What is the Philippine Rise?

What is the Philippine Rise?What is the Philippine Rise?



It has been nine years since April 8, 2009 when the Philippines formally asked a United Nations (UN) body to recognize the 13-million-hectare Benham Rise as part of the country's territory.

With a little more than a year left in the term of then president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, it would take the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea's (UNCLOS) Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf three years (until April 12, 2012) to adopt its sub-commission's findings on the Philippines' claim.

May 16 next week marks one year since President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed Executive Order (EO) No. 25 renaming Benham Rise to Philippine Rise, consolidating on the UN ruling in favor of the Philippines' claim.

Malacañang on Wednesday announced plans for the Chief Executive to personally lead an expedition consisting of experts and officials to visit the area off Aurora province.

Natural submarine prolongation
The area has been termed a "natural submarine prolongation" of the Luzon island. It is 3,000 meters to 3,500 meters below sea level, except for the Benham Bank -- its shallowest point -- which is 48 meters to 70 meters below sea level.

Philippine marine scientists say it is home to at least 200 fish species, among them surgeonfish, hawk fish, and damselfish, and large predators such as the tiger shark, along with soft and hard corals, algae, and sponges.

The Philippine Rise can potentially yield the highest catch rate of tuna species, including big-eye, yellowfin tuna and albacore.

Studies conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) also indicate large deposits of methane in solid form, making it a potential rich source of natural gas.

What's in a name?

Online articles say the area has been known since the ancient times to inhabitants of Catanduanes Island in the Bicol region, southwest of the Philippine Rise, who called it Kalipung-awan, the Bicolano term for “loneliness in an isolated place”.

A briefing paper on the Philippine Rise by the Department of Foreign Affairs' (DFA) Foreign Service Institute - Center for International Relations and Strategic Studies (FSI-CIRSS) notes that it was named Benham after American geologist Andrew Benham, who led the mapping of the area in the 1930s. Some sources say though that geologists named it after Admiral Andrew E.K. Benham who died in 1905 and who had led American presence in China, the Pacific and South America.

In any case, Sec. 1 of Duterte's EO 25 ordered that "the undersea feature presently known as Benham Rise in local and international maps and charts, shall henceforth be referred to as the Philippine Rise."

Strategic importance

In an article on The Diplomat, writer Steven Stashwick pointed out that control of the area could be of potential importance in international geopolitics, as it is near the Luzon Strait, between Taiwan and the Philippines, which in turn is of strategic importance to any navy moving towards the South China Sea from the Western Pacific Ocean, as well as for navies going the opposite direction.

Sovereign rights

According to the DFA's FSI-CIRSS, under international law, the Philippines has sovereign rights to explore and exploit living and non-living resources in the area of the Philippine Rise within the country’s 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

It remains an important fishing ground for tuna fishermen from Infanta and Real in Quezon; Baler, Aurora; Catanduanes; and other adjacent provinces along the northern tip of the Philippines.

The extended continental shelf, which is what most of the Philippine Rise is, extends 320 nautical miles from the territorial baseline. For the part of this continental shelf beyond the 200-nautical-mile EEZ, the country has sovereign rights only over resources in the seabed.

Much of the Philippine Rise is beyond 320 nautical miles, but it was granted to the Philippines because it was scientifically determined that the undersea formation is a natural extension of the country’s continental shelf.

In the extended continental shelf, no one may undertake activities for exploring and exploiting mineral and other non-living resources of the seabed and subsoil without the express consent of the Philippines, which also has the exclusive right to authorize and regulate drilling on the continental shelf for all purposes.

The Philippines may also establish and use artificial islands, installations and structures, conduct marine scientific research, and protect and preserve the marine environment.

Under the UNCLOS, however, all states have the right of freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as the right to lay submarine cables and pipelines and other lawful uses.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1034670

Amphibious exercise to improve troops' land-to-sea operating ability

From the Philippine News Agency (May 10): Amphibious exercise to improve troops' land-to-sea operating ability

Amphibious landing exercises aim to improve the capability of American and Filipino forces to conduct operations from the sea-to-the-land.

This was emphasized by Philippine "Balikatan" exercise director Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat during Wednesday's amphibious landing exercises in San Antonio, Zambales participated in by 180 Filipino and 160 American troops.

Also present in the event were landing dock BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) and the two landing craft units assigned to her along with the frigate BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16) and three American amphibious assault vehicles.

"Balikatan" 2018 started Monday and will end on May 18.

"Amphibious training is an important part of 'Balikatan' exercise as it enhances the capabilities of both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and US Armed Forces during operations from sea to land. One of the goals of this exercise is to improve rapid deployment and inter-operability of forces during military operations in a hostile shore," Salamat pointed out.

Amphibious landing exercises are conducted to allow military forces to practice transporting troops from ship to shore under hazardous circumstances – dangerous weather or even an aggressive enemy.

The above-mentioned exercise represents the operational training in the exercise that allow the operational forces to see the results of strategic military planning, while allowing them to hone their skills at the tactical level.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1034774

AFP sponsors educational tour of 50 Muslim youth leaders in Malaysia

From the Philippine News Agency (May 10): AFP sponsors educational tour of 50 Muslim youth leaders in Malaysia

In line with ongoing efforts to create a peaceful, orderly and harmonious environment in Lanao Del Sur and Lanao Del Norte, some 50 Muslim youth leaders residing there were given the chance to tour Malaysia from May 7 to 10.

The tour was sponsored by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), military public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Emmanuel Garcia said Thursday.

He added the above-mentioned activity is expected to hone the Muslim youth’s participation in resolving the peace and security issues in their home provinces.

Thirty of the participants were from Lanao Del Sur while the remaining 20 were from Lanao Del Norte.

Garcia said the educational tour included on the first day a visit to the Department of Islamic Development and Global Movement of Moderates, an initiative that rejects all forms of extremism.

This was followed on the second day by a lecture on Malaysian History and Culture by the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations, a tour of the Halal Industrial Development Corporation, and interaction opportunity with the Indian community in Batu Malai Sri Murugan Temple.

To help inculcate the importance of peaceful and harmonious coexistence, the participants were also exposed to different cultures through interactions and visits to the Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities and students of the International Islamic University Malaysia.

Other activities in line include calls to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and a visit to the Putra Mosque in Putrajaya, and capped by exit ceremonies at the PH Embassy-Malaysia highlighted by a dinner with Ambassador Charles Jose.

Garcia said the AFP conducted the first Muslim Youth Educational Tour from Nov. 23 to 26, 2016 participated in by youth leaders from Sulu.

The second tour was held from Nov. 20 to 23, 2017 with participants from Maguindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1034778

Navy men honored for seized P67-M smuggled rice shipment

From the Philippine News Agency (May 9): Navy men honored for seized P67-M smuggled rice shipment

Rear Adm. Rene Medina, Naval Forces Western Mindanao commander, led the awarding ceremony on Monday to gallant sailors who apprehended a Mongolian-registered bulk carrier loaded with P67-M worth of smuggled rice on April 14 near Olutanga Island, Zamboanga Sibugay. (Photo courtesy of Navforwem PIO)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Naval Forces Western Mindanao (Navforwem) has honored the sailors who foiled the smuggling of PHP67-million worth of rice in the region last month.

The awardee-sailors, who are assigned with the BRP General Mariano Alvarez (PS-38), Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (BA485), and Naval Special Operations Unit-6 (NAVSOU6), apprehended 15 foreign crew and 51 illegally employed Filipinos, including three minors, when they intercepted the M/V Diamond 8, a Mongolian-registered bulk carrier, near Olutanga Island in Zamboanga Sibugay province on April 14.

Rear Adm. Rene Medina, Navforwem commander, and Capt. Joe Anthony Orbe, Naval Task Force 61 acting commander, led the awarding ceremony held at the Romulo Espaldon Naval Station that houses the Navforwem headquarters here last Monday.

Medina said the award was received by each unit’s representatives, namely Lt. Commander Ted Cerezo Jr., BRP General Mariano Alvarez; Lt. Commander Cesar Pangan Jr., Boat Attack Division; Lt. Junior Grade Jaymar Jayson, Philippine Navy; and Seaman 1st Class Underwater Operator Rey Tano of NAVSOU6.

The award recognized the sailors’ efficiency, loyalty and selfless devotion to duty in connection with the seizure of the smuggled rice.

“We witness the awarding of our deserving units in the recent successful anti-smuggling operation. Having heard the contents of the citations of the award for Bronze Cross medal, I hope that it will convey to all of us, the inspiration of fulfilling our duty and mandate with bravery, dignity, and honor,” Medina said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1034654

Suspect in 2007 Kidapawan City bombing nabbed

From the Philippine News Agency (May 9): Suspect in 2007 Kidapawan City bombing nabbed


(Photo courtesy of Kidapawan City Police Office)

A man believed to be behind the bombing here in 2007 was arrested by police and military personnel in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato.

Supt. Bernard Tayong, North Cotabato police spokesman, identified the arrested person as Abdulgani Mantil, 48, who attempted to break through a police-military checkpoint in Barangay South Manuangan, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato past 4 p.m. Monday.

Mantil, who has several warrants of arrest for murder, frustrated murder and frustrated multiple murders, was driving a white car without license plates when flagged down by government forces.

“He ignored the police and soldiers, and sped away towards Maguindanao,” Tayong said, referring to the checkpoint in South Manuangan, Pigcawayan’s border village with nearby Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

Police and soldiers chased Mantil and alerted the Army brigade headquarters in Barangay Pigcalagan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao to put up a roadblock.

The suspect was unarmed when arrested. According to Tayong, Mantil has standing warrants of arrest for his alleged involvement in the 2007 Kidapawan City bombing.

Mantil was also linked to the Kidapawan City bus terminal bombing, also in 2007, that left two persons injured.

He was included on the list of wanted persons issued by the Department of National Defense following the declaration of martial Law in Mindanao last year.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1034650

Over 600 residents flee as troops, NPA rebels clash in SoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (May 9): Over 600 residents flee as troops, NPA rebels clash in SoCot

Around 650 residents from three remote communities in T’boli, South Cotabato have evacuated following an encounter on Tuesday between government troops and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

Chief Insp. Ramil Villagracia, chief of the T’boli municipal police station, said Wednesday the residents of Sitios Lemteneneg, El Lubog and Blangas in Barangay Kematu decided to leave their homes for fear of getting caught in the crossfire.

Citing a report from the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion (IB), Villagracia said troops clashed with some 50 armed rebels past 11 a.m. in Sitio Lemteneneg.

He said the firefight, which lasted for about 40 minutes, ensued after patrolling soldiers and militiamen caught up with the rebels in the area.

“It appeared that the rebels had been there for quite some time and even established a small base,” he said in a radio interview.

Villagracia said the rebels eventually withdrew towards the eastern part of T’boli, abandoning some of their food supplies, uniforms and ammunition.

He said clearing and pursuit operations are still ongoing in the upland areas of Kematu and neighboring villages.

As of Wednesday morning, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said a total of 138 households or 657 individuals have evacuated to the center of Barangay Kematu.

Milagros Lorca, the PDRRMO head, said the evacuees were taking temporary shelter at the Kematu Elementary School.

“We provided them with immediate assistance to facilitate their convenience and comfort as well as protect their welfare,” Lorca said.

Lorca said they are assessing the possible return of the evacuees within the day to Sitios Blangas and El Lubog as these areas were not directly affected by the conflict.

She said the evacuees will undergo psycho-social stress debriefing and medical checkup before they return home. But the official said those from Sitio Lemteneneg will remain at the evacuation center until the area is cleared by the military.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1034643

Hundreds flee from Army-NPA clash in NoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (May 9): Hundreds flee from Army-NPA clash in NoCot

 

About 325 individuals have fled to safer grounds after government forces and communist rebels clashed in a remote village of Makilala, North Cotabato on Tuesday.

Lt. Colonel Rhojun Rosales, Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion commander, said the fighting erupted at 10 a.m. in Sitio Kapatagan, Barangay Luayon, when about 30 communist New Peoples’ Army (NPA) rebels fired at soldiers and militiamen conducting military operations.

Two soldiers were hurt but Rosales did not identify them, saying they only suffered minor injuries.

Two bomber planes from the Army’s 10th Infantry Division conducted air strikes at past 12 noon as fighting continued on the ground.

Rosales said the rebels belong to CPP-NPA Guerilla Front 72 and led by Commanders Brick, Libra, and Bordyak.

“I think we inflicted heavy casualties on the rebels because of the air strikes,” Rosales said in a radio interview.

Quoting villagers, Rosales said the NPAs were recruiting minors in Sitio Kapatagan to join the movement.

“Troops were sent to the village to verify (the) reported recruitment activities of the NPAs when the soldiers were ambushed,” Rosales said.

Intermittent clashes are still reported in the area as of posting time.

The Makilala municipal disaster risk reduction council, in a report, said the displaced families are now in Barangay Luayon covered court and being attended to by social workers.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1034646

2 Abu Sayyaf ‘bandits’ killed in Sulu clash

From the Philippine News Agency (May 9): 2 Abu Sayyaf ‘bandits’ killed in Sulu clash

Two suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed in a fresh firefight as operations to rescue kidnap victims continue in the province of Sulu, a top military official announced Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the latest firefight took place around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Lagasan, Parang municipality.

Sobejana said clash ensued as the troops from the Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion chanced upon the terrorist group while conducting search and rescue mission to recover 12 captives, including five foreigners.

The foreigners include three Indonesians, a Vietnamese, and a Dutch national. Of the seven Filipinos that the group still hold captive, two are policewomen seized along with two other companions on April 29 in Barangay Liang, Patikul.

Sobejana said the firefight lasted for about 40 minutes, after which the Abu Sayyaf bandits fled to different directions and left behind the remains of their two slain members.

One of the two slain Abu Sayyaf bandit was identified as Abrajir Jamsuri alias Radis, a follower of bandit sub-leader Apoh Mike.

The troops have also recovered four high-powered firearms consisting of two M-14 rifles, one R4 assault rifle and an M-203 grenade launcher.

Sobejana said no one was either killed or wounded among the troops from the Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion that figured in the latest firefight.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1034697

Bomb materials, not shabu, found abandoned in Salcedo

From the Manila Bulletin (May 8): Bomb materials, not shabu, found abandoned in Salcedo

Camp Quirino, Ilocos Sur – Explosive materials used in making bombs, and not “shabu” ingredients, were found by government troops at makeshift camp in the remote village of Kaliwakiw, Salcedo town, this province, a top police official said yesterday.

Senior Superintendent Jovencio Badua, Ilocos Sur police director, told The Manila Bulletin that the white crystalline substance reportedly found in the area was actually epsom salt and calcium carbonate, which are used in making explosives.

“It is safe to say that the area is being used by criminal elements based on the statements of barangay officials and residents in the area,” Badua said.

The area however is known also to be a bailiwick of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Apart from the 74 plastic packs of Epsom salt and calcium, weighing 25.6 kilos, authorities also discovered fatigue and military shirts, combat clothes and gear, and other kitchen wares and utensils.

Badua said they were still investigating whether these items at the abandoned makeshift camp belonged to the NPA.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/05/08/bomb-materials-not-shabu-found-abandoned-in-salcedo/

2 soldiers injured in clash with NPA in North Cotabato

From the Philippine Star (May 9): 2 soldiers injured in clash with NPA in North Cotabato

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines — A clash between security forces and New People's Army guerrillas in central Mindanao left two soldiers injured.

Lt. Col. Rhojun Rosales of the 39th Infantry Battalion said Wednesday two of his men were injured when NPAs attacked a team he dispatched to check on reports that rebels had been seen in Barangay Luayon in Makilala, North Cotabato.

The NPAs were seen collecting "protection money" at gunpoint from hapless residents of Barangay Luayon early on, the military said.

The rebels opened fire first at the approaching personnel of the 39th IB, sparking a running firefight.

The hostilities forced dozens of farmer families to relocate away from the scene of the encounter.

Evacuees said the NPAs were seen carrying away three wounded companions as they escaped as more soldiers and militiamen from nearby detachments were closing in.

Sporadic clashes between soldiers and NPAs also erupted in Barangay Kematu in Tiboli, South Cotabato province on Tuesday.

The hostilities involved personnel of the Army's 27th Infantry Battalion and NPAs operating in the hinterlands of South Cotabato.

The gunfight started when NPAs ambushed a group of militiamen and soldiers patrolling in Lemteneneg area in Barangay Kematu. The firefight waned only when the NPAs ran out of ammunition and escaped to a forested upland overlooking Barangay Kematu.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/05/09/1813648/2-soldiers-injured-clash-npa-north-cotabato

Army eyes extortion behind burning of heavy equipment

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (May 9): Army eyes extortion behind burning of heavy equipment

NEGROS. The backhoe that was allegedly burned by suspected New People’s Army in Barangay Tan-awan, Kabankalan City, on May 7, 2018. (Contributed Photo)

                   

THE Philippine Army is eyeing extortion as the primary reason of alleged suspected rebels for burning the heavy equipment and bunkhouse of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Barangay Tan-awan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, on May 7.

Captain Ruel Llanes, civil-military operations officer of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, said Tuesday, May 8, that the perpetrators believed to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) probably wanted to demand "extortion money" from the management of the firm responsible for the construction of a diversion dam and canal structure in the area.

In 2015, the NIA allocated a budget of P35 million for the Hilabangan irrigation project. However, Llanes said the perpetrators probably do not want to acknowledge such development in the area, prompting them to attack.

“Their attack greatly affected the residents in the area and the workers of the construction firm,” Llanes said, adding the irrigation project was supposed to help the farmers.

On May 7, about 10 to 20 armed men arrived in the area around 8 p.m. and fired several times but nobody was harmed.

The armed men burned the backhoe, generator set, water pump, welding machine, and bunkhouse of workers in the area.

Llanes said the rebels also told some of the workers and residents in the area that they have nothing to be scared because they have no involvement in their act.

Meanwhile, Llanes said they are coordinating with NIA and the construction firm for the filing of arson charges against the perpetrators.

He said they have yet to determine the cost of damage.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1742332/Bacolod/Local-News/Army-eyes-extortion-behind-burning-of-heavy-equipment

2 Reds nabbed

From Tempo (May 9): 2 Reds nabbed

Troops of the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) captured two rebels accused of extorting money from residents of Brgy. Can-aga, Malimono, Surigao del Norte.

The two rebels were allegedly found in possession of P52,000 in cash.

The Eastern Mindanao Command said they captured both rebels around 5 a.m. last Saturday.

Prior to the arrest, Lt. Col. Allen Raymund Tomas, 30IB Commander, said the two rebels along with several comrades engaged his men in a firefight that lasted some 20 minutes.

The rebels eventually escaped in different directions.

Aside from the cash the two rebels were carrying, troops recovered two landmines, one improvised homemade shotgun, and one ICOM radio charger at the site of the encounter.

Follow up operations led to the discovery of a nearby camp, as well as the seizure of an M-16 rifle, a hand grenade, six landmines, various ammunition, ICOM radio, a sack of rice, medical supplies and subversive documents.

http://tempo.com.ph/2018/05/09/2-reds-nabbed/

Abu Sayyaf nabbed in Zamboanga City for Basilan abductions

From the Philippine Star (May 9): Abu Sayyaf nabbed in Zamboanga City for Basilan abductions

Police arrested an Abu Sayyaf member wanted for abductions in Basilan during a raid in Zamboanga City on Tuesday afternoon.

Chief Superintendent Billy Beltran, director of Police Regional Office 9, identified the arrested suspect as Langa Jamil Francisco, 52, a Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf member and resident of Barangay Tetuan in Zamboanga City.

Beltran said Francisco was captured by personnel of the 904th Mobile Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 and of Regional Intelligence Unit 9 at Barangay Sta. Barbara, about a kilometer from city hall.

According to Beltran, Francisco has a standing warrant of arrest for seven counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention issued by a Basilan court.

The case stemmed from his participation in the kidnapping of workers of Golden Harvest Plantation at Barangay Tairan in Lantawan, Basilan on June 11, 2001. The Abu Sayyaf group seized around 15 workers and later executed five of them.

Beltran said Francisco is the second Abu Sayyaf suspect arrested in the past two days.

He said Francisco was temporarily detained at the headquarters of the Regional Intelligence Unit for interrogation before being brought before the court in Basilan.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/05/09/1813641/abu-sayyaf-nabbed-zamboanga-city-basilan-abductions

DWDD: COMMUNITY OUTREACH | 4ARCEN conducts Feeding Program

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (May 9): COMMUNITY OUTREACH  |  4ARCEN conducts Feeding Program

PUERTO PRINSESA, Palawan (DWDD) – The 4th ARCen and 4th AFWR personnel headed by 1Lt Maria Cristina C De Vera PAFR, Reservist Officer conducted a mass feeding activity at Purok Paglaum-4, Barangay Mangingisda, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on May 5, 2018 wherein 150 children had benefited from the said activity. WESCOM / MCAG

 






http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/05/09/community-outreach-4arcen-conducts-feeding-program/

DWDD: KOMODO 2018 | Naval Exercise kicks off in Indonesia

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (May 9): KOMODO 2018 |  Naval Exercise kicks off in Indonesia

PORT OF LEMBAR, Lombok Island, Indonesia (DWDD) – The multilateral naval exercise codenamed “KOMODO 2018” with its theme, “Cooperation to respond disaster and humanitarian issues” finally kicked off in Port of Lembar, Saturday morning with 37 countries, including the Philippines participated in the event.


The ceremony was formally opened by the Chief of Indonesian Navy, Admiral Ade Supande through a ceremonial drumbeat together with other chief of navies. The Vice Commander, Philippine Navy, Rear Admiral Gaudencio Collado Jr AFP represented the Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy for this occasion. Together with him were the head of the PN delegation, Commodore Toribio Adaci Jr AFP, the Commander, Fleet-Marine Ready Force and the Defense Attache to the Indonesia, Captain Zosimo Bolanos PN(GSC).



This was followed by the signing of inscriptions of all the chief of navy and head of delegations. The event was further enlivened with different “Lombok” cultural dances, parachuting, and flight exhibitions. NPAO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/05/09/komodo-2018-naval-exercise-kicks-off-in-indonesia/

DWDD: COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT | 5 CNTs surrender to 54IB in Nueva Viscaya

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (May 9): COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT  |  5 CNTs surrender to 54IB in Nueva Viscaya

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela (DWDD) – Five Nueva Viscaya based Communist NPA Terrorists – Militia ng Bayan surrendered to the joint elements of the 54th Infantry Battalion and Ambaguio Municipal Police Station at Landing Patrol Base, Brgy Poblacion, Ambaguio, Nueva Viscaya on May 7, 2018.
  

The surrender of the five MBs was made possible by the intervention of the Brgy Officials of Brgy Ammoweg, Ambaguio, Nueva Viscaya headed by Brgy Chairman Heraldo D Lino.

According to LTC Narciso B Nabulneg Jr, Commanding Officer, 54IB, the five MBs were serving as either contacts or courier of the Communist NPA Terrorist in their community. They also act as spies of the CNT’s in many instances about the presence of Government Forces and their civilian targets in Ambaguio area.

MGen Perfecto M Rimando Jr, Commander, 5th Infantry Division was elated with the surrender of the five MBs. “The MBs are critical in our crusade of clearing the countryside on the menace of the Communist NPA Terrorists. The Government is gaining every time MB is surrendering in our side, with that I commend the leadership of 54IB, Landing Patrol Base of 77IB, personnel of PNP Ambaguio and the Brgy Officials of Ammoweg. They spent time and effort during the negotiation leading to this positive result.” MGen Rimando Jr said.

“First, we reduced the capability and influence of the CNTs in the community where the MBs are residing; second, we were able to know their plans against our troops and the people; third, we were able to validate the identity of the CNTs operating in a certain area; and fourth, we are saving people and their families against the CNT’s indoctrination scheme.” MGen Rimando Jr, explained the importance of the surrendering MBs.

The five MBs are presently undergoing debriefing at the Landing Patrol Base as of press time.

Since Jan 1, 2018, the 5ID has recorded 70 CNT surrenderees to include seven regulars and 63 MBs in its area of responsibility. Among the seven regular is Ka Trese, the 16 y/o child warrior who were physically and emotionally abused by her comrades. 54IB / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/05/09/community-involvement-5-cnts-surrender-to-54ib-in-nueva-viscaya/

DWDD: SEA POWER | Maritime Security Symposium 2018

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (May 9): SEA POWER  |  Maritime Security Symposium 2018



NAVAL STATION JOSE ANDRADA, Manila (DWDD) – The PHILIPPINE NAVY, through the Office of the Naval Strategic Studies, is hosting the Maritime Security Symposium 2018 on May 10, 2018 as part of the PN’s 120th Anniversary. The event features the most vibrant names in the academe and government, here and abroad, who will discuss sea power as the central force of sustainable national development and security.

Join us in this online discussion. Use the hashtag #MSS18 and follow us on Twitter @onss_pn. NPAO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/05/09/sea-power-maritime-security-symposium-2018/

DWDD: BALIKATAN 2018 | Engineering Civic Assistance Projects

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (May 9): BALIKATAN 2018  |  Engineering Civic Assistance Projects

CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – U.S. Navy Sailors with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 and Philippine Navy sailors with 3rd Naval Combat Engineering Battalion construct a two-room school building during Exercise Balikatan at Luga Elementary School, Santa Teresita, Cagayan, Philippines, Apr. 30, 2018.



Exercise Balikatan, in its 34th iteration, is an annual U.S.-Philippine military training exercise focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism, and other combined military operations held from May 7 to May 18.



U.S. Navy Constructionman David Hamlin with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 smooths out concrete on a sidewalk during Exercise Balikatan at Luga Elementary School, Santa Teresita, Cagayan.



U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Tyler Preston, an engineer with 18th Civil Engineering Squadron, and Philippine Navy Fireman 2nd Class Michal Argete, an engineer with 3rd Naval Combat Engineering Battalion, apply stucco to a wall of a 2-classroom school building at Luga Elementary School.



U.S. Navy Builder 1st Class Fabian Flores with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 and Philippine Navy sailors with 3rd Naval Combat Engineering Battalion take measurements on a piece of wood during Exercise Balikatan.



U.S. Navy Construction Electrician 1st Class Darwin Garza with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 and Philippine Navy sailors with 3rd Naval Combat Engineering Battalion cut a piece of wood.



 A Philippine Navy sailor with 3rd Naval Combat Engineering Battalion.



Philippine, United States and Japanese service members pour concrete mix during construction.



Japan Ground-Self Defense Force Sgt. Saiki Hiromichi stuccos the side of a building during construction.



Australian Army Sapper Dillon Butler and U.S. Army Spc. Joseia Lemari paint the exterior of a school building.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Scott P. Smolinski / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/05/09/balikatan-2018-engineering-civic-assistance-projects/

MNLF-Misuari: MNLF delegation headed by Ustadz Abdulkarim T. Misuari, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee to attend the Proceedings of the 45th Sessions of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers

Posted to the Facebook page of Ustadz Murshi Ibrahim, Secretary General, Moro National Liberation Front-Misuari faction (May 6): MNLF delegation headed by Ustadz Abdulkarim T. Misuari, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee to attend the Proceedings of the 45th Sessions of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers



https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1702595163141752&set=a.489709107763703.1073741827.100001738557354&type=3&theater

Strong MNLF delegation headed by Ustadz Abdulkarim T. Misuari, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee, sent by the MNLF Founding Chairman, Prof. Dr. Nur P. Misuari to attend the Proceedings of the 45th Sessions of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, May 5 - 6 found great appreciation, commendation and warm welcome among the delegates attending the SESSION.

The Foreign Minister of Kosovo explicitly disclosed his government's support to the MNLF's quest for peace, freedom, and liberty.

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