Marine detachment itinayo ng AFP sa Fuga Island

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12, 2020): Marine detachment itinayo ng AFP sa Fuga Island (By Mark Djeron C. Tumabao)

Itinaas ang bandila ng Pilipinas kamakailan sa Fuga Island na pinangunahan ni Col. Simplitius Adecer PN (M), ang deputy commander for Marine Operations ng NFNL, at commander ng Naval Task Force 12 (NTF 12). (Litrato ng Nolcom)

APARRI, Cagayan, Aug. 12 (PIA) - - -Nagtayo ang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ng marine detachment nitong ika-7 ng Agosto sa Fuga Island, ang pangalawang pinaka-hilagang isla ng Pilipinas na bahagi ng Babuyan Archipelago.

Ayon kay Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Spokesperson Maj. Ericson Bulosan, ang nasabing detachment ay kabibilangan ng sheltered pier, naval station, at 20 ektaryang littoral monitoring station para mabantayan ng husto ang hilagang teritoryo ng bansa.

Ayon pa kay Bulosan, nakumpleto na ng Nolcom sa pamamagitan ng Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) ang Marine detachment noong nakaraang linggo.

Sa parehas na okasyon ay itinaas din ang bandila ng Pilipinas na pinangunahan ni Col. Simplitius Adecer PN (M), ang deputy commander for Marine Operations ng NFNL, at commander ng Naval Task Force 12 (NTF 12).

Ang Fuga Island ayon kay Bulosan ay may air strip at ang lokasyon nito ay malapit sa mga fiber-optic cables sa karagatan na ginagamit sa internet at komunikasyon na nag-uugnay sa Pilipinas sa Mainland Asia.

Dagdag ni Bulosan na patuloy din ang pagtatayo ng NOLCOM, NFNL, at Philippine Coast Guard ng mga Flag markers at light house sa mga isla sa Cagayan, Batanes, at Babuyan Group of Islands para masigurado na mabantayan ang maritime at sovereign territory ng bansa. (MDCT with reports from Leo Sarne /PIA-2)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050125

Ifugao, PA break ground for construction of P110-M road

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12, 2020): Ifugao, PA break ground for construction of P110-M road (By Liza Agoot)



GROUNDBREAKING. The provincial government of Ifugao and the 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army will jointly undertake the construction of the 4.4-kilometer road project in Asipulo Ifugao. The project will connect Sitio Nangkatengey and Numpaling in Namal which are vegetable producing areas. (Photo courtesy of 5ID) 

The provincial government of Ifugao and the 5th Infantry Division (5ID) of the Philippine Army (PA) will jointly implement the construction of a road in a remote village in Asipulo, Ifugao, the military said on Tuesday.

Maj. Noriel Tayaben, division public affairs officer, in a press release sent on Tuesday said the groundbreaking on Monday and the signing of the Memorandum of Partnership Agreement (MOPA) will commence the construction of the 4.4-kilometer farm-to-market road (FMR) at Namal, Asipulo, Ifugao.

Tayaben said Barangay Namal is a far-flung mountainous village which formerly was a stronghold of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), particularly under the Kilusang Larangan Gerilya (KLG) Ifugao.

The said barangay was cleared by the 54th Infantry Battalion (54IB) under the 5ID from the influence of the NPA which led to the dismantling of the KLG Ifugao and was turned over to the Provincial and Municipal Task Forces to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF/MTF ELCAC) for the development of the area.

Grace Tayaban, Namal barangay captain, said their place is an agricultural community, and vegetable farming is the primary source of income of the people.

She said the project will connect Sitio Nangkatengey and Numpaling in Namal to the road system.

"This project of the government will surely improve the lives (of) people and help in the development of my barangay," Tayaban said.

She also thanked the military for ousting the NPA and clearing their village of the influence of the communist terrorists.

In the MOPA, the 5ID will help the provincial government of Ifugao in the construction of the farm-to-market road by providing manpower and equipment that will augment the manpower and equipment of the provincial government.

The 513th Engineering Construction Battalion will be the unit of the Philippine Army that will help in the road construction.

Governor Jerry Dalipog urged his townmates to support the programs of the PTF/MTF ELCAC in order to sustain the peace and usher in development for the province.
He said the aim of the provincial government is to fast-track the construction of the FMR to facilitate the development of the place and improve the lives of the people.

Dalipog also thanked the 5ID for responding to his request to help in the construction of the road.

The MOPA was signed by 5ID commander Brig. Gen. Laurence Mina, Governor Dalipog, and Asipulo Mayor Armando Domilod.

Mina said that development in the area will insulate the people from the influence of the communist terrorists.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111964

5 ASG 'supporters' nabbed in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12, 2020): 5 ASG 'supporters' nabbed in Sulu (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



Google map of Jolo, Sulu province.

Government troops apprehended five alleged supporters of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the province of Sulu, military officials said Wednesday.

Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said identified the suspects as Alsamer Kasim, 26; Kasmer Kasim, 18; Kerwin Asjada, 25; Denrasher Ahadan Avestruz, 18; and Sulmeser Kasim, 22.

They were apprehended by a team of military and police personnel around 1:09 a.m. Monday in Barangay Busbus, Jolo, Sulu.

“Troops were acting on a report received of the presence of Mundi Sawadjaan roaming around in Busbus accompanied by armed group,” Vinluan said.

He said the suspects yielded several firearms and ammunition.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, attributed the arrest of the five suspects to the good coordination between the troops of Joint Task Force Sulu, Metro Jolo Inter-Agency Task Group, and the residents in the area.

“This is a clear manifestation that if we work together, we will surely reap better results. Rest assured that we will never stop supporting other law enforcement agencies in all their endeavors,” Sobejana said.

The suspects were turned over to Jolo municipal police station for filing of appropriate charges.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111992

Youth, kin of ASG surrenderers undergo computer skills training

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12, 2020): Youth, kin of ASG surrenderers undergo computer skills training (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



COMPUTER SKILLS. Trainees and soldiers harvest some 70 kilos of Bottle Gourd from the Demo Farm of the Army's 64th Infantry Battalion in Sumisip, Basilan province, on Tuesday (Aug. 11, 2020). The battalion shared the vegetables to the 20 youths and dependents of Abu Sayyaf Group surrenderers, who are undergoing a two-month Basic Computer Literacy Program that kicked off Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 64th Infantry Battalion)

The Army’s 64th Infantry Battalion (IB) launched a two-month Basic Computer Literacy Program in Basilan province to draw away the youth from violent extremism, an official said Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Renante Besa, 64IB commander, said the program that kicked-off Tuesday is being held in Barangay Tumahubong, Sumisip, Basilan.

Besa said 15 young people and five dependents of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) surrenderers joined the program.
The program is also in support of the government’s campaign in educating the youth under the “new normal,” Besa said, adding the participants will be taught on basic computer operations as well as hardware maintenance and troubleshooting.

Besa said the program also prepares students for employment with computer literacy, as one of the competencies required, and insulate the youth from violent extremism.

“This action promotes and encourages the youths to enjoin us as catalysts of change and unity,” he said.

Meanwhile, the participants got fresh vegetables that were harvested from the 64IB’s Demo Farm in Barangay Tumahubong, Sumisip.

Besa said they harvested Tuesday some 70 kilos of Bottle Gourd from the Demo Farm that was established by the battalion in partnership with the Sumisip CARES Program and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112020

TESDA conducts training in Antique’s CNT-affected area

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12, 2020): TESDA conducts training in Antique’s CNT-affected area (By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay)



TRAINING FOR PEACE-BUILDING. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Regional Director Gaspar Gayona speaks before recipients of the house wiring training in CNT-affected area in Barangay Cabladan, Sibalom town on Aug. 6, 2020. The training is part of the campaign to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), wherein TESDA is the chair of the Livelihood, Poverty Reduction and Employment Cluster. (Photo courtesy of TESDA Antique)

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has brought skills training to a village in Sibalom town considered as a Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) affected area.

TESDA Antique provincial director Rick Abraham, in an interview Tuesday, said TESDA began its house wiring installation training in the remote sitio of Apong, in Barangay Cabladan on August 6. The area was monitored to have the presence of CNTs.

“TESDA Regional Director Gaspar Gayona went to Sitio Apong last August 6 for public consultation and the start of the training with 25 scholars,” he said.

He said the scholars are residents of Sitio Apong who wanted to learn how to do house wiring installation since there is no barangay electrician in the community.

He said TESDA will be coordinating with the Antique Electric Cooperative (Anteco) if they could prioritize hiring the scholars after the completion of their 10-day training.

The lone electric distributor in the province can deploy them as barangay electricians in their community and other neighboring barangays in the municipality.

“The scholars will be given Certificate of Training by TESDA after their training,” he said.

Abraham said the training is part of the campaign to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) wherein TESDA is chair of the Livelihood, Poverty Reduction and Employment Cluster.

After the training, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the province will provide scholars with installation kits that they cand use for their livelihood.

Meantime, the provincial government through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) will also be offering training on dressmaking for other interested residents of the barangay.

“The Department of Trade and Industry will also provide sewing machines to the trainees after their dressmaking training,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111888

PH Navy says won't fire 'first shot' despite provocations in WPS

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12, 2020): PH Navy says won't fire 'first shot' despite provocations in WPS (By Priam Nepomuceno)



The Philippine Navy (PN) will not fire the first shot and is willing to resolve issues through peaceful means despite provocative actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), its chief said on Tuesday.

"The one who fires the first shot loses public support because in so many of our engagements, we (reiterated that) we should resolve our issues through peaceful means," Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said in an interview with reporters.

One of the provocative incidents he was referring to involved the anti-submarine corvette BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39), which was allegedly targeted by the fire-control system of the Chinese People's Liberation Army - Navy corvette it encountered while patrolling off at the Kalayaan Island Group last February 17.

"Remember the February incident with (BRP) Conrado Yap where they pointed their fire-control system in the direction of (BRP) Conrado Yap? That is an example. That is actually a provoking action. That is a provoking action from one Navy ship to another Navy ship. So if let's say, worst(-case) scenario that there was an actual conflict or firing of the first shot, that is a very unpopular move," Bacordo said.

Other provocative actions of the Chinese include its ships getting too close to replenishment civilian vessels, he added.

Bacordo, however, said the decision to fire or not is a judgment call of the commander of the PN vessel.

"That's a judgment call already so you can invoke self-defense, or unit self-defense in that case, that's a different story. So again, that's why (ship) commanding officers before they reach that position, they (must) have spent several years (on) sea duty," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111877

Navy contingent lauded for Covid-19 containment efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12, 2020): Navy contingent lauded for Covid-19 containment efforts (By Priam Nepomuceno)



VISIT TO TROOPS. Naval Task Group - National Capital Region (NTG-NCR) commander, Marine Col. Noel Beleran (left), visits troops deployed to various quarantine checkpoints in Metro Manila and nearby areas on Tuesday (Aug. 11, 2020). Some 300 Navy personnel were redeployed to checkpoints as Metro Manila and nearby Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal reverted to the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from August 4 to 18 to stem the rise in the number of Covid-19 infections. (Photo courtesy of the Naval Public Affairs Office)

Newly-appointed Naval Task Group - National Capital Region (NTG-NCR) commander, Marine Col. Noel Beleran, on Tuesday visited Philippine Navy (PN) troops deployed to checkpoints in Cavite, Las Piñas, Alabang, and Marikina and lauded their efforts in helping the government contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a statement, Beleran praised the Navy personnel for their “dedication and sacrifices for the good of humanity by sharing the responsibility and burden of helping the government in its program to address the increasing number of Covid-19 cases by strictly implementing the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) guidelines and protocols.”

Such visits also aim to boost the morale of Navy personnel stationed in various quarantine-controlled areas.

Some 300 Navy personnel were deployed to checkpoints again following the reimposition of the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in the NCR and the nearby provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal from August 4 to 18 to stem the rise in the number of Covid-19 infections.

Beleran recently took over the helm of the NTG-NCR from Navy Capt. Lemuel Espartinez.

The NTG-NCR is at the forefront of the Navy's Covid-19 task force in Metro Manila.

While calling the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic a challenge, he said that as members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, they must do everything they can to help minimize, if not completely arrest, the spread of the virus.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111961

No Duterte intervention in Echanis’ case: Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12, 2020): No Duterte intervention in Echanis’ case: Palace (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)



Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque (File photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte cannot intervene in the case of slain National Democratic Front (NDF) consultant Randall Echanis, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

In an interview with CNN Philippines’ The Source, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte would leave it to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a probe into the killing of Echanis.

“It’s being investigated now. It’s not just the police investigating it. It’s the NBI now, through the Department of Justice,” Roque said. “It’s very difficult for anyone, including the President, to interfere. So he will allow the process to continue.”

He issued the statement after Echanis’ widow, Erlinda, urged Duterte to intervene in the case of her husband.

Echanis and his neighbor, Louie Tagapia, were found dead inside the peasant leader’s apartment in Novaliches, Quezon City early Monday morning.

A police report said Echanis had multiple stab wounds on different parts of his body, while Tagapia sustained a head wound.

Besides the stab wounds, Echanis’ body bore torture marks and gunshot wounds, his wife said.

The Quezon City Police District identified Echanis as a certain Manuel Santiago, based on the identification card recovered from the crime scene.

Echanis’ wife, however, positively identified her husband’s body.

Due to the confusion, the NBI was directed on Tuesday to carry out a separate investigation to determine the identity of the person slain in Quezon City.

Roque said Duterte would let the PNP and NBI exercise their independence as they conduct a probe into Echanis’ killing.

“Because there are questions about the identity, we now have the modern technology that will guide us,” he said. “I think the President, as a lawyer, will allow investigators to proceed.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111969

AFP chief only wants to protect socmed from terror infiltration

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12, 2020): AFP chief only wants to protect socmed from terror infiltration (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Major Gen. Benedict Arevalo, AFP Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations. (PNA File photo)

The suggestion of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, to regulate social media was only meant to protect the platform from the infiltration of terrorist groups that could use it as an avenue in furthering their violent goals.

This, according to AFP Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations, Major Gen. Benedict Arevalo, in an interview over DWDD Tuesday.

He added that Gapay's suggestions to have social media regulated stemmed from the five-month Battle of Marawi where the terrorist groups managed to get support locally and abroad using the above-mentioned platform.

"Through social media, these terrorist groups were able to get support and reinforcement inside and outside the country. Due to this, a lot of civilians, soldiers, police were killed while thousands of others wounded and a lot of properties were destroyed in the conflict," Arevalo said in Filipino,

Gapay, he said, is only taking precautions should terrorist groups make use of this tactic to sow terror and violence again.

He added that this shows Gapay's concern for the well-being of the country's soldiers and citizens and has no wish of suppressing the rights of those using the various social media.

"The only goal of the AFP chief is to protect the citizenry so have faith in your AFP to serve and protect and always keep your minds open," he added.

Earlier, AFP spokesperson Marine Major Gen. Edgard Arevalo said by "regulating", Gapay is looking for the need to explore mechanisms by which would ensure that social media will not be used as a convenient tool to promote terrorism, recruit new members, solicit and generate financial, logistical, and material support from domestic and foreign sources.

He added that if Gapay was to give his inputs to the implementing rules and regulations for Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, the AFP chief is aware that the military is just one among other agencies to be consulted and his view is subject to constitutional limitations, existing laws, and regulations.

"The AFP assures the public that it will not curtail and instead protect the people’s right to free speech, assembly, and redress of grievances as enshrined in the Constitution," Arevalo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111989

AFP vows to help civilians trapped in crossfires on IHL Day

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12, 2020): AFP vows to help civilians trapped in crossfires on IHL Day (By Priam Nepomuceno)



AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay. (File photo)

As the country celebrates International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Day on Wednesday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it will continue to protect civilians caught in armed conflicts.

"We will continue to carry out our duties and responsibilities to protect our citizens caught in the middle of armed conflicts and assure total respect to their human rights as stipulated in the International Humanitarian Law," said AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said in a statement.

Executive Order No. 134, s. 1999 declares every August 12 as IHL Day to enhance the understanding of and enforce the adherence of public officials and law enforcement agencies to the principles of IHL.

The Philippines is a party to the Four Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 and accepts direct responsibility for the application of IHL.

"We likewise echo this year's theme, 'Preserving Human Dignity in Times of Armed Conflict: A Shared Human Responsibility' and pledge our support both as soldiers and citizens of this democratic country to this end," Gapay added.

As part of the month-long celebration, the AFP lined up a series of activities aimed at enhancing the understanding of the principles of IHL of its officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees.

This includes a webinar on IHL and a talk show with regional commanders and the chief of the AFP Human Rights Office.

Likewise, the AFP will also host a symposium with the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, state prosecutors, and members of the media.

"Our efforts to inculcate the values enshrined in the Geneva Conventions and the Republic Act 9851 will continue to dictate our focused military operations and ensure our full adherence to the principles of IHL and rule of law," Gapay said.

Meanwhile, the AFP condemned the communist terrorist group for its continued atrocities against civilians and non-combatants.

The AFP has recorded a total of 104 IHL and human rights violations committed by CTGs from January to June this year including the use of improvised explosive devices, recruitment of minors, attack on humanitarian activity, and attack on schools and civilians and their property.

"We join every Filipino in their call for just and lasting peace, an end to decades-old violence, and the complete victory against the New People's Army and its front organizations that continue to exploit and put the lives of innocent people at risk," Gapay said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112013

Manobos decry misrepresentation by Bayan Muna, other groups

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12, 2020): Manobos decry misrepresentation by Bayan Muna, other groups (By Marita Moaje)


File photo

Leaders of the Manobo tribe in Mindanao on Wednesday condemned the alleged misrepresentation, false claims and the use of the indigenous peoples (IPs) by Save our Schools group and Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Cullamat.

In a statement, IP Mandatory Representatives of Surigao del Sur, Datu Jomar Bucales and Datu Rico Maca, said Cullamat and Bayan Muna together with other alleged leftist groups like Katribu, PASAKA, and Karapatan are allegedly spreading false reports and disinformation and continue to misrepresent the “true” IPs.

These groups, they said, raise and solicit funds from different international organizations on behalf of the IPs, but these same funds are allegedly being used to buy weapons to kill them.

They said if these groups really wanted to help them, they should talk with them.

“Kung gusto ninyo mutabang, dinhi mo sa amoa sa ancestral domain. Atubangi mi ug making istorya mo sa amua. Dili mo magbakak sa ngalan namo ug mangayo ug pondo o kwarta diha sa laing mga tawo ug grupo (If you want to help, be with us here in the ancestral domain. Face us and talk to us. Do not deceive people, claiming to speak on our behalf, that this is our situation and then ask for funds from other people or groups),” Maca said.

He said these groups pass on the blame to the government when it is actually their groups who are killing and suppressing the IPs.

Maca said recently, they were able to talk with the United Nations through UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Francisco Cali Tzay and UN Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzales, saying they relayed to them their actual situation, including challenges they face in their ancestral domains.

“We are happy that the United Nations last week has listened and talked to us about these personalities and groups that continue to kill and abuse the tribes but who are the same people who claim to help us. They use us in asking for funds and support allegedly for us. Do not believe these people. Do not listen to them. They are impostors who use and kill us, tribes,” Maca said in their local language.

Meanwhile, Bucales said they are asking the UN and the public not to listen to these groups who claim to be helping them and speaking on their behalf.

Bucales said they were also deceived and believed them.

“Kami nituo sad sa ilaha. Kami pa nagbuhat aning mga Lumad nga eskwelahan. Amo pud gipasara kay gina tudluan nila ang mga bata na mag rebelde sa mga tawo ug gobyerno ug musapi sa NPA (We also believed them. We even built the Indigenous Peoples 'Lumad' schools. But we also closed these schools because they taught our children to rebel against the people and the government and to join the New People’s Army),” he said.

The two Datus called on Cullamat and the other groups to stop using IPs and face them instead.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112072

India and the South China Sea: What the Philippines can Expect

From the Geopolitical Monitor (Aug 10): India and the South China Sea: What the Philippines can Expect (By Joshua Bernard B. Espeña)

On 2 July 2020, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenza said that India intends to increase its Freedom of Navigation (FON) activities in the South China Sea (SCS). This adds to the pushback against China’s dominance of the disputed waters of the South China Sea. Lorenzana welcomes Indian presence in the SCS as the Philippines tries to carve diversified actions to prevent China from dominating the said area.

But what should the Philippines actually expect from India’s desire for increased FON in the SCS?

India’s ‘Act East’ policy was primarily inspired to balance against China. Yet, Prime Minister Modi has maintained reservations over the costs and benefits of the endeavor. But following the June 2020 border clash between India and China at the Line of Actual of Control (LAC) of the Ladakh region, India has formed a game-changing resolve against the Chinese threat. One result has been its gravitation toward the United States and its Japanese and Australian allies through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue – or the Quad.

The United States has become increasingly assertive against Chinese revisionism in the Indo-Pacific. On 13 July 2020, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that the United States would not allow China to treat the South China Sea as its “maritime empire,” thus casting Washington as the leading defender of the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal decision. On July 17, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that the South China Sea is “part of the global commons” and that the Indian government stands for FON. Under the Quad format, India has entered into deeper intelligence-sharing and intensified naval exercises to challenge Chinese activities in the Indo-Pacific.

Aside from its support for FON and ongoing sea lane access, India has vested interests in the South China Sea, notably its oil exploration project with Vietnam in the Spratly Islands since 2013. China has repeatedly rejected this exploration arguing for its historic rights. Since then, India and Vietnam have maintained close contact in monitoring Chinese incursions in the area.

With India leaning toward the Quad and its stand for the South China Sea, Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, cannot expect a free lunch from India. The Philippines can expect both benefits and costs concerning its interests in the South China Sea.

On the one hand, the Indian stance in favor of FON provides a legal multiplier for Manila concerning the 2016 Arbitral Ruling. But this is difficult for the meantime as long as Duterte remains in office. The Philippines has set aside the 2016 Arbitral Ruling for a promised joint oil and natural gas exploration with China. But this prospect, as well as other investments, have yet to materialize.

On the other hand, India’s interest in joint exploration with Vietnam puts the Philippines at a disadvantage. While the 2016 Arbitral Ruling is an exclusive award given to Manila over Beijing, other states have adopted it for their own self-interests, thanks to Duterte’s ongoing appeasement of China.

Even the ASEAN Code of Conduct (COC) is unlikely to work out for the Philippines since China remains the most powerful state at the negotiating table. Meanwhile, the Philippines’ Malampaya Gas Field is yet to yield optimum results in securing national energy interests. The energy security plan became yet more endangered when Duterte’s China-friendly ally Dennis Uy seized a forty-five per cent ownership stake of said gas field.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) remains relatively weak in terms of defending Manila’s sovereign claims in the SCS against harassment directed at vessels and Filipino fishermen, despite the arrival of its new vessels. Moreover, Duterte’s command guidance has made things worse by disseminating defeatist narratives toward China. In this regard, the AFP’s external defense mission would be rendered nearly useless – in spirit – given the prevalence of Chinese grey zone operations.

In spite of this, all is not lost for the Philippines. For such a time, the Philippine defense concept is tied with its security alliance with the US. Even though Duterte has made remarks about ending the alliance, the AFP has expressed disapproval. Duterte’s threat to end the 1997 Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) has also been suspended in the meantime due to ‘developments’ that occurred in the region.

As for India’s increased FON activities, their effect would be negligible for now as India is already spread thin in its own backyard. But these limits can be mitigated by the Quad’s involvement – and the Philippines would have to watch for such a development. While the Quad is yet to conduct FON in the SCS, the possibility is nevertheless there.

To avoid the tragedy of Chinese revisionism and complex Indian entanglement in the South China Sea, the Philippines would have to affirm its relations with the Quad – especially its US ally – in the post-Duterte era. Manila’s National Security Policy (NSP) 2017-2022 insists that the defense of Philippine claims in the South China Sea includes developing capability and increasing its network with allies and partners. Accordingly, the Quad can provide Manila with equibalancing against Beijing while limiting any potential interference from Quad powers.

https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/india-and-the-south-china-sea-what-the-philippines-can-expect/

CPP/NPA-Eastern Visayas: On the NPA defensive in San Jose de Buan, Western Samar

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 8, 2020): On the NPA defensive in San Jose de Buan, Western Samar

KARLOS MANUEL

NPA-EASTERN VISAYAS

EFREN MARTIRES COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

AUGUST 11, 2020

The New People’s Army in Eastern Visayas (Efren Martires Command or EMC) today reports that an NPA unit was raided by troops under the 87th Infantry Battalion last July 29 near Sitio Salvacion, Barangay San Nicolas, San Jose de Buan, Western Samar.

The said NPA unit was able to retaliate with gunfire. The firefight lasted for 30 minutes before Red fighters retreated to safety, with only one suffering slight injuries. Enemy troops confiscated three M-16 rifles, two KG rifles, and electronic gadgets, among others.

The enemy’s strike operation is part of the massive combat operations by up to seven combat units of the 8th Infantry Division in San Jose de Buan and nearby towns of Matuguinao, San Jorge, Motiong, Paranas, and Can-avid in Eastern Samar, which began since the last week of May. Fascist AFP troops have been encamped inside dozens of barrios including Sitio Salvacion to conduct combat-intelligence-psychological warfare operations against the masses. They have illegally arrested peasants, harassed and forced residents to surrender as members of the NPA, and let their speakers blare with anti-communist propaganda. In less than a month, they fired at least 88 bullets of mortar towards the local peasants’ farmlands without hitting a single Red fighter and risking injuring individuals and damaging civilian property.

The 8th ID was also enlisted to conduct clearing operations for a large-scale mining project for bauxite by companies under Marcventures Holdings Incorporated. Dozens of barrios within the militarized towns are part of this project. The large scale miners enlisted the military’s help because they know that the residents can launch a mass campaign to prevent the project from causing irreversible ecological destruction and displacement of their livelihood.

In this light, the EMC vehemently denies the allegation of the AFP that the NPA unit was “extorting money and food supply” at the time of the raid. This malicious and oft-recycled lie is an attempt to try and cover up their intensified military operations and human rights violations in the area. Commanders Lt. Col. Reynaldo Balido Jr. of the 87th IB and Maj. Gen. Pio Diñoso III of the 8th ID must be denounced for this regurgitation and for twisting and exaggerating the details of the military action.

This latest defensive will not deter the NPA in Western Samar and elsewhere in Eastern Visayas from continuing to defend the people from the fascist attacks of the AFP and from upholding the policy of the revolutionary movement against large-scale and destructive mining.#

https://cpp.ph/statement/on-the-npa-defensive-in-san-jose-de-buan-western-samar/

WESTMINCOM: 5 LTG supporters nabbed in Sulu

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 11, 2020):  5 LTG supporters nabbed in Sulu

Combined elements of the 35th Infantry Battalion and the PNP apprehended five local terrorist group supporters in Busbus, Jolo, Sulu at 1:09 a.m., August 11, 2020.

“Troops were acting on a report received of the presence of Mundi Sawadjaan roaming around in Busbus accompanied by armed group,” said Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, JTF Sulu Commander.

While conducting clearing operations on the said barangay, operating troops apprehended Alsamer Kasim, 26; Kasmer Kasim, 18; Kerwin Asjada, 25; Denrasher Ahadan Avestruz, 18; and Sulmeser Kasim, 22.

Seized from said personalities were one G1 rifle, one Cal. 45, one shotgun, one M14 rifle, one Cal. 30mm LMG, and nine M4 long empty magazines.

“This accomplishment is attributed to the troops of JTF Sulu, Metro Jolo Interagency Task Group, barangay officials of Busbus, and the peace-loving Joloanos,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom Commander.

“This is a clear manifestation that if we work together, we will surely reap better results. Rest assured that we will never stop supporting other law enforcement agencies in all their endeavors,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.

Apprehended individuals were properly turned over to Jolo MPS for proper disposition.

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6th Infantry Division - Kampilan 601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade 602nd "Liberator" Brigade 603 Persuader Brigade 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Unang Marinong Brigada Team Tabak Joint Task Force Basilan HARIBON TEAM Magbalantay Cmo11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers" 2MBde Red Shield Gagandilan Siete 1102 Infantry "ganarul" Brigade 1st BCT Aegis Kwatromarinobrigada Sulu Jtf Tawi Tawi IndomalphiJoint Task Force Zamboanga Joint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual Center Unbeatable Ranger Battalion Matatag Battalion Tow Westmin Cmo Tow Westmin Pio Naval Forces Western Mindanao Cmou Western Mindanao Katapatan Pangkatihan-Dagatan 33rd Infantry Makabayan Battalion 57th Infantry Masikap Battalion 1st Mechanized Lakan Battalion 90th Infantry Bigkis Lahi Battalion Seventh Infantry Tapat Battalion Reliablecmo R Section BlackHawk Redskin 37IB - Conqueror Battalion 40 Infantry "Magiting" Battalion 2nd Mechanized Infantry-MAKASAGBattalion OnlyOurBest MbltFive 38th Infantry We Clear Battalion @Arvin John Gullos Encinas Breathe Heart Ruel Casanes Ar-ar Galvez Afman Rosales Jr. Antriosanjh Espenida NeneaSancus Princy Necessitas La Independencia Filipinas

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/a.532970753511652/1816027001872681/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/

AFP-CRS: Army rescues abandoned female NPA in Zamboanga del Norte clash

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 11, 2020): Army rescues abandoned female NPA in Zamboanga del Norte clash

ABANDONED FEMALE NPA. An 18 year old, female member of the Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) was rescued by the Army’s 97th Infantry KALASAGLAHI Battalion (97IB) after being wounded during an armed clash at Sitio Kasong, Barangay Midatag, Leon B Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3532047546813944/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/