China ramps up combat readiness at Scarborough Shoal

Posted to BenarNews (Dec 30, 2024): China ramps up combat readiness at Scarborough Shoal

Large-scale drills by China’s navy and air force took place as a U.S. naval ship patrolled nearby.

This image released by the Chinese army’s Southern Theater Command shows personnel from Chinese Naval task force 108 joining combat readiness drills on Dec. 29, 2024.  Chinese People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command

The Chinese military’s Southern Theater Command has staged a large-scale combat readiness exercise around the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, the ministry of defense in Beijing said.

Personnel from China’s navy and air force, as well as the coast guard, took part in Sunday’s drills at the group of reefs that China refers to as Huangyan Dao, with a U.S. Navy ocean surveillance ship spotted in the area.

The ministry said that since the beginning of the month, the Southern Theater Command “has organized its naval and air force troops to continuously strengthen maritime and airspace patrols” around the shoal.

Scarborough Shoal is known in the Philippines as Bajo de Masinloc, and is well inside its exclusive economic zone, just 125 nautical miles (232 kilometers) from the main Philippine island of Luzon.

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In a video clip released by the Chinese Command, several military aircraft including two Su-30 fighter jets, an H-6K bomber and a Shaanxi Y-8 transport plane, were seen flying over the reefs while at least three naval ships led by the 11,000-ton Type 055 large destroyer Xianyang were also present.

Naval ships from China’s Southern Theater Command take part in combat readiness drills at Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, Dec. 29, 2024. [Chinese People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command]

“This is China flexing its muscle and making a statement about its claim of territorial sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal,” said Ray Powell, a U.S. maritime analyst and director of the SeaLight project at Stanford University.

“Looking at 2024 as a whole, we’ve seen China pass new policy enabling its coast guard to detain border violators for up to 60 days and establish straight baselines around Scarborough Shoal to bolster its case that it is Chinese territory,” Powell told Radio Free Asia, adding that Beijing has also increased its regular coast guard and maritime militia presence to push Philippine coast guard and fisheries patrols further away, and increased its military presence.

“Beijing is putting real teeth behind its ‘indisputable sovereignty’ claim over the shoal,” he said.

No more ‘gray zone’

Powell spotted the USNS Victorious, a U.S. Military Sealift Command ocean surveillance vessel, patrolling nearby, apparently to monitor the Chinese exercise.

“I don’t think we can be sure, but it seems very timely. I can’t think of another reason it would have tarried there at that time unless it was to surveil China’s patrol,” he told RFA.

The United States is the Philippines’ treaty ally and has repeatedly condemned China’s aggression in the waters over which China claims the lion’s share. China’s claims were rejected by an international arbitration tribunal in 2016 and are being disputed by other littoral states.

Manila has yet to respond to Beijing’s latest activities but the Philippine army chief said this month that China had “upscaled its presence” in the West Philippine Sea, referring to the area of South China Sea under Philippine jurisdiction.

Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of the armed forces, told an RFA reporter in Manila that his office had adopted an acronym for Chinese activities in the region – ICAD, or illegal, coercive, aggressive and disruptive, actions – instead of gray-zone activities.

Gray-zone tactics are aggressive actions that jeopardize a nation’s security but are under the threshold of war and therefore difficult to respond to.

A Su-30 fighter jet from China’s Southern Theater Command is seen flying over Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, Dec. 29, 2024. [Chinese People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command]

The Philippine military’s new strategy is to set up an effective presence in the West Philippine Sea with a “whole nation approach,” with all sectors of society taking part in the maritime strategy, according to Brawner.

“The Philippines lacks the maritime capability to directly challenge China’s effective control of Scarborough Shoal,” said Stanford’s Powell.

“It will have to press its case on the international stage that China’s actions have violated international law by denying Philippine fishermen access to the shoal and by permitting environmental destruction of the shoal by its own fishermen through their illegal giant clam harvesting,” the analyst added.

In 2016 Manila brought Beijing to an international arbitration tribunal which ruled that almost all China’s claims in the South China Sea were illegal and therefore invalid. China refused to take part and rejected the ruling.

The Philippine government, however, is considering a new legal case against China for its violations of the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea and is seeking support from other nations, sources told RFA.

Radio Free Asia is a news service affiliated with BenarNews.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/china-ramps-up-combat-readiness-at-scarborough-shoal-12302024090653.html

CPP/Ang Bayan Ngayon: Central Panay exposes 12th IB crimes in this year's last quarter

Propaganda article posted to Ang Bayan Ngayon (Dec 28, 2024): Central Panay exposes 12th IB crimes in this year's last quarter

 


Ang Bayan Ngayon

December 28, 2024

The New People’s Army (NPA)-Central Panay (Jose Percival Estocada Jr Command) revealed in a recent statement the 12th IB killings of two Red fighters in violation of international humanitarian law. These cases occurred in the last quarter of 2024, a few months after the arrest, torture, and deliberate killing of the Panay August Martyrs, which included revolutionary leaders Vicente Hinojales, Concha Araneta-Bocala, and Aurelio Bosque.

On October 31, the 12th IB captured Alvin Panoy (Ka Benmar) alive in an encounter in Sitio Hilwan, Barangay Manika, Libacao, Aklan. The NPA unit that Ka Benmar belonged to reported hearing his screams and even the 12th IB unit commander ordering his men to tie him up. The commander also shouted at the Red fighters to retrieve their comrade.

Then the soldiers shouted “advance happy new year” and fired a series of gunshots. The fighters heard the commander of the 12th IB unit shouting for the NPA to retrieve the Red fighter’s body from them.

“This is a violation of the rights of a hors de combat or one who is no longer able to fight, as stipulated in the protocols of war and Geneva Conventions,” according to NPA-Central Panay. Meanwhile, the unit clarified that there was no encounter on November 1, contrary to the 12th IB’s claim.

On December 10, International Human Rights Day, the 12th IB riddled with bullets the remains of Jyrel Katipunan (Ka Jason), who was killed in an encounter on December 9 in Barangay Tacayan, Tapaz, Capiz. According to the NPA, Ka Jason was immediately killed by only a single bullet wound to the body. They laid the remains in a secluded area for his family to retrieve.

However, after discovering it the next day, fascist soldiers claimed that a new encounter took place. “The military showed no respect for the dead,” according to NPA-Central Panay.

Meanwhile, soldiers prevented a civilian from leaving his house in Barangay Tacayan before the encounter on December 9.

The NPA-Central Negros reported many more cases of human rights violations in Central Panay from January to November. It recorded cases of the 12th IB’s occupation and encampment in community centers and public structures, food and economic blockades using checkpoints, suppression of planting in their fields, seizure of personal belongings of residents, forced surrenders, and more.

“In their extreme desperation to crush the NPA and the revolutionary movement in Panay, the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ human rights violations are unparalleled,” the people’s army added.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/central-panay-exposes-12th-ib-crimes-in-this-years-last-quarter/

CPP/Ang Bayan Ngayon: Bayan Muna denounces AFP's plan to purchase Typhon missile system

Propaganda article posted to Ang Bayan Ngayon (Dec 29, 2024): Bayan Muna denounces AFP's plan to purchase Typhon missile system

 


Ang Bayan Ngayon

December 28, 2024

Bayan Muna Party-list condemned the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for its plan to purchase the Typhon Mid-range Capability (MRC) missile system. The party’s second nominee Atty. Carlos Isagani Zarate said it will only put the country in greater danger.

“The purchase of Typhon missiles will only push our country towards greater danger. The Filipino people are justified in holding the Marcos Jr administration and its US master accountable for dragging the country as a target for nuclear war from countries that are not even our enemies,” said Atty. Zarate.

As earlier reported, countries like China and Russia have repeatedly denounced and warned against the US’s positioning of the Typhon MRC missile system in the Philippines last April. The missiles were brought to the country and used in the largest series of Balikatan war games early in the year. Initially concealed, these openly displayed offensive weapons were revealed positioned at the Laoag civilian airport in Ilocos Norte, a region undeclared as a US military base or “EDCA site.”

The Typhon MRC has the capability to launch Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles that can fly up to 1,600 kilometers. The US began manufacturing such weapons in 2019, which were previously banned under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, a nuclear treaty between the US and the then USSR signed during the Cold War. The US withdrew from this treaty in 2019.

The Typhon missile system would have been removed from the country in September, but the US and the Marcos regime reneged on this promise. Based on reports and satellite images, the Typhon system remains positioned at the Laoag International Airport in Laoag City.

Atty. Zarate said “buying these high-tech weapons is not a solution.” The former legislator called on the Marcos administration to adhere to the constitution by promoting an independent foreign policy. “There should be no nuclear weapons and foreign military troops in the Philippines,” he said.

Atty. Zarate also pointed out that such purchases of weapons from the US will only further drown the Philippines in debt. This action also reveals the Marcos regime’s brazen subservience and subordination to US imperialism at the expense of Filipinos.

The AFP projects that the Typhon MRC will be a deterrent to threats against Philippine sovereignty. This plan of the Marcos regime aligns with the US imperialist policy of the ‘first-island chain’ against the rival imperialist country, China.

In a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, they called the Philippines’ move “provocative and dangerous” as it will further escalate regional tensions.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/bayan-muna-denounces-afps-plan-to-purchase-typhon-missile-system/

CPP/Ang Bayan Ngayon: Party reaffirms 8 components of the rectification movement

Propaganda article posted to Ang Bayan Ngayon (Dec 29, 2024): Party reaffirms 8 components of the rectification movement



Ang Bayan Ngayon

December 29, 2024

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Central Committee reaffirmed the eight components of the rectification movement outlined last year in its statement for the Party’s 56th anniversary. The Party leadership said the eight components of the rectification movement must be comprehensively implemented. Efforts must be sustained. We must guard against slacking, overcome inertia and resist regressing to previous practices.

“In broadening the rectification movement, we seek to ensure that it covers all parts of the Party and all aspects of revolutionary work.” the Central Committee said.

The Central Committee’s movement outlined last year has eight components. Three of these are study and re-education campaigns. Two are focused on summing-up of experiences and studying concrete conditions. The others are focused on comprehensive and all-sided criticism and self-criticism, assessing the level and capabilities of all Party members, and ensuring the implementation of education courses.

These are listed in the statement as follows:

1) A study campaign to thoroughly study and review the basic principles of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism

2) A study campaign to thoroughly review the Party’s Constitution and the Program for a People’s Democratic Revolution

3) A study campaign to review the documents of the First and Second Great Rectification Movement, Our Urgent Tasks and Specific Characteristics of Our People’s War, and documents of the Party’s history

4) A campaign to sum-up experiences and review previous summings-up

5) A social investigation and class analysis (SICA) campaign at all levels

6) A campaign of criticism and self-criticism at all levels

7) A campaign to evaluate the performance of all Party cadres

8) A continuing campaign to ensure full implementation of the Three Level Party Course

The rectification movement launched last year by the Central Committee aims to correct mistakes and overcome weaknesses and shortcomings. “These have arisen principally from petty-bourgeois subjectivism, mainly in the form of empiricism, in the Party’s ideological, political and organizational work,” the Central Committee said.

The Party leadership calls on organs, branches, and members to deepen and broaden the rectification movement. In this regard, it was observed in the past year that is not enough to proclaim the rectification movement and declare support for it. “All Party committees, from the center to all branches, must carry out self-criticism and rectification of past errors, fully imbibe Marxism-Leninism-Maoism to revolutionize their thinking and methods of work, and move forward with full ardor,” the committee said.

It said the success of the rectification movement will be measured with concrete numbers indicating both quantitative increase and qualitative growth of the Party, the revolutionary armed struggle, the revolutionary mass movement and the organized mass base.

“We are confident that by deepening and broadening the rectification movement, we shall be able to forge a stronger and powerful Communist Party of the Philippines and lead the people’s democratic revolution to even greater victories in the coming years,” the Central Committee said.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/party-reaffirms-8-components-of-the-rectification-movement/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Editorial--Wage people's war against Marcos' martial law in the countryside

Propaganda editorial from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 21, 2024): Wage people's war against Marcos' martial law in the countryside




Ang Bayan

December 21, 2024

The successive “insurgency-free” declarations of Marcos’ officials and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in recent weeks are part of a grand disinformation and psywar campaign. Its aim is to create a false image that the armed resistance of the Filipino people has been crushed or is about to be defeated and that there is no more force that can defend against the fascist and exploitative ruling classes.

The AFP is making the foolish brag that the NPA is left with only “one weakened guerrilla front.” It makes repeated empty claims that it will now focus its attention on “external threats.” These words are belied by the AFP’s own actions as it carries out relentless large-scale offensives in all corners of the country. Billions of pesos are being squandered by the AFP in daily helicopter flights, bombings, shellings, feeding and paying the salaries of its tens of thousands of troops, in their futile attempt to crush the guerrilla units of the New People’s Army (NPA). Its “integrated territorial defense system” plan, which involves the mass recruitment in the CAFGU, continues to focus on the militarization of villages and communities.

These declarations deceive the public and obscure Marcos’ imposition of martial law in the countryside. While claiming that “there are no more NPA,” tens of thousands of troops remain in the countryside, stationed in battalion headquarters in guerrilla zones and deployed in thousands of detachments in villages and communities, sowing fear and terrorism among the people.

Despite its propaganda declarations, martial law remains enforced in interior barangays in Ilocos Norte, Abra, Kalinga, Cagayan, Isabela, Bulacan, Aurora, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Camarines Norte, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Capiz, Aklan, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, Lanao del Norte, Saranggani, South Cotabato, and other provinces.

The military rule and war of suppression being waged in the countryside by Marcos and the AFP are characterized by wanton trampling of democratic rights and violations of international humanitarian law. Rural villages are under military occupation or hamletted by military forces who require people to pass through checkpoints and sign logbooks, prohibit peasants from working in the fields, impose curfews, limit rice and food purchases, control commerce, and implement other measures that restrict the movement of people.

The people have intense hatred against soldiers lording over and controlling their villages. These fascist soldiers often abet the use of drugs, pornography and prostitution, and serve as a harmful influence on the youth in the communities. These soldiers frequently engage in all-night drinking and fire their guns indiscriminately when they get drunk. Soldiers of the AFP are involved in increasing incidents of abuse and rape of women, as well as flirting or having affairs with married women.

People are forcibly recruited to the paramilitary CAFGU, civilians are compelled to guide soldiers in combat operations, forced to render unpaid labor and service to soldiers’ detachments, such as constructing fences, gathering firewood, fetching water for bathing, and others.

Peasants are relentlessly subjected to house-to-house searches, harassment, summons on the pretext of “clearing their names” or “surrendering.” There are rising number of cases of abduction and extrajudicial killings, massacres, unjust arrests, torture of civilians, and others rights violations. Howitzers are positioned near homes. Aerial bombs are dropped aimed near communities and fields, endangering the lives and destroying the property and livelihood of civilians.

The aim of the “insurgency-free” declarations and the imposition of martial law is to break the people’s will to fight and defend their rights and livelihood. Military rule in the villages and communities serves the plan of their landlord and comprador bourgeois masters to grab land and evict peasants and indigenous people, and to pave the way for the destructive operations of mining, plantations, and infrastructure projects.

Millions suffer from all forms of oppression under the war of suppression of the Marcos regime. Moreover, they suffer from Marcos’ gross neglect of the welfare of millions of survivors of recent calamities. They will suffer even more in the coming year amid the budget cuts in health and education, and the increase in the budget for fascism (including the additional budget for the soldiers and the NTF-Elcac) and corruption (including the huge budget for the DPWH and Marcos’ anomalous infrastructure projects).

The severe oppression, suppression, and suffering inflicted on the Filipino people by the US-Marcos regime further strengthens their determination to struggle and defend their rights and to fight for their aspirations for justice, genuine democracy, and freedom. By sowing terrorism against the peasant and indigenous masses, Marcos is teaching them that there is no more effective way to fight back than to take up arms and join the New People’s Army.

In the face of intensifying oppression and suffering, the Filipino people, together with the NPA, are determined to intensify the people’s war. They are determined to advance the armed struggle and launch tactical offensives, especially against the most hated fascist troops responsible for extrajudicial killings, massacres, and all forms of terrorism. This, along with advancing the broad anti-fascist and anti-feudal mass struggles, is the only effective way of defending the people and meeting their growing calls for justice and an end of martial law in their areas.

As we commemorate the upcoming anniversary of the Party, let us reaffirm our commitment to spread the flames of the armed struggle to crush the fascist rule and to heighten the protracted people’s war. With the unwavering spirit of struggle and determination to fight, it is certain that the revolutionary armed struggle will not be defeated, but will instead advance.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://philippinerevolution.nu/2024/12/21/wage-peoples-war-against-marcos-martial-law-in-the-countryside/

CPP/CIO: Expose and denounce USS Carl Vinson sailing between Leyte and Mindanao

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 30, 2024): Expose and denounce USS Carl Vinson sailing between Leyte and Mindanao

Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the PhilippinesDecember 30, 2024

December 30, 2024

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) strongly denounces the sailing last December 26 of the US Carrier Strike Group One between Leyte and Mindanao, when it brazenly traversed Philippine sovereign waters from the Pacific en route to the West Philippine Sea.

The US naval formation, led by the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, is a war behemoth capable of carrying a massive nuclear arsenal. It has a flotilla of war vessels including the USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), USS Sterett (DDG 104), and USS Princeton (CG 59).

This show of brute military force is a gross affront on the dignity and senses of freedom-loving Filipino people. It tramples on the country’s sovereignty, bringing down further its status as a neocolony of US imperialism.

It underscores how the country is being used as a launching pad for US power-projection operations in the Pacific and as pawn in escalating inter-imperialist tensions and provocations against its rival China.

The Party joins the Filipino people in denouncing the puppet Marcos regime for its complicity in this affront on Philippine sovereignty. In addition to giving US forces extraterritorial rights in the country, it has allowed the US military to store its weapons of war in the country. This include the Typhon missile system stationed in northern Philippines, which it wants to “transfer” to Philippine control through an “acquisition” agreement.

For three years now, the Marcos regime has allowed the US military to further entrench its power in the Philippines and to turn the entire country into one big US military base and fortress of US imperialism.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/expose-and-denounce-uss-carl-vinson-sailing-between-leyte-and-mindanao/

Año to Reds: Consider political settlement for sake of young members

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 30, 2024): Año to Reds: Consider political settlement for sake of young members (By Priam Nepomuceno)

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año (PNA file photo)

MANILA – National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año has called on the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to consider a political settlement to allow its remaining members to help the government in nation-building, as the communist movement continues to dwindle.

"It is time for the CPP to recognize its defeat and consider a political settlement for the sake of its remaining members, particularly its young cadres, who have talents and energy better suited to nation-building. There is no shame in choosing the path of genuine parliamentary struggle, free from the burden of armed violence," he said in a statement over the weekend.

He noted that the CPP is now a shadow of its former self while its armed wing, the New People’s Army, is reduced to sporadic criminal activities rather than credible tactical offensives.

"What remains is a disillusioned and depleted force – hungry, exhausted, and isolated. The CPP's business model, in refusing to recognize the evolving aspirations of Filipinos, is bankrupt and will, in no time, be relegated to the dustbin of history," he added.

Año, who is also the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict vice-chair, added that territorial defense, climate action, social justice, sustainment of peace gains and other pressing challenges await those willing to contribute constructively.

"These are struggles worth fighting for – ones that do not sow destruction but instead unite Filipinos toward progress," the NSA added.

As the CPP celebrated its 56th anniversary on Dec. 26, the NTF-ELCAC vice chair urged its members and leaders to reflect on the irrelevance of their cause in the present day.

"From the CPP’s own teachings that 'the revolutionary must move amongst the people as a fish swims in the sea,' it is clear that the 'sea' or the Filipino people now demand peace, development, and unity. Persisting in a countercurrent and violent struggle serves neither the people nor the country’s aspirations," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240730

Defense feats in 2024: Better capabilities, stronger ties with allies

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 30, 2024): Defense feats in 2024: Better capabilities, stronger ties with allies (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MISSILE STRIKE. The BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) fires a C-Star cruise missile during the maritime strike phase of this year's US-Philippine "Balikatan" exercises in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on May 8, 2024. Following the Philippine Navy's (PN) successful firing of the C-Star anti-ship cruise missile, then PN chief Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. said the Navy was bent on pursuing its modernization programs to better protect the country's vast maritime domains. (Contributed photo)

MANILA – The year 2024 is one for the books in terms of the Philippines' push to improve its defense capabilities, protect territorial integrity and forge stronger partnerships with allies in the midst of evolving security challenges and threats.

With the integration and full operation of the South Korean LIG Nex 1 SSM-700K C-Star "sea-skimming" surface-to-surface anti-ship cruise missile system to the Philippine Navy' (PN)'s Jose Rizal class-frigates, the country now has the capability to sink enemy ships at long range if needed.

This potent capability was demonstrated when the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) fired its C-Star anti-ship missile at the decommissioned naval tanker BRP Lake Caliraya (AF-81) during the maritime strike phase of this year's US-Philippine "Balikatan" exercises in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on May 8 this year.

Formerly, all PN ships had to deter or sink hostile or intruding ships using naval guns which required Filipino warships to get close to hit their prospective targets.

Effective ranges of naval guns are usually between 3 to 10 km., compared to the C-Star's 180 km.

Incidentally, this is the first time the PN has fired its C-Star cruise missile system since the weapon was integrated into the two Jose Rizal-class frigates acquired and commissioned in 2020 and 2021.

Before the launch of the C-Star cruise missile, fast attack interdiction craft BRP Lawrence Narag (PG-907) fired its NLOS (non-light of sight) missile system weaponry at the decommissioned tanker.

PN spokesperson Commander John Percie Alcos earlier said both missiles "successfully hit the target".

After the PN vessels, Philippine Air Force planes along with those of the US Air Force also tested their missiles and other munitions on the former BRP Lake Caliraya.

Shortly after, the Philippine Army land-based artillery also took a crack at the decommissioned naval tanker.

The C-Star's warhead is known to weigh around 250 kg. and was delivered to the PN along with its launchers some two or three years ago.

Alcos said the test-firing of the missile shows that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program is working, noting that the firing of the C-Star " is not aimed or designed towards any particular threat, country or state."

Navy modernization for maritime security

Following the PN's successful firing of the C-Star anti-ship cruise missile, then PN chief Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. said the Navy was bent on pursuing its modernization programs to better protect the country's vast maritime domains.

"We shall continue our strides to modernize, cooperate with agencies, collaborate with like-minded partners, and recalibrate our response relative to the developments in our security environment. All these actions are tantamount to our relentless commitment to protect our seas and secure our citizens' future now and in the years to come," he said.

Under the ongoing modernization program, the PN is expected to receive two brand-new guided missile corvettes and six offshore patrol vessels from South Korean defense contractor HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and two landing dock platforms from Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL within the next two to three years.

Three batteries of the Indian-made Brahmos anti-ship missiles are also expected to be commissioned anytime soon.

The PN is also expected to acquire additional brand-new anti-submarine helicopters to beef up the capabilities of the soon-to-be-delivered guided missile corvettes.

Reciprocal access pact with Japan

This year also marked another milestone in the Philippines' defense ties with allies, following the Senate's concurrence to the ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan.

The Department of National Defense (DND) welcomed this development, stressing that the move would heighten "our defense and security cooperation with Japan, and enhance the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan through the conduct of more in-depth practical cooperative activities/exercises."

Representatives from the Philippines and Japan signed the RAA on July 8 this year.

The RAA is set to be approved by the Japanese government's National Diet to render it valid and binding upon both the Philippines and Japan, the DND added.

Once implemented, it would enable the two militaries to expand defense cooperation amid shared security challenges.

It said the RAA with Japan was a testament to the Philippines' unequivocal commitment to peace, security, and stability of the Indo-Pacific Region.

The agreement is beneficial in enhancing training opportunities, joint exercises and interoperability.

Defending WPS

The PN also said it was undeterred by China's continued use of "grey zone" tactics and persistent to perform its mandate in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

PN spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said Navy and Air Force units under the Western Command and Northern Luzon Command have regular patrol plans for the WPS.

Trinidad said there is no need to respond or react every time China commits "grey zone" tactics, which he added are "illegal, coercive and deception actions."

"Grey zone" tactics are defined as acts committed by a state that are harmful to another state and sometimes considered to be acts of war, but not legal acts of war.

In the WPS, such tactics include the Chinese use of its Coast Guard ships to harass Filipino vessels engaged in its lawful and peaceful mandate. Harassment includes ramming, use of water cannon and blocking against Filipino ships.

More 'Black Hawk' helicopters for PAF

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) also got a capability boost with the arrival of five newly acquired S-70i "Black Hawk" helicopters on Dec. 9.

PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said these choppers were part of the 32 units of S-70i 'Black Hawk' helicopters acquired through a direct contract with Poland’s PZL Mielec under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program.

She added that the first batch of five helicopters arrived last June 10 and were commissioned shortly after.

Both the first and second batches underwent rigorous Technical Inspection and Acceptance (TIA) procedures conducted by the Department of National Defense, AFP, and PAF to ensure all units meet the required standards and specifications.

She added that the 32-aircraft contract deal with PZL Mielec was signed by then DND secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Feb. 22, 2022 worth PHP32 billion.

Contract includes an initial logistics support package and training for pilots and maintenance crew.

Several 15 S-70i helicopters are expected to be delivered by 2025 while the remaining seven units are expected to be handed over by 2026.

These helicopters would be used for important missions, including internal security operations, medical search and rescue and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, Castillo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240728

Gov’t forces seize arms, foil bombing plot in BARMM

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 30, 2024): Gov’t forces seize arms, foil bombing plot in BARMM (By Edwin Fernandez)

BOMB DEACTIVATION. An Army bomb disposal expert inspects an improvised explosive device found in Barangay Iginagampong, Datu Unsay, Maguindanao del Sur, on Dec. 27, 2024. The IED, composed of a live RPG and an M61 hand grenade, was safely deactivated. (Photo courtesy of the 90IB)

COTABATO CITY – Government forces on Sunday confiscated high-powered firearms from a civilian while serving a warrant of arrest against a murder suspect in the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (SGA-BARMM).

The Special Security Task Group in SGA-BARMM, composed of police and military personnel, arrested Kaka Ali, a resident of Barangay Manaulanan, Tugunan, during the operation.

Ali, the subject of the warrant, was found in possession of a rifle. Further investigation led to the discovery of additional firearms at his residence.

Authorities seized one M16 rifle, an M14 rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, two homemade sniper rifles, a homemade grenade launcher, a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), and assorted ammunition.

Meanwhile, military forces in Maguindanao del Sur foiled a bombing attempt on Dec. 27 with the discovery of an improvised explosive device (IED) in Barangay Iginagampong, Datu Unsay town.

Lt. Col. Rowel Gavilanes, commander of the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion, said civilians alerted the military about the IED, prompting an immediate response.

Bomb experts dispatched to the area confirmed the report and safely deactivated the device, which consisted of a live RPG, an M61 hand grenade, and a timer.

“This successful operation highlights the importance of civilian cooperation in ensuring community safety,” Gavilanes said.

Barangay Iginagampong was previously a hideout of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), known for its violent activities in the region.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240738

Remnant of dismantled rebel group killed in Capiz encounter

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 30, 2024): Remnant of dismantled rebel group killed in Capiz encounter  (By Perla Lena)

SLAIN REBEL. The body of a communist rebel killed in an encounter with government troops in Tapaz, Capiz on Dec. 28, 2024 is carried by government soldiers. The Philippine Army’s 12th Infantry Battalion also seized from the encounter site one rifle and five backpacks, a 3rd Division Public Affairs Office (3DPAO) report said on Monday (Dec. 30, 2024). (Photo courtesy of 3DPAO)

ILOILO CITY – A still unidentified remnant of the communist terrorist group (CTG) was killed following an encounter with government troops in Sitio Naatip, Barangay, Lahug, Tapaz, Capiz over the weekend.

A report by the 3rd Division Public Affairs Office of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) on Monday said the slain rebel was a member of the Regional Sentro De Gravidad (RSDG) and Central Front (CF) Dismantled (D) Komiteng Rehiyon - Panay.

“The encounter happened while the troops were responding to the reports of the local populace on the presence of armed rebels in the said area. This quick action of the troops resulted in a 30-minute firefight at around 12:47 in the afternoon,” said the statement.

The Philippine Army’s 12th Infantry Battalion also seized from the encounter site one rifle and five backpacks.

Major Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the 3ID, said the recent encounter will serve as a reminder of the Army’s unceasing commitment to safeguarding the freedom and security of the people of Western and Central Visayas.

Sison likewise urged the local populace to remain vigilant and cooperate with the authorities by reporting the enemy’s suspicious activities threatening their safety, especially during this holiday season.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240740