13 BIFF sumuko, tumanggap ng ayuda sa gobyerno

From Abante (Aug 11, 2023): 13 BIFF sumuko, tumanggap ng ayuda sa gobyerno (3 BIFF surrender, receive government aid)

Inaasahan na umano ang paghina ng puwersa ng bandidong Bangsa­moro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) matapos magbalik-loob sa gobyerno ang 13 nitong miyembro.

Nagmula ang mga ito sa bayan ng Rajah Bua­yan, Datu Unsay, Datu Hoffer, Datu Abdullah Sangki at Shariff Aguak, Pagatin-Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Mamasapano, at Shariff Saydona Mustapha.

Isinuko rin nila ang kanilang mga armas tulad ng sniper rifle, 50 caliber barret, mga bala, grenade launcher at iba pa.

Kahirapan, magulong pamumuhay at kawalang pag-asa na maging tahimik ang kanilang pamilya ang pangunahing dahilan ng pagtalikod nila sa bandidong grupo.

Samantala, tumanggap sila ng cash assistance mula sa iba’t ibang sangay ng pamahalaan para sa pagsisimula nila ng bagong buhay.

https://www.abante.com.ph/2023/08/11/13-biff-sumuko-tumanggap-ng-ayuda-sa-gobyerno/

AFP eyes more vessels, aircraft for West PH Sea patrols

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 11, 2023): AFP eyes more vessels, aircraft for West PH Sea patrols (By Priam Nepomuceno)

INTENSIFIED PATROLS. Wescom commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos (left) and AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. answer questions during a press briefing in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on Thursday afternoon (Aug. 10, 2023). Brawner said the military is looking at the possibility of deploying more ships and aircraft to guard and secure the country's exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea. (Photo by Izza Reynoso)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is looking at the possibility of deploying more ships and aircraft to guard and secure the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

"Yes, definitely we have plans to deploy more ships and more even yung mga aircraft natin para mabantayan natin yung ating exclusive economic zone. So hindi lang yung pagbantay dito but we really have to establish our presence in the area (Yes, definitely we have plans to deploy more ships and even our aircraft to secure our EEZ. That is not only for guarding our territories there but we really have to establish our presence in the area)," AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a press briefing at the Western Command (Wescom) headquarters in Palawan on Thursday afternoon.

This came after Wescom reported that as of Aug. 9, about 400 foreign vessels were detected in the country's EEZ.

Brawner also said they are looking at tapping reservists for sea duty to help protect the country's vast waters and this is part of their plan to develop the Reserve Force.

He added that they are eyeing Filipino fisherfolk who could be trained to do their part in defending the country.

Brawner said this proposal is in the implementation stage and the AFP is waiting "for the platforms or the vessels that they are going to use."

Asked about the timeline for this measure, he said this would depend on the availability of funds.

Brawner said they would also request additional funding from Congress to improve facilities and beef up their presence in the WPS.

‘Do another run’

Wescom commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, meanwhile, said the report on the number of foreign vessels detected in the area was based on their latest monitoring on Aug. 9.

Carlos said only half of the intended supplies for the troops at the BRP Sierra Madre reached the destination due to one of the civilian vessels being drenched.

“We need to do another run before the supplies run out in LS 57. We’re going to do that again in two weeks’ time. Earliest next week, hopefully, but definitely before the supplies run out,” he said.

Carlos expressed hope for a smoother and safer journey during the upcoming rotation and resupply mission, wishing for no further incidents.

"It is our prayer that there will be no more water cannon incidents and less aggressive reception from the other side, especially because of the international attention that this incident generated,” he said.

Carlos estimated that 85 percent of the 400 vessels are "Chinese" and that 191 of them are in the vicinity of Mischief Reef, also known as Panganiban Reef.

Mischief Reef is about 134 nautical miles away from Palawan.

"Our suspicion is that they're militia vessels taking orders from the China Coast Guard (CCG). The incident last weekend suggests that our suspicion might be true. How to confirm that – we're still working on that one," Carlos said.

On Aug. 5, about 12 Chinese militia ships were spotted along with six CCG ships that blocked and fired water cannons at Filipino supply boats headed for the Philippine Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal.

Support

A workers’ group, meanwhile, supported the idea of prioritizing the development and deployment of citizen soldiers as a proactive response to the current scenario in the West Philippine Sea.

Federation of Free Workers (FFW) national vice president Jun Ramirez said Friday the initiative steers away from the military alone and the common practice of merely increasing intelligence funds but rather seeks a more direct and participative method to support the national interest.

"The defense of the country against foreign aggression or protecting our territorial integrity is a duty of every citizen, not only of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)," he said in a statement.

On the other hand, FFW national treasurer Alfredo Maranan underscored the vital role of citizen participation in defense strategies.

"The collective responsibility to defend our nation transcends the military or our navy. It rests with every Filipino,” he said.

The labor group official believed that empowering citizen soldiers is pivotal in asserting national rights and interests.

"This grassroots approach not only enhances our maritime defenses but also deepens our collective commitment to preserving the integrity and sovereignty of the Philippine territories," Maranan added. (with reports from Izza Reynoso and Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1207616

DND thanks Australia for supporting AFP medical projects

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 11, 2023): DND thanks Australia for supporting AFP medical projects (By Priam Nepomuceno)

SUPPORT. Australia Ambassador to the Philippines, Hae Kyong Yu (left) and Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. (right) during their Aug. 8, 2023 meeting at DND headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. In their meeting, Teodoro expressed his thanks to the Australian Government for its continued support to medical programs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (Photo courtesy of the DND)

MANILA – The Department of National Defense (DND) thanked the Australian government for its continued support to medical projects of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

This came following Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.'s meeting with Australian Ambassador to Manila Hae Kyong Yu on Aug. 8 at the DND main building in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, as relayed by spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in news release on Friday.

"Secretary Teodoro also took the opportunity to express appreciation to the Australian Government for its donation to the AFP in relation to the upcoming Project-based Community Medical Deployment/Medical Aid Provision under the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting - Plus Experts' Working Group on Military Medicine, which is currently co-chaired by Brunei Darussalam and Australia," Andolong said.

The ASEAN Center of Military Medicine “establishes practical, effective, and sustainable cooperation among military medical services of AMS (ASEAN Member States) and Plus Countries (eight dialogue partners Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States), both in normal and crisis situations.”

In the same meeting, Teodoro acknowledged the "mature" defense cooperation between the Philippines and Australia in various bilateral and multilateral platforms.

It is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s guidance on transitioning the focus of the Philippine defense sector to external defense.

"Notably, Secretary Teodoro welcomed the conduct of the Philippine leg of the Indo-Pacific Endeavor, Australia's flagship regional engagement activity and the inaugural Defense Minister's Meeting," Andolong said.

He added the Philippines and Australia took stock of bilateral activities that reaffirm the deep friendship between the two nations aside from having "shared objectives in promoting regional peace and security."

"Ambassador Yu reiterated Australia's appreciation for the Philippines' assistance in locating the wreckage of SS Montevideo Maru, a World War II vessel that sank northwest of Luzon in 1942, which killed Australian prisoners of war, among others," Andolong said.

PH, Israel explore potential areas of defense cooperation

As this developed, Teodoro also reaffirmed the DND's interest in further strengthening defense and military relations with Israel, particularly on information sharing, and education and training exchanges.

This took place during his meeting with Israeli Ambassador to Manila Ilan Fluss, also on Aug. 8.

"Congratulating Secretary Teodoro on his appointment, Ambassador Fluss expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts of the Philippines and Israel in further increasing defense and military engagements. He indicated Israel's interest to explore potential areas of cooperation, particularly in space and technology, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and cyber security, among others," Andolong said.

Teodoro welcomed the proposal, which supports the Philippines' capacity building efforts and capability to address defense and security issues.

In broadening Philippines-Israel logistics and defense procurement cooperation, the defense chief also raised the possibility of a joint venture between both countries' defense industries in support of the Philippines' Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP).

The meeting concluded with both sides looking forward to advancing defense and military relations, and working together in enhancing both countries' capabilities amid pressing security challenges, Andolong noted.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1207630

Zubiri eyes toppling of Chinese cell towers in PH military bases

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 11, 2023): Zubiri eyes toppling of Chinese cell towers in PH military bases (By Wilnard Bacelonia)

(File photo)

MANILA – Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri is planning to ask Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. to remove cell towers built by Chinese companies within Philippine military bases.

In an interview over Radyo 630 on Friday, Zubiri pointed out that the cell towers may have an impact on the national security.

"Alam mo meron pa mga telco towers na pagmamay-ari ng state-owned company ng China nasa loob ng military compound, sa military base, ito po [ay] nangyari (You know there are [telecommunication company] telco towers by state-owned company of China that is located inside our military compound, in a military abse, this happened) during the last administration," Zubiri said.

"Kaya ako po ay makikipag-meeting din po kay Gen. Brawner, ang ating AFP Chief-of-Staff na tanggalin na iyon dahil baka may CCTV doon, nakikita nila kapag lumalabas ang tropa ng kampo, patay na tayo ‘di ba (That's why I will meet Gen. Brawner, our AFP Chief of Staff to ask him to remove that because it might have CCTV where they can see if troops are coming out of the camp, we're doomed, right)?" he added.

The AFP and the Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company (Mislatel) signed on September 2019 a memorandum of agreement allowing the new telco player to build its communications facilities in military camps and installations.

In the agreement, Mislatel “guarantees that the devices, equipment, and/or structures installed at the site provided by the AFP shall not be used to obtain classified information” as a measure to prevent electronic espionage.

The AFP will determine specific locations with its rental value for use of Mislatel in the installation and management of its communications sites without undermining the operations of affected military units.

Mislatel is also required to “furnish all equipment, labor, and materials necessary to effect the co-location of its facilities and shoulders all expenses in connection with or incidental to the co-location” and payment of all taxes, permits, licenses, and other charges.

The Mislatel consortium, which adopted the name Dito Telecommunity, is composed of Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp., Udenna Corp, and China Telecom.

Military training in China

Zubiri also plans to ask Brawner to recall all Philippine military officers training in China and send them instead to "friendly" countries.

"It can be Australia. It can be the United States. West Point. Pwedeng ipadala sa mga (They can be sent to) like-minded democracies. So, I think that’s the most important at this point in time," the Senate President said, also citing other options like military academies in London or the European Union.

In a separate interview on Wednesday, Brawner confirmed that there are a number of AFP officers being sent to China since a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation was signed in 2004.

In September 2004, former president and now Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo visited Beijing upon the invitation of then Chinese President Hu Jintao.

The two countries issued a joint press statement saying that expanded exchanges and dialogue in the military and security fields will strengthen the level of mutual political trust between Philippines and China.

They also agreed to study the possible establishment of the annual defense security consultation mechanism between the two countries' defense departments.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1207635

BI starts deportation proceedings vs. US military deserter

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 11, 2023): BI starts deportation proceedings vs. US military deserter (By Stephanie Sevillano)

PNA file photo

MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday said it has started deportation proceedings against an arrested American fugitive who has been wanted for military desertion.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the United States government shared information with the immigration against 32-year-old Johnmark Katipunan Tandoc.

"The success of this operation is a testament to the strong partnership between our two nations in ensuring that fugitives are caught and made to face their crimes,” he said.

Tandoc was arrested along Roxas Boulevard in Manila last Aug. 7.

Tansingco said Tandoc posed a "potential risk to public safety” as a fugitive under desertion, according to the US Armed Forces.

He served as a specialist in the US military prior to his desertion.

However, Tandoc remained undocumented in the country due to his expired passport.

The arrested fugitive is now under the custody of BI at Bicutan, Taguig while awaiting summary deportation.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1207657

Ex-AFP comptroller Garcia completes sentence, ordered freed

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 11, 2023): Ex-AFP comptroller Garcia completes sentence, ordered freed (By Benjamin Pulta)

New Bilibid Prison, Muntinlupa City (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

MANILA – Retired military comptroller Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia has been ordered released from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City after completing his sentence, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said Friday.

Garcia was convicted to a definite prison term of 18 years and four months but has exceeded his sentence due to 3,288 good conduct time allowance (GCTA) credits

He entered the NBP on Sept. 16, 2011 but his actual detention started in June 2005.

BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang gave the order after Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla approved the release.

The GCTA law states that persons charged with and/or convicted of heinous crimes are not entitled to such benefits.

Garcia was sentenced by the Sandiganbayan Second Division to four to eight years for direct bribery under Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code; and another four to six years for facilitating money laundering under Section 4 (b) of Republic Act 9160 (Anti-Money Laundering Law).

He was also sentenced to a minimum of one year and eight months to a maximum of two years and four months for perjury and a maximum of two years for violation of 96th and 97th Article of War by the General Court Martial of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In January, the Sandiganbayan granted the withdrawal of his forfeiture cases following the completion of his plea-bargaining agreement with the Office of the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman said "substantially all" of Garcia's properties that the government was going after had already been recovered under the plea deal and it did not have enough evidence to support the forfeiture of the remaining properties covered by previous petitions.

AFP generals were accused of accepting "pabaon" (farewell gifts) before retiring, with Garcia allegedly amassing at least PHP300 million from 1993 until he left the service in 2004.

The Sandiganbayan’s sentence was finalized just last year when he had nearly served out his sentence.

He was also fined PHP407.8 million -- PHP406.3 million for the direct bribery offense and PHP1.5 million for facilitating money laundering.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1207686

P188-M hangar to house PAF assets in Cebu air base

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 11, 2023): P188-M hangar to house PAF assets in Cebu air base (By John Rey Saavedra)

HANGAR PROJECT. Lapu-Lapu City Rep. Cynthia King-Chan (fifth from left) leads military and public officials in the capsule-laying and groundbreaking ceremony for the fixed wing and rotary air assets of the Philippine Air Force at the Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base Thursday (Aug. 10, 2023). The hangar will serve as a maintenance bay for PAF aircraft to ensure their engines' great condition and in the improvement of the air force operations. (Photo courtesy of Cong. Cynthia King-Chan's FB page)

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu – A new facility will stand at the Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in this island city to house the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) fixed wing and rotary air mobility assets.

During the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, Maj. Gen. Joannis Leonardi Dimaano, chief of the Air Mobility Command, said the hangar, which is worth PHP188 million, would serve as a “hub for maintenance and shelter of our air assets.”

He cited Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Congresswoman Cynthia King-Chan for helping the funding allocation to be included in the 2023 national budget.

“This hangar will serve as a maintenance bay for aircraft to ensure their engines' great condition and in the improvement of the air force operations,” Mayor Junard Chan said in his speech.

The mayor said the hangar would be built under the 2023 General Appropriations Act and would be implemented under the Tikas ng Imprastraktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad (TIKAS) program between the Department of National Defense and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The construction of phase 1 will cover a 4,565 square meter PAF rotary hangar consisting of a main park area for helicopters, a pilot lounge, three office rooms, a warehouse, four comfort rooms, and an electric room complete with electrical and plumbing fixtures.

The project is expected to finish in July 2024.

“More importantly, such will ultimately contribute to our nation’s social and economic development as we are reassured of national peace and security,” King-Chan said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1207577

Antique ex-rebels, calamity-hit MSMEs to receive livelihood kits

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 11, 2023): Antique ex-rebels, calamity-hit MSMEs to receive livelihood kits (By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay)

LIVELIHOOD PACKAGE. The Department of Trade and Industry Negosyo Center personnel orients beneficiaries of the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa livelihood packages in the town of Sibalom on July 31, 2023. Mutya Eusores, DTI Antique OIC-Provincial Director, said in an interview Friday ( Aug.11, 2023) 129 micro, small and medium entrepreneurs and former rebels will be recipients of livelihood packages to be distributed on Sept. 2023. (PNA photo courtesy of DTI-Antique)

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Antique is preparing livelihood packages for 129 former rebels and micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) affected by Typhoon Paeng in the province.

DTI Antique OIC-Provincial Director Mutya Eusores, in an interview Friday, said their Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) packages that will be released next month will benefit 109 MSMEs and 20 ex-rebels.

The MSMEs need the kits to restart their livelihood, while the assistance will give former rebels their means of livelihood as they return to mainstream society.

“Each PPG package is worth PHP15,000,” Eusores said.

The beneficiaries chose their livelihood package, including goods for sari-sari stores, rice and fish trading and restaurant.

The MSMEs are from Patnongon with 59; Belison, two; Bugasong, 16; Hamtic, 12; and Sibalom with 20.

“The MSMEs were affected by Typhoon Paeng as per the Post Disaster Needs Assessment,” Eusores said.

The 20 FRs from Antique, meanwhile, are those who have availed of the End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) program.

“The beneficiaries, aside from the livelihood packages, will also have orientation on financial literacy and business continuity plan as part of capacity building,” Eusores added.

The orientation conducted before the distribution will ensure the sustainability of their chosen livelihood package.

DTI Consumer Protection Unit head Arnel Oliveros said they released 212 livelihood packages worth PHP8,000 each to MSMEs affected by the pandemic in 2022.

“So far, the previous year beneficiaries had expressed that the livelihood packages they received had fueled their livelihood,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1207678

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Video DOES NOT show a ship sunk by China

From VERA FILES (Aug 11, 2023): VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Video DOES NOT show a ship sunk by China

A Facebook (FB) page uploaded a Reel supposedly of a vessel wrecked by the Chinese government, an incident allegedly concealed by the media. These claims are false.

Posted on Aug. 5, the FB reel showing the sinking vessel surrounded by other ships bore the text:

“Barko pinalubog ng china di ibinalita (Ship sunk by China not reported).”

Several netizens in the comments sections were misled that the clip shows a Philippine vessel sunk by China, as tensions escalate between the two countries after the recent water cannon incident in Ayungin Shoal.

The video actually shows a ferry boat intentionally sunk by the Brazilian government in 2020.

 

Reverse image search led VERA Files Fact Check to a TikTok account that uploaded a copy of the clip on June 4. The caption stated that it is footage of a ferry boat submerged in Baía de Todos-os-Santos (Bay of All Saints) in Bahia, Brazil.

An FB video uploaded by the local government of Bahia said it purposely submerged the retired ferry boat Agenor Gordilho on Nov. 21, 2020. Agenor Gordilho, along with the tugboat Vega, was sunk to create an artificial reef and encourage underwater tourism in the area.

The name “Agenor Gordilho” could be seen on the boat in the circulating Reel.

The false video was uploaded the same day the China Coast Guard (CCG) blocked and water cannoned the boats chartered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the escorting vessels from the Philippine Coast Guard in a resupply mission. Due to the blockade, only one of the two boats was able to deliver food, water, fuel and other supplies to the troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

VERA Files Fact Check previously flagged other false claims related to the West Philippine Sea territorial dispute. (Read Marcos did NOT order Navy, PCG to surround Chinese ships at Recto Bank)

The reel uploaded by the Filipino FB page NotifyMe (created on April 5) has 1,900 reactions, 579 comments, 1,900 shares and 119,000 views as of writing.

https://verafiles.org/articles/vera-files-fact-check-video-does-not-show-a-ship-sunk-by-china

Military chief: Philippines to deploy maritime militia in South China Sea

From BenarNews (Aug 10, 2023): Military chief: Philippines to deploy maritime militia in South China Sea (By Camille Elemia)

Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., the Philippine military chief, speaks to the media during a press briefing at Western Command in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, Aug. 10, 2023.  Eloisa Lopez/pool/Reuters

The Philippines plans to deploy its own maritime militia to defend its sovereignty amid a raging territorial row with China, the Filipino armed forces chief said Thursday as he visited an island on the frontline of the sea dispute.

Reporters who accompanied Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on his tour of Palawan asked him if the military would deploy maritime militia forces as part of its transition to territorial defense from traditional internal security operations.

“Yes, it’s part of our plans, that’s part of our reserve force development,” the head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines replied.

“When we say reserve force it’s not just land-based forces, so we are also trying to develop our reservists who will be able to operate in sea,” he said during his visit to the AFP’s Western Command in Puerto Princesa, without releasing details about the militias.

China and Vietnam, which are among other countries with overlapping claims in the South China Sea, are known to operate fleets of ships and boats crewed by militia members.

Brawner said the military had established reserve units for deployment to the West Philippine Sea – Manila’s name for the South China Sea waters within the country’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“It’s already being implemented. We have established reserve units, but we are going to wait for the platforms or the vessels that actually would be used,” Brawner said, emphasizing that the way forward “depends on the funds.”

Brawner said there were plans to deploy ships and aircraft to guard the EEZ and establish the military’s presence in the sea.

“We want to use our fisher folks as reservists, we are going to teach them how to help us defend our country,” he said.

Brawner said the military also needed funds to improve its facilities in the West Philippine Sea.

In 2020, diplomatic tensions between China and the Philippines escalated with Manila’s discovery of large numbers of Chinese militia ships, which appeared to be trawlers, clustering within the waters of the Philippine EEZ.

Suspected Chinese maritime militia boats are seen anchored off a disputed shoal in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, Feb. 21, 2023. [National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea handout/AFP]

On Thursday, Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos, who leads the Western Command, said more than 400 foreign fishing boats, mostly from China, were intruding into the country’s territory.

Carlos said about 190 of these boats were in the vicinity of the Chinese-occupied Mischief Reef, which is about 134 nautical miles from Palawan or more than 600 nautical miles from China.

“It’s more than 400 [fishing boats], based on the last monitoring. That’s foreign vessels’ incursions in the West Philippine Sea now,” Carlos said, referring to the most recent check on Wednesday.

“This is inside the EEZ … maybe 85% of these are Chinese – that’s my estimate based on my [information],” he said.

According to Carlos, military leaders suspect that Chinese fishing fleets are in fact Chinese militias. He noted the involvement of two Chinese fishing boats during the harassment of two Philippine Coast Guard and two supply boats near Ayungin Shoal last week.

“Our suspicion is they are militia vessels taking orders from the [China] Coast Guard. … The incident shows that they seem to be working … taking orders from the Chinese coast guard,” Carlos said.

Military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. speaks to troops at the Western Command in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, Aug. 10, 2023. [Eloisa Lopez/pool/Reuters]

Brawner went to Palawan island amid a flurry of defense and diplomatic meetings that followed the incident at Ayungin Shoal.

On Wednesday, a spokesman for the country’s task force on the West Philippine Sea said the Philippines and its defense ally, the United States, were in the final stages of an agreement to launch joint patrols this year in the South China Sea to deter encroachment by foreign ships.

Apart from China, Vietnam and the Philippines, parts of the South China Sea are claimed by Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/maritime-militia-08102023135600.html

Wescom ready to comply with fund requirements for BRP Sierra Madre’s refurbishment

 From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 10, 2023): Wescom ready to comply with fund requirements for BRP Sierra Madre’s refurbishment (By: John Eric Mendoza)

FOIL VS CONTROL The presence of BRP Sierra Madre, the naval outpost on Ayungin Shoal that has gone rusty from wear and tear over the years, has served as a foil against China’s attempt at having full control of it, according to Jay Batongbacal. —INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

PALAWAN, Philippines — The Western Command (Wescom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is ready to comply with the requirements for the refurbishment of the BRP Sierra Madre, its commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos said on Thursday.

As one of the unified commands of the AFP, Wescom is in charge of Palawan and Kalayaan Islands including Ayungin Shoal where the BRP Sierra Madre is located.

Carlos made the commitment in view of opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros and Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri’s proposal for the aground ship’s refurbishment.

READ: Senators want BRP Sierra Madre to get refurbished: ‘Reinforce PH presence in Ayungin Shoal’

“All courses of action to prolong our stay there are considered, and one of them is the refurbishment,” Carlos said in a press briefing here in Wescom headquarters in Puerto Princesa City. “Whatever options that we choose, whatever options we select to implement, it will require funding, so we really welcome the offer of the good Senator.”

“So we will submit our requirements … and we are happy that there are already statements of support,” he added, partly in Filipino.

For his part, AFP chief Romeo Brawner Jr. said the armed forces are not just focusing on Ayungin Shoal, particularly in BRP Sierra Madre, but also on other Philippine-occupied islands in the West Philippine Sea.

“We are in fact, looking at the whole picture in the West Philippine Sea,” Brawner said.

“There are many islands there that we are occupying and we also need funds to improve the facilities there,” he added, partly in Filipino.

The BRP Sierra Madre is a commissioned Philippine Navy vessel which has hosted a small contingent of military personnel to assert Manila’s claim to the disputed waters since 1999.

It recently hogged the headlines after a China Coast Guard vessel fired a water cannon at a PCG vessel and a supply ship delivering food, water, fuel and other supplies to military personnel stationed in the ship.

China’s actions are anchored on its assertion that it owns almost all of the areas in the South China Sea, including the WPS through its nine-dash line.

But the Philippines challenged this before the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which later invalidated Beijing’s sweeping claim.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1815167/afps-wescom-ready-to-comply-with-fund-requirements-for-brp-sierra-madres-refurbishment

AFP to 'carefully' plan next Ayungin resupply mission

From the Manila Times (Aug 11, 2023): AFP to 'carefully' plan next Ayungin resupply mission (By Franco Jose C. Baroña)

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Thursday that it will carefully plan the next resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal to ensure that it will be safely and successfully carried out.

This shows the BRP Sierra Madre of the Philippine Navy anchored near Ayungin Shoal with Filipino soldiers onboard to secure perimeter in the Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea on May 11, 2015. PHOTO BY RITCHIE B. TONGO/POOL PHOTO VIA AP

"I know that in the next (resupply mission), all the people in the world are waiting; their eyes are watching what will happen, so let the people know what is being done offensively, the offensive actions, unlawful actions that the China coast guard is doing," AFP spokesman Col. Medel Aguilar said in a public briefing.

Aguilar said the resupply mission will continue as the AFP cannot neglect its soldiers assigned in the West Philippine Sea.

"We have our rights, and we also have responsibilities," he added. "Paramount in our consideration is the safety of our people who will carry out the resupply mission."

Aguilar denied claims made by China that one of the vessels that was blocked by China's coast guard vessel was carrying construction materials for the BRP Sierra Madre.

"At the time (on Aug. 5), it was clear that the contents to be delivered were water, food and supplies that our soldiers needed. Now if at all we develop or repair the BRP Sierra Madre because it is old, rusted, it is our right; the vessel is a commissioned vessel, an active vessel, and it is the obligation of the AFP to repair or maintain it; no one should interfere if we do this," he said.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/11/news/national/afp-to-carefully-plan-next-ayungin-resupply-mission/1904822

Soldier injured in NPA clash gets cash aid

From the Manila Times (Aug 11, 2023): Soldier injured in NPA clash gets cash aid (By Eugene Y. Adiong)

BACOLOD CITY: The policeman wounded in a firefight with suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, has received cash assistance.

Cpt. Judesses Catalogo, spokesman for the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, said Cpl. Dennis Nasis of the Calatrava Police Station received a P90,000 cash assistance from both NOCPPO and Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) for his surgery and medication.

Nasis, who was transferred to a hospital in Bacolod City, underwent surgery on Thursday morning after sustaining gunshot wounds on his abdomen and shoulder.

Catalogo said Nasis is in stable condition.

Calatrava deputy police chief Cpt. Jesus Alba has already been discharged from the hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound to the leg.

The family of the lone fatality, Cpl. Jayme Nuñez, has also received an initial cash assistance of P30,000 from PRO-6 and Catalogo said they are already processing additional aid for the slain policeman's next of kin.

Nuñez is also expected to receive a posthumous award for his actions in the gunbattle.

Catalogo said there was a third police officer wounded in the clash, Cpl. Frank Caballero.

Caballero only discovered that he was wounded in the fight after going home and his mother finding bullet graze wounds all over his back, he added.

Catalogo said Caballero's wounds were not serious.

He clarified that Wednesday's gunbattle at Sitio Upper Ikugan in Calatrava town's Barangay Minapasuk "was an encounter, not an ambush."

He said the policemen were dispatched to the area not just to respond to an incident that took place prior to the clash, but also to serve the arrest warrants of two local NPA leaders.

Catalogo identified the two alleged NPA leaders as Darry Dayawan and Charity Amacan, both of whom were accused of being involved in the murder of a barangay kagawad (village councilor) and barangay captain (village captain) in the town.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/11/regions/soldier-injured-in-npa-clash-gets-cash-aid/1904810

AFP affirms commitment to staying in Ayungin Shoal

From Palawan News (Aug 10, 2023): AFP affirms commitment to staying in Ayungin Shoal (By Gerald Ticke)

(L-R) WESCOM commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner, and Naval Forces West commander Commodore Alan Javier. (Photo by CAR Formoso)

The Philippine military forces reiterated their commitment not to leave Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, after the Chinese government said the country’s government was not following through on its vow to remove the BRP Sierra Madre from the area.

Western Command (WESCOM) Chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos stated that they have received a clear marching order from the National Security Council (NSC) not to leave Ayungin Shoal.

This follows President Ferdinand Marcos’s declaration that there is no agreement between the Philippines and China to remove the Philippine Navy ship, which was intentionally run aground at Ayungin Shoal to serve as a military outpost for the Philippines.

“To comply with that order, it is not only the national Security Council but the president in a message last night, (where he stated that) as far as the agreement, there is none so that is already a marching order for us and ang very first concern of Wescom to be able to comply with that directive is to resupply the vessel,” Carlos said in a media briefing during the visit of AFP chief of staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. at Wescom, Thursday afternoon.

Carlos said they will continue to conduct rotation and resupply (RORE) missions to Ayungin Shoal to provide goods to the soldiers stationed on BRP Sierra Madre.

He explained that RORE missions to Ayungin Shoal are regularly conducted monthly to deliver a one-month supply of food, water, and other items to the station.

However, after the incident on August 5, where Chinese Coast Guard and militia vessels blocked the resupply vessel and used water cannons on it en route to Ayungin Shoal, only half of the supply was delivered because one of the civilian vessels was soaked with water.

“We need to do another run before the supplies run out in LS 57. We’re going to do that again in two weeks-time, earliest next week hopefully but definitely before the supplies run out,” Carlos said.

He further stated that he is hoping for a calmer and safer voyage in the next RORE mission, without another incident.

“It is our prayer that there will be no more water cannon incident and less aggressive reception from the other side (China) especially because of the international attention that this incident generated,” he stated.

“There’s already a bilateral consultative mechanism (BCM). The DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) has [already] called out the Chinese side but the hotline did not work during the incident last week. But hopefully, this time, the DFA has already mentioned it and complained about the hotline maybe this time, it will work and through the BCM, we can continue the dialogue and the diplomacy because that’s what is always being said to avoid any miscalculations there,” he added.
He also said the same civilian vessels used on August 5 will be used again after they were able to safely return to Puerto Princesa City.

“I inspected them recently, no material damage and they’re good to go for another run,” he said.

Furthermore, Carlos said they are taking other actions to keep stronghold of Ayungin Shoal with many options being considered but added that additional actions would also require additional funds.

“As far as other options in the long run, we are considering many options but as of now, I could not tell you what the options are, but all of these are on the table and we are considering, so that we can comply that Ayungin will not be abandoned and we will not pull out LS 57 there, that is the marching order that we need to comply, Carlos said.

“All courses of actions to prolong our stay there are being considered with many options and one of them is refurbishment. Whatever options that we choose to implement, it will require funds so we welcome the offer of the Senator na susuportahan niya. We will submit whatever requirements are needed,” he added.

Meanwhile, Brawner also stated that aside from Ayungin Shoal, the AFP is also looking to improve stations in other Philippine-occupied features in the West Philippine Sea.

“We are in fact looking at the whole picture of WPS and marami rin tayong ibang isla na we are occupying and we also need funds in order to improve the facilities there,” Brawner said.

As of now, we only have small structures that could accommodate only a few persons so we need to improve them to also further strengthen our presence in WPS, and these would entail more funds,” he explained, further stating that they have already sought assistance from the Congress.

https://palawan-news.com/afp-affirms-commitment-to-staying-in-ayungin-shoal/

Marcos seeks PH-Vietnam maritime deal

From CNN Philippines (Aug 10, 2023): Marcos seeks PH-Vietnam maritime deal (By CNN Philippines Staff)

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 11) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the planned Philippine-Vietnam maritime pact will be “a very big step” for the two countries amid woes in the South China Sea.

In a statement, Malacañang said outgoing Vietnam Ambassador to the Philippines Hoang Huy Chung paid a farewell call on Marcos on Thursday, during which they discussed the signing of the maritime agreement.

“Now that we are going to start discussions on the agreement that we have between the Philippines and Vietnam, I think it is a very, very important – it will be a very, very important part of our relationship and it will bring an element of stability to the problems that we are seeing now in the South China Sea,” the president said.

The realization of the deal, Marcos stressed, “is going to be a very big step” between the two nations.

In May, Marcos expressed hope that the discussion on this possible agreement with Vietnam would soon take off to avoid any conflict in the contested waterways.

Chung, meanwhile, told Marcos that Vietnam has “respect for your thought that you are a friend to all, [enemy to none].”

Marcos said the two countries share a “solid agreement” that would help them face “common challenges when it comes to territorial disputes in the South China Sea.”

“I really believe that we have to make these bilateral agreements," the president said. "I think you will not be surprised and I think I’m not giving away any confidence that we will like to have these bilateral agreements as well with the other countries within ASEAN."

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/8/11/marcos-ph-vietnam-maritime-deal.html