US defense official sees ties with Philippines ‘on a very strong trajectory’

From Rappler (Jul 27, 2022): US defense official sees ties with Philippines ‘on a very strong trajectory’ (By SOFIA TOMACRUZ)

The Philippines and US are also in talks to identify possible new sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement

The Biden administration is increasingly optimistic that defense ties with the Philippines could expand, after a turnaround seen under the final months of the Duterte administration, as well as the openness of a new Marcos administration.

These pair of developments provide a new ground for the decades-old alliance said a US defense official.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do in terms of where we want to take the alliance, but I think we’re on a very strong trajectory that started in the latter period of the Duterte administration,” Ely Ratner, United States Assistant Secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, said on Wednesday, July 27 (Manila time), at the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ 12th South China Sea Conference.

Ratner listed an array of efforts that displayed the notable growth seen over the past year.

The two countries were in the process of drafting bilateral defense guidelines that seek to clarify the roles and capabilities of American and Philippine forces, launched a new maritime dialogue, and were undertaking negotiations that could allow the US access to more Philippine bases under a key military deal known as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

The developments were almost unimaginable for majority of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte’s tenure, during which the firebrand leader refused to visit the US, cursed – and even banned the entry of – American officials for criticism against his bloody drug war. Duterte had also terminated – only to later restore – the Visiting Forces Agreement, a major defense deal that allowed the presence of US troops in the country.

Ratner acknowledged as much. “We have a very strong foundation to the US-Philippines defense relationship. So despite when politics roil a little bit, the defense partnership remained and was quite strong, though of course certain initiatives around EDCA and others had gotten held up,” he said.

About a year before Duterte stepped down, Ratner said an in-depth meeting between the former Philippine leader and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin allowed the parties to “work through some of the issues that had become a little bit held up within the alliance at that time.” By the end of Austin’s visit in July, the Philippines announced the VFA was “back on track.”

Looking ahead, the two countries’ relationship is only expected to grow stronger, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr earlier told US President Joe Biden. This year alone, several senior US officials have held visits to the Philippines, including Deputy State Secretary Wendy Sherman and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff.

“We’re engaging in – as we are, frankly, with almost every partner in the region – really new types of conversations about the kind of cooperation that we’re looking to do,” Ratner said, adding, “I think there’s a lot of opportunity in the relationship.”

He added, “There are real champions of the alliance, not only in the Philippines but in senior positions in the government too. And that makes a big difference.”

https://www.rappler.com/nation/united-states-defense-official-sees-ties-with-philippines-on-a-very-strong-trajectory/

Collision course: ‘Expelled’ MILF members move to replace BARMM leaders

From Rappler (Jul 28, 2022): Collision course: ‘Expelled’ MILF members move to replace BARMM leaders (By ROMMEL REBOLLIDO)

The group, led by Sheik Abdulfatah Saleh Delna, asks President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to replace members of the interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority led by BARMM interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag 'Al Haj Murad' Ebrahim, the MILF chairman

A group claiming to be ad-hoc officials and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) leadership are on a collision course.

The group, led by Sheik Abdulfatah Saleh Delna, has asked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to replace members of the interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) led by BARMM interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, the MILF chairman.

He said Ebrahim’s group backed the presidential bid of then-vice president Leni Robredo, and had those who supported other candidates expelled.

CONSEQUENCE. The endorsement of the presidential bid of then-vice president Leni Robredo by Bangsamoro interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag ‘Al Haj Murad’ Ebrahim and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is now being used against the region’s interim leader.

Delma claims to be the ad-hoc chairman of the “MILF-Hashim Salamat wing,” an assertion that BARMM leaders and the family of the late MILF founder decried.

Hashim’s son Abdullah, a BARMM parliament member, on Wednesday, July 27, said his family was offended by the use of his father’s name by Delna’s group, adding that it was an “utter disregard” of the Bangsamoro unity that his father had championed.

The elder Hashim died on July 13, 2003, in an MILF camp in Butig, Lanao del Sur.

The late Hashim studied in Cairo, Egypt, where he first laid the groundwork for the organization of the Bangsamoro armed struggle. He was behind the military training of the famous Batch 90, the first batch of Moro cadres from whom came the armed group of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

He subsequently separated from the MNLF and formed the MILF on December 26, 1977, becoming its chairman.

In a statement, Delna asserted that he and his followers were “bona fide and legitimate members and officials of the MILF, and (were the) trusted persons of the late chairman Salamat Hashim.”

Delna was the commander of the National Guard Front of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the MILF.

He cried foul when Ebrahim’s group “expelled” him on April 27 for merely “expressing support and campaigning on the basis of our independent political views as individual voters.”

Delna called on Marcos to appoint new BTA members only from the “MILF-Hashim Salamat wing.”

Officials of the MILF-led BARMM decried Delna’s move, and labeled him and his followers as “peace spoilers.”

A furious Ebrahim, who succeeded Hashim as MILF chairman, warned, “We know you, and our people know your hidden agenda. You will not succeed as you have not succeeded in the past in all your attempts to derail the peace process and take over the fruits of all the struggles of our people.”

The MILF central committee, in a statement, confirmed that Delna was suspended from the MILF for his “overt political acts of supporting a local candidate in Maguindanao who continues to undermine the peace process, the MILF, and the transitional government.”

Delna’s son, Saad, ran for mayor of Mangudadatu town, Maguindanao, in the May 9 elections under an alliance led by Maguindanao Governor Mariam Sangki Mangudadatu.

Saad lost to former Maguindanao representative Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu’s brother Freddie.

Toto, who lost when he challenged Mariam’s reelection bid, and Freddie were the candidates supported by Ebrahim’s United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP).

The MILF committee said the political assertions of Delna were lies, and “devoid of any revolutionary principles and designed solely to secure personal political favor at the expense of the organization and its leadership.”

Ebrahim said the MILF remains one solid front intact with its principles of consultative collective leadership.

Ebrahim and the MILF central committee also called on the government to follow what was agreed under the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB), and comply with the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

They said the Marcos administration should not allow Delna’s group to spoil the gains of the peace process.

Malacanang has been silent about the BARMM and the fate of the interim BTA members.

Days before Marcos assumed the presidential post, the MILF sent Malacañang a list of its 41 nominees for extended terms in the BTA.

The MILF nominees are the following:

Ahod Ebrahim
Akmad Abas
Haron Abas
Basit Abbas
Mudjib Abu
Eddie Alih
Mosber Alaudin
Ibrahim Ali
Lanang Ali Jr.
Matarul Estino
Dan Asnawie
Ali Pangalian Balindong
Maleiha Candao
Safrullah Dipatuan
Suharto Esmael
Abdullah Gayak
Eduard Guerra
Abdullah Hashim
Mohagher Iqbal
Raisa Jajure
Sha Elijah Dumama Alba
Abdulraof Macacua
Abdullah Macapaar
Marjanie Macasalong
Baileng Mantawil
Naguib Sinarimbo
Tawakal Midtimbang
Hussein Munoz
Suwaib Oranon
Ubaida Pacasem
Abdulwahab Pak
Said Salendab
Benjamin Loong
Ali Salik
Said Shiek
Aida Silongan
Ramon Piang Sr.
Mohammad Yacob
Mary Ann Arnado
Amroussi Macatanong
Ali Solaiman

https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/collision-course-expelled-milf-members-move-to-replace-barmm-leaders/

3 NPA rebels killed in Canlaon City clash

From Panay News (Jul 27, 2022): 3 NPA rebels killed in Canlaon City clash (By DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA)

Three New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a gun-battle with the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) troops in Sitio Natuling, Barangay Budlasan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental yesterday morning.

The casualties were 40-year-old Cristina “Chave” Jacolbe, finance officer of the NPA’s CN1; Ernie Jacolbe, 42, vice commanding officer of CN1; and 18-year-old Everly Kee Jacolbe.

The 62IB commander, Lieutenant Colonel William Pesase, said the slain NPA rebels were involved in extortion activities in Canlaon City, as well as in the neighboring towns of La Castellana and Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental.


Pesase said his men were still establishing the relationships of the three slain rebels as they all have the same last names.

Government forces recovered a KG9 submachine gun, a .45 pistol, a .38 revolver, subversive documents, and the slain rebels’ personal belongings.

https://www.panaynews.net/3-npa-rebels-killed-in-canlaon-city-clash/

Rebel family perishes in gunbattle

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 27, 2022): Rebel family perishes in gunbattle (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Cristina Jacolbe (left) and Everly Kee Jacolbe, the mother and daughter rebel amazons killed in a gun battle at Canlaon City, Negros Occidental.* PA photos

An alleged ranking leader of the New People’s Army and two rebel amazons who are reportedly his wife and daughter, were all killed in an early morning gunbattle yesterday at Canlaon City, in Negros Oriental.

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, disclosed that 62nd Infantry Battalion soldiers were conducting combat operations in the hinterlands of Brgy, Macagahay in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, when they were informed on the presence of a group of armed rebels in Sitio Natuling, Brgy. Budlasan, Canlaon City.

While approaching the targeted area, Pasaporte said that Army soldiers were fired upon by rebels, triggering a gunbattle that lasted about 10 minutes.

He reported that the fleeing rebels left behind their three slain comrades at the encounter site.

The 62nd Infantry Battalion identified the slain rebels as Ernie Jacolbe, alias Frezy, 40, vice commander of Section Guerilla Unit of Central Negros (Front 1), and rebel amazons, Cristina Jacolbe, 42, alias Chave, finance officer of CN 1 under the supervision of Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor, and Everly Kay Jacolbe, 18, alias Kay, also a member of CN 1.

Based on initial information, Pasaporte said the slain rebels belong to one family.

Cristina and Everly Kee were reported as wife and daughter of Jacolbe, respectively.

Aside from discovery of three slain rebels at the encounter, Pasaporte said that 62IB troopers also recovered a KG9 automatic pistol with a magazine containing ammunition, two .45 caliber pistols, a .38 caliber revolver and assorted ammunition, subversive documents and personal belongings.

The encounter took place a week after a suspected NPA combatant identified as Pompeo Landesa, also affiliated with KR NCBS Central Negros 1, died in an encounter with 62IB soldiers in Brgy. Sandayao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

Also recovered from the encounter site were a KG9 automatic pistol with a magazine containing ammunition, a .357 Magnum revolver with three ammunition, fragmentation grenade, two small solar panels and battery, personal belongings and subversive NPA documents.

This brings to eight the number of NPA combatants killed in armed clashes with Army soldiers in central Negros over the past three weeks.

In a statement, the 62IB said that the three slain rebels primarily responsible in facilitating NPA extortion activities in the hinterlands of Canlaon City, La Castellana and Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental, and are allegedly involved in rebel atrocities perpetrated in Brgys. Macagahay and Quintin Remo, all in Moises Padilla, in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

Prior to their deaths, the three Jacolbes had been regularly encouraged by their former comrades to abandon the armed struggle. Instead of heeding their call, the 62IB claimed they even threatened and harassed families of former rebels in Canlaon City.

Pasaporte said they consider the two NPA guerilla fronts in central Negros as “weakened,” as many of their members died in recent gunbattles while others surrendered due to pressure exerted by government forces.

Last month, 19 rebel combatants in central Negros surrendered to the 94th Infantry Battalion.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd Infantry Division commander, said that the recent death of five rebels will serve as a warning to the NPA remnants that they will suffer the same fate if they continue to refuse to surrender.

https://visayandailystar.com/rebel-family-perishes-in-gunbattle/

Rebel strength in central Negros down 50% – Army

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 28, 2022): Rebel strength in central Negros down 50% – Army (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The numbers of combatants of the two New People’s Army guerilla fronts in central Negros have gone down by 50 percent, revealed yesterday by Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander.

Pasaporte, who supervises the operations of three Army battalions in central and northern Negros, attributed the reduction of NPA combatants to their Focused Military Operations and implementation of non-traditional military activities, in tandem with various stakeholders, resulting in the surrender of their members, while others became inactive, aside from those captured and killed in gunbattles.

The surrender of 19 combatants of Central Negros 2 guerilla front last month to the 94th Infantry Battalion, crippled its Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda platoon, he added.

Last year, 10 rebels died in an encounter in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, that led to the recovery of 12 high powered firearms, Pasaporte recalled.

Within a span of one month, the 62nd Infantry Battalion figured in three encounters with Central Negros 1 and 2 guerilla units, claiming the lives of seven rebels, including those killed on July 26 in Brgy. Budlasan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, according to its spokesperson, Lt. Joy De Guzman.

Upon verification, the Philippine Army identified the three slain rebels as Cristina Jacolbe, alias Chave, 42, finance and logistic officer of Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros Central Negros 1 guerilla front, her 18-year-old daughter, Everly Kee, alias Kaye, and Rodan Montero, not Ernie Jacolbe, as was erroneously reported earlier.

In a statement, Negros NPA spokesman Ka Juanito Magbanua said that Montero is also relative of Jacolbe. According to the military, Ernie Jacolbe, the husband of Chave, served as the vice commanding officer of Section Guerilla Unit of Central Negros 1.

Magbanua claimed that the victims were resting in a nipa hut when they were allegedly massacred.

Pasaporte maintained that it was legitimate encounter, contrary to allegations of Magbanua, stressing that the location of about 10 NPA rebels was reported by civilians victimized by the terror campaign and extortion activities of the rebel group.

Magbanua claimed that Ka Chave, a former barangay health worker of Budlasan in Canlaon City, joined the rebel movement after being “red tagged” by state security forces.

Troopers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion who figured in the encounter recovered two .45 caliber pistols, a K9 automatic pistol, a .38 caliber revolver, a homemade 12-gauge shotgun, a rifle grenade and assorted personal belongings.

Pasaporte said they consider the two NPA guerilla fronts in central Negros as “weakened”, as many of their members died in recent gunbattles, while others surrendered due to pressure exerted by government forces.

He, however, said that rebels from other guerilla fronts have shifted some of their forces in central Negros, due to lack of political cadres, as part of the rebel strategy to recover lost territories.

There is also an ongoing attempt by the local terrorist group to rebuild the dismantled Northern Negros Front, Pasaporte said.

https://visayandailystar.com/rebel-strength-in-central-negros-down-50-army/

MILF Central Committee says ‘peace spoilers’ behind ‘MILF Salamat Wing

From MindaNews (Jul 27, 2022): MILF Central Committee says ‘peace spoilers’ behind ‘MILF Salamat Wing (By BONG S. SARMIENTO)

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Central Committee condemned what it described as “disinformation” by “misguided MILF members acting at the behest of some traditional politicians” behind the so-called ‘MILF Salamat Wing’ whose motive, it said, is to be appointed to the 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).

BARMM Interim Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim. MindaNews file photo by GREGORIO BUENO

“The MILF Central Committee and all its committees and organs remain intact,” the MILF Central Committee said in a statement signed by MILF chair Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim and dated July 24 but released evening of July 26.

The statement noted that the “political statement” of Abdulfatah Delna, who claims to be chair of this alleged wing, “is nothing but an unabashed application letter for membership into the BTA, devoid of any revolutionary principles and designed solely to secure personal political favor at the expense of the organization and its leadership.”

“We cannot and will not tolerate such a brazen act” by what the MILF Central Committee’s statement describes as “peace spoilers.”

Ebrahim is concurrent interim Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and one of the 80 BTA members composing the Bangsamoro parliament.

The MILF-led 80-member BTA has 41 members nominated by the MILF and 39 by the government as mandated by Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the BARMM.

RA 11054 is the enabling law of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the peace agreement which the government and the MILF signed after 17 years of negotiations, paving for the creation of the BARMM which replaced the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The BARMM is composed of the core areas of the defunct ARMM – the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan – and Cotabato City and 63 villages from six towns in North Cotabato which voted for inclusion in the BARMM.

Addressed to Marcos

Delna, a deputy commander of the National Guard Front of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, issued a “political statement” dated July 18 and signed by him as “Ad Hoc Chairman” of the “MILF-Salamat Wing,” claimed they are “gaining ground in the Bangsamoro region,” that they are “not a breakaway group or that sort” but “bona fide and legitimate members and officials of the MILF and are trusted persons of the late [MILF] chairman Salamat Hashim.”

Delna’s group supported Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for President. The MILF, through its political party, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party, endorsed Vice President Leni Robredo for President.

Addressed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Delna’s statement urged him to appoint the new BTA members from its ranks, pointing out that the MILF’s UBJP supported the presidential bid of Robredo.

Delna claimed that as a “consequence of expressing support and campaigning on the basis of our independent political views as individual voters” for Marcos, he was “expelled” by the MILF on April 27 this year.

According to the MILF Central Committee’s statement, Delna was “suspended” for “overt political acts of supporting a local candidate in Maguindanao who continues to undermine the Peace Process, the MILF, and the transitional government.”

Delna fielded his son, Saad, to run for Mayor of Mangudadatu under the party of (then Sultan Kudarat Governor Suharto) “Teng” Mangudadatu and his wife Bai Mariam who was seeking reelection as Governor of Maguindanao. The UBJP supported the gubernatorial bid and party slate of former Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, Teng’s cousin. Toto’s brother Freddie, won as mayor of Mangudadatu.

Abdullah Hashim, a Member of Parliament in the Bangsamoro and son of the MILF’s founding chair, Salamat Hashim, said the family strongly condemned the use of their father’s name in sowing intrigue to divide the ranks of the MILF. Salamat Hashim died on July 13, 2003.

Hashim noted that the creation of the “MILF-Salamat Wing” puts at risk the peace process.

‘Hidden agenda’

In establishing the “MILF Salamat Wing,” Delna was allegedly acting at the behest of some traditional politicians whom the MILF Central Committee did not name.

“Let this be a fair warning to the peace spoilers. We know you, and our people know your hidden agenda. You will not succeed as you have not succeeded in the past in all your attempts to derail the peace process and take over the fruits of all the struggles of our people,” the statement said.

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM spokesperson and Minister of the Interior and Local Government, said Delna’s group wanted to hijack the peace process by getting into the BTA through appointment as BTA members under the MILF.

The MILF has sent a list of its 41 nominees to the President.

The mandate of the interim BTA was supposed to end on June 30, 2022 when the first set of elected officials shall have taken their oath of office.

But the transition period was extended for another three years until June 30, 2025 through Republic Act 11593 passed last year, resetting the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro region from 2022 to 2025.

Section 2 of the law states that “during the extension of the transition period, the BTA shall continue as the interim government in the BARMM, provided, however, that the President may appoint the 80 new interim members of the BTA who shall serve up to June 30, 2025 or until their successors shall have been elected and qualified.”

Marcos has yet to appoint new members.

Ebrahim, who succeeded Hashim as MILF chair, stressed that the Philippine government, as a matter of bilateral confidence-building, accepts only duly endorsed MILF nominees for positions agreed to be occupied by the MILF.

This has been the case with the MILF peace negotiating panel and the bilateral joint mechanisms such as the BTA, Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, Ad Hoc Joint Action Group and the Joint Task Force on Camp Transformation, among others, the statement pointed out.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2022/07/milf-central-committee-says-peace-spoilers-behind-milf-salamat-wing/

France cites PH take on territory; open to rediscuss EEZ patrols

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2022): France cites PH take on territory; open to rediscuss EEZ patrols (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Photo courtesy of French Embassy in Manila

French Ambassador to the Philippines Michèle Boccoz has cited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s "strong" take on protecting the country's territory, an area she said Paris would like to further increase engagements with Manila.

"Obviously, what we took a good note of when listening to the speech is also the very strong position in foreign policy. As I was mentioning, defense and security are one of the areas where we are very much involved in, where we continue to be involved," Boccoz said in a media reception Tuesday.

"(S)omething that we noted (is) 'not a square inch of the Philippine territory' being (abandoned) and so the languages are strong. And this is also certainly an area where we've been working together but we can increase and further develop our cooperation."

She said the two countries could enhance cooperation in maritime security or reopen discussions on possible joint patrols within the country's exclusive economic zones (EEZ).

The patrols were first floated by Rear Admiral Jean-Mathieu Rey, joint commander of the French Armed Forces in the Asia-Pacific, when he visited Manila in March 2022.

"That could be aspects of our cooperation that could be reiterated and could be rediscussed with our joint commander of the French Forces in the Pacific," Boccoz said.

Marcos received cheers and a standing ovation during his first State of the Nation Address on July 25 when he asserted Manila would not compromise when it comes to the country's territory.

He said the Philippines would be a "friend to all, enemy to none" but he "will not preside over any process that will abandon even one square inch of territory of the Republic of the Philippines to any foreign power."

In a separate interview, Stratbase ADR Institute President Dindo Manhit said Marcos' stance is a "good sign that we are building on the strength of our arbitral award."

"I think we're in the right direction. Now, we need to put some substance and execution because speeches are made to set a direction. How do we execute? That's the next step," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179866

PH Army eyes professionalizing trainers to avoid ROTC abuses

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2022): PH Army eyes professionalizing trainers to avoid ROTC abuses (By Priam Nepomuceno)

File photo

Philippine Army (PA) commander, Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., said they would professionalize their pool trainers to prevent possible abuses should the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) be implemented among senior high school students.

"We will address the possible abuses by professionalizing our pool of trainers and enhancing the capacity of the Reserve Command of the Philippine Army," Brawner said in a message Tuesday.

Brawner also called the proposal for legislation calling for mandatory ROTC "a very important and urgent legislative agenda."

"This will provide the country with a trained and competent reserve force, which is very important in the defense of our country, following the lessons that we are learning from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This will also develop a sense of patriotism in our youth," he said.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) likewise expressed support for the measure, saying it would help boost the country's disaster response capability.

PNP director for operations, Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, said the training under the measure would equip young Filipinos with adequate skills in defending themselves and the country as a whole.

"These promote the level of leadership and discipline, as well as the patriotic attitude or character of every Filipino, so this is really welcome in my opinion. These also foster volunteering among the Filipino young, which is assisted by improvements in communication lines on the aspect of order execution from the top down to the last element in terms of rescue operations and protecting our country," he said.

In his first State of the Nation Address on Monday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the need to renew the ROTC program as a mandatory component of senior high school programs (Grades 11 and 12) in all public and private tertiary-level educational institutions.

"The aim is to motivate, train, organize, and mobilize the students for national defense preparedness, including disaster preparedness and capacity building for risk-related situations," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179874

Del Toro calls for PH, US navies' sustained cooperation

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2022): Del Toro calls for PH, US navies' sustained cooperation (By Priam Nepomuceno)

ALLIES. Philippine Navy flag officer in command, Vice Adm. Adeluis Bordado (right), meets with US Secretary of the Navy Carlos del Toro during a courtesy call at the PN headquarters in Manila on Tuesday (July 26, 2022). Del Toro and Bordado discussed matters on the continued bilateral cooperation and partnership between the Philippine Navy and the US Navy. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Navy)

United States Secretary of the Navy Carlos del Toro underscored the importance of the sustainment of cooperation between Philippine and US naval forces.

Del Toro made this remark during a courtesy call to Philippine Navy (PN) flag officer in command, Vice Admiral Adeluis Bordado, at the PN headquarters in Manila on Tuesday.

"Along with their staffs, both Navy leaders apprised each other on matters of mutual concern, the gains of various areas of collaborations between the two navies, as well as ways forward to sustain partnership, which benefits and promotes diplomacy, maritime security, and regional stability," PN spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza said in a statement Wednesday.

Del Toro, an advocate of inclusiveness and respect, also emphasized the importance of cooperation in achieving the freedom of navigation.

"Navy chief Bordado thanked the visiting Secretary for supporting the PN in terms of capability upgrade and bilateral trainings. He also reaffirmed his commitment to building upon this momentum toward achieving common goals and promoting shared interest," Negranza said.

Del Toro, the 78th US Secretary of the Navy, is in Manila for an official visit.

His visit to the PN headquarters highlighted the robust cooperation between the two naval forces that greatly contributes to the furtherance of the long-standing diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179872

AFP deploys teams, assets to aid quake-hit areas: DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2022): AFP deploys teams, assets to aid quake-hit areas: DND (By Priam Nepomuceno and Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

Photo courtesy of Office of Abra Rep. Ching Bernos

Department of National Defense (DND) officer-in-charge Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has been instructed to mobilize all of its assets to assist communities that were severely hit by the magnitude 7 earthquake that jolted Lagangilang, Abra and other parts of Luzon on Wednesday morning.

Faustino made this remark as he presided over the meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) which was convened to assess the effects of the earthquake.

"Undersecretary Faustino informed the Regional DRRM Councils (RDRRMCs) that the AFP has been instructed to immediately mobilize assets to assist the affected local government units," DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a press statement.

"The Office of Civil Defense is in communication with its regional offices for damage assessment and coordination for deployment of response operations," he added.

As this developed, Faustino, who is also NDRRMC chair, has also virtually met with RDRRMCs of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, Central Luzon, and the National Capital Region (NCR) to discuss the impact of the temblor.

"OIC Faustino confirmed the readiness of the AFP to support local operations of the LGUs. We have sufficient relief stockpiles prepositioned in these regions to support local relief efforts undertaken by the LGUs," NDRRMC spokesperson Mark Cashean Timbal said in a message to reporters.

He also added that road clearing operations are ongoing in the Cordillera region.

No damage was reported in the dams within the affected regions.

The NDRRMC is also verifying one person who was reportedly killed after being hit by falling debris in La Trinidad, Benguet, he added.

Signal and power interruptions were also reported in Benguet.

"Please inform the public that the EQ (earthquake) has aftershock potential kaya po dapat laging listo, mag-duck cover and hold ( so we must be vigilant, let's do the duck, cover and hold) and make sure to coordinate with local authorities for safety, evacuation and relief activities which are being supported by the NDRRMC," Timbal said.

He also added that Executive Secretary Vic Rodriquez is now with Faustino at the NDRRMC Operations Center in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City to "join discussions on the updates for the EQ."

"ES Vic Rodriguez is currently being briefed on the updates and actions taken by the LGUs and regional agencies," the NDRRMC spokesperson added.

Timbal said that Faustino confirms that there will be aerial inspections by the Philippine Air Force to assess the damage.

"Aerial inspections to be assisted by the Air Force as a priority. He (Faustino) will do inspections after," he added.

Faustino also confirmed the readiness of NDRRMC's PHP200 million quick response fund for use in case the LGUs would require support.

No tsunami alert

No tsunami alert or threat in Ilocos has been issued, Timbal added.

"As per orders of our PNP OIC, Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., our personnel in the affected areas must coordinate with the local DRRMOs to determine how our police personnel on the ground can effectively and efficiently assist in the overall response of both the local and national governments, " PNP director for operations Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon said in a statement.

De Leon said they are currently coordinating with the NDRRMC to determine the number of personnel and assets to be deployed in earthquake-hit areas.

He said an order was also issued to inspect the state of PNP buildings and establishments in earthquake-affected areas.

"We also urged the police commanders to check on our personnel and their families' well-being. If we have personnel who were affected by the earthquake, then they should be given the opportunity to go home to take care of their families," de Leon added.

De Leon stated that they are now awaiting instructions from the NDRRMC on how to mobilize PNP troops for the national government's response in areas that were severely hit by the earthquake.

"We ask our Regional Directors here in Luzon to mobilize standby forces that may be called upon at any moment for any emergency need for assistance from both the local and national governments," de Leon added.

PH Army deploys teams in quake-hit areas

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army (PA), through the 5th Infantry Division, spearheaded humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) efforts after the earthquake.

Col. Xerxes Trinidad, PA spokesperson, said the 24th Infantry Battalion, together with Abra’s Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, local police, and other responders, launched disaster response operations for earthquake victims in Abra’s capital town Bangued.

"The battalion has deployed two squads to assist in the provincial government's HADR efforts," Trinidad said.’

He added that the PA’s disaster response teams in Northern Luzon also remain on alert as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned of possible aftershocks following the tremor that was also felt in Central Luzon and the National Capital Region.

Meanwhile, PA Chief, Lt.Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., lauded Army responders for their swift action to help victims in the quake-stricken communities of Northern Luzon.

He also promised to provide the necessary support to sustain their HADR efforts to save lives.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179888

PH Navy's BRP Antonio Luna simulates missile firing in RIMPAC

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2022): PH Navy's BRP Antonio Luna simulates missile firing in RIMPAC (By Priam Nepomuceno)

FIRING SIMULATION. A muzzle flash is seen during the firing of the 30-mm Smash Aselsan secondary gun of the Philippine Navy's frigate BRP Antonio Luna at the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise in this undated photo. During the exercise, the BRP Antonio Luna also simulated the launching of its surface-to-surface missile in a simulation, with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF)'s JS Izumo and US Navy USS Mobile Bay acting as opponent ships. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)

The Philippine Navy (PN) announced that frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), has simulated the launching of its surface-to-surface missile armament in the ongoing Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise off Hawaii.

"The Philippines' multi-mission capable warship also simulated the launching of its surface-to-surface missile in a simulation serial with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF)'s JS Izumo and US Navy USS Mobile Bay as opponent ships," Navy spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza said in a statement Tuesday night.

He was referring to the LIG Nex 1's SSM-700K C-Star surface-to-surface missile which is the primary missile weapon of the Jose Rizal-class frigates.

The C-Star, which was delivered earlier this year, is described as a "sea-skimming surface-to-surface anti-ship cruise missile" and is part of PN Frigate Acquisition Lot 2 A.

"The PN’s participation in RIMPAC provides our sailors with experiential learning to better operate modern platforms and systems. It likewise allows them to exchange best practices with and learn from the best navies in the world," Negranza said.

He also said that the ship successfully tested its secondary guns, the 30mm Aselsan Smash automatic cannon, and the .50 caliber machine guns during the second phase of RIMPAC's gunnery exercise (GUNNEX) held last July 20.

Negranza said the BRP Antonio Luna fired these weapons at the "killer tomato" target deployed by the USS Mobile Bay.

"Meanwhile, during the surface warfare exercise (SURFEX), the PN frigate demonstrated its ability to detect hostile surface contacts with the embarked AW-109 helicopter performing as an intelligence surveillance reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft.

The RIMPAC, considered the world's largest maritime exercise, is held biennially to promote regional stability in the Pacific region.

About 25,000 personnel from 26 participating nations are set to participate in the 28th iteration of RIMPAC, which was first conducted in 1971.

This year's RIMPAC began on June 29 and runs until August 4.

Negranza earlier said Naval Task Group 80.5 would help develop, maintain and enhance the Navy’s pursuit of maritime collaboration with its counterparts through the exercise.

The PN's participation in RIMPAC 2022, themed “Capable, Adaptive Partners,” will be the third after its maiden participation in 2018 and its sophomore run in 2020.

In the 2018 RIMPAC, the Navy deployed the offshore patrol vessel, the BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), and the landing dock BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602).

In the 2020 iteration of the maritime exercise, the PN sent the country's first missile frigate, the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150). Both the BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna are capable of anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare operations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179869

PAF to deploy C-208 aircraft for rapid quake damage assessment

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2022): PAF to deploy C-208 aircraft for rapid quake damage assessment (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said Wednesday it would deploy one of its Cessna 208 surveillance aircraft for a "rapid damage assessment and needs analysis" (RDANA) mission after a magnitude 7 earthquake shook Abra and other parts of Luzon.

"We have a C-208 that will conduct RDANA of the area, (the aircraft will be) taking off from Clark (Air Base in Pampanga). On board are (an) OCD (Office of Civil Defense) assessment team," PAF spokesperson, Col. Maynard Mariano, said in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Mariano said the PAF would maximize all of its assets in all ongoing search-and-rescue missions.

"Our personnel in those (affected) areas are doing their assessment. Search and rescue will be the priority mission," he added.

Mariano noted that the RDANA flight is ongoing and that all information would be passed to the OCD.

Aside from the C-208, two S-70i "Black Hawks" are in the area along with two Super Huey helicopters that are acting as air ambulances, the PAF spokesperson said.

"The deployment of assets will be under the OCD for a centralized effort. All other assets are being prepared for the effort to include transport aircraft," Mariano said.

PAF troops belonging to the Tactical Operations Group 1 and reservist units of the Air Force are doing what they can to immediately support the search-and-rescue efforts.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, in a separate update, said the following aircraft are on stand-by:

-two Black Hawks helicopters
-one W-3A "Sokol" helicopter
-one Huey 2 and another Super Huey at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija
-one S-70 air ambulance in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

The AFP said this is aside from the C-208 One "Black Hawk" and one S-76A helicopter deployed for RDANA.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179907

6 out of 10 Filipinos want mandatory ROTC in senior high school

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2022): 6 out of 10 Filipinos want mandatory ROTC in senior high school (By Wilnard Bacelonia)

PNA file photo

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said Wednesday the survey he commissioned Pulse Asia to conduct has resulted in 69 percent of Filipinos agreeing to the proposed implementation of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Program in senior high school.

Gatchalian said about 71 percent of the respondents in the National Capital Region and 78 percent in the Visayas support mandatory ROTC in senior high school while 67 percent in Balance Luzon and 64 percent in Mindanao also say they support the proposal.

"Among socioeconomic groups, support for mandatory ROTC is stronger in Classes A, B, C (71 percent) and D (71 percent), compared to Class E (54 percent). The survey had 1,200 respondents," Gatchalian said in a statement.

He re-filed his Senate Bill 387, which seeks the institutionalization and administration of the Basic ROTC program for students enrolled in Grades 11 and 12.

"(The) Basic ROTC Program will include basic military training to motivate, train, organize and utilize students for national defense preparedness or civil-military operations. The bill provides, however, that no student below the age of 18 shall take direct part in hostilities," Gatchalian clarified.

The program, he said, also includes civic training and preparedness during actual disaster response operations that would enhance the capacity of the nation to produce the needed manpower and expand its human resources in times of war, calamities and disasters, emergencies, and in support of the law enforcement strategy of the government against crimes by creating a pool of trained reservists.

In Gatchalian's measure, a student who has completed the Basic ROTC program shall be registered in the Reserve Force upon reaching the legal age while students who will fail to undergo the mandatory Basic ROTC program will not be qualified for graduation.

"Exemptions, however, may be given to students who are certified psychologically and physically unfit by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Surgeon General, have undergone or are undergoing similar military training, and those who are chosen as varsity players in sports competitions," he said.

Gatchalian emphasized that Senate Bill 387 includes safeguards and ensures compliance with the Department of Education’s Child Protection Policy and laws, such as the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act (Republic Act [RA] 11188), the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 (RA 8049), and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act (RA 7610).

He said it also seeks the establishment of Grievance Committees that shall receive complaints and conduct investigations on allegations of abuse, violence, or corruption.

"Hindi na tayo babalik sa dating ROTC, hindi na mauubos yung oras sa pagmamartsa, pagbibilad sa araw, importante yung (We will not return to the ROTC before, time will not be spent marching, too much exposure under the sun. What is important are the) values, discipline, additional skills, and love for country," he added.

Senator Ronald dela Rosa also filed a separate bill that would revive the mandatory ROTC.

The former PNP chief said reviving the ROTC would prepare the Philippines to defend itself from any form of aggression and any impending external threat by instilling in every able-bodied Filipino citizen their duty to defend the country.

In his first State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. included the ROTC Program in his 19-point priority legislative agenda.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179905

PH, 10 others propose draft treaty on autonomous weapon systems

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2022): PH, 10 others propose draft treaty on autonomous weapon systems

The Philippines along with 10 other countries submitted a draft treaty that would ban autonomous weapon systems incapable of being controlled by humans to a United Nations experts’ meeting here this week.

The proposed ban also covers autonomous weapon systems that are not compliant with international humanitarian law. It requires countries to regulate other autonomous weapon systems to ensure “that meaningful human control is retained” in their entire life cycle.

“This draft demonstrates the Philippines’ commitment to preventing machines and algorithms from taking over decisions involving life-or-death, or reducing humans to mere data sets for these machines to interpret,” said Evan P. Garcia, the country’s permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, in a statement.

The Philippines joined Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Panama, Sierra Leone, and Uruguay, in drafting and submitting the draft treaty to the Group of Government Experts (GGE) tasked with discussing proposals to address the issue of autonomous weapon systems under the framework of the UN Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW).

The said GGE is meeting in Geneva this week under the chairmanship of Brazilian Ambassador Flavio Damico. The meeting is expected to submit recommendations to CCW state parties, which will hold their annual conference in November.

The CCW is an umbrella treaty consisting of five protocols, each prohibiting or regulating specific weapons that have indiscriminate and superfluous humanitarian effects.

Such weapons have included landmines, incendiary weapons, and blinding lasers, among others. If adopted, the draft ban on autonomous weapons would be the sixth such protocol.

Aside from the draft protocol, the GGE is also considering other proposals this week, including proposals for voluntary measures regulating the development of autonomous weapon systems.

“Our call to negotiate a new protocol is not mutually exclusive to some thoughtful proposals on voluntary measures. Codifying fundamental convergences on the retention of meaningful human control in a binding document does not preclude discussions on voluntary regulatory measures, possibly in an annex,” said Jonelle John S. Domingo, Philippine delegate to the GGE.

“What our draft demonstrates is that after eight years of discussions, we now have sufficient elements to proceed with the negotiation of a legally-binding instrument on autonomous weapon systems. We believe this should be sufficiently reflected in our report,” Domingo said.

There have been growing calls from many states, international organizations like the International Committee on the Red Cross (ICRC) and civil society groups to negotiate binding rules that would ensure humans retain control over the use of force.

These calls have been echoed by world leaders like Pope Francis and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179967

PH Army holds disaster relief ops in quake-hit areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2022): PH Army holds disaster relief ops in quake-hit areas (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Philippine Army

The Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday said disaster response teams from its units near the areas affected by the magnitude 7 earthquake are now helping government and private responders in relief efforts and in clearing landslide-hit key roads.

In a statement, Army spokesperson, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, said the responding units are from the Isabela-based 5th Infantry Division and the Nueva Ecija-headquartered 7th Infantry Division.

"(The) 54th Infantry Battalion troops and one squad of CAFGU Active Auxiliary rescued stranded patients aboard an ambulance at Sitio Balawa, Barangay Liwon, Asipulo, Ifugao. The patients were promptly brought back to the Rural Health Unit of Barangay Antipolo, Asipulo, Ifugao," he said.

Meanwhile, the 71st Infantry Battalion troops provided assistance and conducted rescue operations for residents of Barangay Poblacion Norte, Lidlidda, Ilocos Sur.

"Army engineers from the 548th Engineer Battalion likewise cleared debris that blocked the Naguilian Road in La Union while the 72nd Division Reconnaissance Company helped evacuate village folk in coastal barangays of Santa Lucia, Ilocos Sur," Trinidad said.

He added that the 5th Infantry Division deployed disaster response units and assets to assist in the national government-led efforts for quake victims in the Cordillera and Cagayan Valley.

"Army units in Ilocos Region, Cordillera, and Cagayan Valley augmented their standby search, rescue, and retrieval teams as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the possibility of aftershocks," Trinidad said.

As this developed, PA commander, Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., commended the Army’s servant-soldiers for their decisive disaster response and assistance to quake victims.

“Rest assured that the Philippine Army -- in close coordination with national government agencies, local government units, and private sector partners -- will work ‘round the clock to assist our fellow countrymen in quake-hit communities,” he added.

Also on Thursday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) held a send-off ceremony for its personnel who would conduct relief operations in earthquake-hit areas in northern Luzon.

PNP officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., reminded troops to take extra precautions as aftershocks are expected from Wednesday's tremor.

He also cautioned them against communist rebels who might take advantage of the situation to stage attacks.

"Ang problema natin sa Abra, hindi lang (Our problem in Abra is not just) about natural disaster. It is also a known area of communist rebels kaya mag-ingat kayo dun (so you should take extra precaution). Ayokong mangyari ulit 'yung tao natin nagbibigay ng ayuda, babanatan na naman ng mga loko-loko dyan. (I don't want another scenario where these fools will attack our people who are distributing aid). Our people going to the area are unarmed. This is not a time for conflict. This is a time to help one another," he said on the sidelines of the send-off rites at its headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

The National Capital Region Police (NCRPO), meanwhile, said it is also ready to deploy teams to augment search and rescue (SAR) operations in earthquake-hit areas.

"Our SAR-trained troops, as well as our equipment, were already well-accounted for ready for deployment. The same directives were cascaded from the districts, police stations, sub-stations down to police precincts," said NCRPO chief, Maj. Gen. Felipe Natividad, in a statement.

He, meanwhile, urged those residing near the affected areas and within the faultlines to be more vigilant against possible aftershocks.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179984

BRP Antonio Luna joins aircraft carrier defense exercise

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2022): BRP Antonio Luna joins aircraft carrier defense exercise (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Thursday said missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) participated in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise where the Filipino warship and its foreign counterparts helped defend a carrier strike group from a simulated attack.

Navy spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza said this maneuver is part of the so-called war at sea exercise (WASEX) that took place last July 24 (US time).

"During the WASEX, BRP Antonio Luna, together with other counterpart warships, rehearsed a sustained large-scale live maneuver and the protection of the Carrier Strike Group from opposing forces conducting anti-ship operations for a 48-hour window within a defined, high-density battle space for RIMPAC 2022," he added.

A carrier strike group is a naval formation consisting of an aircraft carrier, its escorting warships, and replenishment vessels.

In the exercise, BRP Antonio Luna searched for and engaged hostile surface warships, Negranza said.

He added that this helped the ship boost its proficiency and communication capability, especially in the conduct of joint interoperability.

"This exercise further developed the PH Navy frigate's capability to defend against maritime threats while working with partner navies, improving interoperability and experience in large-scale formations such as the Carrier Strike Group operations," Negranza added.

The RIMPAC, considered the world's largest maritime exercise, is held biennially to promote regional stability in the Pacific region.

About 25,000 personnel from 26 participating nations are set to participate in the 28th iteration of RIMPAC, which was first conducted in 1971.

This year's RIMPAC began on June 29 and runs until August 4. Negranza earlier said Naval Task Group 80.5 would help develop, maintain and enhance the Navy’s pursuit of maritime collaboration with its counterparts through the exercise.

The PN's participation in RIMPAC 2022, themed “Capable, Adaptive Partners,” will be the third after its maiden participation in 2018 and its sophomore run in 2020.

In the 2018 RIMPAC, the Navy deployed the offshore patrol vessel, the BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), and the landing dock, BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602).

In the 2020 iteration of the maritime exercise, the PN sent the country's first missile frigate, the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150).

Both the BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna are capable of anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare operations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179985

PAF readies aircraft for quake relief mission

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2022): PAF readies aircraft for quake relief mission (By Priam Nepomuceno)

File photo

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Thursday announced that it has readied 10 aircraft to help in the ongoing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions related to the magnitude 7 earthquake that rocked Abra and nearby provinces.

In a message to the Philippine News Agency, Air Force spokesperson, Col. Maynard Mariano, said these aircraft include three S-70i "Black Hawk" combat utility helicopters, two UH-IHs, one Super Huey; one Huey II, one C-208B reconnaissance aircraft, and one W-3A "Sokol" helicopter.

Also, Mariano said disaster response task units (DRTUs) from Tactical Operations Group (TOG) 1, 2 and 3 which are located in Northern and Central Luzon are also on full alert for possible HADR missions.

Earlier, the PAF spokesperson said that it has deployed its aircraft to conduct a "rapid damage assessment and needs analysis" (RDANA) missions.

Mariano said the PAF would maximize all of its assets in all ongoing search-and-rescue missions.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179993

AFP deploys 14 rescue teams to quake-hit areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2022): AFP deploys 14 rescue teams to quake-hit areas (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday announced that it has deployed 14 search, rescue, and retrieval (SRR) teams to areas severely affected by the magnitude 7 earthquake that hit Abra and other parts of northern Luzon on Wednesday.

"Since yesterday (Wednesday) the 24th Infantry Battalion (24IB) has helped evacuate the patients in a hospital in Bangued, Abra. 71IB deployed personnel to rescue affected residents in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. 54IB, 72nd Division Reconnaissance Company, 502nd Infantry Brigade, and CAFGU Active Auxillary units helped in road clearing, provided transportation assistance, and conducted search and rescue operations in different areas in northern Luzon," AFP public affairs office chief, Col. Jorry Baclor, said in a statement.

Baclor said the AFP also directed the Philippine Army’s (PA) 525th Engineering and Construction Battalion, the Air Force's 505th Search and Rescue Group, and the Naval Installation Command to provide rescue teams to help in the rescue efforts in most affected areas in northern Luzon.

He said AFP Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) chief, Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr., also ordered the flight of one C-208 surveillance aircraft for the conduct of an aerial survey on Wednesday.

"Today (Thursday), soldiers continue the search, rescue, and retrieval operations while other units are helping the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) distribute relief goods to the affected populace," he added.

Baclor said the AFP has ordered its units, through the Nolcom, to maximize the use of personnel, equipment, and other resources to support the humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts of the local and national governments in badly hit areas to alleviate the situation of the affected residents.

Meanwhile, PA spokesperson, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, said Army reservists and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets under the 14th Regional Community Defense Group of the Reserve Command of the Philippine Army assisted in the transport of relief goods and other assistance to the earthquake.

"Reservists and ROTC cadets helped the DSWD Cordillera Administrative Region in hauling essential supplies that will be distributed to quake victims in the quake-stricken villages in Abra, the epicenter of the destructive quake that damaged government buildings, roads, houses, and heritage structures in northern Luzon," he added in a statement Thursday.

Trinidad also said PA units in northern Luzon augmented their standby forces amid strong aftershocks.

"The 5th and 7th Infantry Divisions likewise deployed disaster response units to assist residents and clear key landslide-hit roads in the Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, and Cordillera," he added.

PA commander, Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., pledged to prioritize the development of the Army’s reserve force that serves as force multipliers in times of calamities and other national emergencies.



https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180002

PH, US reaffirm commitment to Mutual Defense Treaty

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2022): PH, US reaffirm commitment to Mutual Defense Treaty (By Priam Nepomuceno)

COMMITMENT. Incoming Defense Undersecretary Franco Nemesio Gacal (right) receives US Secretary of the Navy Carlos del Toro during the latter’s visit to the DND main office in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on July 26, 2022. Del Toro underscored Washington DC's commitment to a positive and productive relationship with Manila. (Photo courtesy of the Office of the US Secretary of the Navy)

The Philippines and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the Mutual Defense Treaty.

This took place during the visit of US Secretary of the Navy Carlos del Toro to the Department of National Defense (DND) on July 26 to discuss developments in bilateral defense relations with senior Philippine defense officials.

"Incoming Undersecretary (Franco Nemesio) Gacal welcomed Secretary del Toro to the Philippines, who is visiting the country for the first time as the US Secretary of Navy. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the Philippines-US Mutual Defense Treaty," DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement Thursday.

During the meeting, Del Toro commended the professionalism and dedication of the Philippine Navy.

He also underscored the commitment of US President Joe Biden to a positive and productive relationship with the Philippines, saying they look forward to working closely with the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

"Undersecretary Gacal echoed the statements of the President in relation to an independent foreign policy and reaffirmed the DND's mission to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines," Andolong said.

Del Toro also cited the importance of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, as well as respecting rules and international laws.

It was emphasized that both the Philippines and the US can learn from each other during education and training exchanges.

"The meeting ended with the two officials reaffirming the friendship, partnership and alliance between the Philippines and the US," Andolong said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180005

PH to assert arbitral ruling, UNCLOS in Asean meet: DFA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2022): PH to assert arbitral ruling, UNCLOS in Asean meet: DFA (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Asean Affairs Daniel Espiritu (PNA photo by Jess Escaros Jr.)

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo is set to assert the 2016 arbitral ruling as the Philippines' anchor to its actions in the West Philippine Sea in the upcoming meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers next month.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Manalo would lead the Philippine delegation to the 55th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related meetings from Aug. 2 to 6 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

DFA Assistant Secretary for Asean Affairs Daniel Espiritu said the Ukraine war, the situation in Myanmar, and the South China Sea are expected to top the issues ministers would discuss during the meet.

"Secretary Manalo (is) expected to assert the 1982 UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and the arbitral award as the twin anchors of our actions and policies on the South China Sea," he said.

The position is a reiteration of Manalo's message on the sixth anniversary of the ruling and comes on the heels of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA), where he vowed to protect the country's territory.

In the same presser, DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said Marcos was "very clear" that the country would not preside over any process that will abandon even a square inch of Philippine territory to any foreign power.

China, under its so-called nine-dash line, claims most of the resource-rich South China Sea.

The Hague-based decision, constituted under the UNCLOS, ruled that the claim of historic rights to resources in areas falling within this invisible demarcation "had no basis in law and is without legal effect".

It also upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its exclusive economic zone. China, meanwhile, continues to reject the ruling.

UNCLOS in COC

At present, China and Asean are working on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), an upgraded version of the non-binding 2002 Declaration of Conduct which seeks to prevent the escalation of tensions in the area.

The two parties were only able to finish the preamble last year due to the challenges posed by the pandemic but Espiritu said negotiations are ongoing. The two are now discussing the text's general provisions.

"There is already progress on the objectives and hopefully, in the next few months, we'll be going towards the mechanics of the Code of Conduct," Espiritu said.

The official said finding consensus on "each and every line" of the draft is among the factors delaying the talk's early conclusion. Still, the fact that negotiations are continuous is already a "significant progress" compared to the past years.

"[T]he activities on these have started almost a decade ago. In fact, the concept came from the DOC in 2002 and so I hope we could understand that whatever slow progress we're making right now is already quite a significant progress compared to the last 50 to 80 years," Espiritu said.

"[T]here are many interests to consider our interests, other countries' interest and so, they would like to make sure that all their interest will be covered once COC is concluded. This will engage later on rules of engagement which could have an impact on sovereign rights and sovereignty issues. And so we cannot be doing all of these in haste and regret things afterward," he added.

There are no indications yet if Manila would also push for the inclusion of the ruling's mention, but Espiritu said: "[T]he important thing is that the Hague ruling is based on the UNCLOS and definitely UNCLOS will be a basis of the COC."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180062

‘Peace spoilers’ spreading lies vs. MILF: BARMM exec

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2022): ‘Peace spoilers’ spreading lies vs. MILF: BARMM exec (By Edwin Fernandez)

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Chief Minister and Moro Islamic Liberation Front chair Ahod 'Murad' Ebrahim. (Photo courtesy of the Bangsamoro Information Office - BARMM)

Officials of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) condemned on Wednesday the “disinformation” being circulated by “peace spoilers” in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

In a statement, MILF chief Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim described the letter supposedly written by an MILF field commander about the existence of an “MILF Salamat Wing” as plain and simple lies.

The group claimed it was a faction within the MILF founded by Sheik Salamat Hashim.

It sent a letter addressed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and circulated it on social media.

Ebrahim said a certain commander Abdulfatah Delna, whose signature appears in the letter, was suspended by the MILF on during the campaign period of the last elections due to his “overt political acts supporting a local candidate in Maguindanao who continues to undermine the peace process, the MILF, and the transitional government.”

He said traditional politicians opposed to the Mindanao peace process and the extension of the regional government transition period are behind the move to discredit the MILF and the BARMM.

“Let this be a fair warning to the peace spoilers – we know you, and our people know your hidden agenda. You will not succeed as you have not succeeded in the past in all your attempts to derail the peace process and take over the fruits of all the struggles of our people,” Ebrahim said.

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, the BARMM’s interior minister and concurrent regional spokesperson, described Delna’s letter as nothing more than “a poorly written application letter for membership into the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), devoid of any principles and far from a political statement.”

The 80-member BTA is the region’s provisional lawmaking body.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179877

Army-enlisted IPs, ex-rebels finish ALS studies in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2022): Army-enlisted IPs, ex-rebels finish ALS studies in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

ALS GRADUATES. Fifteen Indigenous People (IP) enlisted personnel of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion and 38 former rebels from Agusan del Norte have completed their Alternative Learning System program. The graduates were recognized in a ceremony held in Butuan City on Tuesday (July 26, 2022). (Photo courtesy of 23IB)

Thirty-eight former rebels and 15 Indigenous Peoples (IP) enlisted Army personnel have completed their Alternative Learning System (ALS) studies.

“The FR (former rebel) graduates were those who surrendered on different occasions last year to the unit,” 2nd Lt. Paoula Andrea Ledesma of the Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion (IB), said in an interview Wednesday.

Ledesma said the IP soldiers were enlisted as regular forces of the Army through a special enlistment program of the government.

She said the special enlistment program is the government’s response to counter the recruitment of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) targeting tribal communities in Agusan del Norte province.

The ALS program was introduced to the IP soldiers and former rebels in collaboration with the Department of Education 13 (Caraga).

Among those who completed the ALS program was Inday Binongkasan, an IP member who was thankful to the government for the opportunity to go back to school.

“The NPA drove us, especially the IPs, out of our schools. They destroyed our future, especially our youth,” Binongkasan, 54, was quoted as saying by the 23IB.

In the same statement, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Balingao, the new 23IB commander, said the ALS program was designed for the best interest of the IP soldiers as they could take it in the middle of their military service.

“We also give recognition to the ALS teachers who patiently taught and helped them complete the program,” Balingao said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179882

Cops arrest ASG bandit in remote Zambo City village raid

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2022): Cops arrest ASG bandit in remote Zambo City village raid (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Alleged Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member Rajak Amajad is arrested in Barangay Buenavista, Zamboanga City around 10 p.m. Tuesday (July 26, 2022). He is listed as the 10th most wanted in the city. (Photo courtesy of Zamboanga City Police Office)

Zamboanga City - A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was arrested in a raid by policemen in a remote barangay in this southern port city, an official said Wednesday.

Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of the Area Police Command - Western Mindanao, said Rajak Amajad was arrested in Sitio Tambayot, Barangay Buenavista at about 10 p.m. Tuesday.

Verceles said the police team, armed with an arrest warrant, swooped down on Amajad’s hideout after receiving an intelligence report that the suspect was hiding in the area.

Amajad, 29, has a standing warrant of arrest for multiple cases of attempted murder with PHP120,000 bail issued by a local court on Aug. 10, 2018. He is listed as the 10th most wanted in this city.

Verceles said Amajad, of Barangay Muti here, was a follower of ASG sub-leader Jamih Nasalon, whose group is operating in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Amajad also has ties with a kidnap-for-ransom group headed by Marzan Ajijul based in this city, the police official added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179912

Relatives claim bodies of 3 slain NPA rebels in NegOr

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2022): Relatives claim bodies of 3 slain NPA rebels in NegOr (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

GUNS AND AMMO. The firearms, ammunition, and other items recovered by government troops following an encounter with New People's Army rebels in the hinterlands of Barangay Budlasan, Canlaon City in Negros Oriental on Tuesday (July 27, 2022). Three NPA rebels were killed in the clash, including two females. (Photo courtesy of 62IB, Philippine Army)

Relatives of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels who were killed in a clash with troops of the Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental on Wednesday claimed their bodies after positive identification.

A family member claimed the bodies of Cristina Jacolbe alias Chave, 40, finance officer, and Everly Kee Jacolbe alias Kaye, 18, a member of the Central Negros 1 of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor (KR-NCBS), from the funeral parlor where they were brought after extraction from the encounter site.

Meanwhile, former rebels (FR) said the third person killed in that encounter was not Ernie Jacolbe alias Frezy, 42, vice commanding officer of Section Guerrilla Unit, CN1, as initially reported, a report from the 62IB said.

He was identified by the chairperson of Barangay Budlasan as Rodan Montero, also a member of the CN1, the Army said.

Military sources said they believe that Ernie Jacolbe figured in the same encounter but managed to flee.

The FRs said they knew the deceased while in the underground movement and also identified the two women as belonging to the same family, although their relationship was not established.

The three NPA members were killed during a 10-minute firefight between their group of 10 armed individuals and 62IB troopers in the hinterlands of Sitio Natuling in Barangay Budlasan, Canlaon City on Tuesday.

The soldiers were on patrol in a nearby village when they received information from a concerned civilian on the presence of the armed group, which resulted in the encounter.

Recovered from the clash site were the firearms, ammunition, suspected subversive documents and personal belongings.

Lt. Col. William Pesase, 62IB commander, told the Philippine News Agency that the local government unit (LGUs) of Canlaon City is extending assistance for a decent burial for the slain rebels.

He reiterated his call to the NPA to voluntarily surrender or they will end up with the same fate as their dead colleagues in the underground movement.

“Let us unite and help one another for the peace and development of central Negros. For those who are still in the armed group, the government is open to receiving you and the issues that you have been raising are being addressed,” Pesase said in mixed English and Filipino.

“All the LGUs in our area are very active through the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) to address the root causes for the rebellion,” 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 National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179959

No resumption of ops among NPA-linked schools: Army, DepEd-11

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2022): No resumption of ops among NPA-linked schools: Army, DepEd-11 (By Christine Cudis)

NO TO NPA-LINKED SCHOOLS. The Department of Education here remains confident that the operations of a school linked with the New People's Army (NPA) will no longer resume. DepEd-11 spokesperson Jenielito Atillo said on Wednesday that their strong partnership with the military maintains the areas of Davao Region cleared from NPA-linked Salugpungan Schools. PNA File photo

With the help of the military, the Department of Education in Davao Region (DepEd-11) is confident that the schools under the Salugpongan Ta'Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center, Inc. (STTICLCI) will not be able to resume operations.

“Before, we would quarrel with the military on who to blame for the existence of these schools. However, through the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict, we were able to work together to close down these New People’s Army-affiliated schools that also became a breeding ground for child warriors,” DepEd-11 spokesperson Jenielito Atillo said in a press briefing Wednesday.

The military and Salugpongan's former students have long accused the tribal school system of being a training and recruitment ground for the New People's Army (NPA).

In August 2019, DepEd-11 ordered the closure of 55 STTICLCI schools in Davao Region. The decision was grounded on the findings of various regulatory violations, deficiencies, and compliance issues on the part of the school management, apart from its alleged NPA links.

Atillo noted that STTICLCI's closure came “after careful consideration, analysis, and thorough evaluation of the testimonies of the resource persons, key informant and documents submitted.”

Before the closure Salugpongan schools, Atillo said DepEd-11 managed to place its former students in government-accredited schools.

“Not all children enrolled in the Salugpongan schools hailed from Davao Region. Some were from Luzon; they were taken there and brought here so the kids were confined in the schools because they had nowhere else to go,” Atillo said.

At least 2,200 public schools and 498 private schools have signified readiness for the full implementation of face-to-face classes in November 2022, he said.

Meanwhile, Capt. Mark Anthony Tito, the Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID) spokesperson, said the military has "done extensive efforts" to clear the areas of Davao Region and its other areas of responsibility of rebel-linked schools.

“With the closure of Salugpongan schools, we are coordinating with the local government units together with DepEd-11 to create learning institutions near Indigenous People communities that are the usual victims of the NPAs,” Tito said.

This year, the 10ID has declared four provinces and one city in Davao Region as free from the communist insurgency.

To date, only Davao Oriental province has remnants of the weakened NPA Guerrilla Front 18 operating in its peripheries before the entire region could be declared insurgency free.

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 Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the NDF as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179899

Former rebels get farm equipment from ELCAC, Kidapawan gov't

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2022): Former rebels get farm equipment from ELCAC, Kidapawan gov't (By John Andrew Tabugoc)

AGRI-EQUIPMENT. The mobile rice mill equipment received by one of two farmer organizations formed by former communist rebels in Barangay Linangkob and Sikitan in Kidapawan City on July 27, 2022. The city government collaborated with the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict for the realization of the PHP1.3 million worth of assistance to the two farmer groups. (Photo courtesy of Kidapawan CIO)

Two farmer associations here composed of former rebels received some PHP1.3 million worth of farm production equipment from the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), in partnership with the city government.

In a statement Thursday, Mayor Jose Paolo Evangelista said the city agriculturist turned over the equipment to the Nagkahiusang Barangay Linangkob sa Kaunlaran (NABALIK) and the Sikitan Multi-Sectoral Association (SMSA).

Both farming organizations were formed by ex-New People’s Army rebels residing in Barangays Linangkob and Sikitan—two of former NPA–influenced villages in the city. They received the farm equipment on Wednesday afternoon at the city hall grounds.

NABALIK received a mobile rice mill equipment and hand tractor amounting to P954,000, while 114 units of shovels and 114 units of sprayers worth PPH280,000 were given to the SMSA.

The program is under the Capacity Development Related to Agriculture Development that focuses on programs for former rebels in the city to enhance their livelihood and capability.

The assistance also includes training programs to develop the recipients' farming knowledge.

“The LGU is steadfast in responding to programs that could benefit this sector as well as, in coordinating the concerned agencies to boost the FRs' (former rebels) image as productive citizens,” the mayor said.

In December 2018, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued Executive Order 70 that created the NTF-ELCAC, synchronizing government resources with the capabilities of private sector in a bid to end the 50-year-old communist insurgency.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179995

NPA rebel nabbed, another yield in Zamboanga Peninsula

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2022): NPA rebel nabbed, another yield in Zamboanga Peninsula (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Google map of the Zamboanga Peninsula

A long-time New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was arrested while another surrendered to government authorities here in the Zamboanga Peninsula, police officials said Thursday.

The arrested rebel was identified as Mido Mandasay, 70, who had been an NPA rebel for the past 40 years, while the one who surrendered is Roger Paglinawan, 49, who turned himself in to Zamboanga Sibugay authorities.

Major Shellamie Chang, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO-9), said Mandasay was arrested in an intelligence-driven operation around 5:45 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Nasibac, Leon B. Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte.

Seized from Mandasay was an Ingram sub-machinegun with ammunition.

Meanwhile, Col. Albert Larubis, Zamboanga Sibugay police director, said Paglinawan surrendered in Barangay Guinoman of Diplahan municipality around 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Larubis said Paglinawan has served as the courier of foodstuff and other essential supplies of the NPA’s Main Regional Guerrilla Unit, the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

He said Paglinawan's surrender was a setback for the remaining NPA rebels in Zamboanga Sibugay.

Following his surrender, Paglinawan took an oath of allegiance in the presence of police and government officials in Diplahan.

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.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180034