CPP/NPA-South Central Negros: 2 ka Hors de Combat, 1 ka Mangunguma Ginpatay sang 94th IB

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Feb 10, 2023): 2 ka Hors de Combat, 1 ka Mangunguma Ginpatay sang 94th IB (2 Hors de Combat, 1 Farmer Killed by the 94th IB)

 


Dionesio Magbuelas

Spokesperson

NPA-South Central Negros (Mt. Cansermon Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

February 10, 2023

Brutal nga ginpatay sang mga katapo sang 94th IB ang duha (2) ka katapo sang Mount Cansermon Command sang New People’s Army South Central Negros Guerrilla Front (MCC-NPA) nga ila gindakop sang Pebrero 4, 2023 pasado alas 4:00 sang hapon sa Sitio Mugni, Brgy. Oringao, sakop sang Kabankalan City.

Nagapahuway sa isa ka kamalig si Arjen “Ka Nonong” Mahinay bangud na-stroke kag indi na makahulag kag makahambal upod ang naga-atipan sa iya nga medical officer nga si Junjun “Ka Roben” Callet. Ginpagwa sang 94th IB nga napatay sa isa ka peke nga engkwentro ang duha sang Pebrero 5, 2023, alas 7:00 sang aga.

Makabig nga hors de combat ukon wala sang ikasarang nga magbato ang duha ka Pulang hangaway. Isa ini ka paglapas sang Internasyunal nga Makatawhanon nga Laye kag Comprehensive Agreement on Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). Kabahin ini sang mahigko kag kalakaran sang AFP nga kon may madakop nga mga katapo sang NPA ginapaidalom sa torture kag ginapagwa nga napatay sa engkwentro.

Dugang dire, ginpakamalaut sang MCC-NPA ang ginhambal sang AFP nga katapo sang NPA si Jomarie Calumba nga ila man gindakop kag ginpatay sang Pebrero 4 sa amo gihapon nga oras kag lugar sang mga hors de combat. Ang matuod, isa siya ka mangunguma nga nagapanglawig lang sang iya karabaw sang gindakop kag ginpatay sang mga tropa militar.

Indi matuod nga may ara duha ka engkwentro baliskad sa ginawakal sang AFP. Ang matuod natabo ang isa ka engkwentro sa tunga sang yunit sang MCC-NPA kag mga elemento sang 94th IB sang Pebrero 4 pasado alas 5:00 sang hapon sa Sitio Mugni, Brgy Oringao. Pero hilway nga nakamaniobra ang yunit sang NPA matapos ang lapit 10 minutos nga baylohanay sang lupok. Ginkanyon pa gid sang militar ang lugar sang duha ka beses pasado alas 7:00 sang gab-i. Gindakop na sila si Ka Nonong, Ka Ruben kag ang mangunguma nga si Jomarie Calumba antes pa man ang engkwentro.

Indi man matuod ang tinikal sang 94th IB nga may narekober nga mga armas kag ginpakita pa ang mga picture sini nga athag nga halin mismo sa ila armory.

Liwat nga ginkanyon sang makapila ka beses ang bukid sang Buyuron kag Tampukon sang Pebrero 5 nga nagtuga sang grabe nga kahadlok sang pumuluyo sa lugar. Amu na ini ang ginkabig nila nga engkwentro kag ginpagwa nga napatay si Ka Roben kag Ka Nonong upod si Calumba.

Lubos nga ginkundenar sang MCC-NPA ang ini nga kahimuan sang AFP. Ang bilog rebolusyonaryong pwersa naga-upod sa panawagan sang hustisya sang himata sang mga napatay. Ginpangabay man sang MCC-NPA ang mga LGU, mga taga-simbahan kag iban pa nga human rights advocates nga mabuligan ang mga pamilya sang biktima para maimbestigahan ang ini nga grabe nga paglapas sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung.

Sa pihak sini tanan, pasabton sang MCC-NPA ang tropa sang 94th IB kag bilog AFP lakip na ang ila mga makinaryas sa ila mga kalapasan kag mahigko nga gyera nga ginalunsar batuk sa pumuluyo.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/2-ka-hors-de-combat-1-ka-mangunguma-ginpatay-sang-94th-ib/

Kalinaw News: Panibagong Engkwentro Naitala, Miyembro ng NPA Patay, Mataas na Kalibre ng Baril Nasamsam sa Labo, Camarines Norte

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 12, 2023): Panibagong Engkwentro Naitala, Miyembro ng NPA Patay, Mataas na Kalibre ng Baril Nasamsam sa Labo, Camarines Norte (Another Encounter Recorded, NPA Member Dead, High Caliber Gun Seized in Labo, Camarines Norte)

Camp Elias Angeles, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur – Panibagong engkwentro na naman ang naitala sa rehiyon Bikol sa pagitan ng mga sundalo at Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) na ikinasawi ng isang miyembro ng CTG sa Barangay Canapawan, Labo, Camarines Norte, Pebrero 11.

Nangyari ang insidente matapos na beripikahin ng tropa ng 9th Infantry Battalion ang ulat na kanilang natanggap sa umano’y presensiya ng nasa limang armadong kalalakihan sa nasabing barangay kung saan naganap ang engkwentro, tumagal ang nasabing engkwentro ng isang minuto bago magsipulasan ang nabangit na mga armado.

Matapos nito, nakuha rin ng mga sundalo sa lugar ang isang M16 rifle, mga bala at mga magazine habang iniwan lamang ng nagsitakas na miyembro ng CTG ang kanilang kasamahan na nasawi sa engkwentro. Sa ngayon ay inaalam pa ang pagkakakilanlan ng nasabing indibidwal.

Sa kabila nito, tiniyak ni Major General Adonis Bajao, Commander ng 9th Infantry (Spear) Division at Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) na mabibigyan ito ng disenteng libing at nanawagan rin ang heneral sa mga nalalabi pang miyembro ng CTG na umalis na sa kanilang grupo at iwanan na ang walang saysay na armadong pakikibaka nang sa gayon ay wag sapitin ang nangyare sa kanilang kasamahan dahil wala nang ligtas na lugar para sa kanila sa rehiyon ng Bicol.

“Kung sakali man po na walang mag-claim sa bangkay, tayo po mismo ang magbibigay ng maayos na libing para sa kanya. Dahil sa kabila po ng patuloy nilang pakikipaglaban sa pamahalaan, huwag nating kalimutan na sila ay Pilipino rin gaya natin. Nawa’y mapagtanto na rin nila ang matagal na naming panawagan na pahalagahan ang buhay na hiram sa ating mahal na panginoon sa pamamagitan ng pagbabalik loob sa pamahalaan at pag waksi sa armadong pakikibaka nang hindi na rin nila sapitin ang nangyare sa kanilang mga kasamahan na namatay at iniwan na lamang ng kanilang pinaniniwalaang mga “kasama” ani MGen. Bajao.

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/panibagong-engkwentro-naitala-miyembro-ng-ctg-patay-mataas-na-kalibre-ng-baril-nasamsam-sa-labo-camarines-norte/

Kalinaw News: Returned NPA member in Sarangani, present to Gov. Pacquiao

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 12, 2023): Returned NPA member in Sarangani, present to Gov. Pacquiao

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – Major General Alex Rillera, Commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central will present the returning Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) member to Sarangani Province Governor Rogelio Pacquiao on February 8, 2023.
alias Jurib from General Santos City decided to surrender carrying a Cal. 30 Sniper Rifle with 10 bullets. He is a former Vice Commanding Officer (VCO) of Platoon 2 of GF 75, FSMR. It surrendered to Purok Bayan, Barangay Maribulan, Alabel, Sarangani Province.

The former CTG member from the Provincial Government of Sarangani was given initial financial assistance as an aid for the provision of livelihood.

Maj. Gen. Rillera praised TF Gensan for their efforts in the peaceful surrender of the former CTG member.

Same goes to Sarangani provincial government for welcoming alias Jurib and making it live normally in society.

“We also do not ignore the big role played by local government units to straighten the path of these victims of the deception and wrong ideology of CTG”, statement of Maj. Gen. Rillera.

Also with TF Gensan Commander Col. Galileo Goyena and 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Pedro Balisi Jr in the presentation he made.

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/returned-npa-member-in-sarangani-present-to-gov-pacquiao/

Kalinaw News: Government forces together with the LGU facilitate the Oath of Allegiance to the 3 former CTGs and the surrender of firearms and explosives in Quezon City

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 11, 2023): Government forces together with the LGU facilitate the Oath of Allegiance to the 3 former CTGs and the surrender of firearms and explosives in Quezon City (By Jonathan Blanco)

Camp Aguinaldo Quezon City- The 11th Civil-Military Operations “Kaugnayan” Battalion, Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army, together with the Northern Police District (NPD), NICA NCR and Barangay Officials of Brgy Bagong Silang, Caloocan City facilitated the Surrender of Firearms and Explosives and Oath Of Allegiance to the Government of the three (3) former CTG Affected Mass Organization (CAMO) members held at Headquarters 11CMOBn, Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Wednesday, February 08, 2023.

The members who voluntarily denounced support from the CPP-NPA-NDF by signing the commitment document and surrendering of firearms and Explosive Device were Mr. Edward De Ocampo, Mr.William Bustillo, and Mr. Alexander Pasiga, all members of Zone One Tondo Organization (ZOTO).
Mr. Bustillo shared the reason why he was deceived to join the such organization, “Ako po ay kulang din sa pag-aaral dahil sa hirap ng buhay hanggang sa ako’y nagpunta ng Maynila noong 1984. Doon na po ako napasama sa pakikibaka sa organisasyon ng ZOTO hanggang sa kami’y umaasa na mananalo sa aming pinaglalaban pero wala rin pong nangyari.

Sa haba ng panahon hanggang sa nakapag-isip po ang aming Presidente ng organisasyon na wala namang nangyayari, tignan natin ang programa ng Gobyerno kaya ngayon nandito napo kami.” He said.

Moreover, 11CMOBn Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Gene R Orense PA expressed his gratitude to the ZOTO President along with her members who voluntarily approach the government and further urged them to encourage other members to return to the mainstream society. “Sa ngalan po ng aming Commander ng JTF-NCR na si Brig. Gen. Alexei C Musñgi PA kami ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa bukas palad ninyong paglapit sa Gobyerno. Hindi po dito nagtatapos ang ating pagtutulungan. Ito ay umpisa pa lang ng ating matinding samahan at makakaasa po kayo na nandito po kami para bigyan kayo ng tulong.”Said Lt. Col. Orense.

Present during the activity was PCol. Ariel A Capocao, Chief, DCADD, NPD; PMaj. Herman Panabang, Assitant Chief, DID, NPD; Hon. Manolito P Quilingen, and Hon. Rolly C Tambago, Barangay Officials of Brgy 176, Caloocan City.

The former CAMO members were given initial cash assistance and grocery packs.

The 11th Civil-Military Operations Battalion will continue its efforts and strengthen its campaign against peace spoilers through the Whole of Nation Approach in order to contribute in maintaining peace and sustainable development in National Capital Region.

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/government-forces-together-with-the-lgu-facilitate-the-oath-of-allegiance-to-the-3-former-ctgs-and-the-surrender-of-firearms-and-explosives-in-quezon-city/

Philippines, Japan moving in ‘general direction’ of VFA-like agreement – Romualdez

From Rappler (Feb 11, 2023): Philippines, Japan moving in ‘general direction’ of VFA-like agreement – Romualdez (By SOFIA TOMACRUZ)

Speaker Martin Romualdez says that the prospective military deal was raised in 'broad strokes' during a bilateral summit between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida

TOKYO, Japan – Speaker Martin Romualdez said that the Philippines and Japan are moving in the “general direction” of entering into a military deal that would allow their troops to conduct joint drills and access military bases in the Philippines.

Romualdez, a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., was among Philippine government officials who traveled with the President for his ongoing five-day official visit to Japan.

“That’s the general direction…. We’re all in the same region and we’re all experiencing the same issues and concerns,” Romualdez told reporters in an interview Friday night, February 10.

Prior to landing in Tokyo, Marcos told reporters that formal negations on a reciprocal access agreement or military deal similar to the Philippines and United States’ Visiting Forces Agreement had yet to start, but that he wanted to see closer security ties with Japan as part of efforts to boost security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Romualdez backed the Philippine leader’s position, saying, “When it comes to peace, stability, we all know that kailangan talaga may (there should be) security arrangements.”

The Philippines and Japan first explored the idea of entering into a visiting forces treaty that would allow Japanese military access to the country’s military bases in 2015. At the time, the Aquino administration cited the need for such an agreement with Japan as both countries faced an aggressive China.

‘Work in progress’

Asked if Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida raised the issue with Marcos during a bilateral summit on Thursday, February 9, Romualdez said the prospect of a military agreement was raised in “broad strokes.”

“Yes, well broad strokes. There’s a general understanding that that’s the direction, but always founded on the fact that it’s to usher in an environment of peace and stability, and that’s what it’s all about,” he said.

During Marcos’ visit, the Philippines and Japan signed the terms of reference on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief activities between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Japan Self-Defense Forces, which paved the way for joint exercises and drills between the countries’ forces on this front.

While focused on disaster relief, regional analysts and observers see the effort as moving one step closer to a reciprocal military access agreement since it involved procedures that a similar military access deal would cover.

This includes settling on the number of Japanese troops that would participate in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief activities, as well as their legal status while in the Philippines.

Asked if a timeline had been discussed to start formal negotiations on the prospective deal, Romualdez said the effort remained a “work in progress.”

“There are always conversations along those lines and the lines of communication are very, very wide open especially after the visit,” he said.

Stronger security cooperation

Prior to arriving in Tokyo, Marcos pointed to security ties with Japan as an area both countries wanted to fortify. “I’m sure that Japan wants to develop and make even more robust, closer our relationship especially in that regard,” Marcos said.

The two countries have stepped up maritime cooperation in recent years, with Japan playing an active role in bolstering the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) capabilities. Ships donated by Japan to the PCG have been used to patrol the West Philippine Sea, where China continued to assert its claims in Philippine waters despite an international ruling that struck down its actions as illegal.

On the sidelines of Marcos’ visit, Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. met with his counterpart, Japanese Minister of Defense Yasukazu Hamada, who gave a briefing on Japan’s new National Security Strategy.

While in Japan, Marcos and Kishida committed to continuing bilateral security consultations through their “2+2” defense and foreign affairs ministerial meeting, first convened in 2022.

The two leaders also agreed on the transfer of defense equipment from Japanese to Philippine forces, increase strategic port calls and aircraft visits, and beef up cooperation on cybersecurity and economic security. Marcos and Kishida also said they wanted to see the completion of air surveillance radars systems from Japan to the Philippines.

Once finalized, Japan will be the third country to hold a status of forces agreement with the Philippines. The Philippines has visiting forces agreements with the US and Australia, whose troops regularly come to the Philippines for military exercises, among other activities.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/romualdez-visiting-forces-agreement-general-direction-philippines-japan-security-ties/

Foreign military officials visit WESCOM

Posted to Palawan News (Feb 12, 2023): Foreign military officials visit WESCOM

Photo from AFP Westerm Command

Three military officials from the United States and South Korea visited the Western Command (WESCOM) Headquarters in Puerto Princesa in an effort to deepen bilateral cooperation.

Lt. Col. Kim Jaisuk, Republic of Korea Defense Attache, visited WESCOM last Friday, February 10, as part of the deal after the country acquired South Korean defense capabilities.

“Lt. Col. Kim’s visit is part of the efforts of the Korean government and industries to establish lifetime service support sites for PH acquired Korean-built hardware and equipment such as ships,” WESCOM said in a statement.

Capt. Timothy Ketter, head of the International Plans and Policy of the United States Pacific Fleet (PACFLT), and Capt. Emilio Orio, Philippine Navy (PN) Staff for Plans and Programs, both visited WESCOM on the same day, as did delegates from the PN-US PACFLT Working Group Meeting, which was also held in the city.

Commander of the U.S. Marine Corps Force Pacific (MARFORPAC) Lt. Gen. William Jurney visited the command headquarters Saturday, February 11, to “discuss matters pertaining to USMC’s support to the AFP in addressing shared security challenges, more so, the opportunities of USMC cooperation and activities in WESCOM joint operations”.

Kim and Jurney both took part in the symbolic planting of fruit-bearing tree seedlings as part of WESCOM’s nursery initiative to help with reforestation efforts in the province impacted by Typhoon Odette in 2021.

https://palawan-news.com/foreign-military-officials-visit-wescom/

45 IP soldiers complete elementary, HS education

From the Mindanao Times (Feb 11, 2023): 45 IP soldiers complete elementary, HS education (By RHODA GRACE SARON)

  


Forty-five soldiers of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division completed their Elementary and Junior High School education during the first moving up and graduation ceremony at the 10th Infantry Division auditorium inside the Camp General Manuel T. Yan Senior in Mawab, Davao De Oro, on Feb. 8.

Captain Mark Anthony Tito, 10th Division Public Affairs Office chief, said of the 45, 30 completed Junior High School and 15 finished Elementary School, and are all former rebels and members of indigenous communities who were recruited through special enlistment.

Tito said they took the Functional Literacy Test (FLT) and participated in a series of modular sessions as part of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) offered by the Department of Education (DepEd).

During her speech, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Arlyn B. Lim emphasized the need for them to be provided with life skills that will help them become better soldiers and public servants.

She also urged them to continue their education so they can enroll in higher education or vocational courses.

“We will continue to partner with the 10ID to make a difference in these people’s lives. I know this aligns with our goal of eradicating illiteracy in our government,” said Lim.

Representing Major Gen Jose Eriel M. Niembra, 10th Infantry Division commander, was Colonel Felix Ronnie B. Babac, chief of staff of the unit.

Babac told the graduates that education will enhance their knowledge in performing their tasks as soldiers and will help them continue to climb the military rungs.

He also said that being representatives of their community, they serve as inspiration to their tribe.

The military unit signed a Memorandum of understanding with the DepEd-ALS of Davao de Oro on April 7, 2022 for the implementation of the ALS Project Agila.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2023/02/11/45-ip-soldiers-complete-elementary-hs-education/

Land conflict? Armed men torch heavy equipment

From the Mindanao Times (Feb 12, 2023): Land conflict? Armed men torch heavy equipment (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

UNIDENTIFIED men burned down Tuesday night a backhoe used in road project in Purok 11 Angeles, Barangay Catigan, Toril District.

Major Jonnel Bonguyan, acting station commander of Eden Police Station, said that investigators were looking into whether the incident was a result of a land conflict between the tribal group in the area and the landowner of the location of the project.

Another angle, Bonguyan added, might be the conflict between the contractor and the workers for delayed salaries, although the company said there was no conflict between them.

The police report added that there was no proof that it was the New People’s Army members who committed the crime as the company that owned the equipment, TRI-A Siblings Corp., never got any extortion letter or any threat from the outlawed group.

Based on the initial report, residents heard gun bursts during the time when the backhoe was burned.

Bonguyan said investigators have been coordinating with Sonny Mansilagan, barangay chair of the place, as they continued to look for the perpetrators.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2023/02/12/land-conflict-armed-men-torch-heavy-equipment/

Negrense colonel assumes 301st IB command

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 11, 2023): Negrense colonel assumes 301st IB command (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3ID commander and concurrent chief of the AFP Visayas Command, hands over the 301IB command flag from Brig. Gen. Marion Sison (left) to Col. MIchael Samson.* PA photo

Negrense Army Col. Michael Samson assumed command of the Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade, in an acting capacity, on February 9.

Samson, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1991, replaced Brig. Gen. Marion Sison, who was recently designated as Assistant Division Commander of 3rd Infantry Division.

As acting commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade, Samson, who formerly served as deputy commander and acting commanding officer of the 303rd Infantry Brigade for more than three years, will supervise three Army battalions stationed in Panay Island.

Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3ID commander and concurrent head of the AFP Visayas Command, presided over the change of 301st Infantry Brigade leadership, from Sison to Samson, held at Camp Adriano Hernandez in Dingle town of Iloilo.

Aside from Sison and Samson, two other members of PMA Class 1991 are also occupying key positions among the Philippine Army and National Police in Negros and Panay Islands.

They are Brig. Gen. Leonardo Peña, 302nd Infantry Brigade stationed in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, and PBrig. Gen. Leo Francisco, regional police director of Western Visayas.

https://visayandailystar.com/negrense-colonel-assumes-301st-ib-command/

Number of Sayyafs dwindle in Sulu

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Feb 12, 2023): Number of Sayyafs dwindle in Sulu

SULU – The Philippine military said the number of Abu Sayyaf members continues to dwindle in Sulu as the provincial government strongly pursues peace and development efforts in the province, once a stronghold of the extremist group.

Just recently, two Abu Sayyaf members surrendered to the military authorities in Patikul town, according to Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu.

Patrimonio identified the duo only by their alias Hadjang, 50; and Nadz, 20. He said the two men surrendered to the 6th Special Forces Battalion under Lt. Col. Harold Nemeño in the village of Buhanginan in Patikul town.

“The two Abu Sayyaf members surrendered to the military in Sulu. They also surrendered one M16 rifle and one .45-caliber pistol,” he said.

Army Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, lauded the surrender of the two Abu Sayyaf fighters.

“We attribute this success to the collaborative efforts of Joint Task Force Sulu, the provincial government of Sulu, our partners and stakeholders, and the peace-loving people of Sulu.”

“The employment of the whole-of-nation approach has brought our campaign against terrorism to a greater height. Rest assured that we will continue to intensify our efforts to bring lasting peace and progress in Sulu and the rest of the provinces in our area of operation,” Galido said.

Dozens of Abu Sayyaf terrorists had surrendered since last year and were provided financial aid by the provincial and municipal governments, including a livelihood package from the national government as part of a program to lure Muslim extremists to return to the fold of the law and live peacefully with their families and become responsible citizens. (Mindanao Examiner)


http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/02/number-of-sayyafs-dwindle-in-sulu.html

U.S deploy troops in Mindanao

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Feb 12, 2023): U.S deploy troops in Mindanao

PENTAGON HAS deployed American troops in southern Philippines, a known stronghold of pro-ISIS groups fighting to establish a caliphate in the restive region of largely Catholic Mindanao.

This was bared by the Philippine military during the recent visit of United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III in Zamboanga City where members of the U.S. Special Operations Task Force 511.2 (SOTF 511.2) were newly deployed.

Austin, accompanied by U.S. Embassy and American military officials, met with senior Filipino security commanders led by the Chief of Staff of the Philippine armed forces Gen. Andres Centino and Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, chief of the Western Mindanao Command.

No reporters were allowed to cover Austin’s visit, but a statement released by the Western Mindanao Command said the U.S. Defense chief had a conference with Filipino officials which focused on strengthening mutual cooperation and establishing a good relationship between the Philippine military and the SOTF 511.2.

It said Austin also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to support its allies in their campaigns against terrorism and in sustaining peace in their respective areas of responsibility.

Filipino forces continue to battle several Muslim extremist groups allied with the Islamic State and the communist rebellion in many parts of the region of Mindanao.

American soldiers had in the past assisted Philippine troops in the battalion level and provided intelligence and counterterrorism training to Filipino infantrymen, especially in the restive provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, including in Maguindanao, a stronghold of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Dawlah Islamiya and other IS groups harboring foreign terrorists.

Before flying back to Manila, Austin also inspected the headquarters of SOTF 511.2 located inside Western Mindanao Command and met with American soldiers.

Galido said he welcomed the visit of Austin and vowed close cooperation with the U.S. in an effort to defeat terrorism and insurgency in the South. “Team WestMinCom is grateful and fortunate enough to be visited by the US Secretary of Defense. This shows how strong is our working relationship and how committed our most powerful ally is to help us in addressing our security issues here in the southern part of the Philippines.”

“As the commander of the most diverse unified command of the Armed forces of the Philippines, I am deeply elated by their gestures of support in our campaign against terrorism and insurgency in our area of operation,” he said.

Austin visited the Philippines to ensure U.S. access to four more locations under an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement dating to 2014, allowing the Pentagon to deploy or rotate American troops to a total of nine bases throughout the country.

He also had a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, promising to help the Philippines modernize its defense capabilities as well as increase the interoperability of American and Filipino military forces.

“From defense perspective, we will continue to work together with our great partners and to build and modernize your capabilities as well as increase our interoperability,” Austin said.

Marcos said he sees the future of the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific tied up with the United States because of the Philippines’ and the region’s strong and historic partnership with the US.

“And again, I have always said that it seems to me that the future of the Philippines and, for that matter, the Asia Pacific will always have to involve the United States simply because those partnerships are so strong and so historically embedded in our common psyches that can only be an advantage to both our countries,” Marcos said.

“So thank you once again for coming to visit with us and to give us the opportunity to discuss with you and through you, the American government, our own outlook on this situation as it stands at the present,” he added.

Marcos thanked Austin for visiting the Philippines amid a very complicated situation in the region to exchange some ideas, thoughts and information with him on the current situation in the Asia-Pacific.

The Philippines, Marcos said, can only navigate properly in this environment with the help of its partners and allies in the international sphere. “As we traverse these rather troubled waters — geopolitical waters, the economic waters — that we are facing, I again put great importance on those partnerships, specifically with the United States… all partnerships and alliances that we are able to make with our friends around the world,” Marcos said.

Both countries also announced plans to accelerate the full implementation of the EDCA and the substantial completion of the projects in the existing agreed locations.

The EDCA is a key pillar of the U.S.-Philippine Alliance, which supports combined training, exercises, and interoperability between our forces. Expansion of the EDCA will make the alliance stronger and more resilient, and will accelerate modernization of our combined military capabilities.

The U.S. said it has allocated over $82 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 communities. (Mindanao Examiner)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/02/us-deploy-troops-in-mindanao.html

China warns the U.S. is 'using' Asian countries as Washington seals crucial military deal with the Philippines

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Feb 12, 2023): China warns the U.S. is 'using' Asian countries as Washington seals crucial military deal with the Philippines

CHINA HAS warned countries in Asia to be vigilant about the US "using" them, after American forces secured access to a further four military bases in the Philippines.

The United States already had access to five military bases in the Philippines, and would be given access to four more locations under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Philippines Defence Secretary Carlito Galvez said during a recent joint news conference at the Philippines' military headquarters in Manila.

Mr Austin has led efforts to reinforce regional security partnerships and update the arming and positioning of American and allied forces in Asia in the face of China's increasing military strength and its assertiveness regarding its claims to Taiwan and increasing parts of the South China Sea.

Speaking from the Philippines, Mr Austin referred to the decision as a "big deal" as he and his counterpart reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering their alliance.

"Our alliance makes both of our democracies more secure and helps uphold a free-and-open Indo-Pacific," said Mr Austin, whose visit follows one by US Vice-President Kamala Harris in November, which included a stop at Palawan Island in the South China Sea.

Mr Austin said discussions included actions to address "destabilising activities in the waters surrounding the Philippines", and strengthening "mutual capacities to resist armed attack".

"That's just part of our efforts to modernise our alliance. And 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.

China said greater US access to Philippines' military bases undermined regional peace and stability.

The announcement from the Philippines follows Mr Austin's announcement with South Korean leaders that the US would be sending more fighter jets and bombers, and his January 11 declaration with Japanese counterparts that the US would be shifting its deployment there to make for a more nimble fighting force.

There have been other announcements from the Biden administration on arms, exercises and pacts, including a 2021 decision to provide nuclear-powered submarines to Australia.

China's threat to the international order was "unprecedented", US and Japanese diplomats and defence chiefs said after that deal.

"This behaviour is of serious concern to the alliance and the entire international community, and represents the greatest strategic challenge in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond."

Mr Austin thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, whom he briefly met in Manila, for allowing the US military to broaden its presence in the Philippines, Washington's oldest treaty ally in Asia.

The Philippine Constitution prohibits the permanent basing of foreign troops as well as their involvement in local combat.

However, the EDCA allows US access to Philippines' military bases for joint training, pre-positioning of equipment and the building of facilities such as runways, fuel storage and military housing, but not for a permanent presence.

The United States has announced it is allocating more than $US82 million ($115.85 million) for infrastructure at the bases.

The country used to host two of the largest US Navy and Air Force bases outside the American mainland. Those bases were shut down in the early 1990s, after the Philippines Senate rejected an extension, but American forces later returned for large-scale combat exercises with Filipino troops.

Ties between the United States and its former colony were soured under the previous president, Rodrigo Duterte, who made overtures towards China and was known for anti-US rhetoric and threats to downgrade military ties.

Mr Marcos Jnr has met President Joe Biden twice since the son of former dictator — who was also called Ferdinand Marcos — won a landslide victory in an election last year and reiterated he could not see a future for his country without its longtime treaty ally.

"I have always said, it seems to me, the future of the Philippines — and, for that matter, the Asia-Pacific — will always have to involve the United States," Mr Marcos told Mr Austin. (ABC/wires)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/02/china-warns-us-is-using-asian-countries.html

PH-Japan defense ties to ease tension in WPS: analyst

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 12, 2023): PH-Japan defense ties to ease tension in WPS: analyst (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

ENHANCED COOPERATION. The enhanced security and defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines could ease tensions in the West Philippine Sea, according to a political analyst on Saturday (Feb 11, 2023). Professor Froilan Calilung said the plan sends the message to other countries, like the US and China, that the security dimension is not being monopolized by the regional or world superpowers. (PNA file photo)

MANILA — The enhanced security and defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines could ease tensions in the West Philippine Sea, a political analyst said Saturday.

Froilan Calilung, a political science professor at the University of Santo Tomas, gave this observation after the two countries agreed to discuss “in-depth” issues concerning regional and international situations, including collaboration towards realizing a "free and open Indo-Pacific."

The plan, he said, signals a "very good" message to countries like the United States (US) and China that the security dimension is "not being monopolized by the regional or the world superpowers themselves."

"One of the things that I think is very good here in so far as this event was concerned, is that both the leaders from the Philippines and Japan agree very well on how we could attain iyong tinatawag nating (the so-called) free and open Indo-Pacific, which is very good because that will create or defuse some tensions or potential conflicts away of course from the very contentious issue of the West Philippine Sea," Calilung said during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.

"So, maganda iyong mga cooperative patterns na ito (these cooperative patterns are good). What the President we have right now, definitely is more statesman-like," he added.

On Thursday, the Philippines and Japan reaffirmed their defense and security cooperation during the second day of Marcos' working visit to Tokyo.

In a joint statement, Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida vowed to strengthen the two nations' defense and security cooperation through "strategic reciprocal port calls and aircraft visits, transfer of more defense equipment and technology, continuous cooperation previously-transferred defense equipment and capacity building."

'Globalization president'

The professor said the Philippines would reap the benefits of Marcos' five-day working visit to Japan, given the "very positive" response from the Japanese government and private leaders.

"We were treated to a lot of economic, investments and even health, tourism aspects that were brought about by this trip. And I think this is very, very positive for the country," he said.

Calilung also praised Marcos for marketing the Philippines well in Japan, and even dubbed the latter as a "globalization president" who "understands the dynamics of globalization."

"He (Marcos) understands very well how bilateral and multilateral integration works, especially in the contemporary world or contemporary setting. He is also very, very articulate regarding his ideas," he said.

"I think this is one of the reasons why many of the world’s countries and leaders would like to meet with him or touch base with him because of his deep sense of understanding. Let us not forget, that whenever we have foreign trips like this or state visits like this, it’s not only us who actually learn and benefit. These other countries also wished to do the same, they also wished to learn from us, a thing or two," Calilung added.

VFA talks

In a radio interview on Sunday, Senator Francis Tolentino said a proposed Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with Japan is not new as the two countries already established a relationship since 2006 with the signing of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).

JPEPA, aimed at increasing trade and investment opportunities between the two economies, was the first bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) for the Philippines after 50 years.

Under JPEPA, the Philippines and Japan agreed to accord national treatment and most-favored-nation treatment to investors.

Tolentino said Japan also provided air and water assets to the Philippines which are now being used to respond to calamities.

“Mayroon tayong joint declaration with Japan kaya may mga donasyon na mga eroplano, patunay na meron na tayong mga ginagawa kahit wala pang VFA with them ( We have a joint declaration with Japan that’s why they donate planes and which means we maintain a relationship with them even if there is no VFA yet),” Tolentino said.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez told reporters in Tokyo that the VFA is a “work in progress” while Senate President Miguel Zubiri said in a statement that while no formal talks have reached Marcos, the President's meeting with Kishida is “an opportune time to finally go into initial talks about the agreement.”

"It makes strategic sense. Japan is an ally, and with ongoing territorial disputes over our waters, we stand to benefit from stronger security cooperation with our allies," Zubiri said. "Japan is already offering vital support to our Coast Guard, not just through vessels and equipment but also through other capacity-building opportunities such as training."

Marcos' visit to Japan has so far resulted in the signing of seven bilateral agreements and 35 investment deals.

He is expected to return to Manila on Sunday. (With a report from Leonel Abasola/PNA)


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194990

Gov’t to review tripartite agreement with US, Japan: Marcos

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 12, 2023): Gov’t to review tripartite agreement with US, Japan: Marcos (By Azer Parrocha)

MUTUAL COOPERATION President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (left) and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida shake hands after a summit meeting and joint press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo, Japan on Friday (Feb. 10, 2023). In a joint statement, the two leaders agreed to increase their defense capabilities and further strengthen overall security cooperation. (Courtesy of Bongbong Marcos Facebook)

MANILA – The Philippines will review a proposed trilateral defense and security deal with two of its closest allies – the United States and Japan.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in an interview with Kyodo News on Friday, said fostering alliances with its long-time partners was one of “many other issues” raised by the Philippine delegation in Tokyo.

“It is something that we certainly are going to be studying upon my return to the Philippines. I think just part of the continuing process of strengthening our alliances because in this rather confusing, and I dare say dangerous situation, that we have, I’m not talking only about the South China Sea, I’m not only talking about the Indo-Pacific region but, of course, there is a conflict still ongoing in Ukraine and the rather disturbing effects that it has all around the world,” Marcos said.

Marcos added that this is part of a “continuing process to make more solid partnerships and alliances that we are beginning to put together in our areas.”

“So that is, I think, a central element to…providing some sort of stability in the face of all these problems that we are seeing around us,” he said.

Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida have earlier agreed to strengthen the two countries defense and security relations.

In a joint statement, the two Asian leaders agreed to “increase the defense capabilities of their respective countries, and further strengthen overall security cooperation.”

This will be done through strategic reciprocal port calls and aircraft visits, transfer of more defense equipment and technology, continuous cooperation on previously-transferred defense equipment, and capacity building.

Earlier, lawmakers called for the review of the proposed trilateral defense and security deal, to be subsequently ratified first by the Senate as required by the Constitution.

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, chairperson of the Defense and Security committee, acknowledged that the proposed trilateral alliance is rooted in mutually beneficial partnerships.

He, however, pointed out that the government must first ensure the responsibility of protecting and promoting the country's national interest.

Sen. Francis Tolentino, vice chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, said the Senate should be given the opportunity to fine-tune the dynamics of such an arrangement while recognizing the role of the president in setting the country’s security and foreign relations agenda.

“While this is not a SEATO [Southeast Asia Treaty Organization]-like structure, I support its genesis,” he said in a statement, referring to the group created in 1955 to thwart communist gains in the region but was dissolved in 1977 due to withdrawals and waning interest of members.

Biz deals

Meanwhile, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual assured that several investments sealed between the Philippines and Japan are “ready to go.”

This, after 35 key deals were signed between the Philippine and Japanese governments and business leaders on Friday.

“May mga iba (Some are) ready to go. May mga iba registered na sa BOI [Board of Investments]… na dinocument (Some are registered at the BOI which were documented) to meet the investments,” Pascual said in an interview.

“And there are those that [have] plans… over the time horizon I’ve heard from those Japanese investments I’ve talked to, goes to as long as three years. Normally that’s the time frame within which big investments are made,” he added.

Pascual noted that Japanese car maker Toyota vowed to bring back its popular Tamaraw model to the Philippine market.

“That one is progressing well… they probably have started the final plans to make the investments,” Pascual said.

Toyota said it is “honored to be given an opportunity” to strengthen its partnership with the Philippines.

According to the DTI, 240 Philippine companies and 1,300 Japanese firms, composed of 3,472 businessmen, registered for the meetings held in Tokyo, where a wide range of cooperation was sealed between the Philippine and Japanese governments and business leaders.

$600M investment pledge

Meanwhile, it was revealed Sunday that business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan signed an agreement with major Japanese investor Mitsui & Co. on a USD600-million investment in infrastructure.

“We signed an agreement with Mitsui and several parties and management to commit to investing USD600 million in the infrastructure,” Pangilinan confirmed after a dinner meeting with Marcos on Wednesday.

Mitsui & Co., for its part, said it will continue to explore the possibility of further collaboration with the Philippines in business areas of mutual interest including food and agriculture, renewable energy and digital transformation.

Marcos, likewise, thanked Japanese businesses for their assistance to the Philippines in a wide array of development areas.

“We can point to so many of the developments that happened in the Philippines with the assistance of the different Japanese funding agencies and government-to-government arrangements, the commercial arrangements -- and these have been to the benefit of both our countries,” he said.

“And it is a particularly auspicious time that we come again now simply because we have to now restart our own economies, we have to transform our economies, and again the partnerships I think that we have developed with our friends here in Japan, with Mitsui in particular… we will have to revitalize them as they have been dormant, to a degree, during the lockdowns of the pandemic,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194993