Rebels’ firearms found in Sarangani

From the Mindanao Times (Nov 20. 2021): Rebels’ firearms found in Sarangani (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

Photos courtesy of 39th Infantry Battalion

THE military reported that units from 39th and 73rd Infantry Battalion, both under the 1002nd Brigade of 10th Infantry Division, found a large arm cache in Sitio Bagyang, Barangay Upper Suyan, Malapatan, Sarangani during a weeklong activity that ended on November 16.

Photos courtesy of 39th Infantry Battalion

Lieutenant Colonel Ezra Balagtey, 39th IB commander, said the arms recovered were a Cal. 30 machine gun, 17 M16 rifles, seven AK47 rifles, four M14 rifles, an M203 grenade launcher and an upper receiver each for an M16 and Carbine rifle.

On Friday, a member of the New People’s Army surrendered to the military unit, bringing along with him his rifle.

The former rebel claimed the rebels have been losing supporters.

About two weeks later, another leader of the outlawed group also surrendered to the military unit.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/11/20/rebels-firearms-found-in-sarangani/

Guerrilla front in Bukidnon collapses; 11 leaders, members yield

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19, 2021): Guerrilla front in Bukidnon collapses; 11 leaders, members yield

COLLAPSE. Eleven members of the New People's Army surrender to the Army in Maramag, Bukidnon on Wednesday (Nov. 7). Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, said the surrender has led to the dismantling of the Guerrilla Front Malayag. (Photo courtesy of 4ID)

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Following the Nov. 14 surrender of six members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in Bukidnon, another group of rebels surrendered to the military in Barangay Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon on November 17.

Citing demoralization within their ranks, 11 guerrillas including a child-soldier of the Guerilla Front (GF) Malayag under Sub-Regional Committee 2 (SRC2) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), surrendered to the Army's 88th Infantry Battalion, Military Intelligence unit, and the 3rd Infantry Battalion.

The surrenderers were identified as Michael B. Mantikinon alias Kimay, commanding officer of Front Operations Command of GF Malayag; Irish B. Arcayan alias Trixie, political instructor and party wife alias Kimay; Garry B. Mantikinon alias Mikmik, team leader Alpha, Squad 2, GF Malayag; Rimmel R. Medado, alias Jerome, security officer, Squad 2, GF Malayag; Sitoy Gamot alias Dave, team leader Bravo, Squad 2, GF Malayag; James Abaton alias Paling, vice CO of Platoon 2, GF Malayag; Tisoy Tormis alias Jeckboy, team leader, Squad 1, GF Malayag; Okaris Gibangon alias Tambok, medic squad 2, GF Malayag; Juvelyn Arellano alias Maymay, medic, squad 1, GF Malayag; Shiela Manaay alias Ella, security officer, Squad 2, GF Malayag; and Benjamin O. Arcayan alias Frenz.

Some five M16A1 rifles and an M203 grenade launcher, as well as explosives and ammunition, were also surrendered by the communist terrorists.

They admitted that losing their leaders and the continuous focused military operations of the 4ID troops forced them to flee, and prevented them to organize and recruit to regain control and influence over their target barangays.

Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of the 4ID, said GF Malayag has been virtually dismantled as the surrenderers were the only remaining members and leaders in the group.

Brawner said it is the final blow that will end GF Malayag, as the surrenderers have chosen to abandon the armed struggle.

The arrest of alias Migs, their guerilla front secretary, the death of NPA leader, Ka Oris, and the surrender of six others eventually led to their decision to return to the government fold.

Brawner said GF Malayag is under SRC2 of the NCMRC, led by Bernie M. Sinunta alias Boboy, the intel officer/vice CO of SRC 2, who surrendered to 88IB last Sunday, the same group where the six CNTs belong to.

GF Malayag has suffered major defeats after two encounters with government troops last September 8 and 10 that resulted in 4 guerrillas being killed, 14 captured, and 22 firearms seized.
The group’s woes were aggravated when their leader, Ramil Banawan alias Migs/Kim/Edukaw, was arrested together with Marcelito Bandigan alias Niks/Raymond, the team leader of Squad 1, last October 25 this year.

“I am elated with this very significant development because this is the result of our relentless campaign against the said terrorist group in the Pantaron Mountain Ranges covering Malaybalay City, San Fernando, and Cabanglasan Bukidnon. I commend the 88IB and 403rd Brigade, as well as the intelligence units, for another victory. They worked tirelessly with civilians in order to attain this success,” Brawner said.

“On the other hand, we welcome Ka Kimay’s decision to heed the government’s call for peace. We have proven to them the Army’s professionalism and respect for human rights. Your Army has been true to its commitment to ensure the safety of those who surrender. They will be provided with necessary assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, and help them build their lives anew with their loved ones,” he added.

Brawner underlined the significant milestone that not only the people of Bukidnon have longed for but all peace-loving people, hence, they can live peacefully after several years of being threatened and exploited.

“This is history in the making. Bukidnon will finally be free from the clutches of the CPP-NPA-NDF. Truly, the end of the communist terrorist group in Bukidnon is happening. Meanwhile, we will exploit our gains and intensify our military operations. This is the best time to push further and harder in order to finally eradicate the whole NCMRC and continue our pivot against the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) in the Caraga region,” he added.

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

The NDF has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160275

Recovered NPA arms cache weakens communist group

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19, 2021): Recovered NPA arms cache weakens communist group (By Edwin Fernandez)

RECOVERED. Soldiers of the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion in Makilala, North Cotabato prepare the firearms seized from communist rebels for presentation to the media. The guns, seized during the series of military operations between Nov. 11 and 16, belonged to the New People's Army unit under the Far South Mindanao Region. (Photo courtesy of 39IB)

A ranking communist guerrilla who surrendered to the military in Makilala, North Cotabato has admitted that their group has lost its appeal to the masses.

A certain alias “Allan," 51, a New Peoples’ Army (NPA) combatant, surrendered to the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Makilala town at 6 a.m. on Friday.

He told military officials that the loss of the NPA mass base supporters and the loss of firearms forced him to surrender.

“His surrender was preceded by the discovery of the 39IB and the 73IB of the largest arms cache of communist rebels in Sitio Bagyang, Barangay Upper Suyan, Malapatan, Sarangani from a series of operations between November 11 to 16,” the 39IB said in a statement.

Allan admitted that the firearms that were recovered by the military has weakened his unit.

A resident of Barangay Palegi, Padada, Davao del Sur, Allan was a ranking leader of the NPA's Region Sentro De Grabedad (RSDG) - Far South Mindanao Region.

The arms cache, numbering a total of 30 high-powered firearms, included a .30-caliber machinegun, 17 M-16 rifles, seven AK-47 rifles, four M14 rifles, an M203 grenade launcher, ammunition, and rifle parts.

When Allan surrendered to Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, the 39th IB commander, he also turned over a Bushmaster M16 rifle with bullets.

Allan said the firearms recovered by the Army were to reclaim “lost grounds” of the NPA in Far South Mindanao.

Balagtey said a certain Borjac, secretary of the NPA Guerilla Front Mt. Alip, monitored in the quad-border of Davao Del Sur-North Cotabato-South Cotabato-Sultan Kudarat has also surrendered to the 39IB on November 9.

Borjac told Army officials that the lack of space for maneuver due to aggressive government intervention led to the dismantling of an NPA unit in and around Mt. Alip that straddles through four adjoining provinces.

He also admitted that the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) program of the government made life difficult for communist rebels because the people no longer welcome them in their communities.

Balagtey expressed hope that these accomplishments will bring durable peace to southern Mindanao.

"This significant accomplishment clearly manifests the weakening of the FSMR’s goal and aim to spread conflict and division in the provinces of Davao del Sur, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato to include Sarangani and Davao Occidental," he said.

The two former combatants are currently undergoing tactical interrogation at the 39IB base in Makilala.

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.

The National Democratic Front, meanwhile, has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160279

3 Daulah Islamiyah men yield in Lanao years after Marawi siege

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19, 2021): 3 Daulah Islamiyah men yield in Lanao years after Marawi siege (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

DAULAH ISLAMIYAH. A member of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DIMG) hands over an M-16 Armalite rifle to Lt. Col. Fernando Payapaya, 51st Infantry Battalion (IB) commander (left), in Madalum, Lanao del Sur on Nov. 15, 2021. He was among three DIMG surrenderers who yielded to authorities some four years after the 2017 Marawi siege. (Photo courtesy of the 51IB)

Three former members of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DIMG) have surrendered to authorities more than four years after the 2017 Marawi siege.

“Through our surrender, we finally found peace. We can now live harmoniously,” an alias "Basher" said in a statement Friday.

"Basher" and two others, "Mocatil" and "Nano", surrendered to the 51st Infantry Battalion (IB) Monday in Madalum, Lanao del Sur. They were only identified through their aliases for security reasons.

Lt. Col. Fernando Payapaya, 51IB commander, said the three surrenderers went into hiding after the 2017 siege before deciding to surrender to authorities on Monday.

The three turned over all their firearms consisting of two M-16 Armalite rifles and a .45-caliber pistol to military authorities.

“We are truly thankful to 51IB for receiving us, ensuring the safety and welfare of the victims of armed struggle,” Basher added.

Payapaya recalled the history of Marawi siege as it will always play a part of Lanao del Sur's history.

Payapaya said the siege left a trail of death and destruction in the city. The lives of the BIMG members were also destroyed and some are still living in hiding.

“Nonetheless, the turning of events that we are witnessing from these surrenders bring gratification to the men of the unit. We guarantee your safety and means of living,” Payapaya said.

“But to those rebels who still continue to fight, we also guarantee to fulfill your fantasy. We will assure your destruction,” he added.

He said the three surrenderers were placed under the custody of his command for custodial briefing.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160309

NPA guns dug up in CamSur meant for poll extortion: Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19, 2021): NPA guns dug up in CamSur meant for poll extortion: Army (By Connie Calipay and Samuel Toledo)\

EXCAVATED. At least nine high-powered firearms placed inside a drum were excavated in the forested portion of Sitio Eme of Barangay Bagong Silang in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur last week. The dug-up firearms were five M16 and two M14 rifles; an M79 grenade launcher; and an M72 light anti-tank weapon. (Photo courtesy of 9th Infantry Battalion)

The high-powered firearms dug up in Camarines Sur last week were meant to be used by the New People's Army to launch tactical offensives in next year's elections, an Army official said on Friday.

Lt. Col. Cleto Lelina, Army’s 9th Infantry Battalion commander based in Sta. Elena, Camarines Norte, in an interview said there could be more firearms hidden by the rebels in preparation for their modus operandi on issuing “permit-to-win” and “permit-to-campaign” during the campaign period.

Lelina said the rebels were having difficulties in their operations due to the anti-insurgency offensives being carried out by government forces that’s why they are forced to just bury the firearms.

“Besides, the rebels are having a hard time implementing their anti-government tactics because the people are now tipping off their presence and activities in the barangays,” Lelina told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

At least nine high-powered firearms placed inside a drum were excavated in the forested portion of Sitio Eme in Barangay Bagong Silang in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur last week.

The excavated firearms were five M16 and two M14 rifles; an M79 grenade launcher; and an M72 light anti-tank weapon.

Brig. General Jaime Abawag, Army’s 902nd Infantry Brigade commander, said the firearms are also being used in the coercive collection of revolutionary tax or "butaw" to farmers and contractors of government projects in their area of operations.

He echoed Lelina's statement that the rebels already started to gather these high-powered firearms to be used not only to forcibly collect revolutionary tax but also to sow terror and carry out extortions during the elections.

Abawag lambasted the rebels for continuously collecting revolutionary tax even with the prevailing pandemic.

“These forced collections of revolutionary taxes are even stalling the implementation and completion of pro-people infrastructure projects in the remote villages,” Abawag said in their released official statement.

He also commended the concerned citizens who had tipped to the authorities the location of the buried firearms.

Three days ago, the joint Army and police forces also excavated some 695 live bullets for caliber 5.56mm in Purok Dilis, Barangay San Rafael in Bulan, Sorsogon.

A concerned citizen told the authorities of the presence of suspected rebels burying something in the place where the bullets were dug up, the Army reported.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160299

Army foils NPA attack in Zamboanga hinterland community

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19, 2021): Army foils NPA attack in Zamboanga hinterland community (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

THWARTED. Government troops account for the recovered items from New People's Army (NPA) rebels who fled following a foiled attack Thursday (Nov. 18, 2021) in an upland community in the border of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte provinces. Soldiers recovered an M16A1 rifle with ammunition, assorted medical supplies, and personal belongings left behind by the rebels. (Photo courtesy of the 53IB)

Troopers under the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion (IB) have thwarted an attack by communist rebels on an upland community following a clash at the border of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte provinces, a top military official said Friday.

Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, 53IB commander, said the clash occurred Thursday in the boundary of Sitio Ditalipon, Barangay Dilud in Dumingang, Zamboanga del Sur, and Sitio Kusingan, Barangay Tinago in Sergio Osmeña, Zamboanga del Norte.

Herrera said the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels fled to different directions following a 30-minute firefight against the troops.

The troops recovered from the clash site an M16A1 rifle with several rounds of ammunition, personal belongings, assorted medical supplies, and a portable burner.

Herrera said the troops from the 53IB will be relentless in pursuing the fleeing NPA rebels.

“It is our mandate to keep the people safe from any form of harm. We will continue to uphold our mandate of serving the people we have sworn to protect,” Herrera said in a statement Friday.

Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, has urged the people to continue helping government authorities by reporting the presence of NPA rebels in their communities.

"Their numbers are dwindling and they are on the verge of collapse and with your (public) support, we will be able to ensure to safeguard our communities against all forms of threats as our troops continue to pursue these terrorist groups,” Nicolas said.

Nicolas said the government's doors are still open for those who wish to return to surrender and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Under the E-CLIP, former rebels will be receiving PhP15,000 immediate cash assistance and PhP50,000 livelihood assistance.

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

The National Democratic Front has also been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160294

Northern Samar calls for NTF-ELCAC’s sustained efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19, 2021): Northern Samar calls for NTF-ELCAC’s sustained efforts (By Sarwell Meniano)

FUNDING DEV'T PROGRAMS. Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan in this undated photo. Ongchuan on Friday (Nov. 19, 2021) called for a continued anti-insurgency drive through the development programs under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. (Photo courtesy of Northern Samar provincial government)

Northern Samar’s provincial government has urged the central government to sustain the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) amid calls to abolish the anti-insurgency body and cut its budget.

Governor Edwin Ongchuan said on Friday the peace initiatives are badly needed in communities vulnerable to the influence of the New People’s Army (NPA).

“The objective of the program is noteworthy and equally deserves the allocation of our national resources. I am one with the rest of the country in investing for resiliency and sustainability by helping our communities cope against the many challenges to peace and development,” Ongchuan added.

As part of NTF-ELCAC project, the province recently kicked off development projects in six communities previously infiltrated by the NPA.

The national government earmarked PHP120 million, or PHP20 million for each village under the Barangay Development Program (BDP), a hallmark program of the NTF-ELCAC to bring progress to former conflict-prone communities.

The recipient Northern Samar communities are Hitapian, Osang and Nagoocan in Catubig town; San Miguel in Las Navas; Quezon in Catarman; and Calantiao in Bobon.

The projects consist of PHP31.93-million farm-to-market roads, PHP17.49-million water and sanitation systems, PHP18.5-million health stations, PHP24.8-million school buildings, PHP11-million electrification, PHP10.05-million assistance to poor families, and PHP6.22-million agricultural and livelihood training assistance.

The funds have been released by the Department of Budget and Management to recipient local governments upon completion of required documentation.

The provincial government expects more communities to be included in the BDP next year.

However, the Senate has just approved a PHP4 billion budget out of the PHP28.12 billion proposed budget for the NTF-ELCAC in 2022.

A total of 1,406 villages nationwide are expected to benefit from the BDP next year. They are set to receive PHP20 million each to fund their anti-insurgency projects.

The NTF-ELCAC, created under Executive Order 70 issued on Dec. 4, 2018, is tasked to “provide an efficient mechanism and structure for the implementation of the whole-of-nation approach to aid in the realization of collective aspirations for inclusive and sustainable peace.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160360

PH asserts 2016 arbitral ruling in Asean maritime forum

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19, 2021): PH asserts 2016 arbitral ruling in Asean maritime forum (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

The Philippine government asserted anew the 2016 arbitral award in the South China Sea during a maritime meet among Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) member states, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday.

The 11th Asean Maritime Forum was held virtually last November 16, coincidentally on the day when three Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels blocked and fired a water cannon on two Philippine boats while en route to resupply Filipino troops at the Ayungin Shoal.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Daniel Espiritu said Manila upholds the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the legal framework under which all ocean activities are regulated.

“The Philippines follows a rules-based approach in the South China Sea, including assertion of the 2016 Arbitration Award on the South China Sea, which is now part of international law,” he said.

“As our President highlighted at the recent 24th Asean-China Summit, the 2016 Arbitral Award singles out no one and in fact justly favors and benefits the community of law-abiding nations by providing clarity to all, which is beyond compromise,” he added.

He expressed the Philippines’ commitment to achieving the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) that is in accordance with international law, particularly the UNCLOS.

READ: PH outraged after Chinese vessels blocked PH supply boats

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on November 18 made a tacit confirmation that the CCG prevented the Filipino boats from entering the area, saying the vessels trespassed "into waters near Ren'ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal) of China's Nansha Qundao (Spratlys)".

Zhao said the two nations are "in communication" on the subject hours after the Philippine government publicly condemned the incident.

The Ayungin Shoal or Second Thomas Shoal, where a Filipino garrison is stationed on the grounded BRP Sierra Madre, is about 105 nautical miles off Palawan.

The feature is also part of the Kalayaan Island Group, commonly known as the Spratlys.

Professor Rüdiger Wolfrum, a distinguished jurist and former president of the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), said: "it is clear that the Philippines has the right to an EEZ (exclusive economic zone) according to the UNCLOS" when it comes to features in the Spratlys that are 200 nautical miles from its baseline.

"It has also been made clear in the award that low tide elevations within the EEZ of any given state come under the jurisdiction of the coastal state concerned and nobody can establish artificial islands or installation or whatsoever on low tide elevation within the EEZ of given coastal state in the South China Sea area," he told reporters in a presser on Thursday.

"This is just an interpretation of the UNCLOS, which is beyond doubt," he added.

Based on the 2016 arbitration award, Ayungin Shoal forms part of the Philippines' EEZ and continental shelf, "and are not overlapped by any possible entitlement of China."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160238

PH Army eyes more training activities with US Army Pacific

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19, 2021): PH Army eyes more training activities with US Army Pacific (By Priam Nepomuceno)

ALLIES. Officials of the Philippine Army and the US Army Pacific participate in the virtual 10th Steering Committee Meeting at the Philippine Army headquarters on Thursday (Nov. 18, 2021). The meeting also aimed to review activities for calendar years 2021 and 2022, and to deliberate and finalize bilateral activities and training for the year 2023. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

The Philippine Army (PA) is looking to more training activities with the United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) as part of efforts to enhance its capabilities.

"The PA is looking forward to more activities and training for both Armies in the future. As we continue to foster good relations with our counterparts from the USARPAC, we also expand our capabilities and lead our country towards true peace and development," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff and concurrent PA commander, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino said in a statement Thursday night.

He also expressed his appreciation to the USARPAC and PA joint efforts in strengthening the military relations between the two countries.

From Wednesday to Thursday, the PA and the USARPAC alternately hosted the 10th Steering Committee Meeting (SCM) at the PA headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The virtual SCM is a planning activity in preparation for the 10th Executive Steering Group Meeting between the PA commanding general and his counterpart at USARPAC.

The meeting also aimed to review activities for calendar years 2021 and 2022, and to deliberate and finalize bilateral activities and training for the year 2023.

USARPAC’s Col. Thomas Scott and PA assistant chief-of-staff for plans, Col. Rommel Cordova led the two-day activity.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160242

Jordan-donated 'Cobra' attack helicopter now in Sangley airbase

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19, 2021): Jordan-donated 'Cobra' attack helicopter now in Sangley airbase (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of 15th Strike Wing Facebook page

One of the two Bell AH-1S 'Cobra' attack helicopters of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has arrived at 15th Strike Wing headquarters at the Major Danilo Atienza Air Base (MDAAB) in Sangley Point, Cavite City on Thursday.

15th Strike Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Aristotle Gonzalez and other ranking officers of the unit welcomed the aircraft and its crew.

"The AH-1S 'Cobra' piloted by Major Reese James A. Obeso, PAF, Squadron Commander, 20th Attack Squadron, and Capt. Wilmore Kristus A. Tanamor took off from Clark Air Base and performed low passes before making their first touchdown at MDAAB. After which, the aircraft was rendered the traditional water cannon salute and was blessed by Father Salcedo Galvan. It was then followed by the ceremonial champagne pouring to mark both the joy and sanctity of the occasion," the 15th Strike Wing said in a Facebook post on Friday.

In his message, Gonzalez said the arrival of the aircraft is a first for the 15th Strike Wing as they formally welcomed a "dedicated attack helicopter".

He also thanked all those who worked hard to fully operationalize and hasten the homecoming of the helicopter.

"This platform will complement the MD-520MG of the 20th Attack Squadron and hopefully, be successfully employed and deliver support to other AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) units," Gonzalez said.

The two Bell AH-1S 'Cobra' attack helicopters were donated by the Jordanian government in 2018.

The Bell AH-1 'Cobra' is a two-blade, single-engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter.

It was developed using the engine, transmission, and rotor system of the Bell UH-1 Iroquois. A member of the prolific Huey family, the AH-1 is also referred to as the 'Huey Cobra' or 'Snake'.

In September 2018, the Department of National Defense and the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army signed a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160251

PH won't abandon military detachment in Ayungin Shoal: Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19, 2021): PH won't abandon military detachment in Ayungin Shoal: Palace (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

Acting Presidential Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles (File photo)

The Philippine government will not abandon the Filipino troops serving as a detachment at the Ayungin Shoal, Malacañang said on Friday.

"Walang abandonment na mangyayari diyan (There's no abandonment that will happen there)," acting Presidential Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said in a virtual presser, when asked if the government is considering abandoning the military detachment on Ayungin Shoal to avoid confrontation with China.

Nograles said the government will resume the resupply mission for military personnel onboard BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, which is part of Palawan's Kalayaan town.

"Itutuloy namin at gagawin namin ang nararapat para makarating ang mga supply doon para sa ating mga kapwa Pilipino na nandoon (We will resume [the resupply mission] and do what is right to give the supply to our fellow Filipinos who are there)," he said.

Nograles' remarks came a day after Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said two Philippine supply boats "trespassed" into Chinese waters, the Ren'ai Jiao, "without China's consent."

Two Philippine supply vessels were forced to abort their resupply mission on Tuesday, after three Chinese Coast Guard "blocked and water cannoned" them.

While no one was hurt during the incident, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) relayed to Chinese President Xi Jinping's "outrage, condemnation and protest" against the "illegal" acts of the Chinese Coast Guard.

The DFA also said the Chinese Coast Guard's action against the two Philippine boats "threatens the special relationship" between the Philippines and China.

Nograles maintained that the Philippines, despite its mended ties with China, would continue to assert its sovereign rights over its territories, including the Ayungin Shoal.

"We will continue to assert our sovereignty and sovereign rights, our jurisdiction over Ayungin Shoal and all other territories within our jurisdiction, including our EEZ (exclusive economic zone)," he said.

Nograles also expressed confidence that the DFA would take the necessary steps to avoid a repeat of the incident.

"So, we stand by the swift actions of the Department of Foreign Affairs and we are confident that the DFA will do whatever is necessary," he said.

In a separate statement, senatorial aspirant and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the Ayungin Shoal incident is “wholly unacceptable and absolutely illegal under international law.”

“Civilian vessels, particularly those carrying food provisions, should never be the subject of any form of attack or harassment,” Roque said.

He also advised the Philippine government to “rethink” its assumption that any attack on the BRP Sierra Madre could compel the United States, through the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, to "come to our rescue."

Roque said the Philippines should realize that the US, just like in the past, would not offer any help, citing the incident when China took control of both Mischief Reef and Scarborough Shoal.

"The reality is US officials have repeatedly said they do not interfere in conflicting claims to territory," he said. "Ultimately national defense for the Filipinos can only be undertaken by us Filipinos. We need to build a robust economy so we can allot more of our resources towards national defense modernization to better protect our national territory."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160289

Lorenzana cleared of Covid-19

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19, 2021): Lorenzana cleared of Covid-19 (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PNA file photo

Shortly after being tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) on Wednesday, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Friday said his latest reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test had him cleared of the dreaded sickness.

"My RT-PCR yesterday (Thursday) came out negative," he said in a message to reporters.

But he will be in-home quarantine until November 23 to be on the safe side.

"But, according to (Health) Secretary (Francisco) Duque (III), (I will) continue home quarantine until 23 November," Lorenzana said.

This is the second time this year that Lorenzana tested positive and then negative for Covid-19.

Last April, he went on quarantine to avoid infecting others in the DND after being positive for the disease.

Lorenzana added that he is fully vaccinated.

"Yes, I'm fully vaxxed. I'll observe myself for several days, after that I'll have another swab (test)," he said.

Lorenzana has just returned home after making official trips to Spain and Poland last week.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160349

US stands with PH over latest Ayungin incident with China

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 20, 2021): US stands with PH over latest Ayungin incident with China (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price (Courtesy of the State Department)

The United States government said Friday it stands with the Philippines in the face of what it described as an "escalation that directly threatens regional peace and stability."

The statement came a day after the Chinese government made a tacit confirmation that its coast guard blocked and fired water cannon on two Philippine boats en route to resupply the garrisoned Filipino troops in Ayungin or Second Thomas Shoal on November 16.

"The United States stands with our ally, the Philippines, in the face of this escalation that directly threatens regional peace and stability, escalates regional tensions, infringes upon freedom of navigation in the South China Sea as guaranteed under international law, and undermines the rules-based international order," State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said.

He added that China should not interfere with lawful Filipino activities conducted within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.

"On July 12, 2016, an Arbitral Tribunal constituted under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, delivered a unanimous and enduring decision firmly rejecting the PRC’s (People's Republic of China) claims to Second Thomas Shoal and to waters determined to be part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone," he said. "The PRC and the Philippines, pursuant to their treaty obligations under the Law of the Sea Convention, are legally bound to comply with this decision.”

Price likewise reaffirmed that an armed attack on Philippine public vessels in the South China Sea would invoke US mutual defense commitments under Article IV of the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.

The US, he said, will support its allies in Manila in upholding the rules-based international maritime order in the region.

"The United States strongly believes that PRC actions asserting its expansive and unlawful South China Sea maritime claims undermine peace and security in the region," Price said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160365