IPs from Haran still get gov’t aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 18, 2021): IPs from Haran still get gov’t aid (By Che Palicte)  

MORE AID. Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib (3rd from left) leads the signing of memorandum of agreement (MOA) with representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and municipal officials at Tahanan, Capitol Compound on Aug. 16, 2021. The MOA provides other forms of assistance to the indigenous peoples from Talaingod town. (Photo courtesy of 10ID)

Government assistance continues to pour for the victims of the "taktikang bakwit (evacuees-tactic)" of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Haran Center in Davao City after their return to their residences in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, the Army's 10th Infantry Division (10ID) said on Wednesday.

The 99 indigenous peoples (IPs) returned home from Haran Center on Aug. 8 after being deceived by the false promises of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

In a statement, the 10ID said since they have returned home, various government agencies and local government units (LGUs) have extended help.

On Aug. 16, 68 IP families received housing units in Sitio Tibucag, Dagohoy, worth PHP17.25 million funded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) with the province’s counterpart funding of PHP6 million.

On the same day, a memorandum of agreement between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the provincial government of Davao del Norte was signed to cater other needed assistance to the people of Talaingod.

“This will help our IP harness their agri-potential lands. All agri-products can be transported without delay in the coming months after the completion of the projects,” the statement added.

On Aug 14, the 10ID, with the support provided by the Tactical Operations Group in Region 11 (TOG 11) and Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao (TOWEM), facilitated the transport of a total of 2,500-kilogram IPs’ belongings to Talaingod.

On Aug. 9, a multi-agency effort was made to dialogue, organize, and transport the IPs from Haran back to their communities.

As part of the agreement, the LGUs vowed for the provisions of food supply and materials for shelter construction while there are no established sources of livelihood of the IPs.

The AFP and the Philippine National Police also committed to providing assistance in the construction of their houses and makeshift school, farming/vegetable gardening activities for immediate food supply, the establishment of patrol bases/detachments in their communities for security assistance (they are requesting for security) and assistance in the coordination with concerned government offices/agencies.

“The evacuees also committed to publicly declared and pledged that they will never go back to UCCP Haran and they will support the government programs,” the 10ID added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150811

Army-villagers collaboration cited in successful ops vs. NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 18, 2021): Army-villagers collaboration cited in successful ops vs. NPA (By Sarwell Meniano)

ENDING INSURGENCY. Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone (left) board a motorboat to visit remote villages in Dolores, Eastern Samar in this Aug. 14, 2021 photo. The official lauded the linkage between the Philippine Army and villagers that led to the successful operation against the communist terrorist group in an upland village in Dolores town. (Photo courtesy of Gov. Ben Evardone)

Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone lauded the collaboration between the Philippine Army and villagers that led to the recent successful operation against the communist terrorist group in an upland village in Dolores, Eastern Samar.

In a statement issued late Tuesday, Evardone, the chair of the Eastern Visayas Regional Peace and Order Council, said the close cooperation between the military and civilians is an effective key to end insurgency.

“I hope that this kind of close collaboration will continue so that we can attain peace and development in our province and country,” Evardone said.

On Monday, at least 16 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed and 29 firearms were recovered when government troops launched a major offensive in Osmeña village in Dolores town.

Soldiers acted on tip-offs from villagers about the existence of NPA lair in the jungles, located just three kilometers away from the community.

There were about 50 rebels taking shelter in the lair. They belong to the remnants of the communist terrorist group who left the neighboring Samar province due to intensified clearing operations last year.

The military described the lair as a big encampment maintained by rebels for several months.

It has a multipurpose hall for training and a bomb-making facility.

The governor appealed to the remaining NPA members to surrender to the government so they can be given all the benefits and live a normal life with their families.

“Let's stop this fighting already. It has cost so much lives of our own brothers and sisters and prevented the development of our country. I am willing to sit down with you (rebels) to listen to all your concerns,” he added.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150800

11ID reshuffles key officers to strengthen Sulu anti-terror drive

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 18, 2021): 11ID reshuffles key officers to strengthen Sulu anti-terror drive (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

RESHUFFLE. Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, 11ID commander (right), installs Col. Govani Franza, the 11ID Assistant Division Commander for Retirees and Reservist Affairs (left), as the new commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, replacing Brig. Gen. Benjamin Batara (center), who was reassigned to lead the 1103rd Infantry Brigade. The Army's 11th Infantry Division (ID) reshuffled its key officers effective Tuesday (Aug. 17, 2021) to strengthen the anti-terror campaign in the province of Sulu. (Photo courtesy of the 11ID Public Affairs Office)

The Army’s 11th Infantry Division (ID) has reshuffled its key officers as the command strengthens its anti-terror campaign in the province of Sulu.

The reshuffle, which took effect Tuesday, involved the 1101st, 1102nd, and 1103rd brigades of the 11ID, also called the Alakdan Division, which is the youngest of all infantry divisions of the Philippine Army.

President Rodrigo Duterte, accompanied by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, led the activation on Dec. 17, 2018, of the 11ID, which is dedicated to fighting the Islamic State-affiliated terrorist groups in the region.

Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, 11ID commander, who led the change of command ceremony, said in a statement Wednesday that Brig. Gen. Antonio Bautista Jr., 1101st Infantry Brigade (Inf Bde) commander, has been reassigned as the 11ID assistant division commander.

Bautista relinquished the command of the 1101st Inf Bde to Col. Eugenio Boquio, the 1103rd Inf Bde commander.

Gonzales noted that during Bautista's 13-month stint as the 1101st Inf Bde commander, he was able to enjoin a total of 99 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits to surrender and return to the folds of the law, demonstrating his competence as a strategic leader.

Brig. Gen. Benjamin Batara, 1102nd Inf Bde commander, turned over his post to Col. Giovani Franza, the 11ID Assistant Division Commander for Retirees and Reservist Affairs.

Batara assumed as the new commander of the 1103rd Inf Bde which was recently created to solidify the military's presence in the province of Sulu.

Under Batara's leadership, the 1102nd Inf Bde troops conducted several successful combat operations. He was also known for his efforts under the Provincial Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict's Balik Barangay Program,

Bautista, Batara, and Boquio were awarded medals during the change of command ceremony, which was graced by Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), as the ceremony’s guest of honor.

The three officers also received command plaques from Vinluan and Gonzales.

Gonzales lauded the new commanders, noting that the repositioning of key leaders is part of an effort to streamline the organization and enhance its services for the people of Sulu.

“Your leadership skills and accomplishments in such a short span of time truly show that only the brightest are assigned and appointed as commanders in this province. Indeed, Sulu is changing for the better. Let us keep working with the local government and other partners for peace. I expect nothing less in this new set-up,” Gonzales said.

Present during the change of command ceremony were leading figures from various sectors to include Patikul Mayor Kabir Hayudini, who was donned with the rank of an Army Captain as he officially joined the reserve force.

Hayudini, along with other military officers, was also awarded a Bronze Cross Medal -- an award given for heroism involving risk of life.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150825

Army chief visits troops in Bukidnon-NoCot border

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 18, 2021): Army chief visits troops in Bukidnon-NoCot border (By Noel Punzalan)

MORALE BOOSTER. Troopers under the Army’s 72IB in the border of Bukidnon and North Cotabato provinces receive a much-needed boost following a visit by Philippine Army chief, Maj. Gen. Andres C. Centino (left), on Tuesday (Aug. 17, 2021). Centino (inset left) also handed over goods and military supplies to the troops. (Photos courtesy of 72IB)

Philippine Army (PA) chief, Major Gen. Andres C. Centino, has boosted the morale of troopers under the Army’s 72nd Infantry Battalion (IB) in a visit to a far-flung detachment of the military unit in Bukidnon and its headquarters in North Cotabato on Tuesday.

In a statement on Wednesday, the 72IB said Centino first visited the Civilian Armed Force Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary (CAA) patrol base in Barangay White Kulaman, Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

The CAA base is one of the 72IB units categorized under the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) in the province.

During his visit, Centino commended the CAA unit in fending off advances of communist terrorists on the border of Bukidnon and North Cotabato provinces.

“I strongly urge you (the CAAs) to continue efforts in attaining peaceful and conflict-resilient communities in the province of Bukidnon,” Centino said.

After he was briefed about the threat situation and deployment of troops in the area, Centino personally handed over boxes of canned goods and military supplies to the unit.

Thereafter, he proceeded to the headquarters of the 72IB in Arakan, North Cotabato to also check on the troopers on the ground and deliver materials and supplies needed to assist them in performing their duty.

During his talk to the troops, Centino expressed his support and commended the troops’ continuous effort in protecting communities from threats posed by communist terrorist groups amid the pandemic.

“I am counting on you in winning this fight against the insurgents. We are already on the right track,” he told the troopers.

Centino then led the donning of ranks to four newly promoted enlisted personnel and awarding of Silver Cross Medal to personnel of the intelligence team under 72IB for a successful operation that led to the capture of two high-ranking New People’s Army communist cadres in President Roxas, North Cotabato on Nov. 9, 2020.

For his part, Lt. Col. Jose C. Regonay Jr., 72IB commander, has vowed to do everything to contribute to the military’s campaign in permanently ending communist insurgency in their area of responsibility.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150804

Troops discover NPA arms cache in Zambo Norte town

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 18, 2021): Troops discover NPA arms cache in Zambo Norte town (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Troops of the Philippine Army's 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (IB) have discovered an arms cache of the communist terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Norte, a top military official announced Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, 53IB commander, in a statement Wednesday, said the troops discovered the arms cache on Tuesday while conducting reconnaissance patrol at Purok 2, Sitio Datagan, Barangay Guibo in the town of Siayan.

Herrera said the discovery of the arms cache, which contained one Garand Rifle, 10 magazine clips loaded with ammunition, and one bandoleer, stemmed from information from a concerned civilian in the community.

Herrera said the tip from the civilian is a genuine sign that hinterland communities renounce communist terrorist ideology.

“The Matapat Troopers will relentlessly pursue the enemy to keep the people of Barangay Guibo and the whole of Siayan town safe. This is a clear sign that hinterland community, once exploited by the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA, now renounce their lies, propaganda, and deception,” he said.

Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, thanked and encouraged the community to continue renouncing the communist ideology.

“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the people of Siayan for the continued support in our campaign to end local communist armed conflict. We encourage everyone else to continue to denounce the Communist Terrorist Groups and their atrocities for our children and the future generation,” Nicolas said.

Siayan, which consists of 22 barangays, is a second-class municipality in the province of Zamboanga del Norte with a population of 36,236 based on the 2020 census.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150875

Sympathy sought for mother who ‘lost’ child to Anakbayan

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 18, 2021): Sympathy sought for mother who ‘lost’ child to Anakbayan (By Perla Lena)

EMPATHIZE. Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, spokesperson for the Western Visayas Regional Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict, said on Wednesday (Aug. 18, 2021) they empathized with Relissa Lucena, mother of Alicia Jasper (AJ), a student activist who was taken back by militant group Anakbayan on Aug. 16. Gonzales called on peace-loving families and communities in the country to sympathize with Lucena. (PNA file photo)

The Western Visayas Regional Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF6-ELCAC) on Wednesday expressed its solidarity with Relissa Lucena in her quest to have her daughter back and be released from the influence of a militant group.

Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, spokesperson for the RTF6-ELCAC in a statement, called on peace-loving families and communities in the country to empathize with Lucena.

Lucena is the mother of Alicia Jasper (AJ), a student activist recruited by the militant group Anakbayan and went missing for years. She was reunited with her family on April 20 this year but was again taken from her family.

In her Facebook post on Aug. 16, Lucena said her daughter was kidnapped by two motorcycle-riding men around 9:55 a.m. on the same day. She said the motorcycle has no plate number.

In her released statement, she identified Anakbayan as the organization that took her daughter.

“Relissa Lucena, and many other mothers like her, are embracing an advocacy of peace, driven by their love for their children. And for this, we empathize with them,” he said.

He added that while AJ could argue that she has a life of her own and together with her colleagues come up with arguments on freedom of thought, expression, and the right to peaceful assembly, yet they can never stop a mother from loving her child.

The spokesperson added that Lucena believed that her child is not in a safe environment and is convinced that she lost her to an ideology that may endanger her life.

“She is hurt when her own daughter disowned her publicly. Despite the humiliation and the pain, Relissa struggled to have her daughter back,” he added.

The spokesperson said that the undisputed and undeniable fact showed that the terrorist organization of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) recruits children and turns them into armed fighters.

Many of them came from indigenous cultural communities and state universities and colleges (SUCs).

While several recruits became full-time members of the NPA, and got killed or captured, some gave up and eventually reunited with their families to live peacefully in their communities, Gonzales said.

He added that the task force believed that in time the mother will be vindicated.

“We can only hope and we can only pray that all Filipino children who have gone astray will be granted enlightenment and will see the futility and hopelessness of the lost cause that they have romanticized,” he said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150867

5 SoCot villages eyed for ELCAC projects

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 18, 2021): 5 SoCot villages eyed for ELCAC projects (By Allen Estabillo)

The provincial government of South Cotabato is working on the implementation of various socio-economic projects in five barangays that were previously affected by the communist insurgency.

Ma. Ana Uy, community affairs officer, said Wednesday they are currently looking into several community-based initiatives that will address the concerns and needs of residents for basic services.

She said the target recipients are Barangays San Jose in Koronadal City, Cebuano in Tupi, Klubi and Lamfugon in Lake Sebu, and Sitio Ellaw of Laconon in Tboli.

These were earlier identified by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines as insurgency-cleared or End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) areas.

Uy said the local government’s convergence team, as directed by South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., recently visited these areas to assess the situation and determine the concerns of residents.

“(The governor) wanted to know as early as now the priority needs of these barangays based on their barangay development plans,” she said in a statement.

During the initial visit, she said the team found out some problems and needs of the identified areas, among them the rehabilitation and opening of roads, electrification, livelihood, and the lack of potable water systems.

Uy said their team will visit anew the five target communities next month to validate their listed issues and concerns.

Under the program, the concerned barangays and the local government will later formulate the necessary plans for the funding and implementation of the priority projects.

“Aside from the budget from national agencies, the provincial government will also allocate a certain amount to support the program,” Uy said.

The initiative is part of the provincial government’s flagship Convergence Program for Poverty Reduction, which aims to bring various basic services and projects to the disadvantaged and conflict-affected areas in partnership with other government agencies and the private sector.

It complements the interventions of the Provincial Task Force ELCAC, which was created under Executive Order (EO) No. 70 of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The EO provides for the rollout of the “whole-of-nation” approach to sustain peace and order in local communities, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150879

Hundreds of hinterland residents benefit from Serbisyo Caravan

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 18, 2021): Hundreds of hinterland residents benefit from Serbisyo Caravan (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

OUTREACH MISSION. Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo speaks to residents of the hinterland barangay of Danao in Bindoy town. The provincial government on Tuesday (Aug. 17, 2021) conducted a medical mission and animal welfare activity in the village. (Photo courtesy of Capitol PIO)

Hundreds of residents from the hinterland village of Danao in Bindoy, Negros Oriental have benefited from the provincial government’s Serbisyo Caravan aimed to alleviate the lives of indigents in remote areas.

Capitol public information officer Bimbo Miraflor in an interview Wednesday said aside from Danao residents, those from adjacent barangays covered by the government’s Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) availed of the services and received assistance during Tuesday’s activity.

While Danao is not on the list of priority barangays under TF-ELCAC, it was chosen as the venue for the medical mission and animal wellness activity because it is surrounded by “cluster barangays” like Nalundan in Bindoy, Luyang in Mabinay, and Mabato in Ayungon, that are affected by insurgency, he said.

The Serbisyo Caravan, a priority project of Gov. Roel Degamo, is aligned with the TF-ELCAC’s activities to ensure that people living in the hinterlands are provided an opportunity to avail of free government services and assistance, he said.

It is the provincial government’s contribution to the government’s efforts, under President Rodrigo Duterte’s Whole of Nation Approach, to end insurgency through attaining inclusive peace and sustainability, he added.

Services provided during the Serbisyo Caravan included medical consultation and free medicines and vitamins, circumcision and minor surgeries, distribution of seeds and seedlings and fertilizers, and immunization of livestock, among others.

This is the sixth activity of its kind conducted by the provincial government for the second quarter of this year and more will be held this year, Miraflor said.

The Serbisyo Caravan had slowed down in the past months due to restrictions following the imposition of stricter quarantine classifications due to a surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the province, he added.

Those who took part in the outreach program were the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, the Provincial Agriculture Office, the Provincial Veterinary Office, other provincial government offices, and some national government agencies.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150856

700 Army personnel in Caraga undergo 2-day proficiency tests

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 18, 2021): 700 Army personnel in Caraga undergo 2-day proficiency tests (By Alexander Lopez)

Around 700 Army personnel from the Army's 402nd, 401st, and 901st Infantry Brigades in Caraga Region are now undergoing two-day proficiency examinations.

The examination is in preparation for the promotion of enlisted personnel from the different Army units in the Caraga Region.

“We are hosting this year’s proficiency examination for our enlisted personnel in the region,” said Capt. Jonald Romorosa, the civil-military operation officer of 402nd Infantry Brigade, in an interview on Wednesday.

Romorosa added that more than 700 enlisted personnel failed to get the proficiency examinations last year due to the pandemic.

“They were not also promoted last year because of their lack of proficiency exams caused by the health crisis,” Romorosa said.

The examinations are being conducted by the Army Personnel Management Center (APMC) from the Headquarters of the Philippine Army in Fort Bonifacio.

"The APMC personnel came here at the brigade to conduct these examinations. We are very thankful for their efforts for our enlisted personnel to get these exams,” Romorosa said.

Most of the examinees are personnel with the ranks of Private, Private First Class, Corporal, and Sergeant.

Health protocols, he said, are being observed during the conduct of the examinations.

“The examinees are called by batches and they already have their designated rooms to take the exams. We also provided separate areas for those who are waiting for their turn to take the tests,” Romorosa said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150827

Continue destroying surrendered Reds' weapons: TFBL chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 18, 2021): Continue destroying surrendered Reds' weapons: TFBL chief (By Priam Nepomuceno)

CONTINUE DEMILITARIZATION. Task Force Balik-Loob (TFBL) chairperson, Defense Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu (center), speaks during a meeting with TFBL members at Camp General Macario Peralta Jr. in Jamindan, Capiz on Tuesday (Aug. 17, 2021). Mapagu ordered the local police to continue "demilitarizing" or destroying firearms surrendered by former communist terrorist group members. (Photo courtesy of TFBL)

Task Force Balik-Loob (TFBL) chairperson, Defense Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu, has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to continue "demilitarizing" or destroying firearms surrendered by former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) as they return to mainstream society.

Mapagu issued the reminder to the members and stakeholders of the TFBL during a meeting at Camp General Macario Peralta Jr. in Jamindan, Capiz on Tuesday.

The meeting was hosted by 3rd Infantry Division commander, Lt. Gen. Eric Vinoya.

Demilitarization is the process of destroying firearms to make them unusable by cutting them into several pieces or bending or deforming each firearm.

Under the safekeeping of the PNP, some of the firearms are to be used in courts as evidence in ongoing trials of crimes committed by the former rebels (FRs) while the rest are to be demilitarized or destroyed.

Mapagu said demilitarization would ensure that the firearms surrendered by former rebels, for which the government has remunerated them, would not fall into the wrong hands and be used in illegal activities.

"Only those firearms which are going to be used as evidence in court proceedings are to be kept, all the rest need to be demilitarized. When the cases are settled, even those used as evidence in court must be destroyed as well. So we must continue to demilitarize all surrendered firearms," he added.

Mapagu congratulated all the task force members and stakeholders for their hard work and deep commitment to making a change in the lives of FRs.

He particularly commended the local chief executives for leading the activities and projects for the FRs, saying that without their valuable support and initiatives, the TFBL and its umbrella program, the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), would not have been as successful as it is at present.

As of July 30, the TFBL, through the lead and partner agencies, has granted almost PHP490 million in assistance in the form of cash, livelihood, training, and housing benefits to 6,418 FRs.

Established in April 2018 under Administrative Order 10, the TFBL serves as a central coordinating body to supervise the government's reintegration efforts for FRs and their immediate family members.

It is composed of representatives of the Department of National Defense, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Office of the President, and the National Housing Authority, as well as other partner government agencies.

The task force helps FRs and former violent extremists (FVEs) restart their lives, enabling them to be reintegrated into mainstream society and reuniting with their families and relatives.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150810

PH, Australia finalize defense logistics accord

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 18, 2021): PH, Australia finalize defense logistics accord (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

The Philippines and Australia have finalized an accord that would facilitate defense logistics support and allow both countries' armed forces to conduct more complex engagements.

The agreement, called the Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement (MLSA), will provide a solid framework for both parties' defense organizations to enhance interoperability.

In a statement Wednesday, the Australian Embassy in Manila said the move was an "important step" to make it easier for the two nations to work in addressing regional security challenges.

“As Australia and the Philippines face a rapidly evolving strategic environment, seeking new opportunities like this is increasingly important for deepening defense engagement,” Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson AO said.

“For example, it will be easier for both countries to respond to humanitarian disasters in our region together. Our cooperation promotes our shared vision for a peaceful, inclusive, and resilient region of sovereign states," he added.

A similar agreement was also signed between Australia and India in 2020, allowing military ships and aircraft to refuel and access each other's military bases.
The embassy, however, did not provide details as to when the Canberra-Manila MLSA will take effect.

The Philippines has an existing pact with Australia, known as the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) that entered into force in September 2012.

The SOVFA, which facilitates the entry of the two nations' visiting forces, was instrumental in 2013 during Operation Philippines Assist where Australia assisted the country in its response to Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan).

It facilitated the rapid deployment of medical assistance, humanitarian and reconstruction support involving over 500 service personnel, numerous aircraft and the landing ship heavy HMAS Tobruk.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150845