PH conducts first resupply to Ayungin after deal with China

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2024: PH conducts first resupply to Ayungin after deal with China (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

SUCCESSFUL RESUPPLY MISSION. The BRP Sierra Madre is resupplied by civilian vessels Unaizah May 1 and Unaizah May 3 at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea in this Nov. 23, 2021 photo. The Department of Foreign Affairs said the Philippines successfully conducted a resupply mission to troops manning the BRP Sierra Madre on Saturday (July 27, 2024) without any Chinese interference. (Photo courtesy of DND)

MANILA – The Philippines successfully conducted a resupply mission to troops manning the BRP Sierra Madre on Saturday without any untoward incident, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

This is the first rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) mission since Manila and Beijing reached a critical deal after months of heightened tensions over the Ayungin Shoal, a feature situated within the country’s 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that is also being claimed by Beijing as part of its territory.

The successful mission used the civilian vessel MV Lapu-Lapu, escorted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Cape Engaño.

“No untoward incidents were reported,” the DFA said in a statement.

“The lawful and routine RORE mission within the Philippines’ EEZ is a credit to the professionalism of the men and women of the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard, and the close coordination among the National Security Council, Department of National Defense, and the Department of Foreign Affairs.”

The arrangement agreed by the two states covers the “principles and approaches for the conduct of RORE missions in Ayungin Shoal for the purpose of avoiding misunderstandings and miscalculations, without prejudice to national positions.”

The DFA has yet to release the full content of the understanding.

In a post-State of the Nation Address forum, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said the two states must give consent before either side could publicize the arrangement.

The deal was reached after a series of consultations with the Chinese side, following constructive discussions at the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism meeting on the South China Sea on July 2.

It also follows the violent June 17 incident near Ayungin Shoal, where the Chinese Coast Guard blocked and boarded Filipino vessels en route to resupply the marooned BRP Sierra Madre, resulting in one Filipino soldier getting injured.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229905

Ungkaya Pukan declared as ASG-free

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jul 22, 2024): Ungkaya Pukan declared as ASG-free

ZAMBOANGA. Local officials of Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan province led by Mayor Jomar Maturan (left) turnover a 60-millimeter mortar to Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, 101st Infantry Brigade (101Bde) commander, during the ceremonial declaration of the town as Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)-free. The ceremony was held at the municipal hall grounds of Ungkaya Pukan in Bohe Pahu village on Saturday, July 20. (SunStar Zamboanga)

LOCAL officials of Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan province have turned over a 60-millimeter mortar to Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, 101st Infantry Brigade (101Bde) commander, during the ceremonial declaration of the town as Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)-free, the military said Monday, July 22, 2024.

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said the ceremony was held at the municipal hall grounds of Ungkaya Pukan in Bohe Pahu village on Saturday, July 20.

The ceremony was attended by the village chiefs of the town’s 12 villages and municipal councilor of Ungkaya Pukan headed by Mayor Jomar Maturan.

The Westmincom said the surrender of the crew-served weapon was facilitated by Lieutenant Colonel Michael Colanta, commanding officer of the Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion (45IB).

“We celebrate this momentous occasion, marking a new chapter of peace and development for Ungkaya Pukan. This achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of our security forces and the invaluable support of the local community,” Luzon said during the ceremonial declaration.

“Together, we have transformed challenges into opportunities for growth and stability,” Luzon added.

He said the declaration of Ungkaya Pukan as an ASG-Free municipality is a result of persistent and coordinated efforts by the security forces and the local government.

“It is a testament to the power of collaboration,” Luzon said.

The municipality of Ungkaya Pukan was formerly known as a haven of the ASG bandits.

Currently, the Westmincom said surrendered mortar was placed under the custody of 45IB for safekeeping and will be processed under the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program and the Assistance of the Security, Peace, Integration and Recovery for Advancing Human Security in Barmm (Aspire) project.

Lieutenant General William Gonzales, commander of Westmincom, has commended everyone involved in the fruitful collaboration that led to the momentous event.

“My appreciation goes to 101Bde and the local government unit of Ungkaya Pukan for their relentless and collaborative efforts. May we all continue to purvey the message of peace and patriotism that is forever engraved in the hearts of public servants,” Gonzales said. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/ungkaya-pukan-declared-as-asg-free

Australian defense attache visits Westmincom

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jul 23, 2024): Australian defense attache visits Westmincom

ZAMBOANGA. Captain Emma McDonald-Kerr, the Austrlian Defense Attache, reiterates Australia’s commitment to support the Philippine military, particularly the Westmincom Mindanao Command (Westmincom), in its campaign to sustain peace and protect national integrity and sovereignty. McDonald-Kerr issued the statement during her visit to Camp Navarro that houses the Westmincom headquarters in Calarian, Zamboanga City, on Monday, July 22, 2024. (SunStar Zamboanga)

CAPTAIN Emma McDonald-Kerr, the Australian Defense Attache, reiterated Australia’s commitment to support the Philippine military, particularly the Westmincom Mindanao Command (Westmincom) in its campaign to sustain peace and protect national integrity and sovereignty.

Westmincom said in a statement Tuesday, July 23, McDonald-Kerr issued the statement during her visit to Camp Navarro that houses the Westmincom headquarters in Calarian, Zamboanga City, on Monday, July 22.

Personnel from the Australia Defence Force Task Force 12 accompanied McDonald-Kerr during her visit to Westmincom headquarters.

Brigadier General Taharudin Ampatuan, Westmincom’s deputy commander for internal defense operations and the staff officers of the command, warmly welcomed the McDonald-Kerr and her party.

The Westmincom said the purpose of McDonald-Kerr’s visit is to engage with their US counterparts based at Camp Navarro and the Westmincom leadership.

The meeting focused on information-sharing on matters of mutual interest, according to Westmincom.

During the meeting, Ampatuan conveyed Lieutenant General William Gonzales, commander of Westmincom’s gratitude and support to the Australian Defense Force and the Australian government.

“This is a good venue to strengthen our relationship as we continue to work for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region,” Ampatuan said. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/australian-defense-attache-visits-westmincom

6ID gets news commander

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jul 24, 2024): 6ID gets news commander

ZAMBOANGA. The Philippine Army designates a seasoned officer as the new commander of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), which has jurisdiction over Central and South-Central Mindanao. A photo handout shows Major General Alex Rillera, outgoing 6ID commander (center), relinquished his post to Major General Antonio Nafarrete (left) in a turnover of command ceremony presided by Lieutenant General Roy Galido, Philippine Army chief (right). (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE Philippine Army has designated a seasoned officer as the new commander of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), which has jurisdiction over Central and South-Central Mindanao, the military said Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

Installed as the acting 6ID commander is Major General Antonio Nafarrete, who replaced Major General Alex Rillera, who served as the 41stcommander of the division.

Rillera, who ended his 38 years of dedicated military service, has served for one year and nearly six months as the 6ID commander.

Lieutenant General Roy Galido, Philippine Army commander, presided over the turnover of command held at Camp Siongco, in Awang village, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte on Tuesday, July 23.

Rillera extended his gratitude to the Armed Forces of the Philippines(AFP), particularly the Philippine Army, for the trust and confidence given him.

Under the leadership of Rillera, the 6ID has achieved significant milestones in neutralizing threats and ensuring regional safety and stability.

The 6ID said that from 2023 to mid-2024, the division successfully neutralized approximately 689 members of various threat groups, including high-value targets within communist and local terrorist groups.

“These operations resulted in the capture, confiscation, surrender, and recovery of 737 war materials, including various types of weaponry and 262 explosive devices,” the 6ID said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Nafarrete, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1990, brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

Nafarrete has previously served as the commander of the 1st Infantry Division and was the Deputy Chief for Internal Defense Operations of the Western Mindanao Command.

Galido expressed his gratitude to Rillera for his exemplary leadership of the 6ID and his relentless efforts to maintain peace and order in Central and South-Central Mindanao.(SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/6id-gets-news-commander

Westmincom confers medals to SOTF 511.2 personnel

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jul 25, 2024): Westmincom confers medals to SOTF 511.2 personnel

ZAMBOANGA. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), confers medals to the outgoing personnel of the US Special Operations Task Force 511.2 (SOTF 511.2) after serving for a period of six months at Westmincom headquarters in Zamboanga City. A photo handout shows Brigadier General Taharudin Ampatuan, Westmincom deputy commander for internal defense operations (right), pinning the award of Military Civic Action Medal (MCAM) to Major Wesley Dyson, SOTF 511.2 commander, and other officers and personnel of the team on Wednesday, July 24. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), has conferred medals to the outgoing personnel of the US Special Operations Task Force 511.2 (SOTF 511.2) who served for six months at Westmincom for six months.

The awarding ceremony was held Wednesday, July 24, at the conference room of Westmincom headquarters at Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City.

During the ceremony, Brigadier General Taharudin Ampatuan, Westmincom deputy commander for internal defense operations, presented the award of Military Civic Action Medal (MCAM) to Major Wesley Dyson, SOTF 511.2 commander, and other officers and personnel of the team.

The Westmincom said the award was conferred to the US forces in recognition of their valuable contributions to the mission accomplishment of the command during their assignment at the Westmincom headquarters from February 1 to July 31, 2024.

The Westmincom leadership also presented a Command Plaque to Dyson in recognition of his meritorious and valuable services rendered to the command.

Dyson expressed his gratitude to Lieutenant General William Gonzales, commander of Westmincom, and the entire Westmincom family for the hospitality and rewarding experiences he and his teammates acquired during their assignment at the elite unified command of the AFP.

Meanwhile, Ampatuan has conveyed Gonzales’ gratitude to the outgoing personnel of SOTF 511.2.

“Congratulations and best of luck on your future endeavors,” Ampatuan said.

Present during the awarding ceremony are the members of the Unified Command Staff led by Colonel Emmanuel Cabasan and the incoming personnel of the SOTF 511.2 led by the new Commanding Officer, Major Alexander Grubbs. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/westmincom-confers-medals-to-sotf-5112-personnel

6 BIFF members surrender

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jul 27, 2024): 6 BIFF members surrender

ZAMBOANGA. Six members of the local terrorist group embrace peace and surrender their firearms to the 92nd Infantry Battalion in Salbu village, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur. A photo handout shows the firearms the surrenderers have turned over when they surrendered on Thursday, July 25, 2024. (SunStar Zamboanga)

SIX members of the local terrorist group have embraced peace and surrendered their firearms to authorities in the province of Maguindanao del Sur, the military said Saturday, July 27, 2024.

The 6th Infantry Division (6ID) said the local terrorist group members have surrendered to the 92nd Infantry Battalion in Salbu village, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur on Thursday, July 25.

Major General Antonio Nafarrete, 6ID acting division and Joint Task Force (JTF)-Central commander, said the surrenderers were remnants of the Karialan and Bungos factions of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

The firearms the surrenderers have turned over include M-79 grenade launcher, two M-14 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launcher and a sniper rifle.

“We are able to sustain the momentum as more local terrorist group members are benefitting the fruits of peace by denouncing their affiliations,” Nafarrete said.

“Your army will always welcome you once you decide to live peacefully. The government will provide you with services, including financial and livelihood assistance to start your new life,” he added. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/6-biff-members-surrender-2

Eastern Samar rebel leader falls

From the Daily Tribune (Jul 26, 2024): Eastern Samar rebel leader falls (By Elmer Recuerdo)

TACLOBAN CITY — The military on Friday reported that a top leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in a clash with government troops here on Thursday.

Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, identified the slain rebel as Joel Guarino, alias Duran, squad leader of a unit under the NPA’s Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

Vestuir said troops were conducting security operations in Barangay Osmeña when they encountered about seven rebels.

A 20-minute firefight ensued, resulting in Guarino’s death. No government casualties were reported.

Lt. Col. Joseph Bugaoan, commander of the 78th Infantry Battalion, said the clash followed a tip from civilians about the rebels’ presence.

“The people tipped off the presence of these NPAs that is why our soldiers were able to track their movement but they were fired upon when the rebels saw the incoming troops,” Bugaoan said.

Government forces recovered a .45-caliber pistol, a grenade, and other rebel materials from the clash site.

Vestuir called Guarino’s death a “breakthrough” in the government’s campaign against the NPA.

“They have become just a roving band of bandits, hiding in the mountains to survive,” Vestuir said.

“I reiterate my call to the remaining NPAs in the islands of Samar and Leyte to peacefully abandon the armed struggle. The communities no longer support and welcome you,” he added.

https://tribune.net.ph/2024/07/26/eastern-samar-rebel-leader-falls