Army brigade chief visits wounded soldiers in Surigao Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2020): Army brigade chief visits wounded soldiers in Surigao Norte (By Alexander Lopez)



COMMENDED. Col. George Banzon, commander of the Army's 901st Infantry Brigade, confers Tuesday (July 21, 2020) the 'wounded personnel medal' to one of the wounded soldiers during an encounter with communist rebels in the Surigao del Norte town of Alegria. A female New People's Army rebel was killed during Monday's encounter. (Photo courtesy of 901Bde)

The chief of the 901st Infantry Brigade (901Bde) visited and conferred "wounded personnel medals" to the two soldiers who were wounded in action during an encounter with the communist New People’s Army (NPA) on July 20 in the hinterlands of Alegria, Surigao del Norte.
In a statement Wednesday, 901Bde said Col. George Banzon conferred the medals Tuesday to PFCs Kevin Cabugsa and Isagani de Guzman who are recuperating at the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City.

A female NPA rebel was killed and various high-power firearms and ammunition were recovered by the Army during Monday’s firefight in Barangay Camp Edward, Alegria.
Banzon commended the servicemen for their "heroism and bravery".

“Our injured soldiers took the risks and fought gallantly to preserve peace in Surigao del Norte. As professional soldiers, we are and will forever be grateful for their selfless service,” Banzon said.

He added that the "acts of bravery of the soldiers" serve as a reminder to all residents in the province of the peace they enjoy because of the people who are willing to sacrifice their lives.

The wounded personnel medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who are injured or killed in combat.

In an earlier statement, Lt. Col. Ryan Charles Callanta, commander of the Army's 30th Infantry Battalion that engaged the rebels, also lauded the "gallantry of the two wounded soldiers."

“The lives of our soldiers are always at stake but it is our job to protect the communities from terrorist abuse,” Callanta said.

He condoled with the family of the female NPA rebel who was killed in the encounter.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109675

Troops recover NPA arms cache in Zambo Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2020): Troops recover NPA arms cache in Zambo Norte (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



REBEL ARMS CACHE. Government troops, aided by former members of the communist New People Army, recover Tuesday (July 21, 2020 an arms cache of the rebels in Sitio Sapa Bagol, Barangay Pange, Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte. The discovery of the firearms came a day after a 10-minute firefight between government forces and the rebels in the town. (Photo courtesy of 53rd Infantry Battalion)

Government troops have recovered an arms cache of the communist terrorists New People’s Army (NPA) in a remote village in Zamboanga del Norte, military officials said Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, the Army's 53rd Infantry Battalion commander, said the arms cache containing several high-power firearms was unearthed in a follow-up operation Tuesday in Barangay Pange, Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Herrera said the troops launched the follow-up operation based on information provided by a former member of the Main Regional Guerilla Unit (MRGU) of the NPA’s Western Regional Party Committee (WMRPC).

Herrera said the discovery of the firearms was proof that many are disgruntled with the "communist terrorist NPA".

“If it's not the community, it's the former rebels who disclose the locations of their firearms. This is proof that the FRs (former rebels) are tired of the NPA atrocities and also want this insurgency to end,” he said.

The troops recovered the arms cache a day after government forces clashed with a group of rebels that led to the recovery of an M-16 Armalite rifle with several rounds of ammunition, medical supplies, personal belongings, and propaganda materials.

Lasting for 10 minutes, the clash broke out took while the troops were on combat operation Monday in the boundary of Sitios Macasing and Sinatalan, Barangay Pange, Siayan.

Meanwhile, Col. Leonel Nicolas, 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, urged the remaining members of the communist terrorist group to abandon the armed struggle.

“Many among your ranks are already seeing the light after being imprisoned in the dark for many years of deception and lies by the Communist Terrorist Groups,” Nicolas said. “Lay down your arms and allow us to help you return to your families."

On the other hand, 22 former members of the communist terrorists NPA has received Tuesday PHP20,000 initial financial assistance from the Provincial Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) committee.

Nicolas said that the former NPA rebels are now being processed for enrollment to ECLIP, which includes firearms remuneration.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109727

Zambo Norte village exec hurt in shooting incident

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2020): Zambo Norte village exec hurt in shooting incident (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



Google map of Leon Postigo town, Zamboanga del Norte.

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The police have launched an in-depth investigation to identify the riding in tandem gunmen behind the attempt to kill an elected government official in Zamboanga del Norte, an official said Wednesday.

Maj. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, identified the victim as Estrella Asman Tayrus, 47, a councilor in Barangay Tinuyop, Leon Postigo town, Zamboanga del Norte, who was shot and wounded around 4 p.m. Tuesday in a hilly area in Sitio Pitogo, Barangay Delusom, in the town.

Galvez said an investigation showed that Tayrus was riding a motorcycle on the way home when shot by one of two men riding tandem on another motorcycle that tailed the victim and her companion.

Tayrus and her companion, who was driving the motorcycle they were riding, just came from the child fund building of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) at the time of the incident, police said.

Tayrus’ companion told the police in Leon Postigo that the riding in tandem suspects turned around and sped after the incident while the barangay official was rushed to the Sindangan District Hospital, according to the police.

Galvez said that all possible motives are being looked into for the speedy solution of the case.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109739

NPA suspected of perpetrating 'mistaken identity' shooting

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2020): NPA suspected of perpetrating 'mistaken identity' shooting (By Mary Judaline Partlow)



TWIN GUNSLAY. Police authorities are eyeing the possible involvement of the New People's Army in the shooting-to-death on Tuesday (July 21, 2020) of two swine traders in Guihulngan City. City Police Chief Lt. Col. Bonifacio Tecson said it appears that the two victims were mistaken of being either police or military personnel. (Photo courtesy of M&M Radio Guihulngan)

Police investigators are eyeing the possible involvement of members of the New People’s Army (NPA) – the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) – in the shooting-to-death of two men in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental Tuesday afternoon.

Lt. Col. Bonifacio Tecson, Guihulngan City police chief, in an interview Wednesday afternoon said they already have leads that appear to point to the NPA as behind the killing of the two victims who may have been “mistaken” as either police or Philippine Army personnel.

The victims, identified by a report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) as Jimmer Fundador, of legal age and Romeo Dungo-an, 43, both swine traders, were on board their motorcycles around 2:50 p.m. when they were shot at in Sitio Mandi-e, Barangay Magsaysay.

The two were hit by bullets multiple times and were declared dead on arrival at the Guihulngan City District Hospital.

"Ug posibleng naalaan sila kay tungod sa ilang barog nga murag police o military (they were possibly victims of mistaken identity because of their physical appearance that looked like they were police or military personnel)," Tecson said.

The shooting of the two coincided with the third year anniversary of the NPA ambush-slay of then Guihulngan City police chief, Supt. Arnel Arpon, and his men, namely, non-commissioned police officers Necasio Pasculado Tabilon, Teovic Gador Agosto, Jesael Pequero Ancheta, Alvin Paul Alquizola Bulandres, and Alfredo Lastimoso Dunque.
Three other policemen, Jerome Delara, Jordan Balderas, and Jorie Maribao, were wounded in that attack, while Michael Jambalos, a civilian aide of Guihulngan Councilor Edison dela Rita, was also killed in that ambuscade.

The swine traders were also shot dead close to the area where the police personnel were ambushed and killed, Tecson said.

Recovered from the crime scene were several empty shells and cartridges of M-16, 9mm and .45-caliber firearms, he said.

Tecson said the Guihulngan City Police Station and some local officials headed by Mayor Guido Reyes held a simple ceremony including a holy mass in commemoration of the deaths of the police officers.

Meanwhile, he said his men are still probing another shooting-to-death incident in Guihulngan City on Wednesday morning.

An initial report from the NOPPO that did not yet identify the victim said that two unidentified motorcycle-riding suspects shot a 51-year-old-male in Sitio Bato, Barangay Malusay around 10:40 a.m. for a still unknown motive.

Three cartridge cases and one .45-caliber slug were recovered from the crime scene.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109772

Groups decry 'Politician of the Year' award of party-list solon

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 21, 2020): Groups decry 'Politician of the Year' award of party-list solon (By Marita Moaje)



Kabataan Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) branded as a "big mistake" the conferment of the One Young World “Politician of the Year Award” to Kabataan Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago.

"This award is, therefore, a slap on the face of the Filipino people on whom Rep. Sarah Elago has directly harmed by the violent ideology she espouses,” it said in a statement Monday.

The task force said the award "is salt rubbed in the raw wounds of mothers who roam this earth searching for children this person had a direct hand in radicalizing and who lost their way while following the lead of this terrorist group they had made the fatal mistake of joining”.

According to its website, the One Young World “Politician of the Year Award” is given to the “world's most impactful politicians using their positions to create change for young people in their communities and countries."

The NTF-ELCAC said even the best intentions can go astray, referring to the move to award Elago.

The task force said the One Young World should have asked first what kind of social change is being pushed, saying Elago is pushing "a violent and obsolete Maoist Leninist Marxist insurrectionist agenda".

It added that putting Elago along with deserving leaders is a “grave insult and horrific injustice not only to these leaders who have pushed for positive social change in their respective countries but is an affront to humanity in its entirety”.

'Unfair, painful'

Meanwhile, the Hands Off Our Children Movement, composed of parents of children supposedly recruited by militant groups, strongly condemned the conferment of the award to Elago.

"Ito ay hindi makaturangan para sa mga pamilyang nasira at mga kabataang nawasak ang kinabukasan ng dahil sa tinuturing nilang One Young World "Politician of the Year" (This is unfair for families and the future of children which were ruined by what they claim as One Young World "Politician of the Year"), it said in a separate post.

The group said it is painful for them that a person like Elago is being given this kind of recognition.

The group said while Elago created change for young people in the community, it was in a "negative way" as they were taught to fight government and turn away from their families.

“Tumatangis ang mga magulang dahil hindi nila alam kung buhay pa ba ang kanilang mga anak, mga pamilyang pinipilit maging normal ang buhay (the parents are crying because they do not even know if their children are still alive, as they strive to live a normal life),” they said.

Member-parents of the organization alleged that left-leaning organizations have recruited their children to become full-time activists.

Among the testimonies given by the group is that of Rey Christian Sabado, whom they claimed encountered Elago a number of times last year during meetings after becoming a student activist.

Sabado was caught by military troops in an operation in Samar in 2019 as an NPA member.

Therese Fuentes, a member of the group, earlier said his son, Frances Ern Mariveles, joined a militant group during his first year in college at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in 2016.

She said Frances, later, stopped schooling and left his family.

She said four years have passed and they are still looking for Frances' whereabouts.

READ: Mom decries how militant group stole her son's dream

Meanwhile, the group claimed that another student, Trisha Antoniano, has been “missing” for three years now.

The group said she was often seen with Elago during gatherings initiated by the Kabataan Party-list.

Her parents vowed to do everything to get back their daughter.

Meanwhile, Elvie Caalaman said her daughter, Lorevie, stopped schooling and left her family to go full-time in a militant organization.

READ: Activist's mom tells Kabataan: No one knows my daughter but me

The group added that Alicia Jasper Lucena, also a student, was also part of the election campaign of Elago.

The group said she eventually stopped attending school and left her family.

Her mother, Relisa Lucena, filed a writ of habeas corpus and amparo before the Supreme Court in May to get her daughter back.

READ: Mom worries about activist daughter amid Covid-19 scare

Members of the group said they broke their silence and are now fighting for their children, as they urge parents like them to keep an eye on their children and prevent them from being recruited by militant organizations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109665

PH Navy to have 3 more missile-armed MPACs by Q1 2021

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2020): PH Navy to have 3 more missile-armed MPACs by Q1 2021 (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The Philippine Navy (PN) will integrate the Rafael Advanced Defense Ltd. Spike-ER (extended range) surface-to-surface missile system on three more multi-purpose attack craft (MPAC) by the first quarter of 2021.

"The Spike-ER (missile system) will be integrated by the first quarter of 2021," Navy public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said in a message to the Philippine News Agency Tuesday night when asked for updates on the modernization project.

Roxas also confirmed that the delivery of the weapon systems is scheduled for the last quarter of this year.

The three MPACs where the Spike-ER missile system will be fitted were activated on Sept. 23, 2019, bringing the number of these attack boats in PN service to 12.

At present, three of these MPACs are now armed with Spike-ER missiles.
The Spike-ER system, which arrived in the Philippines in April 2018, is the PN's first missile weapon capable of penetrating 1,000-mm (39 inches) of rolled homogeneous armor and has a range of eight kilometers.

These MPACs are capable of running at speeds of 30 to 45 knots.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109686

8 Covid-19 positive PSG men didn’t come into contact with PRRD

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2020): 8 Covid-19 positive PSG men didn’t come into contact with PRRD (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

Eight Presidential Security Group (PSG) personnel have tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), PSG commander Col. Jesus Durante III confirmed on Wednesday.

In a press statement, Durante ensured that the eight PSG personnel infected with Covid-19 did not have any close contact with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

Durante said the infected security personnel were detailed with the office of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea who initially tested negative for Covid-19.

“The said personnel to include two officers and six enlisted personnel, are on outside duty and did not have any close contact with the President,” he said.

Durante’s announcement came just nearly a week before Duterte delivers his fifth and penultimate State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

The PSG has been on high-alert status since the country was hit by Covid-19 to ensure Duterte’s safety.

All health and safety protocols have been enforced within Malacañan Palace and other areas frequented by Duterte.

Duterte ‘safe, healthy’

Despite the latest development concerning the eight PSG personnel, Durante guaranteed that strict health and quarantine rules remain in place to make sure that Duterte stays “safe and healthy.”

“PSG also assures the public of the President’s safety despite this unfortunate situation as we continually implement the strict health protocols to our personnel and their dependents to guarantee that the President is safe and healthy,” Durante said.

Durante said PSG personnel assigned to guard Duterte are “consistently” being tested for Covid-19.

He made the assurance, as he stressed that PSG remains steadfast in being a “360-degree shield for the President and the seat of central power in the country.”

“The President’s close-in security personnel further endure being at a separated billeting area to limit their contact even from their comrades and loved ones just to lessen exposure and to ultimately ensure that they do not become the threats, themselves,” Durante said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109718

Army welcomes raps vs. cops in Sulu incident

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2020): Army welcomes raps vs. cops in Sulu incident (By Priam Nepomuceno)


File photo

The Philippine Army (PA) on Wednesday welcomed the National Bureau of Investigation's (NBI) decision to file murder and planting of evidence charges against the nine police officers involved in the shooting of four military intelligence operatives in Jolo, Sulu last June 29.

"This is a welcome development not only for the Philippine Army but also for the families of our soldiers who were murdered in cold blood. This is proof that their cry for justice is being heard, and we are confident that we will secure conviction against the perpetrators of this heinous crime," PA chief, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said in a media statement.

Gapay also lauded the NBI for its swift action on the case.

He also said the sacrifices made by these four soldiers have further fueled the PA's determination and resolve to fight terrorism.

Gapay also lauds the "exemplary professionalism" PA troops who remained steadfast, and faithful to their mandate despite the death of the four.

Killed in the June 29 incident in Jolo, Sulu were Major Marvin A. Indammog, 39; Capt. Irwin B. Managuelod, 33; Sgt. Jaime M. Velasco, 38, and Cpl. Abdal Asula, 33. The four were conducting intelligence and monitoring operations against two suspected suicide bombers when gunned down by nine Jolo police officers.

The NBI Western Mindanao filed four counts of murder and planting of evidence against Senior M/Sgt. Abdelzhimar H Padjiri, M/Sgt. Hanie U. Baddiri, S/Sgt. Iskandar I. Susulan, S/Sgt. Ernisar P. Sappal, Cpl. Sulki M. Andaki, Pat. Mohammad Nur E. Pasani, S/Sgt. Almudzrin M. Hadjaruddin, Pat. Alkajal J. Mandangan and Pat. Rajiv G. Putalan

The NBI also recommended the filing of complaints for neglect of duty against Sulu provincial police chief, Col. Michael Bawayan, Jolo police chief, Maj. Walter Annayo, and Sulu Provincial Drugs Enforcement Unit chief, Capt. Ariel Corcino.

In a summary report signed by NBI Legal Division officer-in-charge Yehlen C. Agus, the NBI said it is convinced that the nine police officers killed the Army officers.

“The 9 police officers simultaneously attacked the victims who were not given the opportunity to defend themselves,” the report read.

It added that CCTV footages and eyewitnesses’ accounts “clearly demonstrate that they executed overt acts”.

“There can be no question that the acts of the Police Officers constitute positive and overt acts towards the realization of a common criminal intent, although the intent may be classified as instantaneous,” the report said.

As recounted by the witnesses, Indammog did not carry any firearm when he alighted from the vehicle.

“Based on the additional pieces of evidence, it could be concluded that the rifle recovered near his (Indammog’s) left hand was indeed planted,” the report added.

The investigating team also agreed that failure of the Sulu Police Provincial Director, PDEU Chief, and Jolo Chief of Police to inform their subordinates of the active operation by military “constitutes gross negligence under the doctrine of command responsibility”.

The entire records of the case will be forwarded to the National Prosecution Service and the Internal Affairs Service of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said the military is "elated" to know that the third party investigation done by the NBI has been concluded and was followed by the filing of cases before the Department of Justice.

"The filing of the charges goes beyond what is apparent in the CCTV footage that recorded the incident," he said.

Probable cause was found which merited the filing of the cases of murder and planting of evidence against the accused police personnel, Arevalo said.

"We understand that in the rule of law and due process, this is for a long haul. But we are comforted to note that the first step towards the quest for justice in favor of the four slain Philippine Army soldiers was attained," he added.

Arevalo said the AFP under chief-of-staff, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. will be following intently the development of this case from the filing of the case to prosecution, and rendering of judgment.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) welcomed the NBI's move and said it is the best interest of justice to prosecute those criminally liable.

"It is in the best interest of justice to prosecute those who may be criminally liable. Under the criminal justice system and in accordance with penal laws, the respondents will be given the opportunity to answer the charges against them before the proper forum and in accordance with due process," it said in a statement.

The PNP added that it stands by the truth and will continue to be at the forefront of upholding justice for all.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109684

PH pursuing 'independent, principled' foreign policy

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2020): PH pursuing 'independent, principled' foreign policy (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The Philippines continues to observe an "independent and principled" foreign policy that serves its national interest.

This was said by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during the televised pre-SONA (state-of-the-nation-address) presentation of the Security, Peace, Justice, Cluster, which he chaired, and aired Wednesday on PTV-4.

He added that this stance allows the country to "foster respectful friendships and facilitates beneficial and meaningful cooperation and partnership with the global community."

Lorenzana also said the bilateral and multi-lateral approach, adopted by the country, in its relations with other countries, including other claimants in the West Philippine Sea, has significantly "lowered the tension and greatly helped in managing the issues" in the region.

In line with this, he said the Philippines has been actively pushing for the effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea as part of its efforts to ensure peace in the region.

"We are likewise pursuing the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea by all the claimant states. We continue to engage them in confidence-building measures," Lorenzana said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109724

Anti-terrorism law to curb, defeat terror groups: Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2020): Anti-terrorism law to curb, defeat terror groups: Lorenzana (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (Screengrab from pre-SONA forum)

The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 will allow government security forces to defeat the threats posed by terror groups, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Wednesday.

"The passage of Republic Act No. 11479, also known as Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, will greatly enable our security forces to proactively defeat and prevent terrorism," Lorenzana, chair of the Security, Peace, Justice Cluster, said in a pre-SONA briefing aired over state-run PTV-4.

He also assured the public that the newly-enacted law is aimed at curbing terrorist groups out to wreck terror and violence against the Filipino public and their communities.

Lorenzana added that they will not allow this law to be abused and used to trample human rights.

Earlier, he said fears that the law is unconstitutional and could trample on people's rights are unfounded.

"We maintain that the fears of these petitioners are unfounded. But we leave the final determination to the SC (Supreme Court) if it is constitutional or not," he added.

The law, which gives more teeth to the government’s fight against terrorism and violent extremism, has been questioned by critics, including several petitions before the SC.

While it took effect last July 18, Lorenzana said they would wait for the implementing rules and regulations (IRR), to be crafted by the Anti-Terrorism Council and the Department of Justice, before the law can be implemented.

The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 was signed last July 3.

Earlier, Senator Panfilo Lacson, author of the measure, credited President Rodrigo Duterte for his strong political will in signing the “landmark legislation” that seeks to boost the country’s drive against terrorism.

It also allows a 60-day surveillance with an allowable 30-day extension that can be conducted by the police or the military against suspected terrorists.

The law also imposes a 12-year jail term on a person who voluntarily or knowingly joins a terrorist organization.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109738

Protecting PH sovereignty, territory key goal of Duterte admin

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2020): Protecting PH sovereignty, territory key goal of Duterte admin (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Screengrab from pre-SONA forum

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday said defending the country's sovereignty and territory is a priority of President Rodrigo R. Duterte's administration.

"Defending national sovereignty and protecting territorial integrity is a paramount priority of this administration," Lorenzana, head of the Security, Justice, and Peace Cluster, said in a pre-SONA forum aired over state-run PTV-4.

Lorenzana said this is now possible as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has improved its identification, detection, and interdiction efforts through its newly-installed air defense surveillance radars along with the conduct of wider air and maritime patrols.

These efforts were further aided by the construction of additional detachments in strategic locations, he added.

With these improvements, Lorenzana said the Philippines can now monitor its airspace and maritime territories against encroachments.

He added that the country is continuing to boost its defense capabilities through the ongoing AFP Modernization Program of which the highlight for this year is the acquisition of the Navy's first-missile frigate, the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), which was commissioned last July 10 in Subic Bay, Zambales.

The ship is capable of conducting surface, sub-surface, anti-air, and electronic warfare operations.

Lorenzana also said that additional combat support aircraft are now for delivery to the Philippine Air Force within the year.

Also, AFP personnel are expected to get more training with their American counterparts as Duterte has ordered the deferment of the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States.

"This allows our Armed Forces to continue engaging the US forces in joint military exercises," he added.

The decision to suspend the abrogation of the VFA was officially communicated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to the United States Embassy in Manila on June 1.

The VFA, established in 1999, provides a framework for a defense forces cooperation that allows joint exercises between the Philippines and the US, the country's top military ally.

On February 11, the Philippine government officially sent the notice of VFA termination to the US Embassy in Manila.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109717

PH upgrading existing facilities in Kalayaan Islands: DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2020): PH upgrading existing facilities in Kalayaan Islands: DND (By Priam Nepomuceno)



UPGRADING FACILITIES. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (center) and several military officials lead the inauguration of the beaching ramp at the Pag-asa Island on June 9, 2020. In a pre-SONA forum on Wednesday (July 22, 2020), Lorenzana said these upgrades of facilities in the Kalayaan Group of Islands are aimed at improving the living conditions of Filipino troops and civilians deployed and living in these islands. (File photo)

The Philippines is now upgrading existing facilities in the nine islands that comprise the municipality of Kalayaan, with the bulk of improvements centered on Pag-asa Island.

In a pre-SONA forum aired over state-run PTV-4 Wednesday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said these upgrades are aimed at improving the living conditions of Filipino troops and civilians deployed and living in these islands.

"For the first time since the 1970s, Pag-asa Island has received major infrastructure upgrades, namely: a ship beaching ramp, and a sheltered port for our fishermen," said Lorenzana, chair of the Security, Justice, and Peace Cluster.

With the completion of these facilities, Lorenzana said it is now much easier to proceed with other projects such as the concreting of the runway (the Rancudo Airfield) and its apron and construction of other structures for the residents and troops stationed there.

Out of the seven islands and two reefs being controlled by the Philippines in the Spratlys, Pag-asa is the largest measuring 37.2 hectares.

Other Philippine possessions in the area include Likas Island which measures 18.6 hectares, Parola Island, 12.7 hectares; Lawak Island, 7.93 hectares; Kota Island, 6.45 hectares; Patag Island, 0.57; Panata Island, 0.44; Rizal and Ayungin Reefs.

Lorenzana earlier said transportation of materials needed to repair and then maintain the Rancudo Airfield will be made easier with the completion of the Pag-asa Island beaching ramp.

"Very significant (as with) the beaching ramp, we can now bring in materials, equipment to continuously repair and later on to maintain our runway (Rancudo Airfield)," he added.

Prior to the completion of the beaching ramp last June, equipment, and supplies could only be brought in by ship who have to anchor 500 meters away from the shore and transfer it to a smaller boat so that it can be carried to the island.

"So it’s very tedious (practice) and very expensive and we can only do that during calm weather," Lorenzana said.

During the "habagat" or southwest monsoon season, even fishermen are very wary to go in the area due to rough weather and large waves.

With a budget of PHP267.18 million, the construction of the beaching ramp on Pag-asa Island is one of several projects aimed at improving the living conditions of the people there.

A total of PHP1.3 billion worth of projects are also in the pipeline, including the repair and concreting of the runway that has been damaged by erosion.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1109733

PH, Japan navies simulate operations in West Philippine Sea as pressure mounts vs China

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 22, 2020): PH, Japan navies simulate operations in West Philippine Sea as pressure mounts vs China (By: Frances Mangosing)

The Philippine Navy aircraft Beechcraft C-90 conducts communication exercises with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (JMSDF) destroyer, JS Teruzuki (DD-116) in the West Philippine Sea on July 18, 2020. JMSDF

The navies of the Philippines and Japan simulated joint operations in low-key exercises in the West Philippine Sea as pressure mounted on China over its aggressive behavior in the area.

The Philippine Navy aircraft Beechcraft C-90 conducted communication exercises with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (JMSDF) destroyer, JS Teruzuki (DD-116), last July 18 to “strengthen cooperation,” JMSDF said on a Facebook post with accompanying photos.

An official privy to the one-day exercise said the drills were held near Palawan, the island province closest to the Philippine claims in the Spratly Islands.

Japan had previously donated five units of the aircraft C-90 (formerly TC-90) to the Philippine government to help the Philippines with its maritime surveillance.

After the training with the Philippine Navy, the Japanese destroyer proceeded to the Philippine Sea, doorstep to South China Sea, to hold maritime drills with American and Australian counterparts.

The US Navy’s Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group took part in the South China Sea exercises led by the USS Ronald Reagan, a nuclear-powered super carrier, which was joined by these other US warships—Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89).

The Australian Defense Force (ADF) Joint Task Group sent these warships to the exercises—HMA ships Canberra (L02), Hobart (DDG 39), Stuart (FFH 153), Arunta (FFH 151), and Sirius (O 266).

During the two-day trilateral exercise, which began July 19, the three navies conducted “integrated maritime operations in an all-domain war fighting environment.”

“The high end interoperability we enjoy with the JSMDF and ADF provides us the unique ability to meet at-sea and immediately operate at an advanced level,” said Capt. Russ Caldwell, commanding officer of the USS Antietam, which can carry two Sikorsky or Seahawk helicopters and was designed for anti-submarine warfare.

“This highlights the enduring nature of our alliances with Japan and Australia,” said Caldwell added.

Early this month, the defense chiefs of the US, Australia and Japan reaffirmed their “strong opposition” to the use of force or coercion to alter status quo and raise tensions in the South and East China Seas, where Beijing has been aggressively pushing its territorial claims.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including waters claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said China “continues to engage in systematic rule-breaking, coercion, and other malign activities, and most concerning, to me, is the People’s Liberation Army continues its aggressive behavior in the East and South China Sea.”

At an online forum hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Esper said the US military is positioning its forces to counter China’s aggressive behavior in the disputed waters.

He said that the US military would conduct more freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) to challenge Beijing’s massive territorial claims in the South China Sea.

“In 2019, we conducted the greatest number of freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea in the 40-year history of the FONOPs program, and we will keep up the pace this year,” he said

Esper’s comments on the South China Sea followed the recent statement of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declaring US rejection of China’s maritime claims in South China Sea.

“The world will not allow Beijing to treat the South China Sea as its maritime empire,” Pompeo said last week.

“America stands with our Southeast Asian allies and partners in protecting their sovereign rights to offshore resources, consistent with their rights and obligations under international law,” he said.

The US also expressed support to the 2016 South China Sea ruling at The Hague, which China refused to recognize and accept.

The decision, which was largely favorable to Manila, invalidated Beijing’s nine-dash line claims and declared it had violated the Philippines’ sovereign right to fish and explore resources in the West Philippine Sea, waters within the country’s 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea.

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/189693/ph-japan-navies-simulate-operations-in-west-philippine-sea-as-pressure-mounts-vs-china

DND reviews priorities, reallocates P19.3 B to boost COVID-19 response resources

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 22, 2020): DND reviews priorities, reallocates P19.3 B to boost COVID-19 response resources (By Martin Sadongdong)

The Department of National Defense (DND) has earmarked a total of P19.3 billion from its current budget to fund the national government’s coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response efforts.

Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

This was bared by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday in a virtual pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA) of the administration’s Security, Justice, and Peace Cluster (SJPC) which he leads as chairperson.

The forum was held ahead of President Duterte’s fifth SONA on July 27 to present the accomplishments of various government agencies in the past year.

“There is a reprogramming of budget from some projects of the DND towards the COVID campaign… COVID fund,” he told reporters during the question and answer (Q&A) portion.

For 2020, the DND has an original budget of P191.7 billion, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

He said they have already turned over the reallocated fund to the DBM.

Out of the DND’s P19.3-billion reallocated fund, about P9.4 billion was originally intended for the second horizon of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP), P9.7 billion came from the capital outlay, while some P125 million came from the DND’s maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE).

https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/22/dnd-reviews-priorities-reallocates-p19-3-b-to-boost-covid-19-response-resources/

NPA rebel in Sierra Madre yields to authorities

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 21, 2020): NPA rebel in Sierra Madre yields to authorities

GAPAN CITY –– A member of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to combined military and police forces here on Monday, authorities said.

The former rebel, who reportedly belonged to the Platoon Uno of the Kilusang Larangang Gerilya in the Sierra Madre, brought with him an explosive, a rifle grenade, and an NPA manual when he surrendered to the government.

The man’s surrender was facilitated by the government’s combined armed forces in line with the Duterte administration’s program under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

The former rebel is set to benefit from the government’s enhanced comprehensive local integration program or E-CLIP.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1309890/npa-rebel-in-sierra-madre-yields-to-authorities