PH Army test-fires Israeli-made Sabrah light tank guns

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 19, 2024): PH Army test-fires Israeli-made Sabrah light tank guns (By Priam Nepomuceno)

TEST FIRE. Three Sabrah light tanks join a test fire of 105mm main guns during a drill at the Col. Ernesto Rabina Air Base in Tarlac on July 8, 2024. The Philippine Army's 1st Tank Battalion said Wednesday night (July 17, 2024) that the test fire is a crucial part of maintaining the battalion's combat readiness and operational efficiency. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army 1st Tank Battalion)

MANILA – The Philippine Army’s (PA) 1st Tank Battalion has test-fired the 105mm main guns of its newly acquired light tanks from Israel.

In a Facebook post Wednesday night, the 1st Tank Battalion said the test fire was held during the familiarization and training exercise for Army personnel on the use of the Elbit Systems' Land Sabrah light tanks at the Col. Ernesto Rabina Air Base target range in Tarlac province on July 8-11.

"This event was a crucial part of maintaining the battalion's combat readiness and operational efficiency, providing both seasoned soldiers and new trainees with invaluable hands-on experience," the 1st Tank Battalion said.

It added that the rigorous training sessions included a series of realistic combat scenarios designed to test and enhance the accuracy, reliability, and firepower of the Sabrah tanks.

The 1st Tank Battalion said having these light tanks in the PA's inventory would greatly boost its territorial defense capabilities.

Armor Division commander Maj. Gen. Pedro C. Balisi Jr. was also present during the exercise to assess the performance of the Sabrah light tanks.

The Armor Division is expected to receive 20 units of the Sabrah from 2023 to 2024 aside from 10 units of wheeled armored vehicles.

Six to 10 Sabrah units are believed to be in service as of this time.

The PA's light tank acquisition project is under Horizon 2 of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.

The contract is worth PHP9.4 billion and was acquired via government-to-government mode.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229219

OPAPRU: Basilan arms surrender pact 'milestone' in peace process

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 19, 2024): OPAPRU: Basilan arms surrender pact 'milestone' in peace process (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PATH TO PEACE. Basilan Governor Jim Hataman (5th from left) witnesses the ceremonial turnover of firearms during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the surrender of light weapons and firearms in Isabela City on July 16, 2024. The OPAPRU on Thursday (July 18) said the MOU is a critical step in the implementation of the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) program, as it will regulate firearms transport and usage and enforce uniform standards for military and police personnel across the province. (Photo courtesy of OPAPRU)

MANILA – The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on Thursday welcomed the recently-signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the surrender of light weapons and firearms in Basilan province as a milestone in the country's peace process.

In a news release on Thursday, the peace body said it has joined the Basilan provincial government led by Governor Jim Hataman, municipal mayors, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and other peace-inclined groups during the signing of the pact in Basilan's capital Isabela City on July 16.

The OPAPRU said the MOU is a critical step in the implementation of the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) program, as it will regulate firearms transport and usage, as well as enforce uniform standards for military and police personnel across the province.

Key provisions of the MOU include restrictions on the carrying of firearms outside designated areas for Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members, as well as the stringent observance of uniform protocols, and the clear enforcement of mechanisms on weapons use and safety.

In a speech, Hataman stressed the importance of collective responsibility in securing a peaceful and prosperous future.

"Mahalin natin ito. Kung ano ang programa ng mga mayors natin, ng mga military, ng local government, pakiusap ko sa mga MILF at MNLF na sumama po kayo. Hindi ito para sa amin, pero para sa atin at sa susunod na henerasyon (Let us love this. I call on MILF and MNLF members, join the programs of our mayors, the military and the local government. This is not just for us. This is for everyone and the next generation)," Hataman said.

The event's highlight was the presentation and turnover of 172 firearms which showed the Basilan provincial government's major progress in its campaign to reduce illicit arms.

The SALW program is a key component of the security aspect of the Normalization Program for MILF combatants, their families and communities.

The activity also included a Localizing Normalization Implementation (LNI) Basilan Secretariat’s meeting where stakeholders discussed and strategized on peacebuilding interventions that will be carried out under the LNI.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229221

AFP, Aussie counterpart reaffirm commitment to regional peace

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 19, 2024): AFP, Aussie counterpart reaffirm commitment to regional peace (By Priam Nepomuceno)

STRENGTHENED TIES. Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. during his video call with Admiral David Johnston, the Australian Defence Force's new chief, on Thursday (July 18, 2024). The two committed to promoting peace and stability in the region. (Photo courtesy of the AFP)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and its counterpart, the Australian Defence Force (ADF), vowed to further strengthen their ties, committing to promoting peace and stability in the region.

AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. made the commitment Thursday during a video call with Admiral David Johnston, the ADF's new chief.

"During the call, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability and the continuation of strong defense and security relations between the Philippines and Australia," Trinidad said.

The two officials emphasized the importance of a long-standing partnership in addressing shared security challenges and enhancing regional peace and stability, he added.

"Both leaders concluded the call with a pledge to continue strengthening their defense ties and working closely on various initiatives aimed at further enhancing existing military cooperation activities," Trinidad said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229306

Samar town gets P100-M bridge under peace project

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 18, 2024): Samar town gets P100-M bridge under peace project (By Sarwell Meniano)

PEACE EFFORTS. Officials inspect the site of a bridge project in Matuguinao, Samar in this Nov. 16, 2023 photo. The interior town in Samar province will receive PHP100 million for the construction of a bridge that will link formerly rebel-infested communities to the town center. (Photo courtesy of Matuguinao local government)

TACLOBAN CITY – The interior town of Matuguinao, Samar will receive PHP100 million in funding for the construction of a bridge that will link formerly rebel-infested communities to the town center.

In an interview Wednesday, Mayor Aran Boller said the 30-meter concrete bridge in Maduroto will start within the year, replacing a makeshift bridge set up by a contractor and repaired by the local government.

“The tall bridge will benefit thousands of residents from 12 villages. We are committed to ensuring that the construction of this bridge will not only connect our barangays but also bring sustainable development to our communities," Boller told the Philippine News Agency.

The bridge is funded under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) program, which is under the oversight of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity.

The structure will form part of the road that will connect the towns of Matuguinao in Samar and Las Navas in Northern Samar. The upland areas of these towns are hiding places of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

Pamana projects have been implemented in different parts of Samar Island primarily to contribute to addressing issues of injustice and improve community access to socio-economic interventions.

Matuguinao, a 5th-class town with a population of over 7,000 people, is one of the recipient communities of Pamana projects since some areas have been affected by armed conflict.

Of the town’s 20 villages, four are still affected by the NPA’s armed struggle, the mayor said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229136

Free housing up for 30 ex-NPA rebels in Samar town

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 18, 2024): Free housing up for 30 ex-NPA rebels in Samar town (By Roel Amazona)

SETTLEMENT. The site of the future housing project for former rebels in Matuguinao, Samar. At least 30 former members of the New People’s Army in Matuguinao town will soon own houses through the “Saad nga Balay” (promised housing) program. (Photo courtesy of Matuguinao local government)

TACLOBAN CITY – At least 30 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Matuguinao, Samar will soon own houses through the “Saad nga Balay” (promised housing) program.

Mayor Aran Boller said on Thursday the site preparation is now ongoing after the groundbreaking on June 19.

The project, located within the town center, is primarily funded by the Samar provincial government.

Each house costs PHP250,000 and has a 49-square-meter lot area, with a semi-concrete design.

The town has about 50 former rebel surrenderers who are qualified to avail themselves of the housing project.

“The priority to receive these houses are former regular fighters of the NPA,” Boller told the Philippine News Agency.

The mayor said providing decent houses is a symbol of commitment to inclusive growth and reconciliation.

It is also a way to help former rebels build a better future, hope, and stability after they decide to turn their lives around and live within a normal community, Boller said.

The "Saad nga Balay” housing project was conceptualized by Brig. Gen. Lenart Lelina, commander of the Philippine Army’s 801st Infantry Brigade and first implemented in San Jose de Buan town.

The project, a collaboration between the local government and national agencies, aims to provide affordable houses and support to former rebels in their reintegration into society.

The construction of the housing units is led by the military and assisted by their partners from various national government agencies, including former rebels.

Aside from housing assistance, former rebels also undergo skills training, including education, and community development programs while waiting for the umits' completion and turnover.

The housing project implemented through a “bayanihan” concept has three sites: San Jose de Buan, Calbiga, and Matuguinao in Samar; and Dolores and Can-avid towns in Eastern Samar.

The Matuguinao project is targeted for completion by next year.

Matuguinao, a 5th-class town with a population of over 7,000 people, is one of the areas on Samar Island seriously affected by the NPA's armed conflict.

Of the town’s 20 villages, four are still affected by the NPA’s armed struggle, the mayor said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229268