WESCOM: VADM Alberto B Carlos PN, Commander WESCOM, met with Col. Raymond Powell, US Air Force (Ret.) and discussed initiatives to identify and deter gray zone activities in the West Philippine Sea

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 17, 2023): VADM Alberto B Carlos PN, Commander WESCOM, met with Col. Raymond Powell, US Air Force (Ret.) and discussed initiatives to identify and deter gray zone activities in the West Philippine Sea

VADM Alberto B Carlos PN, Commander of the Western Command, met with Col. Raymond Powell, US Air Force (Ret.) and discussed initiatives to identify and deter gray zone activities in the West Philippine Sea. Col. Powell (Ret) currently leads Project Myoushu of Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation. The two agreed that working together to make information more accessible to the public will bring in a renewed interest in the security developments in the West Philippine Sea among Filipinos. VADM Carlos and Col Powell (Ret) plan to meet again in July 2023, coinciding with the 7th year of the Philippines’ UN arbitral victory on the West Philippine Sea issue.

#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamWESCOM
#missionfirstmenalways
#BK38-23

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=605293601632938&set=a.223973506431618

https://www.facebook.com/wescom/

WESCOM: IN PHOTOS | WESCOM Starts Exercises in El Nido as part of BALIKATAN 38-23

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 17, 2023): IN PHOTOS | WESCOM Starts Exercises in El Nido as part of BALIKATAN 38-23

April 16, 2023- prior the actual performance of the Gas Oil Platform Takedown and recovery (GOPLAT) simulation exercise with the US troops, a unilateral exercise between the Philippine Navy (PN) and Philippine Airforce (PAF) was performed on one of the observation posts off the coast of El Nido, Palawan.

 
GOPLAT takedown and recovery is performed in cases of attacks and take over of the Malampaya Natural Gas to Power Project (MNGPP) by the enemy. A swift and coordinated movement must be performed in order to recover the platform from an enemy force. Two types of insertion and extraction was performed - by air, and by sea.

 
On the Early morning of April 16, the unmanned aerial system (UAS) of the PN conducted aerial reconnaissance followed by the deployment of the Boat Assault Force composed of a SEAL team on board a rigid hull inflatable boat and the Helicopter Assault Force composed of one helicopter from the PAF with one SEAL team and high angle snipers. These events were sequentially arranged to simulate the preparation of the platform up to the insertion of the operatives.

As the operatives are inserted, a Close Quarter Combat (CQC) and Deck Clearing in respective sectors ensued. Likewise, one Multi-Purpose Attack Craft with Medical Team served as escort vessel of the Boat Assault Force.

Meanwhile, a Fast Rope Insertion and Extraction System (FRIES) was also performed where troops are inserted to and extracted from the platform using a helicopter.

 
On April 19, Wednesday, this same training event will be conducted bilaterally between PH and US troops, followed by the over the beach operations on April 27, 2023.

Western Command, through Joint Task Force Malampaya, will continue to sharpen its sphere in protecting and securing the country’s economic crown jewel, the Malampaya Natural Gas to Power Project.

#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamWESCOM
#BK38-23

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https://www.facebook.com/wescom/

WESCOM: Wish Come True: WESCOM delivers KM450 truck to Marines at Coron

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 18, 2023): Wish Come True: WESCOM delivers KM450 truck to Marines at Coron

April 15, 2023 – The Commander, AFP Western Command (WESCOM), VADM Alberto B Carlos PN personally handed over a KM450 Cargo Truck to the 23rd Marine Company of Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) 3 – Decalachao Detachment, based in Coron, Palawan. The much-needed service vehicle was an answered prayer for the troops of 23rd Marine Company who have earlier requested for mobility to support their administrative and operational requirements in the area.

 
VADM Carlos inspected the said vehicle in Coron after it arrived from Sangley Point, Cavite City on board a Philippine Navy vessel, BRP Laguna (LS501). The said ship made a short stop-over to disembark cargoes and other supplies intended for units in the area.

Meanwhile, VADM Carlos took the opportunity of visiting the said ship before it departs for its next mission in the WESCOM joint operational area (JOA). LS501’s recent deployment in the WESCOM JOA is its first after five long years in port due to repair and maintenance.

The KM450 Cargo truck was provided by GEN Andres C Centino PA, the Chief of Staff, AFP as part of its commitment to the troops of WESCOM, the patriots and defenders of the western frontier. # # #

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=605826028246362&set=pcb.605826278246337

https://www.facebook.com/wescom/

WESCOM: (BK23) Force Reconnaissance Group, Philippine Marines alongside with the US Marine Corps conducted Live Firing of 60 Light Machine Gun

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 18, 2023): (BK23) Force Reconnaissance Group, Philippine Marines alongside with the US Marine Corps conducted Live Firing of 60 Light Machine Gun 

(BK23) Force Reconnaissance Group, Philippine Marines alongside with the US Marine Corps conducted Live Firing of 60 Light Machine Gun at Marine Base Gregorio Lim, Ternate, Cavite.

#ProtectingtheSeasSecuringOurFuture
#ModernandMultiCapablePHNavy
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#PHMarinesCorps
#TheFewTheProudTheMarines
#NationalManeuverAmphibiousForce

AFP Modernization and Updates
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Exercise Balikatan (BK23) Force Reconnaissance Group, Philippine Marines alongside with the US Marine Corps conducted Live Firing of 60 Light Machine Gun at Marine Base Gregorio Lim, Ternate, Cavite.

#ProtectingtheSeasSecuringOurFuture
#ModernandMultiCapablePHNavy
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#PHMarinesCorps
#TheFewTheProudTheMarines
#NationalManeuverAmphibiousForce

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=244234591444543&set=pcb.244234751444527

https://www.facebook.com/wescom/

WESCOM: LOOK | WESCOM's Reserve Force trains with US troops on Tactical Combat Casualty Care as part of Balikatan Exercise 38-23

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 19, 2023): LOOK | WESCOM's Reserve Force trains with US troops on Tactical Combat Casualty Care as part of Balikatan Exercise 38-23

LOOK | WESCOM's Reserve Force trains with US troops on Tactical Combat Casualty Care as part of Balikatan Exercise 38-23.

April 18, 2023 - Reservists from WESCOM's different reserve centers participated in the conduct of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Training as part of the events under Balikatan Exercise (BK) 38-23.

 
The said BK 38-23 training event is composed of 13 reservists from the office of the Palawan Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), four from the 4th Air Force Reserve Center (ARCen), four from the Naval Reserve Center (NRCen) West, and four from the 408th Army Community Defense Center. A total of 25 personnel from the WESCOM Reserve Force benefited from the said three-day BK 38-23 training event.

Meanwhile, 7 US troops, led by Captain Julian Trent from the US Army, the Battalion Surgeon of 1st Special Forces, Airborne Group, facilitated the successful conduct of the TCCC training event which was held at the Palawan Provincial Police Office (PPO) Multi - Purpose Hall, Barangay Tiniguiban in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

WESCOM truly recognizes the role of the Reserve Force as a base of expansion and force multiplier of the AFP across all military spectrum.

 
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamWESCOM
#missionfirstmenalways
#BK38-23

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VAdm. Carlos hands over service vehicle to 23rd Marine Company in Palawan

From the Palawan News (Apr 19, 2023): VAdm. Carlos hands over service vehicle to 23rd Marine Company in Palawan (By Elmer Badilla)

Photo from WESCOM

Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, commander of Western Command (WESCOM), handed over a KM450 cargo vehicle to the 23rd Marine Company of Marine Battalion Landing Team 3-Decalachao Detachment in Coron, Palawan.

The service vehicle had long been sought by the troops of the 23rd Marine Company (23rd MC), who were eager to strengthen their administrative and operational skills in the area.

According to WESCOM, Carlos personally evaluated the cargo truck in Coron, which had arrived from Sangley Point in Cavite City on the Philippine Navy warship BRP Laguna (LS501). The ship made a brief stopover in the area to drop off supplies and other items for forces stationed there.

In addition to handing off the service truck, Carlos visited the LS501, which is about to depart on its next mission in the WESCOM joint operations area (JOA). After substantial repairs and maintenance, the ship’s current deployment in the area was its first in five years.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen Andres Centino provided the KM450 cargo truck as part of the organization’s commitment to the troops in the province.

https://palawan-news.com/vadm-carlos-hands-over-service-vehicle-to-23rd-marine-company-in-palawan/

Kalinaw News: Calibrating security awareness,, empowering the Youth Sectir in Tapaz, Capiz

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 18, 2023): Calibrating security awareness,, empowering the Youth Sectir in Tapaz, Capiz

The 3rd Infantry Division through its 3CMO (Peacemaker) Battalion calibrates security awareness through the conduct of Peace Consultation and Peace Advocacy Forum at the Tapaz National High School Gym, Tapaz, Capiz, on April 17, 2023.

The said endeavor aimed to increase awareness and insulate the students and youth from the influence, deception, and exploitation of the Communist Terrorist Groups, to discourage their involvement in illegal drugs, and provide them with spiritual and moral guidance for them to be morally wise in their decisions and choices in life.

The conduct of the said activity was also through the efforts of Association of Dedicated Values Ordained Chaplains Advocators Towards Excellent Services Inc (ADVOCATES INC), headed by Pastor Roger Baynosa; Faculty and Staff of Tapaz National High School, headed by Miss Emmie Garbosa, School Principal; Tapaz Municipal Police Station, spearheaded by PCMS Aisah Palomar, PCAD/OFW/IP PNCO; and the 3CMOBN represented by Cpt Junrey Deocampo, Operations Officer.
A message of encouragement and empowerment given to the student especially on their pursuit of their life goals and for the betterment of their lives as they become a productive citizens of the country were delivered by Cpt Deocampo. On the other hand, he gave emphasis that the young generations might have their different perceptions about the traditional and nontraditional roles of soldiers hence one thing is certain the Philippine Army is always in the pursuit of having a safe environment and peaceful community to live in.

Approximately, there were 1,500 student participants gathered and attended on the consultative discussions on anti-insurgency efforts, the truth behind the CPP NPA NDF terroristic acts and the campaign and advocacy of the government to fight the CTGs and government’s call of unity to support PEACE and DEVELOPMENT for a stronger country tackled by 2Lt Ferchie O Crispina (INF) PA and Pfc Rodney Catin (Inf) PA of the Public Information Team of 3CMOBn; anti-drugs awareness delivered by PMCS Palomar; and spiritual and moral awareness shared by Pastor Baynosa.

The forum was also highlighted with informative and constructive focus discussions and exciting interactions on the significance of patriotism, loyalty, and allegiance to our nation and the awareness of youth about the common lies, deceptive propaganda, recruitment schemes, and deceitful ideology of CTGs. This could be an eye-opener to the young generations to have enthusiasm and courage to support the government’s projects and programs.

The Commanding Officer of 3CMOBn, said that her unit will continue to empower our youth through right and helpful information’s and educate the different sectors of the society especially the youth as they are tending to be recruited by some organizations into joining the armed struggle. Moreover, the parents should not be wary and tired in educating, talking, and knowing the organization or groups their children are part or be with so parents can guide and reminded of their protection and safety.

“I appreciate the efforts of the students, teachers, and parents of Tapaz National High School on their participations in the said forum, indeed a remarkable and notable act to keep our student inform, educate, aware of and become productive in building our nation towards unending peace and sustainable development. The 3CMOBn, will look forward to more youth development programs and initiatives, especially in the far-flung areas of unit’s area of responsibility. With unity we can achieve peace let’ bride hope, let’s bring peace together as one,” Ltc Clavecillas II added.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/%f0%9d%98%be%f0%9d%99%96%f0%9d%99%a1%f0%9d%99%9e%f0%9d%99%97%f0%9d%99%a7%f0%9d%99%96%f0%9d%99%a9%f0%9d%99%9e%f0%9d%99%a3%f0%9d%99%9c-%f0%9d%99%8e%f0%9d%99%9a%f0%9d%99%98%f0%9d%99%aa%f0%9d%99%a7/

Kalinaw News: 1 CNT dead, 3 high-powered firearms capture in series of 4 ID clashes against CTG

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 18, 2023): 1 CNT dead, 3 high-powered firearms capture in series of 4 ID clashes against CTG

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – A CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT) has died while three (3) high-powered firearms (HPFAs), including one (1) M60 Light Machine Gun, were captured after a series of clashes by the troops of 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division against the communist terrorist group (CTG) from April 12-15, 2023.

On Wednesday, April 12, 2023, a 15-minute encounter between the 2nd Special Forces Company led by Cpt. Jenesis B. Gutierrez of the 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBN) under Lt. Col. Roger Anthony E Nuylan Jr. and more or less fifteen (15) CNTs in Brgy. Rogero, Bubong, Lanao del Sur resulted in the death of one (1) still unidentified CNT and the capture of one (1) M16 Rifle, numerous ammunitions, and personal belongings of the CTG at the encounter site.

BGen. Michele B. Anayron Jr, Commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, who has operational control of the 1SFBN, disclosed that the successful encounter was part of the complementary operation of his Brigade with the 103rd Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division based in Lanao and the result of deliberate and coordinated efforts to run after the remnants of the so-called Platun IPAD and Platun Huawei of the Sub-Regional Committee 5 (SRC-5) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) operating in the boundaries of Bukidnon and reportedly seeking refuge in Lanao del Sur.

Meanwhile, one (1) AK47 Rifle of the CTG was also captured after troops of the 9th Special Forces Company led by Cpt. Keen Vincent V. Hagonia of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion headed by Lt. Col. Paulo F. Baylon and under the operational control of the 401st Infantry Brigade headed by Col. Francisco Lorenzo Jr. encountered more or less 10 CNTs in Purok 2, Brgy. Pinagalaan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur on Friday, April 14, 2023.

On the other hand, on April 15, another clash erupted between the troops of the 36th Infantry Battalion under the operational control of the 901st Infantry Brigade led by Brig. Gen. George L. Banzon against more or less 25 CNTs at Mapula, Brgy. Esperanza, Carmen, Surigao del Sur. “Our troops were able to overrun the CTG hideout and eventually seized their one (1) M60 Light Machine Gun and other war paraphernalia. Troops also discovered multiple bloodstains at the encounter site that could indicate casualties from the terrorist,” BGen. Banzon added.

In his statement, 4ID Commander Maj. Gen. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II once again reiterated his call for peace and appealed to the remaining CTG members to stop the senseless fighting that hampered people’s lives and the progress of the communities for so many decades. “We will not waiver on our mandated duty to the people, committed to protect and be of service always. We shall continue tracking down the remaining elements of the CTG. With the full trust and support of the people and all government agencies under the TF-ELCAC behind us, we shall win the peace.”

“But my appeal to them, give peace a chance. Are we not tired of fighting? Let us help one another, build homes, and uplift communities instead. I urge you to return to your families, and start a new and peaceful life. Rest assured that whoever will heed the call and lay down their firearms will be treated with respect and provided with a menu of benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP),” He added.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/1-cnt-dead-3-high-powered-firearms-captured-in-series-of-clash-of-4id-troops-against-ctg/

Kalinaw News: Top and most wanted NPA leader from Mindanao abandons comrades, arrested in Malaysia

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 18, 2023): Top and most wanted NPA leader from Mindanao abandons comrades, arrested in Malaysia

MAWAB, Davao De Oro – Eric Jun Casilao alias Elian/Wally/Chan/Kuya, Secretary of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) and Central Committee member of the Communist Party of the Philippines, Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), was apprehended at Jeti Point International Clearance Gate, Langkawi, Malaysia, on April 1, 2023.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Bureau of Immigration, and Department of Foreign Affairs conducted a joint law enforcement operation with the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) and Malaysian Immigration that resulted in the apprehension of Casilao while he was boarding a ferry bound for Koh Lipe, Thailand.

Eric Jun Casilao was put on the Malaysian Red Notice List for falsification of passport by assuming fake identity. Likewise, after his arrest, Eric Casilao was detained for violating Malaysian Immigration laws and deported to the Philippines on April 17, 2023.

In the country, Casilao is one of the most notorious CTG leaders as he orchestrated numerous terroristic activities in the Davao Region. He has an existing warrants of arrest for the crimes of Murder, Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention, and Attempted Murder.

In an interview with Arian Jane Ramos, former Secretary of Guerilla Front 55, she said that all the while they thought that Eric Casilao was in the other adjacent regional committees within the country.

“As an NPA cadre, leaving one’s NPA unit goes against the CPP’s doctrine. How much more leaving the country? NPA cadres are expected to lead their people on the ground. However, in the case of Casilao, he left SMRC and the country because he could not bear the suffering that SMRC was experiencing. He left, thinking only of saving himself, and leaving his comrades to either die of hunger or in armed encounters,” she added.

Joy James Saguino, former Deputy Secretary of Sub-Regional Committee 1 of the CTG also exposed the selfishness and treacherous behavior of NPA top leaders. “While the organization continues to wage its decades-long insurgency in the Philippines, it is clear that most of its leaders are more concerned with their own personal gain than with the welfare of their followers,” Saguino said.

In his message, MGen Jose Eriel M Niembra, 10ID Commander, said that CTG leaders have no safe place to stay and hide, even outside the country.

“The government is determined to capture CTG leaders and terrorists wherever they are,” MGen Niembra added.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/top-and-most-wanted-npa-leader-from-mindanao-abandons-comrades-arrested-in-malaysia-2/

Kalinaw News: 36IB troops seize CTG's M60 light machine gun, war materiel in Surigao del Sur encounter

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 17, 2023): 36IB troops seize CTG's M60 light machine gun, war materiel in Surigao del Sur encounter

CARMEN, Surigao del Sur – Operating troops of the 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion, encountered more or less Twenty-Five (25) CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) believed to be composed of Sentro de Grabidab 16 (SDG16) and Squad 3, Platoon 1 of Weakened Guerilla Front 30, all under so-called North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) at Brgy. Esperanza, Carmen, Surigao del Sur at around 3:20 p.m., April 15, 2023.

36IB troops encountered said CNTs after responding and conducting clearing operations when residents of Brgy Esperanza tip off the presence of the said communist terrorists in their community. The encounter lasted fifteen (15) minutes which resulted in the seizure of one (1) Light Machine Gun M60, three hundred (300) rounds linked 7.62mm ammunition, one (1) Dell Core i7 laptop, one (1) GoPro body cam, one (1) Baofeng Handheld Radio, assorted war materiel and personal belongings.

Lt. Col. Michael Rey S. Reuyan, Commanding Officer of 36IB, stated that the encounter are the result of relentless combat operations and support of the communities to the 36IB. “Nagpapasalamat kami sa suporta at impormasyong ibinahagi ng mga taga Carmen, Surigao del Sur upang ating matunton ang pinagtatagoan ng mga teroristang grupo. Nawa’y patuloy niyong suportahan ang ating mga kasundalohan sa ating misyon na panatilihin ang kapayapaan sa Surigao del Sur,” Lt. Col. Reuyan said.

Likewise, the 901st Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. George L. Banzon PA reminded the CNTs to end their fruitless propaganda, ”This continuous pursuit of revolution should now stop. It is not yet too late to educate yourself and not be alluded to the flowery words of the enemies. Let us stop the insurgency, let us stop these acts of terrorism and the killings,” BGen. Banzon emphasized.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/36ib-troops-seize-ctgs-m60-light-machine-gun-war-materiel-in-surigao-del-sur-encounter/

Kalinaw News: 2 CPP-NPA members killed; high-powered firearms seized in Samar clash

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 16, 2023): 2 CPP-NPA members killed; high-powered firearms seized in Samar clash

CAMP LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN CITY, SAMAR – Two members of the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) were killed while assorted war materials were seized during an encounter in Basey, Samar, Friday afternoon on April 14, 2023.

The troops of the 46th Infantry Battalion and 63rd Infantry Battalion clashed with more or less 17 Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) belonging to Bugsok Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee SESAME after a concerned citizen reported the presence of an armed group in Barangay Mabini, Basey, Samar.

The 20-minute firefight resulted to the death of two unidentified male CPP-NPA members and the recovery of one M16 rifle, two M653 rifles, assorted magazines and ammunition, three bandoliers, and other personal items.

In his statement, Brigadier General Lenart Lelina, the Commander of the 801st Infantry Brigade, encouraged the remaining members of the CNTs to consider laying down their arms and return to the folds of the law as the Army will continue its offensive operation against the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs).

“Based sa tracks nila (CPP-NPA) na may mga dugo, possible na may mga wounded silang kasama. Ako po ay umaapela sa kanila na sumuko na at itigil ang walang saysay na armadong pakikibaka. It is never too late for you to lay down your arms and be with your families who are waiting for your return. The government has prepared programs and services to help you start a new,” said Brig. Gen. Lelina.

Meanwhile, Major General Camilo Ligayo, the Commander of the 8th Infantry Division lauded the troops for their efforts of bringing peace to Samar. He also thanked the citizens who gave information which is vital to the successful operation.

“Let us continue engaging the community from the Barangay down to Sitios, to build a strong relationship with the communities and help them cooperate with the government and the armed forces. We, the government troops are willing to extend our hand to those CPP-NPA members who are willing to surrender,” Maj. Gen Ligayo added.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/2-cpp-npa-members-killed-high-powered-firearms-seized-in-samar-clash/

DFA: US allots $18M more for EDCA sites

From CNN Philippines (Apr 19, 2023): DFA: US allots $18M more for EDCA sites (By CNN Philippines Staff

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 19) — The US government has earmarked an additional $18 million for the construction of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) projects, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo disclosed.

At a Senate inquiry on Wednesday regarding the issues surrounding EDCA, Manalo said the US government committed to providing additional funding that would cover “existing and new agreed locations.”

This was decided during the third US Philippines 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Washington last week, he noted.

The new funds are on top of the $100 million earlier secured from the US.

Manalo also said there has been “significant progress” in EDCA projects, with six of them set for completion “within 2023,” including the runway project at Pampanga’s Basa Air Base and storage facilities in Mactan Air Base.

The government earlier this month identified the additional four EDCA sites located in Cagayan, Isabela, and Palawan.

EDCA seeks to beef up the alliance between the US and the Philippines, where they can conduct combined training, exercises, and interoperability in identified locations.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/4/19/us-edca-sites-funding.html