10 NPA rebels yield in Maguindanao

From MindaNews (Mar 7, 2019): 10 NPA rebels yield in Maguindanao

Military and local government officials present the firearms surrendered by 10 NPA rebels in Upi, Maguindanao on Tuesday, 5 March 2019. (Photo courtesy of 6th Infantry Division)
TACURONG CITY (MindaNews/7 March) – Ten New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have surrendered to the government due to the ongoing military pressure against the group in the remote borders of Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao provinces, military officials said on Thursday.
Lt. Col. Oliver Baylon, commander of the 1st Marine Battalion Landing Team-7 (MBLT-7), said the communist rebels returned to the folds of the law on Tuesday with the help of officials in Barangay Rifao, Upi town in Maguindanao.

He said the surrenderees belong to the Squad Primera led by Cesar Marcos Manguda, alias Commander Amina/Alas of the Cherry Mobile Platoon under Guerrilla Front 73, which is operating in the municipalities of Lebak and Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat province.

Since last month, 15 NPA rebels have surrendered to the MBLT-7 due to the continuous military operations in the area, Baylon said.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is classified as a terrorist organization by the Philippine and the United States governments.

The latest batch of NPA surrenderees was presented to Brigadier General Eugenio Hernandez, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, North Upi Mayor Ramon Piang and Mayor Reynalbert Insular of South Upi at the headquarters of MBLT-7 in Sitio Plateau, Barangay Mirab in Upi town along with their high-powered firearms.

They surrendered, among others, two AK-47 rifles, an M-16 rifle, a hand grenade and assorted ammunition, a report from the 6th Infantry Division said.

The five earlier NPA surrenderees, who belong to the Dulangan-Manobo tribe, have received financial assistance under the Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), it added.

Major General Cirilito E. Sobejana, commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, said the latest surrenderees can also avail of the E-CLIP after validation that they were indeed NPA members.

“Our intensified efforts through combat operations and information disseminations against terrorist group with the support of all local chief executives and other stakeholders encouraged more the rebels to surrender,” Sobejana said in a statement.

The official urged active NPA rebels to return to the folds of the law for them to start a new life and live peacefully with their families.

 

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/03/10-npa-rebels-yield-in-maguindanao/

Government forces closing in on NPA lairs

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 7, 2019): Government forces closing in on NPA lairs

CAMP JAIME FERRER, Bislig City – Government forces are penetrating and closing in on the lairs of communist terrorists.



Brig. Gen. Franco Nemesio M. Gacal, commanding general of the Army’s Northeastern and Northern Mindanao 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division is set to receive the high powered automatic rifle from a rebel commander who recently surrendered to the 75th Infantry (Marauder) Battallion during surrender rites of another batch of CPP-NPA rebels in Camp Jaime Ferrer, Bislig City on Tuesday, March 4, 2019. (Photo courtesy of 4th ID-PAO/Manila Bulletin)

Capt. Regie H. Go of the Public Affairs Office (PAO) officer of the Army’s Northeastern and Northern Mindanao 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4th ID) cited the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Community Support Programs (CSPs), backed by intensified security operations against known armed terrorists in the provinces of Agusan and Surigao provinces that forced over 300 former Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) to abandon their hideouts in the Diwata mountains and surrender to the government.

Combined efforts of the military, local government units, and national and local government agencies effectively dismantled the CNTs’ former strongholds.

Go said six heavily armed CNTs – two commanding officers, one political guide, one medic, one team leader and one squad member recently surrendered to the military in Agusan del Sur.

He said the rebel returnees were members of Guerilla Front 3 (GF 3) of the CPP-NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), the terror unit which has been mainly responsible for all atrocities in the area such as arsons, murders, and extortions.

“The CNTs peacefully surrendered to 75th Infantry (Marauder) Battalion (75th IB), 4th ID last March 3, 2019, Capt. Go said.

They brought with them assorted firearms, ammunition and explosives including one AK47 rifle, one M16A1 rifle, two Cal. 45 pistol, two Cal. 38 pistol, two hand grenades, two improvised pipe bombs, five blasting caps, five meters detonating cord, four magazines of AK47 with 97 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five short steel magazines of M16A1 with 126 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition and two bandoliers.

“We just want to go back to our families and live a normal and peaceful life. Life has not been easy for us in the mountains but it was more difficult for the families that we have left behind,” one of the rebel commanders said, adding that “they suffer more than we do because we cannot provide for them (their respective families).”

“The firearms and weapons that we brought down with us have become our tool for aggression and oppression against our very own neighbors and we just do not want to be part of the senseless violence anymore,” he added.

Brig. Gen. Andres Centino, commanding general of the Army’s 401st Infantry (Unity) Brigade said the surrender of CPP-NPAs in the areas was believed to demoralize the remaining leadership of the CPP-NPA in the region.

“Demoralization among CNT members is at all-time high due to the influx of surrenderees. The CPP-NPA has no one to blame but itself. People have already gotten weary of senseless violence,” Brig Gen. Centino said.

Records of the 4th ID showed that since January of this year, a total of 352 CNT terrorists already turned themselves in and are now back with their respective families. Earlier this week, nine former CNTs with nine assorted firearms also surrendered to the 26th Infantry Battalion.

Brig. Gen. Franco Nemesio M. Gacal, commanding general of the Army’s Northeastern and Northern Mindanao 4th ID claimed that the government is already winning the war against communist insurgency in the region.

“The latest surrender is proof that we can gradually achieve peace without resorting to violence and bloodshed and these latest batch of surrenderees is another milestone in our quest for a just and long-lasting peace and let us all wage a peaceful war together- one that values lives above anything else,” Gacal said.

He assured that CNTs who are still waging a futile war will be treated with dignity and care should they choose to go back to the folds of the law.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/07/government-forces-closing-in-on-npa-lairs/

CPP/NDF-EV: 15th Pacific Partnership exercises in Eastern Visayas proof of rising US military interventionism leading to a more onerous Mutual Defense Treaty

NDF-Eastern Visayas propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 7, 2019): 15th Pacific Partnership exercises in Eastern Visayas proof of rising US military interventionism leading to a more onerous Mutual Defense Treaty

Fr. Santiago “Ka Sanny” Salas
Spokesperson | NDF-EV

March 07, 2019

In the face of increasing challenge from China, the US is ensuring its tight military ties with the Philippines will remain, as can be seen with the expected arrival of not less than 1,600 US troops for the 15th Pacific Partnership mission in Tacloban City from March 10 to 24, and Exercise Salaknib 2019 in Nueva Ecija from March 4 to 24, the National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas today forewarned.

Spokesperson Fr. Santiago “Ka Sanny” Salas said these military exercises are couched as humanitarian and disaster relief operations that are followed by agreements that further entrench US military intervention in the host country’s soil. Such “disaster militarism” was the case when the US-GRP signed the Enhanced Cooperation and Defense Agreement after super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) hit the Philippines in 2013 and US-Indonesian military ties were fully restored post-Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. “This is assistance with strings attached, just like the EDCA that allowed the basing of US troops in the country, Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), and the Visiting Forces Agreement,” he remarked.

“The AFP is the mercenary of US imperialism and its most consolidated hold on the reactionary state in the Philippines that GRP President Rodrigo Duterte himself tacitly acknowledges,” Fr. Salas added. “Duterte indeed prostitutes himself to a US imperialist rival such as China by financially shackling the country through the corruption-ridden Build, Build, Build program. But he is well-aware that the AFP is beholden to US imperialism in indoctrination, training and arms, relying heavily on the billions of dollars worth of military assistance coursed through Operation Pacific Eagle-Philippines to feed his vain effort to crush the revolutionary movement.

“In fact, GRP Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s recent call for a review of the MDT was a call for a renewed offensive of US military interventionism in the Philippines, such as the upcoming exercises with the AFP, and not an assertion of sovereignty, equality and non-intervention,” noted Fr. Salas. “The MDT should be junked for foisting US imperialist interests on the Philippines by obligating the country to support the US in war, and surrendering national sovereignty by deferring to US support and intervention.”

But according to the NDF-EV spokesperson, “No pretenses by the US-Duterte regime – not even the return of the Balangiga bells – can save face for US imperialism that for more than a hundred years has waged real and proxy wars on our people, raped our women, massacred our communities, and occupied our territory as well as committed other violations of national sovereignty.”

Fr. Salas urged the people of Eastern Visayas to show their indignation against US military interventionism and mount protests to call for the pull-out of US troops in the Philippines. “Let us stand up for national sovereignty against US military interventionism and other imperialist intrusions such as by China in the West Philippine Sea. Let us demand the abrogation of the Mutual Defense Treaty, EDCA, VFA and other onerous and one-sided military agreements, and uphold the principles in foreign relations of national sovereignty, friendship and non-aggression.

“We must bring Duterte to account for selling out Philippine sovereignty to the US and China. Let us join and support the people’s war and wage armed struggle to defeat the AFP and its US imperialist master, overthrow the reactionary ruling system, and attain national freedom and democracy,” he ended.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/15th-pacific-partnership-exercises-in-eastern-visayas-proof-of-rising-us-military-interventionism-leading-to-a-more-onerous-mutual-defense-treaty/

WESTMINCOM: Tired of hiding, 10 more NPA members yield in Maguindanao

From the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) (Mar 7, 2019): Tired of hiding, 10 more NPA members yield in Maguindanao



Amid the relentless pursuit operations conducted by the Joint Task Force Central troops, 10 more NPA militants yield to the troops of the 1st Marine Battalion Landing Team 7 (MBLT-7) led by Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Baylon in Upi, Maguindanao on Tuesday (March 5).



Said surrenderors affirmed the resentful system of the New People’s Army of merely propagating lies to the Teduray people in the Municipality of Upi.

The successful surrender was facilitated by the troops of the MBLT-7 in coordination with the officials of Barangay Rifao, Upi, Maguindanao.

The ten were members of the NPA squad Primera led by Cesar Marcos Manguda a.k.a Commander Amina/Alas of the Cherry Mobile Platoon, Guerilla Front 73 operating in the municipalities of Lebak and Kalamansig, all of Sultan Kudarat Province.

Subject surrenderors turned over two AK47 rifles, one M16 rifle, one hand grenade, and assorted ammunitions.

They were subsequently presented to Brigadier General Eugenio V. Hernandez, Commander, 1st Marine Brigade, North Upi Mayor Ramon Piang, and South Upi Mayor Reynalbert Insular at the headquarters of MBLT-7 in Sitio Plateau, Barangay Mirab, Upi, Maguindanao.

“We are tired of hiding, worn out of hunger and fatigue, and dissatisfied of the NPA ideology,” expressed by Jerome a.k.a Jun-Jun, one of the surrenderors.

The LGUs of North and South Upi provided the initial financial assistance to the surrenderors and included them in the municipal payroll as casual employees with a monthly compensation amounting to Php5, 000.00.

“Ang inyong Marine Battalion Landing Team-7 ay kaagapay ng ating mga kapatid na minsa’y naligaw ng landas patungo sa kanilang pagbabalik-loob at pagbabagong buhay,” said LtC Baylon.

Joint Task Force Central Commander Major General Cirilito E. Sobejana welcomed the former rebels and assured that if they are eligible, they may avail the E-CLIP of the government for them to start a new life with their families.

“Our intensified efforts through combat operations and information disseminations against terrorist group with the support of all local chief executives and other stakeholders encourage more the rebels to surrender,” Major General Sobejana added.

Subject surrenderors are currently undergoing custodial debriefing.

“It is good that the former NPA militants who surrendered have realized the true nature of their group’s intentions,” said WestMinCom Chief Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega.

“Gone are the days wherein people easily believe in their lies and propaganda. All their devious intentions and resolves are already made known to the public,” LtGen Dela Vega added.

The E-CLIP program of the government intended for those who surrendered continues.

“We would like to encourage those who are still hiding in their lairs, now is the time for you to join the rest of your former comrades who have decided to return to the folds of the law,” LtGen Dela Vega concluded.

http://www.westmincom.com/tired-of-hiding-10-more-npa-members-yield-in-maguindanao/

WESTMINCOM: Values formation and psychosocial activity held in Zamboanga del Sur

From the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) (Mar 7, 2019): Values formation and psychosocial activity held in Zamboanga del Sur



A values formation and psychosocial activity was initiated by the 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion to address the needs of the 39 NPA returnees who recently yielded to their unit.



The activity commenced on March 5 and will culminate this afternoon at Executive Hall, Capitol Compound, Pagadian City.

The successful conduct of the activity was through the strong collaboration with the Provincial Local Government Unit of Zamboanga del Sur, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Department of Agriculture (DA).

“After returning to the mainstream of society, former rebels have to be indulged in activities like this. Such activity will be of great help to their reintegration,” Lieutenant General Dela Vega said.

http://www.westmincom.com/values-formation-and-psychosocial-activity-held-in-zamboanga-del-sur/

Tagalog News: Romblon, ideneklarang 'Insurgency-Free Province' ng AFP

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 7, 2019): Tagalog News: Romblon, ideneklarang 'Insurgency-Free Province' ng AFP



Nilagdaan ng mga opisyal ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at ni Governor Eduardo C. Firmalo ang Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) bilang patunay na Insurgency-Free Province na ang Romblon.(Dinnes Manzo/PIA-Romblon)

ODIONGAN, Romblon -- Opisyal ng idineklara noong Peb 22 ng Armed Forces of the Philippines bilang Stable Internal Peace and Security (Insurgency-Free) na ang lalawigan ng Romblon.

Naging highlight sa naturang seremonya ang pagbasa at paglagda sa Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) sa pagitan ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at lalawigan ng Romblon, gayundin ang pagkakaloob ng sertipiko ng pagkilala sa probinsiya sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Governor Eduardo C. Firmalo.

Ayon kay MGen. Gilbert Gapay, taong 2009 pa ng huling magkaroon ng sightings ng mga miyembro ng rebeldeng New People's Army (NPA) sa probinsiya ng Romblon at matapos aniya ng 10 taong pag-validate sa request ng Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) na gawing insurgency-free ang probinsya ay tuluyan ng natupad ito.

Dapat aniyang ipagmalaki ito ng probinsya dahil sa Southern Luzon, ang Romblon pa lang ang kanilang naidedeklara na insurgency-free province.

Pinasalamatan din ni MGen. Gapay ang Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) sa pangunguna ni Governor Eduardo C. Firmalo na nagsumikap at nagtaguyod para maging rebel-free ang lalawigan.

Sa pahayag ni Governor Firmalo, sinabi nito na malaking tulong sa turismo at ekonomiya ang pagiging 'insurgency-free' at 'drug cleared' province ng lalawigan ng Romblon.

Aniya, hindi matatakot o mangangamba ang mga turistang bumibisita sa lalawigan sapagkat alam nilang ligtas sila kapag nasa lupain o karagatan sila na sakop ng Romblon.

Hinikayat naman ni MGen. Gapay ang publiko na maging mapagmatyag kung sakaling may makita na hindi familiar ang mukha sa kanila o di kaya ay magsumbong sa mga kapulisan ng Romblon Police Provincial Office kung sakaling may matanggap silang impormasyon na may pumasok na NPA sa kanilang lugar.

Sinagot naman ni MGen. Gapay na kung sakaling magkaroon ng sighting ng NPA sa Romblon, hindi naman aniya agad-agad tatanggaling ang titulong 'insurgency-free' ang probinsya kundi idadaan pa sa verification ang nasabing report.

Sa huling bahagi ng seremonya ay nagkaroon ng pulong balitaan kung saan isa-isang sinagot ng mga opisyal ang katanungan ng mga lokal na mamamahayag.

Ang deklarsayon ay pinangunahan nina Secretary Jose Maria Nicomedes Hernandez, Presidential Adviser for Southern Tagalog; MGen. Gilbert Gapay, Commander ng AFP Southern Luzon Command; Police Director Ericson Velasquez, Directorate for Integrated Police Operations ng Southern Luzon; MGen. Rhoderick Parayno, Commander ng Joint Task Force Katagalugan; Romblon Governor Eduardo Firmalo; at Chief Supt. Tomas Apolinario Jr, Regional Director ng Police Regional Office MIMAROPA.

 

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1019350

Japanese military official visits Fort Magsaysay

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 7, 2019): Japanese military official visits Fort Magsaysay

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The Chief of Staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Gen. Koji Yamazaki, visited Wednesday the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division based in this vast military reservation.

Brig. Gen. Lenard T. Agustin, division commander of the 7th Infantry Division (7ID), received Yamazaki at the 7ID Headquarters during the arrival honors.

Agustin said he regarded the visit as an honor, “for foreign military calls are always an opportunity to enhance diplomatic ties and strengthen the military-to-military camaraderie.”

After Yamazaki’s courtesy call to Agustin, he proceeded to the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) or SFR(A).

Foreign military officials and dignitaries commonly visit Fort Ramon Magsaysay as it is recognized as one of the largest military training facilities in Asia.

The 7ID is the administrator of the camp.

Within the camp are several tenant military units, such as the Armed Forces of the Philippines Special Operations Command, the Light Reaction Regiment, the Army Artillery Regiment, Army Aviation Battalion, SFR (A), and the Maneuver Center of the Training and Doctrine Command of the Philippine Army.
 http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063853

10 ‘disillusioned’ NPA rebels surrender in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 7, 2019): 10 ‘disillusioned’ NPA rebels surrender in Maguindanao

Ten communist rebels, who said they have grown disillusioned with the terror-listed group, surrendered to the Philippine Marines on Wednesday, a military official said.

Lt. Col. Oliver Baylon, commanding officer of 7th Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-7), said Thursday the surrenderers belonged to the Cherry Mobile Platoon of the New People’s Army (NPA) Guerilla Front 73 operating in the upland areas Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao provinces.

“All of them were from the Teduray indigenous community who were duped by NPA rebel leaders into joining their ranks and fight the government,” said Baylon.

Baylon, whose unit operates under the area of responsibility of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) in Central Mindanao, said the surrenderers also expressed disillusionment with the rebel movement. The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the European Union and the United States.

The Marine official added that the military's "relentless pursuit operations in the hinterland areas of Kalamansig and Lebak towns in Sultan Kudarat and North Upi and South Upi municipalities in Maguindanao have also contributed to the rebels' decision to turn themselves in.

Baylon said the surrender was also facilitated by the local officials of Barangay Rifao, North Upi, Maguindanao.

The surrenderers were presented Wednesday to Brig. Gen. Eugenio Hernandez, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, North Upi Mayor Ramon Piang and South Upi Mayor Reynalbert Insular at the headquarters of the MBLT-7 in Sitio Plateau, Barangay Mirab, North Upi, Maguindanao.

The former rebels turned over two AK-47 rifles, one M16 rifle, one hand grenade, and assorted ammunition.

“We are tired of hiding. We also experienced hunger, hardship, and dissatisfaction of the NPA ideology,” Jerome alias ‘Ka Jun-Jun’, one of the surrenderers, told Marine officials.

The local governments of North Upi and South Upi have initially included the surrenderers in the municipal payroll system as casual employees with a monthly pay of PHP5,000 to support their families.

Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the Army’s 6ID commander, welcomed the former rebels to the fold of law.

Sobejana said that if they are eligible, the returnees may avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government for them to start a new life and live peacefully with their families.

On Feb. 22, five former NPA rebels from the Dulangan-Manobo cultural community in Sultan Kudarat province also surrendered to the Marines in the area and had received immediate assistance under the program.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063872

NPA dies, another wounded in shootout with cop

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 7, 2019): NPA dies, another wounded in shootout with cop

A suspected member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) was killed while another was wounded in a shootout with a Philippine National Police (PNP) non-commissioned officer in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental on Thursday morning.

Initial report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office showed the alleged “agaw-armas” (seizing of weapon) incident occurred around 9:30 a.m., at the Tabuan Flea Market Area in Barangay Bantolinao, Manjuyod when four armed men ordered Senior Master Sergeant Humprey Wah Teves to turn over his issued firearm.

Teves, of legal age, married, and a resident of Barangay Campuyo, Manjuyod, is currently assigned at the Manjuyod PNP as the Finance Police Non-Commissioned Officer (PNCO). He was in civilian attire while buying some stuff at the public market of Barangay Bantolinao.

The suspects, in their early 20s, were armed with short firearms and believed to be members of the NPA’s hit squad, Special Partisan Unit (SPARU).

One of the suspects allegedly pointed a gun at Teves but the latter managed to draw his firearm and opened fire.

After the exchange of fire, the policeman sought cover and called for police backup.

Teves was unharmed during the shootout. The armed men fled, bringing with them one of their companions that was hit on the leg while leaving behind the unidentified critically wounded suspect.

Responding policemen brought the wounded suspect to the nearest clinic but an attending physician declared him dead on arrival. Recovered from him were one magazine with ammunition for caliber .45 pistol, a mobile phone and some personal belongings.

Coordination with authorities from the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the area confirmed that the four persons were recruits of the SPARU operating in Negros Oriental.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063956

39 ex-NPAs undergo values formation, psychosocial activity

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 7, 2019): 39 ex-NPAs undergo values formation, psychosocial activity

Thirty-nine former New People's Army rebels have undergone a three-day values formation and psychosial activity in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur. (Photo courtesy of Western Mindanao Command Public Information Office) 

Thirty-nine New People’s Army (NPA) surrenderers completed a three-day values formation and psychosocial activity on Thursday in the province of Zamboanga del Sur.

The activity was initiated by the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion to address the needs of the surrenderers who recently yielded to military authorities.

“After returning to the mainstream of society, former rebels have to be indulged in activities like this (values formation and psychosocial activity),” said Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief.

Dela Vega said the values formation and psychosocial activity will help the NPA’s reintegrate into the mainstream society.

The activity, which started on Tuesday, was held at the Executive Hall, capitol compound, Pagadian City.

It was made possible through the military's collaboration with the Zamboanga del Sur provincial government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Department of Agriculture.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063944

Donning ceremony held for newly-promoted Marine general

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 7, 2019): Donning ceremony held for newly-promoted Marine general

 

A donning of rank ceremony was held for newly-promoted 3rd Marine Brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Charlton Sean M. Gaerlan, at the Naval Station Jose Andrada on Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

In a statement Wednesday, Navy spokesperson Captain Jonathan Zata said Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad donned Gaerlan's first star during the ceremony held on Tuesday.

This was followed by the awarding of a personal flag and pinning of Flag Rank Command Badge to the Marine officer.

Empedrad also lauded Gaerlan and stressed that the Marine official's promotion is attributed to “his excellence performance, long list of accomplishments, hard work through the years, all the job he has done, and good reputation he built throughout his dedicated service”.

As promotions come with great responsibility, the PN chief also reminded Gaerlan to always seek advice and exhorted him to “be more deliberate and prudent whenever you decide for your organization”.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063878

Navy exerts all efforts to help unified commands

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 7, 2019): Navy exerts all efforts to help unified commands



Despite needing more "bottoms" (naval ships), the Philippine Navy (PN) said Thursday it is doing everything to provide Unified Commands (UCs) with assets that can be used to patrol and defend the country's vast territorial waters.

This was emphasized by Navy spokesperson, Capt. Jonathan Zata when asked on how the PN deploys its ships to particular naval areas nationwide.

The UCs are composed of all military units in a particular area.

"What we can say is, although there is that need really to have more 'bottoms', to have more assets, the Navy is doing what it can with the resources available in order for it (to) be able to cater to the requirement of its customer and (the) main customer(s) of the Navy are the Unified Command commanders," he said in an interview with reporters.

The PN is known to operate 100 ships of various types, in its inventory.

"We are doing what we can and considering our current capabilities, we deploy it as much as we could," the PN spokesperson added.

Zata also added that Unified Command commanders have operational control over naval assets placed at their disposal and this includes how to deploy them.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063884

Weapons training included in ROTC program

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 7, 2019): Weapons training included in ROTC program

Weapons training will be also be provided to Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) trainees, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato said Thursday.

"Basic weapons training on AFP-issued firearms will be conducted to ROTC cadets. From small arms like M1911 .45-caliber pistol, M-16 rifle to (the) 105mm howitzer cannons depending on the unit that handles the school department of Citizens Military Training," Detoyato told the Philippine News Agency when asked on whether such kind of training will be extended to the reservists.

Aside from firing and operating these weapons, Detoyato said instructions on how to assemble and disassemble these firearms will also be provided.

"Points of instruction usually include assembly and disassembly of weapons and familiarization firing which depends on the school's approval," the AFP official added.

Besides firearms, ROTC cadets will be also given disaster response training to give them an all-around capability.

"Training on disaster response will also be given emphasis as this is an important role ROTC cadets has to be prepared to perform in times of disaster," Detoyato stressed.

Earlier, the Department of National Defense said mandatory ROTC bill is not “military-centric” but is also focused on values formation.

House Bill 8961 has three major aspects in the program of instruction:
* enhancing students' consciousness "in the ethics of service, patriotism and nationalism, respect for human rights, appreciation of the role of national heroes in the historical development of the country, strengthen ethical and spiritual values, develop personal discipline and leadership, and to encourage creative thinking for scientific and technological development";

* basic military training to "motivate, train, organize, and utilize for national defense preparedness or civil-military operations";

* and civic training for the "development of and improvement of health, education, ecology and environmental protection, disaster risk reduction and management, human and civil rights awareness, and law enforcement.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063896

China ‘checking’ reports vessels driving away PH fishers

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 7, 2019): China ‘checking’ reports vessels driving away PH fishers



Chinese government is verifying reports that Chinese vessels are driving away Filipino fishermen from sand bars near Pag-asa Island in the disputed West Philippine Sea or South China Sea.

Chinese ambassador Zhao Jinhua made this assurance, stressing the Chinese government has committed to settle sea disputes peacefully.

“We are checking and we are in close coordination with DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) and we will be checking whether it is true or not,” Zhao said in a chance interview with reporters in Malacañan Palace on Wednesday.

“Rest assured China is committed to peacefully settle the disputes we have and we are working very well in managing our differences,” he added.

Meanwhile, Zhao said Chinese government is also working with DFA to polish the Code of Conduct (CoC) on the WPS meant to prevent misunderstanding in the contested maritime area.

The draft framework of the COC was approved during the ASEAN Summit held in Manila in 2017.

“In the meantime, we are working on the COC, Code of Conduct, and the Filipino side is the country coordinator for China-Asean relationship so we are hoping that we can make further progress in our joint efforts to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea,” Zhao said.

Zhao emphasized the importance of keeping freedom of navigation in the contested waters open.

“I think it is in the common interest of all countries, including China, the United States and Asean countries, that we keep the peace and stability there and we keep the freedom of navigation in the whole South China Sea open,” Zhao said.

Last week, US State Secretary Mike Pompeo vowed to defend the Philippines if forces are attacked in the disputed sea.

Zhao said that Chinese government is not concerned about Pompeo’s remark.

“Maybe that you would expect the Chinese side to be very concern about these remarks. We are concerned more, it’s about the peace and stability in the South China Sea,” Zhao said.

“Everybody, every country will suffer if peace and stability become something to the opposite, that it’s chaos or conflict,” he added.

Asked if Philippines should be concerned about possible attacks from China, Zhao said he was more concerned about attacks coming from “the other side”.

“Well, we are worried about possible attacks from the other side. We don’t worry about China attacking anybody because it is not our policy,” Zhao said.

“The other side use your imagination,” he added, refusing to elaborate what he meant by “other side”.

The Philippines, China and other states have overlapping claims in the West Philippine Sea.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063920

Duterte recalls Mahathir’s ‘vital support’ for PH peace process

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 7, 2019): Duterte recalls Mahathir’s ‘vital support’ for PH peace process



President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Thursday recalled the “vital support” given by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed in the peace talks between the government of the Philippines (GPH) and the communist rebel group, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“Prime Minister Mahathir provided a vital support in this aspect, with Malaysia becoming a facilitator in the peace process,” Duterte said in his toast remarks during Mahathir’s official visit in Malacañang Palace.

Duterte described Mahathir as a “beloved statesman” who shared conviction in realizing the promise of Mindanao. Malaysia has facilitated peace talks since 2001.

Duterte also gave credit to Mahathir and the Malaysian government for their efforts to help the Philippines leading up to the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which establishes a Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“The ratification of the Bangsamoro Law this year signals the culmination of the years of painstaking efforts by many stakeholders within our own country and by our friends in the international community — especially Malaysia,” Duterte said.

Duterte said there are still many obstacles to attaining lasting peace in Mindanao, but also expressed gratitude for Mahathir’s “push” in turning this development into reality.

“Certainly, there are still many challenges ahead. But positive transformation would not continue to happen had [the] wheels not been pushed and made to run back then. And in this, the Prime Minister has been a key figure,” Duterte said.

Meanwhile, Duterte expressed hope that Philippines and Malaysia will continue to stand together on many issues of common concern and push for collective efforts against criminality at sea, terrorism, illegal drugs and other transnational crimes.

He also looked forward to achieving equitable growth and sustainable development.

Mahathir, meanwhile, vowed to extend any help to resolve some of the problems faced in Mindanao noting that “whatever happens in a neighboring country will affect the neighbors just as well”.

“To the extent that we can be useful, we are always ready to work with our neighbors in order to resolve problems which in a way of course affect us as well,” Mahathir said.

The Malaysian Prime Minister also welcomed how the prolonged struggle in Mindanao has ended with peace following the establishment of the BARMM.

“Now there is peace in Mindanao and there is a form of relationship between the different parts of the Philippines which augur well --- augur well for the development and growth of the Philippines,” Mahathir said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063975