US, PH defense chiefs ‘condemn’ Chinese gray zone ops in WPS

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2023): US, PH defense chiefs ‘condemn’ Chinese gray zone ops in WPS (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

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

MANILA – The United States and the Philippines’ defense chiefs “condemned” on Monday night China’s "gray zone" activities in the West Philippine Sea.

In a telephone conversation, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III and Department of National Defense Officer in Charge Carlito Galvez Jr. said these operations “interfere with the livelihoods of local Philippine communities and the rights of other claimant states that seek to operate lawfully in the South China Sea consistent with the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling.”

The two officials expressed concern over China’s “massing of more than 40 vessels,” including a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy ship within the 12-nautical mile territorial sea of Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea this month.

“The swarming of vessels falls on the heels of a dangerous incident last month, in which the PRC Coast Guard directed a military-grade laser against a Philippine vessel operating lawfully around Second Thomas Shoal, temporarily blinding some of the crew,” said a US Department of Defense readout.

Experts define gray-zone activities as operations that fall below the threshold of what constitutes aggression to prevent a country from using self-defense.

In the West Philippine Sea, analysts said gray zone tactics could include the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) invoking Beijing’s “rights” under its so-called historical claims over the West Philippine Sea, and the deployment of maritime militia and fishing vessels in the country’s 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

READ: Expose Chinese activities in SCS to counter ‘harassment’, PH told

In February, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo confirmed before an international security conference that the Philippines had experienced “daily incidents” of harassment within its EEZ.

The following month, the Philippine Coast Guard recorded the presence of at least 42 suspected Chinese maritime militia ships, a CCG, and a PLA Navy vessel anchored off Pag-asa Island, which is the seat of the local government of Kalayaan, Palawan.

Austin, during the phone call, guaranteed Washington DC’s “unwavering alliance commitment” with Manila and reiterated that the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to Philippine armed forces, aircraft, and public vessels, including Coast Guard ships, “anywhere in the South China Sea.”

Both officials also discussed plans to conduct combined maritime activities in the South China Sea and agreed to review the "full range of US-Philippine maritime cooperation" during upcoming foreign and defense ministerial dialogue.

The dialogue, dubbed as 2+2 meetings, is scheduled "sometime in the middle of April," according to Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.

Austin and Galvez also anticipate the upcoming operational engagements between the US and Philippine Armed Forces, including during the Balikatan 2023 in April, which will be the largest iteration of the joint military drills with more than 17,000 participating troops.

Apart from Philippine-US defense relations, Austin and Galvez discussed the forthcoming US support to contain and mitigate the ecological damage stemming from an oil spill off the coast of Mindoro Oriental.

Austin also offered his condolences to Galvez for the recent murder of former Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and eight other individuals.

The phone call was made hours after the groundbreaking of the USD24 million runway rehabilitation project at Basa Air Base, one of the approved projects under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, on Monday.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1197815

NOLCOM recognizes gallantry of wounded soldiers in Cagayan encounter

From the Manila Times (Mar 21, 2023): NOLCOM recognizes gallantry of wounded soldiers in Cagayan encounter (By Leander C. Domingo)

CAMP MELCHOR F. DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela: The Armed Forces of the Philippines Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) has awarded two wounded-in-action soldiers, the 5th Infantry Division (5ID) here said on Monday. 

During his visit to the 5ID here, Maj. Gen. Fernyl Buca, Nolcom commander, led the awarding of the Wounded Personnel Medal to Sgt. Wilme Arce and Sgt. Marlon Layron. Buca recognized Arce and Layron for their gallantry during the 40-minute armed encounter against the terrorist group in Barangay Tanglagan in Gattaran town, Cagayan on March 18. 

Arce and Layron were wounded but are now in stable condition, according to Maj. Rigor Pamittan, 5ID Public Affairs Office chief. 

Pamittan said Buca also acknowledged the sacrifices of the troops, especially those on the frontline who are ready to sacrifice to protect the people against the atrocities of the communist terrorist group. 

Uplifting the morale of the soldiers operating on the ground, Buca said the Nolcom will continue to give its full support to end the local communist armed conflict and for the success of the campaign against insurgency not just in Cagayan Valley and Cordillera but in Northern Luzon.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/03/21/news/regions/nolcom-recognizes-gallantry-of-wounded-soldiers-in-cagayan-encounter/1883601

In Basa Air Base, Philippines and US banner benefits of EDCA

From Rappler (Mar 21, 2023): In Basa Air Base, Philippines and US banner benefits of EDCA (By SOFIA TOMACRUZ)

Philippine and American officials highlight the impact the deal would have on local economies and the Philippines’ overall defense posture

PAMPANGA, Philippines – As the Philippines and the US move closer to expanding the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), a key defense deal that would usher a larger US military footprint in the country, senior officials from both Manila and Washington bannered the benefits of the agreement that has faced local pushback from a number of politicians in recent weeks.

At a groundbreaking ceremony to rehabilitate the runway at Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga, on Monday, March 20, Philippine and American officials made a pitch for EDCA, highlighting the impact the deal would have on local economies and the Philippines’ overall defense posture.

“What we are improving is the collective defense we have,” Defense Officer-in-Charge Senior Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr. told reporters. “It’s not directed to anybody else but to honor our obligations with the US…so we can pursue and implement our joint vision of having a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

While the development to expand EDCA has been welcomed by several countries in the region, it has faced pushback in recent weeks from a few politicians who shared fears that it would drag Filipinos into a conflict with China.

Among those who questioned the deal were Senator Imee Marcos, head of the Senate’s foreign relations committee and sister of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Governor Manuel Mamba, a local official of Cagayan – a province likely to play host to new EDCA sites.

In a press conference, however, Galvez said that during a meeting held with Mamba, the local official said “he will abide by the decision of the President.”

“And we have already decided,” he added. Details on new EDCA sites were expected to be announced “soon,” Galvez said.

Economic benefits, disaster relief

On the economic front, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said EDCA “supports the local economy and creates jobs.”

The US has allocated over $82 million to complete 21 projects under the five existing EDCA sites, “the vast majority” of which would go to Philippine companies, Carlson said.

Materials used for the construction of these projects were also sourced locally, the envoy added, “from 80 kilometers to the northeast at Fort Magsaysay [in Nueva Ecija] to 630 kilometers away in the southeast at Cebu.”

When it comes to responding to climate-related calamities, the military deal would also enhance US support for humanitarian assistance activities not only in the Philippines but in the region, said US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall III.

In particular, the rehabilitation of the 2,800-meter Basa Air Base runway, once completed, would provide a larger area for bigger aircraft such as C-130s to maneuver.

Rehabilitation of the runway first built in 1941 is one of 15 projects between the Philippine Air Force and US forces under EDCA, five of which have been completed, while five more on each side were awaiting implementation.

Enhanced defense

When it comes to improving the Philippines’ defense posture, officials underscored that EDCA aims to both modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines and aid the two countries in upholding its Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), which sees both sides commit to defend one another in case of an armed attack in the Pacific.

“If the Mutual Defense Treaty is the ‘why,’ then EDCA is the ‘how,’” Carlson said.

Once completed, upgrades to the runway at Basa Air Base would also make the military base an ideal area for joint exercises, Galvez said.

For Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for American Affairs Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, fully implementing EDCA will likewise make the alliance “more resilient.”

The military deal stands as a “key pillar” supporting combined training, exercises, and interoperability between the two countries’ forces.

“As we look forward to the years ahead, we must also acknowledge that the world has dramatically changed…. We clearly have to forge ahead with our individual and joint efforts to manage geopolitical shifts,” Chan-Gonzaga said.

Kendall added, “We are at an inflection point in history and our cooperation will help ensure that we stay on the path to peace and stability.” 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/basa-air-base-philippines-united-states-seek-banner-benefits-edca/

U.S. Begins Air Base Rehab in Philippines as Part of Basing Agreement

Posted to the US Naval Institute (USNI) Website (Mar 20, 2023): U.S. Begins Air Base Rehab in Philippines as Part of Basing Agreement (By: Rene Acosta)

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 3rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare an F-22A Raptor assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron for departure from Clark Air Base, Philippines, March 14, 2023. US Air Force Photo

MANILA – The United States and the Philippines started rehabilitating the runway of the Basa Air Base in Pampanga on the island of Luzon, one of the five original Philippine military sites identified to host rotating American troops and their equipment under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

Rehabilitation of the runway started after eight years of delays and legal challenges to the EDCA, Department of National Defense Officer-in-Charge Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Monday.

“=Today, we laid down the time capsule to signify openly the start of the necessary rehabilitation of the Basa Air Base as one of the EDCA priorities,” Galvez said.

Secretary of the U.S. Air Force Frank Kendall attended the ceremony at the air base.

The rehabilitation of the 2,800-meter runway will cost $25 million, excluding “improvements” and the construction of the wing’s operation center, Galvez said.

“The runway rehabilitation, which is expected to be completed in September 2023, would make Basa Air Base ideal for the efficient conduct of joint task force exercises and as a natural hub for HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster response) operations, especially that we are a disaster-prone country,” he said.

Out of the 15 EDCA projects, five have been completed, five are still ongoing and the remaining five are up for implementation, Galvez said.

Aside from Basa, the four other original sites that will host American forces and their equipment are Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu and Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro.

The U.S. Embassy in Manila said that $11.4 million has been allocated for EDCA works at Fort Magsaysay, $1.8 million for Antonio Bautista; $2.7 million for the Benito Ebuen and $3.7 million for the Lumbia Air Base.

Late last year, Philippine military officials disclosed that the U.S. asked for four additional sites for the EDCA, and these camps are located in the provinces of Palawan, Zambales, Cagayan and Isabela.

Officials of Cagayan, led by Governor Manuel Mamba, however, are not amenable to hosting American forces in the province, but Galvez said Monday that Mamba has already withdrawn his opposition.

Local reports said the U.S. and Philippines were close to announcing two of the sites.

“The two countries will announce as soon as they can,” Kendall said during a press conference.

The EDCA was originally drafted in 2014 following the departure of the U.S. military in 1991. The agreement allows for U.S. forces to stage material and rotate forces throughout sites in the country. In February, during a visit by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, the agreement added five more additional sites for use by U.S. forces. Manila and Washington also have a 1951 mutual defense pact.

The public ceremony comes as tensions between Beijing and Manilla have been on the rise over Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy, China Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia ships operating near Philippine holdings.

https://news.usni.org/2023/03/20/u-s-begins-air-base-rehab-in-philippines-as-part-of-basing-agreement

Is PH sleepwalking into economic and geopolitical minefield?

Posted to the pro-PRC news/propaganda outlet China News (Mar 21, 2023): Is PH sleepwalking into economic and geopolitical minefield? (By Dan Steinbock)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III visits the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City, Philippines, Feb 1, 2023. [Photo/Agencies

Amid the worst global volatility since 1945, the Philippines may be aligning its future with secular erosion, political divisions, militarization and nuclear risks.

Only some six years ago, the Duterte administration was still recalibrating its foreign policy to balance between Chinese development and US military cooperation. The Philippines, finally, stood to benefit from both great powers, as many Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) members had done for years.

But those days are fading fast. And the timing couldn't be worse. Manila seems to be positioning in a way that could result in elevated economic and geopolitical collateral damage. If that's the case, it's unwarranted. Other options do exist.

Militarization, elevated nuclear risks

Last week, the Philippines and the United States announced the two will hold their largest Balikatan ("shoulder-to-shoulder") military exercise in history, with 17,600 expected participants. Starting in mid-April, it will feature live fire, 12,000 US troops, 5,000 Philippine soldiers, over 110 from Australia and Japanese observers.

Officially, the focus will be on "maritime defense, coast defense and maritime domain awareness." Yet, leading US observers say the aim is to increase interoperability among the allies, to contain China's rise and to optimize US flexibility in its regional military bases.

That, however, is likely to pave the way for a premature military conflict, which will then be used to boost elusive unity and legitimize further mobilization.

Worse, last week also saw the nuclear risks increase drastically as the US nuclear alliance with the UK and Australia (Aukus) revealed a plan to launch a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines in the region.

Australia's defense minister Richard Marles said the deal to buy nuclear-powered attack submarines from the US was necessary to counter the biggest conventional military buildup in the region since World War 2. The deal will cost up to $245 billion over the next three decades and create 20,000 jobs.What Marles left unsaid was that the primary beneficiary of the deal, which will delegate geopolitical risks away from the US to Australia and Asia, is the US Big Defense. And let's be real: those jobs, which will not benefit Australia's civilian economy, represent only 0.14 percent of its total labor force. Far worse, the deal could drag 26 million Australians, along with hundreds of millions of Asians, into a nuclear holocaust.

Flirting with nuclearization

In the process, the stated Philippine foreign policy of "friend to all, enemy to none" appears to be dissolving, while the parallel domestic objective of "unifying the nation" is likely to be derailed. As the march of militarization proceeds, associated economic, political, military and ethnic tensions will increase accordingly. The path from Afghanistan and Iraq to Syria and Ukraine has been a series of colossal devastations. Should the same fate fall to Taiwan or the Philippines, the outcome is not likely to prove that different.

Worse, while the new, more malleable foreign policy could drag the Philippines into hostilities that the wide majority of the Filipinos oppose, it would also split Asean.

Instead of opposing the Aukus, which violates the Philippine Constitution, the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) treaty and the UN nuclear weapons ban treaty that the Philippines has ratified, Manila seems to be aligning its future with the very countries driving the arms races and nuclear proliferation in the region.

Furthermore, this alignment takes place at a historical moment when the economies of these allies are struggling with the worst economic challenges since 1945. Perhaps that's why they now resort to misguided military mobilization, which is exploited as a diversionary technique to distract the governed and pacify the markets.

Cost-of-living crises in the West, rising volatility

US annual inflation rate, which had soared close to 10 percent in summer 2022, slowed only to 6 percent in February. Although the interest rate has been hiked to almost 5 percent, the US remains three times above the Fed's target of 2 percent.

In the euro area, the situation was worse as inflation remained at 8.5 percent in February 2023 after peaking at 11.1 percent in November. Last week, the European Central Bank (ECB) raised interest rates by 0.5 percent, further pushing borrowing costs to the highest level since late 2008. Due to persistent inflation, the hikes are expected to continue.

Even in Japan, where inflation was negative until the fall of 2021, it soared to 4.3 percent in January 2023, the highest since 1981, and continues to rise. As a result, the Japanese central bank's new chief, Kazuo Ueda, will have to raise the interest rate in the coming months, which will further penalize the ailing consumption.

Despite a decade of historical fiscal packages, past monetary easing and massive debt-taking, British living standards are crumbling, French workers are rioting, Italy remains under a colossal debt burden, and even in Germany the recession fears are returning.

If SVB risks and contagion spreads...

The Fed raised the interest rate to 4.5-4.75 percent in its February 2023 meeting, still pushing borrowing costs to the highest since 2007. Despite increasing financial instability, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell warned of more rate hikes and seems to be aiming at 5.25 to 5.5 percent, thus flirting with a recession, or worse.

Indeed, new data shows that the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) wasn't an anomaly, but reflects systemic pressures in the US financial sector. Some 200 American banks face SVB-like risks. They do not have enough assets to pay all customers, even if half of uninsured depositors tried to withdraw their money.

Last week, the ratings agency Moody's downgraded its outlook for the US banking system from stable to negative, due to the "rapidly deteriorating operating environment."

These are the economies Manila is now pivoting to, possibly for years to come.

The lessons of history

Last time, the Philippines served as a battleground of the Great Powers, Japanese troops butchered at least 100,000 Filipino civilians in Manila, while the Battle of Manila caused massive civilian devastation: 100,000 killed and 250,000 in total casualties, thanks to Japanese atrocities and US firepower. Like Berlin and Warsaw, the city became one of the most devastated capitals.

During World War 2, total Filipino deaths amounted to 560,000 to 1 million, almost 4.9 percent of the then population. In relative terms, that's far higher than the losses of the US (0.3 percent) or even Japan (3.9 percent); and higher than in Burma, China, Korea, or Malaya/Singapore. In Southeast Asia, the devastation was worse only in Indochina.

Today the destructive power of Philippine allies' conventional and nuclear weapons is far, far more lethal than in 1945.

Without a genuine "friend to all, enemy to none" foreign policy, the inclusive rise of the Philippines is not viable.

[The author is the founder of Difference Group and has served at the India, China and America Institute (USA), Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (China) and the EU Center (Singapore). The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.]

https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202303/21/WS64190741a31057c47ebb5981.html

Peacefully intended China-Cambodia joint exercise unlike US-led confrontational drills in Asia-Pacific: experts

From the PRC-associated propaganda outlet the Global Times (Mar 20, 2023): Peacefully intended China-Cambodia joint exercise unlike US-led confrontational drills in Asia-Pacific: experts (By Liu Xuanzun)

Soldiers take part in the "Dragon Gold 2020" joint drill in Cambodia's southwestern Kampot province, March 26, 2020. Photo: Xinhua

The Golden Dragon-2023 joint military exercise between China and Cambodia is scheduled to start on Monday in a training ground in Cambodia, with the focus on non-traditional security threats including terrorism, infectious diseases and natural disasters.

Amid foreign media reports claiming Cambodia's deepening ties with China have "raised concerns" in the US and neighbors in the region, experts said that the peacefully intended drill is unlike US-led joint exercises in the Asia-Pacific region that emphasize confrontation.

After arriving in Sihanoukville, Cambodia on Sunday on the Type 071 comprehensive landing ship Jinggangshan, Chinese troops participating in the Golden Dragon-2023 joint exercise rapidly unloaded their equipment and vehicles from the ship under the assistance of local Chinese companies, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Monday.

The Chinese troops will mobilize to the exercise region on vehicles and launch the exercise on Monday, according to an exercise plan announced by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command in a press release.

Comprising three major parts - joint exercise on security for important events, humanitarian aid and cultural exchange - the exercise will focus on practicing for the manage and control of key target regions, the prevention and control of an unidentified infectious disease, the search and disposal of suspected explosives as well as the handling of slow, low and small flying objects.

A number of Southeast Asian countries have sent military officers to the exercise as observers, according to the press release.

The exercise, which will see over 3,000 personnel take part and is scheduled to last until April 8, marks the fifth China-Cambodia regular joint exercise since 2016, and is expected to enhance the two militaries' anti-terrorism and humanitarian aid capabilities.

Shortly before the Jinggangshan's arrival, the PLA Navy ship for the first time conducted a joint maritime exercise with the Royal Cambodian Navy on Sunday.

Some foreign media claimed that the China-Cambodia military cooperation has led to concerns among other countries, with Al Jazeera saying in a Monday report that Phnom Penh's close relationship with Beijing has sometimes proved to be a source of friction in Cambodia's relationship with other members of ASEAN due to the South China Sea issue.

In response, Chen Xiangmiao, director of the World Navy Research Center at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, told the Global Times on Monday that the China-Cambodia joint exercise is a regularly arranged one that focuses on anti-terrorism, cross-border crime as well as medical aid and rescue, none of which is sensitive.

By comparison, US-led joint drills, including the Balikatan exercise with the Philippines and those with other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, are large-scale and feature main battle elements including surface combatants, submarines and warplanes, Chen said. Those US-led exercises are aimed at waging war, while the China-Cambodia joint exercise focuses on exchange and cooperation in non-traditional security fields, he said.

The public should understand that the real trouble maker stirring up confrontation in the region is the US, while China is looking to cooperate and contribute to peace and stability, observers said.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202303/1287642.shtml

FB video MISLEADINGLY claims US, PH will sink Chinese ship

 From VERA Facts File (Mar 20, 2023): VERA FILES FACT CHECK: FB video MISLEADINGLY claims US, PH will sink Chinese ship

By VERA FILES
MAR 20, 2023 1:45 PM

A video on Facebook (FB) claimed that the United States (U.S.) and the Philippines are planning to strike a Chinese vessel sailing on the West Philippine Sea in a “joint operation” that will involve 17,000 troops. This is misleading. The simulation drill, which is part of the annual Balikatan Exercises, will target a decommissioned fishing boat.

Passed off as breaking news, the March 15 video had this headline: “RERESBAK NA! US At Pinas MAGPAPALUBOG NA Ng BARKO Sa WEST PHILIPPINE SEA (RETALIATING NOW! The U.S. and the Philippines will sink a ship in the West Philippine Sea)”

To imply that the target ship is from China, the video’s thumbnail showed a photo of Chinese President Xi Jinping superimposed on a March 5 stock photo of the USS Normandy. It also bore the text: “CHINA NANGINGINIG NA! (China is shaking)”

The video’s voice-over did not back up its headline’s claim but instead quoted Balikatan 2023 spokesperson Col. Michael Logico that the upcoming 2023 Balikatan Exercises will be aimed at maritime and coastal defense, and maritime domain awareness. It will be joined by 17,000 U.S. and Philippine troops, along with a hundred more Australian soldiers.



Amid border tensions with China, Logico said in a March 15 press briefing that this year’s Balikatan will use a “decommissioned, old fishing boat” that was acquired as a target vessel for the upcoming sinking drills.

“We will be sinking a target vessel using a combination of artillery naval gunfire and aviation weapons … a combination of Philippine Air Force and US Air Force rockets and bombs, and our frigates,” Logico said.

The military exercise will be conducted in Zambales near the base of the Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command within the 12-nautical mile territorial waters of the country, according to the Balikatan spokesperson.

FB page Lodss TV (created on March 10) uploaded the misleading video, garnering over 6,800 reactions, 350 comments, 620 shares and 146,000 views. The same video was also published by YouTube channel Terong explained which got more than 840 interactions and 38,000 views.

https://verafiles.org/articles/vera-files-fact-check-fb-video-misleadingly-claims-us-ph-will-sink-chinese-ship

Philippines to announce new bases US soldiers can use

From the Philippine Star (Mar 21, 2023): Philippines to announce new bases US soldiers can use (By Michael Punongbayan)

(L-R) Major General Ramon Guiang, acting Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force, Victor Gonzaga, Philippines' Assistant Secretary for the Office of American Affairs, Philippine acting Defence Secretary Carlito Galvez, Frank Kendall III, US Secretary of the Air Force, United States Ambassador to the Philippines Marykay Carlson, and Major General Jeffrey Hechanova of the Philippine Air Force, pose for a group photo after a ground breaking ceremomny of a runway rehabilitation at Basa Air Base in Floridablanca town, Pampanga Province, north of Manila on March 20, 2023.  Ted Aljibe / AFP

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and the United States will soon announce the locations of four additional military bases in the Southeast Asian country that American soldiers will be allowed to use, officials said yesterday.

The longtime treaty allies agreed last month to expand cooperation in “strategic areas” of the country as they seek to counter China’s growing assertiveness over Taiwan and its building of bases in the South China Sea.

The 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, known as EDCA, gave US forces access to five bases in the Philippines. It has been expanded to nine, but the locations of the four additional bases have not been revealed as the government consults with local officials.

It has been widely reported that two of the sites will be in the northern province of Cagayan, less than 400 kilometers from self-ruled Taiwan, which China sees as part of its territory.

Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba has publicly opposed having EDCA sites in his province for fear of jeopardizing Chinese investment and becoming a target in a conflict over Taiwan.

But Philippine acting Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez told reporters Monday the government had “already decided” on the sites and that Mamba had agreed to “abide with the decision.”

“The two countries will announce as soon as they can (the locations),” said US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall at a joint press conference with Galvez and other officials.

Galvez and Kendall were at Basa Air Base, north of the capital Manila, where the United States is investing $24 million in upgrading the 2.8-kilometer runway.

Basa is one of five bases originally included in the EDCA.

The agreement allows US troops to rotate through the bases and also store defense equipment and supplies at them.

The pact stalled under former president Rodrigo Duterte, who favored China over the country’s former colonial master.

But President Marcos, who succeeded Duterte last June, has adopted a more US-friendly foreign policy and has sought to accelerate the implementation of the EDCA.

Beijing has been critical of the agreement, which its embassy in the Philippines said recently was part of “US efforts to encircle and contain China through its military alliance with this country.”

But Kendall said it was for the “good of the region.”

“The defense treaty with the Philippines... is about mutual protection and peace and security in the region in general,” Kendall said.

Earlier, Galvez and US Ambassador Marykay Carlson led the groundbreaking ceremony for the project to rehabilitate Basa Air Base runway and its facilities in Floridablanca, Pampanga.

EDCA was signed in April 2014 to supplement provisions of the Phl-US visiting forces Agreement.

“After almost eight years of delays and legal challenges, the EDCA implementation is now in full swing. Today, we laid down the time capsule to signify openly the start of the necessary rehabilitation of the Basa Air Base as one of the EDCA priorities,” Galvez announced.

In his speech during the ceremony, he noted that out of 15 approved EDCA projects, five were already completed, five are ongoing and the remaining five are up for implementation soon, adding that already completed projects include the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) warehouse, a C2 Fusion Center and fuel range tanks.

He noted that the Basa Air Base runway rehabilitation project is expected to be completed in September 2023 and make it ideal for the efficient conduct of joint task force exercises and as a natural hub for HADR operations.

This year’s Balikatan exercises set in April will be the biggest ever, with around 17,600 participating troops, of whom 12,000 are Americans.
Phl-China consultations

Meanwhile, the Philippines and China will hold consultations this week covering the two countries’ bilateral relations and maritime issues, including developments in the West Philippine Sea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced yesterday that it is hosting the 23rd Philippines-China Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC) and the 7th Bilateral Consultations Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea on March 23 and 24 in Manila.

“The discussions under the two mechanisms will cover a broad number of issues, including economic, people-to-people maritime, security and regional matters,” the DFA said in a statement.

The FMC, which was last held in 2019, reviews the overall bilateral relations and all aspects of cooperation.

The BCM, last held in 2021, covers maritime issues of concern to either side, including developments in the West Philippine Sea and areas of possible maritime cooperation and confidence-building.

DFA Undersecretary for bilateral relations and ASEAN affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro will lead the Philippine delegation, while the Chinese side will be led by Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong.
Wescom seeks boost

In another development, the Western Command (WESCOM) of the Armed Forces is asking for legislative support that will eventually provide funds to boost the country’s presence and defenses amid China’s increasingly aggressive behavior in Philippine territorial waters in the West Philippine Sea.

Sen. Imee Marcos, chairman of the Senate committee on foreign relations, visited Palawan on Sunday, providing the military a chance to offer recommendations on how to improve its capabilities in the West Philippine Sea.

WESCOM commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos had admitted that “we are grappling with the realities of our complex relations with our neighbors in Asia, our allies in the region, the United States and other countries.”

In a dialogue with Marcos, the military said it offered several recommendations attuned to a Self-Reliant Defense Posture that seeks to improve the country’s external defense operations in the West Philippine Sea.

Carlos specifically asked the elder sister of President Marcos for “support for the sustainment of effective presence in the Kalayaan Island Group, shipbuilding and maintenance, sub-surface detection capability, drone and anti-drone capability and coastal defense.” – Pia Lee-Brago, AFP

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/03/21/2253225/philippines-announce-new-bases-us-soldiers-can-use

USS America amphibious assault ship docks in Manila ahead of shoulder-to-shoulder drills

From Stars & Stripes (Mar 20, 2023): USS America amphibious assault ship docks in Manila ahead of shoulder-to-shoulder drills (By SETH ROBSON)

An MV-22B Osprey lands aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America during training in the East China Sea, March 16, 2023. (Sade’ Anita Wallace/U.S. Navy)

A U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship capable of operating with F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters docked in Manila over the weekend.

Photographs of the 844-foot USS America in the Philippines’ capital were tweeted by the Manila Bulletin on Sunday. The Sasebo, Japan-based flagship of 7th Fleet’s Amphibious Squadron 11 is in the islands ahead of next month’s annual Balikatan drills involving U.S. and Philippine forces.

The exercise, which means “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Tagalog, involves thousands of U.S. troops from multiple service branches training alongside their Filipino counterparts. The drills will kick off April 11 and run through April 28, according to a Philippine Star report citing anonymous Armed Forces of the Philippines officials.

The Navy did not immediately respond to phone and email queries about the port call on Monday, and it is unclear if the warship will be taking part in the exercise.

The amphibious assault ship USS America trains in the East China Sea, March 16, 2023. (Sade’ Anita Wallace/U.S. Navy)

Commissioned in 2014, the America has a crew of nearly 1,000 sailors and can embark about 1,700 Marines. Instead of a well deck to carry landing craft, it has a large hangar bay that provides 30% more storage space and can carry 250% more aviation fuel than a traditional flat-deck ship.

It was designed to maximize the capabilities of the Marine Corps’ F-35B, which is capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings, allowing flat-deck ships like the America to act as small aircraft carriers.

In 2019, the USS Wasp became the first amphibious assault ship to take part in the joint Balikatan exercise in the Philippines with F-35Bs aboard. Last year, another amphibious assault ship, the USS Tripoli, operated there with the stealth jets during the annual Kamandag drills.

Photographs released by the service show F-35Bs from the Iwakuni Japan-based Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 on the ship’s deck in the East China Sea on Thursday.

The fighters launched from another amphibious assault ship, the USS Makin Island, and landed on the America, refueled and returned to the Makin Island, the Navy said in a press release that day.

The F-35s joined up with EA-18G Growlers from Navy Electronic Attack Squadron 135, assigned to Carrier Air Wing 5, and trained with the guided missile-cruiser USS Shiloh and the destroyer USS Chung-Hoon, according to the release.

The Philippine government announced last month that it would add four installations to five sites in the islands where U.S. forces will have access under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

“These efforts are especially important as [China] continues to advance its illegitimate claims in the West Philippine Sea,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters during a Feb. 2 press briefing in Manila.

[Seth Robson is a Tokyo-based reporter who has been with Stars and Stripes since 2003. He has been stationed in Japan, South Korea and Germany, with frequent assignments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Haiti, Australia and the Philippines.]

https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2023-03-20/uss-america-manila-philippines-port-call-9549529.html

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III’s Call With Philippine Senior Undersecretary and Officer in Charge of the Department of National Defense Carlito Galvez

Posted to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Website (Mar 20, 2023): Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III’s Call With Philippine Senior Undersecretary and Officer in Charge of the Department of National Defense Carlito Galvez

DoD Immediate Release

WASHIGNTON -- Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Philippine Officer in Charge of the Department of National Defense Carlito Galvez today to discuss ongoing efforts to strengthen the U.S.-Philippine alliance. They welcomed the recent groundbreaking ceremony for a $24 million runway rehabilitation project at Basa Air Base, one of the approved projects under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

Secretary Austin underscored the United States' unwavering alliance commitment with the Philippines and reiterated that the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to Philippine armed forces, aircraft, and public vessels, including those of its Coast Guard, anywhere in the South China Sea. The two leaders condemned the PRC's gray-zone activities, which interfere with the livelihoods of local Philippine communities and the rights of other claimant states that seek to operate lawfully in the South China Sea consistent with the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling.

The Secretaries noted with particular concern the PRC's massing of more than 40 vessels—including a PLA Navy ship—around Thitu Island earlier this month within the feature's 12-nautical mile territorial sea. The swarming of vessels falls on the heels of a dangerous incident last month, in which the PRC Coast Guard directed a military-grade laser against a Philippine vessel operating lawfully around Second Thomas Shoal, temporarily blinding some of the crew.

Secretary Austin and Secretary Galvez welcomed upcoming operational engagements between the U.S. and Philippine Armed Forces, including during Exercise Balikatan next month which will be the largest iteration of the exercise to date with more than 17,000 participating troops. They also discussed plans to conduct combined maritime activities in the South China Sea and agreed to review the full range of U.S.-Philippine maritime cooperation during the upcoming 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.

Finally, Secretary Austin and Secretary Galvez discussed forthcoming U.S. support to contain and mitigate the ecological damage stemming from an oil spill off the coast of Mindoro Oriental, south of Manila. Secretary Austin also offered his condolences to Secretary Galvez for the recent murder of Governor Degamo and five other individuals.

https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/3335253/readout-of-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iiis-call-with-philippine-senior/

NPA killed in Bukidnon clash

 From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 20, 2023): NPA killed in Bukidnon clash (BY BONITA ERMAC)

ILIGAN CITY – A New People’s Army rebel was killed in an encounter with the Army 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade in Barangay Tikalaan, Talakag, Bukidnon on Sunday, March 19.

Troops were patrolling the area when they chanced upon 30 communist guerrillas, triggering a 45-minute skirmish.

An NPA rebel was killed and two high-powered firearms, ammunition, commercial radios, and personal belongings were recovered in the clash site.

Brig. Gen. Yegor Rey P Barroquillo Jr., 103rd IB commander, lauded troops for diligently pursuing the NPA.

“I appeal to our brothers being misled by the CTG to lay down their arms and embrace peace as we will aggressively continue our mission to end terrorism here in our area of operations," added Barroquillo.

State forces clashed with the NPA a week after a gunfight on Monday, March 13, in Barangay Rogero, Bubong, Lanao del Sur in which was one soldier was killed and another was wounded.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/3/20/npa-killed-in-bukidnon-clash

Gov’t still prefers local peace talks with communists

 From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 21, 2023): Gov’t still prefers local peace talks with communists (By JEROME ANING)

New People’s Army (NPA) | INQUIRER.net file photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on Monday said it would continue pushing for local peace initiatives to address the root causes of the communist insurgency and ensure that former rebels would have better lives.

Undersecretary Wilben Mayor, spokesperson for OPAPRU, said the government was adopting the stand of the previous administration to do away with national peace talks with leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army and National Democratic Front.

Mayor said the OPAPRU, under Acting Presidential Adviser Isidro Purisima, was following the five-point peace reconciliation and unity agenda that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had laid down. One of them is to end local communist armed conflict.

RELATED STORIES
Church groups urge peace talks with communists
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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1745677/govt-still-prefers-local-peace-talks-with-reds

Soldier dies in clash with suspected NPA rebels in Masbate

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 20, 2023): Soldier dies in clash with suspected NPA rebels in Masbate (By: John Eric Mendoza)

MANILA, Philippines — A soldier was killed on Monday during an encounter with suspected members of the communist New People’s Army in Masbate town, the Philippine Army said.

Corporal Antonio Parreno Jr. was killed after the 2nd Infantry Battalion figured in a five-minute exchange of gunfire with some 12 communist rebels in Barangay Villahermosa in Cawayan town.

The Army said the casualty in the rebel side is still being determined.

Meanwhile, government troops confiscated an R4 assault rifle, two improvised explosive devices, and other personal materials.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1745620/soldier-dies-in-clash-with-suspected-npa-rebels-in-masbate

NPA ‘amazon’ gets life in prison

From the Philippine Star (Mar 21, 2023): NPA ‘amazon’ gets life in prison (Michael Punongbayan)

MANILA, Philippines — An alleged female member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was sentenced to life in prison for illegal possession of firearms and explosives, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) announced yesterday.

Alexandra Pardilla Pacalda has been tagged by the NTF-ELCAC’s Legal Cooperation Cluster as a “fake human rights defender.”

Pacalda, then 24 years old, surrendered to the military and police in 2019.

She was given a chance to avail herself of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, but she retracted and accused the military of arbitrary detention.

The NTF-ELCAC, in a statement, said the NPA amazon has been convicted of illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives by Lucena City Regional Trial Court Judge Salvador Villarosa Jr.

Pacalda is a member of the communist group pretending to be a human rights defender, according to the NTF-ELCAC.

“She surrendered to authorities only to recant her testimony upon the prodding of human rights group Karapatan and the National Union of People’s Lawyers,” the NTF-ELCAC said.

“It is sad that these so-called human rights defenders left Pacalda to rot in prison, but are bent on scouring for youth to deceive and use as cover for their unlawful acts,” the inter-agency body added.

The NTF-ELCAC said Pacalda’s case is a wakeup call for the youth to “value their lives and families. They should pursue their dreams within the folds of law.”

Pacalda’s case is also an eye opener for legislators so they would not be deceived by House Bill 77 or the Human Rights Defenders Protection Act, which will be abused by terrorist groups to protect themselves from law enforcers, according to NTF-ELCAC.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2023/03/21/2253180/npa-amazon-gets-life-prison

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Mga bahay ng katutubo sa Negros Occidental, niransak ng 62nd IB

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 16, 2023): Mga bahay ng katutubo sa Negros Occidental, niransak ng 62nd IB (Native houses in Negros Occidental, destroyed by the 62nd IB)

March 20, 2023

Pilit na pinasok at niransak ng mga sundalo ng 62nd IB ang mga bahay ng mga katutubo sa mga barangay ng Isabela, Negros Occidental habang nagsasagawa ng operasyong kombat na bahagi ng kontra-insurhensyang kampanya ng Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Sa Barangay Banog-Banog, pinasok ng mga tropa ng 62nd IB ang bahay ng mag-asawang magsasaka na sina Danila at Libeth Gerunda sa Sityo Lower Caliban noong Marso 19. Hindi inabutan ng mga sundalo ang mag-asawa sa naturang bahay pero nakita nila ang anak ng mga ito. Tinatok at pilit na kinuhanan ng litrato ng mga sundalo ang mga kabataang menor-de-edad sa naturang bahay. Nagdulot ito ng labis na takot sa mga bata.

Samantala, noong Marso 17, pinasok ng nag-ooperasyong tropa ng 62nd IB ang bahay ni Renante Villacapa sa Sityo Caliban sa parehong barangay. Ininteroga siya ng mga sundalo at pilit na isinama sa kanilang operasyong kombat para magsilbing giya sa operasyon laban sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan.

Ang pagdadawit sa mga sibilyan sa armadong tunggalian ay labag sa Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law o CARHRIHL na pinirmahan kapwa ng gubyenro ng Pilipinas at ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

Nilabag nito ang Ika-4 na Bahagi, Artikulo 4, Numero 4 ng CARHRIHL: “Ang sibilyang populasyon at mga sibilyan ay itatrato bilang sibilyan at ipag-iiba sa mga mandirigma at, kasama ang kanilang ari-arian, ay hindi maaaring atakihin.” Taliwas din ito sa mga panuntunan ng internasyunal na makataong batas na nangangalaga sa kagalingan ng mga sibilyan sa gitna ng armadong tunggalian.

Ayon sa mga ulat, nagpapatuloy ang operasyon ng higit 150 tropang militar sa maraming komunidad ng mga katutubo sa Barangay Makilignit, Barangay Banogbanog at Barangay Riverside sa bayan ng Isabela. Marami sa mga sibilyan ang sapilitang pinasusuko, nirered-tag at sinisindak ng mga sundalo sa kanilang operasyon.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/mga-bahay-ng-katutubo-sa-negros-occidental-niransak-ng-62nd-ib/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Pasismo sa Kaumahan, LPC-NPA Lubos Nagakondenar

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Mar 20, 2023): Pasismo sa Kaumahan, LPC-NPA Lubos Nagakondenar (Peasant Fascism, LPC-NPA Strongly Condemned)

 


JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

March 20, 2023

Mabaskog nga ginakondenar sang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army ang masingki nga pasismo nga ginasabwag sang berdugong 62nd IB sa Central Negros, ilabe na ng padayon kag muklat nga paglapas sang nasambit nga pasistang tropa sa mga kasugtanan sa laye sa gyera kag CARHRIHL sa tunga sang gyera sibil sa pungsod.

Lubos gid ginakondenar sang LPC-NPA ang paglusob sang 150 ka tropa sang 62nd sa komunidad sang nga Indigenous People (IP’s) kag kalapasan sini sa tawhanon nga kinamatarung sa sityo Caliban, Brgy Banog-banog, Isabela, Negros Occidental sadtong Marso 17-20, 2023.

Marso 17, 2023-pilit nga ginsaka sang 62nd IB ang puluy-an ni Renante Villacapa, may asawa kag kabataan sang sityo Caliban sakop sang Brgy Banog-banog. Si Renante Villacapa ang ginkastigo kag pilit nga gindala sang nasambit nga pasistang tropa agud pagiyahon sa ila nga operasyon militar sa lugar.

Marso 17-ang pagkastigo sang 62nd IB kay Eyok Diala, legal ang edad, may asawa kag kabataan sang sityo Caliban, Brgy Banog-banog, Isabela.

Marso 19 alas 4:00 sang hapon-pilit nga ginsaka sang tropa sang 62nd IB ang balay sang mag-asawa nga sanday Danilo kag Libeth Gerunda sang sityo Lower Caliban sakop sang Brgy Banog-banog Isabela.. Wala ang mag-asawa kag lunsay mga kabataan lamang ang nabilin sa nasambit nga puluy-an sang pamilya Gerunda. Pilit man nga ginkuhaan sang litrato ang balay kag mismo ang mga minor de edad nga mga kabataan sang mag-asawang Gerunda.

Marso 20-gintayaan man sang armas si Evelyn Bitonga, babaye may bana kag kabataan sang amo gihapon nga lugar.

Marso 17, 2023 tubtob karun nga adlaw Marso 20 halos napalibutan sang 9 ka kolum sang 62nd IB ang sityo Caliban. Nagdangat sa 150 ka tropa militar nga nakapwesto sa sityo Hinagduan, Paganpan, Mampa-ong sang Brgy Banog-banog, sityo Katungaw-tungawan kag Brgy proper sang Brgy Makilignit kag Aguntilang-3 kag Camandagan sang Brgy Riverside, Isabela.

Kabutigan ang masami ginawakal sang 303rd Bde PA paagi sa ila manugtaghol nga si Sgt Dequiña nga zero human rights violation ang Armed Forces of the Philippines bangud oryentado na ang kabug-usan nga mga tropa sini sa hambalanon sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung. Bisan anu pa man nga tinikal kag binutig sang mga maugtaghol sang militar kaangay ni Sgt Dequiña upod kay Col. Orlando Edralin sang 303rd Bde PA, indi na mapanas sa huna-huna sang kadam-an nga pumuluyo ang “pasista kag bayaran” nga tatak sang AFP, PNP kag iban pa nga mga mapintas nga makinaryas sang estado.

Basi nalipatan lang ukon ignorante gid si Sgt Dequiña kag Col. Edralin kon ngaa wala nagahubas ang kusog sang CPP-NPA sa isla ilabe na sa Central Negros. Ini bangud sang mga masunod:

1. Ang bug-os nga rebolusyonaryong kahublagan ilabe na ang CPP-NPA, ang ginkilala na sa international community nga isa ka lehitimong organisasyon nga nagahimakas batok sa imperyalismo, burukrata-kapitalismo kag pyudalismo. Ginkilala man ang CPP-NPA nga indi terrorista kag lubos ini nga ginasuporta sang malapad nga masa sang pumuluyo.

2. Demokratiko, makatarunganon kag may pang-masang kinaiya ang ginatib-ong sang NPA nga Inaway banwa. Wala gid ma-ugat sang mga US-puppet/tuta nga rehimen ang insurhensiya nga nagaluntad sa pungsod. Inutil ang rehimen sa pagsolbar sang mga sandigan nga problema sang pumuluyo ilabe na ang pagpatuman sang matuod nga reporma sa duta kag pungsodnon nga industrialisasyon. Ang kadam-an nga nagatalauma sang duta, ang wala sang duta nga palangabuhian kag wala man sang kagamitan sa produksyon ang mga mamumugon samtang ang pipila lang ang nagadominar kag nagakontrolar sang malapad nga kadutaan samtang naga-akumular sang dalagko nga ganansya ang mga kapitalista gamit ang kusog sang naga-antus nga sahing anakbalhas sa barato nga kusog pangabudlay. Ang sahing ginahimuslan kag ginapigos ang kongkreto nga gina-alagaran sang NPA para hilwayon sila sa kamot sang mapiguson kag mahimuslanon nga sistema taliwas sa pasistang AFP nga naga-alagad sa kaugalingon nga interes sang nagahari nga sahi kag sahing kapitalista. Gani makatarunganon ang inaway banwa nga ginalunsar sang CPP-NPA.

3. Maragtason na ang armadong paghimakas sa pungsod. Halin sa gamay kag mahuyang padayon nagadako, nagalig-on kag nagabaskog ang CPP-NPA, bangud sang padayon man nga pagbayolar sang pasistang militar sa tawhanon nga kinamatarung sang mga inosenteng sibilyan, mga patriotiko kag iban pa demokratikong sektor. Rason nga tubtob subong ara lang nagaluntad ang rebolusyonaryong kahublagan sa pihak sang tudo-larga nga kampanyang kontra-insurhensya sang nagabulos-bulos nga rehimen upod sa focus military operation sang AFP, PNP kag NTF-Elcac. Singkwentay kwatro na ka tuig padayon kag lig-on nga nagasulong sang armadong paghimakas ang CPP-NPA upod ang wala paghubas nga suporta sang malapad nga masa.

Dapat ibutang sa alimpatakan ni Dequiña kag Edralin nga mentras may inhustisya sosyal, indi malikawan ang pag-alsa sang pumuluyo kag mag-uyat sang armas agud maghimakas batok sa garuk kag mapanghimulos nga sistema sang sosyedad Pilipino. Samtang may ginahimuslan kag ginapigos sa kapuluan, maga-usbong ang armadong rebolusyon, pabalod-balod nga palibutan ang kasyudaran gikan sa kaumahan agud agawon ang poder sa nagahari nga sahi paagi sa Demokratiko nga rebolusyon sang banwa kag pangmalawigon nga inaway banwa padulong sa bag-ong sosyedad nga sosyalismo.

Hublasan ang pasismo nga ginasabwag sang desperadong 62nd IB sa kaumahan sang Central Negros. Isulong ang inaway banwa kag silotan ang berdugong AFP, PNP kag bayaran nga mga pwersa sang estado!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/pasismo-sa-kaumahan-lpc-npa-lubos-nagakondenar/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Komunidad sang mga Indigenous People sa Negros Occidental, ginlusob sang 62nd IB

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Mar 20, 2023): Komunidad sang mga Indigenous People sa Negros Occidental, ginlusob sang 62nd IB (Community of the Indigenous People in Negros Occidental, invaded by the 62nd IB)

 


JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

March 20, 2023

Liwat nga ginlusob sang 150 ka berdugong tropa sang 62nd IB ang komunidad sang mga Indigenous People sa sityo sang Lower kag Upper Caliban, border sang Brgy Makilignit kag Brgy Banog-banog banwa sang Isabela, Negros Occidental. Pilit nga ginapangsaka-saka ang mga kabalayan ngà wala sang search warrant kag puguso nga gina-interogar ang mga pumuluyo kaangot sa presenya sang NPA sa lugar. Ginapahug ang mga IP’s kag ginapasibangdan sang pasistang militar nga mga supporter sang NPA.

Marso 17, 2023 tubtob karun nga adlaw Marso 20 halos napalibutan sang 9 ka kolum sang 62nd IB ang sityo Caliban. Nagdangat sa 150 ka tropa militar nga nakapwesto sa sityo Hinagduan, Paganpan, Mampa-ong sang Brgy Banog-banog, sityo Katungaw-tungawan kag Brgy proper sang Brgy Makilignit kag Aguntilang-3 kag Camandagan sang Brgy Riverside, Isabela.

Pilit nga ginsaka sang tropa sang 62nd IB ang balay sang mag-asawa nga sanday Danilo kag Libeth Gerunda sang sityo Lower Caliban sakop sang Brgy Banog-banog Isabela, alas 4:00 sang hapon, Marso 19, 2023. Wala ang mag-asawa kag lunsay mga kabataan ang nabilin sa nasambit nga puluy-an sang pamilya Gerunda. Pilit man nga ginkuhaan sang litrato ang balay kag mismo ang mga minor de edad nga mga kabataan sang mag-asawang Gerunda.

Marso 17, 2023-pilit nga ginsaka sang 62nd IB ang puluy-an ni Renante Villacapa, may asawa kag kabataan sang sityo Caliban sakop sang Brgy Banog-banog. Si Renante Villacapa ang ginkastigo kag pilit nga gindala sang nasambit nga pasistang tropa agud pagiyahon sa ila nga operasyon militar sa lugar.

Subong nga adlaw ara pa ang presenya sang pasistang 62nd IB sa nasambit nga lugar. Bangud sang ginahimo sang militar sa pamilya Gerunda, nagakakugmat ang mga pumuluyo ilabe na ang grupo sang Indigenous People sa lugar bangud pa sang pagredtag sa mga IP’s nga ginapasibangdan nga mga supporter sang NPA sa Isla ilabe na sa banwa sang Isabela. Nadumduman 2012 illegal nga ginpang-aresto ang 19 ka mga katapo sang IP’s sa sityo Hiniwaan, Brgy San Agustin, Isabela kag pagkapriso sang 8 sini sa sulod sang 3 ka tuig. Isa sa mga napriso si Sintoy Dadlis, lP’s Chieftain sa Brgy San Agustin banwa sang Isabela, Negros Occidental bangud lang sang pagpasibangud sa hinimu-himo nga mga kaso.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/komunidad-sang-mga-indigenous-people-sa-negros-occidental-ginlusob-sang-62nd-ib/

CPP/NDF-Southern Tagalog: Palayain si Alexa Pacalda, human rights worker na ipiniit ng estado!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Mar 19, 2023): Palayain si Alexa Pacalda, human rights worker na ipiniit ng estado! (Release Alexa Pacalda, human rights worker imprisoned by the state!)

 


Patnubay de Guia

Spokesperson

NDF-Southern Tagalog

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

March 19, 2023

Kasuklam-suklam ang desisyon ng Lucena Regional Trial Court Branch 56 noong Marso 15 sa kaso ng human rights worker na si Alexandrea Pacalda na hinatulang guilty sa mga gawa-gawang kasong isinampa laban sa kanya ng pasistang 201st Brigade. Hindi makatarungan ang ipinataw sa kanyang parusang 10-taong pagkakakulong para sa kasong illegal possesion of firearms and ammunition at reclusion perpetua o habambuhay na pagkapiit sa diumanong paglabag niya sa batas sa mga eksplosibo.

Malinaw itong inhustisya dahil walang kasalanan o krimen sa bayan si Alexa. Puro gawa-gawang kaso at tanim na ebidensya ng mga militar ang ginawang batayan ng naging hatol sa kanya. Dapat siyang palayain at bigyan ng hustisya dahil biktima siya ng pang-aapi at pandarahas ng pasistang estado, hindi ibinbin sa piitan.

Isa si Alexa sa daan-daang bilanggong pulitikal sa buong bansa na ipiniit para supilin ang kanilang pagmumulat, pag-oorganisa at pagpapakilos sa masang api lalo sa mga magsasaka. Nasa proseso si Alexa ng pakikipagkonsultahan sa mga magsasakang biktima ng militarisasyon nang siya’y iligal na dakpin ng 201st Brigade noong Setyembre 14, 2019 sa Brgy. Magsaysay, Gen. Luna, Quezon.

Sa umpisa pa lang ay lansakan ng nilabag ng mga pulis at militar ang karapatang-tao ni Alexa. Hinuli siya nang walang warrant of arrest. At habang nasa kamay ng mga militar, dumanas siya ng tortyur dahil pilit siyang pinapaamin na kasapi ng NPA. Maging ang kanyang pamilya ay ginipit at nilinlang ng militar upang pumirma sa dokumentong magpapatunay na NPA si Alexa. Napwersa ang kanyang ama na pumirma sa affidavit dahil sa pagbabanta ng mga militar na kakasuhan at ibayong pahihirapan si Alexa. Tiyak na ang pinakahuling desisyon ng korte ay malaking dagok kay Alexa at sa kanyang pamilya.

Ipinapakita ng kaso ni Alexa ang pagkubabaw ng pasismo sa hudikatura at lalong pagkabulok ng sistema ng batas at hustisya sa bansa. Patuloy itong ginagamit na kasangkapan ng estado sa panunupil sa pamamagitan ng pag-aresto at pagbilanggo ng sinumang nakikibaka para sa demokratikong interes ng mamamayan. Nais ng estado na bulukin sa kulungan ang mga tulad ni Alexa at baliin ang kanilang paninindigang ipaglaban ang kagalingan at karapatan ng mga inaapi’t pinagsasamantalahan. Hibang na inaakala ng pasistang estado na sa ganitong paraan maigugupo ang magiting na pakikibaka ng mamamayan para sa lupa, sahod, trabaho, de-kalidad na serbisyong sosyal at katarungan.

Hindi malulupig ng kalupitan ng pasistang estado ang tapat at dalisay na hangarin ng mga demokratiko at rebolusyonaryong pwersa na palayain ang sambayanan mula sa kahirapan at kaapihan. Si Alexa sampu ng iba pang bilanggong pulitikal ay nagpupunyagi sa paglaban para sa kanilang kalayaan at hustisyang panlipunan kahit nasa loob ng piitan. Inspirasyon sila ng malawak na hanay ng nakikibakang mamamayan lalo ang masang anakpawis na kanilang pinaglilingkuran upang magpursige sa landas ng pambansa demokratikong pakikibaka.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/palayain-si-alexa-pacalda-human-rights-worker-na-ipiniit-ng-estado/

CPP/NDF-MAKIBAKA-Laguna: Kababaihan, kamtin ang mas matatayog na rebolusyonaryong tagumpay! Palawakin at patatagin ang hanay, at ubos-lakas na isulong ang digmang bayan!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Mar 18, 2023): Pahayag ng Makibaka-Laguna sa ika-51 anibersaryo ng Makibaka///Kababaihan, kamtin ang mas matatayog na rebolusyonaryong tagumpay! Palawakin at patatagin ang hanay, at ubos-lakas na isulong ang digmang bayan! (Statement of Makibaka-Laguna on the 51st anniversary of Makibaka///Women, achieve greater revolutionary victories! Expand and strengthen the ranks, and advance the people's war with all your might!)

 


Divina Malaya

Spokesperson

Makabayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan-Laguna

NDF-Laguna

NDF-Southern Tagalog

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

March 18, 2023

Ang babaeng sinusubok at inaapi ng panahon ay babaeng buong pusong niyayakap ang rebolusyon.

Hindi matatawarang galak at pagbubunyi ang hatid ng hanay ng rebolusyonaryong kababaihan sa Laguna para sa ika-51 na anibersaryo ng MAKIBAKA o Makabayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan, ang rebolusyonaryong organisasyon ng kababaihang Pilipino. Mula nang maitatag ito hanggang sa kasalukuyan, patuloy na namamayagpag ang MAKIBAKA bilang tagapamandila ng kilusang mapagpalaya ng kababaihan. Ang higit limang dekada ng MAKIBAKA ay patunay sa importanteng gampanin ng kababaihan sa pagsulong ng digmang bayan.

Binasag ng MAKIBAKA ang atrasadong ideya na ang kababaihan ay walang kakayanan upang mamuno o lumahok sa pagbuo ng mahahalagang desisyon sa lipunan. Malaki ang naging kontribusyon ng organisasyon maging sa pagwawasto sa pananaw sa kababaihan maging sa loob ng kilusan. Naging signipikante rin ang papel ng MAKIBAKA sa pagbubukas ng mga usapin hinggil sa mga kasamang may kinikilalang kasarian sa kilusan. Sa agos ng lipunang Pilipino na kontrolado ng Imperyalismo, Pyudalismo, at Burukrata Kapitalismo, isa ang MAKIBAKA sa buong tapang na sumasalungat sa bawat hampas nito.

Sa kasalukuyan, nilulunod ng matinding kahirapan ang mga kababaihan saan mang parte ng bansa. Tila walang senyales ng paghinto ang krisis na hinaharap ng mamamayang Pilipino. Nariyan ang pagbulusok ng ekonomiya ng bansa kasabay ng naitalang 8.7% na implasyon noong Enero 2023, pinakamataas na implasyon sa kasaysayan habang tuluy-tuloy sa pagsirit ang presyo ng mga batayang produkto sa merkado. At dahil sa nagtataasang presyo ng bilihin at mga bayarin, ang binabarat na sweldo ng mga manggagawa ay kulang na kulang upang tustusan ang mga pangangailangan. Bilang halimbawa, ang minimum na sahod sa lalawigan ng Laguna ay naglalaro mula 350 piso hanggang 470 piso kada araw, malayo sa higit 1, 000 piso na kailangan upang mairaos ng isang pamilya ang isang araw.

Humaharap din ang mga Pilipino sa iba’t ibang porma ng atake na dulot mismo ng kasalukuyang naghaharing administrasyon ng Gubyerno ng Republika ng Pilipinas. Mula nang umupo sina Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Sara Duterte sa pwesto matapos ang pinaka maruming halalan sa bansa, samu’t saring kaso ng paniniktik, panggigipit, iligal na pag-aresto, at pagpaslang sa mamamayan ang naitala. Hindi pa natatapos ang krisis na ito sa paghihirap at kagutuman ng mamamayan. Walang pakundangan din ang pagratsada sa mga kontra-mamamayang polisya at mga batas sa ilalim ng rehimeng US-Marcos II-Duterte tulad ng Maharlika Wealth Fund, Mandatory ROTC, pag-amyenda sa Konstitusyon ng 1987, pagratipikasa Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership o RECP na magpapahirap sa mga Pilipino partikular sa mga magsasaka, at pagpapaigting ng kasunduang militar kasama ang imperyalistang Amerika sa ilalim ng pulpol na Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement o EDCA na tiyak na maglalagay sa mas maraming kababaihan, LGBTQ+, at iba pa sa panganib na dulot ng pwersang ‘Kano.

Ngayon ay sumusuong muli ang MAKIBAKA sa malalim at madilim na karagatan ng krisis panlipunan. Habang bumabawi mula sa mga natamong pinsala sa nagdaang pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte, kinakailangan ng MAKIBAKA at buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan ng mamamayan na manatiling guwardiyado upang tugunan ang atake ng kalaban. Sa kanayunan man o kalunsuran, batid ng MAKIBAKA ang kahalagahan ng mas mahigpit na pag-agapay sa kasapian nito sa usapin ng seguridad at maging sa mga personal na bagay.

Ngunit sa gitna ng mga atake, tinatanaw ito ng MAKIBAKA bilang mabigat na pagsubok upang marating ang payapa at masagang pangpang. Bilang mga rebolusyonaryo, magpapatuloy at mas magpapakahusay at magiging mapangahas ang mga kasapi ng MAKIBAKA sa lahat ng gawain. Alinsunod sa tawag ng panahon at rebolusyon, hamon sa mga kababaihan at may kinikilalang kasarian na lumubog sa mga komunidad, paaralan, pagawaan, lupang sakahan, at iba pa upang ibayong konsolidahin at mag-organisa ng laksa-laksang kababaihan.

Batid ng MAKIBAKA ang kahalagahan ng pakikidigma kung kaya’t patuloy itong makikidigma. Bitbit ang gabay ng Marxismo-Leninismo-Maoismo, at sa gabay ng dakilang Partido, nagsisilbing pinakamataas na hamon sa lahat ng kababaihan at may kinikilalang kasarian na kasapi ng MAKIBAKA na magtungo sa kanayunan, buong tapang na tanggapin ang rebolusyonaryong tungkulin ng kababaihan, tumangan ng armas, at lumahok sa demokratikong rebolusyong bayan upang gapiin ang Imperyalismo, Pyudalismo, at Burukrata Kapitalismo, at sama-samang buuin ang isang lipunan na walang abuso at pananamantala, at mayroong tunay na pambansang kalayaan, demokrasya, at pagkakapantay-pantay.

Kababaihan at LGBTQ+, lagutin ang kadena ng pambubusabos! Isulong at ipagtagumpay ang Digmang Bayan! Sumapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan!

Mabuhay ang ika-51 anibersaryo ng Makabayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan! Mabuhay ang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/kababaihan-kamtin-ang-mas-matatayog-na-rebolusyonaryong-tagumpay-palawakin-at-patatagin-ang-hanay-at-ubos-lakas-na-isulong-ang-digmang-bayan/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Lapnagon kag Masingki nga Militarisasyon sa Central Negros, Ginakondenar sang NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Mar 18, 2023): Lapnagon kag Masingki nga Militarisasyon sa Central Negros, Ginakondenar sang NPA (Rampant and Massive Militarization in Central Negros, Condemned by the NPA)

 


JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

March 18, 2023

Mabaskog nga ginakondenar sang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army ang lapnagon kag masingki nga militarisasyon sa mga kaumahan sang Central Negros gikan pa sadtong Pebrero 12-Marso 17, 2023 sang kumbinado nga pasistang tropa sang 62nd IB, 94th IB kag PNP nga naga-operasyon. Padayon nga nagabayolar sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung, pila ka mga kasugtanan sa gyera kag CARHRIHL. Muklat nga ginalapas sang mga berdugo kag pasistang AFP kag PNP ang demokratiko kag tawhanon nga kinamatarung sang mga sibilyan. Ginasaka ang mga puluy-an kag ginapahug ang mga sibilyan sa tion sang kagab-ihon, ginapasibangdan nga supporter sang NPA kag pilit ginapsurender. Ang mga Brgy Hall, IP’s meeting Hall kag mga eskwelahan ang ginahimo nga kampo militar.

Lubos man ginakondenar sang LPC-NPA ang illegal nga pag-aresto sang 62nd IB kay Ricky Elod kagab-ihon sang Marso 17, 2023 sa sityo Caliban, Brgy Makilignit, Isabela, Negros Occidental. Si Elod mangunguma, may asawa kag 2 ka kabataan, ang ginkuha sang militar sa ila puluy-an kagab-i kag tubtob subong wala pa mahibal-an kon diin gindala sang nasambit nga tropa. Subong man ang pagransak sang balay ni JR Apao sa sityo Binil-iwan, Brgy Calupaan, Guihulngan City, kagab-i Marso 17, alas 10:30. Mahamuok nga nagakatulog si JR upod sa iya asawa kag mga kabataan sang namukaw ang 62nd IB nga naga-operasyon sa nasambit nga puluy-an. Pilit nga dal-on sang militar si JR agud maggiya sa ila operasyon. Ginsabat ni JR nga “indi ko mag-upod sir kay gab-i na kag wala upod ang akon asawa kag mga kabataan.” Sabat sang militar, “Indi ka mag-upod sa amon pero kon NPA ang mag-ayo sa imo upod ka man dayon.” Gilayon kumand sang CO sang nasambit nga tropa nga “ransakon ang bilog nga balay.” Natrauma ang mga kabataan kag asawa sang nakita sini nga gina-ukay ang ila puluy-an. Ginhambalan pa sang militar nga “balikan ka diri namon kon maka-engkentro kami.”

Nagapakita lang nga desperado ang 62nd IB sa pagpangita sa presenya sang NPA sa lugar bangud sang kahalitan nga ila naagum sa mga opensiba sang NPA ilabe na sang natabo nga pagharas sang NPA sa bag-o g gintukod nga army detachment sa Brgy Malangsa, Vallehermoso. Nadumduman 2 patay kag 2 pilason sa berdugong 62nd IB sadtong Marso 15, 2023.

Ginapanawagan sa tanan nga yunit sang NPA idalum sa LPC nga padayon nga maglunsar sang taktikal nga opensiba. Silotan ang pasistang tropa militar kag ihatag ang hustisya sa ila mga nabiktima.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/lapnagon-kag-masingki-nga-militarisasyon-sa-central-negros-ginakondenar-sang-npa/

U.S. advance party for ‘Balikatan’ 2023 arriving March 20

Posted to Palawan News (Mar 19, 2023): U.S. advance party for ‘Balikatan’ 2023 arriving March 20 (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora and Priam Nepomuceno)

PN File photo

An advanced party from the United States Armed Forces that will be joining the 2023 “Balikatan” exercises next month is scheduled to arrive in the Philippines on March 20.

Col. Medel Aguilar, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), on Saturday said the guests would be working on various humanitarian civic assistance programs before the annual military exercises formally begin April 11.

“Ito po ay mga construction of facilities at saka mga cooperative health engagements, community relations programs na isasagawa po ng AFP at saka ng US Armed Forces bilaterally sa iba-ibang lugar sa buong Pilipinas (These would involve construction of facilities and cooperative health engagements as well as community relations programs that would be undertaken by the AFP and US Armed Forces across the Philippines),” he said in a media forum.

More than 17,000 personnel from the Philippines and the US will be joining this year’s Balikatan (literally meaning shoulder-to-shoulder) the largest iteration of the annual joint military drills.

The exercises will be held from April 11 to 28 in various parts of the country, including Palawan, Batanes, and Zambales.

READ: Over 17K PH, US troops to join ‘biggest-ever’ Balikatan drills

Both the AFP and the Australian Embassy earlier confirmed that around 100 members of the Australian Defence Force would be active participants.

“Australia is proud to return as an active participant in Exercise Balikatan 2023. This is a significant activity that offers the opportunity for the Australian Defence Force to continue to work closely with our partners, particularly the Philippines and the US,” the Australian Embassy in Manila said in a statement.

“In 2023, Australian participation will be our strongest yet — with approximately 100 personnel from conventional and special forces participating in multiple scenarios throughout the Philippines, this includes field training and live fire activities.”

Japan, meanwhile, will deploy observers.

Tokyo and Manila are still in talks over the proposed establishment of a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) or a Status of Forces Agreement which would pave the way for more enhanced training and exercises between the two nations.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino led a Philippine delegation to the Defense and Security Equipment International in Tokyo, Japan on March 14 to 17.

He had an opportunity to discuss the RAA with Gen. Koji Yamazaki, chief of the Japan Self Defense Forces, as well as issues of mutual concern on maritime cooperation and defense, and capability development.

Col. Jorry Baclor, AFP public affairs chief, said in a statement that Yamazaki guaranteed Japan’s “friendship and assistance on common security issues together with other like-minded countries” for a rules-based international order in the West Philippines Sea and a “free and open” Indo-Pacific. (PNA)

https://palawan-news.com/u-s-advance-party-for-balikatan-2023-arriving-march-20/

Sen. Marcos raises concerns over EDCA expansion during Palawan visit

From Palawan News (Mar 20, 2023): Sen. Marcos raises concerns over EDCA expansion during Palawan visit (By Gerald Ticke)

Senator Imee Marcos, in her recent visit to Palawan, expressed anew her apprehension over the expansion of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States of America, noting that the four new sites are near the Taiwan Strait, where there is an escalating tension with China.

Sen. Marcos stated that while the expansion is not yet clear, what she understands is that there is already a signed agreement.

She said that she still wants the specifics explained, hoping that it would not be utilized for reasons that would put the country in jeopardy.

“Sana hindi ito maging base militar at higit sa lahat, hindi ito maging staging site ng pag-atake. At magiging bukas tayo sa iba’t-ibang dayuhang papasok dito,” Marcos told the media in a press conference during her visit in Puerto Princesa on Sunday.

“Kung kalaban ng iba, bakit naman tayo manghihimasok? Yun ang kinatatakutan natin dahil hindi naman tayo handa at yung WESCOM natin ay puro tapang ang ipinaglalaban natin, hindi naman pwedeng puro ganoon,” she added.

Marcos earlier questioned the proposed sites for EDCA expansion in Northern Luzon noting the tension between China and Taiwan.

“Are we talking about the escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait as the number one issue?” Marcos asked at a Senate briefing on the new EDCA sites last March 1.

“It clearly indicates that this is the first line in the Taiwan attacks that are projected,” she added.

She also noted that what the new expanded EDCA is trying to address is the escalation of tensions in the Taiwan straits and not the concerns of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.

The four new sites for EDCA are Cagayan, Isabela, Zambales and Palawan.

Meanwhile, in her talk with officials of Western Command (WESCOM) Marcos manifested her quest to resurrect a dormant government program that allows the country to be self-reliant in national defense.

Marcos said she is advocating for the revival and strengthening of the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP), which she claims will give a significant boost to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program and its goal of addressing the military’s strength in terms of building up its external defense system.

Marcos, who chairs the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, asserted that through the SRDP, a program that her father, the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos, implemented in the 1970s, the AFP was able to produce and manufacture a variety of military hardware, such as armaments, vehicles, and mini cruisers, among others.

Her proposal comes at a time when the Philippine government is preparing four new areas for U.S. military access in the country and a defense cooperation agreement with Japan.

Meanwhile, WESCOM welcomed Marcos’ visit, noting that the command has been dealing with security challenges in its area of responsibility, notably in the West Philippine Sea.

WESCOM chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, had earlier remarked that the command is facing daunting tasks with the escalating tension in WPS.

“We are grappling with the realities of our complex relations with our neighbors in Asia, our allies in the region, the United States and other countries,” Carlos stated.

The issue also comes along with the recent call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the AFP to raise its external defense security operations.

Responding to the senator’s call for the revival of SRDP, WESCOM also said the command will need to get additional support “for the sustainment of effective presence in the Kalayaan Island Group, shipbuilding and maintenance, sub-surface detection capability, drone and anti-drone capability, and coastal defense.”

The command also said it sees Marcos’ move as a positive sign that it hopes to see and receive.

“WESCOM is not the last frontier. It is the first frontier and certainly, we need to help you in every way we can” says Marcos as she vowed to bring to the senate the urgency of supporting WESCOM.

https://palawan-news.com/sen-marcos-raises-concerns-over-edca-expansion-during-palawan-visit/

PH, US troops to hold rocket system live fire drills on April 1

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 20, 2023): PH, US troops to hold rocket system live fire drills on April 1 (By Priam Nepomuceno)

(Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

MANILA – Filipino and American troops participating in this year's "Salaknib" exercises are set to join a rocket system live fire exercise at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on April 1.

"(Army Artillery Regiment) AAR's (Multi-Launch Rocket System) MLRS Battery personnel and their US counterparts are set to conduct a rocket system live-fire exercise on April 1, 2023, at the regiment's long-range precision firing exercise area in Fort Magsaysay," Philippine Army (PA) spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad in a statement Sunday night.

Last March 16, the personnel from the AAR's MLRS Battery together with the US Multi-Domain Task Force commenced the rocket system subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) at AAR headquarters in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

Trinidad said the rocket system SMEE is geared at training participants on the procedures governing the employment and deployment of rocket weapon systems and their integration with other fire support assets.

Trinidad said the PA is focused on enhancing the individual skills of soldiers and unit competencies through constant training exercises such as ongoing PA-US Army Pacific (USARPAC) "Salaknib" drills scheduled from March 13 to April 4.

"Salaknib" is an Army-to-Army training program between the PA and USARPAC.

The ongoing exercises involve around 3,000 soldiers from USARPAC's 25th Infantry Division and PA's 5th Infantry Division, 7th Infantry Division and 1st Brigade Combat Team training side by side in a spectrum of military operations.

The exercise's second phase is slated for the second quarter of the year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1197714

43 NPA, BIFF, ASG members neutralized in weeklong ops - AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 20, 2023): 43 NPA, BIFF, ASG members neutralized in weeklong ops - AFP (By Priam Nepomuceno)

(File photo)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday announced that it has neutralized a total of 43 communist rebels and other terrorist group members in operations from March 10 to 16.

The number includes 29 New People's Army members, seven Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) terrorists and seven Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Jorry Baclor said in a statement.

Last March 11, three "communist NPA terrorists" (CNTs in military parlance) were killed during an encounter against joint elements of the 602nd Brigade, 90th Infantry Battalion, 34th Infantry Battalion, and police units in Pikit, North Cotabato.

On the same day, two NPA members were killed while a .45-caliber pistol was seized by operating elements of 6th Infantry Battalion and police operatives in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur.

"One CNT was captured with a caliber .45 pistol and hand grenade after an encounter with 50th Infantry Battalion in Balbalan, Kalinga, on March 13," Baclor added,

On March 15, an NPA was killed in an encounter with 98IB in Balbalan, Kalinga, and another was captured by 2nd Infantry Division and police troops in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro.

Recovered from them were an M-16 rifle, an M-653 rifle, and three anti-personnel mines.

And on March 16, Baclor said an encounter with members of 3rd Special Forces Battalion in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, forced a NPA member to surrender with a 5.56mm R-4 Norinco carbine rifle with an M-203 grenade launcher, various ammunition, and war materiel.

Meanwhile, the 2nd Infantry Battalion and police operatives apprehended a NPA bomb expert and a member at Placer, Masbate, on March 10.

Seized from them were a caliber .45-caliber pistol, ten improvised hand grenades, and three anti-personnel mines.

"Also captured were two top-level CNTs in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, on March 11. Troops from the 29th Infantry Battalion and police operatives carried out the arrest warrant and seized .45 caliber Rock Island (pistol), 9mm caliber Taurus (pistol), illegal drugs, ammunition, and other war materials," the AFP official said.

Meanwhile, the remaining NPA members voluntarily surrendered with various high-powered and low-powered firearms to government forces during the period.

"The units that facilitated the surrenders were 19IB, 4SRB, 3IB, and police units in Catubig, Northern Samar; 85IB in Lopez, Quezon; 56IB and 89IB in San Fernando, Bukidnon; 32IB in Indanan, Sulu; and 22IB and 903BDe with support of police units in Castilla, Sorsogon," Baclor said.

In Basilan, an ASG member yielded to the 64th Infantry Battalion in Sumisip, Basilan on March 12 handing over one caliber .30 M-1 Garand rifle and one clip magazine with ammunition.

In Sulu, six ASG members surrendered to the 32nd Infantry Battalion in Patikul, Sulu, on March 15.

They handed over an M-16 Elisco rifle, M-1 Garand rifle, M-203 grenade launcher, carbine rifle, and M-16 rifle. From the BIFF, three officers and four members of the Karialan Faction returned to the folds of the law on March 15.

"The 6th Infantry Battalion facilitated the successful surrender in Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur. They also surrendered a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, two cal. 50 Sniper rifles, M-653 5.56mm rifle, Springfield caliber .30 rifle and two Garand rifles.

"The AFP's momentum against different threat groups are expected to accelerate as field units intensify their focused-military operations, complimented by peace and development efforts in various parts of the country," Baclor said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1197712

Justice served with conviction of ‘youth activist’: NTF-ELCAC

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 20, 2023): Justice served with conviction of ‘youth activist’: NTF-ELCAC (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Legal Cooperation Cluster (LCC) on Monday said justice has been served to the Filipino people following the conviction of youth activist Alexandrea Pacalda for illegal possession of firearms, ammunitions and explosives.

"Justice has been served again to the Filipino people, as another member of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) has been put behind bars for violating the laws of the Republic," the body stressed in a statement.

On March 13, the Lucena City, Quezon Regional Trial Court Branch 56 sentenced Pacalda to eight to 10 years in prison for illegal possession of firearms and reclusion perpetua or up to 40 years in prison for illegal possesion of explosives.

"We thank the Hon. Judge Salvador C. Villarosa, Jr. for rendering a just and impartial judgment, and our brave prosecutors, military, police and law enforcers who risked their lives for the prompt rendering of justice," NTF-ELCAC LCC added.

"Although she had the chance to avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) or the reintegration program for CTG surrenderees, Pacalda chose instead to recant her voluntary surrender and frame the government and the military for 'arbitrary detention', upon the prodding of Karapatan and the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL)," the body added.

The NTF-ELCAC LCC said it is tragic that these so-called “human rights defenders,” Karapatan and NUPL, among others, left Pacalda alone in the prison to rot, but are bent on scouring for more youths to deceive and use as cover for their unlawful acts.

"The deceptions of Karapatan and NUPL, as borne in court records for the public to see, show how they defend those so called fake 'human rights defenders' – or those people who allegedly stand up for 'human rights', but in truth, carry out the twisted ideology of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF)," it added.

The body also pointed out that these are the same groups who would constitute the proposed "Human Rights Defenders Protection Committee" under House Bill No. 77 or the “Human Rights Defenders Protection Act”.

"If enacted, this Committee, which is to be funded by the taxpayers’ hard-earned money, would use their new-found powers to impede law enforcement by providing 'sanctuaries' or safe refuges for their fake 'human rights defenders comrades, and harass the law enforcers of the country," NTF-ELCAC LCC stressed.

It added that Pacalda's conviction should serve as "wake-up call and an eye-opener"to the youth to value their lives, their parents, and their loved ones; to pursue their dreams within the folds of law; and to be vigilant against the CTGs and their murderous ideology leading to death and destruction.

The NTF-ELCAC LCC also reminded legislators not deceived by the insidious House Bill No. 77 which will only be abused by the CTGs to protect themselves from law enforcement under the guise of "protecting human rights.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1197719

DFA to host PH, China 2-day bilateral talks

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 20, 2023): DFA to host PH, China 2-day bilateral talks (By Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will host the 23rd Philippines-China Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC) and the 7th Bilateral Consultations Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea on March 23 and 24.

The meetings are part of the implementation of the outcomes of the state visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to China last January 3 to 5.

“As reflected in the joint statement of the state visit, the two leaders concurred that confidence-building measures such as the FMC and BCM would contribute to improving mutual trust and confidence,” the DFA statement read.

“They also affirmed the importance of both mechanisms as venues for the Philippines and China to foster cooperation and greater understanding as well as ease tensions."

The discussions under the two mechanisms will cover a broad number of issues, including economic, people-to-people, maritime, security, and regional matters.

The FMC reviews the overall relations and all aspects of cooperation while the BCM covers maritime issues of concern to either side, including developments in the West Philippine Sea, and areas of possible maritime cooperation and confidence-building.

Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro of the DFA will lead the Philippine delegation.

Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs will lead the Chinese side.

Sun is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo during his visit to Manila.

The FMC and BCM aim to highlight the goodwill between the Philippines and China to dialogue and move forward on practical measures.

The last FMC was held in 2019 and the BCM in 2021.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1197757

DND: Cagayan guv to follow national gov't decision on EDCA

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 20, 2023): DND: Cagayan guv to follow national gov't decision on EDCA (By Priam Nepomuceno)

(Photo courtesy of PAF)

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) officer-in-charge Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Monday said Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba will now "conform" with the national government's decision should it go ahead with constructing an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) site in his province.

Galvez made this announcement in a press conference shortly after the groundbreaking ceremonies for the rehabilitation and upgrades of the runway of Basa Air Base in Floridablanca town, Pampanga province on Monday.

"We have already talked to Governor Mamba, he even visited my office in PICC (Philippine International Convention Center) and he said that for as long as the national government has decided, he will abide with the decision of the President (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.) and we have already decided, and I told him we already decided, and so he will conform with the decision," he added.

Mamba earlier expressed reservations about the proposed EDCA site in Cagayan province on the grounds that it could be a target for attack by a hostile power.

Even before the EDCA hearing at the Senate which concluded early this month, the DND chief said that majority if not all of Cagayan's mayors have expressed their support for the proposed EDCA facility in the province.

"And for the information of everybody, as early as before the end of the Senate hearing conducted, almost all of the mayors signified their intention to support EDCA. In fact, all of the mayors of Cagayan, I can show you the resolutions of the different mayors, they love to have EDCA sites in their areas," Galvez said.

The DND chief added that they are very much elated that local leaders are very "amenable and they respect so much the President considering that the President enjoys so much popular support."

"And we all know that the governors and the mayors are very supportive, even the barangay captains, when we talked with them, they even love to have exercises in their areas," he added.

In February, the DND announced that Manila and Washington D.C. agreed to designate four new EDCA "agreed locations."

EDCA, along with the Visiting Forces Agreement, operationalizes the 1951 Philippine-US Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

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.

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

Basa Air Base runway upgrade to costs USD25M

Meanwhile, Galvez said rehabilitation of the Basa Air Base's 2,800 meter runway will cost USD25 million or equivalent to PHP1.373 million.

This excludes the USD2.8 million or PHP153,776,000 allocated for its improvements and the USD185,000 which is equivalent to PHP10,112,562 used for construction of the Wing Operation Center.

The Basa Air Base's runway rehabilitation is expected to be completed this September. This includes the asphalting of the runway and repair of the runway overruns.

The upgrade, repair, and rehabilitation of the runway aims to ensure safer take-offs and landings of aircraft and other aerodrome operation.

Galvez said this will make the facility ideal for the efficient conduct of joint task force exercises and as a natural hub for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations considering that the Philippines is a disaster-prone country.

"As of this March, the United States Government has funded a total of USD83.06 million or roughly PHP4.56 billion. To simply put, 23 percent of the 21 bilaterally approved projects are completed while other projects are in various phases of design and construction," the DND chief added.

Galvez also said that out of the 15 approved EDCA projects, five projects were already completed, with five ongoing, and the remaining five up for implementation soon.

The completed projects include the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) warehouse, C-2 fusion center, and fuel range tanks, among others.

"With great anticipation, the One Defense-AFP Team looks forward to the timely completion of all EDCA projects considering that those facilities would help the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) boost its capability to ensure the country's defense. Most importantly, the facilities would contribute to the national effort in securing our country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly in our maritime domain awareness campaign," the DND chief added.

Galvez also pointed out that EDCA not only focuses on boosting the AFP's capability but also on the DND's various efforts to level up the country's defense capabilities, that is, both the civil and military defense aspects.

"These include the capability to respond to natural disasters and calamities, conduct of humanitarian assistance operations, and defense against any attempt to violate our sovereignty and territorial integrity," he added.

The DND chief also expressed hope that the US would consider more EDCA projects, which, of course, will be coursed appropriately through the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB).

"We also look forward to strengthening further the collaboration and partnership between the AFP and Joint US Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG), as they strive to pursue the mutual interests of the Philippines and the US in all arenas of cooperation," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1197768