Security exec: More allies seen to join PH patrols in WPS

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 15, 2024): Security exec: More allies seen to join PH patrols in WPS (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MARITIME PATROL. Philippine Navy ships BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PS-15), BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) in line formation during the second iteration of the AFP-USINDOPACOM maritime cooperative activity in West Philippine Sea on Jan. 3, 2024. The two-day bilateral event which ran until Jan. 4 consists of passing exercises, communication checks, cross-deck exercises, joint patrols, officer of the watch (OW) maneuvers, and fixed-wing flight operations. (Photo courtesy of AFP Western Command)

MANILA – More allies are expected to join the Philippines in its patrol activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), an official of the National Security Council (NSC) said Monday.

"Meron din joint patrols na mangyayari in the future kasama yung ibang bansa gaya ng Japan, Australia na nagpapakita rin ng suporta sa ating bansa (There will be joint patrols in the future with countries like Japan, Australia which showed support to our country)," National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said in a radio interview.

This came after the United States deployed some of its vessels, including aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-71), during the second "maritime cooperative activity" with the Philippines in the WPS last Jan. 3 to 4.

During the activity, the Armed Forces of the Philippines deployed Philippine Navy vessels BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PS-15), BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602).

Aside from the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-71), the US Indo-Pacific Command also deployed a cruiser, two destroyers and multiple combat aircraft.

"This sends a very strong signal to China na marami tayong kakampi (we have many allies)," he added.

Malaya, meanwhile, hoped that Manila's future resupply missions in the WPS will proceed smoothly.

"We will continue to protect and defend our sovereignty. Walang masyadong harassment sa ibang supply missions, ang critical for us is yung BRP Sierra Madre, and yung Ayungin (There are no major harassments made in other supply missions, but the critical for us is the BRP Sierra Madre and the Ayungin Shoal)," he added.

Asked why China is targeting resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in the Ayungin Shoal, Malaya said this area is vital to its interests.

"Una malapit sa Mischief Reef, pangalawa sa tingin namin, good candidate for a transformation to an artificial island. Pag nakuha nila, gagawan ng military base kasi malawak at madaling i-reclaim, magaling naman sila sa reclamation. Pangatlo, sa tingin ko nanggigigil sila dyan kasi malapit sa Recto Bank kung nasaan yung sinasabing napakaraming natural gas at mineral deposit or oil na magagamit ng China kung sakaling sila ang makakuha sa lugar na iyan (First, it's near the Mischief Reef. Second, we think it is also a good candidate for a transformation to an artificial island. If they get that, they would build a military base on it because it is wide and is easy to reclaim, after all, they are good at reclamation. Third, they are crazy over it because it is near the Recto Bank where there are so many natural gas and mineral deposits or oil that China can use once they take control of it)," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216920

AFP chief: NPA fighters down to 'over 1,500'

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 15, 2024): AFP chief: NPA fighters down to 'over 1,500' (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (PNA photo by Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said on Monday the remaining number of active New People's Army (NPA) insurgents are now "a little over 1,500".

"Yung manpower, dun sa presentation po natin (during the Command Conference), ang estimate is just now a little over 1,500 (per the presentation, NPA manpower is estimated a little over 1,500)," Brawner said in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, shortly after the first command conference with military officials this year.

This is significantly lower than the estimated 25,000 active NPA fighters from the late 1980s up to early 1990s, Brawner said.

Asked if the AFP is capable of ending the insurgency threat within the year, he said the military "will try to do that".

Weakened guerilla fronts down to 11

In the same event, the AFP chief said the New People's Army (NPA) guerilla fronts are down to 11, highligthing the military's significant accomplishments against the insurgents and local terrorists in 2023.

"However, we would like to point out that even if we have already decreased the number of guerilla fronts, there are still NPA formations that are out here and what they are trying to do now is trying to, they are trying to recover the areas that they have lost, their supporters and the communities supporting their cause," he added.

Brawner also said military commanders were also given a new set of targets in order to totally defeat the remaining NPA forces.

He added that this mission is very important as total defeat of the NPA and those of other local terrorists will allow the AFP to shift to "territorial defense".

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier said while the NPA has “zero active guerilla fronts,” there is a need to continue the counterinsurgency efforts to enhance the country’s internal security.

Continued focused military operations also resulted in the neutralization of 67 high-value individuals who belong to communist and local terrorist groups, the AFP added.

In 2023, the military also successfully neutralized 1,399 members of communist and local terrorist groups.

It has also seized 1,751 firearms through capture, confiscation, recovery, or surrender.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216935

AFP modernization's Horizon 3 to focus on archipelagic defense

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 15, 2024): AFP modernization's Horizon 3 to focus on archipelagic defense (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (PNA photo by Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – The Horizon 3 phase of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP) will focus on improving the military's archipelagic defense capabilities, the country's military chief said Monday.

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. made this remark when asked whether President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had already approved the list of equipment and weapons system itemized for Horizon 3.

"Hindi pa po na-approve ng ating Pangulo yun Horizon 3 (the President is still to approve Horizon 3), we are still in the process of refining it further but the Horizon 3 of our modernization program will focus on the archipelagic defense concept)," Brawner said during the press briefing held shortly after the AFP Command Conference in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

By focusing on the archipelagic defense concept, the AFP chief said the military plans to acquire more ships, aircraft and radar systems.

This defensive concept is aimed at protecting the country's 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone.

Horizon 3 was initially scheduled from 2023 to 2028, while Horizon 2 from 2018 to 2022 and Horizon 1 from 2013 to 2017.

Earlier, Brawner said the multirole fighters, which are being eyed to backstop the 12 FA-50PH light jet fighters acquired from South Korea, will be acquired under Horizon 3.

PBBM present

Brawner also said the President, who attended the command conference, cited the need to "reconfigure our approaches to dealing with the different threat groups."

Brawner was referring to the "communist terrorist groups, the local terrorist groups, the threats being faced in the West Philippine Sea", alongside those natural disasters.

He said all these threats pose a challenge to the AFP, adding that Marcos instructed them to "think of new ways of dealing with them (through) innovative ways."

"That is why, we really have to really make sure that we study all of these things very carefully so that we come up with the necessary solutions," he added.

In resolving these threats, Brawner said a whole-of-nation approach is needed along with the citizenry.

"Most especially, our President mentioned that we also have to gain the support of our international allies and partners, countries that are like-minded with us," he said.

The AFP chief also clarified that the President does not see anything wrong with the present setup and was merely stressing the need to reconfigure to be more effective in addressing the threats.

One of the developments cited by Marcos, Brawner said, is developments in cyber warfare.

In response, he said the creation of the AFP Cyber Command would allow them to counter threats in the cyber domain.

Habitable features in WPS

Meanwhile, Brawner said the AFP will focus on making all Philippine-held islands and features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) more habitable to troops manning them.

"We will also focus on developing the islands (WPS) and the other features that we are occupying, for instance Pagasa, Lawak and the other features that we are occupying," he added.

Brawner also clarified that this does not include "fortifying" the BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) which stands watch over Ayungin Shoal.

He added the goal is to make the living quarters of Filipino troops manning these features more liveable.

These include provision of desalination machines to provide drinking water and communication facilities to enable troops to talk to their families.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216955

NPA leader killed in clash with gov't troops in Sorsogon

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 15, 2024): NPA leader killed in clash with gov't troops in Sorsogon (By Connie Calipay)

SLAIN REBEL. The body of a high-ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) who was slain in a clash with government troops in Gubat, Sorsogon on Sunday (Jan. 14, 2024). The firefight that lasted for 25 minutes also resulted in the seizure of an M4 rifle, magazines and an improvised explosive device. (Photo courtesy of 9th Infantry Division)

LEGAZPI CITY – A high-ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) died in a clash with government troops in Barangay Togawe, Gubat town in Sorsogon province over the weekend.

In an interview on Monday, Maj. Frank Roldan, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) spokesperson, identified the slain as Baltazar Hapa (alias Patrick), commanding officer of NPA's Komiteng Larangang Guerilla 1, Sub-regional Committee 3.

"The encounter occurred Sunday evening, as the government forces conducted a hot pursuit operation related to an earlier clash in Barangay Sangat, Gubat, Sorsogon, which occurred on Sunday afternoon. The firefight from both sides lasted for 25 minutes, resulting in the death of Hapa and the seizure of an M4 rifle, magazines, and improvised explosive device," Roldan said.

No casualties were recorded on the government side during the operation.

Roldan said Hapa was involved in various incidents in Sorsogon that disrupted the peace of the province and brought fear and apprehension to the people.

He added that a series of encounters were recorded on Sunday in different provinces in the region including Camarines Norte, where government troops recovered 29 anti-personnel mines and 800 live ammunition in Labo town.

Two members of the terrorist group both also belonging to the Larangang Guerilla 1, Sub-regional Committee 3 surrendered with their weapons which included a carbine, a KG9 submachinegun, a Browning automatic rifle, two improvised explosive devices, magazines and ammunition in Barangay San Isidro, Bulusan, Sorsogon.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216941

Army, OPAMINE vow to sustain Davao insurgency-free status

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 15, 2024): Army, OPAMINE vow to sustain Davao insurgency-free status (By Che Palicte)

SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS. Brig. Gen. Allan Hambala, the Army’s 10th Infantry Division commander (right), and Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Secretary Leo Tesoro Magno have vowed during their Jan. 11, 2024 meeting in Davao City to strengthen efforts in sustaining the peace gains of being an insurgency-free Davao region. Being the concurrent Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security for the Davao Region, Magno acknowledged that maintaining the region as insurgency-free is a huge task for both the security forces and the region’s populace. (Photo from OPAMINE)

DAVAO CITY – The 10th Infantry Division (I0ID) and the Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao (OPAMINE) have vowed to further strengthen efforts in sustaining the peace gains of being an insurgency-free Davao region.

Maj. Mark Anthony Tito, the 10ID spokesperson, said the exertions of their unit include focused military operations, conduct of localized peace engagement, and strengthened integrated territorial defense system (ITDS).

“We also conducted information and education campaigns and outreach programs with stakeholders to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) as well as conducted sectoral engagement activities including Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities,” Tito said in an interview on Monday.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Allan Hambala, 10ID commander, said he and Secretary Leo Tesoro Magno have already discussed the assistance that the OPAMINE could extend to the military unit.

For instance, Hamabala said ground troops need support for their training and supplies to further boost their morale while on the field.

Being the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for the Davao Region, Magno acknowledged that maintaining the region as insurgency-free is a gargantuan task not just for the security forces but the entire populace as well.

On Jan. 8, Magno also met with Philippine Army chief, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, to map out security measures and other programs for the region that would contribute to peace stability, order, and security.

“The strategic planning meeting was intended to help the security forces in Davao region strengthen their measures in maintaining peace in the area,” Magno said.

In October 2022, the was declared insurgency-free, ending several decades of communist atrocities, particularly in the hinterlands of the area.

[Note: OPAMINE =   The Office of the Presidential Assistant for Mindanao-Eastern]

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216937

Army unearths NPA’s high-powered firearms in Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 15, 2024): Army unearths NPA’s high-powered firearms in Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)

ABANDONED. Firearms of the New People's ARmy unearthed by soldiers in upland Mabini village in Basey, Samar, on Monday (January 15, 2024). The Philippine Army found these firearms through information from a rebel leader who yielded to authorities last month. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – Soldiers discovered on Monday an arms cache containing high-powered firearms in the upland Mabini village in Basey, Samar, through information from a rebel leader who yielded to authorities last month.

Brig. Gen. Noel A. Vestuir, commander of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, said in a phone interview that troopers from the 63rd Infantry Battalion unearthed the cache with four AK47 assault rifles, five upper receivers of M16 rifles with bolt assembly, five long magazines of AK47, and two disc-type magazines of AK47 rifles.

Acting on a tip from a former high-ranking NPA leader, soldiers found the location of the buried arms cache on the outskirts of upland Mabini village. These firearms belonged to Bugsok platoon, a sub-regional committee of the NPA Eastern Visayas regional party committee.

“The NPA abandoned these firearms since no one will carry them because there are only a few of them. Many have already surrendered, and they are running out of bullets,” Vestuir told the Philippine News Agency in a phone interview.

Mabini village has been cleared from NPA threats, but rebels have been coming back as part of their recovery attempts, according to Vestuir.

The said discovery, according to the official, is a result of the continuous cooperation of a former high-ranking leader of the NPA who surrendered to the government troops in December 2023 through the Friends Rescued Engagement through their Families (FReE Families) program of the local government and the military.

Under this initiative, family members of active NPA members and supporters have been capacitated to negotiate for the peaceful surrender of their loved ones and family members with active support from third-party peace advocates, former rebels, local government units, non-government organizations, religious sectors, and other key actors.

The army is counting on regular dialogues between local authorities and family members of active NPA to encourage more rebels to surrender and to recover more firearms in Samar provinces.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216949

Preparations underway for US-PH counter-terror drill in Surigao Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 15, 2024): Preparations underway for US-PH counter-terror drill in Surigao Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

TEMPEST WIND. Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II (center) welcomes on Monday (Jan.15, 2024) the delegates from the U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific. The visit is in line with the preparations for the upcoming Tempest Wind exercise, which will be held this year in Surigao del Sur and Surigao City. (Photo courtesy of Surigao CIO)

BUTUAN CITY – Preparations are underway for the Tempest Wind exercise in Surigao del Norte and Surigao City.

On Monday, delegates from the U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific visited Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II to discuss the preparations for the exercise.

The Tempest Wind is a bilateral inter-agency law enforcement counter-terrorism drill between the Philippines and the U.S. governments. The same exercise was conducted in the country in September last year.

“The (Surigao City) government supports the upcoming Tempest Wind exercise, emphasizing its capacity for positive transformation and sustainable development,” the local government said in a statement Monday.

It said the visit was meant to assess the readiness of Surigao City and Surigao del Norte province for the upcoming activity, with dates still undetermined.

The U.S. delegates were composed of Joseph Gantley Sokol, John Marshal Ascenzo, Scott Robert Lidick, Christopher Mulhall, Arrin Langdon, and Halbert Bruce.

They were accompanied by officials of the Philippine National Police, led by Deputy Director Brig. Gen. Chito Bersaluna.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216968