post in the country. The unprofessional act and dangerous maneuvers conducted by the China Coast Guard and its maritime militia will never prevail over our conduct of legal and legitimate operations that support rules-based international order,” added Aguilar in a statement.

According to PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela, four Chinese Coast Guard and four Chinese maritime militia vessels tried to harass the PCG’s BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan, as well as ships hired by the AFP.

Footage released by Tarriela show Chinese Coast Guard ships and maritime militia vessels cruise dangerously close to PCG ships and resupply boats. One video shows Chinese boats surrounding a PCG vessel.

Just a day prior, at the East Asia Summit (EAS) in Jakarta, Indonesia on September 7, Marcos said the Philippines was “concerned over consistent actions that are in violation of obligations under international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, and under the DOC (Declaration of Conduct).” Marcos also called on members of the Association and Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as their dialogue parters to “oppose the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the South China Sea.”

The EAS is among the premiere events that takes place when ASEAN leaders converge for a summit. EAS bring together ASEAN members Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, and Cambodia, as well as dialogue partners China, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Russia, New Zealand and India.

While Marcos did not say which nation had been flouting international law, he could only have been referring to China.

Chinese vessels – both from their coast guard and maritime militia – has routinely harassed and tried to block Philippine ships on missions in the West Philippine Sea or parts of the South China Sea that’s part of Philippine territory. In early August 2023, Chinese ships harassed, tried to block, then doused water cannons at Philippine ships on a resupply mission to BRP Sierra, a decaying World War 2-era ship that serves as the Philippines’ outpost in the area.

The Philippines filed a diplomatic protest over the water cannoning incident. Weeks later, China again tried to block a resupply mission.

When Marcos spoke at the EAS in Jakarta, Chinese Premiere Li Qiang was in attendance. China has not reacted to Marcos’ intervention, or speech at the summit, but has wrongly insisted that Ayungin Shoal is theirs. China has a sweeping claim over practically the entire South China Sea, despite a 2016 arbitral that declared its 9-dash line invalid. The nine lines have since evolved into the 10-dash line in their 2023 standard map, which still claims most of the South China Sea but also encroaches on Taiwan.

Despite condemnation from the Philippines and its allies, China has seemingly refused to relent.

The South China Sea, where trillions in trade passes through yearly, was a focus of discussion at the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta. Several ASEAN members – the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, and Malaysia, have claims in the South China Sea, several of which overlap with China. Malaysia earlier filed a protest over the 2023 map.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/china-tries-block-philippine-resupply-mission-ayungin-shoal-september-8-2023/

NPA fighter slain in Bohol, son of Negrense rebel leader

From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 9, 2023): NPA fighter slain in Bohol, son of Negrense rebel leader (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

One of the six New People’s Army rebels killed in Bohol encounter turned out to be the son of a Negrense rebel leader, according to the military.

Lt. Col. J Jay Javines, Civil Military Operations officer of the 3rd Infantry Division, yesterday identified the fatality as Jingler Compoc, alias Keth, son of Negrense rebel leader Domingo Compoc.

Javines revealed that the elder Compoc, alias Kumander Cobra, and several others from Negros Oriental were dispatched to Bohol to reorganize the remnants of the dismantled Bohol Provincial Party Committee.

He tagged the younger Compoc as the vice squad leader of the remnants of the dismantled Bohol guerilla front.

Javines added that the elder Compoc served as the secretary of the dismantled Bohol guerilla front, which had nine remaining armed combatants, prior to the series of encounters on Thursday.

Other five slain rebels were identified by the military as Ruben Nabas alias Bogs from Batuan, Bohol; Nelson Lumantas alias Brando from San Miguel, Bohol; Rogelio Jorillo alias Tacoy from Minglanilla, Cebu; Zusimo Estaniola alias Emoy from Catigbian, Bohol; and a certain Okloy.

Compoc and the other five rebels were killed in a series of encounters on Thursday with 47th Infantry Battalion troops, following a civilian tip-off of their presence in Bilar.

Soldiers recovered five M-16 assault rifles, two AK-47 assault rifles, a hand grenade, a fragmentation grenade, two rifle grenades, several rounds of ammunition of different calibers, magazines, and “subversive” documents.

The bodies of Compoc and Nabas were claimed by their families while the four others are still at a funeral parlor, Javines said.

Compoc was identified by his grandmother, while Nabas by the barangay captain of Rizal in Batuan town.*

https://visayandailystar.com/npa-fighter-slain-in-bohol-son-of-negrense-rebel-leader/

Task force probes MRT-3 bomb threat

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8, 2023): Task force probes MRT-3 bomb threat (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

INSPECTION. Transportation and security officials meet during an inspection of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 North Avenue station in Quezon City on Friday (Sept. 8, 2023). An inter-agency task force was tasked to investigate a bomb threat at the Edsa rail line. (Photo courtesy of MRT-3)

MANILA – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday activated its inter-agency task force to secure and inspect facilities of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) in response to an alleged bomb threat sent through e-mail.

In a statement, the agency's IATF said security deployment has been enhanced in all transportation sectors.

“We are taking the necessary precautionary measures to ensure the safety and security of the riding public,” the statement read.

The IATF is composed of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), the Department of Information and Communications Technology - Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (DICT - CICC), the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) and railway security.

Immediately after the bomb threat, OTS chief Undersecretary Mao Aplasca, DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chavez, CICC Chief Undersecretary Alex Ramos and QCPD acting director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan inspected the North Avenue station in Quezon City.

The task force called on the public to refrain from circulating or sharing unverified information to prevent panic.

It assured that assessment is ongoing to verify the threat's credibility.

“The task force would like to assure commuters that we are taking all actions to ensure safe and secure travel in all public transport systems,” it added.

In a later statement, the MRT-3 said an inspection yielded no trace of any items that could’ve posed dangers to the public.

"However, we are still maintaining our enhanced security posture to maintain public confidence. We also enjoin the public to report to authorized agencies any suspicious activities that would potentially cause danger to the public," the statement read.

Spreading false information about or making bomb threats is punishable by law.

Under Presidential Decree 1727, it carries imprisonment of not more than five years or a fine of not more than PHP40,000, or both, involving "word of mouth or through the use of the mail, telephone, telegraph, printed materials and other instrument or means of communication."

Bomb threats are also punishable by a 12-year imprisonment under Republic Act 11479 or Anti-Terrorism Act.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1209499

AFP chief, Swedish envoy tackle jet acquisition project, WPS

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8, 2023): AFP chief, Swedish envoy tackle jet acquisition project, WPS (By Priam Nepomuceno)

COURTESY CALL. AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (right) meets with Sweden Ambassador to the Philippines Annika Thunborg (left) during her courtesy visit at the AFP General Headquarters on Friday (Sept. 8, 2023) in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The two officials discussed the acquisition of multi-role fighters and the recent developments in the West Philippine Sea, among others. (Photo courtesy of the AFP)

MANILA – The country's plans to acquire multi-role fighters (MRFs) and recent developments in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) were some of the topics discussed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Sweden Ambassador Annika Thunborg following their meeting Friday.

"The CSAFP (Chief of Staff AFP) and Ambassador Thunborg discussed the acquisition of multi-role fighters and the recent developments in the West Philippine Sea. The Ambassador likewise expressed that Sweden stands firmly behind the Philippines in the protection of its territory and territorial integrity as well as the international rules-based order and the 2016 Arbitral Award,” AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto said in a statement.

The meeting took place at the AFP Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Sweden's Saab JAS-39 "Gripen" is considered one of the top two contenders for the Philippine Air Force's MRF acquisition project with the other jet fighter being the US Lockheed Martin F-16V "Viper".

During the meeting, the two officials also discussed the modernization of the AFP and the role of like-minded nations both in building a credible armed force for the Philippines and in pursuing the rules-based international order in the WPS.

"In their exchanges, Gen. Brawner Jr. also expressed his hope that China will cease its illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea and that the Philippines has a right in maintaining the integrity of BRP Sierra Madre," Ileto said.

Brawner also said that the AFP will not allow China to dictate on what to do on the outpost which symbolizes Philippine dedication to its sovereignty.

“The CSAFP said the AFP will not allow China to dictate on us on what we want to do in that post that has become a symbol of our dedication to our mandate as protector of the people and the state and our commitment to our soldiers who are stationed there,” Ileto added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1209505

AFP, PCG conduct another resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8, 2023): AFP, PCG conduct another resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal (By Priam Nepomuceno and Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

BRP Sierra Madre (PNA file photo)

MANILA – The latest resupply mission for the troops manning the BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) in Ayungin Shoal was completed Friday, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) confirmed.

"The NTF-WPS reports that in the morning of 08 September 2023, the Western Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), assisted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), successfully resupplied the BRP Sierra Madre stationed at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea," it said in a statement.

However, the NTF-WPS said it was also informed that the China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese maritime militia (CMM) again conducted "harassment, dangerous maneuvers" against Philippine public vessels involved in the operation.

“The routine RoRe (routine rotation and resupply) mission was again subjected to dangerous maneuvers by four CCG and four CMM [ships], jeopardizing the crew members' safety aboard the PCG vessels and Philippine resupply boats,” confirmed Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for WPS, as posted on X (formerly Twitter).

He identified the four CCG vessels as CCG 21616, 21551, 21556 and 5305; and the four CMM vessels as Qiong Sansha Yu 00231, 00115, 00114 and 00008.

The last resupply for BRP Sierra Madre took place on Aug. 22, an offshoot of the partially successful resupply mission on Aug. 5, which was marred by Chinese blockading and water cannoning incident.

"We reiterate and reemphasize that these operations are pursuant to our government's legitimate exercise of its administrative functions and jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea, firmly anchored on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award," the NTF-WPS emphasized.

It also strongly condemned the continued illegal, aggressive and destabilizing conduct of the CCG and the CMM within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

"We reiterate what President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said during the recently concluded 43rd ASEAN Summit regarding the South China Sea: 'Practical cooperation in the maritime domain can only flourish with an enabling environment of regional peace, security, and stability anchored in international law.' We call on all to do their part in ensuring a peaceful and rules-based international order in the oceans," NTF-WPS stressed.

Tarriela said their two 44-meter vessels -- BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan -- escorted the AFP mission.

“Despite the challenging circumstances brought about by the illegal presence and activities of the CCG and CMM in our exclusive economic zone, the mission was carried out successfully. The much-needed supplies were delivered to our dedicated troops aboard the BRP Sierra Madre,” he said.

Like the NTF-WPS, he again called on the CCG and CMM to “immediately cease any illegal activities” within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone to “foster a stable, secure, and rules-based maritime order conducive to regional cooperation and peace.”

AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said the successful resupply shows the country's firm resolve to assert its sovereign rights and jurisdiction.

It also highlighted the Philippines' determination to "look after the well being of our soldiers who are stationed not only in Ayungin Shoal, but in every remote post in the country," he added.

Aguilar scored the unprofessional act and dangerous maneuvers conducted by the CCG and its maritime militia but stressed that such actions will never prevail over the conduct of legal and legitimate operations that support rules-based international order.

"We express our deep appreciation to the guidance of the NTF-WPS and the ever reliable support of the PCG in accomplishing this mission. With the strong support of our people, we will succeed," he said.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri thanked and congratulated the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard for accomplishing the third mission in five weeks.

“Once again, I salute our men and women of the AFP and PCG for fearlessly staying on track to complete their mission, despite intimidation from the Chinese Coast Guard and militia vessels,” he said in a press statement.

“As long as the law and truth are on our side, illegal barriers to what is ours will continue to be pierced, by the sharp tip of world opinion that upholds our cause as just,” he added.

Despite the success, Zubiri called for caution and vigilance as “China continues to block our vessels on our waters.”

He also said that the Senate is prepared to assist the AFP and PCG with their budgets, “in the aim of developing a credible self-defense posture that will allow them to continue protecting our country and our people.” (With a report from Leonel Abasola /PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1209514

Soldier awardees exemplify AFP professionalism, competence

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8, 2023): Soldier awardees exemplify AFP professionalism, competence (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AWARDEES. The 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Soldiers (MFOFAS) awardees (from left) Staff Sgt. Danilo S. Banquiao, Lt. Col. Joseph J. Bitancur, and Col. Joseph Jeremias Cirilo C. Dator during the presentation ceremony conducted on Sept. 7 at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The AFP said these awardees exemplify the professionalism and competence of its personnel. (Photo courtesy of the AFP)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday said the three awardees of the 2023 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Soldiers (MFOFAS) exemplify the professionalism and competence of its personnel.

This year's MFOPAS awardees were Staff Sgt. Danilo S. Banquiao from the 103rd Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army (PA); Lt. Col. Joseph J. Bitancur, assistant commandant, Basic Military School, Air Education, Training and Doctrine Command, Philippine Air Force (PAF); and Col. Joseph Jeremias Cirilo C. Dator, assistant chief of staff for operations, Presidential Security Group.

The three were formally presented by Metrobank Foundation executive vice president, Philip Francisco Dy, in short ceremony held at AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Sept. 7.

Banquiao, who was earlier called Lanao Del Sur’s Peace and Youth Empowerment Sentinel, was cited for his efforts that advocates peace and development in the province; while Bitancur, who was named PAF’s Model Mentor on Military Training, was recognized for ensuring the highest standards in training of military trainees; and Dator, who was called PA's Innovator of Military Intelligence, was feted for his innovative leadership practices in intelligence operations.

“Your stellar accomplishments in your particular domains of expertise and stations indicate your competence, zeal for duty, and fidelity in providing genuine service to the country. You shall be a source of inspiration and role models for our fellow troops and the rest of the Filipino people in striving for excellence in everything that you do,” the AFP chief said in his message delivered by AFP deputy chief of staff Lt. Gen. Charlton Sean M. Gaerlan.

Meanwhile, Dy assured the AFP that the Metrobank Group, Metrobank Foundation, and the Rotary Club of Makati Metro remain their allies as the military goes with its mission of winning the hearts and minds of the Filipinos.

“This celebration is not just about recognizing individual accomplishments but a testament to the power of collaboration, dedication, and collective efforts. I stand here not only as a proud awardee but as a witness as well to the incredible potential within each one of us to effect positive change,” Dator said in his response on behalf of the soldier awardees.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1209495

Viscom: Stop using minors in protest rallies

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8, 2023): Viscom: Stop using minors in protest rallies (By John Rey Saavedra)

MINORS AT RALLY. The Visayas Command (Viscom) calls out the protesters for using minors during rallies. At a rally held Thursday (Sept. 7, 2023) near a mall in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, the protesters were calling for the abolition of the National Task Force to End Local Community Armed Conflict and Anti-Terror Law and for the resumption of peace talks. (Contributed photo)

CEBU CITY – The Visayas Command (Viscom) has called out militant groups that staged a rally Thursday as it noticed minors were present during the protest.

“While we respect their freedom of expression, we cannot help but notice the minors that these militant groups used during the rally. These children should be in school, they should be pursuing their studies for them to have a brighter future,” Viscom chief, Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo said in a statement on Friday.

Arevalo pointed out the protest rally by the members of some cause-oriented groups in front of an establishment in Barangay Lahug to air their grievances and call for the abolition of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

The protesters also called for the resumption of peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front - Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People's Army (CPP-NDF-NPA). They also sought the abolition of the Anti-Terror Law.

Arevalo said using minors during rallies and street protests is a “clear manifestation of how these militant groups manipulate and twist the mindset of our young generation.”

“They really don’t care about the well-being of our children. They just use them to pursue their senseless goal,” he said.

The protest lasted only for a few minutes, as members of the Philippine National Police immediately dispersed the protesters.

“We will sustain our intensified internal security operations and sustain our community development support efforts to attain a just and lasting peace, and sustainable development for all the people in the Visayas,” Arevalo added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1209503

Massacre suspects in Himamaylan, rebel ambushers in Calatrava identified

Posted to the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 8, 2023): Massacre suspects in Himamaylan, rebel ambushers in Calatrava identified (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The suspects involved in the massacre of a family in Himamaylan City, and those involved in an ambush and encounter that left a policeman dead, and injured two others in Calatrava, Negros Occidental, have all been identified, a top police official in the province disclosed yesterday.

The police tagged the Central Negros 2 (CN 2) of the New People’s Army (NPA) as the suspects behind the massacre of a couple and their two minor sons in Sitio Kangkiling, Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, on June.

The New People’s Army Jean Pelle Command also claimed responsibility for the ambush and death of a policeman in Sitio Icogan, Brgy. Minapasuk, Calatrava, last month.

PCol. Leo Pamittan, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, yesterday said that they are now readying the filing of multiple murder charges against the identified rebel suspects involved in the killing of Rolly Fausto, his wife, Emilda, and their two sons aged 11 and 15.

At least 15 members of CN 2 were linked to the Fausto family massacre.

Pamittan said that they are still coordinating with Prosecutor Flosemer Gonzales of the Regional Task Force ELCAC (Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict) for the filing of air-tight cases against the rebel remnants who killed a policeman and two other civilians.

The two civilians, identified by the police as Felix Resutai and his nephew, Eliseo Mahilum, were tagged by the rebels as military informants, which was strongly denied by the Philippine Army.*

https://visayandailystar.com/massacre-suspects-in-himamaylan-rebel-ambushers-in-calatrava-identified/

6 rebels killed in gun battles

Posted to the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 8, 2023): 6 rebels killed in gun battles (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The cadavers of six slain rebels being examined by SOCO operatives of the PNP in one of the encounter sites.*PA photo

Six New People’s Army rebel remnants, whose dismantled guerilla front was reorganized and led by a Negrense cadre, died in successive encounters with the 47th Infantry Battalion on September 7 in Brgy. Campagao, Bilar, Bohol, disclosed Lt. Col. J Jay Javines, Army’s 3rd Infantry Division Civil Military Operations chief.

Javines said that remnants of the dismantled Bohol Party Committee are led by Domingo Compoc, alias Eloy, who was dispatched from Negros Oriental by the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/ Siquijor (KR-NCBS), to reorganize rebel remnants in the area.

He added that six successive encounters, which lasted more than three hours, also led to the recovery of five M16 automatic rifles and two AK47 assault rifles with ammunition, among other war materials.

The 47IB has majority of its troops stationed in Negros Island, and is under the operational control of Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade stationed in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.

Javines said the identities of six slain rebels have yet to be established. It was also not determined by the military if Compoc participated in the encounters.

The dismantled Bohol Party Committee, which is under KR- NCBS, reportedly has only nine remaining armed combatants, prior to the series of encounters, he added.*

https://visayandailystar.com/6-rebels-killed-in-gun-battles/

Police officer killed during clearing op at NGCP tower blast site

Posted to MindaNews (Sep 8, 2023): Police officer killed during clearing op at NGCP tower blast site (By RICHEL V. UMEL)

NGCP transmission towers. MindaNews file photo by BOBBY TIMONERA

ILIGAN CITY (MindaNews / 08 September) – A police officer was killed during a clearing operation in Barangay Paiton, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte where an improvised explosive device earlier felled a transmission tower of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

Police Senior Master Sergeant Rosellier Hangka, a member of the Explosive Ordnance and Disposal Team of the Provincial Police Office, knelt on the ground upon seeing a SIM card case when an explosion hit him.

He was rushed to a hospital in Kauswagan but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

In a report sent to BGen Anthon Abrina, commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Police Colonel Sandy Vales, Police Provincial Director said the EOD team arrived at the area around 3:00 a.m. along with personnel from the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Police Intelligence Unit.

The EOD team undertook safety procedures while electricity in the area was shut off.

The operating team opted to clear the blast site around 5:30 a.m.

Lt Col Joseph Marlon Famoso, commanding officer of the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion said he was still awaiting the report from the 43rd Armor Company.

Police Major Zandrex Panolong, spokesperson of the Iligan City Police Office said in a phone interview that they sent their K-9 unit to the blast site to augment the investigation using their state-of-the-art equipment. (Richel V. Umel/MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/09/police-officer-killed-during-clearing-op-at-ngcp-tower-blast-site/

Peace now reigns in Sulu

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 7, 2023): Peace now reigns in Sulu

'Sulu is now Abu Sayyaf-free'

SULU - Philippine authorities have finally declared the whole of the southern province of Sulu as Abu Sayyaf-free after decades of fighting with officials saying the extremist Muslim group had been defeated.

Members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council pose for posterity after the historic declaration that Sulu is now totally free from Abu Sayyaf influence. (Provincial government photo)

The declaration was made during Wednesday's Peace and Order Council Meeting held at the Capitol in Patikul town. The meeting was attended by senior military and police officials, led by Maj.Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of the 11th Infantry Division; and Col. Narciso Paragas, the provincial police director, including the business and religious sectors and other stakeholders.

Governor Sakur Tan has thanked the national government and security forces and the public for the unwavering support to the peace and development efforts of the municipal and provincial governments. Tan said the Tausug people are now enjoying the hard work and persistence of various sectors in achieving long and lasting peace in the southern province. Citing government data, Tan said the local economy is doing well with traders enjoying the stable peace situation.

With Sulu reaping the dividends of peace through co-ownership of the peace efforts by the different sectors and by collaboration with the provincial government, in co-creating new realities for Sulu, Tan called on partners and stakeholders to sustain all peace efforts.

He said the mass surrender of Abu Sayyaf members through the Community Support Program Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and efforts of the provincial and municipal leaders resulted in the improved peace and order situation in Sulu, one of six provinces under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Many of the former Abu Sayyaf members are now living with their families after undergoing skills and livelihood training programs, and benefited from the financial assistance from the national, municipal and provincial governments. Others have been employed as tour guides and some have put up their own businesses.

Tan congratulated the military and municipal mayors, including the religious sector and other stakeholders “for their roles and sacrifices and for a job well done in achieving this excellent result.” The Council also issued a resolution for declaring Sulu as Abu Sayyaf-free.

The governor said he is fortunate to have witnessed the varied condition and significant situation in the recent past, up to the present status that we have in Sulu, today. “I am very grateful for the opportunity given to me to have witnessed and to experience more than five decades of various socio-political conditions and significant events in Sulu’s timeline,” he said.

Prior to the meeting, Tan also led a forum discussion on “Violent Extremism and Terrorism: The Sulu Multi-Sectoral Collaboration Experience” at the Sumadja Hall of the Sulu Area Coordinating Center in Patikul town. The forum was attended by Kenneth Yeo, Senior Research Analyst at the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies of Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, who discussed “Terrorism and Counterterrorism in Southeast Asia.” (Mindanao Examiner)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/09/peace-now-reigns-in-sulu.html

Task force denies hand in abduction of 2 Bataan environmentalists

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 7, 2023): Task force denies hand in abduction of 2 Bataan environmentalists (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Wednesday night denied allegations that government forces are responsible for the reported abduction of two environmentalists in Orion, Bataan over the weekend.

In a statement, NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto C. Torres Jr. said they are "deeply concerned with this incident" but emphasized that the claims of militant group Anakbayan against the task force, the military, and the government over the incident are unfounded and malicious.

"These are baseless accusations that aim to undermine the integrity and professionalism of the Task Force and our personnel. We uphold the highest standards of human rights, accountability, and transparency in all our operations and activities," he added.

The victims, Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano, are working coordinators of the environmental group "AKAP KA Manila Bay," which helps communities affected by a massive land reclamation project in Bataan.

Reports said the victims were preparing for a relief operation in the province when they were abducted by still unidentified men and taken away in a gray sports utility vehicle on the night of Sept. 2.

Torres also said the NTF-ELCAC strongly rejects any attempt of the insurgent groups to tarnish its reputation and credibility with false and fabricated claims.

"Further, the NTF-ELCAC urges the authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into this incident, and to ensure the safety and well-being of the victims and their families," he added.

Meanwhile, National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said the accusations of Anakbayan were made without any shred of evidence.

"This is the usual Anakbayan playbook where the NTF-ELCAC is the convenient scapegoat by this front organization for any alleged deficiency of government," he said.

Malaya, who heads the NTF-ELCAC Strategic Communications Cluster, challenged Anakbayan to come up with evidence or proof of wrongdoing by the task force and "submit the same to the Department of Justice for preliminary investigation."

"If they have none, then they should let the PNP-CIDG (Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) conduct its investigation rather than pointing fingers at the NTF-ELCAC with complete disregard for the truth," he said.

Accusation baseless without evidence

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said accusations that the military is behind the abduction is baseless without any evidence.

"Without any evidence presented to prove their claim, to me the accusation is baseless and malicious, nothing but a propaganda aimed to destroy the image of the government. Such accusation therefore needs no response from us," he added.

Aguilar also added that the AFP prefers to work with "fair-minded people and organizations" and save lives rather than engage in "useless verbal tussle with individuals or groups whose minds are poisoned by lies and deceits of CPP(Communist Party of the Philippines) cadres."

"But I must admit that they too need our help to be enlightened and to be led to the right path," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1209392

PH Navy frigates now equipped with 'anti-torpedo reaction module'

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 7, 2023): PH Navy frigates now equipped with 'anti-torpedo reaction module' (By Priam Nepomuceno)

CAPABILITY BOOST. The Philippine Navy's missile frigates -- BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna -- in this undated photo. French defense manufacturer Naval Group on Wednesday (Sept. 6, 2023) announced that it has successfully fitted its Contralto anti-torpedo reaction module to the Philippine Navy's two Jose-Rizal-class missile frigates. (PNA file photo)

MANILA – French defense manufacturer Naval Group on Wednesday night announced that it has fitted its Contralto anti-torpedo reaction module to the Philippine Navy (PN)'s two Jose-Rizal-class missile frigates.

"On 31 August 2023, Naval Group’s Contralto anti-torpedo reaction module was successfully installed into the C-Guard decoy launching system of the PN’s two Jose Rizal class frigates. This important milestone is part of the contract signed in December 2021 to provide an anti-torpedo defense system based on Naval Group’s Canto/Contralto solutions," it added in a statement.

Under this contract, Naval Group would supply these defensive systems to the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151).

"The setting to work and testing of Contralto were performed at Subic-Agila Bay in the Philippines on August 31, 2023 in the presence of representatives from the PN, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Ministry of Defense (Department of National Defense) and industrials responsible for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) systems," Naval Group noted.

The commissioning of the ASW and Contralto anti-torpedo reaction modules completes the armament of the two Jose Rizal-class frigates.

The installation of Contralto was carried out after an upgrade of the combat management system supplied by Hanwha Systems and of the C-Guard decoy launcher systems supplied by Terma.

"The next contractual milestone is planned in 2024 with the delivery of Canto anti-torpedo countermeasures and the training of the crews by Naval Group," it added.

Canto is the latest countermeasure generation in the defense industry.

This breakthrough in the field of anti-torpedo defense applies a unique concept to defend the frigate.

It is based on the dilution/confusion concept to defend high value and mission essential units by generating a high level acoustic signal over 360-degree, covering the full frequency range of the attacking torpedo.

This anti-torpedo system is fitted with its associated reaction module Contralto, which computes the most appropriate evasive maneuver and deployment sequence once a threat is detected.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1209394

Sikorsky, firm ink reseller deal for Black Hawk helicopters in PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 7, 2023): Sikorsky, firm ink reseller deal for Black Hawk helicopters in PH (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – American aircraft manufacturer Sikorsky on Wednesday said it has signed an international reseller agreement with Asian Aerospace Corporation for it become the sole original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-authorized reseller in the Philippines of Sikorsky spare parts and repair services for the "Black Hawk" helicopter family of products, which is now in service in the country.

“Sikorsky has partnered with Asian Aerospace to bid on public tenders, leveraging their local expertise to navigate the Philippine procurement processes quickly and efficiently. This will put OEM-approved, high-quality parts in the hands of the customers to support their rapidly growing fleet,” Sikorsky global sustainment director Felipe Benvegnu said in a statement.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is currently operating 15 units of the Polish-made S-70i "Black Hawk" combat utility helicopters with another 32 helicopters expected to be delivered within the next three years.

Built at Lockheed Martin’s PZL Mielec facility in Poland, the highly sought "Black Hawk" helicopter has earned its standing as the trusted utility aircraft for operators worldwide, featuring unmatched multi-mission versatility and military-grade airworthiness capable of operating in extreme weather conditions, day or night.

Once the deliveries are completed, the PAF will be the largest operator of the S-70i in the world.

The PAF contract for the additional 32 S-70i units is worth around PHP32 billion and was signed in February 2022.

This includes an integrated logistics support and training package for pilots and maintenance crew.

“Sikorsky is establishing scalable strategies to support the sustainment needs of the growing fleet, and Asian Aerospace is a key component to that strategy," Benvegnu added.

Meanwhile, Asian Aerospace Corporation vice president executive Reter Rodriguez said they are excited to partner with Sikorsky to deliver authorized parts and high-quality repair services for "Black Hawk" customers in the Philippines.

"This alliance ensures timely and dedicated support to the largest S-70i Black Hawk fleet in the world,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1209406

Australia backs ‘final, binding’ 2016 SCS ruling

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8, 2023): Australia backs ‘final, binding’ 2016 SCS ruling (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

PALACE TOUR. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (right) shows Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese around Malacañan Palace in Manila on Friday (Sept. 8, 2023). It is the first visit of an Australian Prime Minister to the Philippines since John Howard in 2003. (PNA photo by Rey Baniquet)

MANILA – Australia has expressed support for the “final and binding” 2016 ruling on South China Sea (SCS) that favors the Philippines and invalidates China’s sweeping claims over the hotly contested waters.

The affirmation of support was made during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Friday.

“We have collective responsibility for security, including support for the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). That’s very important. And Australia does support, as I say at the East Asia Summit, the 2016 South China Sea arbitral award. That is final and binding,” Albanese told Marcos.

Albanese said Australia shares “common views” with the Philippines on important security issues, including the need to uphold international law.

Stressing the importance of having a “stable and prosperous” region, Albanese said Australia would continue to be “very consistent” in expressing support for the Philippines, especially on the SCS issue.

Marcos thanked Australia for its stance that maritime claims in the Philippine territory “are not valid and have not been recognized and not in conjunction or consistent with international law.”

“To have friends like you and partners like you especially on that subject is very gratifying and encourages us to continue down that path. So we thank you for that,” he told Albanese.

The Philippines is among the countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that have overlapping claims in the SCS, with 80 percent of it being claimed by China.

On July 12, 2016, Manila won its arbitration case lodged against Beijing before the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).

China, however, continues to reject the PCA ruling, and even recently released an updated map using a 10-dash line map.

In his intervention during the 43rd ASEAN Summit Retreat on Tuesday in Jakarta, Indonesia, Marcos urged his fellow Southeast Asian leaders to “never allow the international order to be subjected to the forces of might applied for a hegemonic ambition.”

Marcos made the call, as he said the Philippines continues to prefer a peaceful resolution of the SCS dispute and encourages ASEAN members to not be swayed by “any single power.”

During the 18th East Asia Summit on Thursday, Marcos called on ASEAN member-states to come together through the regional bloc’s “centrality and universal multilateralism” against the “unilateral and assertive activities” in the SCS.

‘Great friends’

Meanwhile, Albanese said Australia and the Philippines are “great friends” and expressed optimism that his visit would elevate the two nations’ partnership “to an even higher level.”

Albanese hoped that the new strategic partnership would strengthen the two countries’ bilateral ties.

He said he looks forward to increased trade and economic engagements between the two nations.

Marcos said the closeness between Australia and the Philippines is “terribly important,” citing the people-to-people exchanges that have benefitted the Filipinos residing and working in Canberra.

“Once again, the Filipino nationals who live in Australia and have chosen to go, live and work there, are very happy to have been assimilated properly into Australian society. And for that, we are very grateful,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1209477