Army slams NPA for northern Negros killing spree

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 9, 2024): Army slams NPA for northern Negros killing spree (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion denounced remnants of the New People’s Army for their killing spree in northern Negros, where they shamelessly bragged of the taking of lives of innocent civilians in the past several months.

In separate statements, the NPA Roselyn Jean Pelle Command recently owned up to the killing of Juvinie Sarona and Eduardo Continedo Baynosa in Toboso, Negros Occidental.

Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, 79IB commander, said “this audacious admission, devoid of any remorse, lays bare their ruthless nature and alarming disregard to human life.”

Sarona, who was labeled by Ka Cecil Estrella as a member of as a member of a gun-for-hire group and a land grabber, among other allegations, is a threat to their futile and deadly cause, as he supported the government peace, progress and development initiatives, and the transformation of former rebels by employing them in his furniture shop and other businesses, Calaoagan said.

Beyond the multiple threats he got, Sarona did not give in to NPA extortion demands, he added.

Calaoagan further said that Baynosa, a former NPA member, was also sentenced to death, as he had chosen peace over violence.

Others victims of NPA atrocities, whose deaths claimed by the same rebel group, include Edilberto Oreta, Angelo Dela Cruz of Sitio Camao both from Brgy. Marcelo, Elisio Mahilum and Felix Resutay, both ordinary farmers of Sitio Batyogon, Brgy. Minapasuk, and Joemarie Nabises, also of Brgy. Cambayobo, all in Calatrava, Negros Occidental, the Army official said.

The CPP-NPA-NDF, Calaoagan added, has demonstrated the extent of their ruthlessness, not just towards those they label as “enemies,” but even towards their own members.

The CPP-NPA often justify their actions by labeling their victims as criminals, traitors, or assets of the military. However, these allegations are often baseless and serve only as a cover up to mask the brutality of their actions, he further said.

https://visayandailystar.com/army-slams-npa-for-northern-negros-killing-spree/

Rebel surrenders to Army, police in Tubungan

From Panay News (Jan 10, 2024): Rebel surrenders to Army, police in Tubungan (By Ruby P. Silubrico)

ILOILO City – A former key officer of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) and police authorities over the weekend.

The 35-year-old rebel used the aliases “Vic”, “Victor”, “Concon”, “Thor”, and “Denver” was from Tubungan, Iloilo.

He was the finance and logistic officer of Squad 2, Regional Sentro De Gravidad, Madia-as Platoon of Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay of the NPA.

Lieutenant Colonel Arturo Balgos, commanding officer of the 61IB, said the surrenderer admitted that demoralization, false promises, ill-treatment, and corruption of NPA leaders forced him to surrender.

“This is a good development in our campaign against the rebels who refused to leave armed struggle,” Balgos added.

The surrenderer will undergo processing and documentation for endorsement of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) that aims to provide appropriate project benefits to former rebels who choose to reintegrate into society.

The local government of Tubungan has also vowed to give him livelihood assistance.

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), meanwhile, again called on the remaining rebels to return to the fold of the law.

“Your organization is on the brink of downfall. You can still regain your future if you return to the government peacefully as early as possible. We are more than willing to save you from the foreseen destruction of the CTG. Choose peace, go back to your loved ones, and renew your lives with the help of the government’s E-CLIP,” 3ID commander Major General Sison said.

https://www.panaynews.net/rebel-surrenders-to-army-police-in-tubungan/

7 Christians executed in Southern Philippines

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 8, 2024): 7 Christians executed in Southern Philippines

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Seven people, two of them from here, were found dead and buried in a shallow grave in Lanao del Norte's Sapad town, police said.


Police said all the victims, all Christians, may have been shot and buried in the remote village of Karkum. The grave was discovered Sunday after relatives of the Gaviola family received text messages saying two of their members are dead.

Two of the bodies recovered from the grave have been identified as Marly and Joselito Gaviola who were recruited here to work at a factory in Cebu last week.

The remaining cadavers belonged to Jomar Lenera, Elvie Lenara, Jopay Lenara, Epifanio Lenara Sr. and his son Epifanio Jr., all from Margos sa Tubig town in Zamboanga del Sur province.

The Gaviola family said they tried calling Marly and Joselito after receiving the horrifying text messages from an unknown number but the phones were apparently turned off.

One relative said she was told that there were 14 people recruited to work in Cebu. The recruiter remains unidentified.

It was unknown if the pro-ISIS group Dawlah Islamiya was behind the massacre or pretended to be a job recruiter to lure Christians in the province and then kill them.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the killings.

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2024/01/7-christians-executed-in-southern.html

Islamic State announces new global campaign to rally members and supporters

Posted to FDD's Long War Journal (Jan 5, 2024): Islamic State announces new global campaign to rally members and supporters (BY CALEB WEISS)

Banner released by the Islamic State for Abu Hudhayfah al-Ansari’s speech announcing the new global campaign.

In a new audio message released online, the Islamic State’s official spokesman, Abu Hudhayfah al-Ansari, announced a new global campaign to the world. Entitled “Kill Them Wherever You Find Them,” taken after Surat Al-Baqarah’s infamous ayah, the campaign comes during a historic nadir in the group’s propaganda output.

As of the time of publishing, the Islamic State has claimed at least 30 operations around the world as part of this campaign. These attacks stretch from Iraq and Syria, to Mali, Nigeria, the Congo, Mozambique, Afghanistan, and the Philippines. It is likely more countries will be represented in the coming days. This thus marks the most active 24 hours for the Islamic State’s once powerful propaganda apparatus in over a year.

The campaign, which is nominally in support of Palestine, was also timed for the Islamic State to officially take credit for the recent double explosions inside Iran. Claiming them as suicide bombings, the blasts killed around 100 people in Kerman, Iran. According to the Islamic State, these blasts kicked off this campaign, which is in part ‘revenge’ for Iran’s actions vis-a-vis the war in Gaza.

For instance, in Al-Ansari’s speech, he makes the group’s animosity towards Iran, as well as various Palestinian factions, very clear. “The true nature of this war is that it’s one of an imaginary axis, and Iran has created this in service of its projects, and the first and only goal of it is to involve all Palestinian factions as a proxy of Iran, and not the other way,” al-Ansari states.

He goes on to say that as a result, “this is what happened, so Iran and its parties were saved from the fierce battle, which Gaza is enduring alone from the blood of its children and women.”

Al-Ansari also chastises various Palestinian factions, including Hamas, for straying from Islam during their fight. For example, he speaks directly to Palestinian militants and states that “killing Jews is not an indication of being on the correct path. Before you, the communists, patriots, and nationalist fighters all fought the Jews. But did their fighting result in the upholding of God’s command?”

The spokesman blames the failures of the Palestinian militants on being too nationalist and willing to engage in democratic systems. Instead, to be victorious they must seek to establish an Islamic state and implement Shari’a, according to Al-Ansari.

He then relays a purported message from the Islamic State’s fifth and current caliph, Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Quraishi, which implores the group’s members and supporters around the world to rally behind the campaign and commit acts of terror to support the Palestinians.

The Islamic State is known to promote global campaigns for its affiliates in order to boost activity, morale, and overall propaganda. In prior years, it has also launched several “Battles of Attrition,” “Revenge of the Two Sheikhs,” and has a standing directive to conduct prison breaks under “Breaking the Walls.”

These campaigns are typically related to events unfolding around the Islamic State’s central nodes in Iraq and Syria. For example, the “Battles of Attrition” came in 2019 and 2020 after the group lost its territorial caliphate and reverted back to a traditional insurgency.

Whereas “Revenge of the Two Sheikhs” came after the killings of its former caliph and spokesman, Abu Ibrahim al-Quraishi and Abu Hamza al-Quraishi, respectively, in the spring of 2022 in Syria.

And “Breaking the Walls” first dates back to 2012 during the Islamic State’s resurgence in Iraq at the time, wherein it conducted massive jailbreaks throughout the country.

The campaigns, though intrinsically propagandistic, do have real world impacts on the ground. For instance, global affiliates are typically more active during these campaigns, seeking to fulfill the directives of the central leadership by conducting more lower level attacks.

On occasion, however, various affiliates, such as its Central Africa Province in Congo, have perpetrated higher-profile operations in the name of such campaigns. The Islamic State’s recent bombings in Iran are also illustrative of this.

With the Islamic State weathering a bad year in terms of global operational activity in 2023, as well as severe leadership loss in Iraq and Syria, it is now hoping to galvanize its members and supporters to breathe new life into the organization. Though it’s too early to tell how successful this new global campaign will be at this goal, prior global campaigns have indeed acted as a boon to the group’s global morale and activity.

[Caleb Weiss is an editor of FDD's Long War Journal and a senior analyst at the Bridgeway Foundation, where he focuses on the spread of the Islamic State in Central Africa.]

https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2024/01/islamic-state-announces-new-global-campaign-to-rally-members-and-supporters.php

USIP: The Cascading Risks of a Resurgent Islamic State in the Philippines

Posted to the United States Institute for Peace (Jan 9, 2024): The Cascading Risks of a Resurgent Islamic State in the Philippines (BY: Haroro J. Ingram)

On December 3, militants placed a bomb amongst parishioners gathered for Catholic Mass on the floor of the Mindanao State University (MSU) gym in Marawi City. Minutes later, it detonated killing four and injuring dozens. The Islamic State (ISIS) claimed that its East Asia affiliate was responsible for the attack. After a year of heavy losses, many had hoped that the threat posed by pro-ISIS groups was dissipating. Unfortunately, the violence that has characterized the six weeks since the bombing suggests that the Islamic State East Asia (ISEA) is attempting a resurgence timed for a critical 16-month period for the Philippines. The stakes are very high.

Philippine soldiers patrolled in a part of Marawi City, Philippines, seized from militants loyal to the Islamic State on Aug. 30, 2017. (Jes Aznar/The New York Times)

Pro-ISIS groups are engaged in a last-ditch struggle to disrupt the Bangsamoro peace process before the autonomous region’s first elections in May 2025. If peace in the Bangsamoro falters and conflict breaks out, it will trigger cascading risks with significant repercussions for both Philippine and regional stability.The return of unrest in the south would require Manila to redeploy its military for internal security operations and abandon an intended repositioning of its armed forces for territorial defense. This would severely compromise the ability of the Philippines to focus on Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea and jeopardize its closer security ties with key partners like the United States and Japan. Efforts to mitigate these risks must be informed by a nuanced understanding of both the evolving ISEA Philippines threat and the far-reaching implications if peace spoilers succeed in the Bangsamoro.

Vulnerable and Lashing Out

Mostly operating in the territories of the recently established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), pro-ISIS groups have a unique opportunity to act as a spoiler of the Bangsamoro peace process. However, these groups suffer from critical vulnerabilities. Two are particularly significant. First, there is no single ISEA-Philippines with a unified leadership structure or overarching strategic and operational coordination. ISEA Philippines is best understood as a variety of loosely connected groups — from the Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) in Lanao del Sur and factions of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao to Abu Sayyaf factions in the Sulu Archipelago and other smaller groups — that have typically focused on a certain geographic area with members mostly recruited from the dominant local ethnic group. This has tended to be an obstacle for a more coherent and focused campaign.

Second, pro-ISIS groups have been under intense pressure particularly in the last 12 months. Counterterrorism operations have killed key leaders, most notably ISEA’s emir, Faharudin Hadji Satar (aka Abu Zacharia), who was killed in Marawi City in June 2023. A variety of programs designed to attract defectors and reintegrate them back into their communities have also sapped the ranks of dozens of fighters and supporters. The greatest impact on reducing the appeal of violent peace spoilers has arguably been the success of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to deliver on governance and development promises, the Philippines government’s championing of the peace process and the tireless work of local grassroots peacebuilders. This context is crucial for understanding the significance of the Marawi City attack and its potential implications.

Tipping the Balance to Chaos

Under intense pressure yet also faced with an historic opportunity to turn the tables on its rivals, ISEA’s choice of target and location for the December 3 bombing is significant. In May 2017, pro-ISIS militants attacked Marawi City, and during the five-month siege the MSU campus was never breached. It was not only a physical sanctuary but a symbol of hope and diversity. The December 3 attack sought to shatter all of that and inspire a violent resurgence. This is certainly how a relatively new, local pro-ISIS media unit framed the attack. Playing on nostalgia and “responsibility to protect” narratives, its messaging lamented the loss of Marawi and called for locals to rise up. In recent weeks, to appeal to new recruits its messaging has included photo reports depicting the daily lives of ISEA fighters.

The evolution of the ISEA Philippines threat since the 2017 Marawi siege reveals some worrying signs. For instance, it appears that pro-ISIS groups may be coordinating more than previously thought. Although unverified, the emergence of what appears to be a dedicated local media unit that seems to be feeding content to ISIS’ central media unit hints at a potentially more sophisticated propaganda approach. In contrast to 2017, ISEA’s current generation also appears to have adopted a more patient approach with someone identified as the new ISEA spokesman, so far unverified, recently referring to their struggle as a “long jihad.”

In the BARMM’s most vulnerable communities, the sense that peace dividends have not delivered as expected has provided local recruiters with a powerful lever. Former guerrillas are especially vulnerable to the politics of dashed expectations, and pro-ISIS groups are desperate to coax them into their ranks. For ISEA Philippines, the bar for success is remarkably low: spoil the peace process and fuel chaos. If they succeed, the repercussions are huge.

Toppling the Dominoes

Published within days of the Marawi City attack, an editorial in ISIS’ an-Naba publication declared that, “strategically, the Philippines is not just an island located in the far east of the world; rather, it is an area of the global conflict that is still drawing closer day after day between the tyrants of China and America.” ISIS and its local affiliate see their struggle against peace efforts in the southern Philippines as equally an opportunity “to confront the projects of the tyrants.” The reality is that ISEA Philippines does not have the capability to singlehandedly collapse the Bangsamoro peace process, let alone implement an alternative government. But it could act as a major catalyst for the outbreak of conflict and instability.

The most promising opportunity for lasting peace in the Bangsamoro and countering China’s aggression in the West Philippines Sea are the two primary drivers of Manila’s intent to pivot its armed forces from internal security operations to territorial defense. Such repositioning is an enormous undertaking and, to support those efforts, the Philippines has looked to double down on its alliance with the United States and put new energy into emerging defense relationships with Japan and Australia. Any stalling or abandoning of its intended repositioning risks undermining the ability of the Philippines to defend itself, which includes being able to make meaningful contributions to these defense partnerships. The predicament facing the Philippines is simple: secure peace in the south or be forced to confront simultaneous threats on internal and external fronts.

Tipping the Balance to a Lasting Peace

The key to managing cascading risks is preventing the toppling of that triggering domino. The United States can play a significant role in helping to maintain peace in the Bangsamoro. Satisfying the requirements of the political/legal and normalization tracks of the peace process, especially the reintegration of former combatants, will be essential. So too will be ensuring that vulnerable communities are prioritized during the remaining months of the transition period. While much of this work is well on its way to completion, gaps remain that the United States could address through targeted, high-impact but relatively low-cost initiatives. It is this combination of top-down political solutions and bottom-up grassroots local peacebuilding that will be crucial for achieving a lasting peace and drying out the pool of recruits to violent peace spoilers like ISEA.

[Haroro J. Ingram is the country representative (senior expert) for the United States Institute of Peace in the Philippines.]

https://www.usip.org/publications/2024/01/cascading-risks-resurgent-islamic-state-philippines

AFP dismantles 8 communist fronts, weakens 14 others in 2023

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 31, 2023): AFP dismantles 8 communist fronts, weakens 14 others in 2023 (By Priam Nepomuceno)

(Courtesy of PFC Carmelotes, PAOAFP/AFP Facebook)

MANILA – In 2023, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was most proud of the eight New People's Army guerilla fronts it dismantled, aside from weakening 14 others.

The achievements reaffirmed the military's commitment to national security and regional peace.

"As of December, there are no more active CTG guerilla fronts," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a news release Sunday.

Continued focused military operations by the AFP also resulted in the neutralization of 67 high-value communist targets and 1,399 members of communist and local terrorist groups.

Among the top leaders neutralized were Dionisio Macabalo (alias Muling/Kardo), secretary of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee; and Farahudin Pumbaya Pangalian (alias Abu Zacharia), amir of Daulah Islamiyah-Philippines and overall amir of Islamic State-East Asia, Trinidad said.

Additionally, the AFP seized 1,751 firearms through capture, confiscation, recovery, or surrender, reducing the capability of terrorist groups to carry out violent attacks against government security forces and local communities.

"At the beginning of a new year, new challenges and opportunities arise, demanding the collective efforts and expertise of the AFP. However, I am confident that we will rise to the occasion and overcome whatever obstacles come our way. Therefore, let us embrace the coming year with a reinforced commitment to our mission and shared values," AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a separate statement.

The AFP also took on non-traditional roles, such as supporting humanitarian and disaster response operations within and outside the country.

One such mission was the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent to Turkey, which was hit by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in February.

The public acknowledged AFP's feats with a high satisfaction rating of 85 percent in an OCTA Research survey conducted Sept. 30 to Oct. 4.

For 2024, Trinidad said the AFP will gradually shift focus toward territorial defense operations; ensure its presence and increase efforts in maritime security; conduct more joint activities with allied forces and minded nations that share the commitment to peace, security, and international cooperation; and strive to be an organization that the Filipino people can trust and count on.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216160

NTF-ELCAC to Reds: Surrender, start new lives in 2024

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 3, 2024): NTF-ELCAC to Reds: Surrender, start new lives in 2024 (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Wednesday called on all remaining New People's Army (NPA) rebels to surrender and start new lives for the new year.

"The peace process will not deter the NTF-ELCAC from implementing its mandated tasks to liberate all communities affected by local communist armed conflict," it added in a post on its Facebook page.

It also urged these rebels to immediately renounce violence, lay down their arms and surrender peacefully to become law-abiding citizens who can do their part in nation building.

The NTF-ELCAC said it will further intensify efforts in bringing the government closer to the "geographically-isolated and disadvantaged areas" by bringing in the Barangay Development Program, Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, and sustainable livelihood projects to former rebels who peacefully surrendered, among others.

"The NTF-ELCAC will also continue to innovate our approaches to Local Peace Engagement in the pursuit of genuine peace in the localities," it added.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Dec. 31, 2023 announced that it successfully dismantled eight NPA guerrilla fronts, aside from weakening 14 others in 2023.

"As of December, there are no more active CTG (communist terrorist group) guerrilla fronts," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said.

He said continued focused military operations by the AFP also resulted in the neutralization of 67 high-value individuals who belong to communist and local terrorist groups.

"Among the top leaders neutralized are Dionisio Macabalo, also known as alias Muling/Kardo, who was the Secretary of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, and Farahudin Pumbaya Pangalian, also known as alias Abu Zacharia, who was the Amir of (Daulah Islamiyah) DI-Philippines and overall Amir Islamic State-East Asia," Trinidad noted.

In 2023, the AFP successfully neutralized 1,399 members of communist and local terrorist groups and seized 1,751 firearms through capture, confiscation, recovery, or surrender.

The military said these accomplishments have significantly reduced the capability of these groups to carry out violent attacks against government security forces and local communities.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216257

NSC: NPA 'at its weakest state' with 'zero active guerilla fronts'

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 3, 2024): NSC: NPA 'at its weakest state' with 'zero active guerilla fronts' (By Priam Nepomuceno)

NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya (File photo)

MANILA – An official of the National Security Council (NSC) on Wednesday said the New People's Army (NPA) is at its weakest state ever in its 55th year of existence as it has "zero active guerilla fronts" and with less than 1,500 fighters remaining nationwide.

"To us in the NSC and NTF-ELCAC (The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict), if we can prevent bloodshed and prevent the loss of more Filipino lives, kung makakasalba tayo ng kahit isang Pilipino (if we can save even one Filipino life), exploratory talks are worth considering even if as mentioned (NTF-ELCAC director) Undersecretary (Ernesto) Torres (Jr.), there are now zero active guerilla fronts," NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said in an online briefing of NTF-ELCAC.

Last Dec. 31, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said that it had dismantled eight NPA guerilla fronts in 2023, aside from weakening 14 others in the same year.

In the same briefing, Malaya said he was "extremely disappointed, and perplexed" over the statement issued by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) during its 55th anniversary on Dec. 26, where it launched a '3rd Rectification Movement' and called on the NPA to "stir up and spread the flames of the people's war" while it is engaged in exploratory peace talks with government.

He added that this move goes against what has been agreed by both parties in the Nov. 23, 2023 Oslo Joint Communique.

"Nowhere in the anniversary statement does it state their full commitment to ending or abandoning its revolutionary armed struggle or at the very least, their sincerity and commitment to the exploratory talks," Malaya noted.

While the NSC and the NTF-ELCAC are fully supportive of the exploratory talks, Malaya said they cannot turn a blind eye to the CPP's anniversary statement, which he said is filled with numerous directives to launch basic or annihilative tactical offensives, strike the isolated and detached units of the government, wage active warfare and guerrilla campaigns, undertake widespread warfare, carry out special partisan operations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216269

PH, US hold 2nd joint maritime patrol in WPS

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 3, 2024): PH, US hold 2nd joint maritime patrol in WPS (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MARITIME PATROL. Philippine Navy ships BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PS-15), BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) in line formation during the second iteration of the AFP-USINDOPACOM maritime cooperative activity in West Philippine Sea on Wednesday (Jan. 3, 2024). The two-day bilateral event which runs until Thursday (Jan. 4) consists of passing exercises, communication checks, cross-deck exercises, joint patrols, officer of the watch (OW) maneuvers, and fixed-wing flight operations. (Photo courtesy of AFP Western Command)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines(AFP) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) on Wednesday held their second "maritime cooperative activity" (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a statement Wednesday, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the two-day bilateral event which runs until Thursday consists of passing exercises, communication checks, cross-deck exercises, joint patrols, officer of the watch (OW) maneuvers, and fixed-wing flight operations.

Trinidad said the AFP deployed four Philippine Navy vessels, a search-and-rescue/multi-role helicopter, and an anti-submarine warfare capable helicopter.

On the other hand, the USINDOPACOM utilized four US Navy vessels from the Carrier Strike Group 1-- an aircraft carrier, a cruiser, two destroyers, and multiple combat aircraft.

The first MCA between Philippines and the US took place from Nov. 21 to 23 last year and involved naval vessels and aircraft from the two countries.

Meanwhile, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the second MCA is a significant leap between the Philippines-US alliance and their interoperability.

"It also demonstrates our progress in defense capabilities and development as a world-class armed force, as we carry out our mandate to protect the people and the state. Our alliance is stronger than ever, sending a message to the world. We are advancing a rules-based international order and a free and open Indo-Pacific Region in the face of regional challenges," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216309

Be wary of Reds' insincerity, NTF-ELCAC reminds Filipinos

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 4, 2024): Be wary of Reds' insincerity, NTF-ELCAC reminds Filipinos (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is urging all Filipinos to closely scrutinize the motives of the communist insurgents and consider the group's history of insincerity since 1987.

The task force's announcement came after the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) demanded for the resumption of peace talks, even as it launched a “3rd Rectification Movement” calling for the NPA to intensify the “protracted people’s war” against the government during its 55th anniversary on Dec. 26.

“The history of failed negotiations, the continuing perpetration of violence, and inconsistent statements all contribute to a narrative that challenges the authenticity of the CPP-NPA-NDF’s commitment to a peaceful resolution. It is essential that we approach future discussions with a discerning eye,” National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said in a statement Wednesday night.

The NSC official also urged the public to be wary of the insurgents' motives, by quoting NDF negotiator Luis Jalandoni’s own words that “peace talks are another form of legal struggle which is possible to be used by the revolutionary forces in order to advance the revolutionary armed struggle and the revolutionary mass movement.”

Malaya also emphasized that part of the Nov. 23, 2023 Oslo joint communique agreement was for the CPP-NPA-NDF to abandon the armed struggle, transform into a political movement and become a government partner for peace and development.

The ultimate goal of the government is to prevent more bloodshed and avoid loss of more Filipino lives from the senseless Maoist-inspired protracted war being waged by the NPA, he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216324

AFP: PH ships shadowed, not surrounded, by Chinese vessels in WPS

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 4, 2024): AFP: PH ships shadowed, not surrounded, by Chinese vessels in WPS (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MARITIME PATROL. Philippine Navy ships BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PS-15), BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) in line formation during the second iteration of the AFP-USINDOPACOM maritime cooperative activity in West Philippine Sea on Wednesday (Jan. 3, 2024). The AFP on Thursday (Jan. 4) said the Philippine naval ships were not surrounded but were merely shadowed by Chinese vessels during the activity. (Photo courtesy of AFP Western Command)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday clarified that Filipino naval vessels that joined the second "maritime cooperative activity" (MCA) with the United States were not surrounded by Chinese vessels but were merely shadowed during the exercise.

"I was surprised by one report saying that our ships were surrounded, how can they surround our ships when there are only two Chinese vessels? It is basically shadowing. We have more ships that time," AFP spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in mixed Filipino and English in an interview.

Philippine vessels that participated in the joint maritime patrol with US Indo Pacific Command from Jan. 3 to 4 consist of the offshore patrol vessels BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PS-15), BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), and the landing dock, BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602).

A search-and-rescue and anti-submarine helicopter from the Philippines was also earmarked for the MCA.

At the time of the shadowing, Trinidad said one of the guided missile destroyers of the US carrier battle group was present.

He added that the Chinese ships were still shadowing the Philippine vessels as of this time.

"As long as they do not interfere or do dangerous maneuvers against our vessels, we will be proceeding as planned and I think we are doing well," Trinidad said.

He added that there were no untoward incidents logged during the ongoing maritime activity.

MCA successfully completed

As this developed, the AFP on Thursday night announced that the MCA with the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) ended successfully.

"The second and final day of the joint maritime exercise was marked by the performance of cross-deck maneuvers or personnel transfers, demonstrating the competencies and effectiveness of both naval forces. It also emphasized the ability of the AFP and USINDOPACOM to work seamlessly together, highlighting their expertise and readiness. The exercise also conducted a thorough communications check before concluding the activity," Trinidad said.

The offshore patrol vessels BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, BRP Ramon Alcaraz, and AW-109 naval helicopter completed the last day of the MCA.

The USINDOPACOM deployed its Carrier Strike Group-1, led by the Nimitz- class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70).

"The maritime cooperative activity included exercises that allowed for the exchange of best practices. This improved the proficiency of both armed forces in responding to potential threats in the maritime domain," AFP chief Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. said.

“The MCA reaffirms the strong bond and enduring partnership between the AFP and the USINDOPACOM. This collaborative effort not only enhances the capabilities of both forces but also contributes to the overall security and stability of the region."

The Philippines' first MCA with the US took place last Nov. 21 to 23.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216349

PBBM, Indonesian President Widodo to meet on Jan. 10

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 4, 2024): PBBM, Indonesian President Widodo to meet on Jan. 10 (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (right) and Indonesian President Joko Widodo. (File photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is scheduled to meet with Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Jan. 10, Malacañang announced on Thursday.

This, as the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) confirmed in a Facebook post that Widodo will embark on an official visit to the Philippines from Jan. 9 to 11.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is pleased to welcome His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, for his upcoming official visit to the Philippines, scheduled on 9-11 January 2024,” the PCO said.

“President Marcos Jr.'s meeting with President Widodo on 10 January 2024 is anticipated to take stock of the progress in Philippines-Indonesia relations following the successful state visit of President Marcos Jr. to Indonesia on 4-6 September 2022,” it added.

The PCO said Marcos and Widodo are expected to reaffirm their commitment to deepening and expanding Philippines-Indonesia ties.

The Philippines and Indonesia will celebrate their 75th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations in November this year.

Diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Indonesia were formally established on Nov. 24, 1949.

Both founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the two countries are close neighbors and partners that have enjoyed longstanding and robust cooperation in a wide range of areas in the political, economic, and people-to-people relations.

During his previous meeting with Widodo, Marcos said the partnership between the two nations is crucial to fostering economic stability in the post-pandemic future.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216381

AFP 'moves as one' in defeating threats to nat'l security – chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 5, 2024): AFP 'moves as one' in defeating threats to nat'l security – chief (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)

MANILA – The leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has vowed to "move as one" under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in defeating threats to peace and national security, assuring that the military remains loyal to the Constitution.

In a statement Thursday, AFP chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the military continues to exemplify the "highest standards" of professionalism.

"With the strong leadership of our Commander-in-Chief, the AFP will move as one in defeating all threats to our peace and national security," Brawner said on the "emerging challenges of 2024."

The AFP, he said, stands firm in its “unwavering loyalty to the Constitution and its solemn commitment to fulfill its mandate."

"The men and women of the AFP remain steadfast in their role as the guardians of our nation’s sovereignty and defender of democratic principles," Brawner said.

AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar, when sought for clarification as to Brawner's statement, declined to comment, saying "the statement is good enough."

PNP validating reports of destabilization plot

Philippine National Police spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the PNP, along with the AFP, is "validating information" about any destabilization plots.

"We want to assure the public that the PNP remains apolitical, intact, solid, and professional," she added.

Echoing Brawner's statement, Fajardo said the PNP is loyal to the Constitution and would only obey legal orders of the duly constituted authorities. (With a report from Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216397

US aircraft carrier Carl Vinson arrives in PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 5, 2024): US aircraft carrier Carl Vinson arrives in PH (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

PORT CALL. USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) sets anchors in Manila on Friday (Jan. 5, 2024). USS Carl Vinson is in the Philippines for a port visit, supporting operational readiness and regional partnerships. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Micheal Mensah)

MANILA – A United States carrier strike group led by USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) has arrived in the Philippines for a scheduled port call on Friday following a two-day maritime cooperative activity with the country in the South China Sea.

The Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 is currently deployed to US 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“It is a pleasure for the Carrier Strike Group to visit the Republic of Philippines. The US and the Philippines are steadfast friends, partners in prosperity, and ironclad allies," said Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander of CSG-1.

"Our two countries share democratic values, close cultural ties and our alliance has stood strong for over 72 years. As our oldest treaty ally in East Asia, the Philippines has shown their unwavering commitment in helping secure a free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," he added.

Together with the USS Carl Vinson were embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Kidd (DDG 100) and USS Sterett (DDG 104).

The US Department of Defense said this visit marks an additional demonstration of the US-Philippines alliance and Washington DC’s broader commitment to the region.

During their stay in Manila, sailors from CSG-1 will participate in cultural exchanges and community relations events, among others.

“By understanding and appreciating other cultural backgrounds, we can build stronger relationships, collaborate effectively and find common ground,” said Capt. Matthew Thomas, commanding officer, USS Carl Vinson.

“All of these are critical when it comes to supporting our allies and partners in the region,” he added.

Preceding their arrival, CSG-1 also conducted trilateral maritime exercises with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Republic of Korea Navy.

Since entering the US 7th Fleet area of operations, the CSG-1 had already participated in the Multi-Large Deck Event and Annual Exercise 2023 in the Philippine Sea to further strengthen regional cooperative efforts.

CSG-1 is a multiplatform team of ships and aircraft capable of carrying out a wide variety of missions around the globe from combat missions to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief response.

Its flagship USS Carl Vinson was the very same ship that carried the body of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden to its burial at sea in 2011.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216432

PH maritime activities within EEZ sovereign right -- NSA Año

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 5, 2024): PH maritime activities within EEZ sovereign right -- NSA Año (By Priam Nepomuceno)

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año (File photo)

MANILA – The maritime cooperative activities (MCA) between the Philippines and the United States, done within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and in accordance with international law, is not a provocative military activity, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said Friday.

The Philippines is exercising its sovereign right to engage in such activities, Año said, noting that the exercises are aimed at enhancing the country's maritime capabilities and interoperability to ensure security and stability in the region.

"The Chinese spokesman referred to these activities as 'provocative military activities' and deemed them as 'irresponsible.' We wish to clarify that the MCA between the Philippines and the United States were clearly conducted within our EEZ and are consistent with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), so how can they be deemed provocative?" he said.

The second iteration of the MCA with the US took place at the West Philippine Sea (WPS) last Jan. 3 to 4, barely two months after the first one held last Nov. 21 to 23, 2023.

Año said the MCA was also a show of the development of a "world-class Navy and Armed Forces" capable of carrying out the mandate to defend the country's territorial integrity and maritime rights in the WPS.

"The joint patrol emphasizes our ability to work seamlessly together to ensure the readiness of our joint forces to address evolving security challenges. Our joint patrols with the United States and potential future activities with other allied countries show our mutual commitment to a rules-based international order and for promoting peace and stability of the region," he said.

Año also maintained that the Philippines remains open to diplomatic discussions with China and reaffirms its commitment to fostering good relations with all nations.

"We believe that through peaceful dialogue and adherence to international law, we can achieve a resolution that serves the best interests of all parties involved in the region," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216427