CPP-NPA rebels responsible for death of child in Taysan attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 5, 2022): CPP-NPA rebels responsible for death of child in Taysan attack (By Benjamin Pulta)

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday dismissed as “gross travesty” the claims made by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) that government troops caused the death of a 9-year-old child caught in the cross fire during an encounter in Taysan, Batangas.

In a message to reporters, DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano said available evidence show that it was the armed communist rebels who attacked a military unit in Sitio Amatong, Barangay Ginhawa, Taysan, Batangas who were responsible for the death of the minor who was caught in the cross fire.

“The evidence we have now point at those CPP-NPA members against whom we will be filing cases against. They can take their statements to court and present their supporting evidence to prove what they are saying is true. Otherwise, it's all bark and no bite,” Clavano said.

“The gross travesty here is that a nine-year-old child was stripped of his future. We only go where the evidence takes us,” he said.

The DOJ official added that everybody hopes for peace and stability for our country, and there are proper channels to ventilate grievances and protests.

“If what they are fighting for is their ideology, let's do it like civilized people. Bring them out through the proper channels,” he said.

The DOJ on Wednesday said prosecutors have approved the filing of criminal charges against four communist rebels who figured in an encounter with members of the Philippine Army Patrol Base San Marcelino, Delta Company, 59th Infantry Battalion in Batangas province last July 18, 2022 which resulted in a death of minor.

In a DOJ resolution dated Dec. 27, 2022, prosecutors approved the filing of murder charges for violation of Republic Act 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020) against Isagani Isita, Junalice Arante-Isita, Mariano Bico, Gilbert Orr and one alias Ching.

They were identified as members of the Sub-Regional Military Area-4C (SRMA-4C), Southern Tagaog Regional Party Committee (STRPC) of the CPP-NPA.

The respondents, who were allegedly armed with shotguns, rifles and improvised firearms, fired upon the government troops that resulted in injury to one trooper and the death of the 9-year-old child.

“While it may appear that the victim was not the direct target of herein respondents and was just caught in the line of fire when the respondents fired upon members of the Philippine Army, her death clearly was the result of the unlawful acts perpetrated by the respondents,” the DOJ said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1192080

No PNP memo on full alert status, military unrest

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 7, 2022): No PNP memo on full alert status, military unrest (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

NO DESTABILIZATION. The Philippine National Police in Region 7 conducts accounting of its personnel in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu province on Saturday (Jan. 7, 2023) as the PNP denied rumors that it has issued a memo on full alert status due to an alleged military destabilization. The Central Visayas cops are preparing for the Sinulog festival activities next weekend (Jan. 14 and 15). (Courtesy of Lapu-Lapu City PNP PRO7 Facebook)

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday denied reports that it has mobilized all units and resources to foil a supposed destabilization plot of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In an online press conference, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said there was no instruction or order to go on full alert after three versions of a supposed memorandum circulated on social media.

"There was no instruction for full alert status. What we can confirm is that the PNP is on heightened alert status in preparation for the Traslacion," said Fajardo, loosely referring to the Feast of the Black Nazarene or the Quiapo feast in Manila on Monday.

A heightened status is the second highest alert, equivalent to the AFP's blue alert.

The Feast of the Black Nazarene draws millions of devotees but the Traslacion, or the transfer of the life-sized replica from Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church, will not be held for the third straight year, which started in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Instead, there will be a "Walk of Faith" that will follow nearly the same route but sans the replica.

The rumors spread during the turnover of command between incoming AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino and Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

The event finished "smoothly," according to a statement of Col. Medel Aguilar, AFP spokesperson.

Based on the circulating memos purportedly issued by the PNP chief, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., all units are to be placed on full alert due to "developing issues in Camp Aguinaldo,” "resignation of all personnel in DND (Department of National Defense)” and "destabilization movements from the AFP."

"The AFP assures everyone that everything is normal," Aguilar said.

In all three versions, police units were supposedly instructed to ensure 100-percent attendance, conduct exercises for the camp defense plan, monitor the activities of the military, account for pesonnel and firearms every hour starting at 1 p.m., and prepare the necessary firepower and communication equipment for all possible scenarios.

“The photos that were circulating (about armored personnel carriers or APCs inside Camp Crame in Quezon City), we can confirm that it is part of our preparations for Traslacion. These were readied in case they are needed," Fajardo clarified.

Fajardo added that it is normal for the APCs to move around as part of monitoring on operational readiness.

She said Azurin is aware of the circulating messages and has already issued an instruction to verify the sources of the fake memos.

Confirmed on full alert status are the Malay-PNP in Aklan province for this weekend's Boracay Ati-Atihan festival and the Cebu province-PNP since Jan. 4 in preparation for Sinulog fiesta activities leading to the grand parade next Sunday, Jan. 15.

Both feasts are in honor of Sto. Niño, the child Jesus.

The AFP is fully behind Centino, assured Aguilar.

"As a professional organization, the AFP supports the decision of the Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The AFP will continue in its mission to defeat all armed threat groups for the security and safety of our people, for the defense of our territorial integrity and national sovereignty," Aguilar said. (with Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA)


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1192226

Centino gets full support from AFP major services

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 8, 2022): Centino gets full support from AFP major services (By Priam Nepomuceno)

59TH AFP CHIEF. The 59th Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief-of-Staff Gen. Andres Centino delivers an assumption speech during the AFP Change of Command Ceremony at Tejeros Hall AFP Commissioned Officers Club, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Jan. 7, 2023. Centino received assurances of full support from the heads of the institution's major services. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

MANILA – As he returned to the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Gen. Andres Centino received assurances of full support from the heads of the institution's major services.

Centino formally assumed his post as the AFP's 59th Chief-of-Staff at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City last Saturday. He replaced Lt. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro.

In a statement, the Philippine Army (PN) said its various units provided ceremonial honors during the AFP change of command.

Centino had served as the Army's commanding general from May 14 to Dec. 10, 2021.

"The Saluting Battery of the Army Artillery Regiment rendered arrival and departure honors for the outgoing and incoming military chiefs while the Security and Escort Battalion joined the AFP Composite Honor Guard Battalion which rendered ceremonial honor guards for the activity," the statement read.

Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said as a professional organization, the PA always respects and supports the decision of the Commander-in-Chief.

"We are confident that Gen. Centino, who earlier led the AFP from November 2021 to August 2022, will support the Philippine Army in attaining its vision of becoming a world-class land force that is a source of national pride by 2028. The organization is assured on its strides in its modernization thrusts," Trinidad said in a statement.

The Navy also welcomed Centino's designation as the AFP Chief of Staff.

"Being a professional organization, the PN wholly supports the decision of the Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The Philippine Navy will continue to fulfill its mandate to support the mission of the AFP in protecting and securing our country and our people," it said in a separate statement.

The Philippine Air Force also voiced similar support for Centino's leadership.

"As a major service of a professional AFP, the PAF remains a stable and dependable organization, and supports the decision of the Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency Ferdinand R Marcos Jr.," it said.

"The PAF remains loyal to our flag and our Constitution, and as a force provider, we will stay committed in our mandate to support the mission of the AFP in securing and defending our country and people," it added.

Centino, who had served as the AFP's 57th Chief of Staff from November 2021 to August 2022, pursued key four thrusts during his stint: operational efficiency, optimal use of resources, advancement of professionalism and meritocracy within the organization and capability development.

“As I take on the responsibility as Chief-of-Staff, I reiterate what I have focused on in the past to comply with the urgent tasks at hand. While significant gains have been achieved in our security campaigns, there remain critical tasks to be carried out that need to be fully complied. We must ensure that all our resources are employed to definitively address all the current and emerging threats,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bacarro laid out a five-pronged guidance that echoes the president and commander-in-chief’s call for unity during his five-month tour of duty as military chief.

Bacarro pursued thrusts based on his guidance summarized in the acronym “UNITY”: unparalleled professionalization; noble utilization of resources; the invigoration of capability development; tenacity in sustaining operational gains; and yearning for service excellence.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1192230

First Lady says she has no hand in ISAFP appointments

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 9, 2022): First Lady says she has no hand in ISAFP appointments (By Azer Parrocha)

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos (PNA File photo)

MANILA – First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos Jr. is “sick and tired” of people using her name to stir controversy on the appointment of Intelligence Service Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) officials.

In a video message sent to members of the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) Saturday, Araneta-Marcos said she had nothing to do with the appointments of ISAFP officials because it was a job that only her husband, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has the power to do.

“I just want everyone to know that I have nothing to do with ISAFP. I don’t know the people involved. I have nothing to do with the appointments, I leave that up to my husband,” she said in the 35-second video.

Under the Administrative Code of 1987, the President has the power of control over the executive branch including restructuring, reconfiguring, and appointments of their respective officials.

Araneta-Marcos also warned individuals using her name that they would never succeed in getting appointed for positions they wanted.

“If I find out that somebody is using my name, I shall tell my husband not to appoint you, okay?” she added.

She released the video a day after the President reappointed Gen. Andres Centino as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Marcos named Lt. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro as AFP chief of staff in August last year, replacing Centino.

Centino will be retiring from the service in February.

Bacarro was supposed to be the first AFP chief of staff with a fixed three-year term based on Republic Act 11709, which sets the fixed term of key military officials.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1192247

Newly installed 9ID chief told to sustain gains vs. Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 9, 2022): Newly installed 9ID chief told to sustain gains vs. Reds (By Priam Nepomuceno)

9th Infantry Division (9ID) commander Maj. Gen. Adonis Bajao (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

MANILA – Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. ordered newly-appointed 9th Infantry Division (9ID) chief Maj. Gen. Adonis Bajao to sustain the unit's operations and gains against the communist insurgents in its areas of operation.

On Sunday, Bajao formally assumed command of the Camarines Sur-based 9th Infantry Division.

"Lt. Gen. Brawner, in his keynote speech, called on Spear troopers (nickname of the 9th Infantry Division) now led by Maj. Gen. Bajao, to sustain their gains against the communist terrorist group (New People's Army insurgents) in the 9ID area of operations in the Bicol region and parts of Mindanao" PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement Monday.

The PA chief also said that by acting cohesively and as one, the military could better serve the country.

"Together, when we act as one, we can better serve our country,” said Brawner during the ceremony," he added.

Bajao served as the PA's 35th vice commander before being named as the 9ID commander.

He also held key positions throughout his career such as 9ID assistant division commander; head of 1002nd Infantry Brigade and Joint Task Force General Santos of the 10th Infantry Division; and 8th Infantry Division assistant chief of staff for civil-military operations.

Bajao, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1989, also held key posts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines office-of-the chief of staff for operations (OJ-3).

He holds a Doctor of Public Administration degree from the University of the Philippines and a Master in Public Management Major in Development Security from the Development Academy of the Philippines.

Bajao replaced acting 9th Infantry Division commander Brig. Gen. Jaime Abawag, who will return to his former post as the unit's vice commander.

Abawag, a member of PMA Class of 1990, held leadership roles in the 902nd Infantry Brigade; Presidential Security Group; and 16th Infantry Battalion.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1192252

BRP Antonio Luna crew undergoes risk management briefing

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 9, 2022): BRP Antonio Luna crew undergoes risk management briefing (By Priam Nepomuceno)

RISK MANAGEMENT. Lt. (junior grade) Wilson Pioquinto, safety officer of the missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna, holds a risk management briefing for the crew members of the ship on Jan. 6, 2023. The briefing is aimed at orienting crew members on system processes and a tool plan useful for administrative and operational activities that address or preempt possible hazards and risks. (Photo courtesy of BRP Antonio Luna Facebook page)

MANILA – Officers and crew members of missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) were given a risk management briefing last Jan. 6 to ensure that accidents will be prevented while the ship is on patrol.

The briefing was done by the frigate's safety officer Lt. (junior grade) Wilson Pioquinto, the BRP Antonio Luna said in a Facebook post on Monday.

"Last Friday, 06 January 2023, the ship’s Safety Officer, Lt. (jg) Wilson Pioquinto PN, gave a lecture on PN (Philippine Navy) Risk Management Plan to remind the crew of the importance of safety in their daily work onboard," it added.

The PN Risk Management Plan comprises the so-called hazard identification, risk assessment and determining control (HIRADC), operational risk management (ORM) and job hazard management (JHM).

These are system processes and a tool plan useful for administrative and operational activities that address or preempt possible hazards and risks.

"It has been emphasized that safety of life at sea comes at the top of the priority list and that neglecting it can lead to unfathomable circumstances," it added.

The BRP Antonio Luna and its sister ship BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) are modern warships capable of surface, sub-surface, air, and electronic warfare using state-of-the-art electronic sensors, long-range missiles, acoustic guided torpedoes, and embarked anti-submarine helicopters.

The BRP Jose Rizal was delivered to the Philippines in May 2020 and commissioned in July of the same year while the BRP Antonio Luna was commissioned on March 19, 2021.

The contract for the two ships was placed at PHP16 billion with another PHP2 billion for weapon systems and munitions.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1192274

AFP touts gains vs. NPA in first 6 months of Marcos admin

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 10, 2022): AFP touts gains vs. NPA in first 6 months of Marcos admin (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar (Screengrab from Laging Handa briefing)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it performed well in the campaign against communist insurgency during the first six months of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration.

"Maganda po ang tinakbo ng atin kampanya laban sa insurgency. Marami po sa guerrilla fronts ang natunaw, bumaba na ang kanilang strength to more or less 2,000 fighters (Our campaign against insurgency went well. A lot of their guerrilla fronts have melted and their active strength is down to more or less 2,000 fighters)," AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said in a Laging Handa briefing, when asked for an assessment of the military's internal security campaign.

The AFP earlier said that out of the 89 guerrilla fronts recorded in 2016, only 24 or 23 are left with only five remaining active or capable of conducting any actions.

As for the mass organizations set up by the New People's Army (NPA) and its allies, Aguilar said a lot of its members are being recovered and have returned to the fold of the law.

"This means we are gaining headway in our campaign against communist insurgency," he added.

Medel said they are hoping to conduct more aggressive conduct of localized peace initiatives as NPA ranks continue to crumble following the death of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison and the neutralization of its key leaders.

In operations against so-called local terrorist groups, Aguilar said the AFP has so far neutralized 50 personalities and seized more than 50 high-powered firearms.

He attributed this to the success of their security "template" which was further highlighted by the surrender of local terrorist group members in Mindanao.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1192359

PH, Türkiye eye expansion of defense ties

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11, 2022): PH, Türkiye eye expansion of defense ties (By Priam Nepomuceno)

EXPANDING TIES. AFP chief Gen. Andres Centino (right) and Turkish Ambassador to Manila Niyazi Eyren Akyol shake hands after the envoy's visit to the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday (Jan. 10, 2023). The expansion of the existing memorandum of understanding on defense industry cooperation topped the talks between Centino and Akyol. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is keen on expanding its military ties with Türkiye.

Newly appointed AFP chief Gen. Andres Centino and Turkish Ambassador to Manila Niyazi Eyren Akyol discussed this matter in a courtesy call made by the envoy at the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday.

Centino noted that because the existing memorandum of understanding with Türkiye only covers defense industry cooperation, the ongoing talks should proceed to expand the relations of both countries "by forging a broad military cooperation framework to explore other areas which are not covered under the existing defense agreement."

"In their meeting, the CSAFP (Chief of Staff of the AFP) expressed his gratitude for the significant contribution of the government of Turkey to the AFP modernization with the acquisition of the Philippine Air Force Attack Helicopter (AHAP T129) and Philippine Army M113 APC Fire Power Upgrade," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Jorry Baclor said in a statement.

Akyol, meanwhile, extended Ankara’s commitment to continually assist the AFP in its modernization program as he touted his country's competence in the defense industry.

Indian envoy meets with Navy chief

Also on Tuesday, Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran visited the Philippine Navy (PN) headquarters in Manila and paid a courtesy call on PN flag officer in command Rear Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr.

Adaci welcomed the visiting ambassador and had meaningful discussions on expanding the two countries' friendly relationship, and the conduct of Navy-to-Navy bilateral exercises, Navy spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza said in a statement.

"Emphasizing the importance of working together toward achieving shared goals and mutual interests, Rear Admiral Adaci assured Ambassador Kumaran that the PN 'will come to support you, learn from you, engage you and pursue greater and bigger relationships,'" the Navy added.

Kumaran said both countries' friendly relations are vital in ensuring a safe, free and open Indo-Pacific region.

He also conveyed India's greetings and gratitude to the PN for this accommodation.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1192449

Keep 'One Defense' team intact, Galvez tells DND personnel

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11, 2022): Keep 'One Defense' team intact, Galvez tells DND personnel (By Priam Nepomuceno)

NEW CHIEF. Newly appointed Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (in white polo barong) meets with officials and employees of the defense department in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday (Jan. 10, 2023). Galvez called on officials and employees to stay united in performing the agency's mandate. (Photo courtesy of DND)

MANILA – Newly appointed Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. called on the agency’s officials to rally behind President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s call for unity and keep the "One Defense" team intact.

Galvez made the call during a transition briefing at the DND main office in Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday.

“We will sustain the gains of the past Secretaries and will also further enhance the capability of our national defense,” he said in a statement Wednesday.

He also emphasized the importance of employee morale in the DND and professionalism in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in maintaining the trust and confidence of the Filipino people.

During the briefing, Galvez was presented with a formal report highlighting the department's plans, as well as the 10-point agenda initiated by outgoing officer-in-charge (OIC) Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr.

Galvez also met with senior officials and heads of bureaus and held a discussion with members of the Executive Committee.

The new DND chief also met with Faustino before attending the transition briefing at Camp Aguinaldo.

Faustino briefed Galvez on the different accomplishments of the department, along with his recommendations to ensure continuity in the agency.

The DND-Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are set to hold a New Year’s call on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, a command conference set on Thursday will be presided over by Galvez and AFP chief of staff Gen. Andres Centino.

Marcos on Monday named Galvez as the new DND chief after he accepted Faustino's resignation as OIC.

On Tuesday, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said "seven to nine" officials of the agency have tendered their courtesy resignation after Faustino stepped down as OIC.

He, however, said this is part of the normal procedure amid a change in the agency's leadership.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1192450

Senior DND officials to stay amid new leadership

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11, 2022): Senior DND officials to stay amid new leadership (By Priam Nepomuceno)

DND Undersecretary for Capability Assessment and Development Angelito de Leon (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

MANILA – A ranking Department of National Defense (DND) official on Wednesday said they will honor Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.'s call for unity and decided to remain with the agency despite the leadership change.

"We all agreed that we stay, the senior leaders and assistant secretaries," DND Undersecretary for Capability Assessment and Development Angelito de Leon said in a press briefing shortly after the traditional New Year's Call held at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

De Leon, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1984, was appointed to his present post last July.

He also clarified that no resignation took place in the DND following the appointment of Galvez as its new secretary.

"Wala pong, gusto ko lang pong i-stress para po sa paguunawa ng lahat (There is none, I would like to stress for the benefit of everybody that) a courtesy resignation is a customary process, whenever there is a new head of the agency, the key officials will render their courtesy resignation for the purpose of giving a free hand to the newly designated head of the department, this is nothing extraordinary even in other agencies, moreso with the One Defense Team because kami po we value tradition so (it is) normal po yun," De Leon said.

He also added that it is up to Galvez on whether he will accept or reject their courtesy resignations.

"In the case of Secretary Galvez while we are ready with our courtesy resignation in accordance with customs, there is nothing extraordinary about it, he immediately gave the order, everybody stays put and hence nobody would resign or get out of DND, as manifested, we are intact," he said.

De Leon also said that there is no need for a loyalty check in the DND and even in the AFP which had a change of leadership recently after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. appointed Gen. Andres Centino to replace Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro as its chief last Jan. 6.

"Wala pong kailangang (there is no need for a) loyalty check, the AFP remains steadfast and loyal to the constitution, the flag and the duly constituted authorities," he added.

The AFP New Year’s Call was held jointly with the DND.

Military commanders from the Army, Air Force and Navy as well as chiefs of offices, senior staff officers, and senior enlisted personnel, together with their spouses attended the event.

Also present were defense attachés and officials from the General Headquarters civilian human resources department.

AFP chief Gen. Andres Centino (Photo courtesy of AFP)

As one of the most cherished traditions observed and held annually by the AFP, the New Year’s Call served as an opportunity for the DND secretary and AFP chief to highlight the organization’s accomplishments in the past year as well as to reaffirm their commitment to the flag and country.

It is also a venue for the top defense and military leaders to convey their message and guidance for the coming year.

Centino led the traditional toast and enjoined every officer, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resource professional to be unified in embodying only the highest standards of excellence across all of the AFP’s mission areas.

"The new leadership in the AFP and the DND shall represent a renewed commitment to unity. In ensuring the cohesiveness and professionalism of our institutions while serving as role models to the subordinates following us, we fortify the relationship of our soldiers to their units and enhance the formidable foundation upon which the legacy of the AFP is built upon," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1192471

PH stance on WPS stays despite changes in DND, AFP leadership

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12, 2022): PH stance on WPS stays despite changes in DND, AFP leadership (By Priam Nepomuceno)

DND Undersecretary Angelito de Leon (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

MANILA – A ranking Department of National Defense (DND) official said there would be no changes in the military's handling of matters concerning the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

"I think the handling of the WPS, based on the foreign policy initiated by our chief architect, the President of the Republic (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.), remains to continue," DND Undersecretary for Capability Assessment and Development Angelito M. De Leon said in a briefing Wednesday, shortly after the traditional New Year's Call of defense and military officials.

This came after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. named Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. and Gen. Andres Centino as the new DND Secretary and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief, respectively.

Galvez succeeded resigned DND officer-in-charge Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. while Centino replaced Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro.

Marcos earlier said not one inch of Philippine territory will be lost under his watch.

In December last year, the DND directed the AFP to beef up its presence in the WPS following Chinese activities monitored near the Pag-asa Island.

The DND also said such actions also endanger the marine environment and undermine the stability of the region.

De Leon, meanwhile, said the morale of DND and AFP personnel remains high based on the turnout of military officials in Wednesday's event.

"Let me give my assessment based on the turnout in this morning's (Wednesday) traditional joint DND (AFP) New Year's Call, all the key commanders were there including the key staff officers of the AFP and the DND civilian bureaus, so I think there is no issue on the morale, the morale remains high, we are focused on our mandate," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1192542

Army's 51st Engineering Brigade gets new acting commander

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12, 2022): Army's 51st Engineering Brigade gets new acting commander (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Philippine Army's 51st Engineering Brigade acting commander Col. Jose Eduardo Liboon (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday announced the appointment of a new acting commander of its 51st Engineering Brigade.

Col. Jose Eduardo Liboon assumed as the brigade's acting chief in a turnover ceremony presided over by PA chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. at Camp Rigoberto Atienza in Libis, Quezon City on Tuesday.

Liboon replaced Brig. Gen. JT T. Bajet who retired from the service.

"Col. Liboon is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1994. He also graduated from the Western Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and from the University of the Philippines with a Master in Community Development. Prior to his new designation, he served as the unit's Deputy and also held leadership positions in the 53rd Engineer Brigade, 3rd Infantry Battalion, and 52nd Engineer Brigade," PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement.

Bajet led the brigade since August 2021.

"Under his leadership, the unit has put into action the thrusts of the Commanding General by prioritizing the welfare of the soldiers, enhancing the skills of the Army engineers through continuous training, and ensuring the proper utilization of resources from the command," he added.

Brawner extended his well wishes to Liboon and Bajet.

He also emphasized the role of the Army engineers not just in nation-building, but also in the PA's previous and future campaigns.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1192547

New DND chief vows full support for AFP modernization

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12, 2022): New DND chief vows full support for AFP modernization (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (PNA photo by Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – To address challenges to the country's territorial integrity, newly-appointed Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said he fully supports the ongoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program.

This is among the new DND chief's thrusts he bared during Thursday's AFP command conference in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City,

"Address the growing and significant challenges to the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty by guaranteeing full support to the modernization program, strengthening coordinative mechanisms with interagency partners, and leveraging and maximizing with the country's defense partnerships," he said.

The Horizon 3 of the AFP Modernization Program is scheduled from 2023 to 2028.

The military is supposed to acquire external defense equipment in this phase such as missile systems and multi-role fighters, among others.

Galvez also wants existing defense initiatives and efforts towards attaining the vision of a transformed defense organization that guarantees Philippine security, territorial integrity, and sovereignty.

This is aside from transforming the DND into a reliable partner in national development and a strategic partner in the region.

Galvez is also pushing for the total defeat of the communist insurgency through the dismantling of all guerrilla fronts and clearing of affected barangays, neutralizing threat groups, and supporting national and local efforts for peace.

"This also involved our preparation for the post-conflict and final political settlement of all insurgent groups," the DND chief said.

Galvez also thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the trust and confidence placed upon him on his appointment as DND chief.

"And I commit myself to be loyal to the mandate of the AFP and the DND in securing the state and protecting our people and also protecting this administration. We would like to announce that the AFP and the DND are together to ensure the success of the Marcos administration," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1192619

DFA to co-host 10th PH-US Bilateral Strategic Dialogue

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12, 2022): DFA to co-host 10th PH-US Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (By Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is looking forward to co-hosting with the Department of National Defense the 10th Philippines-United States Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD) from Jan. 19 to 20.

“Both sides view the forthcoming meeting as an important opportunity to progress discussions on concrete initiatives to achieve the objectives outlined in the Joint Vision for a 21st century United States-Philippines Partnership adopted by both sides during the 9th BSD,” the DFA said in a statement released on Thursday.

The BSD is an annual event which serves as the main platform for the two countries to affirm the longstanding alliance and friendship, discuss current challenges, and identify new areas for cooperation at the working group and senior officials’ levels.

The 9th BSD was held in Washington DC in November 2021 as the two countries take turns in hosting the meeting.

“Next week’s discussions will cover the gamut of our relations, including in the areas of defense, economic, people-to-people, and other related cross-cutting issues at the bilateral, regional, and global levels,” the DFA said.

The 10th BSD is expected to sustain the positive trajectory and momentum of the PH-US alliance and partnership, guided by the thrusts and priorities of the Marcos Administration in advancing peace and prosperity.

It will be followed by a year of successive high-level meetings and exchanges of visits.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1192616

3 key AFP officials get three-star rank

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 13, 2022): 3 key AFP officials get three-star rank (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PROMOTED. AFP chief Gen. Andres Centino (center) leads the donning rites for three key officials of the military in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday (Jan. 12, 2023). Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General were AFP vice chief of staff, Maj. Gen Arthur M. Cordura (3rd from left), and Southern Luzon Command chief, Maj. Gen. Efren P. Baluyot (2nd from left), while promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral was Navy flag officer-in-command Rear Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. (3rd from right). (Photo courtesy of AFP)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday announced the promotion of three key officials to three-star ranks.

AFP chief Gen. Andres Centino led the donning of ranks ceremony at the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday, military public affairs office chief Col. Jorry Baclor said in a statement.

Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General were Maj. Gen Arthur M. Cordura, AFP vice chief of staff, and Maj. Gen. Efren P. Baluyot, Southern Luzon Command chief.

"Further, Rear Admiral Toribio D. Adaci Jr., the flag officer-in-command of the Philippine Navy, received his third star, having been promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral," Baclor added.

Centino cited the "excellent performance of their duties" for their promotion.

“It is incumbent upon them to continue serving our institution, our country, and our people, in the best possible ways they can. The three distinguished officers we have the pleasure of honoring today are exactly that – capable, competent, professional military leaders,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1192646