PH, Aussie soldiers conclude joint military exercise in Isabela

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 24, 2024): PH, Aussie soldiers conclude joint military exercise in Isabela (By Merlito G. Edale)

CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela (PIA) – Filipino and Australian soldiers have just concluded a joint military exercise at Camp Melchor Dela Cruz Division Training School in Gamu, Isabela.

The joint military exercises, which commenced on May 13, 2024, comprised 50 soldiers from the 86th Infantry Battalion and 100 from the Australian Army troops.

5th Infantry Division Commander Major General Audrey Pasia said the military exercise dubbed as ‘Kasanga 01-2024’ aimed to strengthen military capabilities and foster a solid alliance between the Philippines and Australia.

He also said both army troops have shared their respective techniques, tactics, and procedures in military operations. It also fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultures and traditions of both camps.

“This has been instrumental in offering combined training opportunities, enabling the two nations to exchange valuable techniques, tactics, and procedures to improve their operational effectiveness,” Pasia said.

The training included jungle and urban operations, breaching operations, tactical casualty care, jungle survival, mortar and drone operations, logistics, signal operations, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.

Pasia also said the military exercises involve the sharing of operational experiences in countering and conquering terrorist groups and external security threats which emphasized effective communication as a fundamental role in military operations, especially in challenging and fast-paced situations where precise communication is vital for the warriors’ safety, success, and welfare.

The training, he added, also equipped the soldiers with the necessary knowledge and skills in contemporary life-saving techniques and pain relief methods, combat shooting, and basic fire mission training.

“By sharing our operational experiences and working together to counter terrorism, we have significantly improved our interoperability ready to face future challenges. Your work has not gone unnoticed, and I am confident that the knowledge and skills acquired during Kasangga 01-2024 will lead us to even greater success in the future.” Pasia said.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Tim Lopsik, assistant defense attaché of Australia to the Philippines, expressed his gratitude to the army division officials for the invaluable support extended to their troops and the skills they gained during the training.

“We are deeply grateful for the insights and tactical knowledge the 5ID shared. This collaboration has been instrumental in advancing our joint operational effectiveness,” Lopsik said. (OTB/MGE/PIA Isabela)




https://www.pia.gov.ph/ph-aussie-soldiers-conclude-joint-military-exercise-in-isabela/

AFP: Huge China Coast Guard vessel spotted near Ayungin Shoal

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 25, 2024): AFP: Huge China Coast Guard vessel spotted near Ayungin Shoal (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it is keeping a close watch on all activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

This came following reports that the China Coast Guard (CCG) 5901, the force's largest vessel known as "The Monster", was recently spotted passing near the Philippine Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) in the Ayungin Shoal in the WPS.

"We have noted reports of a large CCG vessel passing near the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal," the AFP said.

It added that the presence of this 12,000-ton CCG ship near the BRP Sierra Madre is part of China's broader pattern of intrusive patrols aimed at asserting unlawful claims over areas within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

In a post on X (Twitter) on Monday, former United States Air Force official Ray Powell said the CCG 5901 vessel passed close to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal and approached the Escoda Shoal.

"The AFP closely monitors all activities in the WPS as part of our commitment to maritime domain awareness and the protection of our territorial integrity, sovereignty, and sovereign rights," the AFP said.

The military also assured it remains vigilant and steadfast in its mission to uphold international maritime laws, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The AFP also emphasized that such actions by the CCG are illegal, coercive, and contrary to the spirit of maintaining peace and stability in the region.

"Our forces will continue to monitor and report any developments in the WPS in the performance of our mandate. We call on all nations to respect international law and to refrain from actions that escalate tensions in the WPS," it noted.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1227592

PAF to showcase territorial defense capabilities on 77th anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 25, 2024): PAF to showcase territorial defense capabilities on 77th anniversary By Priam Nepomuceno

Philippine Air Force spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo (Screengrab from PTV)

MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will display its territorial defense capabilities in its 77th founding anniversary, an official said Tuesday.

In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said their capabilities to retake territory taken by hostile forces and to detect, track, and neutralize enemy aircraft would be shown on July 1 at the Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga.

"We are going to have a simulated scenario where in, sisimulate na meron na kailangan territory na kailangan natin ma-win (we will stimulate a territory that we need to win back) from the enemies," Castillo said.

She said there would be airstrike missions, intelligence reconnaissance and surveillance of the area using unmanned aerial vehicles.

"And then mag-iinsert tayo ng mga tropa gamit ang ating mga (we will insert troops using our) 'Black Hawk' helicopters, using fast-rope insertion and extraction system," she said.

Castillo said the PAF will also display the capabilities of its new Ground-Based Air Defense System (GBADS), also known as the Israeli-made Spyder mobile air defense system which provides the Air Force to protect the country's airspace from hostile aircraft.

The first two GBAD batteries were delivered in 2022 while the third is expected to be delivered anytime this year.

She said this capability is new to PAF, which allows it to detect, identify and neutralize enemy aircraft from the ground once it penetrates Philippine airspace and reaches land.

The GBADs is "an extra layer of defense" to complement the PAF's other defensive systems that includes the FA-50PH light fighter aircraft, she said.

Aside from the capability demonstrations, she said the PAF would have a flyby in honor of the event to be attended by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

"We're going to have, of course, the usual flyby (of) our aircraft. We (hope) to have it livestream, and of course, we are expecting to have our President and Commander-in-Chief as our guest-of-honor," Castillo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1227614

Bangsamoro coalition backs PBBM call for peaceful, orderly 2025 polls

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 25, 2024): Bangsamoro coalition backs PBBM call for peaceful, orderly 2025 polls (By Darryl John Esguerra)

NEW BANGSAMORO. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets with local chief executives of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao at the Diamond Hotel in Manila on Monday (June 24, 2024). In his message, the President expressed confidence that the first-ever parliamentary elections in the region next year will be peaceful, accountable and transparent. (Photo from Bongbong Marcos Facebook)

MANILA – Leaders from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) provinces expressed support to the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for a successful elections next year.

In a statement Tuesday, the BARMM Grand Coalition (BGC), an alliance of political groups led by governors from various provinces, lauded Marcos for sharing the group's expectations of a peaceful, honest and orderly 2025 BARMM elections.

“The BARMM Grand Coalition is very grateful and strongly supports our President Ferdinand Marcos’ consistent and loud and clear call for a peaceful and successful May 2025 elections in BARMM,” Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan, one of the leaders of the BGC, was quoted as saying in the coalition’s statement.

"It is a clear sign that the Bangsamoro region is taking another step toward its objective of self-governance and self-determination."

The first-ever parliamentary polls in the Bangsamoro Region is slated in May next year, simultaneous with the nationwide municipal, city, provincial and senatorial elections.

The BARMM covers Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, and the cities of Lamitan, Marawi and Cotabato.

In his meeting with the local government executives of the BARMM on Monday, the President expressed confidence that the Bangsamoro elections will be peaceful, accountable and transparent.

He then called for unity and cooperation among all local chief executives to ensure the success of the polls.

READ: PBBM confident of peaceful, orderly BARMM polls

The Sulu leader said the coalition is committed to the conduct of a fair, peaceful, transparent and rules-based elections.

Likewise, he expressed confidence on the ability of the Commission on Elections to administer the polls with “utmost impartiality and professionalism towards peaceful and successful outcome as envisioned by the President.”

“We call for unity of all political parties and BARMM citizens in realizing the call of our President. BGC is always open to dialogue with stakeholders to achieve this call,” Tan said.

The BGC is endorsing the bid of Tan as Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro government.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1227606

PH pursues diplomacy; wants talks with China after June 17 skirmish

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 25, 2024): PH pursues diplomacy; wants talks with China after June 17 skirmish (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is working to convene a dialogue with China in the hopes of creating some “confidence-building measures” after the June 17 incident involving the Chinese Coast Guard disrupting a Philippine resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal that severely injured one Filipino soldier.

In a Senate hearing Tuesday, DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo said the agency, in consultation with the National Maritime Council, agreed on the “primacy of dialogue and diplomacy” even in the face of these serious incidents.

“Though, of course, I admit it's also a challenge. Nevertheless, we will pursue the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international laws, specifically the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award,” he said.

“We have been working hard to bring back China to the table to talk with us to resolve differences on these issues,” he added.

The Philippines and China have an existing mechanism for dialogue on issues surrounding the South China Sea called the bilateral consultation mechanism (BCM).

Last week, Manalo said a working group discussion was convened in preparation for what is being slated as the 9th BCM meeting.

The DFA is hoping to convene the meeting by early July, Manalo said.

The regular meeting, should it proceed, would most likely cover the June 17 incident but Manalo also hopes to see whether the two states can arrive “at some kind of confidence-building measures”.

Manalo said these “confidence-building measures” could hopefully create a basis for “more serious discussions” to see how the two states can address issues in the area.

On top of bilaterally engaging with China, Manalo said the Philippines is working closely with other international partners and on the multilateral front to promote a rules-based order in the region.

“So, we will continue to pursue these efforts, and also let me just assure the committee and the Filipino people that while we are seeking the approach for a peaceful resolution through international law and diplomacy, of course, we are not blind to the incidents which are happening," he said.

"We will ensure that whatever confidence-building measures we achieve, they will be not at the expense of the promotion of our sovereignty, sovereign rights as well as our rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.

On top of denouncing China's actions in a public statement, Manalo confirmed that the DFA has reached out to the Chinese Foreign Ministry and its embassy in the Philippines to "sternly communicate" Manila's position on the incident.

"We sternly communicated to our counterparts that it was really incomprehensible how the delivery of basic necessities to our troops on the [BRP] Sierra Madre could be considered a provocation that would justify an increased level of Chinese actions and so, therefore, we believe their actions only intensified and escalated tensions and certainly, something we should be concerned about," he said.

Support for WPS stance

The Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) also rallied behind President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s firm assertion of Manila’s “sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction” in the WPS, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“We stand in solidarity with the Department of National Defense, under the capable leadership of Sec. Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. in their crucial role of securing our country’s domains and fostering a safe and stable environment conducive to national prosperity and the well-being of the Filipino people,” VFP president and chief executive officer retired Maj. Gen. Romeo Alamillo said in a statement Tuesday.

Alamillo said their “hearts beat as one” with Filipino military personnel, especially soldiers stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre, which serves as Manila’s outpost in the Ayungin Shoal.

The group also condemned the Chinese Coast Guard’s “barbaric, demeaning and provocative acts” against Philippine troops during the June 17 rotation and resupply mission in the area.

“Their wisdom and sense of reason prevailed despite suffering from harassment and harm, embodying the indomitable Filipino valor and resilience,” he added.

Alamillio, meanwhile, urged all Filipinos to unite in support of those “who risk their lives to defend what is right, to protect is what ours and to secure our future.”

Chinese ships in WPS slightly up

On Tuesday, the Philippine Navy (PN) reported that a total of 129 various Chinese vessels were spotted in various features in the WPS from June 18 to 24.

This is slightly higher than the 121 vessels reported from June 11 to 17, the PN said in an advisory.

These include 14 China Coast Guard Vessels (CCGVs), five People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships, and 110 Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels (CMMVs).

These ships were spotted in the following features:

--Bajo de Masinloc - five CCGVs, one PLAN ship, and 15 CMMVs

--Ayungin Shoal - six CCGVs, four PLAN ships, and 34 CMMVs

--Pag-asa Island - three CCGVs and 34 CMMVs

--Lawak Island: one CMMV

--Panata Island: one CMMV

--Recto Bank: 25 CMMVs (with Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1227651

PH to host 32nd ASEAN armies' shooting tilt

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 26, 2024): PH to host 32nd ASEAN armies' shooting tilt (By Priam Nepomuceno)

RIFLES MEET. Philippine Army shooters practice the prone position during the inspection of facilities by the technical committee for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Armies Rifles Meet (AARM) at Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac on Tuesday (June 25, 2024). The competition is scheduled for Nov. 12 to 23 this year. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) is all set to host the 32nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Armies Rifles Meet (AARM) slated from Nov. 12 to 23, 2024.

This came after Tuesday's comprehensive inspection of facilities at Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac, which will be the venue of the competition, by representatives of the participating nations, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said in statement Wednesday.

"Representatives from participating ASEAN armies inspected the newly refurbished Grandstand as well as the shooting ranges at the Marksmanship Training Center (MTC) in Camp O’Donnell," he added.

The theme of this year's edition of the AARM, “Strengthening Partnership and Camaraderie Towards Regional Stability", underscores the annual shoot fest’s importance as a cultural and diplomatic landmark.

Representatives also endorsed the Rule Book that will govern the shooting competition and established the agenda and other requirements for the ASEAN Chiefs of Army Multilateral Meeting (ACAMM) and the ASEAN Army Sergeant Majors Annual Meeting (ASMAM).

The Philippine Army Shooting Contingent — known for its moniker “Manunudla” (shooter in Filipino) — earlier bagged a back-to-back third-place ranking in the 30th and 31st AARM editions.

The PA shooters are experts in pistol, carbine, rifle and machine gun.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1227685

PH reaffirms strong defense ties with Brunei

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 26, 2024): PH reaffirms strong defense ties with Brunei (By Priam Nepomuceno)

STRONG DEFENSE TIES. Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Angelito de Leon (right) and Brunei Defense Ministry Permanent Secretary, retired Brig. Gen. Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Alirupendi bin Haji Perudin (left) shake hands during a meeting a the DND headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on June 19, 2024. The DND on Wednesday (June 26) said Perudin and his delegation were in Manila for the 9th iteration of the Joint Defense Working Committee (JDWC) Meeting between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam. (Photo courtesy of the DND)

MANILA – The Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral defense ties with Brunei Darussalam.

This came following the visit of a high-level delegation of Brunei's Defense Ministry to the Department of National Defense (DND) headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City last June 19.

Brunei's delegation was headed by retired Brig. Gen. Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Alirupendi bin Haji Perudin, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a news release on Wednesday.

He added that the delegation was in Manila from June 18 to 20 to convene the 9th iteration of the Joint Defense Working Committee (JDWC) Meeting between Manila and Bandar Seri Begawan.

"Co-chairing the 9th JDWC Meeting, DND Undersecretary for Capability Assessment and Development Angelito M. De Leon welcomed back Permanent Secretary Alirupendi to the Philippines as he previously served as the Defense Attaché of Brunei Darussalam to the Philippines from 2010-2013. With the reconvening of JDWC Meeting, which was stalled due to several factors since its last iteration in 2016," Andolong said.

He added that de Leon regarded the meeting as a timely occasion to boost the implementation of the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation between the two nations.

During the meeting, de Leon commended Brunei Darussalam’s significant contributions to the realization of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) through the International Monitoring Team (IMT) and the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB).

"He (De Leon) further enjoined Brunei Darussalam to assist BARMM’s local economy and industries, such as through Islamic banking and investments, as well as enhance Islamic education in Madrasahs to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies, especially in the upcoming parliamentary elections in 2025," Andolong noted.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1227688

NSC shrugs off militants' call for PH to 'demilitarize' WPS

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 26, 2024): NSC shrugs off militants' call for PH to 'demilitarize' WPS (By Priam Nepomuceno)

NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya (PNA file photo)

MANILA – Demilitarizing the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is out of the government's options in dealing with issues on the disputed territory as such a move will only benefit China, a ranking National Security Council (NSC) official said on Wednesday.

In a radio interview, NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said he is puzzled by this call of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and their allied leftist organizations.

"So ang ibig bang sabihin nito, mag-pullout na rin ang Armed Forces (of the Philippines) kasi diba when you call for demilitarization, ibig sabihin (pati) yung BRP Sierra Madre ipupullout na natin kasi commissioned vessel yan ng Philippine Navy (PN), eh di titigil na ang PN na magpatrolya sa WPS kasi gumagawa sila ng kanilang mandato (could this also means that the Armed Forces (of the Philippines) (AFP) will also pull out its units as they called for demilitarization, It would also mean we will also pullout the BRP Sierra Madre as it is a commissioned vessel of the PN, the PN will also have to stop patrolling the WPS as they go about with their mandate)," he added.

Malaya also reminded these groups that China is the one militarizing the WPS.

"China ang nag militarize, hindi naman ang Pilipinas, tayo naman ang ating mga tropa sa occupied features natin ang ginagawa nila garrison duties. (China is the one militarizing, not the Philippines, our troops manning our occupied features are only doing garrison duties)," he added.

Malaya said Manila agreeing to demilitarize the WPS would be equivalent to giving up its territory to Beijing.

In a separate statement, the NSC official said the groups' call are contrary to national interest.

"Why call on the Armed Forces of the Philippines who are deployed to the nine occupied features of the Philippines to leave? If the AFP leaves our occupied features, that's tantamount to dereliction of duty and betrayal of public trust," Malaya said.

He advised Bayan to instead call on China to leave the WPS, noting that the latter built artificial islands and military bases in WPS.

"The AFP is merely doing garrison duties, doing their jobs in accordance with international law and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, why should they pull out of the West PH Sea? The Philippine Navy is performing its mandate to secure the territorial integrity of the Philippines and protect our fishermen, why should they pull out of the WPS?," he added.

Malaya also said Bayan's call for the United States to leave the WPS is misplaced as there are no American soldiers deployed in the area.

He also said the passage of US vessels in the WPS is part of freedom of navigation operations as permitted by international law.

"If the AFP leaves the WPS and the US Navy stops its freedom of navigation operations, who does that favor? China definitely. That will embolden China more. Bayan has to be more circumspect because they are falling into the trap of the Chinese Communist Party," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1227705

Strong partnerships in sea protection highlighted in MARPOLEX 2024

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 26, 2024): Strong partnerships in sea protection highlighted in MARPOLEX 2024 (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

JOINT MARITIME EXERCISE. The joint declaration of the opening of the four-day Regional Marine Pollution Exercise (MARPOLEX) 2024 in a ceremony held at Acacia Hotel along the Bredco port in Bacolod City on Tuesday (June 25, 2024). Exercise co-directors, including (from left) Vice Admiral Roy Echeverria of the Philippine Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Jon Kenedi of Indonesia Directorate General of Sea Transportation, and Capt. Sase Koichi of the Japan Coast Guard led the signing of the joint declaration of the opening of the four-day exercise. (PNA photo by Nanette L. Guadalquiver)

BACOLOD CITY – The start of the four-day Regional Marine Pollution Exercise (MARPOLEX) 2024, participated by the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan, in this city on Tuesday, highlighted sustained cooperation among countries in Southeast Asia for the protection of the sea.

Vice Admiral Roy Echeverria of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Rear Admiral Jon Kenedi of Indonesia Directorate General of Sea Transportation, and Capt. Sase Koichi of Japan Coast Guard, the exercise co-directors, signed the joint declaration of the opening of the four-day exercise in a ceremony held at Acacia Hotel along the Bredco port.

The Philippines’ Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for Maritime Julius Yano, the guest of honor and speaker, said he takes pride in the PCG being part of the cooperation and counterpart of the two other participating countries.

“As we continue to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and build strong partnerships through this exercise, let us embrace this opportunity to learn first-hand,” Yano said.

He noted that the PCG is recruiting yearly dedicated and passionate guardians of the sea, and one of the pillars of such service is protecting, preserving, and conserving the marine environment.

Yano mentioned the challenge faced by the Philippines during the oil tanker spill in Oriental Mindoro in 2023.

“This MARPOLEX is fitting and imperative not only for the PCG but also for the participating countries,” he added.

Rear Admiral Kanosue Hiroaki, head of the delegation of Japan, said securing the safety of the sea is very critical for supporting economic activities.

“For us, Japan Coast Guard, through workshops, exercises, and training jointly attended by some Association of Southeast Asian countries, further strengthen and develop our capacity-building in terms of oil spill control,” he said.

The conduct of the MARPOLEX 2024 is in line with the provisions of the Sulawesi Oil Spill Response Network Plan 1981 and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Oil Spill Contingency 2018.

During the exercise proper on Wednesday, the vessels BRP Gabriela Silang of the Philippines, KN Trisula P.111 of Indonesia, and PLH 02 Tsugaru of Japan will join the exercises on search and rescue, firefighting, oil spill recovery, equipment recovery, and damage assessment.

This year’s MARPOLEX promotes initiatives for a regional cooperation mechanism to ensure the capability and readiness through interoperability of member countries in addressing pollution from oil spills.

It will, among others, test and evaluate the oil spill response capability of the Philippines and Indonesia, particularly during major oil spillage occurring near or along the shoreline of the exercise area in the Philippines.

Also, it will test current procedures and the capability of the Philippines and Indonesia in the oil spill recovery and response with the participation of the Japan Coast Guard and seek further employment and development.

Also joining the MARPOLEX 2024 are observers from the Coast Guards of the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Taiwan, as well as the National Southern Oil Spill Response Center of Vietnam, the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited of the United Kingdom, and Oil Spill Response Ltd. from Singapore.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1227619

21 Eastern Visayas towns attain rebel-free status

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 26, 2024): 21 Eastern Visayas towns attain rebel-free status (By Sarwell Meniano)

PEACE. Local officials release white doves during the declaration of rebel-free status of Macrohon, Southern Leyte, on June 24, 2024. At least 21 towns in Eastern Visayas have been declared completely free from threats from the New People’s Army (NPA) and have attained Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status, the Philippine Army reported on Wednesday (June 26, 2024). (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – A total of 21 towns in Eastern Visayas have been declared completely free from threats from the New People’s Army (NPA) and have attained Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status, the Philippine Army reported on Wednesday.

The municipalities conferred the SIPS status from January to June this year included Pagsanghan, Tarangnan, San Sebastian, Sta. Margarita, and Sto. Niño in Samar province; Allen, San Jose, Rosario, Capul, and Biri in Northern Samar; Bontoc and Macrohon in Southern Leyte; Palompon, Isabel, Matag-ob, Merida, and Hilongos in Leyte; and Giporlos, Mercedes, San Julian, and Taft in Eastern Samar.

The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division said in a statement Wednesday that these municipalities earned SIPS status due to the successful conduct of local peace engagement down to the community level and the effective multi-sectoral commitment to peace and security.

Brig. Gen. Lenart Lelina, commander of the 801st Infantry Brigade, said that a municipality is recognized with SIPS status only when no single resident is a member of the communist terrorist group.

"Municipalities and provinces free from insurgency are declared to have stable internal peace and security. Hopefully, the entire province of Eastern Samar will achieve this status when all its municipalities are declared insurgency-free," Lelina said.

In the SIPS declaration in Leyte province on Monday, 802nd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir emphasized that the declaration of SIPS status represents a victory of freedom from the deceptive ideas of the New People's Army (NPA).

“The SIPS declaration is a testament to collective efforts and commitment to peace, unity, and progress of stakeholders. It highlights the importance of embracing peace and working together to achieve reconciliation and sustained development,” Vestuir said.

Alongside every SIPS declaration is the ceremonial signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) among the municipal task force to end local communist armed conflict and other peace partners.

This MOU aims to strengthen the support of local governments in maintaining peace and order, conducting activities to enhance law enforcement operations, and preventing the resurgence of the NPA.

Major Gen. Camilo Ligayo, commander of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, reiterated his call to the people of Eastern Visayas that maintaining a stable peace and security environment cannot be achieved without community support.

"We aim to eradicate the decades-long insurgency problem in the region completely. Therefore, I urge the remaining NPA members to surrender to the government and take advantage of its programs to start a new life. The government is very willing to help you all," Ligayo added.

The military said several areas in the region have long been peaceful; hence, the declaration of the SIPS condition is just a formal and official manifestation of the commitment of local leaders and people to sustain the peace and never allow any threat groups to gain a foothold in their communities.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1227692