Canada seeks to conclude defense MOU with PH by June

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1, 2023): Canada seeks to conclude defense MOU with PH by June (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

MANILA – The Canadian government is hoping to finalize and sign a defense cooperation deal with Manila on the margins of the Shangri-La Dialogue in June, the Canadian Embassy in Manila said Wednesday.

A senior embassy official who presented Ottawa’s new Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) on condition of anonymity during a briefing in Makati, said the memorandum of understanding would serve as a framework to improve defense relations stalled by disagreements during the past administration.

“We have not had a deep defense relationship and opportunities to build that relationship were interrupted by disagreements between the two countries on issues like human rights, etc,” he said.

“We have a new opportunity so we are negotiating that—both sides see an enormous potential and value,” he added.

Canada, the official said, is looking for opportunities to increase its participation in exercises in the absence of a Visiting Forces Agreement or a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement similar to what Manila has with the United States or Australia.

Once finalized, the MOU would cover expanded security partnerships, possible military exercises and training and capacity building, among others.

The official said the Armed Forces of the Philippines is interested in a range of different training and Canada is ready to evaluate this in line with the IPS, which places importance to the Philippines as a vital partner in the region.

“We're prepared to evaluate and look at that. And we were allocating resources to be able to do more in this part of the world,” he said.

Aside from defense, Canada looks forward to enhancing maritime cooperation with the country.

Manila has recently proposed a maritime dialogue, which the official sees as timely given the IPS’s launch in November 2022.

The official said the mechanism is being studied and would be “wide-ranging” to cover environmental protection, oil spill mitigation, maritime safety and fishery stock management.

‘Increased presence’

Canada plans to increase presence in the region through the 2.3 billion Canadian dollar IPS, spanning from peace and security initiatives to strengthening economic ties across the region.

In the said briefing, the official said Canada would also work with partners to push back against any unilateral actions that threaten status quo in the East and South China Sea, including the Taiwan Strait.

Beijing, Manila and other neighboring nations have overlapping claims over the vast and resource-rich South China Sea.

The official highlighted that Canada’s approach to China would be “inseparable” from its broader IPS and it would challenge the rising power “when we ought to” and cooperate with them when they must.

“China is looking to shape the international order into a more permissive environment for interests and values that increasingly depart from ours. And China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada,” the official said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194173

Congressional gold medal awards highlight strong PH-US bond

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1, 2023): Congressional gold medal awards highlight strong PH-US bond (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AWARDING. Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. delivers a message during the 22nd United States Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) awarding ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Jan. 31, 2023. He thanked the US government for honoring Filipino war veterans. (Contributed photo)

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. expressed his appreciation to the US government for honoring the Filipino World War II veterans which was highlighted by the 22nd United States Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) Awarding Ceremony last Tuesday.

The event, which served as a testament to the shared history and enduring partnership between the Philippines and the US, was held at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

"The DND expresses its deepest gratitude to the US government for honoring our war veterans. They are living symbols of the shared history and strong bond between our nations,” Galvez said in a statement Wednesday night.

He also added that Filipino World War II veterans deserved the highest recognition possible for their gallantry and service.

“Our veterans are heroes in the truest sense. They deserve the highest form of recognition for serving in various capacities and fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with our American soldiers during the Second World War,” Galvez said.

A total of 38 Filipino World War II veterans were awarded during the ceremony.

Of the awardees, 23 of them personally received their medals, while 15 were awarded posthumously. Four of the awardees were also centenarians.

“It is remarkable and even more inspiring that despite their advanced age, some even stood up and walked to receive their CGM, including Private Arturo F. Coronel of the Mariano Ponce’s Regiment, who is now 100 years old,” the DND chief said.

Galvez also thanked Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), led by its administrator Undersecretary Reynaldo B. Mapagu, for its outstanding work, as he called on the agency to continue protecting and promoting our veterans’ welfare.

Since 2018, the PVAO has conducted 22 awarding ceremonies not only in Metro Manila but in other provinces.

A total of 628 veterans have been recipients of the US CGM awards.

“Congratulations on today’s (Jan. 31) successful and heartwarming recognition ceremony,” he said.

“I also thank the hardworking team in PVAO for continuously and excellently serving our veterans and their beneficiaries by delivering the benefits, healthcare assistance, and scholarships they rightfully deserve. Your dedication to your duties shall ensure that our nation will never forget the lessons from our history,” he added.

Galvez, likewise, recognized the legacy of veterans, many of whom have children and grandchildren who chose to pay it forward by becoming public servants.

“I have no doubt that our veterans ignited their desire to become part of the government to serve our people and our communities across the country. Looking back, the stories of selfless service and sacrifices of our forebears inspired me and ultimately influenced my decision to join the Philippine military and later on, help push forward the comprehensive Philippine peace process,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mapagu underscored the importance of conferring the awards to as many of the country’s living veterans as possible.

“We, in the PVAO, along with our partners in the Filipino veterans community, various veterans organizations and local government units, will continue to work hard to make this happen,” the PVAO administrator said.

Mapagu said they have fought for the rightful recognition of Filipino veterans for many years. He added that they continue to do so because this is the least they can do for these heroes.

Galvez also thanked former DND Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana and the people behind the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project, who initiated the legislation that provided for the US CGM awards to Filipino veterans.

“Its success is a testament to what the Filipino-American Veterans’ Community can achieve when united for a noble purpose,” he added.

Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy in the Philippines, Heather Variava, also paid tribute to the Filipino veterans.

“The Congressional Gold Medal ceremony takes us back in time to remember the contributions of our soldiers and how they overcame the adversities of war,” she said.

“Your stories are true testaments of lasting patriotism and bravery. And they are an indelible marker of an enduring relationship between our countries.”

Galvez noted that the CGM awarding ceremony is timely considering the arrival of US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III in the Philippines. Their scheduled bilateral meeting, he said, is a testament of the strong and enduring ties between the two nations.

”As a fellow product of the United States Army Infantry School at Fort Benning in Georgia, I look forward to meeting with Secretary Austin and discussing how our respective defense departments can further strengthen our collaboration,” Galvez said.

“The United States has long been our country’s partner during crises, especially in providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Filipinos during calamities,” he added.

He is hopeful that the meeting will open up more avenues for the two countries to pursue stronger and more strategic joint defense capabilities.

“We are looking at expanding our training and activities with our allies through exercises such as the Balikatan,” Galvez said.

He added the DND intends to continue building on the ironclad partnership with its US counterparts.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194184

32 senior Navy, Marine Corps officials promoted to higher ranks

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2, 2023): 32 senior Navy, Marine Corps officials promoted to higher ranks (By Priam Nepomuceno)

(Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)

MANILA – Thirty-two officers of the Philippine Navy (PN) and Philippine Marine Corps were promoted to their next higher rank.

PN spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza, in a statement Thursday, said the promotion rites for 24 Navy captains and eight Marine colonels were held at Navy headquarters in Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

He added that PN vice commander Rear Adm. Caesar Bernard Valencia presided over the activities.

"The PN is proud of all of you as your career advancement manifests our organization's continuous growth,” Valencia said.

The PN vice commander also described the donning ceremony as "our organization’s way of celebrating and acknowledging your commitment, your excellence and your leadership capabilities as you advance in your respective military careers."

“You are now a Captain, you are now a Colonel and that bears a lot of responsibilities. And I hope that all of you realize what this responsibility would be, to see what we want the Navy to be, a modern and multi-capable Philippine Navy by the year 2028,” Valencia said.

Speaking on behalf of the newly promoted officers, Capt. Antonio Lalisan, deputy commander of the Naval Special Operations Command, enjoined his fellow promotees to “work together and create a timing of leadership that will inspire the new generation of young officers, men and women of the Philippine Navy”.

He also assured that they will keep up the high ideals and standards of the organization.

Likewise, Col. John Manuel Cortez, the deputy commander of the Coastal Defense Regiment and representative of the eight Marine officer promotees encouraged everyone to “continue to work as hard, be more dedicated and more passionate in accomplishing our tasks and responsibilities, and continue to contribute to realizing the goals in our military service.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194189

PH Army to digitize all records

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2, 2023): PH Army to digitize all records (By Priam Nepomuceno)

RECORDS DIGITIZATION. Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawne Jr. (center), Army Adjutant Col. Danilo E. Estrañero (left), and Master’s Stewards Information Technology (MIST) Solutions, Inc. managing director Mary Ann Cabal-Soleno (right) formalize the agreement for the digitization of military records during the signing ceremony in Fort Bonifacio on Wednesday (Feb. 1, 2023). The digitization project is part of the PA leadership’s efforts to leverage technology in providing relevant and responsive services to soldiers. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

MANILA – All records of the Philippine Army (PA) will now be digitized.

This came after the PA and technology solutions provider Master's Stewards Information Technology (MIST) signed a deal of digitization under the Office of the Army Adjutant at the Army Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio on Wednesday.

"The signing formalized the agreement between the PA, represented by Army Adjutant Col. Danilo E. Estrañero, and MIST Solutions, Inc. represented by its managing director Ms. Mary Ann Cabal-Soleno," PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement Thursday.

He added that the digitization project is part of the PA leadership’s efforts to leverage technology in providing relevant and responsive services to soldiers.

The Office of the Army Adjutant serves as the repository of information of all Army officers and men from commissionship or enlistment to retirement.

"This digitization will help the PA expedite the processing of benefits due to deserving personnel specifically our KIA (killed in action), wounded, sick and retirees,” PA chief Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194192

PNP chief cites Intel Group’s role in upholding peace and order

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2, 2023): PNP chief cites Intel Group’s role in upholding peace and order (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

(Photo courtesy of PNP)

MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. lauded the efforts and contributions of the Intelligence Group (IG) to maintaining peace and security in the country as the force's "brain, eyes and ears.”

“As the 'brain' of the organization, the group is responsible for analyzing and interpreting information to provide useful intelligence to our officers in the field and frontline units. They are the ones who identify potential threats and develop strategies to neutralize them. As the ‘eyes and ears’ of the organization, the group is responsible for the intelligence and counterintelligence efforts of the PNP. They gather information through various means and provide our officers with real-time intelligence about suspects and criminals' activities which enables the organization to stay ahead of the curve and proactively address potential threats to public safety and security,” Azurin said during the IG's 44th founding anniversary on Wednesday.

The PNP chief also said the IG is committed to this framework and works tirelessly for us to achieve these goals.

"But more importantly, the theme espouses that the PNP's operations must be conducted in accordance with the rule of law and that the rights of all citizens are respected and protected,” said Azurin.

This year's theme highlights the importance of intelligence in promoting peace, security, and progress, particularly in the context of the PNP’s M+K+K=K Peace and Security framework, which stands for "Malasakit + Kaayusan + Kapayapaan = Kaunlaran".

“And through the Kasimbayanan program that fosters collaboration with religious institutions and local communities, the group is able to gain a deeper understanding of the issues facing these communities, develop effective strategies to address them, and enable them to better identify and respond to emerging security threats. Thus, building trust with the people they serve,” the country’s top cop noted.

Azurin cited the notable accomplishments of IG in 2022 where it initiated the neutralization of 255 members of local terrorist groups (LTGs), including the mass surrender of 100 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members on July 30, 2022, in Barangay Bangkal, Patikul, Sulu.

The IG's continuous efforts on the campaign against communist personalities resulted in the neutralization of 1,947 rebels through Case Operations and Intelligence Packet developed by Regional Intelligence Units (RIUs) and Operating Divisions (ODs) in full support to Executive Order No. 70 which created the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Likewise, the IG’s police operations resulted in the blacklisting and deportation of a German national identified as Jean Pierre Pacaut who is included in the no-fly list of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s terrorist screening center.

Pacaut is allegedly connected with the Al-Qaeda and a foreign terrorist suicide bomber identified as Abu Khatir Al-Maghribi/Al-Maghribi, a German-Moroccan citizen, who was responsible for the country’s first suicide bombing in Lamitan, Basilan on July 31, 2018.

On anti-criminality efforts, the group arrested 1,090 most wanted persons, 20 of whom with monetary rewards amounting to more than PHP3 million, 198 other wanted persons, 191 criminal groups, 77 private armed groups (PAGs), 291 on illegal gambling and 83 on loose firearms.

In the campaign against illegal drugs, the group provided Target Intelligence Packets (TIPs) which resulted in the arrest of 280 drug personalities and the seizure of more or less PHP27 million worth of illegal drugs in the conduct of anti-illegal drug operations.

Established in 1979, the IG's mandate is to gather, analyze and disseminate intelligence information to support the PNP's law enforcement operations.

Over the years, the group has continuously evolved to meet the changing security landscape and improve its capability to address emerging threats.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194197

PBBM reaffirms ‘strong’ US-PH partnership

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2, 2023): PBBM reaffirms ‘strong’ US-PH partnership (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (left) and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III (right) (PNA photo by Rey Baniquet)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday emphasized the importance of further bolstering the cooperation between the Philippines and the United States (US).

This was after he reaffirmed the two countries’ “strong relations’ during his meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III at Malacañan Palace in Manila.

“I’ll be stating the obvious to say that our longest partner and ally has been the US,” Marcos told Austin who paid him a courtesy call. “I have always said, it seems to me the future of the Philippines and for that matter, the Asia Pacific, we’ll always have to involve the US simply because those partnerships are so strong.”

Marcos also thanked Austin for sharing his views on several geopolitical issues, especially in the Asia Pacific, saying the region “can only navigate properly with the help of our partners and our allies in the international sphere.”

“Thank you for finding your time to come and be with us and perhaps exchange some ideas and thoughts and comments and information on the current situation geopolitically, and of course more specifically here in the Asia-Pacific region,” he said.

Before his meeting with Marcos, Austin had a dialogue with National Security Adviser Eduardo Año and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo at the Palace’s Aguado Mansion.

Austin’s visit to Manila is expected to strengthen the two nations’ alliance and existing defense agreements.

This is the second time Austin visited the Philippines. In April 2022, he came to the country to enhance the alliance between Manila and Washington DC.

Marcos, during a courtesy call of the US-Philippines Society at Malacañan on Monday, said the partnerships between the two countries “have become as important as ever.”

“And that is when we once again look to our friends and partners in the United States to be our treaty partner, and of course, our neighbors in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and the entire Asia Pacific extending up to the Indo-Pacific,” he said.

In his remarks, Austin relayed US President Joe Biden’s commitment to further boost the two nations’ ties “in every way possible.”

The US, Austin said, considers the Philippines as an “important ally.”

“You made a number of comments about the strength of our relationship, I echo those comments. We do have a strong relationship and my goal, and certainly President Biden’s goal is to strengthen that relationship in every way possible,” Austin said.

Austin also pledged to boost the US’ defense cooperation with the Philippines.

“You are a key ally, an important ally, and so from the defense perspective, we will continue to work together with our great partners to build and modernize your capabilities as well as increase our interoperability,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194201

PH, US agree on 4 new EDCA locations

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2, 2023): PH, US agree on 4 new EDCA locations (By Priam Nepomuceno)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III (left) and Department of National Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (right) (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

MANILA – The Philippines and the United States agreed to designate four new locations to boost the full implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

"Today, the Philippines and the United States are proud to announce their plans to accelerate the full implementation of the EDCA with the full agreement to designate four new Agreed Locations in strategic areas of the country and the substantial completion of the projects in the existing five Agreed Locations," the US Department of Defense and the Department of National Defense said in a joint statement released on Thursday.

This came shortly after the arrival of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III at the DND building in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City for a meeting with his counterpart Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

However, the four new locations agreed upon by the two nations were not identified.

The EDCA is a key pillar of the US-Philippines alliance, which supports combined training, exercises, and interoperability between Filipino and American forces.

"Expansion of the EDCA will make our alliance stronger and more resilient, and will accelerate the modernization of our combined military capabilities," the statement read.

The addition of these new EDCA locations will allow more rapid support for humanitarian and climate-related disasters in the Philippines and respond to other shared challenges.

"The United States has allocated over USD82 million toward infrastructure investments at the existing five sites under the EDCA, and is proud that these investments are supporting economic growth and job creation in local Philippine communities," it added.

Manila and Washington DC have committed to moving quickly in agreeing to the necessary plans and investments for the new and existing EDCA locations.

"The Philippine-US alliance has stood the test of time and remains ironclad. We look forward to the opportunities these new sites will create to expand our cooperation together," it said.

Finalized after eight rounds of talks in August 2013, the EDCA which was signed in 2014 allows US troops access to designated Philippine military facilities, the right to build facilities, and preposition equipment, aircraft, and vessels, but rules out permanent basing.

Under the EDCA, the Philippine government is working with the US to build the future facilities in Cesar Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation in Nueva Ecija; Lumbia Airfield in Cagayan de Oro City; Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa, Palawan; and Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194213

US defense chief affirms MDT commitment to PH vs. attacks

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2, 2023): US defense chief affirms MDT commitment to PH vs. attacks (By Priam Nepomuceno)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III (left) and Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

MANILA – United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and emphasized US support in case of attacks.

"We (have) note that the MDT applies to armed attacks on either of our Armed Forces, public vessels or aircraft anywhere in the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea. We discussed concrete actions to address destabilizing activities in the waters surrounding the Philippines including the West Philippine Sea," Austin said in a joint press conference with Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. held shortly after their meeting in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Austin said they are "committed to strengthening our mutual capacities to resist armed attack".

This includes ongoing efforts to modernize the Philippine-US alliance, he added.

"These efforts are especially important as (the) People's Republic of China continues to advance its illegitimate claims in the West Philippine Sea," he added.

Austin also expressed hope for a brighter future for the two nations' alliance in working "to defend our shared values of freedom, democracy and human dignity."

"As you heard me say, before, (the) United States and the Philippines are more than just allies, we're family," Austin stressed.

Strong bond

Meanwhile, Galvez the visit of his US counterpart to the country signifies a strong bond and enduring partnership between the Philippines and the United States, particularly in the areas of humanitarian assistance, economic development and peace and security among others.

This commitment will allow the relationship between the two countries to become "stronger and robust," he added.

"Moreover, the trip of the Honorable Secretary Austin symbolizes the United States government’s steadfast commitment to help its allies in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific. Our nation shares the belief that sustainable development and genuine peace should go hand-in-hand," Galvez said.

During their meeting, Galvez said their priorities include the full implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) by completing the ongoing projects.

This includes agreement to designate new sites where EDCA agreed locations may be developed.

"We will work on the timely conclusion of the framework of cooperation that will facilitate secure exchange of information between our defense establishments. We also encourage the continued planning and conduct of high-impact and high-value activities, primarily through the Philippine-US Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagements Board or (MDB-SEB), and other Philippine-US cooperative mechanisms," he added.

Both defense chiefs also agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation to support the Philippines' defense capability needs as well as the alliance between the two nations.

"The bilateral meeting we had today (Thursday) will further strengthen our nation’s collaborative efforts in addressing present security threats within the region as well as effectively dealing with the natural disasters caused by climate change, a major global concern we need to confront head-on," Galvez said.

The DND chief also pledged to continue working towards maintaining a stable, rules-based, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region along with partner countries.

"We strongly oppose any unilateral action or attempt to disrupt current world order, and share the same views that all countries should resolve any issue peacefully and adhere to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS," he added.

Galvez also thanked the US for its continued support in the country's ongoing fight against Covid-19 and counter-terrorism efforts in the southern part of the Philippines.

"Our discussion focused on how our countries could continue to work together in order to preserve the Philippine territorial integrity. We also talked about the initiatives that our nations can carry out to mitigate the impact of climate change in our societies. These efforts, which we hope to jointly undertake is in line with the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos (Jr.) and that is for the defense department to make sure that not an inch of our nation’s territory will be lost and our people’s safety and security will be ensured by the strengthening of our diplomatic relations with our allies, preserve peace, and create a stable international environment in the Asia-Pacific region," he added.

Productive

Meanwhile, Austin said his meeting with Galvez is "very productive" and looks forwards to working more closely with his Filipino counterpart.

"Now, this is the fourth discussion that I had with the DND leaders since the start of the Marcos administration and that just underscores the importance that both of our countries place on this relationship. This is our oldest treaty alliance in Southeast Asia. We conduct more than 500 defense engagements together every year," the American official pointed out.

Also, Austin said US President Joseph Biden have made it very clear about American commitment to Philippine defense.

"President Biden has made clear America's commitment to the defense of the Philippines is iron clad, our alliance makes both of our democracies more secure and helps uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific and today we discussed ways to make this vital alliance even stronger," he added.

He also said that they are pleased with the decision of President Marcos to approve four new EDCA locations bringing the total number of the sites to nine.

‘Common aspiration’

Hours after the announcement, China accused the US of having a “zero-sum game mentality” by continuing to step up its military posture in the region.

“China always holds that defense and security cooperation between countries should be conducive to regional peace and stability, not target against any third party, even less to harm the interests of a third party,” the Chinese Embassy in Manila said in a statement Thursday.

“Its actions escalate regional tension and undermine regional peace and stability,” it added.

The embassy also dismissed the US Defense chief’s remarks over the South China Sea as contradictory to the “common aspiration” for regional peace.

“It is hoped that the Philippine side stays vigilant and resists from being taken advantage of and dragged into trouble waters,” it said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194258

No plans for permanent basing in PH: US defense chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 3, 2023): No plans for permanent basing in PH: US defense chief (By Priam Nepomuceno)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

MANILA – The United States is not interested in building permanent bases in the Philippines.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III made this clarification following the earlier announcement of the Department of National Defense (DND) and US Department of Defense that they have agreed to designate four new locations as Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) facilities

"In terms of EDC locations, I just want to be clear that we are not seeking permanent basing in the Philippines, as you heard us say in our statements, EDCA is a collaborative agreement that enables rotational activities," he said in media briefing shortly after his meeting with DND Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. Thursday afternoon.

He also said these EDCA locations are a key pillar of training and opportunities to strengthen the interoperability of both Philippines and US forces.

"It also provides us the ability to respond effectively to humanitarian issues and also disaster relief and other types of crisis, not just for the Philippines but for the regions we are at," Austin said.

In the same press conference, Galvez said these four new EDCA locations would be revealed once they have finished consulting with the local communities where these facilities would be located.

"The President wanted that all actions will be consulted with our local governments and wanted also to see that these agreements of the four EDCA sites will be finished, " he added.

Finalized after eight rounds of talks in August 2013, the EDCA which was signed in 2014 allows US troops access to designated Philippine military facilities, the right to build facilities, and preposition equipment, aircraft, and vessels, but rules out permanent basing.

Under the EDCA, the Philippine government is working with the US to build the future facilities in Cesar Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation in Nueva Ecija; Lumbia Airfield in Cagayan de Oro City; Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; and Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu province.

PH needs more heavy, medium-lift capability for disaster response

Asked what capabilities are needed to boost the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Galvez said the military needs more heavy and medium-lift capability to boost its disaster response missions.

"I believe it's more on the (heavy and) medium-lift capability like what we have bought for our disaster relief and search and rescue operations," he added.

Galvez said this means more C-130 cargo transports and S-70i "Black Hawk" helicopters which the AFP has already configured for search and rescue missions.

Aside from this, the DND chief said the AFP needs more assets to defend the country's maritime domain.

This includes the capability to detect submarines in the West Philippine Sea, Galvez said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194298

Army division in C. Mindanao has new commander

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 27, 2023): Army division in C. Mindanao has new commander (By Edwin Fernandez)

CHANGE OF COMMAND. Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner (center) leads the change of command of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division from Maj. Gen. Roy Galido (right) to Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera (left) at Camp Siongco in Maguindanao del Norte on Friday (Jan. 27, 2023). Rillera vows to continue the peace projects initiated at the 6ID by Galido, who moved up as the new commander of the AFP’s Western Mindanao Command. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera assumed Friday as the new head of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), replacing Maj. Gen. Roy Galido.

Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner officiated the turnover ceremonies and change of command held at the 6ID parade grounds on Friday morning.

In turning over the reign of 6ID, Galido – now the commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command – expressed confidence that the unit will be in “good hands” under Rillera.

Rillera vowed to sustain 6ID's peacebuilding projects, describing his new area of assignment as challenging due to the presence of local terrorist groups linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

The 6ID covers the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, South Cotabato, parts of Sarangani, North Cotabato, and Lanao del Sur; and the cities of Cotabato, Tacurong, Koronadal and General Santos.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193802

3 NPA rebels fall in separate Caraga police ops

 From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 27, 2023): 3 NPA rebels fall in separate Caraga police ops (By Alexander Lopez)

WANTED NPA REBEL. The Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office reports Friday (Jan. 27, 2023) the arrest of Amit Hurod, a New People's Army fighter involved in an attack that killed four government troopers in 2021 in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte. Two other NPA insurgents were also arrested on Thursday in separate police operations conducted in Surigao del Sur and Butuan City. (Photo courtesy of ADNPPO)

BUTUAN CITY – Three New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were arrested in separate police operations conducted in Agusan del Norte, Butuan City and Surigao del Sur on Thursday.

The arrested NPA insurgents are all wanted for murder charges with arrest warrants issued by the local courts, police said.

In a statement Friday, Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office (ADNPPO) chief Col. Filemon Pacios said Amit Hurod, 28, was arrested by the personnel of Jabonga Municipal Police Station on Thursday in Barangay Bangonay, Jabonga.

Hurod, an insurgent belonging to the NPA's Guerrilla Front 16B, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), is wanted for murder, according to the arrest warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 34 in Cabadbaran City in February last year.

“Hurod is listed as the top one most wanted person in the regional level,” Pacio said, adding that the suspect was among the 30 NPA guerrillas who attacked government troops in Barangay Maraiging, Jabonga in 2021.

The attack killed four government troopers, wounded another two, and slightly injured a civilian in the area.

During his arrest, Hurod was also served with two other arrest warrants issued by the same court in Cabadbaran City for a separate case of murder and robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons.

Meanwhile, the Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) also reported the arrest of Richard M. Flores, in Barangay Pianing on Thursday.

In a report Friday, the BCPO said that Flores, who is wanted for murder, is an NPA rebel listed as a "top priority target" in the city.

Moreover, the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) also reported the arrest on Thursday of Beverly Llanos Vocales in Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel town.

Vocales, an NPA rebel belonging to the Weakened Guerrilla Front 19, Sub-Regional Committee Southland, NEMRC, has an arrest warrant for murder.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193779

Lanao Sur town police chief, 2 others hurt in gunfight

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 28, 2023): Lanao Sur town police chief, 2 others hurt in gunfight (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

GALLANTRY. Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon, Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) director, awards the "Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting" on Friday (Jan. 27, 2023) to three policemen for gallantry. The three policemen were wounded in a firefight with suspected members of the terror group Dawlah Islamiya in Marantao town, Lanao del Sur province on Thursday (Jan. 26, 2023). (Photo courtesy of PRO-BAR)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A town police chief in Lanao del Sur province and two other cops were wounded Thursday in a firefight with suspected members of a terrorist group, according to a late report reaching here Saturday.

Major Bobby Egera, the police chief of Marantao town in Lanao del Sur, and his men Corporal Mujahid Taurac and Corporal Al-sadat Jahari were wounded when members of local terror group Dawlah Islamiya engaged them in a gunbattle around 2:30 p.m. in Barangay Nataron, Marantao town.

The policemen were supposed to serve an arrest warrant against Abbas Dimmang Rampa, when they were fired upon by the latter’s group which eventually led to a gunfight, said Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of the Area Police Command.

Rampa, who was listed as the number two most wanted person in Marantao, died during the firefight while two of his men identified as Ansaruna Mulingan Magi and Johari Taban Barani were captured by the authorities.

Verceles also said the policemen recovered at the clash site an M-16 Armalite rifle with ammunition, a grenade, 18 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected shabu and drug paraphernalia.

He said the body of Rampa was immediately turned over to his family for burial under Islamic beliefs.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon, Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region director, on Friday, awarded the “Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting”, to the three wounded policemen for gallantry in action.

Guyguyon conferred the medal and gave financial assistance when he visited the three wounded policemen at the Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193827

S. Cotabato to improve operation of 'happy home' for ex-rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30, 2023): S. Cotabato to improve operation of 'happy home' for ex-rebels (By Che Palicte)

DAVAO CITY – The South Cotabato provincial government has expressed interest in how the Davao Oriental province runs its Happy Home, a halfway house for former communist rebels.

In a statement Monday, Karen Lou Deloso, Davao Oriental’s provincial information officer, said delegates from South Cotabato visited the province's Happy Home last week to learn about management strategies in order to improve its own program for rebel returnees.

“The delegates from South Cotabato expressed their gratitude to the provincial government for giving them an idea about operating this kind of facility. South Cotabato began its facility’s operation only a year ago,” Deloso said.

During the visit, retired Brig. Gen. Leopoldo Imbang Jr., the action officer of Davao Oriental’s Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) Program, also took time to explain to the visitors how the facility has been helping former rebels start over with their new lives.

Davao Occidental Governor Corazon Malanyaon established the Happy Home in 2013, serving former communist New People’s Army (NPA) members.

“In the last 10 years since its operation, the facility has assisted more than 500 ex-rebels who have returned to the fold of the law and are now active partners in the country's peace-building,” Malanyaon said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193899

Village chief, wife slain in Maguindanao Norte ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2023): Village chief, wife slain in Maguindanao Norte ambush (By Edwin Fernandez)

AMBUSHED. Onlookers mill around the ill-fated pick-up vehicle of Polloc village chairperson Abobakar Abdul after he and his wife were ambushed by still unidentified gunmen in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, Monday (Jan. 30, 2023). A PHP100,000 reward has been offered by Parang Mayor Kahar Ibay for anyone who could identify the perpetrators of the incident. (Photo courtesy of Parang MPS)

PARANG, Maguindanao Norte – Unidentified gunmen ambushed and killed a village chairperson and his wife along a remote section of the national highway here, a police official reported Tuesday.

Maj. Christopher Cabugwang, Parang town police chief, identified the fatality as Abobakar Abdul, 40, village chair of Barangay Polloc, and his wife Bainisa, 39.

Cabugwang said Abdul and his wife were heading home in their pickup truck when two men-riding tandem on motorbike overtook and opened fire on the driver’s side of the vehicle at 5:45 p.m. Monday.

“He supervised the registration of new voters in the village to ensure it is orderly and was going home when ambushed in Barangay Timbangan,” Cabugwang said in an interview.

Police rushed the couple to the hospital but both were declared dead on arrival.

“We are still determining the possible motive, but initially we are looking at the political angle of the ambush,” Cabuwang said without elaborating.

Police found empty shells of a .45-caliber pistol at the crime scene.

Parang Mayor Kahar Ibay has offered a PHP100,000 reward money for anyone who can provide information that will lead to the whereabouts of the attackers.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193988

Zambo Sur cops nab 2 NPA rebels for murder

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2023): Zambo Sur cops nab 2 NPA rebels for murder (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Google map of Dumingag municipality, Zamboanga del Sur.

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities have arrested two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in manhunt operations in Zamboanga del Sur province, a police official said Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Neil Alinsañgan, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO-9) director, identified the NPA rebels as Dexter Buenaza, 26; and Redo Andata, 26, both members of the NPA Guerrilla Front Big Beautiful Country, Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

Alinsañgan said Buenaza was arrested by police and military operatives around 7:50 a.m. Monday in Purok 3, Barangay Saad, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur.

Buenaza has a standing warrant of arrest for murder with no recommended bail issued by a court in Dipolog City in 2018.

Meanwhile, Andata was arrested on the same day by a police and military team, also in Barangay Saad. He has a standing arrest warrant for murder with no bail issued by the same court in 2018.

Alinsañgan, however, said it was not immediately known whether Buenaza and Andata committed the crime together.

Both were placed under the temporary custody of the police in Sergio Osmeña, Zamboanga del Norte.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193986

Army to sustain gains vs. insurgency in Negros island

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2023): Army to sustain gains vs. insurgency in Negros island (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

NEW COMMANDER. Col. Orlando Edralin assumes as commander of the Philippine Army's 303rd Infantry Brigade in rites held at Camp Gerona in Murcia town, Negros Occidental province on Tuesday (Jan. 31, 2023). He has vowed to sustain the gains against insurgency in Negros Island as he called on those still in the armed struggle to return to the fold of the law. (Photo courtesy of Glazyl Masculino-Jopson)

BACOLOD CITY – The new commander of the Philippine Army's 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) has vowed to sustain the gains in the anti-insurgency campaign in Negros Island as he called on those still in the armed struggle to surrender.

“My first standing order is to sustain the gains in our operations, which should be intelligence-driven along with civil-military operations and focused military operations,” Col. Orlando Edralin told reporters after assuming his post in rites held at Camp Gerona in Murcia town, Negros Occidental province on Tuesday.

He said these are very important to ensure that the troops will not violate human rights and will follow the rule of the law.

“We don’t want war. We really want to invite the remaining communist-terrorist group members in our area to surrender,” he added.

Edralin said members of the New People’s Army that already surrendered have availed of government programs and interventions from both the national and local governments, and have been given a new lease on life together with their families.

He emphasized the role of various national government agencies under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), which is the whole-of-nation approach to attain inclusive and sustainable peace.

“Lives are more important than our accomplishments. We a put premium on that. We are always praying that peace and progress will continue by utilizing collaboration and cooperation,” he said.

The 303IBde supervises three line battalions in Negros Island, including the 79th Infantry Battalion in Sagay City and the 62nd Infantry Battalion in Isabela town, both in Negros Occidental, as well as the 94th Infantry Battalion in Ayungon town, Negros Oriental province.

Edralin, who succeeded Col. Michael Samson, had served as the deputy brigade commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade for four years since 2018.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194056

Agusan Norte town villagers declare NPA 'persona non grata'

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1, 2023): Agusan Norte town villagers declare NPA 'persona non grata' (By Alexander Lopez)

PERSONA NON GRATA. Residents of Barangay Tagbongabong of Remedios T. Romualdez town in Agusan del Norte province gather in an assembly on Tuesday (Jan. 31, 2023) to declare the communist New People’s Army as persona non grata. The activity was joined by the top local officials of the town and the officers of the Army’s 65th Infantry Battalion. (Photo courtesy of 65IB)

BUTUAN CITY – Residents of Tagbongabong village in Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR) town in Agusan del Norte province have declared the communist New People’s Army (NPA) as "persona non grata" or unacceptable in their area.

The declaration was made by villagers in an assembly on Tuesday with the support of RTR Mayor Richard Daquipil and the Army’s 65th Infantry Battalion (65IB) led by Lt. Col. Michel Mortejo.

“During the assembly, the residents denounced the terroristic activities of the NPA rebels as they signed a manifesto declaring the group as persona non grata,” the 65IB said in a statement Wednesday.

Tarpaulins condemning the NPA rebels for the hardships they caused to the residents were also displayed in the different areas of the village, the 65IB said.

According to the Army unit, the NPA has caused disturbance among residents who have grown angry with intermittent armed conflicts in their village.

In his message, Daquipil asked the residents to no longer support the NPA rebels as they made the condemnation and the declaration of persona non grata.

"Supporting terrorist groups, such as the NPA, has legal consequences as defined in Republic Act No. 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020,” Daquipil said.

He also facilitated the meeting of the local farmer’s organization in the village to help them obtain government support from the local government unit and the line agencies of the government.

Mortejo, meanwhile, urged the residents to be vigilant against the threats of the NPA rebels and to support the efforts of the Army and the government agencies in the area.

“The government, through the whole-of-nation approach, will continue to provide security to communities and the delivery of basic programs and services,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194086

Teen ex-NPA rebel surrenders in Bulacan

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1, 2023): Teen ex-NPA rebel surrenders in Bulacan (By Manny Balbin)

YOUNG REBEL. A 19-year-old former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to authorities in San Rafael town, Bulacan on Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 1, 2023). He was identified as alias "Ka Diego," a former member of the NPA’s Guerrilla Front Narciso operating in the provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Aurora and Quezon. (Photo courtesy of Bulacan Police Provincial Office)

CAMP GEN. ALEJO S. SANTOS, Bulacan – A 19-year-old former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered on Wednesday afternoon to the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) in Barangay Sampaloc, San Rafael town, this province.

In his report, Col. Relly Arnedo, director of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office, said the surrenderer was identified as alias "Ka Diego," a farmer from Sitio Inuman, Barangay San Lorenzo, Norzagaray town.

Arnedo said the teenager was a former member of the NPA’s Guerrilla Front Narciso operating in the provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Aurora and Quezon.

Arnedo added that the joint elements of the Bulacan 2nd PMFC, Bulacan 1st PMFC, Provincial Intelligence Unit, Norzagaray Municipal Police Station and 70th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army facilitated the surrender of Ka Diego.

The surrenderer is currently under the custody of the 2nd PMFC for investigation and custodial debriefing.

”The Bulacan police is stern on its intensified campaign against insurgency and terrorism to ensure the provision of social services, employment opportunities and improved quality of life in communities that have been experiencing or are vulnerable to armed communist conflict,” Arnedo said in a statement.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194147

Viscom chief tells NPA: Stop terrorizing innocent civilians

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1, 2023): Viscom chief tells NPA: Stop terrorizing innocent civilians (By John Rey Saavedra)

(PNA file photo)

CEBU CITY – An Army official on Wednesday urged members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army not to terrorize innocent civilians as he condemned the series of killings allegedly perpetrated by rebels in Negros Island over the past week.

“The CPP-NPA has once again displayed their murderous nature to terrorize and instill fear (in) the peace-loving communities in the region. These cold-blooded murders are manifestations of their complete disregard (for) the lives of our people just to advance their terroristic goal,” Lt. General Benedict Arevalo, chief of the Visayas Command (Viscom), said.

Arevalo said CPP-NPA, through its rebel units, has claimed responsibility for five deaths last month.

Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army (LPC-NPA) Central Negros Guerrilla Front had reportedly admitted behind the killing of councilman Cerilo Balasabas, 48, of Barangay Guba in the town of Vallehermoso in Negros Oriental on Jan. 14 for allegedly spying for the government.

A certain “JB Regalado” who claimed to be LPC-NPA spokesperson, said they murdered Balasabas when he acted as an intelligence asset of the Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB).

Accordingly, Balasabas was instrumental in the residents’ decision to withdraw their support to the communist movement but the rebels accused him of threatening and red-tagging people to force them to surrender to the government.

A 29-year-old civilian, Raffy Estorco, of Barangay Macagahay in Moises Padilla town in Negros Occidental, was shot dead by unidentified men on Jan. 19 while driving a motorcycle for his alleged work with the military.

The NPA’s Armando Sumayang Command also admitted responsibility for the death of a civilian identified as Silas Granada who was killed on Jan. 28 in Sitio Tugas, Barangay Pinggot, Ilog, Negros Occidental.

The other victims were Ramel Europa, who was gunned down at Sitio Sambag, Barangay Manghanoy, La Castellana in Negros Occidental on Jan. 23; Regie “Gang Gang” dela Cruz was killed on Jan. 25 at Sitio Maiti, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental.

Arevalo assured the families of the victims that “the perpetrators of these horrible acts will be held accountable”.

“We will further intensify our efforts to achieve justice for our people and put an end to the CPP-NPA’s menace in the region,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194093

Army-NPA clashes force class suspension in 11 Quezon villages

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1, 2023): Army-NPA clashes force class suspension in 11 Quezon villages (By Belinda Otordoz)

CLASSES SUSPENDED. Mayor Romulo Edaño of San Francisco town in Quezon province is shown in a meeting with military and village officials on Monday (Jan. 30, 2023). The mayor issued a memorandum on Wednesday canceling classes in all elementary and secondary schools in 11 villages of the town where soldiers are pursuing New People's Army rebels to ensure the safety of residents. (Photo from the Facebook page of Mayor Roming 'Erpat' Edaño)

SAN FRANCISCO, Quezon – Classes are suspended in all elementary and secondary schools in 11 remote barangays of this town until Feb. 3 due to ongoing hot pursuit operations of government forces against New People's Army (NPA) rebels.

Memorandum Circular No. 2023-03A issued by Mayor Romulo Edaño on Wednesday canceled classes in all elementary and secondary schools in the villages of Butanguiad, Casay, Don Juan Vercelos, Huyon-huyon, Inabuan, Mabunga, Nasalaan, Pagsangahan, Pugon, Silongin and Sto. Niño from Feb. 1-3.

Edaño, in his memorandum, said "this is to ensure the safety of residents after the rebel group had an encounter with the combined military and police forces, who conducted a hot pursuit operation in the said areas last Sunday."

Last Jan. 27, an encounter ensued between military and rebel groups in the adjacent town of San Andres where a soldier was hurt and three NPA rebels were killed.

In a report, the Police Regional Office 4A identified the fatalities as members of the Platon Reymark, Sub-Regional Military Area 4B of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front.

The insurgents fled to different directions and the 11 barangays in San Francisco covered by the memorandum are included in the military’s areas of pursuit operations.

To mitigate the fear gripping the residents, the local government ordered the class suspension.

"This is what we decided to do to maintain the safety of the students and the citizens of the barangays based on the report and recommendation that the Philippine Army gave us regarding the ongoing encounter between the military and the rebels," Edaño said in a phone interview.

He added that the decisions and actions relative to the internal security situation shall be announced later in the week depending on the situation report given by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police.

The mayor also requested Department of Education (DepEd) officials to contact the local government through the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) for necessary assistance.

Byron Aloysius Cuerdo, Principal I, of Casay National High School in Barangay Casay, said he was glad that Edaño declared the class suspension to avoid further trauma among the schoolchildren and their families. Upon learning of the mayor's order, he immediately sent home his teachers who live in other places like Tayabas town and Lucena City.

"We don't want the teachers and students to experience further tension. There are sightings of the armed rebel groups and they may act unpredictably," Cuerdo told the PNA in a phone interview.

However, the school official said residents in the barangays were pacified by the visibility of soldiers. "Although some families are now evacuating to safer areas, like those who came from Sitio Panday where gunfire was heard," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194145

Viscom chief orders gov’t troops to step up anti-insurgency drive

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2, 2023): Viscom chief orders gov’t troops to step up anti-insurgency drive (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

ANTI-INSURGENCY CAMPAIGN. Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, concurrent AFP Visayas Command chief and 3rd Infantry Division commander (left) has directed operating units to step up their counter-insurgency operations this year. He is photographed here with Brig. Gen. Leonardo Peña, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander during an activity in Mabinay, Negros Oriental on Wednesday (Feb. 1, 2023). (Photo by Judy Flores Partlow)

DUMAGUETE CITY – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Visayas Command (Viscom) chief has ordered government forces to step up their operations this year against the communist insurgency in Negros amid positive gains.

“We are actually gaining much ground (and) we have weakened the guerrilla fronts here,” Lt. Col. Benedict Arevalo, Viscom commander, said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday afternoon.

Arevalo noted a decline in violent incidents initiated by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) “and our campaign is practically on the upbeat”.

Army commanders in Negros have previously said the NPA’s South East Front has already been dismantled while another guerrilla front in Central Negros has dwindled in numbers.

The Viscom chief, who concurrently heads the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army based in Jamindan, Capiz, said he had directed the different units to step up their operations to further weaken and neutralize the NPA forces and prevent them from “re-infiltrating the different barangays”.

Central Negros still has the biggest challenge in the counter-insurgency campaign, Arevalo said, adding that he has already directed his troops not to be complacent in going after the remnants of the guerrilla fronts.

Meanwhile, the directive to intensify the anti-insurgency operations is not just in Negros but in the entire Visayas region, focusing on Samar Island, he said.

He reiterated his call to the remaining NPA members to voluntarily surrender and live a peaceful lives with their families as their armed struggle is no match to the government’s sustained operations.

Arevalo was the guest of honor and speaker during the signing of a memorandum of agreement and groundbreaking of a multimillion pesos steel hanging bridge in Barangay Abis in Mabinay, Negros Oriental.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194200

US reaffirms commitment to support allies vs. terrorism

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2, 2023): US reaffirms commitment to support allies vs. terrorism (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

SECURITY COMMITMENT. The United States government reaffirms its commitment to support its allies in the fight against terrorism and in sustaining peace. US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III (2nd left) gives this assurance during his meeting Wednesday (Feb. 1, 2023) with top Philippine military officials led by Gen. Andres Centino, Armed Forces chief of staff (2nd from right) at the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) headquarters in Zamboanga City. (Photo courtesy of Westmincom)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The United States (US) government has reaffirmed its commitment to support its allies, including the Philippines, in their campaigns against terrorism and in sustaining peace.

This was relayed by US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III in a meeting with the top Philippine military when he visited Wednesday the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) headquarters in this city.

The US has been providing training and technical assistance to Filipino troops in combating terrorism like the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria-linked Abu Sayyaf Group and Dawlah Islamiya as well as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

In a statement Thursday, Westmincom said the meeting with Austin focused on strengthening cooperation and establishing a good relationship between the Philippine military and the newly deployed members of the United States of America’s Special Operations Task Force (SOTF) 511.2.

The Philippine military officials who met with Austin at the Westmincom headquarters here include Gen. Andres Centino, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP); Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., flag-officer-in-command of the Philippine Navy; Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, Westmincom chief; and Maj. Gen. Araus Musico, commander of the Air Combat Command of the Philippine Air Force.

Austin also visited the headquarters of SOTF 511.2 located inside Camp Navarro before he returned to Manila.

The new team of the SOTF 511.2 arrived here on Monday, replacing the team headed by Maj. Scott Cook.

Galido said they were grateful and fortunate to be visited by the US Defense secretary.

“This shows how strong our working relationship is and how committed our most powerful ally is to help us in addressing our security issues here in the southern part of the Philippines,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194198

High-powered firearms seized in Sorsogon clash with NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2, 2023): High-powered firearms seized in Sorsogon clash with NPA (By Connie Calipay)

Camp Elias Angeles, headquarters of the Philippine Army in Pili, Camarines Sur (File photo)

LEGAZPI CITY – Several high-powered firearms of the New People's Army (NPA) were recovered after an encounter with government troops in Sorsogon province on Wednesday.

A social media post of the Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Division (9ID) on Thursday said the encounter occurred in the town of Pilar.

Among the weapons recovered were two M16 rifles, two anti-personnel mines, and a Molotov bomb, as well as 10 cellphones, subversive documents, and the personal belongings of the rebels.

Based on the report, the authorities received information on the alleged presence of armed men between Barangay San Vicente Grande in Daraga, Albay and the villages of Catamlangan and Pinagsalog in Pilar, which the soldiers immediately verified, resulting in a 15-minute exchange of fire.

"No injured or dead troops were recorded in the said incident while the terrorists' part is still being investigated due to traces of blood in the area," the post read.

Maj. Gen. Adonis Bajao, commander of the 9ID and Joint Task Force Bicolandia, once again called on the communist group members to surrender and lead new lives.

“Hinihikayat ko po ang mga miyembro ng CTG (communist terrorist group) na sumuko na lamang at maging bahagi ng pagbabago ng ating komunidad tungo sa tunay na kapayapaan. Katatapos lamang po ng ating paggunita sa National Bible Day nitong Lunes. Nawa’y sa pamamagitan nito ay mabuksan na rin ang inyong mga puso’t isipan upang baguhin na ang inyong mga pananaw sa buhay (I encourage the members of the CTG to just give up and be part of the transformation of our community towards real peace. We have just finished commemorating National Bible Day this Monday. Through this, may your hearts and minds be opened to change your views on life)," Bajao said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194217

Cops recover cache of explosives in Dinagat

 From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2, 2023): Cops recover cache of explosives in Dinagat (By Alexander Lopez)

RECOVERED. Two hand grenades and 15 rifle grenade projectiles are retrieved by the Dinagat Islands Police Provincial Office (DIPPO) in Barangay Luna, San Jose, Dinagat Islands on Thursday (Feb. 2, 2022). An investigation is underway to determine those behind the concealment of the explosives. (Photo courtesy of DIPPO)

BUTUAN CITY – Police operatives in Dinagat Islands recovered a cache of explosives in San Jose town on Thursday.

Lt. Col. Renel Serrano, chief of Dinagat’s Provincial Investigation and Detection Management Unit, said a team from the Provincial Tactical Operation Center discovered two hand grenades and 15 rifle grenade projectiles near a racetrack in Barangay Luna.

“The explosives were buried at the end portion of the racetrack beside the river. The soil that covered the buried items was washed away during the recent rains and floods and exposed the explosives," Serrano said.

Dinagat Islands Police Provincial Office (DIPPO) Director Col. Ariel Red immediately ordered an investigation to identify those responsible for the concealment of the explosives.

“Based on our initial investigation, these explosives were deliberately hidden as the DIPPO intensified its campaigns against loose firearms in the province,” he said.

The recovered explosives are now under the custody of the DIPPO explosives and ordnance division.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194237

Army overruns NPA lair in Calbayog City; recovers firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2, 2023): Army overruns NPA lair in Calbayog City; recovers firearms (By Sarwell Meniano)

FIGHTING NPA. Soldiers of the Army's 43rd Infantry Battalion based in Lope de Vega, Northern Samar. Troopers from this unit clashed with rebels in Calbayog City on Wednesday (Feb. 1, 2023) and recovered high-powered firearms and explosive components. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army has recovered high-powered firearms and explosives after a clash with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in an upland village in Calbayog City, Samar on Wednesday.

Acting spokesperson of the Philippine Army's 43rd Infantry Battalion (IB), Lt. Roxane Valenciano, said troopers attacked a band of 20 rebels at the boundary of Cangomaod and Cagmanipis villages, Tinambacan District in Calbayog City, Samar at past 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

"The rebels were caught unprepared, and they scampered in different directions during the encounter. We are sure some of them were injured since there are many blood stains in the clash site," she said in a phone interview Thursday.

Recovered from the NPA lair were an M16A rifle, an M653 rifle, two improvised hand grenades, two anti-personnel mines, detonator switches, five backpacks, a bandolier with three magazines of M14 rifle, and personal belongings.

"Our troops found the location of the NPA hideout through the information of alias Webb, a finance officer and member of the executive committee of the NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) who surrendered to 43rd IB on January 26," Valenciano added.

The rebels belong to the merged group of NPA front committee 2, sub-regional guerrilla unit, sub-regional committee emporium, and EVPRC, headed by Alex Capales alias Mantiw.

The NPA combatants, according to alias Webb, have been hiding near coconut plantations since they extort food from coconut farmers.

Commander of the Army's 43rd IB, Lt. Col. Manuel Degay Jr., has called on the remaining NPA members to surrender with the intensified focused military operations in Samar Island.

The rebels belong to the four remaining NPA guerrilla fronts in Eastern Visayas with a concentration in the mountains within the boundaries of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar and Samar provinces, according to the military.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194247

Another NPA rebel arrested for murder in Zambo Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 3, 2023): Another NPA rebel arrested for murder in Zambo Sur (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Google map of Dumingag municipality, Zamboanga del Sur.

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities have arrested another New People’s Army (NPA) rebel in manhunt operations in Zamboanga del Sur, according to a top police official on Friday.

Brig. Gen. Neil Alinsañgan, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO-9) director, said suspect Cesar Daano Mariano was arrested around Thursday morning in Barangay Dilud in Dumingag town, Zamboanga del Sur province.

Alinsañgan said Mariano, 36, has a standing warrant for murder with no recommended bail way back in 2008.

Mariano belongs to the Baking Squad 1 of the Sectoral Command Kara of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC), the police official said.

Mariano was the third NPA rebel that authorities arrested during the week in the region.

The first two were Dexter Buenaza, 26; and Redo Andata, 26, both members of the NPA Guerrilla Front Big Beautiful Country, WMRPC.

Buenaza and Andata were arrested by police and military operatives last Jan. 30 in Purok 3, Barangay Saad, also in Dumingag.

Both of them have standing warrants of arrest for murder with no recommended bail issued in 2018 by a court in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194359

Military to hold CPP-NPA accountable for Negros killings

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 3, 2023): Military to hold CPP-NPA accountable for Negros killings (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

CHANGE OF COMMAND. Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo (center), commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Command, during the turnover of command from Col. Michael Samson (left) to Col. Orlando Edralin at the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade in Murcia, Negros Occidental on Jan. 31, 2023. Arevalo said he has instructed the brigade and battalion commanders to address the spate of killings perpetrated by the CPP-NPA in Negros Island. (Photo courtesy of 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

BACOLOD CITY – The top official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the Visayas has vowed to seek justice for the series of killings recently perpetrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in Negros Island.

Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Visayas Command (Viscom), issued the statement after at least five persons died as of Friday due to summary executions.

“Rest assured the perpetrators of these horrible acts will be held accountable. We will further intensify our efforts to achieve justice for our people and put an end to the CPP-NPA’s menace in the region,” Arevalo said in a statement.

The Viscom chief, who was previously the commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division in Western and Central Visayas, denounced the “barbaric acts” of the CPP-NPA anew.

“They have once again displayed their murderous nature to terrorize and instill fear on the peace-loving communities in the region,” he added.

Arevalo, who was in Negros Occidental earlier this week for the turnover of command at the 303rd Infantry Brigade in Murcia town, said he instructed the brigade and battalion commanders to address these incidents.

“We have no reason not to solve these. I want to see the results of their operations in the coming period. I already told the battalion commanders to really check these kinds of atrocities,” he added.

The CPP-NPA in Negros Island had earlier claimed responsibility for the killings that all happened in January this year.

Records showed that Cerilo Balasabas, a village councilman, and Raffy Estorco, were found dead on Jan. 14 and 19 in Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental and Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, respectively.

On Jan. 23, Ramel Europa was shot dead in Sitio Sambag, Barangay Manghanoy, La Castellana, and on Jan. 25, Regie “Gang Gang” de la Cruz was also killed in Sitio Maiti, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, both in Negros Occidental.

The latest victim, Silas Granada, was shot outside his house in Sitio Tugas, Barangay Pinggot in Ilog, Negros Occidental on Jan. 28.

“These cold-blooded murders are manifestations of the CPP-NPA’s complete disregard to the lives of our people just to advance their terroristic goal,” Arevalo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194363

Kalinaw News: Hijab Troopers

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 2, 2023): Hijab Troopers

DID YOU KNOW, At the height of the Marawi Siege in 2017, the Hijab Troopers, an all-female contingent trained in conducting psycho-social activities, was organized to address cultural sensitivity during the implementation of Internally Displaced Persons Operations. Members of this contingent wore a hijab, a simple scarf that covers the head and neck which in Islamic tradition, denotes modesty and privacy. Wearing their hijabs, they conquered cultural barriers and made major contributions to the peace-building efforts of the government. Today, Hijab Troopers are still being utilized by the Civil-Military Operations Regiment in its initiatives on prevention and countering violent extremism.
The Philippine Army joins the commemoration of World Hijab Day by advocating for the battle to end discrimination against Muslim women who wear hijabs, not just in the Philippines but across the world.

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Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/photos/a.449700745237950/2174238492784158/

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Kalinaw News: 95IB encountered more or less 15 remnants of the Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan and Isabela, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley

Posted to Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Feb 2, 2023): 95IB encountered more or less 15 remnants of the Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan and Isabela, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley

JUST IN| Troops from the Army's 95th Infantry Battalion encountered more or less 15 remnants of the Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan and Isabela, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley in the vicinity of Barangay Hacienda Intal, Baggao, Cagayan today, February 2.

5ID Startroopers, Philippine Army
95th Infantry Salaknib Battalion
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Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

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Kalinaw News: CTG supporters and members withdrew their support for the NPA in San Narcissus, Quezon

Posted to Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Feb 2, 2023): CTG supporters and members withdrew their support for the NPA in San Narcissus, Quezon

IN PHOTOS: One hundred forty-seven Communist Terrorist Group supporters and members withdrew their support for the New People's Army in San Narcissus, Quezon, on Tuesday, January 31.
Through the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) and the current Chairman of the Municipal Task Force To End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC), said individuals, led by the city's Vice Mayor, pledged to help the government's objective of attaining peace and development in communities.

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Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/photos/pcb.2175252132682794/2175252009349473/

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/

Kalinaw News: NPA member bearing sniper rifle and ammunitions surrender to government forces in Sarangani Province

Posted to Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Feb 3, 2023): NPA member bearing sniper rifle and ammunitions surrender to government forces in Sarangani Province

Read: 

https://bit.ly/3jourCX
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Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/photos/pcb.2176163049258369/2176163032591704/

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Kalinaw News: JTF Sulu – SULADS spearhead medical mission in Sulu

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 24, 2023): JTF Sulu – SULADS spearhead medical mission in Sulu (By 11ID)

Camp Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – January 24,2023

The Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu in collaboration with the Socio-economic Uplift Literacy and Development Services (SULADS) spearheaded a Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) at Barangay Kagay in Indanan, Barangay Buhanginan in Patikul, and Barangay Kamuntayan in Talipao, Sulu on January 18 – 20, 2023.

According to Mr. Robert B. Dulay, SULADS volunteer and General Conference Assistant Adventist Word Radio Coordinator, a total of 2,080 residents benefited from the medical mission which includes medical consultation, minor operations, circumcision, dental check-up, haircut, optical check-up, distribution of eyeglasses, and goods.

“Our program intends to deliver medical services to the far flung communities in the country. We aim to reach out our services for them to benefit. We will continue to collaborate with the Local Government Unit and military to help the people of Sulu,” said Mr. Dulay.

Hon. Franzkhan M. Ibrahim the Chairperson of Barangay Kagay, Indanan expressed his gratitude for the services extended to their community. He noted that the activity clearly shows the collaborative efforts of the military and non government organization in bringing services needed by his constituents.

Meanwhile, Hon. Bakkal Ajibbon Hammidi of Barangay Kamuntayan said “Madami sa atin ang hindi nabigyan ng ganyang serbisyo at oportunidad na galing sa gobyerno kaya napakalaking tulong po ito para sa amin lalo na sa mga kabataan.”

Hon. Hammisa A. Anuddin of Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul said “Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga sundalo at SULADS sa kanilang programa at serbisyo nakatulong sa aming kumonidad na nangangailangan ng atensyong medikal.”

In a statement, Major General Ignatius N. Patrimonio the Commander of 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division and JTF Sulu lauded the convergence efforts with SULADS and the Local Government Unit of Sulu in bringing the medical services to the community.

“Maintaining peace and security is always a shared responsibility, we can create a resilient community through our combined efforts. Rest assured that your JTF Sulu will continually collaborate with partner stakeholders that will support the development in the province. Let us therefore continue to work together to sustain our gains on peace and security in the province of Sulu, ” Major General Patrimonio concluded.

Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/jtf-sulu-sulads-spearhead-medical-mission-in-sulu/

Kalinaw News: Mga nakatagong gamit pandigma at sangkap sa paggawa ng Improvise Explosive Device (IED), isiniwalat ng isang mataas na lider ng NPA

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 25, 2023): Mga nakatagong gamit pandigma at sangkap sa paggawa ng Improvise Explosive Device (IED), isiniwalat ng isang mataas na lider ng NPA (Hidden weapons of war and ingredients for the manufacture of Improvised Explosive Device (IED), disclosed by a senior NPA leader)

Noong ika-20 ng January 2023, bilang pagpapatunay ng kanyang sinseridad sa kanyang pagbabalik-loob sa lipunan, kusang-loob na isiniwalat ng isang mataas na lider ng CPP-NPA ang mga nakatagong kagamitang pandigma o “arms cache” ng kanyang grupo at ilang sangkap sa paggawa ng bomba sa pagsisikap ng 4th Infantry (Scorpion) Battalion sa pamumuno ni Lieutenant Colonel Jeriko Roman Sasing.

Ang nasabing “arms cache” ay naglalaman ng isang (1) 2.2 pounds IED, tatlong (3) generator set, limang (5) empty box ng IED, isang (1) blasting cap, isang (1) electronic tester, dalawang (2) M14 magazines, isang (1) ICOM charger, tatlong (3) long detonating cord at tatlong (3) NPA T-shirt sa Sitio Buswak, Lisap, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro.

Matatandaang mariing ipinagbabawal ng United Nations Organization (UNO) ang walang habas na paggamit ng anumang uri ng explosive weapons, kabilang dito ang IED, laban sa direktang military target o combatant. Ipinagbabawal din ang paggamit ang IED sa anumang uri ng operasyong militar sa ilalim ng International Humanitarian Law (IHL) dahil ang resulta nito ay hindi makatao at walang pinipiling casualty, maging sibilyan man o military.

Ang boluntaryong pagsuko ng nasabing rebelde ay batay sa tiwala at sinseridad na ipinapakita ng kasundaluhan sa mga nais magbalik-loob sa pamahalaan. Ang mapayapa at matagumpay na negosasyon sa pagitan ng nasabing NPA lider at mga alagad ng gobyerno ay patunay na ang programang pangkapayapaan ng ating pamahalaan ay epektibo. Ang AFP, PNP, LGU at iba pang ahensya ng gobyerno ay laging bukas para sa sino mang rebelde na gustong magbalik-loob sa ating pamahalaan.

Samantala, gustong ipaabot ni Brigadier General Jose Augusto V Villareal PA, Commander ng 203rd Infantry (Bantay Kapayapaan) Brigade sa mga natitirang kasapi ng NPA na magbalik loob na sa pamahalaan upang magkaroon ng mapayapang pamumuhay sa ilalim ng paggabay ng gobyerno gamit ang Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) kung saan ang isang miyembro ng rebeldeng grupo na nagbalik-loob ay may matatanggap na agarang tulong pinansyal, remuneration ng baril na ang halaga ay nakabatay sa kondisyon ng armas na isusuko at iba’t-ibang benepisyo mula sa gobyerno upang magsimulang muli ng isang maganda at marangal na buhay kapiling ang kanilang pamilya.

Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/mga-nakatagong-gamit-pandigma-at-sangkap-sa-paggawa-ng-improvise-explosive-device-ied-isiniwalat-ng-isang-mataas-na-lider-ng-npa/