West PH Sea issues triggered movement in AFP leadership: Centino

From ABS-CBN (Jul 20, 2023): West PH Sea issues triggered movement in AFP leadership: Centino (Bianca Dava)

Forty-eight Chinese fishing vessels were reported swarming Iroquois Reef, located south of the oil and gas-rich Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea in 2023. Courtesy of Western Command Armed Forces of the Philippines/file

MANILA — Six months after his reappointment as Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, General Andres Centino will take on a new role—as the Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea.Brawner is next AFP chief; Centino to be Marcos Jr's adviser on West PH Sea

In an interview at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Thursday, Centino said the movement in the AFP leadership was brought by the government's need to focus on the area.

There is likewise a need to address “geopolitical issues” more appropriately, he added.


“There was a need to bring focus on the matters in that part of the country… Our leadership has deemed it important na mabigyan ng focus and importance ‘yung the way we address the issues there in a bigger scale, that’s why they thought of creating an office of the presidential adviser,” Centino told reporters.Marcos OKs change in fixed term for military officials

“It’s challenging because it’s a new office but with my knowledge on the matter as CSAFP, I have also been aware of what’s happening there. We have units there," he said.

Centino said that while his office is still being established, one thing is clear: There will be a different strategy in handling issues on the West Philippine Sea.

“The office has yet to be created, so no specifics yet, but what is clear is that there should be more focus on how we handle and address the problems there,” the outgoing AFP chief said.

“It will be a mix of everything that we can do. It doesn’t have to be military alone. It has to be a combination of efforts. The task force will most likely be inter-agency, meaning, there will be inclusion among other agencies to complete [it]”

“The NTF (WPS), since it’s already there, maybe restructuring, maybe an enhancement of the task force,” he added.

Centino reached mandatory retirement in February this year, but qualified for an extended term following the signing of Republic Act No. 11709 under the administration of then president Rodrigo Duterte.Marcos OKs change in fixed term for military officials

Under Republic Act No. 11939, which amended RA 11709, only the AFP chief of staff will have a fixed maximum tour of duty of three years, unless sooner terminated by the President.

The commanding generals of the Philippine Army and Philippine Air Force, the flag officer in command of the Philippine Navy, and the superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy will have a fixed term of two years, unless sooner terminated, with no one-year prohibition for promotion.

DEFENSE SECTOR SUPPORTS BRAWNER AS AFP CHIEF

Philippine Army commanding general Lieutenant General Romeo Brawner Jr. will replace Centino as AFP chief after being appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.Brawner is next AFP chief; Centino to be Marcos Jr's adviser on West PH Sea

Brawner has been serving as the Philippine Army chief since December 2021.

He is a member of the PMA Makatao Class of 1989 and graduated number two in his class.

Brawner served as the commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade during the Marawi siege in 2017. He also served as the commandant of the PMA.

Brawner also served as chief of the Philippine Army public affairs office and as AFP spokesperson.

He acquired three Master’s degrees: Master’s in Information Management from the Ateneo de Manila University; Master’s in Business Administration from the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand and from the European School of Management in Oxford, United Kingdom; and Master’s in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the country’s defense sector fully supports the appointment of Brawner as the next AFP chief.

“The president’s choice was there should already be a succession in the AFP and in the interest of an orderly transition, his choice for CSAFP was Lt. Gen. Brawner... which was supported by the whole defense establishment, together with Gen. Centino and myself,” Teodoro said in a press briefing.
Bacarro assumes post as AFP Chief of Staff

“I would say that Gen. Brawner is the choice of the president from several choices. Of course, sinisiyasat ng pangulo ang lahat,” he continued.

The military also welcomed Brawner’s appointment.

“The AFP welcomes Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. as the new CSAFP. The 145,000-strong AFP shall support the incoming CSAFP who has proven his sterling leadership and performance of assigned tasks in the field of AFP operations, modernization and transformation,” AFP spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar said in a statement.

“We wish him [Centino] the best and look forward to working with him in his next position as the Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea,” Aguilar added.

The Philippine Army, for its part, believes Brawner will carry out his duties as the next AFP chief “with due excellence.”

“The PH Army wants to extend its warmest congratulations to our CGPA for being appointed as the new or incoming CSAFP. The 110,000-strong armed troops, to include our civilian HR, believe that his programs in the PA are carried with due excellence sa atin,” Army spokesperson Colonel Xerxes Trinidad noted.

“Our CGPA has been consistent in his policies and guidance to the PA towards his achievement of having a modernized PA. He has been serving us with his servant leadership and continuous guidance giving primal importance to our human resources… I expect that the CGPA already has plans and programs in mind as he assumes as CSAFP.”

Brawner is the third AFP chief under the Marcos administration.

Under RA No. 11939, he can serve until 2026, unless his term is sooner terminated by the President.

“The change between Gen. Centino and Gen. Brawner is not a good basis for saying whether or not the intent of the law is complied with or defeated,” Teodoro answered when asked if the purpose of the law on fixed terms has been defeated.

Upon resuming his new post, Brawner will serve as AFP chief in concurrent capacity as the Philippine Army commanding general.

“In the PA, we have this, nakaugalian na natin na in the absence of orders, he is still to be CGPA. Although may next in line and chain of command, in the absence of your commander, there is someone who’ll take care of the organization,” Trinidad explained.

“There are instances you can perform two functions, pero hindi naman magtatagal iyan.”

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/20/23/west-ph-sea-issues-triggered-movement-in-afp-leadership-centino

‘PH to refocus WPS efforts’

From the Manila Standard (Jul 21, 2023): ‘PH to refocus WPS efforts’ (By Francisco Tuyay and Vince Lopez)

Centino: Address geopolitical issues in troubled waters

Outgoing Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino said Thursday his appointment as Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea was brought by the need to refocus government efforts and address pressing concerns in the volatile waterway.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro agreed, telling reporters yesterday that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s appointment of Centino “underscores the importance of the WPS and the dynamic of the events which occur there on a daily basis.”

This also reflects the need of the President to have someone focus on the sea lane as a “presidential adviser with Cabinet stature,” Teodoro added.

This developed as the government said it is keeping a close eye on Taiwan, the Philippines’ northern neighbor, amid the possibility of an invasion from China.

“That is a thing that we continue to monitor daily and hopefully the engagements bilaterally between the United States and China lead to the diffusion of tensions in that territory,” said Teodoro.

The country’s defense sector also supports fully the appointment of Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. as the next AFP chief of staff, replacing Centino.

Teodoro said this appointment, and the AFP turnover ceremony scheduled today highlight the stability of succession in the military.

On his appointment as WPS adviser, Centino said: “There was a need to bring focus on the matters in that part of the country.”

“We have actually mechanisms as to how these issues should be addressed, we have the National Task Force -West Philippine Sea but our leadership has deemed it important that (we give) focus and importance on the way we address the issues there in a bigger scale and that’s why they thought of creating an Office of the Presidential Adviser,” he added.

Also, Centino said there is a need to address “geopolitical issues” more appropriately.

When asked what issues the President wants to address in the WPS, the outgoing AFP chief said there are incidents that should not happen if addressed properly.

He cited the recent swarming of dozens of Chinese militia ships at Sabina Shoal that alerted the Philippine Coast Guard and military personnel stationed in the Western Command in Palawan to take necessary steps to protect the country’s sovereignty.

“It can be gleaned from what’s happening with the reported incursions in the past months that added focus is necessary, and perhaps it should be addressed properly to avoid such recurrence,” Centino said.

He said that his office, which is being established, will be an “interagency task force.”

“As to the specifics, you know the office has yet to be created, but what is clear is that there should be more focus on how we handle or address the problems there (in the WPS),” Centino added.

The DND chief said the change in AFP chiefs from Centino to Brawner will be as seamless as possible with as “much continuity of policies both in the transition to external defense and internal security.”

Malacañang on Wednesday announced the appointment of Brawner as the military’s next chief.

Centino already reached the mandatory retirement on Feb. 4 this year but qualified for another three-year term following the signing of Republic Act 11709.

Under Republic Act 11709, the AFP chief of staff, vice chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, heads of the major services (Army, Navy, and Air Force), unified command commanders, and inspector general will have a three-year term of office “unless sooner terminated by the President.”

As to his message to Brawner, Centino said the AFP must be a “discipline, determined and dedicated military organization capable of addressing all threats.”

Teodoro was asked if the current defense program of the Philippines also prepares for the likely invasion of Taiwan by China.

“First and foremost, we really have to make an assessment whether such is likely or not,” he said.

“Nonetheless, we continue to plan on all contingencies not merely any flashpoint between China and Taiwan but any contingency within the theater and it’s a multi-agency effort not only the defense effort,” he added.

China, which has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, in April staged drills around the island in anger at President Tsai Ing-wen’s meeting with the speaker of the US House of Representatives.

Taiwan’s government strongly objects to China’s sovereignty claims and vows to defend itself if China attacks the island.

In May, President Marcos responded with an outright “no” when asked if the United States government requested Filipino soldiers to be deployed to Taiwan if tension escalates.

“No. The short answer is no,” Marcos said.

Marcos disclosed that the US also never asked for the sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) to be used as staging points for any attacks against other nations.

“To be fair, the United States has never brought up the possibility that we will use, that the United States will use the EDCA sites as staging areas for any offensive actions against any countries,” Mr. Marcos said.

https://manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/314351947/ph-to-refocus-wps-efforts.html

No new army head yet as Brawner takes on AFP chief role

From CNN Philippines (Jul 20, 2023): No new army head yet as Brawner takes on AFP chief role (By CNN Philippines Staff)

(FILE PHOTO)

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 20) — No one has been tagged yet to take on the role of commanding general of the Philippine Army, a post to be vacated by Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner, who is set to be sworn in as Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said Thursday.

"Wala pa, wala pa [No one, there's no one yet], that has to be deliberated upon by the board of generals and the president is still considering his replacement," Teodoro said in a press conference.

The Palace announced Brawner's new role on Wednesday, succeeding Gen. Andres Centino who was appointed by president Ferdinand Marcos earlier this year.

Centino said he leaves behind a "a disciplined, determined and dedicated armed forces capable to address all threats."

He added he leaves the service fulfilled and content.

In a separate statement, the AFP said it welcomes the news of Brawner's appointment.

"The 145,000-strong AFP shall support the incoming CSAFP who has proven his sterling leadership and excellent performance of assigned tasks in the field of AFP operations, modernization and transformation.," said AFP spokesperson Col Medel Aguilar.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/7/20/no-new-army-chief-yet.html

Navy deploys two new Israeli-made patrol gunboats in VisMin

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 20, 2023): Navy deploys two new Israeli-made patrol gunboats in VisMin (By: John Eric Mendoza)

The BRP Gener Tinangag and BRP Domingo Deluana during their christening at the Philippine Navy’s Pascual Ledesma Naval Station on May 8, 2023. The new two gunboats built by Israel Shipyards Inc. are fast-attack interdiction craft platforms delivered to the Philippines on April 11, 2023. INQUIRER.net / Ryan Leagogo

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy on Thursday said it already deployed its two newly commissioned patrol gunboats in Visayas and Mindanao.

A send-off ceremony was held in Naval Station Pascual Ledesma in Fort San Felipe, Cavite City on Wednesday for BRP Gener Tinangag (PG903) and BRP Domingo Deluana (PG905).

These two new fast attack interdiction craft are en route to the area of operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ unified commands in the said areas.

Littoral Combat Force Commander Commodore Carlo Lagasca led the ceremony.

“To all the personnel of PG903 and PG905, I admire you all for being ready and brave to be at the forefront against terrorism, insurgency, traditional threats, and maritime law violators,” Lagasca said during his speech.

The PG903 and PG905 are named after Medal of Valor awardees.

During the Battle of Marawi, Corporal Gener Tinangag, 23, was the assistant rifleman who rescued four wounded Marines before he was killed by an enemy sniper with a shot to the stomach.

Also, Sergeant Domingo Deluana provided suppressive fire to cover the medical evacuation of his wounded Marines until an RPG blast caught them during the campaign against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Maguindanao in 2000.
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READ: 2 Navy gunboats named after fallen Medal of Valor awardees

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. also witnessed the commissioning ceremony of the two patrol gunboats.—Ivana Romero, INQUIRER.net trainee

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1804823/navy-deploys-two-new-israeli-made-patrol-gunboats-in-vismin

2 alleged NPA rebels yield to cops in Rizal province

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 20, 2023): 2 alleged NPA rebels yield to cops in Rizal province (By: Delfin T. Mallari Jr.)

LUCENA CITY – Two alleged members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered Wednesday with their firearms to the police in Rizal province.

The Region 4A police reported on Thursday, July 20, that Jerry Gatacilo, known in the rebel movement as “Ka Engineer,” turned himself in around 4:30 p.m. to the Rizal police headquarters at Camp General Licerio Geronimo in Taytay town.

The report said the former Antipolo City-based communist guerrilla surrendered a caliber .38 revolver with four bullets.

Also around 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, another former Red-fighter, Foning Bueno or “Ka Aklas” also surrendered at the same camp.

Bueno, based in Rodriguez town, turned over a caliber .38 revolver with four bullets and bomb detonation cords.

Their surrender was made possible after a series of negotiations with government representatives, the report said.

The police and other government agencies are preparing the necessary assistance to the former rebels in their reintegration protocols under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

A rebel returnee can avail of firearm remuneration and housing, medical, loans, and legal assistance among other forms of help from the government.

Last week, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar, claimed that from around 2,000 members reported last year, the NPA is now down to around 1,800 fighters, particularly due to continuous surrenders among their ranks.

Established on March 29, 1969, the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, had 25,000 members at its height around 1987, according to military estimates.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1804546/2-alleged-npa-rebels-yield-to-cops-in-rizal-province

29 high-powered guns seized from NPA

From the Manila Times (Jul 21, 2023): 29 high-powered guns seized from NPA (By Dexter A. See)

BAGUIO CITY: Two suspected members of the communist New People's Army (NPA), 29 high-powered weapons, and war materiel were presented to Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. of the Department of National Defense, Nolcom chief Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca, commander of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom), members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and members of the Cordillera Regional Peace and Order Council at a recent meeting at the Baguio Cultural Convention Center here.

The two NPA rebels were identified as alias Ampoc/Lipat and alias Ronron.

They pointed to members of the 5th Infantry Division an arms cache containing 19 high-caliber guns in Besao, Mountain Province, and 10 more in Ifugao province.

Recovered in Mountain Province were 16 M16 rifles, one Galil rifle, two M653 rifles and various ammunition.

In Ifugao, also recovered were seven M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, one M653 rifle, one M203 grenade launcher, improvised explosive devices, hand grenades and various ammunition.

Alias Ampoc/Lipat said he left the NPA because he could no longer bear the hardships of being a combatant.

He cited programs and services implemented by government agencies under the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Teodoro reminded other NPA fighters that there is no reason to continue their involvement in a movement that causes suffering to the people.

He said it is time to work together and unite to resolve the insurgency problem not only in the region but also in the entire country.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/07/21/regions/29-high-powered-guns-seized-from-npa/1901546

Badoy: Civil suit over red tagging ‘won’t stop me from speaking the truth

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 20, 2023): Badoy: Civil suit over red tagging ‘won’t stop me from speaking the truth (By: John Eric Mendoza)

Lorraine Badoy. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Former anticommunist taskforce spokesperson Lorraine Marie Badoy remains unfazed by the civil suit filed against her by the chairperson emeritus of the progressive alliance Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan).

Bayan chairperson emeritus Maria Carolina Araullo on Wednesday filed before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court a civil case against Badoy and Jeffrey Celis, hosts of SMNI program “Laban Kasama ang Bayan.”

According to the 24-page complaint, Araullo demands P1 million pesos in moral damages, P500,000 each for exemplary and moral damages, as well as the attorneys’ fees and costs of the suit.

READ: Badoy, co-host sued for red-tagging on SMNI program

This comes after Badoy and Celis repeatedly accused Araullo of being a member, leader, and “urban operative” of the underground communist movement in their program.

Asked for a response, Badoy doubled down on her accusations, even daring Araullo to file a libel charge against her.

“If this so grieves her, she should instead sue me for libel — a crime that can put me behind bars with a hefty fee,” Badoy told INQUIRER.net in a text message.

“But she won’t. And she won’t because I speak the truth. And there is nothing that will stop me from speaking the truth,” Badoy, who served as the undersecretary for the defunct Presidential Communications Operations Office concurrent to her task as the spokesperson for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, also said.

She also faced similar complaints before the Supreme Court, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Commission of Elections.

In September last year, Badoy accused a Manila Regional Trial Court judge of having ties with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) after the judge junked a Department of Justice petition to declare the CPP and its armed wing, New People’s Army as a terrorist group.

During the presidential campaign, Badoy also alleged that vice president Leni Robredo has links to the CPP.

To these, Badoy said: “These nuisance cases mean nothing to me.”

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1804833/badoy-civil-suit-over-red-tagging-wont-stop-me-from-speaking-the-truth

PH Fleet deploys 2 brand-new missile boats to Visayas, Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 20, 2023): PH Fleet deploys 2 brand-new missile boats to Visayas, Mindanao (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MISSION-READY. The BRP Gener Tinangag (PG-903) and BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905), the two newly commissioned missile boats of the Philippine Fleet are docked at the Naval Shipyard, Naval Station Pascual Ledesma in Fort San Felipe, Cavite City on Wednesday (July 19, 2023). The Philippine Fleet deployed these missile boats to unified commands of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the Visayas and Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Fleet)

MANILA – The Philippine Fleet (PF) has deployed two newly commissioned fast attack interdiction platforms (FAICs) to boost its naval presence in Visayas and Mindanao waters.

In a statement Thursday, PF spokesperson Lt. Giovanni Badidles said the send-off rites for the BRP Gener Tinangag (PG-903) and BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905) at the Naval Shipyard, Naval Station Pascual Ledesma in Fort San Felipe, Cavite City on Wednesday.

"These two new patrol gunboats are en route to the area of operations of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) Unified Commands in Visayas and in Western Mindanao," he added.

The FAICs in Philippine Navy (PN) service are also known as the Acero-class patrol gunboats and are based on Israel's Shaldag Mark V missile boats.

These FAICs were delivered to the country last April 11 and were commissioned last May 26.

The namesake of these vessels are both members of the Philippine Marine Corps and awardees of the Medal of Valor like the first two missile boats who were commissioned into service on November 2022.

These FAIC-Ms are the BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901) and BRP Lolinato To-Ong.

The PN has a nine-ship order with Israel Shipyards Limited.

Littoral Combat Force commander Commodore Carlo Lagasca, in the same statement, assured the readiness for deployment of these assets following the successful completion of their operational readiness evaluation.

“To all the personnel of PG-903 and PG-905, I admire you all for being ready and brave to be at the forefront against terrorism, insurgency, traditional threats, and maritime law violators,” he added.

Badidles said the deployment of these brand-new assets will bolster the Navy's conduct of maritime patrol, internal security and logistics support operations.

"It likewise fulfills the Fleet’s mission to deploy assets and personnel in support of the Unified Commands’ respective areas of responsibility in the maritime waters of the Philippine archipelago," he added.

Four of the FAIC-Ms will be armed with non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missiles with pinpoint accuracy and a range of 25 kilometers while the other five will be armed with typhoon-mounted 30mm main cannons and .50-caliber heavy machine guns.

The acquisition of these FAIC-Ms is among the 2019 projects approved by former President Rodrigo Duterte under the Horizon 2 List of the AFP Modernization Program.

The notice of award for the FAIC-M project, worth around PHP10 billion, was issued on Jan. 5, 2021.

These are expected to replace PN’s medium-sized patrol craft. Once deliveries of the FAIC-Ms are completed, these vessels can interdict surface threats and launch NLOS missiles safely using the surrounding littoral areas as maneuver space and cover.

Earlier, PN chief Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. said the Navy is planning to acquire at least 15 more Israel-made Shaldag Mark V missile boats.

He said the additional Acero-class gunboats would help them meet their requirements in "patrolling the seas of the country".

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206003

Teodoro: Defense sector fully supports Brawner as next AFP chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 20, 2023): Teodoro: Defense sector fully supports Brawner as next AFP chief (By Priam Nepomuceno)

DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (PNA photo by Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the country's defense sector fully supports the appointment of Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. as the next Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff.

"In the interest of an orderly transition his (President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.) choice for Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. was supported by the whole defense establishment together with (outgoing AFP chief) Gen. (Andres) Centino and myself," Teodoro said in a press briefing with select reporters at the DND headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Teodoro said this appointment highlights the stability of succession in the military.

Brawner replaces Centino, who was appointed as Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Asked for possible reasons on Centino's appointment, Teodoro said this probably "underscores the importance of the WPS and the dynamic of the events which occur there on a daily basis".

This also reflects the need of the President to have someone there a "presidential adviser with cabinet stature", he added.

The DND chief also said the change in AFP chiefs will be as seamless as possible with as "much continuity of policies both in the transition to external defense and internal security."

Malacañang on Wednesday announced the appointment of Brawner as the military's next chief.
Prior to his appointment as AFP chief, Brawner has been serving as Army chief since December 2021.

He was a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1989 and graduated number two in his class.

Brawner served as the company commander of the 6th Special Forces Company; battalion commander of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion; operations officer of the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne); chief of staff of the 6th Infantry Division; chief of the PA public affairs office, AFP spokesperson, and commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade during the aftermath of the Marawi Siege in 2017.

Brawner also served as the commandant of PMA, playing an important role in the total eradication of hazing and maltreatment in the Cadet Corps. He later served as the first deputy chief of staff for AFP deputy chief of staff for financial management or J-10.

Brawner worked as commander of the 4th Infantry Division, supervising the unit’s combat operations that led to the decisive neutralization of Jorge Madlos or “Ka Oris,” the commander of the National Operations Command of the New People’s Army.

He acquired three Master’s Degrees: Master’s in Information Management from the Ateneo de Manila University; Master’s in Business Administration from the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand and from the European School of Management, Oxford, United Kingdom; and Master’s in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College (USAWC).

He also received numerous awards and recognitions, including The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers in 2013 by the Metrobank Foundation and Rotary Club of Makati, and the Lapu-Lapu Award by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for his valuable contributions in the neutralization of Abu Dar, the last of the original leaders of the Maute-ISIS faction.

In March this year, Brawner was inducted into the USAWC International Fellows Hall of Fame in recognition of his service at the highest command position in the Philippine Army.

Brawner was also conferred the Legion of Merit–Degree of Commander in recognition of his exceptionally meritorious service as the PA chief, particularly in ensuring that the Army remains trained, ready, and postured for all missions.

Centino already reached the mandatory retirement on Feb. 4 this year but qualified for another three-year term following the signing of Republic Act 11709.

Under Republic Act 11709, the AFP chief of staff, vice chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, heads of the major services (Army, Navy, and Air Force), unified command commanders, and inspector general will have a three-year term of office "unless sooner terminated by the President."

Centino served as PA commander from May 14, 2021 to Dec. 10, 2021. His other assignments include commander of the 4th Infantry Division, AFP deputy chief of staff for operations or J-3 in military parlance and head of the 401st Infantry Brigade.

Centino graduated cum laude from the PMA.

He also holds a Master’s in Business Management from the University of the Philippines, Master’s in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University in Washington D.C. and a certificate in the Strategic Business Economic Program of the University of Asia and the Pacific.

AFP welcomes Brawner's appointment

The military also welcomed Brawner's appointment as its next chief.

"The AFP welcomes Lt.Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. as the new Chief of Staff AFP. The 145,000-strong AFP shall support the incoming CSAFP (Chief of Staff AFP) who has proven his sterling leadership and excellent performance of assigned tasks in the field of AFP operations, modernization and transformation," AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said in a statement Thursday.

He also added that the AFP renders its "snappiest salute" to Centino and wish(es) him the best in his next endeavors.

"(And) to our outgoing CSAFP, Gen. Andres Centino. We wish him the best and look forward to working with him in his next position as the Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea," Aguilar said.

Focus on WPS

Meanwhile, Centino said his appointment as Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea was brought by the need to focus on that particular part of the country.

"There was a need to bring focus on the matters in that part of the country, we have actually mechanisms as to how these issues should be addressed, we have the National Task Force -West Philippine Sea but our leadership has deemed it important that (we give) focus and importance on the way we address the issues there in a bigger scale and that's why they thought of creating an Office of the Presidential Adviser," the outgoing AFP chief said.

Also, Centino said there is a need to address "geopolitical issues" more appropriately.

And when asked what issues the President wants to address in the WPS, the outgoing AFP chief said that there are incidents that should not happen if addressed properly.

Also, Centino said that his office, which is being established, will be an interagency "interagency task force."

"As to the specific you know the office has yet to be created, so no specifics yet but what is clear is that there should be more focus on, in how we handle or address the problems there (in the WPS)," he added.

Meanwhile, the Western Command’s (Wescom) top brass on Thursday also welcomed the appointment of Brawner as AFP chief of staff, saying he is the right man to help navigate the troubled waters of the WPS.

Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, Wescom’s commander, told reporters he is confident that Brawner will give the right operational guidance on WPS territorial issues, as well as other external security concerns.

Wescom’s chief also expressed expectations of a swift resolution to the country’s internal security challenges, such as those posed by communist and Islamist guerillas, under Brawner’s leadership.

In view of the leadership transition, Carlos said his command is prepared to adhere to and carry out new strategic directives.

"Wescom is confident that total victory against internal security threats will finally be achieved under the watch of our new CSAFP. Wescom is ready to implement our new CSAFP's operational guidance to fully address WPS issues and other external security challenges," he emphasized.

Wescom, the command touted as “Protector of the West Philippine Sea and the Last Frontier,” is at the forefront of efforts to assert Philippine sovereignty in the marine territory, and has managed to de-escalate near-confrontations with Chinese vessels in the disputed waters. (With a report from Izza Reynoso/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206018

DND chief: 'Best product' must be top factor in asset acquisition

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 20, 2023): DND chief: 'Best product' must be top factor in asset acquisition (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (File photo)

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Thursday said the "best product" and not the cost should be the primary consideration in acquiring modern equipment and platforms for the military's ongoing modernization.

"What is supportable, who can give us the best product, not necessarily at the lowest price but at the lowest price for value delivered, not the lowest least cost but value delivered like supportability, availability of supplies in stores, survivability, lead time for ordering of spares, technology transfer, potential joint ventures in production of component parts, the whole value of the package will be reviewed," he said in an interview with select reporters at the DND headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo when asked what factors should be checked first before equipment should be acquired.

Teodoro said he has also given "strict guidelines" to all technical and project working groups, including having the "technical competence" to review the products and companies, particularly their ability to deliver what they promised based on the agreed schedule.

The review, he said, must also look into the companies' capability to provide services without any delay on their part or any excuses and to answer supply chain problems for serviceability.

"I'll like to stress that we are in the process of instilling the capability of our personnel not only to view the product itself but the supportability of the product and the reputation and track record of the companies that are supplying the contract for supportability and sustainability and possible long term interactions with them for product upgrades and improvements," he added.

Teodoro further said the DND is now working closely towards building up the Philippines' credible deterrent posture.

"In terms of credible deterrent posture, the upgrade is purely focused on Philippine interest and the strengthening of the integrity of this country as I said a value proposition on its own and without violating any law or international law or domestic law," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206028

Ex-AFP vice chief of staff Salvador Mison passes away

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 20, 2023): Ex-AFP vice chief of staff Salvador Mison passes away (By Ben Cal)

Former AFP vice chief of staff Lt. Gen. Salvador M. Mison

MANILA – Former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vice chief of staff Lt. Gen. Salvador M. Mison died on July 19 at the age of 90, his family announced on Thursday.

His family said Mison died peacefully but did not mention the cause of his death.

The AFP will give full military honors to Mison during the burial over the weekend.

Mison is survived by his wife Ione, and children Irene and Dave, Jun and Cherryt, Gy and Albert, Frankie, Ione and Tom, and Michael, and 13 grandchildren and one great grandchildren.

His remains lie in state at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Instead of flowers, his family is requesting to donate to the “Ang Mission ni Mison Foundation, Inc.”

Mison, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1955, was known for his gallantry in combat, particularly at the outbreak of the Mindanao war against the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) known as the Burning of Jolo, Sulu on Feb. 8, 1974 where his unit, the 14th Infantry Battalion, though outnumbered was the first to mount a counter-attack against the rebel forces.

His brilliant war strategy led to his promotion as full army colonel on the recommendation of then AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Espino to then President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.

Mison was also the commander of the 8th Division of the AFP Eastern Command based in Samar.

The Burning of Jolo incident practically caught government forces by surprise as heavy fighting erupted in the capital town in what is considered as the first recorded urban warfare in the AFP’s war on terror.

Before hostilities erupted, MNLF rebels armed to the teeth practically roamed the streets unperturbed despite the presence of the soldiers and policemen.

It was only a matter of time before a shooting war would start and tension filled the air and was felt by everybody at that time.

As fighting broke out, the AFP high command in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City dispatched the 14th Infantry Battalion under then Lt. Col. Mison to reinforce government forces pinned down during the Jolo fighting.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206031

Kalinaw News: NOLCOM embraces 55 Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) supporters in Central Luzon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 18, 2023): NOLCOM embraces 55 Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) supporters in Central Luzon

NOLCOM warmly welcomes the decision of 55 NPA supporters' withdrawal of support from the armed communist group in Nueva Ecija

Read: https://bit.ly/3NTgic5

#StrongUnitedReliable
#PhilArmy
#ARMY126

NOLCOM EMBRACES 55 COMMUNIST TERRORIST GROUP SUPPORTERS IN CENTRAL LUZON

 
Camp Aquino, Tarlac City, 17 July 2023 - The Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), welcomed and embraced the decision of at least 55 supporters of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) and Communist Front Organizations (CFOs) on Friday (July 14, 2023) who withdrew their support from the CTG and took an oath of allegiance to the government's peace and development efforts as well as to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in a ceremony held at Barangay Villarica, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija.

The withdrawal of support was made by members of the Indigenous People KM8 Agriculture Association of Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija an IP/Peasant organization affiliated to the CTG linked Alyansang Magbubukid ng Gitnang Luzon (AMGL)-Nueva Ecija Chapter.

The NOLCOM also lauded the right decision made by the former CTG supporters to publicly denounce their support for the CTG, noting that this marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of the government for ending local communist armed conflict.

 
"We admire the courage you showed today, and this is the right thing to do; joining them will benefit no one” said COMMODORE KARL A. DECAPIA, PN, Deputy Commander of NOLCOM, assuring them that the CTG will no longer wreck havoc with their daily lives and in their peaceful communities.

Meanwhile, as they openly severed ties with the CTG, they expressed their gratitude to the government along with their calls to the remaining supporters and members of the CTG to return to their families.

"We are very thankful to the government for openly welcoming us and for its willingness to assist us in the development of our organization," said Michael Kindipan, Chairman of the Indigenous People KM8 Agriculture Association.

"I urge the remaining supporters of the CTG to withdraw support and those in the armed struggle to return to our government and follow our decision to embrace peace," he added.

#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#NTFELCAC
#SupportELCAC
#NoToCPPNPANDF
#supportourtroops
#NOLCOM
#peacemaker

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Kalinaw News: TINGNAN || Magkahiwalay na Engkwentro Naitala sa Camarines Norte at Sorsogon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 20, 2023): TINGNAN || Magkahiwalay na Engkwentro Naitala sa Camarines Norte at Sorsogon (LOOK || Separate Encounters Recorded in Camarines Norte and Sorsogon)

Philippine Army and suspected members of the NPA had two different encounters in the provinces of Camarines Norte and Sorsogon.
Read: https://bit.ly/3K0yBek

#StrongUnitedReliable
#PhilArmy
#ARMY126

TINGNAN || Magkahiwalay na Engkwentro Naitala sa Camarines Norte at Sorsogon

CAMP Elias Angeles, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur – Magkasunod na engkwentro sa lalawigan ng Camarines Norte at Sorsogon ang naitala nito lamang Huwebes at Sabado.

Gabi ng Hulyo 6 ng beripikahin ng tropa ng 22nd Infantry Battalion ang sumbong ng mga residente sa umano’y presensiya ng armadong grupo kung saan kanilang nakasagupa ang tinatayang 10 miyembro ng KLG2, SRC3 ng Bicol Regional Party Committee sa Sitio Sabang, Barangay Calpi, Bulan, Sorsogon na tumagal ng 15 minuto.

 
Agad namang nagsitakas ang nasabing grupo matapos ang engkwentro at naiwan sa lugar ang dalawang improvised explosive devices (IED), limang magazines, mga wires at mga personal na kagamitan.

Madaling-araw ng Sabado, Hulyo 8, ng maka-engkwentro naman ng 9th Infantry Battalion ang nasa 15 miyembro ng KLG 1, SRC 1 sa Barangay Sta. Cruz, Jose, Panganiban, Camarines Norte at nasamsam ng mga sundalo ang isang Anti-Personnel Mine (APM), wire na may battery, mga gamot, iba pang subersibong kagamitan at personal na mga kagamitan.

 
Samantala, habang nagsasagawa naman ng security patrol ang tropa ng 81st Infantry Battalion sa Barangay Patalunan, Ragay, Camarines Sur nang kanilang madiskobre ang isang M16 rifle sa masukal na bahagi ng lugar.

Kaugnay nito, ang pagtitiyak naman ng pamunuan ng 9th Infantry "Spear" Division, Philippine Army at Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) na bagamat sunod-sunod ang naitalang sagupaan, ang buong rehiyon ay mapayapa at sinisiguro ang seguridad laban sa panganib na dulot ng Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).

ENGLISH TRANSLATION: LOOK || Separate Encounters Recorded in Camarines Norte and Sorsogon

CAMP Elias Angeles, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur – Simultaneous encounters in the provinces of Camarines Norte and Sorsogon recorded on Thursday and Saturday.

On the evening of July 6, the troop of the 22nd Infantry Battalion verified the residents' report on the alleged presence of an armed group where they encountered approximately 10 members of KLG2, SRC3 of the Bicol Regional Party Committee in Sitio Sabang, Barangay Calpi, Bulan, Sorsogon which lasted 15 minutes.

The said group fled immediately after the encounter and left two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), five magazines, wires and personal equipment.

Early in the morning of Saturday, July 8, the 15 members of KLG 1, SRC 1 in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Jose, Panganiban, Camarines Norte were encountered and soldiers seized an Anti-Personnel Mine (APM), wire with battery, medicines, other subversive equipment and Personal items.

Meanwhile, while the troops of 81st Infantry Battalion in Barangay Patalunan, Ragay, Camarines Sur were conducting security patrol, they discovered an M16 rifle in the mass part of the area.

In relation to this, ensuring the leadership of the 9th Infantry "Spear" Division, Philippine Army and Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) that even after clashes are recorded consecutively, the whole region is peaceful and ensures security against the danger posed by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).

#StrongUnitedReliable
#StrongerArmyStrongerCountry
#ServingthePeopleSecuringtheLand
#PhilippineArmy
#TeamArmy
#teamSPEAR
#Bicol

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Kalinaw News: Army’s “Tagapagtanggol” Battalion continues to deplete NPA firearm cache in Samar

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 20, 2023): Army’s “Tagapagtanggol” Battalion continues to deplete NPA firearm cache in Samar

Army’s “Tagapagtanggol” Battalion continues to deplete NPA firearm cache in Samar
Read: https://bit.ly/3K16kUD

Soldiers Recover Firearms, Magazines, and Assorted Medical Paraphernalia in Dolores Eastern Samar

DOLORES, Eastern Samar- Three Firearms, three magazines and assorted medical paraphernalia belonging to Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) were recovered during a strike operation of 42nd Infantry Battalion in the hinterlands of Jicontol, Dolores, Eastern Samar on 28 June 2023.

The operation was launched through the support of a Friend Rescued (FR) who pinpointed the location where the firearms were concealed.

Lt. Col. Rodito A Gotladera INF (GSC) PA, the Army's 42IB Battalion Commander, lauded the FR for supporting the unit and successfully leading the recovery of the concealed war materials: "We are thankful for the support shown by our Friend Rescued to our unit. We will surely continue our work and cooperation with our now allies, Friend Rescued, in locating resources on CNTs to further incapacitate them."

Meanwhile, the 8th Infantry Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Camilo Z Ligayo expresses his appreciation to the 42IB for its valuable contribution to the accomplishment of the mission.

The 42IB aims to intensify and continue its initiative and efforts in securing the residents within its area of operation. The unit is also encouraging the remaining NPA rebels in the province to lay down their arms and avail themselves of the program intended for them.

#StrongUnitedReliable
#PhilArmy
#ARMY126

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