PBBM to AFP: Keep lines open for Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Moro National Liberation Front

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 3, 2024): PBBM to AFP: Keep lines open for Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Moro National Liberation Front (By PCO)

MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to continue its dialogues with the community and government agencies including groups affiliated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) as part of the national effort to address root causes of violence.

In his speech before the 6th Infantry Division at the Camp Siongco in Cotabato on Monday, President Marcos reminded the military to always recognize the relationship between security, development and governance towards inclusive nation-building.

“In collaboration with local communities and government agencies, we work together to address the root causes of violence, which can often be attributed to the absence of opportunities in the area. So, as peacekeepers now, in our role as peacekeepers now, we must always embrace the role of community and nation-building,” President Marcos said.

“By engaging dialogue with key stakeholders, we build resilient communities that are capable of withstanding the challenges that may come our way. I, thus, urge you to continue working hand-in-hand with the communities, including Moro Islamic Liberation Front and MNLF-affiliated groups, through their leaders and through our local chief executives,” he added.

The President believes that the Filipino people, as a whole, can overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of peace and progress by forging partnerships rooted on mutual respect and understanding.

He said everyone can create a future where every Filipino thrives and succeeds, regardless of background or circumstances. He said the military can help ensure success will be visible and felt by the Filipino people.

“To our brave troops, your role becomes even more crucial as we move forward into the future,” he said.

President Marcos also led the awarding of Distinguished Conduct Star (DCS) to two soldiers and Gold Cross Medal (GCM) to three soldiers, who showed commendable heroism in an encounter with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Karialan Faction (BIFF-KF).

The soldiers helped neutralized Mohiden Alimodin Animbang, a ranking leader of the BIFF-KF and 11 of his men in Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur.

Earlier, President Marcos visited the WIA soldiers of the Philippine Army (PA) and handed over Special Financial Assistance to each of them. (PND)

https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/2024/05/03/pbbm-to-afp-keep-lines-open-for-milf-mnlf

Elusive rebel leader, comrade killed in Iloilo encounters

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 4, 2024): Elusive rebel leader, comrade killed in Iloilo encounters (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The long arm of the law has finally caught up with a leader of a New People’s Army, who was allegedly involved in the death of Negrense soldier, PFC Rodelo Alfanza, following an encounter in Tubongan, Iloilo.

Lt. Col. J Jay Javines, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, yesterday said that Nahum Camariosa, alias Rodel and Bebong, a squad leader of the dismantled Southern Panay Front, and an alias Jun Jun, a member of the Regional Sentro De Grabidad Platoon, died in two encounters on Tuesday, at the boundary of barangays Bucari and Cawilihan in Leon town of Iloilo.

Javines said that 61st Infantry Battalion soldiers, who engaged the group of estimated 20 rebels led by Camariosa, also recovered three M16 assault rifles, an M14 rifle and AK 47 automatic rifle, assorted ammunition and an improvised anti personnel mine at the encounter site.

The slain rebel leader, according to Javines, is among the top wanted NPA leaders in Western Visayas, facing a string of criminal cases, including multiple murder, frustrated murder, robbery in band with frustrated homicide and damage to property, and robbery with serious physical injuries.

Camariosa has a bounty of P150,000 on his head, the Army regional spokesperson said.

The rebel unit commanded by Camariosa was also involved in a series of encounters with 61IB in San Joaquin and Tubungan towns in the first three months of 2024, which resulted in the death of his daughter, Rena Rhea and three others, according to the 3ID.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3ID commander, lauded the 61IB troops and the local populace for their collaborative efforts that resulted in the neutralization of Camariosa and his comrade and the recovery of several high-powered firearms.

https://visayandailystar.com/elusive-rebel-leader-comrade-killed-in-iloilo-encounters/

55IB troopers recover NPA arms cache in Lanao

 From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (May 3, 2024): 55IB troopers recover NPA arms cache in Lanao

ZAMBOANGA. Troops of the 55th Infantry Battalion’s (IB) Bravo Company recover an arms cache of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterlands of Ranao-baning village, Amai Manabilang, Lanao del Sur, on Wednesday, May 1. A photo handout shows the troops posing for documentation picture after they unearthed the arms cache. (SunStar Zamboanga)

TROOPS of the 55th Infantry Battalion’s (IB) Bravo Company have recovered an arms cache of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Lanao del Sur, the military said Friday, May 3, 2024.

The 55IB said the arms cache was recovered in the hinterlands of Ranao-baning village, Amai Manabilang, Lanao del Sur on Wednesday, May 1.

The 55IB said the arms cache contains three high-powered firearms consisting of one M14 rifle, one M16 assault rifle, and one AK-47 assault rifle as well as several several magazines and hundreds of assorted ammunitions.

The 55IB said the location of the arms cache was revealed by a certain Ka Blake, an NPA rebel, who recently surrendered to the troops to the Bravo Company troops.

The 55IB said the arms cache belongs to the Sub- Regional Committee 5 of the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Caro, 55IB commander, expressed his sincere gratitude to Ka Blake for providing information as to the whereabouts of the arms cache.

“This revelation is a testament to her sincerity to embrace a new life. Rest assured that the unit will ensure that she receives all necessary assistance for her reintegration into society,” Caro said in a statement.

Caro commended the 55IB troopers for a job well done, citing the accomplishment as a testament to the personnel's dedication and hard work.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/55ib-troopers-recover-npa-arms-cache-in-lanao#google_vignette

Filipino, US troops conduct HIMARS live-fire

From the Business Mirror (May 4. 2024): Filipino, US troops conduct HIMARS live-fire (By Rex Anthony Naval)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 3rd Platoon, Alpha Battery, 1st Long Range Fires Battalion, 1st Multi-Domain Task Force fire an M142 High Mobility Rocket System during Exercise Balikatan 24 at Rizal, Philippines, May 2, 2024. BK 24 is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Chan)

FILIPINO and United States Corps units on Thursday successfully conducted a live-fire exercise at Campong Ulay in the coastal town of Rizal, Palawan, using the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and other key assets in a simulated coastal defense scenario.

In a statement Friday, Combined Joint Information Bureau chief Lt.Col. John Paul Salgado said the precision and long-range hitting capabilities of this state-of-the-art artillery system demonstrated its importance in contemporary conflict scenarios.

“Following the HIMARS strike, Philippine Marines skillfully deployed a 105mm howitzer, adding another layer of firepower to the defensive maneuvers. This combined use of advanced rocket systems and artillery demonstrates the PMC’s proficiency in employing diverse weaponry for effective coastal defense,” he added.

In order to simulate a rapid response situation, two landing craft air cushion (LCAC) vehicles were launched from a nearby amphibious vessel and joined the forces on the beach.

This demonstrated the rapid deployment and mobility of maritime assets, essential for effective response and defense in coastal areas.

Salgado said the successful execution of the coastal defense live fire exercise not only highlighted the proficiency of participating units but also affirmed the enduring commitment of the Philippines and the United States to uphold peace, security, and prosperity in the region.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/05/04/filipino-us-troops-conduct-himars-live-fire/

Patriot Missiles ‘Roar’ Near China; Cutting-Edge SAMs Deployed To Clark AFB, Once Home To US Military

 From the Eurasia Times (May 3, 2024): Patriot Missiles ‘Roar’ Near China; Cutting-Edge SAMs Deployed To Clark AFB, Once Home To US Military (By Sakshi Tiwari)

Amid frequent ‘attacks’ on Filipino vessels by China, the U.S. Army has deployed its cutting-edge Patriot missile defense system to the Philippines Clark Air Force Base (AFB), which once boasted a massive U.S. presence.

According to reports, the U.S. Army has stationed Patriot missile launchers — for the first time — at the Clark AFB. The facility is located north of the capital city of Manila and is used for military and civilian aircraft operations.

U.S. Army soldiers attached to 1-1 Air Defense, 38th Air Defense Brigade, deployed the Patriot Antenna Mast Group for the MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile system at the AFB late last month for the ongoing Balikatan exercises.

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command published photographs of its forces posing along with the 960th Air and Missile Defense Group, the Philippine Air Force, in what was described as the “first-ever gathering of a U.S. Patriot and Filipino Surface-to-Air Python and Derby air defense system during Exercise Balikatan 24 at Clark Air Base, Philippines,” this week.

Additionally, reports noted that two launchers from Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, headquartered in Okinawa, pointed skyward from a field in Clark’s Air Force City, home to Filipino soldiers who share a nearby runway with commercial jets that visit Clark International Airport.

File: U.S. Army soldiers pose with their Filipino counterparts at the first-ever gathering of a U.S. Patriot and Filipino Surface-to-Air Python and Derby air defense system during ongoing Balikatan exercises.

Some 50 soldiers from Bravo Battery have been training for a scenario where they are required to protect Clark AFB, one of the most strategically located military bases in the Philippines, from an incoming missile attack.

It is no surprise that troops are going through the same exercises they have practiced across the Indo-Pacific in the face of China’s growing threats.

The deployment to Clark is significant as it comes against the backdrop of recurrent Chinese assaults on Filipino vessels. On May 1, for instance, China’s coast guard fired water cannons that damaged a Philippine vessel. The Philippines said the vessel was conducting “legitimate patrols” near the Scarborough Shoal when it came under attack.

This was the latest incident of the recurrent maritime run-ins between the two sides that has gone on for several months now, with Chinese Coast Guard vessels relentlessly attacking Filipino ships in contested areas like Scarborough and the Second Thomas Shoal. China claims almost the entire South China Sea as its sovereign territory.

Pushed to the wall by a much more powerful adversary, the Philippines has secured assurance and support from the U.S. The Biden administration recently reiterated his country’s iron-clad commitment to the Philippines and warned that an attack on Manila could trigger the Mutual Defense Agreement (MDA).

However, expanding its cooperation with allies in the Indo-Pacific has also been seen as a U.S. strategy for countering China in the region. The ongoing Balikatan drills, the largest to be held to date, have been interpreted as “force projection” and establishing deterrence against China.

As for the Clark AFB, it has a history of being the largest U.S. base in the region before things changed and the control was transferred. Moreover, the U.S. has strengthened cooperation with the Philippines and secured access to additional military bases.

Clark’s AFB Was Once A US Base

Clark Air Base is a Philippine Air Force base on Luzon Island in the Philippines, about 30-40 miles away from Manila. Before 1991, Clark Air Base was a military installation owned and run by the United States Air Force. It was part of the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) and its predecessor organizations.

The installation occupied 14.3 square miles, and an additional 230 square miles of military reserve stretched north of the base. During the last few months of World War II, the facility served as a bastion for the combined forces of the Philippines and the United States. It also provided key logistical support during the Vietnam War of 1975.

However, when Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991, and the Philippine Senate rejected an extension of American military bases there, the US forces were told to leave the country. The base later housed Clark International Airport, the Clark Freeport Zone, and the Philippine Air Force’s Air Force City.

Clark Air Base – Wikipedia

U.S. forces returned to the Philippines in 1999 to participate in a large-scale exercise under a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). In 2016, a contingent of the U.S. Air Force was located at Clark AFB for patrolling the contentious South China Sea.

The U.S. does not have access to this base, unlike the nine bases opened for the U.S. under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). The base, however, continues to host visiting U.S. troops regularly. For instance, USAF F-22 Raptors were photographed training there last year.

China has been keenly watching the developments at Luzon. In June 2022, the Australian P-8A reconnaissance aircraft intercepted by Chinese J-16 fighters in a dangerous maneuver had reportedly taken off from Clark AFB.

As tension between the Philippines and China continues to grow, there are concerns that it could spiral into a full-blown conflict, necessitating the ramping of the country’s defenses. This explains the U.S. troops training to protect Clark AFB.

Via: Lockheed Martin

The Patriot training is difficult because of the neighboring civilian population. In recent years, much of Clark has been transformed from military installations to commercial and recreational areas. The troops have, nevertheless, carried out numerous drills in the last week.

The soldiers have been practicing as if they are defending Clark, even though they have not been firing actual missiles during the exercise.

Besides training the troops to protect the Clark base in the event of hostilities, the transfer of Okinawa’s Patriot to Clark may have additional significance. U.S. experts have noted that U.S. military bases in the region, especially Okinawa, would come under attack from China if a conflict broke out between the two sides.

So, the commanders have been looking at other bases which could be co-opted and used in case of hostilities.

https://www.eurasiantimes.com/patriot-missile-defense-system-to-the-philippines-clark/#google_vignette

U.S., Philippine Counterparts Share Medical Experience and Ideas in the Batanes During Balikatan 24

 From DVIDS (Apr 27, 2024): U.S., Philippine Counterparts Share Medical Experience and Ideas in the Batanes During Balikatan 24

Photo By Staff Sgt. Tristan Moore | U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 8th Forward Recitative Surgical Detachment, 18th Medical Command, pose for a photo with healthcare professionals with the Batanes General Hospitalduring Exercise Balikatan 24 at the Batanes General Hospital in Basco, Batanes, Philippines, April 26, 2024. The 8th FRSD worked with the Batanes General Hospital to conduct training on how to properly calibrate and read electrocardiograms. BK 24 is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Tristan Moore)

BASCO, PHILIPPINES
04.27.2024
Story by Staff Sgt. Tristan Moore
8th Theater Sustainment Command

BATANES, Philippines – U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Forward Recitative Surgical Detachment, 18th Medical Command, based out of Fort Shafter, Hawaii, conducted subject matter expert exchanges alongside healthcare professionals at the Batanes General Hospital, April 26-27, 2024, at Basco, Batanes, Philippines.

These two exchanges were the first of many between the two groups during the exercise. The mission behind the exchanges was to share medical ideas, knowledge, and experience in a collaborative environment.

“In the Batanes, there are groups of Filipinos and foreigners that come for medical missions but never the exchange of academic or scientific information,” said Marilou Castro, the chief nurse of the General Batanes Hospital. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to host.”

During the exchange, the 8th FRSD taught the health care professionals of the Batanes General Hospital how to read an electrocardiogram, while the hospital staff imparted skills on caring for trauma patients, walking them through the process from start to finish. The reception of the classes was beneficial to many practitioners in the hospital; the most impactful skill set from the viewpoint of the hospital staff was becoming more comfortable with EKG readings.

The equipment used by medical professionals and the 8th FSRD provide the same function but are attached to the patient differently. The 8th FSRD equipment hooks up to the patient with sticky pads, whereas the Batanes General Hospital equipment hooks up by using suction. The ends are made of metal and have a rubber ball to squeeze. When squeezed, it creates negative pressure and holds onto the skin, which is not so different from cupping therapy.

“The [Batanes General Hospital] equipment doesn't have brand names, for instance, so trying to compare with what Americans use can be difficult, but overall, it's very similar,” said U.S. Army Capt. Leslie Bittenbinder, an emergency room nurse assigned to the 18th FSRD.

This provided the medical professionals an opportunity to show the 18th FRSD how to use their EKGs, and they printed out a reading from their EKG machine thanks to a volunteer participating in the exchange. The EKG reading used during the workshop showed sinus bradycardia with benign early repolarization. Early repolarization can be observed in 1% up to 13% of the overall population, with a higher incidence in populations of athletes and adolescents.

“It's always good to learn about other areas,” Castro explained to attendees of the SMEE. “Our practices are patterned off the American Health Association protocols, but it's a Philippine setting; maybe there are irregularities, and that's why we are excited to hear from you.”

On the second day of the exchange, the 8th FRSD was given the opportunity to walk through the hospital's trauma process and exchange medical knowledge about how to handle different emergency room trauma scenarios. Here, they discussed how to do a head-to-toe assessment of a trauma patient, where they look for injuries and consider medical intervention to aid the patient. Afterward, they took the time to talk about everyone's role in the emergency room and compared practices. Working with the hospital also provided the team with information about the cases that the hospital handles on the small island of Basco.

“I look forward to building these ongoing relationships,” said U.S. Army Capt. Rachel Curtis, an intensive care nurse assigned to the FRSD. “It’s so fulfilling to bond with them through medical education.”

The United States and the Philippines are steadfast friends, partners in prosperity, and ironclad Allies. “Friends, Partners, Allies” is not just a catchphrase, it’s the principles they operate on.

“Medicine is another common language between us,” said Karl Kmiecik, an emergency room physician assigned to the 8th FRSD. “I look forward to continuing the partnership with them and how we can support each other.”

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/470203/us-philippine-counterparts-share-medical-experience-and-ideas-batanes-during-balikatan-24

Nurturing Communities: U.S., Philippines Share Ideas During Civil-Military Operations SMEE

Posted to the US Indo-Pacific Command Website (May 2, 2024): Nurturing Communities: U.S., Philippines Share Ideas During Civil-Military Operations SMEE (By Staff Sgt. Dana Beesley, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific)







CAMP AGUINALDO, Philippines –

Service members from the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps gathered at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Civil-Military Operations school to conduct a subject matter expert exchange on humanitarian civic assistance best practices during Exercise Balikatan 24 at Camp Aguinaldo, Philippines, April 29, 2024. During the exchange, attendees discussed the AFP’s and U.S. military’s civil affairs missions and lessons learned from past events through training exercises and real-world scenarios.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Christopher Bridger, the deputy commander for the Combined Joint Civil-Military Task Force, 1st Civil Affairs Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, opened the exchange with a brief overview of the history of civil military affairs and the breakdown of events coordinated by the Humanitarian Civic Assistance team during BK 24. Bridger also stressed the importance of CMO practitioners’ role in monitoring and reporting civilian infrastructure issues to commanders.

“That’s what CMO is all about – planning ways that we can conduct operations in the civilian community to mitigate concerns and support our operational forces,” Bridger said.

Other topics shared and discussed during the event included implementing Information Related Capabilities and ways that CMO practitioners can influence the operational environment.

U.S. Army Maj. Nicholas Dahl, the J-9 for 1st CAG, spoke to attendees about one of the most significant issues faced by the local communities surrounding the capital city of Manila: food insecurities and crop failures due to the lasting effects of seasonal typhoons.

“If there was a storm or typhoon, or military action placed upon the community that prevented ships from delivering food, we as civil affairs can do our part to help improve sustainability in the community if they’re not able to have access to it,” Dahl said.

In response to the damage left upon the community in a recent storm, Dahl led a team of agricultural specialists to observe a local community’s farming capabilities, use of fertilizers and irrigation, and in turn, provided input on what would be the best course of action moving forward; Military civil affairs provides a conduit between Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster and Civic Aid and the surrounding community that can provide infrastructure or engineering projects such building wells at no cost to the civilians. These issues, specifically surrounding agricultural integrity, can be brought back and researched by U.S. universities to continue building the communication bond between nations.

Through discussions amongst students and presenters, having shared goals was the catalyst for nurturing the partnership going forward, and hopefully incorporating more civil affairs activities in the upcoming Balikatans.

“It was a great opportunity to learn from one another, share our best practices and discuss solutions to issues that we know that we both struggle through,” Dahl said.

Philippine Army Maj. Ferdinand Paolo Quiocho, the commandant of the AFP CMO school, coordinated through the J-7 for two months in order to coordinate the event.

“We take it as a positive mission to share and exchange knowledge in order to hit our targets,” Quiocho said. “I think it’s beneficial to understand how we are alike in aspects; Even though we don’t have a lot of joint training on a regular basis, we operate pretty similarly and how they accomplish similar tasks with different perspectives and through a different lens; how civil affairs can be best employed for real life situations.”

As a testament to the continuing partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines, the day concluded with exchanging of gifts and fellowship between students and service members. Quiocho lauded the dedication and passion that the civil affairs team brought to the students, and spoke of the natural and enduring friendship between nations as a byproduct of many exchanges to come.

“First and foremost, knowledge transfer is very important; the sharing of best practices is paramount to successful military operations within cooperation with our allies in the United States. I’m really looking forward to more activities like this in the future and realize that there will be shared exercises between our nations in terms of civil military operations based on CMO planning,” said Philippine Army Maj. Ferdinand Paolo Quiocho.

https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/3763965/nurturing-communities-us-philippines-share-ideas-during-civil-military-operatio/

A Feast of Camaraderie and Tradition: U.S., Philippine, and Australian Soldiers forge friendships through shared experiences

From the US Army Website (May 2, 2024): A Feast of Camaraderie and Tradition: U.S., Philippine, and Australian Soldiers forge friendships through shared experiences (By Spc. Kai Rodriguez)

LUZON, Philippines – Soldiers from partner and allied nations across the Indo-Pacific stood shoulder to shoulder around a long stretched table lined with banana leaves. Atop the table was an array of cooked meats served on a generous portion of rice, with no cutlery in sight. This act of sharing a meal, using an individual's hands to eat, is known as a Boodle Fight, a traditional ceremonious feast deeply rooted within Filipino military culture. The feast symbolized brotherhood, camaraderie, and equality among service members.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Comanche Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, alongside Philippine Army soldiers and Australian Defence Force Soldiers from 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, trained and shared fellowship shoulder-to-shoulder during a Philippine Army led jungle survival course in the Philippines during Exercise Balikatan 2024.

“The Filipinos are real experts in the jungle,” said Australian Defence Force 1st Lt. Isaac Jarvinen, platoon leader for Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. “Getting their perspectives on things and how they work in the jungle with less technology is a great chance for my soldiers to upskill.”

Lt. Jarvinen underscored the Filipino forces’ expertise in jungle environments and the significance of collaborative training during Balikatan to enhance mutual understanding and interoperability among Australian, U.S., and Filipino forces.

“It’s important for us to be here working along with the U.S. and Filipino forces so that we can all understand each other's standard operating procedures and tactics, techniques, and procedures to improve interoperability if we had to work together in the future,” Jarvinen said.

As the multinational forces train together during Balikatan 2024, their soldiers realize the importance of cooperation between partner and allied nations as they work together to ensure regional security.

The multinational forces finished their meal and walked back to resume their training and take on the next challenge in the jungle survival course. As the meal demonstrated, sometimes the smallest moments during a joint exercise end up being the most cherished, and come wrapped in banana leaves.

https://www.army.mil/article/275955/a_feast_of_camaraderie_and_tradition_u_s_philippine_and_australian_soldiers_forge_friendships_through_shared_experiences

Philippine, US forces advancing territorial defense, rapid infiltration capabilities at Balikatan

Posted to DVIDS (May 3, 2024): Philippine, US forces advancing territorial defense, rapid infiltration capabilities at Balikatan

Photo By Cpl. Kyle Chan | U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 3rd Platoon, Alpha Battery, 1st Long Range Fires Battalion, 1st Multi-Domain Task Force fire an M142 High Mobility Rocket System during Exercise Balikatan 24 at Rizal, Philippines, May 2, 2024. BK 24 is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kyle Chan)

CAMP AGUINALDO, PHILIPPINES
05.03.2024
Courtesy Story
Exercise Balikatan

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City, Philippines – Philippine and U.S. military forces participating in Balikatan 24 are conducting multiple synchronized, combined and joint all domain operations across more than 1,000 miles of Philippine territory over 16 days, involving more than a dozen units across the combined force.

The scope of the operations demonstrates the increased complexity of this year’s exercise.

In Palawan, bilateral forces just concluded a combined High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) rapid infiltration mission (HIRAIN) and live-fire event. The goal of the training was to increase bilateral interoperability in complex littoral and coastal defense operations to secure and protect Philippines’ maritime terrain, territorial waters and exclusive economic zone interests.

“The main goal or the exercise’s objective is to demonstrate the strength of the alliance and our willingness to defend our territory,” said Philippine Army Col. Mike Logico, Balikatan 24 executive agent.

The HIRAIN showcased the strength of the joint team participating in this year’s Balikatan. The HIMARS loaded onto an MC-130J Commando II transport aircraft in Subic Bay before inserting into San Vicente, Palawan. From there the HIMARS, along with artillery from the Philippine Marine Corps, loaded onto a landing craft, air cushioned to transition to the USS Somerset (LPD-25) to continue their movement down the coast of Palawan overnight. The next morning, the Philippine artillery and HIMARS landed on a beach that had been secured ahead of time by U.S. and Philippine Marines, before establishing firing positions and launching training rockets and artillery rounds at notional targets.

“This HIRAIN training exercise demonstrates the effectiveness of our combined operations between U.S. forces and the Armed Force of the Philippines, highlighting our ability to rapidly deploy critical weapons systems throughout the archipelago to collectively sense and engage military targets,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Bernard Harrington, commander of 1st Multi-Domain Task Force.

The all-domain training commenced on April 24 in Palawan at the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites located on Antonio Bautista Air Base and Balabac Island. Training activities are ongoing and include expeditionary mine hunting, sonar hydrographic surveys, reconnaissance drills, amphibious landings, and air assault drills to secure key maritime terrain and establish expeditionary advanced bases and forward arming and refueling points. All of these operations together facilitate the all-domain, multi-modal maneuver required to operate in a rapidly evolving security environment.

“The combined capability of the U.S. joint force and Armed Forces of the Philippines will hold the beach,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Sean Dynan, commanding officer of 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. “This caliber of training prepares both our nations to defend our shores as a team and drives home the value of standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the fighting hole.”

As bilateral forces in Palawan conduct HIMARS operations, they are also preparing for HIRAIN multi-modal transportation movement to Subic and follow-on movement to Northern Luzon.

“Through seamless coordination and cooperation, we are successfully executing complex multi-modal transportation operations, rapidly deploying long-range fires capabilities to support the territorial defense of the Philippines," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Benjamin Blane, commander of 1st Long Range Fires Battalion, 1st Multi-Domain Task Force.

Integrated units supporting operations across the combined force include: the Philippine Army’s 1st Multiple Launch Rocket System Battery, 1st Army Artillery Regiment, 203rd Infantry Brigade, and 5th Infantry Division; the Philippine Marine Corps’ 3rd and 4th Marine Brigades; U.S. Army 1st Multi-Domain Task Force; the U.S. Marine Corps’ 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment and 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit; the U.S. Air Force’s 317th Airlift Wing and 353rd Special Operations Wing; and the U.S. Navy Assault Craft Unit 5 and USS Somerset (LPD 25).

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/470198/philippine-us-forces-advancing-territorial-defense-rapid-infiltration-capabilities-balikatan

PCG: China disregards int’l laws using ‘beyond normal’ actions

From the Philippine News Agency (May 3, 2024): PCG: China disregards int’l laws using ‘beyond normal’ actions (By Priam Nepomuceno)

ILLEGAL ACTIONS. Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela (center) says all Chinese actions in the disputed waters are outright violations of international laws. Speaking at the National Security Cluster Communications of the "Bagong Pilipinas" media engagement and workshop at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy in San Narciso, Zambales on Friday (May 3, 2024), Tarriela said illegal Chinese moves are being exposed by the Philippine government's transparency strategy. (PNA photo by Priam Nepomuceno)

SAN NARCISO, Zambales – All Chinese actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) are outright violations of international law, a ranking Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) insisted on Friday.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the WPS, said maritime security scholars used to call China’s moves as grey zone tactics, or efforts to take control using coercive actions that are shy of armed conflict, but beyond normal diplomatic, economic, and other activities.

"Ang contribution ng ating (The contributions of our) transparency strategy exposed Chinese illegal actions,” he said on the sidelines of the National Security Cluster Communications of the "Bagong Pilipinas" (New Philippines) media engagement and workshop at Philippine Merchant Marine Academy. "Because of our transparency strategy, the Philippine government is no longer considering this as grey zone strategy. We call this an outright violation of international law."

Tarriela said for so many years, China has bullied not just the Filipinos but even Vietnamese, Indonesian and Malaysian fishers in the South China Sea and tries to reclaim islands.

"For us, all of their actions that they are doing there are just basically unlawful actions and they are offenders of the international law."

When asked whether China Coast Guard ships deliberately trained their water cannons on the Philippine flag flying atop the mast of a PCG vessel, Tarriela said that based on their observation, it seems that the Chinese were “targeting the communications equipment of the Filipino craft.”

"We can probably say that (it) could be possible but the objective of the water cannoning nung nakaraang insidente noong (of the water cannoning incident on) April 30 is for them to terminate the mobility of the Coast Guard vessel and BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources). And of course, we are relatively dependent sa ating (on our) communication equipment and navigation equipment," Tarriela said.

“The Philippine vessels encountered dangerous maneuvers and obstruction from four China Coast Guard vessels and six Chinese Maritime Militia vessels,” Tarriela said in a statement, referring to the harassment of a “legitimate patrol” near Scarborough Shoal, which is inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

The PCG ship sustained “damage to the railing and canopy” but no injuries were reported.

As in previous water cannon incidents, China said Philippine vessels were “intruding” into the waters and their actions were “in accordance with the law.”

Meanwhile, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Undersecretary Teresita Daza said the PCG must file an official report as basis for the next action, whether it would be a diplomatic protest or a summon.

"I’ll just lay the process in DFA. When an incident happens in the waters, we have to have an official report coming from PCG and from other agencies, and also from the National Task Force," she said in the same forum.

"So, we have to rely (on) official result(s), so I’ll have to check whether that (has) already been submitted, and what the report is actually all about."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223991

Defense spending an ‘investment,’ PH Navy official says

From the Philippine News Agency (May 3, 2024): Defense spending an ‘investment,’ PH Navy official says (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Philippine Navy spokesperson Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad (PNA file photo by Priam F. Nepomuceno)

SAN NARCISO, Zambales – A ranking Philippine Navy (PN) official said Filipinos should look at defense and security spending as an "investment" and not as an "expense."

“We have to look at defense and security, not as an expense but as an investment, and you never stop investing for the defense and security of the country," PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, said on the sidelines of the National Security Cluster Communications of the "Bagong Pilipinas" Media Engagement and Workshop held at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy here Thursday.

“Filipinos must remove from their minds that defense is a costly thing as this is a cost that we would bear. It's an investment for national security."

When asked when the ongoing modernization efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be completed, Trinidad noted that once the AFP attains a credible defense posture, this still needs to be assessed to determine if this is “sufficient for the country's security needs.”

"Meaning to say, when we get to a point that we (attain) credible defense, we will again do an assessment of this environment," he said.

Among the topics discussed in the workshop is the AFP Modernization Rehorizon 3, which will focus on the acquisition of skills and know-how in cyber defense, air interdiction, surface and sub-surface systems, missile defense, and support systems capabilities.

These acquisitions are seen to help make the AFP more credible in defending against external threats.

CADC to protect PH 'islands, features'

Also presented during the workshop is the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) now being operationalized by the AFP.

The key task of the CADC is to “secure and protect island territories and features” through the establishment of adequate and capable operational and operational support facilities, such as command and control facilities, billeting areas, and seaport and airport facilities.

Another task of the CADC is to “sustain operational requirements of island territories and features" by ensuring that adequate logistic needs, such as petroleum, oil and lubricants, water, food, and ammunition, are met.

The CADC capability partitions, consisting of cyber systems, subsystems and support systems, air interdiction, surface and subsurface systems, and missile and counter-missile systems, have a planned budget of PHP1.89 trillion over 10 years.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223949

PH faces heightened cyberattacks in upcoming elections

From the Philippine News Agency (May 3, 2024): PH faces heightened cyberattacks in upcoming elections (By Priam Nepomuceno)

(Anadolu photo)

SAN NARCISO, Zambales – The Philippines will face a greater risk of cyberattacks from foreign cyberthreat groups, especially in the coming elections, a threat assessment presentation said.

"Cyberattacks are anticipated in the mid-term 2025 and 2028 national elections" and could disrupt the peaceful and orderly conduct of the polls, the presentation showed during the National Security Cluster Communications of the "Bagong Pilipinas" Media Engagement and Workshop held at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) here Thursday.

The threat assessment also warned that the “misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) could become a destructive tool in (the) cognitive domain (and) have a divisive effect in the public and social order during (the) PHL election period."

Without directly identifying the source of the cyberthreats, the threat assessment noted that the challenge to the country’s "cybersecurity defense domain" will come from “foreign adversaries.”

These cyberattacks are considered "hybrid warfare" and will target information and communications technology networks of the national government and private entities, it said.

The threat assessment comes on the heels of recent cyberattacks on several government websites, purportedly from Chinese hackers.

In February, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said it foiled a cyberattack that targeted various government email addresses, including that of the Philippine Coast Guard and even the private website of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

It said other targets were government Google Workspaces, specifically the domain administrators of the Cabinet Secretary, the Department of Justice, the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department of the Congress, the National Coast Watch System, and the DICT.

Also in January, the DICT was able to thwart the attempted hacking of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration’s web applications.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223951

Focus on improving defense capabilities, not retaliation – senator

From the Philippine News Agency (May 3, 2024): Focus on improving defense capabilities, not retaliation – senator (By Wilnard Bacelonia)

(Photo courtesy of PCG)

MANILA – The country should focus on strengthening its defense posture and readiness instead of retaliating against China for its aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

Senator Francis Tolentino on Friday also suggested strengthening the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program and for criminology students to undergo military training.

"Sa akin, palakasin natin ang ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) program. Lahat ng criminology students undergo military training, etc. So, palakasin natin ang sarili natin, palakasin natin 'yung navy, ang coast guard, ang PNP Maritime Group (In my opinion, let's strengthen the ROTC program. All criminology students undergo military training, etc. So, let's strengthen ourselves, let's strengthen the navy, the [Philippine] Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police Maritime Group)," Tolentino said during an interview via Zoom.

"If we are going to pivot to something that drastic, siguro dapat may presidential approval din 'yan para nang sa ganoon ay alam din natin 'yung (maybe there should be a presidential approval so that we will also know the) diplomatic responses and consequences," he added.

Despite repeated attacks, National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea spokesperson Jay Tarriela earlier said the Philippine Coast Guard would continue to comply with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to “continue to act peacefully and responsibly” in upholding the country’s sovereignty over its exclusive economic zones, including Bajo de Masinloc.

Tolentino said the Philippine maritime vessels are capable to fight back but would rather focus on the humanitarian mission in Bajo de Masinloc.

"Resupply lang ‘yun eh. Pinapakita natin sa buong mundo na ‘yung ating gawain ay mas makatao. Nagde-deliver tayo ng supply doon sa Panatag [Shoal] sa mga mangingisda para hindi na sila bumalik sa laot (That's just a resupply. We are showing the whole world that what we do is more humane. We are delivering supplies there at Panatag [Shoal] to the fishermen so they don't have to go back to the shore)," the senator said.

One way of asserting the country's maritime domain, Tolentino said, is the Maritime Zones Act which is awaiting Marcos Jr.'s signature.

It aims to declare the rights and entitlements of the Philippines over its maritime zones, including the underwater features for the enjoyment and cultivation by Filipinos in compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223989

PCG ship crew in water cannon incident honored for bravery

From the Philippine News Agency (May 3, 2024): PCG ship crew in water cannon incident honored for bravery (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

RECOGNITION. Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson, Rear Admiral Armando Balilo (left) with Captain Jane Gesulgon aboard BRP Bagacay during an awarding ceremoney at Port Area, Manila on Thursday (May 2, 2024). Gesulgon and his 38 crew members were awarded the Coast Guard Merit Medal and Ribbon in recognition of their bravery during a water cannon attack from two Chinese Coast Guard that damaged their ship on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) honored the ship crew of BRP Bagacay (MRRV-4410) with the Coast Guard Merit Medal and Ribbon in recognition of their bravery during the water cannon attack by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) near Bajo de Masinloc on Tuesday.

The PCG said the 38 ship crew members and their leader, Captain Jane Gesulgon, received the recognition from PCG officer in charge, Vice Admiral Rolando Lizon Punzalan Jr. in a ceremony in Port Area, Manila on Thursday.

Gesulgon and his crew members were praised for accomplishing their mission while ensuring everyone’s safety amid a water cannon attack from two Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels that damaged their ship during the incident.

PCG Civil Relations Service Commander, Rear Admiral Armando Balilo, and District National Capital Region- Central Luzon Commander, Commodore Arnaldo Lim, were also present during the ceremony.

On Wednesday, National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said the April 30 attack on BRP Bagacay and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel BRP Bankaw highlights China’s “lack of concern for regional peace and stability.”

Tarriela said the attack using jet stream cannons was so forceful that it damaged both Philippine vessels.

On Tuesday, BRP Bagacay and BRP Bankaw encountered at least 10 Chinese vessels -- four CCG vessels and six Chinese maritime militia vessels -- during a routine mission to distribute food and other supplies to Filipino fisherfolk in the area.

The Chinese ships again performed dangerous maneuvering, blocking and water cannon attacks near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223999

'Kulturavan' seeks enhanced link between security forces, communities

From the Philippine News Agency (May 3, 2024): 'Kulturavan' seeks enhanced link between security forces, communities (By Che Palicte)

CARAVAN OF SERVICES. The Task Force Davao, along with other agencies, holds the 6th Kulturavan: Seguridad at Kaalaman at the SIR Sandawa Phase I, Barangay 76-A Bucana, Davao City on Friday (May 3, 2024). Hosted by the Maguindanao tribe, thousands of beneficiaries from six barangays availed of the free government services offered during the caravan. (PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.)

DAVAO CITY – The Task Force Davao (TFD) and various government agencies held the 6th Kulturavan: Seguridad at Kaalaman in six villages here Friday to enhance the security forces' relationship with the communities.

Col. Darren Comia, commander of TFD, said they would reach out to the communities through the caravan, particularly the Indigenous Peoples (IP) and the Muslim communities, by providing various government services, such as health and medical consultations.

"Overall, we conducted this to enhance the relationship with the military and security forces to the community. Through the Kulturavan, I believe Davao City will be more safe and secure," Comia said in an interview.

The Maguindanao tribe, in cooperation with Barangays 76-A, 23-C, 76-D, 9-A, Talomo, and Maa, hosted the event with an expected 1,500 attendees.

"We always ask the leaders (for assistance), and this time, we need to reach out the services from the government to the communities that we serve," he added.

The city comprises 11 tribal communities, six of which are Muslim, and five are IPs.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223969

Army builds hanging bridge for conflict-stricken Samar villages

From the Philippine News Agency (May 3, 2024): Army builds hanging bridge for conflict-stricken Samar villages (By Sarwell Meniano)

BETTER ACCESS. The new hanging bridge built by soldiers in San Jorge, Samar for five villages affected by decades of skirmishes between government forces and the New People’s Army. The project started in November 2023 and was officially completed on April 30, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army has built a PHP6.17-million hanging bridge to provide access to five communities previously affected by decades of clashes between government forces and the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in San Jorge, Samar.

Before the completion of the bridge in Buenavista village, the five communities were accessible via a two-to-four-hour hike, prompting the military to prioritize the bridge project of the local task force to end local communist armed conflict, the Philippine Army said.

“Despite the current situation, the locals opted to live in these far-flung areas since farming is their only means of livelihood,” it said in a statement Friday.

The five recipient villages of San Jorge town are Matalud, Gayundato, Cabugao, Libertad, and Cagtoto-og.

“The project aims to re-connect the upland communities to the town center in order to improve the general well-being of the people in terms of trade, education, health, and other human development and socio-economic activities. The communities will also develop to be resilient to terrorism and conflict,” the statement added.

The project is primarily funded by the Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative with support from the Samar provincial government, Army engineers, and various Army units on Samar Island.

The project started in November 2023 and was officially completed on April 30, 2024.

The 8th Civil Military Operations Battalion proposed the project in December 2021 to uplift the living conditions of the five villages and to prevent the NPA from attempting to recover the communities.

Named after American soldier George Curn, San Jorge is a 4th-class town located 145 kilometers north of Tacloban.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223953

High-ranking NPA leader, member killed in Iloilo town clash

From the Philippine News Agency (May 3, 2024): High-ranking NPA leader, member killed in Iloilo town clash (By Perla Lena)

NEUTRALIZED. Two New People’s Army combatants died during encounters with the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) in Leon, Iloilo, on Thursday (May 2, 2024). One of the fatalities was Nahum Camariosa alias Rodel/Bebong, squad Leader of the dismantled Southern Panay Front (SPF), Komiteng Rehiyon–Panay, who has a PHP150,000 bounty on his head for a string of criminal cases. (Photo courtesy of Ivan Aguana)

ILOILO CITY – A wanted high-ranking official and a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in two successive encounters with the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) in Leon, Iloilo on Thursday.

Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, chief of the 3rd Division Public Affairs Office, identified the fatalities as Nahum Camariosa alias Rodel/Bebong, squad leader of the dismantled Southern Panay Front (SPF), Komiteng Rehiyon–Panay, and alias JunJun/Cedrick, a member of Regional Sentro de Gravidad (RSDG) of the NPA in the region.

“Camariosa is the only remaining focal person of the dismantled SPF. With his death, they will have no direction because of the leadership vacuum,” Javines said in an interview on Friday.

Camariosa has a PHP150,000 bounty on his head for his string of criminal cases, including multiple murders, frustrated murder and robbery.

He was also involved in an encounter in the municipality of San Joaquin, where his daughter Rena Rhea was among those killed on Feb. 28, and a series of clashes in adjacent Miagao town on March 4.

The government troops recovered from the encounter site in the boundary of barangays Bucari and Cawilihan three M16, one M14 and AK-47 rifles, and an anti-personnel mine.

Javines said the first encounter happened around 7:30 a.m., followed by another at 9:50 a.m.

“The information coming from the community was a big help. Without information from our civilian residents, it would be difficult to locate them,” he said, adding that the encounter site was a forested area and far from the community.

In a statement, 3ID Commander Maj. Gen. Marion Sison lauded the 61IB and the residents for their collaborative efforts, resulting in successful operations.

“The residents’ cooperation significantly bolstered our troops’ capability to track the movement and location of the CNTs (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army Terrorists) with precision. Their unwavering vigilance underscores their deep awareness of their crucial role in establishing a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) in Panay Island and across the Western and Central Visayas. With this magnitude of support we have earned from the Ilonggos, we are optimistic that we can dismantle the remaining Guerilla Front of the CTG in Panay, particularly the Central Front, paving the way to declare this island a SIPS zone,” Sison said.

Javines said the families of Camariosa, who hail from barangay Manampunay in Leon, and alias JunJun from barangay Bad-as, San Joaquin, have been informed of their deaths.

Before they were transported to a funeral home in Tubungan town, their bodies were brought to the Aleosan District Hospital in Alimodian, Iloilo around 10 p.m. on Thursday.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223952

IP leader demands justice after NPA leader surrender in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (May 3, 2024): IP leader demands justice after NPA leader surrender in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)

Datu Rico Maca, IPMR San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. (PNA file photo)

BUTUAN CITY – The Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur has demanded justice for the killings perpetrated by the communist New People's Army (NPA) following the surrender of a rebel leader accused of masterminding the deaths of several Manobo tribesmen.

"We are happy that Joel Maca has decided to abandon the communist movement after years of disturbing and sowing fear among our communities," IPMR Datu Rico Maca said in a phone interview Friday.

Joel Maca, the NPA's former deputy secretary of Guerrilla Front 30 under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, surrendered on April 26.

The two are distant relatives and belong to the Manobo tribe.

Joel and his wife, along with four other NPA rebels, turned themselves in to the Army's 36th Infantry Battalion.

They also pinpointed areas in the province where materiel of the rebels were concealed, leading to the recovery of 12 high-powered firearms and ammunition.

Still, Rico Maca said Joel and his group should face justice for the alleged killings of several IP members in San Miguel and other parts of Surigao del Sur.

"He is also the prime suspect in the killing of Datu Bernardino Astudillo, the tribal chieftain of Barangay Magroyong, San Miguel, in March 2020," Rico said.

But Rico said the tribe remains open to forgive Joel, according to their customs, adding that the "cleansing process" emphasizes the tribe's deep-rooted values of reconciliation and harmony within the community.

"As the IPMR of San Miguel, I will personally lead the preparations and meet with the tribal leaders regarding the possibility of the cleansing process. This will also need the consent of the leaders, especially those whose members were once victimized by Joel's group," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223961