Video: A Philippine Air Force pilot flies an AH-1W SuperCobra in Pampanga

Posted to You Tube (May 15): Video: A Philippine Air Force pilot flies an AH-1W SuperCobra in Pampanga



Philippine Air Force Maj. Randy Bance, pilot, with 18th Attack Squadron, 15th Fighter Wing, stationed at Sangley Air Base, Sangley Point, Cavite City, and U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Vincent Dixon, detachment officer in charge, with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Camp Pendleton, Calif., conduct familiarization flights in an AH-1W SuperCobra, during Balikatan 2014 at Clark Air Field, Mabalacat, Republic of the Philippines, May 12, 2014.

This year marks the 30th iteration of Balikatan, which is an annual Republic of the Philippines-U.S. military bilateral training exercise (U.S. Marine Motion Imagery by Cpl. Kassie L. Haynes.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG9iGs_h90M

Video: WATCH: Philippine Special Forces paratroopers in wargames

From ABS-CBN (May 15): Video: WATCH: Philippine Special Forces paratroopers in wargames



[Video: Philippine Special Forces troops in HALO jumps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rv80bojQ4cw]

Philippine Army Special Forces freefall jumpers with Special Operations Command, stationed at Fort Magsaysay jump from a KC-130J "Sumos", assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, during High Altitude Low Opening military freefall jumps, beginning Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise, at Crow Valley, Republic of the Philippines, during Balikatan May 14, 2014.

 This year marks the 30th iteration of Balikatan, which is an annual Republic of the Philippines-U.S. military bilateral training exercise. (U.S. Marine Motion Imagery by Cpl. Kassie L. Haynes.)

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/05/15/14/watch-philippine-special-forces-paratroopers-wargames

Tibal community in Abra petitions Philippine Army to stay

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 15): Tibal community in Abra petitions  Philippine Army to stay

LICUAN-BAAY, Abra – More than a thousand members and leaders of the Binongan Tribe in this municipality have signed a petition requesting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to maintain and retain the 41st Infantry (Partner for Peace) Battalion of the Philippine Army (PA) in Sitio Baquero, Brgy. Nalbuan, this municipality.

In an official communication received by the PIA from the office of Mayor Alejo S. Domingo dated April 25, 2014, he attested that the document titled PAKAAMMO was written in the Ilocano dialect to show that the signatories freely and knowingly was their voluntary decision and act on a collective manner.

The Pakaammo (announcement or declaration) is a petition requesting that the Philippine Army be retained and maintained in the municipality mainly for purposes of augmenting the peace and order and security of the place since it cannot be denied that there are impending threats from the remnants of the New People’s Army especially with the still-unresolved case of the brutal killing the Ligiw family (Ama Licuben and his two sons, Freddie, a former rebel who availed of the reintegration funds of both the national and provincial government; and Eddie, a former partner of the 41st IB in the implementation of their Bayanihan Projects in Malibcong), last  March.

 The petition likewise stated the people’s appreciation to the 41st IB for its  contributions to the communities not only in peace keeping but also in the repair and rehabilitation of school buildings and facilities; construction of various community project like foot bridges, barangay hall, basketball court, and day care centers; their readiness to help in times of disasters; conduct leadership trainings to their youth,  and many other needs and activities in the local communities.

The Pakaammo was initiated by the tribal people themselves during the meeting of the Council of Elders which aimed to resolve the  Ligiw case.

The militant groups  are blaming the Army for the killing of the Ligiws but the  military vehemently denied the accusation and instead point their fingers on the NPAs.

In a related development, the  four Army soldiers  being  blamed by militant groups  in the  Ligiw killing underwent lie detector test while accusers refuse to do the same.

The Abra Provincial Police Office (APPO) had resorted to the use of Polygraph Test (lie detector) to aid their investigation.

However, the Kakailian Salakniban Tay Amin Naggapuan (KASTAN) and the Cordillera Human Rights Advocates (CHRA) groups reportedly hesitate to cooperate in the investigation process being carried out by the Abra PNP.

 These militant organizations had also refused the “SAPATA” when the  residents and attendees offered them such during what they called “National Solidarity Mission” held in Brgy. Dominglay on March 26, 2014 which they themselves facilitated.

The “sapata” is a local and indigenous way of justice system in the Cordilleras  that when no one admits responsibility, tribal elders will initiate the rituals where both the suspects and the accusers  shall swear a self-imposed punishment.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=111398931107

69 CPLA integrees told: Be the conscience of a true soldier

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 15): 69 CPLA integrees told: Be the conscience of a true soldier

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Isabela - - Be the conscience of a true soldier  and embrace professionalism in the military.

 

This was the message of Ifugao Governor  Denis Habawel  to the 69 former members of the Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army (CPLA) who  are integrated to the Armed Forces of the Philippines(AFP) following their  completion of a 6-months rigid military  training here.

The group composing Class 347-13 is the last batch of former CPLA members who surrendered their arms and opted for integration into the AFP, an option provided in the closure agreement between the former rebels and the government.

The graduates are  composed of 57 males and 12 females. 58 of them  are  from Kalinga, 6 from Apayao,  3 from Mt. Province, and one each from Abra  and Ifugao.

“For choosing the path for peace, you are true and reasonable men and women in the sense that it answers the calling of our conscience to spare the Filipino race from fighting each other but instead should work together for peace and development, Habawel  told the new soldiers  as he  challenged them  to become assets in the campaign for peace not only in the Cordillera but the entire nation.

“And this is it,  that we are together working for a common cause to help uplift the life standard of our brethren in the Cordilleras and protect the environment from getting worst,” he added.

The integrees  will have a short break while waiting for their  assignment  the area of responsibility of the 5th Infantry Division.

Aside from integration  of qualified CPLA members into the AFP, the  closure agreement provides for community-identified projects, livelihood and employment support for CPLA members. Dozens of CPLA members were employed as “bantay gubat” under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Various infrastructure projects were also  released in the areas of the CPLA through the Pamana projects of the Aquino administration as peace dividends.

The CPLA  had carried the struggle against perceived development inequality that eventually led to the inclusion of a provision in the new Constitution for the creation of an autonomous region in the Cordilleras.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=171400141824

6th SF spearheads 1st Youth Leadership Summit in Tungawan

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 14): 6th SF spearheads 1st Youth Leadership Summit in Tungawan

TUNGAWAN, Zamboanga Sibugay -- Some 300 young people from the different barangays here attended the 1st Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) last May 6-9 spearheaded by the 6th Special Forces Battalion of the Philippine Army (PA).

The four-day YLS, which was attended by community youth leaders, students and out-of-school youths aged 13 to 21 years old, was anchored on the theme, “Ang Pag-amuma sa Kabatan-unan Maoy Kaugmaon sa Katilingban” (Caring for the youth is for the community’s future).

The preliminaries of the program, orientation and discussions were conducted at the Risen Christ Gymnasium at Barangay Poblacion while the coastal cleanup and static display activities were conducted at the coastal barangay of Looc Labuan.

A cultural show highlighting the said activity was also conducted at Tungawan National High School in Barangay Libertad.

In his welcome message, Lt.Col. Rosendo C. Abad Jr., battalion commander of the 6th SF, told the participants about the good character values they would learn from the training.

“With this activity, we will be able to teach the young people how to establish their goals and to keep them away from the wrong groups, thus, they will have a good future,” he said.

He pointed out that the activity also aimed to teach the youth about the importance of peace and the virtue of patriotism.

“The initiative is a step towards lasting peace that will result in a progressive economy which will start in the barangays and towns.”

Municipal Mayor Randy A. Climaco, on the other hand, said: “We must become advocates of peace. We need to help one another to make a change.”

He emphasized that the YLS would transform the youth into a better and capable individuals of the community.

“The youth are our future, therefore, we should invest in them for a better tomorrow,” he said.

The activity was conducted in collaboration with the Local Government of Tungawan, some national government agencies, the 102nd Infantry ‘Igsoon’ Brigade, non-government organizations, civic organizations, sectoral groups, religious groups, business groups, the media, and several volunteers.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2831399944653

Tabak troopers are putting people’s welfare first, says AFP official

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 15): Tabak troopers are putting people’s welfare first, says AFP official

Lt.Gen. Alan R. Luga, vice chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said soldiers are duty-bound to protect our countrymen and keep them free  from fear and anxiety.

This, he said, during the 78th founding anniversary of the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division (1ID), Philippine Army on May 7 at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an at Barangay Pulacan in this town.

“This is why our soldiers are continuously being molded so that our dependable military does not stop from just being an excellent defender of the nation, but also become an institution that people trust,” Luga stressed.

He lauded the Tabak troopers for upholding their mandate as  defenders of the country, for being professional and disciplined and for putting the welfare of people first before their own.

“The 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division is the fightingest division of the Philippine Army, standing strong amidst the challenges and adversities of 2013 such as the Zamboanga siege and promptly responding to ensure the swift delivery of relief goods to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda,” encouraged Luga.

Meanwhile, MGen Felicito Virgilio M. Trinidad, commander of the 1ID, PA said being the premier division in the Philippine Army, Tabak remains steadfast in the performance of its mandated mission, adhering to  democratic ideals and guided by the principle of good governance.

“The midterm and barangay elections were the most peaceful and orderly elections in recent history,” Trinidad said. He also cited that there was never a violation of the ceasefire agreement by his troops, gaining the trust and confidence of the people.

On the occasion of its 78th Founding Anniversary, the 11D also distributed   Tabak Ventures Educational Certificates to 15 dependents at P10,000 each for their tuition and other school fees.

Plaques of appreciation were also given to partner agencies which have made immense contribution and invaluable support to the humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda, of which PIA was one of the awardees.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1361400037573

Multilateral discussion needed to deal with Chinese construction in Mabini reef, Palace says

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 15): Multilateral discussion needed to deal with Chinese construction in Mabini reef, Palace says

A multilateral discussion is needed to deal with China’s reclamation project at the Mabini Reef in the West Philippine Sea, Malacanang said Wednesday.

The Department of National Defense has confirmed that China is carrying out “reclamation or earthmoving activities” at the Mabini Reef, also known as the Johnson Reef.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a press briefing that Vietnam also has a claim on the reef, hence the need for a multilateral discussion rather than a bilateral dialogue.

“The President has always said that we prefer a multilateral dialogue consistent with international law, and consistent with the Declaration on the Conduct (DOC) of Parties in the South China Sea, where there has been an emphasis on the provisions on not escalating any further tensions and not disrupting the status quo,” Lacierda said.

He emphasized that “we do not want to escalate any tension” between China and the Philippines.

Any activity in the disputed territory will be seen as a violation of the declaration, which was signed by China and member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Cambodia back in November 2002.

According to the DOC, “the Parties undertake to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability including, among others, refraining from action of inhabiting on the presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features and to handle their differences in a constructive manner.”

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2131400067986

DND says EDCA to boost AFP capability amid challenges

From the Philippine News Agency (May 14): DND says EDCA to boost AFP capability amid challenges

The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States will help build up the capability of the military and support efforts in dealing with aggressive expansionist acts in the region, Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino said Wednesday.

During the briefing called by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Batino added that this new level of cooperation with the US will also enable the government to respond more rapidly in times of natural disasters, which in the past years have posed a serious threat to human safety and security.

“The Philippines faces serious challenges: to our sovereignty and sovereign rights, developments in the region point to increasingly aggressive acts; to human safety and security, the frequency and severity of natural disasters point to the need to anticipate, address or mitigate their real impact on people and communities,” Batino told lawmakers at the House of Representatives.

“In these very fluid times, we are forced to take a long and hard look at what we can do as one government to respond to the challenges before us,” added Batino, who chaired the Philippine panel that negotiated the EDCA with the US.

He told lawmakers that EDCA will contribute to the capability buildup of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the areas of maritime security, maritime domain awareness, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) while the military and the Department of National Defense are in the process of modernizing and beefing up the country’s defense capabilities and equipment.

“With prepositioned equipment and materiel, our soldiers will be able to train and develop their capabilities even before the Philippine government acquires such equipment, boosting the speed of our capacity-building efforts for men and women in uniform,” Batino said.

He said buildings and other permanent structures to be constructed for the use of US troops visiting on rotational basis will be automatically owned by the government, and as such, “will greatly hasten the development of Philippine military facilities.”

On prepositioned HADR equipment of the US, Batino pointed out that this will allow the government to respond more rapidly in times of natural disasters and other crises.

He, however, assured that prior consent of the Philippine government is necessary before any US activity can take place in agreed locations, which will be determined through the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board.

“The EDCA does not authorize the establishment of US bases. It allows the US military access to agreed locations,” he assured the committee.

“Given the rapidly evolving geopolitical and climatic realities in the Philippines and beyond, and the conduct of joint training exercises, EDCA is a natural progression of the alliance between the Philippines and the US,” Batino explained.

Lastly, Batino said that EDCA is an implementation of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, while the status of American forces is governed by the PH-US Visiting Forces Agreement, a treaty concurred in by the Senate and upheld by the Supreme Court.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=643617

69 new soldiers finish military training

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): 69 new soldiers finish military training

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela -- At least 69 new soldiers who have undergone military rigid trainings will now be officially joining the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The new soldiers are sons and daughters of the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) members who are beneficiaries of the government integration program with the former rebels.

Twelve of the new soldiers are female, one of whom topped all the soldiers in her batch.

Private First Class Rochelle Tawagon topped her fellow soldiers in the six-month training that was conducted by the training staff of the 5th Infantry Division.

Tawagon said she is proud of now being part of the military organization and vowed to use the training she learned in the army camp.

Ifugao Governor Denis Habawel, guest speaker during the graduation exercises, expressed his elation for the effort of the government in pushing for lasting peace through the integration program.

Habawel also acknowledged the leaders of the Cordillera Forum for Peace and Development (CFPD) for its effort in maintaining peace in the Cordillera region and pursuing integration to the military of the sons and daughters of CPLAs.

He saluted the new soldiers and advised them to be good soldiers and adhere yo the discipline they have learned inside the camp.

The graduation ceremony was held Wednesday inside the Army camp and attended by the relatives and friends of the new soldiers and witnessed by military officials in the army division.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=643842

Army soldiers conduct civic work in rebel-infested village

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): Army soldiers conduct civic work in rebel-infested village

Troops from the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army on Wednesday trudged dirt roads and rough terrain leading to rebel-infested Barangay Maligbong in the town of Bingawan, Iloilo not to engage the enemy with blazing guns, but to hold civic services to the poor, rural villagers and help close the gap between the government and the marginalized.

Villagers came out to meet the soldiers numbering fewer than a hundred, but the crowd steadily increased as Army doctors began the circumcision of boys, while some of the male adults took advantage of the free massage offered by soldiers.

A group of soldiers helped locals put up a mini-gymnasium at the Don Salvador Hortillano Memorial School to the delight of school teachers who said the facility will be a big boost to students' morale who had to bear the oppressive heat and sometimes the downpour during special days like the observance of national celebrations.

Maj. Rey Tiongson, spokesman of the 3ID, was elated by the warm reception given by the villagers, and said that it is the fervent wish of the Philippine Army to see Barangay Maligbong insurgency-free at the close of 2014.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=643989

Balikatan Exercise 2014 turns over school building, classrooms and health center to 2 Albay villages

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): Balikatan Exercise 2014 turns over school building, classrooms and health center to 2 Albay villages

Officials of the PHL-US Balikatan Exercise 2014 that held a humanitarian mission in two villages in Quinobatan, Albay, on Thursday turned over newly finished school building and health center and repaired classrooms to officials of two villages and schools in Guinobatan, Albay.

Recipients were the elementary schools in Barangay Doña Mercedes and Barangay Malobago in Guinobatan town.

Emotions filled the air as the turnover or dedication ceremony marked the end of the one-month cooperative work between Filipino and American soldiers as well as the villagers.

The turnover was first done in Barangay Doña Mercedez where top officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US Armed Forces led by Maj. Gen. Emeraldo Magnaye, Balikatan Exercise 2014 director, and Maj. Gen. Richard Simcock II, deputy commander of the US Marine Corps Forces in the Pacific, gave their respective messages.

Guinobatan Mayor Anne Ongjoco thanked the Balikatan group for the new school building and renovated classrooms.

Doña Mercedes Barangay Captain Cenon Rivera and Marian Navera, school head, gladly accepted the keys to the classrooms which, they said, is very timely for the coming school opening.

The village school has 236 students from Grade 1 to Grade 6, who entertained the Filipino and American soldiers with their various talents.

In Barangay Malobago, new classrooms, new health center and newly renovated and painted classrooms were also turned over by Balikatan officials led by Maj. Jason Johnson of the US Air Force and Maj. Gen. Yerson Depayso, commander of the 9TH Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, to Barangay Captain Federico Miranda, Jr. and Marilyn Coquia, school head of the Malobago Elementary School.

Coquia was emotional in her message owing to the fact, she said, that both the Filipino and American soldiers became close to them, especially the students during the one-month mission of the Balikatan group.

The 280 students of the Malobago Elementary School and the villagers were profuse in their expression of thanks to the Balikatan members for the benefits they have just received.

Before the program ended, the soldiers of both nations and the residents hugged each other as, Coquia said, "we have worked together as one family for one month to accomplish these projects. Thanks to the Balikatan."

After the program, the Balikatan members and the entire village celebrated the village feast which coincided with the turnover.

The Balikatan Exercise is an annual joint undertaking of Philippine and US soldiers and is now on its 30th year.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=644134

18 NPA fighters surrender to 3rd Infantry Division

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): 18 NPA fighters surrender to 3rd Infantry Division

Tired of their incessant hiding and running from the military, 18 members of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to the Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army for the first four- and-a-half months of 2014.

Major Ray Tiongson, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, said the surrender could be attributed to the Armed Forces of the Philippines' "Bayanihan" civil-military strategies which aim to develop the countryside in an effort to deny the NPAs an operating base.

Tiongson said of the 18 surrenderers, six came from the Panay area and 12 from Negros Islands.

“We in the Army here in Western Visayas, together with other government security forces, are all available in any time that NPA rebels would want to return to the government and live a peaceful life. Also, our communication lines with the families of the NPA members are open,” 3rd Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad said.

“We continue our call to our brothers and sisters who are still in the wrong path and continue with the armed struggle to abandon the armed violence and join the mainstream society. If you choose to live a life in peace, the AFP and the government will give you a chance to live with your families and will assist you to start a new life and give a better future for your children,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=643837

China reclaming Mabini Reef since 2012, says DFA

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): China reclaming Mabini Reef since 2012, says DFA

China has been expanding and reclaiming the Philippine-claimed Mabini Reef in the South China Sea since 2012, photos released by the Department of Foreign Affairs showed on Thursday.

The DFA released a series of photographs gathered from Philippine intelligence sources showing in stages the extensive reclamation by China on the reef, also known by its international name Johnson South Reef.

Chinese reclamation activities have been monitored by the Philippines from March 13, 2012 to March 11, 2014. Manila filed a protest in April but it was rejected by China, which said the reef is part of Chinese territory.

The DFA said Chinese activities in the reef, also jointly claimed by Vietnam, is a violation of international law and a declaration on South China Sea that Beijing signed with the Association of South East Asian Nations in 2002.

“These actions are considered destabilizing and in violation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and international law,” the DFA said in a statement.

Mabini Reef, the DFA added, “is part of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) which is part of Philippine territory.”

China claims almost 90 percent of the South China Sea – a major sea route where oil and gas deposits have been discovered in several areas. Manila adopted the name West Philippine Sea for areas in the South China Sea that fall within its exclusive economic zone that is mandated by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Analysts said the overlapping claims in the South China Sea by China, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan, could spark major military confrontations.

China recently angered Vietnam for installing an oil rig in the Paracels, which is contested by both neighbors.

The DFA said it has included Mabini Reef in its written pleading or memorial that was submitted to The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration to “clarify” the reef’s “physical character.”

The Philippines filed a case against China in January 2013 to denigrate its far-reaching claims.

A declaration on the South China Sea was signed by China and the Association of South East Asian Nations in 2002 to prevent escalation of hostilities among claimants that include four ASEAN members – Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar are also part of the 10-member Asian bloc.

Although non-binding in nature, the document discourages claimants from occupying new territories and construction activities to avoid raising tensions.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=643873

PHL, Indonesia, Malaysian police to improve alliance vs terrorism

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): PHL, Indonesia, Malaysian police to improve alliance vs terrorism

The Philippine National Police (PNP), Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), and Indonesian National Police (INP) planned to form a strong tripartite alliance to combat terrorism in the Southeast Asia.

The trilateral meeting among national police forces of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines was held during the 34th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Association of Chiefs of Police (ASEANAPOL) ASEANAPOL Conference at Sofitel, Manila.

According to PNP Chief Director General Alan L. Purisima that there is a need for improved security and law-enforcement in the region to prevent, suppress and combat terrorism in the ASEAN and Asia-Pacific region.

The proposed accord also addresses cross-border crimes. The initiative for the anti-terrorism coalition between the two countries to deal their respective terrorism problems.

RMP Inspector General Tan Sri Dig Dato’ Sri Khalid Bin Abu Bakar proposed a police-to-police joint agreement with the PNP which will facilitate exchange of intelligence information and establish a system of communication that would help prevent transnational crimes and deliver quick response.

The agreement will also address the initiative for the anti-terrorism coalition between the two countries to deal their respective terrorism problems and cross-border crimes.

Meanwhile, INP Commissioner General Drs Suhardi Alius suggested a joint exercise program for the PNP and RMP similar to the existing Philippines-Indonesia (PHILINDO) Joint Police Maritime Law Enforcement Exercise (MARLEX).

MARLEX aims to address transnational threats in Sulu and Sulawesi Sea such as illicit drug trafficking, terrorism, arms smuggling, human trafficking, illegal fishing, maritime fraud and other crimes at high seas which requires enhanced security cooperation, coordination and coordinated maritime law enforcement response between the law enforcement agencies of the two countries.

Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines share a vast tri-border corridor in the Sulu-Sulawesi Sea, a vital sea lane for trade and commerce in the Asia-Pacific region.

The three countries signed a memorandum of agreement last May 13, 2002 to strengthen cooperation, recognizing the value of enhancing bilateral defense, and establishing a framework to facilitate cooperation and interoperability.

The agreement deals on information exchange procedures and establishment of communication procedures on terrorism, money laundering, smuggling, piracy and robbery at sea, hijacking, intrusion, illegal entry, drug trafficking, theft of marine resources, marine pollution, illicit trafficking in arms and other similar matters.

Under the agreement, the participating countries shall designate an organization to act as the communication cum liaison center within its respective territory, staffed by representatives from defense, security or police of the respective countries, for the implementation of the agreement.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=643902

US, Filipino troopers display rapid response capability during Balikatan

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): US, Filipino troopers display rapid response capability during Balikatan

US and Filipino troopers, participating in this year's "Balikatan" exercises, demonstrated their rapid response force capabilities during the combined arms live-fire exercise (CALFEX) at the Crow Valley Gunnery Range in Sta. Juliana, Capas town, Tarlac Thursday.

Army commander Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri witnessed the execution of the final scenario-based raids, which highlighted the skills of both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States forces in combined and joint operations.

The field training exercise is based on simulated realistic scenarios, Philippine Army (PA) spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato said.

Just like in the previous years, CALFEX included a helicopter raid, mechanized raid, motorized raid, and ground troop maneuvers.

The participating AFP troops in the exercise include the 20th Infantry Battalion and the 31st Mechanized Company; Marine Battalion Landing Team, composed of the 211th Marine Company and the 511th Marine Weapons Company; Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force; Artillery Company; and the Philippine Air Force Support Units.

The United States forces, on the other hand, is composed of the US Marine Corps Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company Detachment.

CALFEX is the culmination of staff planning between the General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo and Western Command in Palawan, which focuses on enhancing the AFP's crisis action planning capability in maritime security and territorial defense operations.

Field training exercises are being conducted to improve the interoperability and rapid response for both the Philippines and the United States.

CALFEX also aims to expand the ground war fighting skills and capabilities of both forces.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=643940