Sunday, July 16, 2023

NOLCOM: USARPAC Cdr strengthens bilateral ties during visit to NOLCOM

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Jul 13, 2023): USARPAC Cdr strengthens bilateral ties during visit to NOLCOM

USARPAC COMMANDER STRENGTHENS BILATERAL TIES DURING VISIT TO NOLCOM
Camp Aquino, Tarlac City – July 13, 2023
 
The US Army Pacific (USARPAC) 1st Multi-Domain Task Force (1MDTF) Commander, BGEN BERNARD J HARRINGTON US Army, visited Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) on July 13, 2023, in connection with the ongoing Marine Aviation Security Activity (MASA) 2023.
 
BGEN HARRINGTON was welcomed by the NOLCOM Commander and the Command Staff.
Their discussions revolved around reinforcing bilateral military collaboration, enhancing regional security measures, and pursuing common objectives in the Asia-Pacific region.

"MASA 2023 serves as a tangible example of the commitment shared by the United States and the Republic of the Philippines to maintain peace and stability in the region. Through this joint training exercise, U.S. and Philippine forces have an invaluable opportunity to train together, exchange expertise, and enhance their capacities in air and maritime security", NOLCOM Commander said.

The visit of BGEN HARRINGTON demonstrates the significant and sustained goodwill relationship between the US and PH armed forces.
 
Meanwhile, NOLCOM shall continue its efforts in enhancing their capabilities through joint training in order to efficiently optimize their operations as the protectors of the people.





https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=606627918224757&set=pcb.606627954891420

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

NOLCOM: Look//CTG members surrender 29 firearms, embrace peace in Cordillera

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Jul 15, 2023): Look//CTG members surrender 29 firearms, embrace peace in Cordillera

LOOK|| CTG MEMBERS SURRENDER 29 FIREARMS, EMBRACE PEACE IN CORDILLERA

Two (2) members of a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) surrendered handing over a total of 29 high-powered firearms and war materiel to the government during the Cordillera Regional Peace and Order Council Meeting cum Presentation of Former Rebels on July 14, 2023 at the Baguio Cultural Convention Center.
 
Alias Ampoc/Lipat, a CTG leader from KLG-BAGGAS, and Alias Ronron, a former member of the Agustin Begnalen Command, renounced violence and embraced the path of peace.
 
Their actions were commended by Defense Secretary Gilbert C. Teodoro and LIEUTENANT GENERAL Fernyl Galera Buca PAF, Commander NOLCOM.
 
The event symbolized the joint efforts towards achieving lasting peace in the Cordillera region. Alias Ampoc/Lipat and Alias Ronron took their oath of allegiance to the Philippine flag and government, reaffirming their commitment to becoming law-abiding citizens.











https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=607791691441713&set=pcb.607791811441701

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

Relief Web: DSWD DROMIC Terminal Report on the Armed Conflict in Brgy. Cabadiangan, Kadingilan, Bukidnon 13 July 2023

Posted to the Philippine Relief Web (Jul 16, 2023): DSWD DROMIC Terminal Report on the Armed Conflict in Brgy. Cabadiangan, Kadingilan, Bukidnon 13 July 2023

 Origin: View original



Attachments:  Download Report(PDF | 538.49 KB)

I. Situation Overview

On 10 April 2023, an armed conflict transpired at Sitio Bacbacon, Brgy. Cabadiangan, Kadingilan, Bukidnon between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and unidentified armed groups.

Source: DSWD Field Office (FO) X

II. Status of Affected Areas and Population

A total of 481 families or 2,405 persons are affected in Brgy. Cabadiangan, Kadingilan, Bukidnon (see Table 1).

https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/dswd-dromic-terminal-report-armed-conflict-brgy-cabadiangan-kadingilan-bukidnon-13-july-2023-6pm

PH, US troops hold live fire exercise for MASA 2023

From the Palawan News (Jul 16, 2023): PH, US troops hold live fire exercise for MASA 2023 (By Gerald Ticke)

On Saturday, July 15, members of the 3rd Marine Brigade of the Philippine Marine Corps and the 5th Marine Regiment of the United States Marine Corps gathered for a group photo to commemorate their participation in the Coastal Defense Live Fire Exercise. This exercise was conducted as part of the Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 2023, held in Sitio Tarumpitao, Barangay Punta Baja, Rizal town.

Philippine Marine Corps troops joined forces with their United States counterparts on Saturday, July 15, for an interoperability exercise in Sitio Tarumpitao, Barangay Punta Baja, located in the town of Rizal.

The joint exercise was carried out as part of the Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) taking place across various regions in the Philippines.

The Coastal Defense Live Fire Exercise, a crucial component of MASA 2023, featured a simulated beach assault scenario where marines from both forces were deployed to safeguard the territory against potential enemies.

The exercise aimed to improve coordination, enhance interoperability, professionalism, and combat effectiveness between the Philippine Marine Corps’ 3rd Marine Brigade and the United States Marine Corps’ 5th Marine Regiment. Its objectives included showcasing their capabilities and readiness while fostering a collaborative approach to coastal defense operations.

The activity showcased a sequence of the occupation and de-occupation of coastal fighting positions, executing maritime strike mission kill chain, coordinating security force retrograde, and establishing command and control authorities and procedures for maritime strike capabilities employed by the participating forces.

3MBde commander, Brig. Gen. Antonio Mangoroban Jr., said the training features aviation support activities that surrounds facilities like seizing key terrains and defending them from enemies to prevent them from advancing.

“The scenario is a joint exercise between two countries not necessarily very near, but I think the right term is very accessible. So the US can be, at a moment’s notice, be here and we can quickly integrate our capabilities,” Mangoroban said.

“We have tested our weapons, they also tested their own weapons and we have shown [that] our combined firepower is formidable enough,” he added.

Mangoroban emphasized that the exercise was unrelated to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement or the West Philippine Sea issues.

He clarified that the training had been a longstanding component of the cooperative relationship between the Philippines and the United States.

“EDCA is totally a different issue, it is a joint facility for our long standing alliance with the US. it’s an investment in the alliance and in the long standing relationship that the US Marine Corps has shared with Philippine Marine Corps, the strong kinship that we take a lot of pride in and we can do it for many years,” he explained.

“It just so happened that we are here, we cannot do it in Central Mindanao because there is no water in the AOR (area of responsibility) of 1st Marine Brigade, we are doing this also in Ilocos Region. It so happened that we are here, actually we have also done this, the first iteration in Tawi-tawi,” he stated.

Furthermore, he said that while such trainings are vital for the improvement of defense capabilities, the Armed Forces of the Philippines need to acquire more equipments.

“Just like any other armed forces, even the US, I think they need more equipment, so much more with the AFP, I think there is always a need for more equipment,” he said.

Held biannually, MASA is in line with the Mutual Defense Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement that features a wide array of training exercises that include live fire drills, air assaults and airfield seizures, joint forward arming and refueling operations, as well as other aviation support activities. Marine Aviation Support Activity.

https://palawan-news.com/ph-us-troops-hold-live-fire-exercise-for-masa-2023/#google_vignette

AMLC freezes assets of 6 more individuals

From the Philippine Star (Jul 16, 2023): AMLC freezes assets of 6 more individuals (Lawrence Agcaoili)

MANILA, Philippines — The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has frozen the assets of six more individuals earlier tagged as terrorists by the government’s Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC).

AMLC Secretariat executive director Matthew David said the financial intelligence unit issued a freeze order against Sarah Abellon Alikes, Jennifer Awingan, Windel Balag-ey Bolinget, Stephen Ambucay Tauli, Jovencio Sannadan Tangbawan and May Rodriguez Vargas-Casilao.

The activists are alleged members of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and the Cordillera People’s Alliance (CPA).

Alikes is the secretary of the Regional White Area Committee of the CPP-NPA’s Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC), Awingan is the secretary of the Regional Urban White Area Committee (RUWAC) and Bolinget is a member of the Cordillera White Area Committee (CWAC) and secretary of its Regional Alliances.

Tauli is the first deputy secretary of CWAC, RUWAC of the CPP’s ICRC, while Tangbawan is commanding officer of the Kilusang Larangang Gerilya of North Abra or the Agustin Begnalen Command of the CPP-NPA. Vargas-Casilao is plenary member of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee of the CPP-NPA and a member of its regional city and town committee.


The ATC found probable cause for violations of the ATA for committing terrorism; planning, training, preparing and facilitating the commission of terrorism; recruitment to and membership in a terrorist organization; and providing material support to terrorist organizations or groups organized for the purpose of engaging in terrorism.

The AMLC issued Resolution No. TF-67 freezing the properties or funds of the six individuals who are directly related or could be tied to a particular act, plot or threat as well as the property or funds of persons and entities acting on her behalf.

Under Republic Act 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 (TFPSA), relevant government agencies including the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Registration Authority (LRA), Registry of Deeds, Maritime Industry Authority, and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) are mandated to implement a freeze order against individuals or groups designated as terrorists by the ATC.

The covered institutions and relevant government agencies are directed to submit to the AMLC a written return containing the details required under the implementing rules and regulations of the TFPSA.

The Philippines was included anew in the gray list of global dirty money watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in June 2021 after it failed to address strategic deficiencies to counter money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.

The FATF has urged the Philippines to implement its action plan as soon as possible.

https://www.philstar.com/business/2023/07/16/2281304/amlc-freezes-assets-6-more-individuals

PNP denies custody of 2 Cordillera activists

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2023): PNP denies custody of 2 Cordillera activists



(PNA file image)

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday vehemently denied claims it has in its custody two Cordillera activists who have been reported missing.

The PNP issued the statement after the Court of Appeals 13th Division ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the police to present missing activists Dexter Capuyan, 57, and Gene Roz Jamil de Jesus, 27.

"The PNP strongly and categorically denies the allegation that the subjects of the writs, Capuyan and De Jesus, were arrested by the PNP," the PNP said in reaction to CA’s July 10 resolution finding the petition for habeas corpus filed by the relatives of Capuyan and De Jesus to be “sufficient in form and substance.”


The PNP also said that when the two were first reported missing, it immediately exerted efforts to locate them in "faithful compliance with our duty to serve and protect the people.”

Human rights groups said Capuyan and de Jesus were snatched at Golden City Subdivision in Taytay, Rizal on April 28 by men who introduced themselves as agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

Capuyan is a member of the Bontoc-Ibaloi-Kankanaey indigenous group while De Jesus is the information and networking officer of the Philippine Task Force on Indigenous Peoples Rights.

Follow-up and search for the two activists are ongoing, the PNP added.

"Records would also show that there were certifications issued by various units of the PNP stating that Capuyan and De Jesus are not within their custody. They are neither among the list of Persons Under Police Custody nor can they be found within any PNP facilities," it stressed.

The PNP will file its answer to CA’s order this week.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1205720

3 NPA rebels surrender, yield firearms in Bulacan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2023): 3 NPA rebels surrender, yield firearms in Bulacan (By Zorayda Tecson)



CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Three members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) have surrendered to authorities in Bulacan province on Saturday.

In his report on Sunday, Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr., regional director of the Police Regional Office-Central Luzon (PRO-3), identified the surrenderers as “Ka JR”; “Ka Brix,” a supply unit officer in Ifugao province; and “Ka Irma,” a political instructor operating in the provinces of Nueva Ecija, Rizal, and Zambales.

Hidalgo said the three surrendered rebels also yielded one Uzi submachine gun, a caliber .9mm, two magazines, five live ammunition, one hand grenade, and one rifle grenade with a bullet trap.


He urged other rebels to return to the fold of the law and avail of government assistance.

“We encourage other members of the communist terrorist groups to return to the fold of the law, go back to their communities, and have renewed lives,” Hidalgo said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the PRO-3 official also said that 15 CPP-NPA sympathizers in Guimba, Nueva Ecija have decided to cut ties with the terrorist group.

He said the former supporters, who are members of the Liga ng Manggagawang Bukid, withdrew their support from the Alyansang Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon-Kilusan ng Magbubukid ng Pilipinas on Friday.


Hidalgo said the government's relentless anti-insurgency campaign resulted in their voluntary withdrawal of support from the terrorist group and pledge of allegiance to the national government.

“The continuous local peace engagement activities of the police and the military such as information dissemination and situational interview made them aware of the government's programs and the opportunity to change their lives and correct the mistakes they have committed due to deception,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1205724

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Tatlong mamamahayag, dinahas ng pulis habang nag-uulat

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 (Jul 16, 2023): Tatlong mamamahayag, dinahas ng pulis habang nag-uulat (Three journalists, assaulted by the police while reporting)
 




July 16, 2023

Iniulat ng National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) ang naganap na panghaharas ng mga pulis sa tatlong mamamahayag sa Barangay Jones, Pastrana, Leyte noong Hulyo 14. Ang mga mamamahayag na sina Lito Bagunas, Noel Sianosa at Ted Tomas ay nag-uulat kaugnay sa isang kaso ng pangangamkam ng lupa sa naturang lugar nang palayasin ng pulis na si Rhea Mae Baleos. Habang nagaganap ang pagpapalayas, nakarinig ang tatlo ng mga putok ng baril.

Ayon sa kwento ng mga mamamahayag, nag-iinterbyu sila ng mga magsasaka para alamin ang kaso na pang-aagaw ng lupa. Ang lupang inaagaw ay iginigiit ng mga magsasakang benepisyaryo ng repormang agraryo ng gubyerno.

Ganap na alas-9:30 ng umaga ay pinahinto at pinalayas sila ng babaeng pulis na si Baleos. Hinablot pa ng pulis ang selpon na ginagamit pang-bidyo ni Sianosa. Kita sa bidyo na naka-post sa social media ang ginawang panunulak at pisikal na pang-aatake ng babaeng pulis. Ilang minuto pagkatapos ng panggigitgit ng pulis, nakarinig ang tatlo ng magkakasunod na putok ng baril. Nakita umano ni Tomas na mga pulis na nakauniporme ang nagpaputok. “Wag kayong magpapaputok. Mga media kami,” ang sigaw ni Tomas.

Sa isang pahayag kahapon, Hulyo 15, itinaggi ng tumatayong hepe ng Pastrana police na si Maj. Darwin Dalde na ang mga putok ay nagmula sa mga baril ng kanilang mga ahente, sa kabila ng malinaw na pahayag ng mamamahayag at maririnig sa bidyo ang mga putok.

Ang tatlong mamamahayag ay mga kasapi ng lokal na telebisyon na San Juanico TV.

Ang karahasan at panggigipit na dinanas ng mga mamamahayag ay dagdag sa 75 na kaso ng pag-atake sa kalayaan sa pamamahayag na naitala ng NUJP noong Abril 30 mula nang maupo sa poder si Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/tatlong-mamamahayag-dinahas-ng-pulis-habang-nag-uulat/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Manggagawang pangkalusugan at kabataang boluntir, inaresto ng 85th IB sa Quezon

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 (Jul 16, 2023): Manggagawang pangkalusugan at kabataang boluntir, inaresto ng 85th IB sa Quezon (Health worker and youth volunteer, arrested by the 85th IB in Quezon)
 




July 16, 2023

Dalawang aktibista ang inaresto 85th IB sa gawa-gawang kaso noong Hulyo 12 habang nagsasagawa ng pagsisiyasat sa komunidad sa Atimonan, Quezon. Inaresto sina Miguela Peniero, isang magsasaka at manggagawang pangkalusugan, at kabataang boluntir na si Rowena Dasig sa Purok Banaba, Barangay Caridad Ibaba sa kasong illegal possession of firearms and explosives, karaniwang ginagamit laban sa mga aktibista para arbitraryo silang arestuhin.

Ayon sa ulat, nasa komunidad ang dalawa para imbestigahan ang epekto ng pinaplanong itayo na cycle gas turbine power project at liquefied natural gas terminal plant sa naturang lugar. Ang proyekto na itatayo ng Atimonan One Energy, Inc. (A1E), subsidyaryo ng Meralco PowerGen Corp, ay magkakaroon ng matinding epekto sa mga magkokopra at mangingisda sa bayan ng Atimonan.

Naunang pinlano ng A1E na magtayo ng isang coal-fired power plant sa Atimonan ngunit mariiin itong tinutulan ng mga taong-simbahan, grupo sa kalikasan at mga residente dulot ng banta sa kalusugan, kabuhayan, at pangangamkam ng lupa mula sa mga magsasaka. Sa kasalukuyan, itinransporma ng A1E ang proyekto tungong cycle gas turbine power project at liquefied natural gas terminal plant na plano nitong simulan sa ikatlong kwarto ng 2023.

Pangawalang pagkakataon na ito ng iligal na pag-aresto kay Peniero. Noong Pebrero 2012, sinampahan siya ng gawa-gawang kaso at hinuli ng 88th IB sa Calauag, Quezon. Nakalaya siya matapos ang walong taon ng hindi makatarungang pagkakapiit.

Sa ulat ng grupong Karapatan-Southern Tagalog, hindi pinayagan ng pulis at militar na makapasok kahapon, Hulyo 15, ang humanitarian team sa Atimonan Police Station para malaman ang kalagayan ng dalawa.

Binatikos ng grupo ang panggigipit sa mga kaanak at hindi pagkilala sa karapatan ng dalawang inaresto na mabisita ng pamilya at kanilang abugado. “Litaw ang luma nang taktika ng militar sa pagpapatagal ng proseso sa hindi nila pagpirma ng certificate of detention at sa pabago-bago nilang kwento ng kinaroroonan ng dalawa,” ayon pa sa grupo.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/manggagawang-pangkalusugan-at-kabataang-boluntir-inaresto-ng-85th-ib-sa-quezon/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: US, nagpadala ng ipinagbabawal na cluster bombs sa Ukraine

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 (Jul 16, 2023): US, nagpadala ng ipinagbabawal na cluster bombs sa Ukraine (US, sent prohibited cluster bombs to Ukraine)
 





July 16, 2023

Dumating na sa Ukraine noong Hulyo 13 ang ipinagbabawal na cluster bombs na naunang ipinangakong ibibigay ng US. Unang inanunsyo ang intensyon ng US na bigyan ang Ukraine ng gayong mga armas noong Hulyo 7, sa isang hakbang na taliwas sa unang mga pahayag ng presidente nitong si Joseph Biden. Ang mga cluster bomb ay ipinadala sa bansa dahil nauubusan na ng bala ang hukbo nito sa ginagawang “kontra-opensiba” sa gerang proxy ng US laban sa Russia. Bahagi ang mga ito ng panibagong pakete ng ayudang militar ng US para sa Ukraine na nagkakahalaga ng $800 milyon.

Noong Hulyo 10, hindi bababa sa 11 bansa ang nagpahayag ng pagkabahala sa desisyon ng US. Kabilang dito ang Laos at Cambodia, at mga bansa na nakapaloob sa NATO tulad ng Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, at the United Kingdom. Tutol din ang pinuno ng United Nations.

Sa Pilipinas, mariin itong kinundena ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas, gayundin ng mga demokratiko at maka-kapayapaang organisasyon sa bansa. Ang pagpapadala ng gayong mga armas ay magpapatagal at magpapaigting sa gerang proxy ng US laban sa Russia, sa kapinsalaan ng mga sibilyan.

Tulad ng inaasahan, tahimik sa usaping ito ng papet na Armed Forces of the Philippines. Kabalintunaan ito sa kanilang walang batayang pagrereklamo laban sa paggamit ng command-detonated explosive ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan, na hindi ipinagbabawal sa Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention o Ottawa Treaty dahil hindi ito indiscriminate o walang pinipili.

Sa kabilang banda, labag sa internasyunal na makataong batas ang paggamit ng mga cluster bomb dahil isa itong klase ng armas na indiscriminate at mapaminsala sa mga sibilyan. Ang isang cluster bomb ay bomba na naglalaman ng maraming mas maliliit na bomba o bomblet. Pinapakawalan ito mula sa lupa o eroplano at sumasabog sa ere at nagpapakawala ng puu-puo o daan-daang bomblet na bumabagsak sa malawak na erya.

Hindi lahat ng mga bomblet ay sumasabog at nababaon na sa lupa at nagiging land mine. Maari itong sumabog kapag naapakan ninuman. Ayon sa mga pag-aaral, hanggang 40% ng mga bomblet ang hindi kaagad sumasabog. Naranasan ito sa mga bansa kung saan ginamitan ng mga cluster bomb. Isa dito ang Laos, na binagsakan ng US ng mahigit 20 milyong tonelada ng cluster munitions noong dekada 1970 at kung saan 30% ng mga bomblet ang di agad sumabog. Tinatayang 20,000 sibilyan, kalahati ay mga bata, ang namatay o nasugatan sa nakabaong mga bomba nito mula 1975.

Dahil sa pinsalang dala nito sa mga sibilyan, mahigit 120 bansa ang pumirma sa isang kasunduan noong 2008 para ipagbawal ang produksyon at paggamit ng mga cluster bomb. Bukod sa China at Russia, hindi rin kabilang sa mga pumirma ang bansang US, na nananatiling pinakamalaking kapangyarihang militar na nagmamanupaktura at gumagamit ng gayong mga armas hanggang sa kasalukuyan.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/us-nagpadala-ng-ipinagbabawal-na-cluster-bombs-sa-ukraine/

EASTMINCOM: PRESS RELEASE | JTFD to increase Operational Tempo for CTG's total downfall, Highlights Significant Accomplishments for 1st Semester 2023

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jul 15, 2023): PRESS RELEASE | JTFD to increase Operational Tempo for CTG's total downfall, Highlights Significant Accomplishments for 1st Semester 2023

4th Infantry "Diamond" Division, Philippine Army

PRESS RELEASE | JTFD to increase Operational Tempo for CTG's total downfall, Highlights Significant Accomplishments for 1st Semester 2023

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City - The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division Commander, Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, has directed the whole Joint Task Force Diamond (JTFD) to increase its operational tempo for the total downfall of the communist terrorist group (CTG) during the 2nd Quarter Campaign Progress Review and Assessment (CPRA) and Command Conference on July 11, 2023.

The quarterly conference was participated by all Brigade and Battalion Commanders, along with other Officers under JTFD, some through video-teleconferencing (VTC) and via face-to-face held at the Alcoseba Hall, Headquarters of 4ID, Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.

During the conference, the JTFD campaign progress and accomplishments for 2nd Quarter this year were presented and discussed. Noteworthy is the sustained reduction of manpower and firearms of the CTG as well as the remarkable decrease of the CTG's non-violent activities and initiated violent incidents since January 2023.

4ID, through its line units, has registered a total of 58 armed encounters against the CTG from January 1 to June 30, 2023, which resulted in the neutralization of 29 CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) either captured, apprehended, or died during encounters. Moreover, 158 High-Powered Firearms and 22 Low Powered Firearms were captured. The sustained military offensives have also proven to weaken the enemy's will to fight, brought by the fear of life and lack of logistical and mass support resulting in the surrender of 135 CTG members.

Meanwhile, through the intensified intelligence operations, the CTG's attempt to increase manpower, regain mass bases, and reinvigorate their resource generation through recruitment and extortion activities have been foiled by the neutralization of 18 high-value individuals (HVIs) and finance officers, thereby cutting off logistical and financial resources and preventing recruitment.

Among the neutralized CTG HVIs for the period were Emmanuel B Anub Sr alias Salem, Execom Member and Secretary of Guerilla Front 21 (GF21), Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Westland, NEMRC; Alberto Castaneda alias Justine, Commanding Officer (CO) of Sandatahang Yunit Pamproganda 16C (SYP16C), WGF16, SRC Northland, NEMRC; Chen Pableo Castaneda alias Freka, Finance Officer/Political Instructor, SYP16C, WGF16, SRC Northland, NEMRC; Billy Pandigan Uno alias Jimboy, CO of Regional Sentro de Gravidad (RSDG) of NEMRC; and Nicolas Mabanta Francisco Jr alias Chong, CO of Sentro De Gravidad 16 (SDG16), WGF16, SRC Northland, NEMRC; Ruel A Maglasang alias DO/Dali, Execom Member/Vice Commanding Officer of Regional Operations Command (ROC) and Head, Partisan Training NEMRC; Grecyl Y Paraguirre alias Rubi/Racquel, Secretary of GF30, NEMRC; Lino Atipan Namatidong alias Dahon, CO of HQF NEO, ROC, NCMRC; and Reyna Nanganlag Namatidong alias Miray, Regional Staff, Education/Propaganda of ROC, NCMRC.

In his message, MGen Cuerpo II emphasized his command guidance to the JTFD units to ensure the defeat of the remaining CTG formations by maximizing innovations to destroy the CTG's capabilities, ensuring decisive engagements and intensifying efforts in sustaining activities that will prevent the resurgence of threats to cleared areas and dismantled CTG "Focus all your efforts to ensure that you get a decisive engagement, or if not, endeavor for a decisive surrender. We shall end the fight and finish the CTG no matter what, provide our people peaceful and resilient communities."

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincomafp/

WESCOM: RP-US MASA 2023: PH-US Marines conduct Coastal Defense Live Fire Exercise

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Jul 15, 2023): RP-US MASA 2023: PH-US Marines conduct Coastal Defense Live Fire Exercise

Philippine Marine Corps

PH-US Marines conduct Coastal Defense Live Fire Exercise

TARUMPITAO PT, Punta Baja, – The Philippine Marine Corps together with the United States Marine Corps forces successfully conducted Coastal Defense Live Fire Exercise on 15 July 2023 in Rizal Palawan.

The event showcased the exceptional training and coordination between the 3rd Marine Brigade of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and the 5th Marine Regiment of the United States Marine Corps (USMC).

The Coastal Defense Live Fire Exercise that took place at Tarumpitao Pt, Punta Baja Rizal, served as a great opportunity to demonstrate the capability and readiness of the participating forces. The exercise was designed to enhance the interoperability, professionalism, and combat effectiveness of the PMC and USMC personnel, strengthening the bond between the two nations and fostering a collaborative approach to coastal defense operations.

The event witnessed a comprehensive array of live-fire demonstrations, showcasing the sequence of the occupation and de-occupation of coastal fighting positions, executing maritime strike mission kill chain, coordinating security force retrograde, and establishing command and control authorities and procedures for maritime strike capabilities employed by the participating forces. The troops demonstrated their proficiency in various essential skills, including coastal surveillance, rapid deployment, target engagement, and coordinated response to maritime threats.

BGEN ANTONIO G MANGOROBAN JR, the commander 3rd Marine Brigade, expressed his satisfaction with the successful execution of the Coastal Defense Live Fire Exercise demonstration. He stated, "This exercise is a testament to the unwavering commitment and enthusiasm of our marines. The joint participation of the PMC and USMC illustrates the strong alliance between two nations and the shared commitment to safeguarding our coastal regions”.

Exchanging knowledge and tactics provides an opportunity for both forces to strengthen camaraderie. The shared expertise displayed during this exercise harden our partnership and shared respect." He added.

The Coastal Defense Live Fire Exercise marks a significant milestone in the continued collaboration between the PMC and USMC. It serves as a testament to the determination and professionalism of both forces, demonstrating their ability to respond swiftly and effectively to potential maritime threats.

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

WESCOM: RP-US MASA 2023: LOOK | Unlocking the secrets of the Wild

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Jul 16, 2023): RP-US MASA 2023: LOOK | Unlocking the secrets of the Wild

Philippine Marines share their jungle survival wisdom with US counterparts at the 33rd Marine Company open ground, Palawan during the MASA 2023.









https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=660560766106221&set=pcb.660560889439542

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

WESCOM: RP-US MASA 2023: LOOK | Exploring the future of Marine Aviation Support

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Jul 16, 2023): RP-US MASA 2023: LOOK | Exploring the future of Marine Aviation Support

Mortar training, Sniper Rifles, LMGs, Camouflaging, Tactical Combat Casualty Care skills, Knot Tying, and many more... a day filled with knowledge and hands-on experience at the MASA 2023.

#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamWESCOM
#missionfirstmenalways
#transformationroadmap









https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=660563032772661&set=pcb.660563142772650

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

WESCOM: RP-US MASA 2023: LOOK | Harnessing the Power of Communication

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Jul 16, 2023): RP-US MASA 2023: LOOK | Harnessing the Power of Communication

The Philippine Marine Corps and its US Marine counterparts converge at the 33rd Marine Company open ground, Palawan for basic communication training during MASA 2023.
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamWESCOM
#missionfirstmenalways
#transformationroadmap





https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=660587296103568&set=pcb.660564162772548

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

WESCOM: RP-US MASA 2023: LOOK | Revolutionizing Mobility

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Jul 16, 2023): RP-US MASA 2023: LOOK | Revolutionizing Mobility

The Philippine Marine Corps and its US Marine counterparts explore new horizons in tactical vehicle capabilities, unleashing the potential of the cutting-edge Ultra Light Tactical Vehicle (ULTV) during the MASA 2023.

#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamWESCOM
#missionfirstmenalways
#transformationroadmap









https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=660565899439041&set=pcb.660566049439026

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

WESCOM: Cdr WESCOM meets with rep from GKCNSI

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Jul 14, 2023): Cdr WESCOM meets with rep from GKCNSI


LOOK | AFP Western Command Commander VAdm Alberto B. Carlos and Col. Raymond Powell, US Air Force (Ret), discuss how Wescom and the Stanford University's Gordian Knot Center (GKC) for National Security Innovation may work together in promoting peace and stability in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
 
The two officials also discussed the latest tools and technology that can be used to monitor gray zone activities in the WPS.



https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=659937102835254&set=a.223973506431618

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