Gov’t vows to beat 2 remaining rebel fronts in Eastern Visayas

From Rappler (Apr 19, 2023): Gov’t vows to beat 2 remaining rebel fronts in Eastern Visayas (By RICKY BAUTISTA)

The Philippine Army says that in Eastern Visayas only a pair of rebel fronts are left, both are in the wilds of Northern Samar

SAMAR, Philippines – The Philippine Army on Tuesday, April 18, admitted there were still two active insurgency fronts in Eastern Visayas, but vowed to beat these this year.

“They’re now hiding mostly in the wilds of Northern Samar,” said Captain Jeff Mariano, chief of Public Affairs Office of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City.

The Army official said there was an intensified inter-agency operation to defeat the remaining insurgents – Front Committee 15 and Front Committee 1 – and their support structure. “Optimistic kami sa 8ID na ang FC1 at FC15 will be dismantled (on or before) 3rd quarter of this year,” Mariano told Rappler.

Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., executive director of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) presided over a consultative meeting on April 11 to assess the direction of the campaign in the six provinces of the region.

Present at the meeting were leaders and officials from the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, the Regional Development Council and the Regional Peace and Order Council 8, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity, and NTF-ELCAC.

Major General Camilo Ligayo, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, reported during the meeting that they dismantled a pair of NPA front committees – Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 2 Emporium and Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 3 Arctic. This was confirmed by the joint AFP/PNP Area Clearing Validation Board in the region.

“We still have 2 more fronts, and one of them is now very weak,” Mariano told Rappler, adding that there was no more mass base that supported the underground movement.

“Yan ang inuna natin gawin. Ang i-isolate sila sa mass base support by doing Community Support Program para madisintegrate sila to the community,” Mariano said.

(That was what we did first. We isolated the mass base support by doing community supports program. This is to disintegrate them from the community.)

Mariano said the 2 fronts had “mga nasa 200 nalang siguro ang warriors nila (about 200 fighters each.)

The military’s report said that for the first quarter of 2023, at least 16 key leaders and three finance officers of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), two CPP-NPA members were killed; five were captured; and 43 surrendered.

The Army said among those killed were high-ranking NPA officials “Michael” and “Laban” – the finance officer of SRC Levox and commander of NPA’s “Yakal” platoon of SRC Browser, respectively.

Government troops also seized 68 assorted firearms and 24 anti-personnel mines, and discovered 31 enemy hideouts.

8ID commander Ligayo attributed their notable accomplishments to the stakeholders especially to the NTF-ELCAC thru Usec. Torres, that he said, “vital in helping the region attain long and lasting peace.”

“Through his (Usec. Torres) guidance, we can also (hope to finally) dismantle and end the decades-long insurgency in the region just like what he did when he was still the commander of the 10th Infantry Division where he became instrumental in the dismantling of guerilla fronts.”

The NPA has been waging a guerrilla war for 54 years now, the longest ongoing conflict in the country. It considered by government as a “terrorist organization.”

https://www.rappler.com/nation/visayas/philippine-army-vows-beat-remaining-rebel-fronts-eastern-visayas/

After 8 months, CPP confirms death of party leaders, the Tiamzons

From Rappler (Apr 20, 2023): After 8 months, CPP confirms death of party leaders, the Tiamzons (By JAIRO BOLLEDO)

The CPP's statement contradicts the military's report that the couple was killed in an encounter

MANILA, Philippines – The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), confirmed on Thursday, April 20, that Benito Tiamzon (Ka Laan) and Wilma Austria-Tiamzon (Ka Bagong-tao) were among the rebels killed in Samar eight months ago.

The press release issued by Marco Valbuena, the party’s chief information officer, confirmed that Benito and Wilma were killed along with eight others on August 21, 2022. At the time of their death, Benito was the party’s executive committee chairperson, while his wife served as the CPP’s secretary general.

Eight other rebels from the guerrilla force of the party’s central headquarters were also killed along with the couple. They include Joel Arceo (Ka Divino), a subregional secretary in Eastern Visayas, Ka Yen, Ka Jaja, Ka Matt, Ka Ash, Ka Delfin, Ka Lupe, and Ka Butig.

The CPP said the Tiamzons, who were unarmed, were traveling in two separate vehicles along the national highway near Catbalogan City when they were flagged down between 12 to 1 pm. After that, the party lost communication with them, the CPP said.

Based on the information gathered by the CPP Central Committee, the Tiamzons allegedly suffered severe beating by their captors. Some witnesses also testified “how the faces and bodies of the victims were smashed, apparently beaten with hard objects,” the party added.

The CPP also disputed the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) report that the Tiamzons were killed after their boat exploded in an encounter with military forces in Samar. The communist group said the “claimed mid-sea firefight and explosion” were all “drama” made by the military to hide evidence of the “ignominy of their fascist crime.”

“In truth, the already lifeless bodies of the Tiamzons and their group were dumped on a motorboat filled with explosives, and tugged from Catbalogan midway towards Taranganan island before it was detonated. Only eight bodies were subsequently retrieved by the military,” the CPP added.

Meanwhile, the CPP also announced that a 21-gun salute will be offered for the Tiamzons on April 24 – the 50th founding anniversary of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

The Tiamzon couple was convicted by a Quezon City court for kidnapping and serious illegal detention in November 2020. They were never seen since they were ordered rearrested by a Manila court in 2018.

In 2016, the couple was released after being in prison for years to participate as NDFP consultants in the botched 2016 Oslo peace talks.
AFP’s version

The CPP’s statement contradicts the military’s version of events. On August 22, 2022, the Philippine military said a motorboat exploded off the coast of Catbalogan in Samar during an encounter with AFP soldiers and an unidentified group of people. A Facebook page associated with defense and security alerts said the Tiamzon couple had died in the said explosion.
MUST READ

READ: 8-month chase leads to sinking of ‘communist VIPs’ in Samar waters

Read the parts 2 and 3 of the report here:
(Part 2: Air, land, river operations put rebels in Samar on the defensive)
(Part 3: Wounded land: The cost of war in Samar)

Then-commander of the 8th Infantry Division, Major General Edgardo de Leon, said there were “strong reasons to believe the casualties were NPA VIPs (New People’s Army-Very Important Persons). The alleged encounter started from a tip about an alleged armed group loading ammunition on a boat in Canhawan Guti, an island in Catbalogan.

De Leon then claimed the island was periodically used by the couple as their base. He added that the military was also following the movement of the couple prior to the alleged encounter.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/communist-party-philippines-confirms-death-leaders-benito-wilma-tiamzon-april-2023/

NPA rebel killed in Moises Padilla clash

From Panay News (Apr 19, 2023): NPA rebel killed in Moises Padilla clash (By DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA)

BACOLOD City – A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed in a gun battle with troops of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) in Barangay Quentin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental early yesterday morning.

The fatality, identified as Jose “Jojo” Albores, belonged to the Central Negros Front 1 of the Leonardo Panaligan Command and was one of the leaders of the “kangaroo court” tasked to kill members tagged as government assets and civilians who refuse to support the armed struggle.

A five-minute firefight ensued between the 62IB troops and five NPA fighters at about 5:30 a.m., resulting in Albores’ death.

Lieutenant Colonel William Pesase, 62IB commander, said they recovered a KG9 assault rifle, a hand grenade, subversive documents, and personal belongings during the clearing operation.

The troops endorsed Albores’ body to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

Pesase, in a statement, said his men would “tirelessly hunt the remaining NPA rebels who kill innocent and unarmed civilians in central Negros.”

“To the remaining NPA who are still running away, we know that you are tired and hungry, especially those who are wounded. Surrender now or be killed later,” he added.

https://www.panaynews.net/npa-rebel-killed-in-moises-padilla-clash/

Ex-PSG commander Durante arraigned

From MindaNews (Apr 19, 2023): Ex-PSG commander Durante arraigned (By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV)

DAVAO CITY – Brig. Gen. Jesus P. Durante, the former Presidential Security Group (PSG) commander, and Col. Michael D. Licyayo, along with other military personnel tagged in murder of model and entrepreneur Yvonette Chua Plaza, were arraigned on Tuesday before the military court constituted to hear their administrative charges, a military official said on Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Jesus P. Durante and Yvonnette Chua Plaza. Photos from the Facebook pages of the 1001st IB and Plaza

Maj. Mark Anthony S. Tito, chief of the Public Affairs Office of the 10th Infantry Division, told MindaNews that the arraignment started 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Tito declined to discuss any information on the merits of the case for lack of authority but added that formal hearings have yet to be scheduled.

He said that officials from the headquarters of the Philippine Army can speak about the development of the proceedings before the General Court Martial.

In a press statement, Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., chief of the Philippine Army, approved the administrative charges against the military officials and personnel and subsequently ordered them placed under General Court Martial.

The General Court Martial is chaired by the Court President, Maj. Gen. Jose Eriel M. Niembra, who is the current 10th Infantry Division Commander.

It said that Durante and Licyayo were transferred and detained in the Eastern Mindanao Command headquarters, Camp Panacan, Davao City last Monday to appear before the military court.

Plaza was shot dead outside her rented house at Green Meadow Subdivision in Barangay Santo Niño, Tugbok on December 29, 2022.

Durante, who headed the 1001st Infantry Brigade, was allegedly the mastermind in what appeared to be a premeditated killing of Plaza while Licyayo, the brigade’s deputy commander, provided the gunmen the details of the victim’s whereabouts as well as logistics to execute the murder.

Other enlisted military personnel involved in the murder case are SSgt. Gilbert Plaza, SSgt. Delfin Llarenas Sialsa Jr., Cpl. Adrian N. Cachero, PFC Rolly Cabal, and PFC Romart Longakit. The latter remains missing, Tito said. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/04/ex-psg-commander-durante-arraigned/

PH-US ties on path to new levels of understanding: House leader

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2023): PH-US ties on path to new levels of understanding: House leader (By Jose Cielito Reganit)

CLOSER TIES. United States House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (center) receives a token of appreciation from visiting Philippine lawmakers led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez (left) after their meeting at the US Capitol in Washington DC on Wednesday (April 19, 2023, Manila time). Romualdez said the series of fruitful and engaging meetings between Philippine and US House leaders is bringing the two countries’ relations to new heights and levels of understanding. (Photo courtesy of Office of Speaker Martin Romualdez)

MANILA – House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday said the Philippine-United States relations are reaching new heights and levels of understanding after the series of meetings with US House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and other US lawmakers in the US Capitol, Washington DC.

According to a news release from Romualdez’s office, Scalise (Louisiana, 1st congressional district) was delighted to see the Philippine delegation and warmly welcomed them at the Office of the Majority Leader.

"We, from the House of Representatives in Manila thank Majority Leader Scalise for his warm welcome, his kind words, and most importantly his commitment to further strengthening Philippine and US ties in various aspects. It was a fruitful and engaging meeting, to say the very least, and I feel that we are reaching new heights and levels of understanding," Romualdez said.

He said the Philippine government under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has reintegrated relations with the US to provide stability, peace, and prosperity, especially in enhancing our capability for defense and stronger economic security.

“Let’s make the two countries closer. We are here to gather support from US Congress to strengthen and improve our capabilities from external threats and national disasters," Romualdez added.

The Philippine delegation also held separate meetings with US Representatives Darrell Issa, Ami Bera, Mike Rogers (chairman of the House Armed Services Committee), and Christian Stewart, as well as Utah Attorney General Sean David Reyes, a Filipino-American.

During the meetings, they discussed strategies to strengthen economic cooperation, defense and security engagements, as well as bilateral strategic dialogue between the two long-time allied nations.

"This solidifies the good working relationship between President Marcos and President (Joe) Biden. Rest assured that legislators from both sides of the fence will follow through with the necessary work so that the benefits of this dynamic relationship would become more tangible tenfold," Romualdez said.

As a treaty ally, the Philippines has been receiving substantial defense assistance from the US in terms of training and defense items and equipment.

From 2002 to 2021, the Philippines received defense and security assistance at roughly USD1.8 billion for defense modernization, maritime security, counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics, anti-human trafficking, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear preparedness.

On the economic front, Washington remains an important and strategic trading and investment partner of Manila. This economic partnership remained strong despite challenges brought about by the pandemic.

In 2021, the US was the Philippines' third largest trading partner, top export market, and fifth major import source, whereas the Philippines ranked 30th among the US' top trade partners. The US was also the Philippines' fifth largest source of foreign investments in 2021, notably in the IT-BPM, electronics, real estate, construction, and transportation and storage sectors.

American businesses, including Fortune 500 companies, have found a home in the Philippines. They recognize the Philippines for its business-friendly policies, skilled and well-educated workforce, and network of economic zones.

"With our strong economy, we invited the US to increase and expand its investments. Just recently I was with the economic team of President Marcos to help generate more investments during the 2023 World Bank Group-International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings," Romualdez said. "Now the congressional delegation of the House leadership is engaging their counterparts in the US Congress. We are working all out with our strong message to come to the Philippines and invest there."

Joining Romualdez were Majority Leader and Zamboanga 2nd District Rep. Manual Jose Dalipe, Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Navotas City Rep. Tobias Tiangco, Agusan del Norte 1st District Rep. Jose S. Aquino II, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel del Gallego Romualdez, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, and House Sergeant-at-Arms PMGEN. Napoleon Taas.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199699

AFP chief visits EDCA sites in Northern Luzon

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2023): AFP chief visits EDCA sites in Northern Luzon (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Andres C. Centino during his visit in Lal-lo Airfield in Cagayan on Wednesday (April 18, 2023). (Photo courtesy of the AFP)

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Andres C. Centino on April 18 visited the newly approved Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in Northern Luzon and was briefed on the construction projects being undertaken in one of the new locations.

In a statement late Tuesday, AFP public affairs chief Col. Jorry Baclor said Centino and his delegation consisted of Philippine Air Force head Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño and Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) chief Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca, along with other senior military officials, first visited Lal-lo Airfield in Cagayan which is also one of the "Balikatan" field training exercises staging areas in Northern Luzon.

"The CSAFP (Chief of Staff AFP) and his delegation were briefed on the ongoing projects in the airfield, in line with its development as one of the agreed locations under the EDCA as a prime site for the AFP's territorial defense and humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts," he added.

No details were given by the AFP regarding the type and specific progress of ongoing projects in Lal-lo Airfield. Centino and his companions were welcomed by Tactical Operations Group 2 commander Col. Sadiri Tabutol.

The Philippines earlier named Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan as additional EDCA locations.

The proposal to add additional EDCA locations was announced by the Philippines and US defense departments last February.

These new locations add to the five EDCA locations earlier picked by Manila and Washington D.C. -- Cesar Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation in Nueva Ecija; Lumbia Airfield in Cagayan de Oro City; Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; and Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu.

After his visit to Lal-lo Airfield, the AFP chief also visited Marine Battalion Landing Team-10 (MBLT-10) of the Philippine Marine Corps at the Naval Base Camilo Osias,

"4th Marine Brigade commander, Brig.Gen. Vicente Mark Anthony Blanco III; commanding officer of MBLT-10, Lt. Col. Rodel Pacifico; and 3rd Littoral Logistics Battalion led by Lt. Col. Mark Lenzi, USMC (United States Marine Corps) welcomed the CSAFP and his party," Baclor said.

Centino's delegation later proceeded to the 5th Infantry Division headquarters in Gamu, Isabela. They were warmly welcomed by 5th Infantry Division Brig. Gen. Danilo Benavides, 503rd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Santiago Enginco and Maj. Joe Van Deusen of the US Army's 25th Infantry Division.

During his visit, Centino encouraged the troops assigned to Nolcom to maximize the exercises' opportunities and engagement with their US counterparts.

"It is important that we realize that if we work together with our friends and allies, we will be stronger. Therefore, make the most of these exercises," he added.

Centino earlier said this year's "Balikatan" is the largest in history with a total of 17,680 Filipino, American and Australian participants. The annual exercises started April 11 and will conclude on the 28th.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199697

New EDCA sites aim to protect entire PH, Galvez assures senators

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2023): New EDCA sites aim to protect entire PH, Galvez assures senators (By Wilnard Bacelonia)

Department of National Defense chief Carlito Galvez, Jr. attends on Wednesday (April 19, 2023) the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs inquiry on the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). During the hearing, Galvez explained the reasons for choosing the four additional EDCA sites, three of which are located in Northern Luzon. (Photo by Senate PRIB)

MANILA – The four additional Enhanced Defense Cooperation (EDCA) agreed locations intend to intensify the role of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in strengthening the country's defense and security as well as humanitarian and relief operations, Department of Defense chief Carlito Galvez Jr. clarified on Wednesday to senators.

Together with Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Galvez attended the general inquiry on EDCA by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations chaired by Senator Imee Marcos.

Noting that previous EDCA sites were located in the inner part of the country, Galvez said they have been looking for other possible vulnerabilities.

"We can see that our vulnerabilities are located at the north-eastern side in terms of maritime security. While on the disaster side in the areas of Cagayan and also in the Isabela, we see our experiences that these areas have been isolated during the previous typhoons that we have experienced," he explained.

The EDCA four sites, which was recently announced by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., include the Naval base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan.

During the deliberation of AFP with counterparts in the United States, Galvez said the chosen areas were determined to be the most vulnerable in terms of the country's maritime security, as well as maritime interest in Benham rise and the West Philippine Sea.

"We saw that there is a need really for immediate designation of three sites in the north and also another site in at the south-eastern part which is the Balabac," Galvez said noting that Balabac Island and Camilo Osias Naval Base are the most strategic among the EDCA sites.

"If we have Camilo Osias, we can consolidate our forces for our future operations for disaster relief in Basco, Batanes because we have a lot of experience that Basco, Batanes had been isolated during disasters," he added.

This, after Sen. Imee Marcos questioned the intent of the EDCA and the government's plan to build more EDCA bases, saying the sites chosen were "random and no longer purposeful" with regard to the efforts to modernize the AFP.

Modernization, she said, should be the primary goal in the EDCA's implementation, besides disaster preparedness, maritime security and counterterrorism.

"Are we going to just rely on foreigners to defend us while our armed forces remain neglected, outdated and completely abject in the face of any external threats?" Marcos asked.

Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian also questioned the reason and criteria for choosing the EDCA sites is wondering whether these are really strategic for the Philippines and not for the US.

"That’s why I’m looking for the end-goal. If the end-goal is to help capacitate ourselves or to ward off terrorism, I assume that the [EDCA] sites will be located in areas where we need to strengthen our capacities. That’s why I’m looking for the end-goal,” Gatchalian said.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III, who was also present in the inquiry, is convinced that the additional four sites and the present negotiation of the Philippine and the US governments do not intend to change any word or provision in the EDCA agreement.

He also clarified that the the extent of PH-US military exercises are only addendum to the existing agreement.

“When we are discussing with our counterparts, the end product is an annex to EDCA, so we don’t even attempt to change the terms of EDCA, this is just an annex to be cleared. We are making the commitment that no matter how extensive the discussions are, there will be no attempt, desires, or intention to change any word in EDCA or the agreement,” Pimentel said.

Secretary Manalo reported to the committee that currently, there remains eight of 16 EDCA projects in five originally agreed locations.

"Six of the projects are expected to be completed within 2023 including the runway project that Basa air base, storage facility at Mactan air base, and the [high availability disaster recovery] HADR of the humanitarian disaster relief warehouse in Fort Magsaysay," Manalo explained.

He said the funding for the remaining projects is also expected to be awarded by September 2023.

To date, the US has allocated a total of over USD100 million to EDCA projects including additional USD18 million announced during the third 2+2 ministerial dialogue held in Washington last week covering projects in both existing and new agreed EDCA sites.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199716

New naval assets highlight PH Fleet’s 85th anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20, 2023): New naval assets highlight PH Fleet’s 85th anniversary (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PN chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. (Photo courtesy of PN)

MANILA – The Philippine Fleet (PF) celebrated its 85th anniversary on April 18 with the acquisition of additional naval assets and development of new capabilities.

"Among the notable PF accomplishments in the recent year include the delivery of two additional fast attack interdiction-craft platforms, successful conduct of the first ever replenishment-at-sea (RAS) between the two Jose Rizal-class frigates, and the acquisition of two Cyclone-class patrol combatants," PF spokesperson Lt. Giovanni Badidles said in a statement forwarded to reporters Thursday.

Badidles was referring to the RAS between BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) last March 23 to 25 in Zambales waters, turnover by the US Navy of two Cyclone-class patrol vessels to the Philippine Navy (PN) after its decommissioning in Bahrain in March 28, and delivery of two more Acero-class gunboats (also known as the Israel shipyard-manufactured Shaldag Mark V) last April 11.

These additional naval assets and skill sets will greatly enhance the PF's capabilities to protect the country's territorial waters.

The theme for the PF's 85th anniversary is "A Legacy of Excellence: 85 Years of Protecting Our Seas, Defending Our Nation."

Meanwhile, PN chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. called the PF "the backbone of our naval operations and integral to our country’s national security and defense posture" during the anniversary ceremonies held at Magluyan Hall of Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Cavite City.

He also lauded the PF's sub-units, officers, enlisted personnel, civilian human resources and stakeholders who all "made significant contributions to our Navy’s Philippine Fleet."

As this developed, PF commander Rear Admiral Renato David expressed his high regard to "the contribution of our brave sailors, airmen, and officers deployed in the frontline, the professional competence and institutional expertise of our civilian human resources, the support personnel who work hard to ensure that the logistics requirements are delivered, the stakeholders who keep helping us achieve our mandates."

"We also honor the tradition of valor in the naval service and we pay homage to the memory of those who have gone ahead of us, whose deeds are written in the annals of our Command and who made history before us." he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199785

PAF airlifters, maintenance specialists learn to 'tweak' C-130s

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20, 2023): PAF airlifters, maintenance specialists learn to 'tweak' C-130s (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PAF Airlifters joined by USAF counterparts in a walk through during the demonstration of one of the processes in Prop Blending of a C130J. (Photo courtesy of PAF)

MANILA – Philippine Air Force (PAF) airlift and maintenance personnel were briefed by their American counterparts on how to make their Lockheed C-130 "cargo" aircraft more efficient and safe.

This as the PAF's 220th Airlift Wing and 410th Maintenance Wing took part in subject matter expert exchange (SMEE), together with their United States Air Force (USAF) counterparts on C-130 prop blending and basic post flight (BPO) and pre-flight inspection (PFI) procedures last April 17, Air Force spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a statement late Wednesday.

The SMEE was held at the Herky Lounge, 222nd Airlift Squadron, 220th Airlift Wing, Brig. Gen. Benito N. Ebuen Air Base, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

Castillo said C-130 prop blending refers to the process of repairing or restoring a damaged or worn-out propeller on a C-130 military transport aircraft.

"It is an essential maintenance procedure for C-130 aircraft to ensure that the propellers are operating efficiently and safely. Properly balanced and maintained propellers can help extend the life of the aircraft and reduce the risk of in-flight incidents," she added.

Meanwhile, BPO and PFI are two essential maintenance procedures that are carried out on the aircraft before and after each flight to ensure their airworthiness and safety.

"By performing these inspections, maintenance personnel and pilots can detect and correct any issues before they become serious problems that could compromise the safety of the aircraft and its crew/passengers," Castillo added.

She also said the session provided the aircrew and maintenance personnel of the PAF an essential learning opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills necessary for effective handling and maintenance of its C-130s.

Also on April 17, the 220th Airlift Wing also participated in a SMEE with USAF airlifters on low-cost low-altitude (LCLA) airdrop bundle rigging at Brig. Gen. Benito N. Ebuen Air Base.

"During the activity, the USAF demonstrated their patented Low-cost Low-altitude (LCLA) airdrop bundle techniques and exchanged best practices with all the participants. The learning event was attended by C-130 Pilots and Crew from the 222nd Airlift Squadron; Maintenance Personnel from the 470th Maintenance and Supply Squadron and 410th Maintenance Wing; and USAF counterparts," Castillo said.

She added LCLA airdrop configuration utilizes minimal rigging supplies and decommissioned personnel parachutes that are still serviceable to deliver customized cargo, such as humanitarian aid and disaster relief, in bundles.

Additionally, it can be rigged in a "coastal" configuration suitable for a shoreline drop zone.

"LCLA offers a cheap, effective, and accurate tactical airlift delivery method that the PAF may employ using our C-130, C-295, NC-212i, and other airlift platforms.

This can be extremely effective during resupply and HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster relief) operations," Castillo said.

She added that this SMEE is in preparation for the LCLA airdrop exercise to be performed in the coming days as one of the activities in this year’s "Balikatan" exercises.

This aims to further improve PAF’s operational readiness in delivering goods in critical areas of operations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199786

Congress to help build stronger PH-US partnership

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20, 2023): Congress to help build stronger PH-US partnership (By Zaldy De Layola)

File photo

MANILA – The House of Representatives will continue to help the Marcos administration build a stronger Philippine partnership with the United States, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said early Thursday in his speech at the Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in Boston, Massachusetts.

“The PH-US relations are strong. The military alliance is iron-clad. Our economic relations are robust. And the friendship between our two peoples is solid,” Romualdez said in his policy speech before the Harvard community upon the invitation of the university’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, which was followed by a question-and-answer session with the Harvard community, moderated by Eric Rosenbach, Co-Director of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.

The Speaker said the legislature “will continue to represent the will of the Filipino people under the leadership of President (Ferdinand) Marcos Jr., as the chief architect of Philippine foreign policy, of being ‘a friend to all, an enemy to none.’”

“And it is along these lines that we will continue to craft national legislation to serve our peoples and promote the national interests of our country,” he added.

He, however, said the PH-US relations continue to be an unfinished project.

“Our task is to build upon the strong foundations of the past in order to achieve a common future of shared objectives and mutual prosperity. I hope that all of you here today realize that we can all be important partners in this regard,” Romualdez told his Harvard audience.

“The Philippine Congress, through its mandate, lays out the legal framework wherein the Philippines and the United States can prove time and again that the partnership continues to evolve and be more responsive to promote the interests of their respective peoples.”

He said the conduct of foreign relations has evolved from being an exclusive prerogative of the executive branch to a shared responsibility of the President and Congress.

“Traditionally, foreign relations are conducted by the executive branch of the government and the role of the legislative in foreign policy decision-making is focused on the budgetary and war powers and appointment of diplomatic officials to represent the country overseas,” he added.

The Speaker, however, pointed out that “legislative diplomacy has been increasingly part of foreign policy and international relations with the increased meetings with foreign officials, establishment of inter-parliamentary linkages with other countries and through the laws enacted by Congress.”

“The legislative branches of governments of both countries are mandated to establish a legal framework that will promote transparency and accountability in the government to achieve peace and prosperity for the country,” he said.

He noted that about two years ago, the Philippines and the US celebrated the 75th anniversary of their formal diplomatic relations.

Romualdez said the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the two countries “remains to be relevant and continues to develop individual and collective capacities to address conventional and emerging security threats.”

“Supplemented by the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), the Philippines and the US conducts combined training and exercises, which increases interoperability between our forces,” Romualdez said, adding that the US is the Philippines’ “only treaty ally.”

He said the US is also one of the country’s biggest trading partners, with a total trade of more than USD21 billion in 2022 and their economic partnership remaining strong despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

The US is likewise an important source of Official Development Assistance (ODA) spent mostly on health, peace, and humanitarian projects and programs. In 2021, the ODA from the US amounted to USD629.69 million.

The US is also one of the top sources of net foreign direct investments, with investments valued at USD5.2 billion in 2020, he said.

“The relationship between our two countries is truly multi-faceted and what sets it apart from the partnership with other countries is our shared values and history, mutual respect, and shared goals to build communities that are prosperous, sustainable, and resilient,” he said.

Democracy, the lawmaker from Leyte said, is very much alive in the Philippines as it is in the US with all the three fully functioning co-equal branches of the government – the executive, the legislative, and the judiciary.

He also cited the measures Congress has approved to strengthen RP-US economic partnership and make the Philippines a viable investment destination, such as the Corporate Recovery Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act, which provides for competitive corporate income tax rate; and amendments to the Foreign Investment Act, Retail Trade Liberalization Act, and Public Service Act.

Romualdez said the newly amended Public Service Act now allows 100 percent foreign ownership of key public services, including telecommunications, railways, expressways, airports, and shipping businesses.

“With all the legal frameworks liberalizing economic policies and creating an incentive-driven business environment, now more than ever, US companies will find it easier to invest in the Philippines,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199808

Año welcomes CPP confirmation of Tiamzon couple’s death

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20, 2023): Año welcomes CPP confirmation of Tiamzon couple’s death (By Priam Nepomuceno)

National Security Council Director General and National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año (File photo)

MANILA – The National Security Council (NSC) on Thursday welcomed the confirmation made by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) regarding the deaths of its ranking leaders, Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, during an encounter with government troops in Catbalogan, Samar August last year.

"We welcome the confirmation by the CPP-NPA-NDF (New People's Army-National Democratic Front) of the death of top terrorist leaders Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria-Tiamzon last August 2022. Benito Tiamzon was the Chairman of the CPP Executive Committee and Wilma Tiamzon was the CPP’s Secretary General," NSC Director General and National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año said in a statement forwarded to reporters.

He added that this statement from the CPP confirmed their suspicions that the two were killed during the clash with government troops on Aug. 22, 2022.

"Finally, the terrorists have been forced to admit what many of us have suspected many, many months ago," Año said.

And with the death of CPP founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison last December, the NSC chief said the "communist terrorist group" is now headless with no clear national leadership.

"They have lost both their guiding light in the person of Joma and their commander in the Tiamzons and are now groping in the dark with no direction nor future in sight," he added.

However, Año scored the CPP's propaganda machinery for concocting and fabricating "an elaborate story which even implicates the United States in their deaths in order to squeeze whatever propaganda value" from the death of the Tiamzon couple.

The CPP claimed that Tiamzons were captured, tortured and subsequently killed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a "US directed operation."

"They are now trapped in their own web of lies which deserves scant comment. Needless to say, there is no truth whatsoever in this clearly fabricated story and we stand by the official reports from the AFP," Año said.

The military earlier said the encounter which killed the Tiamzons stemmed from an ongoing operation in the northern and tri-boundary of Samar and Eastern Samar aimed at guarding water exits being used by NPAs using small boats or craft.

During this incident, the crew of patrolling scout boats saw something suspicious and intercepted the craft.

Military personnel even used a megaphone to stop the boat but instead of stopping, the occupants fired at the troops which ensued in an encounter.

The boat later exploded after being hit in the firefight. He also said the deaths of Tiamzons is just the latest in the string of defeats that show the clear decimation of communist terrorism in the Philippines, which includes the recent arrest of notorious terrorist Eric Jun Casilao in Langkawi, Malaysia in a successful joint law enforcement operation with the Malaysian authorities.

Casilao, like the Tiamzons, is a Central Committee member of CPP-NPA-NDF and is secretary of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) wanted for murder, kidnapping and a string of other crimes.

"Casilao, just like the Tiamzons, is a notorious NPA leader who orchestrated numerous terrorist activities in the Davao region," the NSC chief added.

Año said Casilao's arrest is the result of the successful collaboration between the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Army, 10th Infantry Division, Directorate for Intelligence of the Philippine National Police, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Bureau of Immigration and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

This also reflects the effective collaboration between the Philippines and Malaysian authorities.

"This string of defeats on the part of the terrorists prove that the Philippine government is on the right track, and we shall sustain all anti-terrorism efforts we started years back, focusing on our local peace initiatives and good governance espoused by NTF-ELCAC (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict) under the guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.," he added.

These successes also validates the country's ranking in the Global Terrorism Index, released by the Institute for Economic and Peace, which shows a much-improved ranking for the Philippines at 18th place for the year 2022 compared to being in the top 10 countries worst affected by terrorism several years ago.

"The death of the Tiamzons and the arrest of Casilao show that terrorists cannot find a safe haven anywhere in the world, be it in the mountains or in other countries. The government is determined to capture terrorist leaders wherever they may be. The long arm of the law will always reach the criminal wherever he may be," the NSC chief added.

Also, Año said that the government and the NTF-ELCAC (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict) is extending the hand of unity and peace to all remaining members of the CPP-NPA-NDF who were duped by Sison and the Tiamzons into embracing this defunct and senseless cause.

"Now is the time for them to lay down their arms and rejoin mainstream society for the peace and development of the Filipino nation," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199859

PNP-ACG probes ‘massive’ data breach

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20, 2023): PNP-ACG probes ‘massive’ data breach (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

DATA BREACH. Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. delivers his welcoming remark during the groundbreaking for the PNP Press Corps office and briefing room at Camp Crame in QUezon CIty on Thursday (April 20, 2023). On the sidelines of the ceremony, Azurin said the PNP is already investigating a supposed data breach that hit government agencies. (Photo by Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan)

MANILA – Outgoing Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. on Thursday said their Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) has started its investigation into the alleged massive data breach that hit law enforcement agencies and government departments as reported by cybersecurity research firm VPNMentor.

“The data breach is being investigated by our ACG. We are waiting for the report of the ACG pertaining to the data breach,” Azurin told reporters during the groundbreaking for the PNP Press Corps office and briefing room held at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

ACG director Brig. Gen. Sidney Hernia, for his part, said they have already requested complete access logs from the PNP Recruitment and Selection Service (PRSS).

“We are still conducting vulnerability assessment and penetration testing. We cannot categorically say at this time that there was a leaked applicant’s data,” Hernia said in a statement shared with reporters by PNP Public Information Office chief Col. Redrico Maranan.

The breach has exposed 817.54 gigabytes of data involving 1,279,4237 records not only from the PNP but also from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), among others.

The VPNMentor included in its report on Tuesday redacted copies of documents that were allegedly compromised such as certifications of board rating, national police clearance certificates and Bureau of Internal Revenue cards.

Also compromised were employee and applicant identification records, scanned and photographed copies of birth certificates, diplomas, tax filing records, passport and police identification cards and education record transcripts.

The breach also exposed certifications from the justice department as well as local and regional court records.

The VPNMentor said that any data breach that exposes personal information belonging to police and members of law enforcement or other officials can be dangerous as they could be potential victims of identity theft, phishing attacks, and other malicious activities.

“It would be easy for criminals to apply for loans, credit or other financial crimes using the identity of these individuals and supporting documents,” it said.

The cybersecurity research firm said criminals can also target members of law enforcement agencies for blackmail and other schemes

“Due to the amount of time from when the exposure was discovered, reported and finally closed, it is unclear exactly how long the database was publicly accessible or if anyone else may have accessed it,” it said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199811

Army settles feud of warring Moro clans in Maguindanao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2023): Army settles feud of warring Moro clans in Maguindanao Sur (By Edwin Fernandez)

FEUD SETTLEMENT. Brig. Gen. Donald Gumiran (right), Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, welcomes Tuesday (April 18, 2023) Butch Malang (left), chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ceasefire panel, and Anwar Alamada (center), also from MILF ceasefire committee, at the 602nd IBde headquarters in Carmen, North Cotabato. The three worked together for the settlement of a clan war that involved MILF members in adjacent Pagalungan town, Maguindanao del Sur province. (Photo courtesy of 602nd IBde)

COTABATO CITY – The Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade (602nd IBde) has facilitated the settlement of a “rido” (clan war) involving Moro families in Pagalungan town, Maguindanao del Sur, a military official said Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, the Army’s 602nd IBde) commander, said the “rido” settlement on Tuesday afternoon was also made possible by the backing of Anwar Alamada, chairperson of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Adhoc Joint Action Group, and Butch Malang, chair of the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH).

The three leaders gathered the families of Datu Kenti Matalam, chairperson of Barangay Kilangan, and those of Datu Nayang Timan and Norodin Abubakar, both MILF leaders in the same village, for the peace dialogue at the 602nd IBde headquarters in neighboring Carmen town.

During the meeting, the officials commended the warring parties for heeding the call of the 602nd IBde to face each other and end their hostilities in Barangay Kilangan that started early this month.

“It’s good that both sides readily agreed to a cessation of hostilities,” Gumiran said in a statement, adding that the Army has helped in the return of internally displaced persons (IDP) to their homes.

Both sides have incurred an undetermined number of casualties at the height of the hostilities that sent more than 3,000 civilians leaving their homes.

The BARMM government has earlier extended batches of food aid to the displaced families.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199741

Samar completes 1st anti-insurgency project

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2023): Samar completes 1st anti-insurgency project (By Sarwell Meniano)

TACLOBAN CITY – Samar province has recently completed its first project under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP), a PHP4 million school building for day care learners in a remote village in Motiong town.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) provincial director Judy Batulan said the project in Malobago village is a joint effort of the local government unit, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), and village officials.

“The construction of the school building will serve as a stepping stone for a better education that will lead to a brighter future for the learner of Malobago. This will allow mothers to work without bringing their children to their farms since there is a safe place for them to learn,” Batulan said in a statement Wednesday.

In a separate statement, Lt. Col. Luzelito Betinol, the Army’s 87th Infantry Battalion commander, said the project fulfills the villagers’ wish to improve their lives.

“This proves that our government is here to meet the needs of communities through the whole-of-nation approach. I encourage residents to stop supporting the terrorist group so that we can achieve the peace we have been longing for,” Betinol said.

The project began in mid-2022 and was completed on April 14.

Motiong, a fourth-class town with a population of more than 15,000, is a recipient of six other ongoing SBDP projects.

The other projects in the municipality are in the villages of San Andres, Barayong, Beri, Canvais, Sarao, and Sto Niño.

Malobago is one of the 200 villages identified as SBDP recipients last year in five provinces in the Eastern Visayas region.

Each village got a PHP4 million outlay for the construction of farm-to-market roads, health stations, rural electrification, school buildings, or water and sanitation system.

Projects have been identified by residents during the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP), a convergence mechanism for local governments in the village, to identify issues and needed government interventions.

Recipient communities were previously influenced by the communist New People’s Army, according to the DILG.

The SBDP, a hallmark program of NTF-ELCAC, brings progress to former conflict-prone communities.

The NTF-ELCAC, created under Executive Order 70 issued on Dec. 4, 2018, is tasked to “provide an efficient mechanism and structure for the implementation of the whole-of-nation approach to aid in the realization of collective aspirations for inclusive and sustainable peace.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199684

Suspected rebels shoot 2 civilians dead in Negros Oriental

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2023): Suspected rebels shoot 2 civilians dead in Negros Oriental (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

INVESTIGATION. Police investigators process the crime scene where two civilians were shot dead Tuesday night (April 18, 2023) in a remote village in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental province. Suspected New People's Army rebels are believed to have perpetrated the crime. (Photo courtesy of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office)

DUMAGUETE CITY – Suspected members of the New People’s Army shot and killed two civilians in the mountainous Barangay Trinidad in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental close to midnight Tuesday.

The victims were identified as 24-year-old Juven Patagatay Pasinabo, resident of Barangay Trinidad; and Jinny Boy Rapol Tubias, 29, of Barangay Montelya; both of Moises Padilla town in Negros Occidental province.

Reports said the two victims were attending a fiesta celebration in the remote Sition Cambairan in Barangay Trinidad, around 42 kilometers away from the city proper, when four armed men believed to be NPA rebels, arrived.

Two of the suspects approached Pasinabo, who was sitting in a chair, and shot him several times.

The suspects, according to witnesses, shouted in Cebuano “NPA mi, hapa ang walay labot” (We are NPAs, those who have nothing to do with this, duck!).

Pasinabo died on the spot due to multiple gunshot wounds.

Tubias, an employee of the Guihulngan local government unit (LGU), on the other hand, did not drop and rather gave instructions to the person in charge of the sound system to shut it down.

The other two armed men dragged him to a dark area where he was shot and killed.

Lt. Col. Romeo Cubo, Guihulngan police chief, said the second victim was just collateral damage while Pasinabo was previously arrested during massive police operations a few years back for illegal possession of firearms.

Cubo said they are still trying to determine the motive in the killing of Pasinabo.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199768