Ex-rebel gets Sara Duterte as godmother to son

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 24, 2021): Ex-rebel gets Sara Duterte as godmother to son (By Che Palicte)

GOOD MOM. Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte (left) becomes one of the godparents of Amir Vlad Paglaum, son of Ariane Jane Ramos, alias Marikit, during the baby's dedication on Tuesday (Nov. 23, 2021). Duterte advised the former communist rebel to raise her children to be God-fearing, kind and humble. (Photo courtesy of I-docu by John Paul Seniel)

Mayor Sara Z. Duterte on Tuesday urged former New People’s Army (NPA) leader Ariane Jane Ochate Ramos alias Marikit to be a good mother and raise God-fearing, kind, and humble children, one of whom just became the chief executive's godson.

Duterte accepted a request to be a godparent of Amir Vlad Paglaum Ramos, the son of the former secretary of Guerrilla Front 55, Sub-Regional Committee 5, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

“It is a great honor to be chosen as a godparent of Amir Vlad Paglaum Ramos, the daughter of Ariane Ramos who used to be in the mountains and fighting for the government. Your children are your contribution to the world and I hope that you make sure that they will be productive citizens in the future,” she said in her speech during the dedication day of Baby Amir at the 1003rd Infantry Brigade.

Duterte thanked Marikit for helping the government in expanding the services to the people in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

“I was overjoyed when their family agreed to include the name 'Paglaum' as my suggestion. Paglaum means hope because each child is a blessing and hope for a better future,” she added.

Duterte also thanked the parents of Marikit for choosing her as one of Amir’s godparents.

“To the parents of Ariane, you raised your daughter well as she was able to teach the world the issues in our society and she was able to strongly point that out to the entire country. And now, we hope that she will be able to strongly help in providing solutions in the things she pointed out,” she added.

She also commended Marikit for being a strong woman.

“Be proud of her because she is a very strong woman and through your guidance, she will be able to help the country,” Duterte said.

Meanwhile, Marikit thanked Duterte for suggesting Paglaum to be part of her son’s name as she hoped that she will build a bright future and hope for her children.

“As a mother, I want a good and bright future for my children. One of the reasons I why joined the armed struggle before is because I believe that I’ll be a part to create a new society for the children. Now that I surrendered, I saw a much brighter future for my children, and it's very overwhelming with the support of the 1003rd Brigade commander Col. Consolito Yecla and 10th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr.,” she said.

Marikit, who was pregnant at that time, surrendered to the military in Pikit, North Cotabato in August this year.

Marikit was among the NPA leaders who surrendered to the government this year along with Pedro Arnado, chairperson of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas-SMRC and national treasurer; Ruel Dum-ogan alias Regan, commanding officer of HQ Force Neo, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, and his wife DN Saritao of the same unit.

On the other hand, Torres said he felt privileged and grateful for being chosen as a godparent, alongside Duterte.

"I can say that he, Paglaum, will truly bring hope in achieving just and lasting peace not only in Davao Region where Arian (alias Marikit) operated before but to the whole country as well. He is our living proof that ending this insurgency is possible. The event today is more than just a dedication of Paglaum, it carries with it a message of care, commitment, and hope. Genuine care for those who need to be nurtured. An expression of commitment from government officials, security sector, and the former rebels to work together for a better country," he said.

"And a message of hope for a lasting peace na may Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na pamumuhay ang bawat Pilipino.
With the harmonious relationship established with our former rebels and with the bond that we have formed through our love of God and country, we will surely achieve victory as a nation against the Communist Terrorist Group,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160719

2 IP centenarians sign up as citizens in NoCot ELCAC villages

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 24, 2021): 2 IP centenarians sign up as citizens in NoCot ELCAC villages (By John Andrew Tabugoc)

REGISTERED CENTENARIANS. Apo Sabas, 116, in traditional tribal costume, meets with North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco (right in white) during the Barangayan Serbisyo Caravan of the provincial government in remote Barangay Kulaman Valley, Arakan on Tuesday (Nov. 23). where he availed of the late birth registration service. Another centenarian, 112-year-old Apo Andaiz of Barangay San Miguel also availed of the same service last November 18 in the same town. (Photos courtesy of North Cotabato PIO)

ARAKAN, North Cotabato – Some two centenarians in separate remote indigenous villages here have availed of the late birth registration service offered by the provincial government through its “Barangayan Serbisyo Caravan” program.

James Labiano, the focal person of the “Serbisyo Caravan,” said Wednesday the program aims to bring government services to the periphery of the community, particularly the indigenous peoples (IPs), to provide access to government services.

On Tuesday, Apo Sabas, a 116-year-old member of the Bagobo Tagabawa-Matagsilog IP community, was able to process his birth registration through the personnel of the Municipal Civil Registry Office and the Philippine Statistics Authority who joined the service caravan.

He is one of the 191 residents who were able to process their birth certificates in Barangay Kulaman Valley, a former conflict-affect area, and one of the identified recipients of the End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) next year.

“This is proof that we met the purpose of driving this effort to far-flung villages to reach people with less access and capability in processing these basic services of the government,” Labiano said.

He added that Sabas, who was born on Dec. 16, 1904, is set to receive his first Philippine Statistics Authority authenticated birth registration next week.

Speaking in slow Tagabawa language, Sabas said: “As much as we wanted to go to the town center to register, but our limited knowledge and distance gave us the difficulty of processing our necessary (birth registration) documents.”

“But now I am happy for being a registered citizen” Sabas added as he thanked the government program.

Sabas and 121 Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) recipients also registered their names with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.

Around 104 IPs were given their first dose of the Sinovac vaccine following the thorough information campaign by local health authorities.

Last week, Labiano said Apo Andaiz, a 112-year-old resident of Barangay San Miguel, another ELCAC community, also processed his papers for late birth registration through the Serbisyo caravan.

He was also a recipient of various services extended by the caravan.

Andaiz was born on Nov. 13, 1909 in Barangay Tinanan, an Obo Manobo community in this town. He is a living witness to the events in the country at the start of the 19th century.

Relatives said during the World War II era, Apo Andaiz and other IP villagers survived by hunting wild boars and eating bounties of fruit-bearing trees in the forests.

ELCAC community beneficiaries

The villages of Kulaman Valley and San Miguel were once havens of communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels but were later declared insurgents-free after the military’s Community Support Program.

For one, the village leaders of Kulaman Valley recently proposed the construction of a PHP5-million potable water system and a PHP15-million farm-to-market road from the Barangay Development Program (BDP) fund of ELCAC for 2022.

The ELCAC is the whole-of-nation-approach in fighting the insurgency being waged by the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front is by far the most comprehensive, potent, and lethal strategy ever conceptualized and launched by the national government against the five decades-old insurgency in the country.

It is embodied in Executive Order 70 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on Dec. 20, 2018, that mandated the creation of the National Task Force (NTF) –ELCAC, and directed the adoption of a national peace framework.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160731

PH will never abandon rights over Ayungin Shoal

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 26, 2021): PH will never abandon rights over Ayungin Shoal (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

SUPPLY MISSION. Philippine Navy resupply boats Unaizzah May 1 and Unaizzah May 3 approach the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin shoal on Tuesday (Nov. 23, 2021). Following an incident on November 16 when Chinese patrol boats blocked and water cannoned Philippine boats, the resupply mission to military personnel was accomplished without any untoward incident, according to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (Photo courtesy of Delfin Lorenzana Facebook)

The Philippines will fully exercise its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, Malacañang reiterated on Friday.

Cabinet Secretary and acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles made the statement in reaction to China's demand for the Philippine government to "honor its commitment" and remove the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

The Chinese Coast Guard blocked and fired water cannons at two Philippine boats transporting supplies to military personnel of the BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal on November 16.

The move drew international criticisms and from President Rodrigo Duterte himself, who said the incident "does not speak well of relations" between Manila and Beijing.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana called it “an affront to the Filipino people”.

Nograles said the Ayungin Shoal lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

"Paulit-ulit namang binabalikan lagi ni Pangulong Duterte sa mga summit, pati na rin sa pagsasalita niya sa United Nations. Binabalikan natin lagi 'yung UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) at 'yung arbitral award. Doon po, napakaliwanag po na kabilang po iyan (Ayungin) sa ating EEZ. Kabilang po iyan sa ating teritoryo (President Duterte has repeatedly reiterated this in various summits, as well as in his speech before the United Nations. We refer to the UNCLOS and arbitral award that Ayungin is within our EEZ. It is part of our territory) and we will fully exercise our sovereign rights over our territory," Nograles said in a Palace press briefing.

Lorenzana had refuted anew China's claims in the Ayungin Shoal, describing the Chinese as the actual trespassers.

"As far as I know there is no such commitment. That ship has been there since 1999. If there was (a) commitment it would have been removed a long time ago," Lorenzana said.

The defense chief reiterated that Manila has two documents to prove that it has sovereign rights in this EEZ while Beijing has none.

"[S]ila ay wala (nito) at 'yung claim nila ay walang basehan (They don't have this and their claim doesn't have a basis," he said.

I have told the Chinese Ambassador (Huang Xilian) that no one can prevent us from doing what we have to lawfully do within the West Philippine Sea, an area where we have sovereign rights by international laws,” Lorenzana added in a statement.

The 2016 Arbitration Award rendered under UNCLOS had ruled that the Ayungin Shoal lies within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile EEZ and continental shelf, a decision recognized by the international community, including the United States, Japan, Australia, France, Germany, Canada, New Zealand, and the European Union.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Wednesday night insisted that the Ayungin Shoal is part of its waters and went on claiming that the resumption of Manila's resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre is "a provisional, special arrangement out of humanitarian considerations."

"China demands that the Philippine side honor its commitment and remove its grounded vessel on Ren'ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal). This position remains unchanged," he said in a statement.

He also indicated the Chinese Coast Guard's continued presence in the area, saying it "patrolled" and "monitored from start to end the Philippine side's supply delivery activities."

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), meanwhile, branded the latest Chinese remarks as mere "wolf warrior" release and the recent incident as harassment.

Earlier, DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. emphasized that China has "no law enforcement rights in and around" the area. (

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161065

Centino vows more improvements for Army training office

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 26, 2021): Centino vows more improvements for Army training office (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MORE IMPROVEMENTS. AFP chief, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino (center) leads the inauguration and turnover of the new Canieso Hall which will serve as quarters for enlisted personnel of the Philippine Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) in Camp O'Donnell, Capas, Tarlac on Friday (Nov. 26, 2021). The PHP28.5-million facility is part of the Department of National Defense and Department of Public Works and Highways' TIKAS Projects for 2021. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino, on Friday pledged more improvement programs for the Philippine Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).

"TRADOC has come a long way. Before we retire, let's make TRADOC, this Camp, a model camp for the AFP," he said during the celebration of the TRADOC's 70th anniversary in Camp O'Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.

Centino, who is also concurrent PA commander, said improvements to TRADOC are important for the development of future leaders of the AFP.

During the event, the AFP chief led the inauguration and witnessed the turnover of the new Canieso Hall that will serve as modern and comfortable quarters for enlisted personnel.

The PHP28.5-million facility is part of the Department of National Defense and Department of Public Works and Highways' TIKAS Projects for 2021.

Centino also stressed the role of TRADOC in providing capable personnel in the AFP's push to end all threats by June 2022, echoing the guidance of President Rodrigo Duterte to the AFP.

"It is a tall order, but if you ask me, I know it can be done. With the Army's premier education and training provider backing and preparing our soldiers, I know we can comply," Centino said.

"As we celebrate this year's significant accomplishments and milestones, let us look forward to more fruitful years characterized by firm resolve and heart for public service, anchored on our core values of Honor, Service, and Patriotism," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161014

Reforms helped PH attain 'modest' defense integrity rating: DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 26, 2021): Reforms helped PH attain 'modest' defense integrity rating: DND (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo)

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the country's Defense System of Management played a key role in the rating given by Transparency International in its Government Defence Integrity Index 2020 Report.

The Defense System of Management refers to the DND's judicious use of resources in its acquisitions for the continued improvement of Philippine defense capabilities, as well as the consistent upholding of transparency and accountability in all procurement processes.

"We have taken note of the published Government Defence Integrity Index 2020 report from Transparency International, that ranked the Philippines in Band C. A cursory look at the report showed that the Philippines has been classified as having 'moderate' risk overall, the only Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) country together with Singapore to be in the same bracket," Lorenzana said in a statement Thursday night.

Based on the report, the Philippines received a "C" rating, or a "modest" institutional resilience to corruption rating -- similar to the rating of more than 20 countries that include Australia, Japan, South Korea, Canada, and the United States, among others.

Lorenzana also said the level of professionalism of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is also advancing and driving the organization towards more efficiency and effectiveness in all operations also contributed to the rating.

"While we have yet to fully review and verify the data as well as the methodology used for the report, especially in some of the items which deserve clarification, we will consider the information and recommendations to improve our mechanisms and processes in our bid to eradicate corruption, especially in the defense and security sector," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160981

AFP chief rallies troops to end Reds’ threat

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 26, 2021): AFP chief rallies troops to end Reds’ threat (By Priam Nepomuceno)

END REDS' THREAT. AFP chief, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino (wearing red garland) graces the 71st anniversary of the First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSSR) in Camp Pablo Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan on Thursday (Nov. 25, 2021). Centino called on the FSRR and other elite military units to intensify operations against communist terrorists. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lt. Gen. Andres Centino urged the First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR) and other military elite units to intensify their operations to put an end to the communist insurgency in the country.

"The coming year is crucial because we are intensifying our operations to end local communist armed conflict. In the past our campaign reaches only a certain point, ngayon lang tayo nakaramdam na kaya natin tapusin (now is the only time that we feel that we can end them) with the last remaining seven months," Centino said during the celebration of the 71st anniversary of the FSRR at Camp Pablo Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan Thursday.

"With the full commitment of our elite units, especially our Scout Rangers, I believe it can be done," he added.

The AFP chief also led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Scout Ranger Memorial in honor of its members who died in various campaigns and combat missions.

"The FSRR has been one of the AFP's elite fighting forces against various threat groups. The proficiency of our Rangers is known worldwide and there is no question in the mentality and ferocity of our Scout Rangers in confronting threats to our security," Centino said.

He also facilitated the awarding and recognition of outstanding units, officers, enlisted personnel, and stakeholders for the ribbon-cutting and inauguration of the new AFP Commissary and Exchange Service in Camp Pablo Tecson.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160977

PH corruption risk mitigation 'robust' in military ops: watchdog

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25, 2021): PH corruption risk mitigation 'robust' in military ops: watchdog (By Azer Parrocha)

File photo

The Philippines is winning its fight to eradicate corruption within the country’s military operations, according to German-based anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International.

In the Transparency International's Government Defence Integrity (GDI) Index, the Philippines received a "C" rating, or a "modest" institutional resilience to corruption rating -- similar to the rating of more than 20 countries that include Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, among others.

“Institutional resilience to corruption is modest across the Philippines’ defence institutions,” the anti-corruption watchdog said on its website.

Transparency International said oversight of policy-making and procurement by parliament is “particularly weak and transparency remains limited throughout the sector, including with regards to financial management.”

It, however, noted that “corruption risk mitigation is relatively robust in military operations.”

Malacañang welcomed this recognition, attributing it to Duterte administration’s zero tolerance against allegations of irregularities within government agencies and departments.

“While there are areas mentioned by Transparency International that need improvement, such as policymaking and financial management, which the defense and security sector will review and consider to better their mechanisms, the civil society organization acknowledged that corruption risk mitigation in the Philippines is relatively robust in military operations,” Cabinet Secretary and Acting Presidential Spokesperson Karlo Nograles said in a press statement.

“We credit this to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's zero tolerance against allegations of official malfeasance,” he added.

Nograles pointed out that Duterte relieved numerous high-ranking military officials over alleged corruption activities taking place at a military hospital in 2018.

He said the President also announced the dismissal of 261 and suspension of 187 government officials and employees in his weekly Talk to the People Address from November 2020 to June 2021.

Nograles cited the military’s Defense System of Management, which institutionalizes the judicious and efficient use of resources in defense acquisitions to ensure transparency and accountability in the procurement process.

He said Duterte also raised the level of professionalism of personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines by promoting the welfare of our troops and ensuring they can focus on fulfilling their mandate of protecting the Filipino people.

Meanwhile, he assured that Duterte will fight corruption until his last day in office.

“This relentless drive to have a clean, strong and responsive government will continue until the remainder of the President’s term,” he said.

The GDI Index is a comprehensive assessment of the quality of institutional controls to manage the risk of corruption in defense and security institutions.

It provides a snapshot of governance within the defense sector in a country.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160934

Lacson urges reinforcements for PH ship in Ayungin Shoal

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25, 2021): Lacson urges reinforcements for PH ship in Ayungin Shoal (By Benjamin Pulta)

Photo courtesy of DND

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Thursday reiterated his position to enhance facilities in Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the West Philippine Sea.

He said the government should consider refurbishing and sending reinforcements to the BRP Sierra Madre, which serves as the outpost of Philippine Navy troops in the Ayungin Shoal.

Lacson, chairperson of the Senate Defense Committee, noted the poor conditions of Filipino troops in the area and proposed the allocation of PHP254.241 million to fund the enhancement of the facilities in Kalayaan, including power system requirements, among others.

He also proposed an additional PHP38.509 million for the Pagasa Island Research Station (PIRS), including a PHP10 million two-story dormitory building/marine facility and PHP28.509 million to purchase marine scientific and oceanographic equipment

Lacson also said instead of removing the BRP Sierra Madre from the Ayungin Shoal, it should be refurbished.

The 100-meter vessel built in 1944 was deliberately run aground at Second Thomas Shoal and houses a detachment of Philippine Marines taking a close watch on Chinese vessels in the area.

"Dapat huwag natin bayaang iusog... Kung kakayanin lagay tayo ng isang barko doon na functioning (We should not allow it to be moved. And if possible, we should even reinforce it with another vessel that is functioning)," Lacson said.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry earlier demanded the Philippines to remove the BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal, which it claimed as a part of China's waters.

This, however, did not sit well with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as he maintained that the Ayungin Shoal lies within Manila's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) where it has sovereign rights.

On Tuesday, the Philippines resumed its resupply mission to troops at the BRP Sierra Madre, a week after the boats conducting the mission were blocked and fired with water cannons by the Chinese Coast Guard.

Lacson supported moves under Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III's Senate Bill 2289 or an "An Act Declaring the Maritime Zones under the Jurisdiction of the Republic of the Philippines" and asked President Rodrigo Duterte to certify the bill as an urgent measure.

Under the bill, the Philippines could exercise sovereignty over its internal waters, archipelagic waters, and territorial sea, and the airspace over it as well as its seabed and subsoil in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other existing laws and treaties.

The bill "provides for the needed flexibility in the passage of subsequent laws pertinent to the rights and obligations to which the Philippines is entitled and may exercise over its maritime zones."

Lacson said while the Philippines should still maintain trade relations with China, it should continue to assert its sovereignty and sovereign rights over the exclusive economic zone.

"Mas maganda trade relations with China, i-maintain natin pero assert natin ang sovereignty and sovereign rights over the EEZ at ang ibang sovereignty natin ang nakataya (It is better to maintain trade relations with China but assert our sovereignty and sovereign rights over the EEZ)," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160915

Duterte admin consistent in upholding PH sovereignty in WPS

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25, 2021): Duterte admin consistent in upholding PH sovereignty in WPS (By Priam Nepomuceno)

RESUPPLY MISSION. Two resupply boats dock in front and beside the BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Tuesday (Nov. 23, 2021). Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian vowed to look into the alleged act of intimidation by the Chinese Coast Guard where personnel on a rubber boat took pictures and videos of Manila's resupply mission. (Photo courtesy of DND)

The Duterte administration has been consistent in safeguarding the country's sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), National Security Adviser and National Task Force for the WPS chair Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said.

The government is working to enhance stations in the area and doing its best to protect resources in the WPS, Esperon said.

"We want to reassure our esteemed lawmakers that this administration led by the President (Rodrigo R. Duterte) is doing its best and as the chairman of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, I can say his involvement in protecting our sovereignty in the area (is) very well prepared," Esperon said in a Laging Handa interview Wednesday.

This came in the wake of the Chinese Coast Guard's act of blocking and firing water cannons on two Philippine boats transporting supplies to Philippine military personnel at the BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal on November 16.

The move drew international criticism and from President Rodrigo Duterte himself, who said the incident "does not speak well of relations" between Manila and Beijing. Asked about plans to replace the deteriorating BRP Sierra Madre anchored on the Ayungin Shoal, Esperon said there are several options, including preserving the ship.

"Well, we have several options there. The BRP Sierra Madre is still a commissioned (naval vessel) so one option is to preserve it so that it remains as our permanent detachment," he said.

Apart from preserving the ship, a lighthouse or other structures can be installed to house Philippine troops and fishermen, he said.

"Ngunit kung anong gusto nating gawin diyan ay magagawa natin dahil nasa sa ating exclusive economic zone iyan (But whatever we decide to do, we can do that because that area lies in our exclusive economic zone)," he added.

A week after the incident, the Philippines resumed its resupply mission to the Ayungin Shoal.

However, reports said Chinese Coast Guard personnel aboard a rubber boat allegedly took pictures and videos of the mission.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Chinese Ambassador to Manila Huang Xilian has vowed to look into the incident, an act which the Philippines views as a form of intimidation and harassment.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160843

Scout Rangers, Indonesia Special Forces conclude 2-week training

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25, 2021): Scout Rangers, Indonesia Special Forces conclude 2-week training (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Philippine Army

The Philippine Army's (PA) First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR) and the Indonesian Army’s Special Forces Command have formally concluded their two-week virtual training.

In a statement Wednesday night, Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the Training Activity Indonesia-Philippines (TA DOLPHINE XIII-2021) aims to enhance the capability and interoperability of the two elite units in urban and jungle warfare special operations.

The activity which ran from November 8 to 22 enabled FSRR and the Indonesian Army’s Komando Pasukan Khusus (KOPASSUS) Special Forces Command to share best practices in counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, and military decision-making.

FSSR commander, Brig. Gen. Freddie Dela Cruz, said the joint training activity had strengthened the relationship between the Philippine Army and the Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Darat (TNI-AD).

“The strong relationship of both armies is necessary for improving our interoperability which allows us to face the current and future challenges that affect our respective countries. Security threats are persistent and continuously evolving. Some of them are adversely affecting our region by transcending national borders,” he added.

Dela Cruz also said the security challenges being faced in the region involve both traditional and non-traditional security threats, which include terrorism, piracy, transnational crimes, national disasters, climate change, and even the current Covid-19 pandemic called for heightened cooperation between the two military units.

"Considering that both our countries are neighbors, and we share common security interests, it is essential that our countries and our armies work together to address these national security concerns better,” the FSSR commander said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160847

China is actual trespasser in Ayungin Shoal: Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25, 2021): China is actual trespasser in Ayungin Shoal: Lorenzana (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora and Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (left) and Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian (File photo)

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Thursday refuted anew China's claims in the Ayungin Shoal, describing them as the actual trespassers in the area.

The statement came after China on November 24 demanded the Philippine government to "honor its commitment" and remove the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in the shoal.

"As far as I know there is no such commitment. That ship has been there since 1999. If there was (a) commitment it would have been removed a long time ago," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.

He underscored that Ayungin Shoal lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) where it has sovereign rights.

"Our EEZ was awarded to us by the 1982 UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) which China ratified. China should abide by its international obligations that it is part of," he said in a Facebook post.

"Furthermore, the 2016 Arbitral award ruled that the territorial claim of China has no historic nor legal basis. Ergo, we can do whatever we want there and it is they who are actually trespassing," he added.

The defense chief reiterated that Manila has two documents to prove that it has sovereign rights in this EEZ while Beijing has none.

"[S]ila ay wala (nito) at yung claim nila ay walang basehan (They don't have this and their claim doesn't have a basis," he said.

The 2016 Arbitration Award rendered under UNCLOS had ruled that the Ayungin or Second Thomas Shoal lies within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile EEZ and continental shelf, a decision recognized by the international community, including the United States, Japan, Australia, France, Germany, Canada, New Zealand, and the European Union.

In a separate message to reporters, Lorenzana said the resupply boats left Ayungin Shoal on Tuesday completing their mission.

"The resupply boats left (BRP) Sierra Madre the same day after unloading their cargoes and personnel. They also brought out personnel going home on R&R (rest and recreation). As of now, (the) situation there is calm and normal," he added.

'Wolf warrior release'

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Wednesday night insisted that the Ayungin Shoal is part of its waters and went on claiming that the resumption of Manila's resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre is "a provisional, special arrangement out of humanitarian considerations."

"China demands that the Philippine side honor its commitment and remove its grounded vessel on Ren'ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal). This position remains unchanged," he said.

He also indicated the Chinese Coast Guard's continued presence in the area, saying it "patrolled" and "monitored from start to end the Philippine side's supply delivery activities."

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), meanwhile, branded these latest Chinese remarks as mere "wolf warrior" release.

Last week, no less than Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. emphasized that China has "no law enforcement rights in and around" this area.

"We will endeavor to ask if a reaction/statement is forthcoming to this bait-worthy wolf warrior release. I believe (Foreign Affairs Secretary) Locsin has stated before that countries are free to say whatever they want - I will add that whether the 'court of global public opinion' believes your narrative is another story altogether," DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez said in a text message to reporters.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160856

Sison, 9 NPA rebels face raps for destroying civilian properties

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25, 2021): Sison, 9 NPA rebels face raps for destroying civilian properties (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Thursday said it has filed criminal cases against Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison and some of its ranking members for destruction of civilian properties in connection with an attack on mining sites in Isabela in October 2015.

“Investigators of CIDG Santiago City Field Unit (CFU) filed a complaint about a violation of Section 4 paragraph a (4) of RA (Republic Act) No. 9851, also known as "Philippine Act on Crime Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity," and Section 4 (b) of RA No. 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020," CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro said in a statement.

Ferro said the complaint was filed before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Ilagan City, Isabela on Monday against Sison and Rey Busania, Raffy Valencia, Joseph Bautista, Lourdes Bulan, Garry Cantuba, Danny Soria and a certain alias 'Buding', alias 'Shai' and alias 'Banong', who are members of the NPA's Reynaldo Pinon Command Gitnang Isabela.

The investigation by personnel of CIDG Santiago CFU showed that the CPP-NPA-NDF was responsible for the attack on the mining sites of ASD Corporation and Nickel Asia Geogen Corporation in Barangay Dimaluade, Dinapigue town.

On Oct. 28, 2015, eighty armed communist terrorists attacked and held the employees of the company at gunpoint and burned all equipment, service vehicles, and bunkhouses. The estimated value of the destroyed property was PHP185.35 million.

The terrorists also seized the service firearms of the security guards of the mining companies amounting to PHP100,000. The investigation also revealed that the motivation of the communist terrorists for the attack was extortion.

Ferro said the case is among the 1,672 records of incidents turned over by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Center for Law of Armed Conflict (AFPCLOAC) for investigation by the CIDG.

"This is a mere manifestation of CIDG's commitment to the Legal Offensive Line of Effort under the AFP-PNP-NBI-PCG Peace, Security and Development Support Cluster of the NTF-ELCAC. The NTF-ELCAC is never only about military operations. It is largely about addressing the root causes of insurgencies and armed conflict by prioritizing and harmonizing the delivery of the government's basic services and social development. Bringing justice to victims of terrorists through the rule of law is part of our many efforts," Ferro said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The NDF has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160891

Chinese envoy to look into 'harassment' vs. resupply mission: DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 24, 2021): Chinese envoy to look into 'harassment' vs. resupply mission: DND (By Priam Nepomuceno)

RESUPPLY MISSION. Two resupply boats dock in front and beside the BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Tuesday (Nov. 23, 2021). Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian vowed to look into the alleged act of intimidation by the Chinese Coast Guard where personnel on a rubber boat took pictures and videos of Manila's resupply mission. (Photo courtesy of DND)

The Chinese envoy to Manila has vowed a probe into the alleged act of intimidation by a Chinese Coast Guard ship against Philippine vessels that conducted a resupply mission to troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Tuesday night.

Lorenzana's remarks came after reports said the Chinese Coast Guard deployed personnel on board a rubber boat who took pictures and videos of Manila's resupply mission earlier on Tuesday.

"That he (Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian) did not know about it and that he would make (an) inquiry," he said in a message when asked about Huang's response when told that the Philippines considers such actions as a form of intimidation and harassment.

Lorenzana earlier said Huang assured him that the resupply efforts would not be impeded.

Asked if the incident warrants a diplomatic protest, he said it is not necessary at the moment.

"Personally, I believe not at the moment. But I have forwarded my messages to (Foreign Affairs) Secretary (Teodoro) Locsin. He might. I think telling the ambassador we consider these (actions) as intimidation and harassment are sufficient at the moment. He communicates with his principals in Beijing regularly and am sure he relays our concern," he added.

Lorenzana earlier said the two resupply boats have safely arrived at the BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal at about 11 a.m. on Tuesday.

The two resupply boats left Oyster Bay on Monday after repairs on one of the boats were completed.

The Western Command earlier reported that three Chinese Coast Guard vessels “blocked and water-cannoned” two Philippine supply boats or "bancas" on November 16.

No one was hurt but the Philippine vessels, which were identified as the Unaizah May 1 and Unaizah May 3, had to abort their mission after one of them had its outrigger damaged by the water cannon.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday night, Lorenzana also condemned China's use of water cannons against the Filipino vessels.

"For days, I have been quietly resolving an issue involving our detachment at the Ayungin Shoal. One of the most significant challenges of being a Defense Secretary is staying calm in the face of crisis. The recent use of water cannons against our two resupply boats in the Ayungin shoal is an affront to the Filipino people," he said.

"I have told the Chinese Ambassador that no one can prevent us from doing what we have to lawfully do within the West Philippine Sea, an area where we have sovereign rights by international laws," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160714

1st batch of Turkish T129 attack choppers to arrive in December

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 24, 2021): 1st batch of Turkish T129 attack choppers to arrive in December (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The first batch of the six Turkish-made T129 "ATAK" attack helicopters will arrive in December, Philippine Air Force (PAF) commander Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes said Tuesday night.

"Deadly...coming this December. The T129 Attack Helicopter of the Philippine Air Force," Paredes said in a Facebook post.

He did not give other details on the arrival of the helicopters.

The six T129 attack helicopters will be acquired for a total contract price of USD269,388,862 (about PHP12.9 billion) from the Turkish Aerospace Industries through a government-to-government mode of procurement under Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

The T129 is a twin-engine, tandem seat, multi-role, all-weather attack helicopter based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta platform and is designed for advanced attack and reconnaissance missions in hot and high environments and rough geography in both day and night conditions.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana signed the contract for the acquisition of the Turkish attack helicopters in July last year.

The PAF is looking to acquire dedicated but affordable attack helicopters to beef up its fleet of lightly-armed helicopters, such as the MG-520 and AW-109E, which are being used for counter-terror and ground support missions.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160717

Code of Conduct to ensure peace in WPS: Esperon

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 24, 2021): Code of Conduct to ensure peace in WPS: Esperon (By Priam Nepomuceno November 24, 2021)

File photo

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said he believes that the Code of Conduct (COC) being worked out by member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is among the measures to ensure peace and stability in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).

"Ang isang solusyon dito ay yung Code of Conduct na pinag-uusapan ngayon ng Asean, of course led by our Department of Foreign Affairs. Nandun sila at ng China para magkaroon ng Code of Conduct upang itong South China Sea ay maging isang karagatan na tahimik at magandang magnegosyo (One of the solutions to ensure this is the Code of Conduct currently being discussed by the Asean, of course led by our Department of Foreign Affairs. They are there at the talks, and of course, China so that there would be a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea so it could become peaceful and conducive for business)," he said in an interview with SMNI on Tuesday.

The COC is expected to be a regional framework that establishes rules and standards for regional peace and stability amid several long-running and escalating disputes.

"Remember ang South China Sea ay 5 trillion (US dollars) worth of goods pass every year. Napakaimportante, hindi lang dito sa atin sa Asean kundi sa buong mundo (Remember that USD5 trillion worth of goods passes in the South China Sea every year. It is very important not only to Asean but the rest of the whole world, as well)," Esperon said.

He also noted that the Philippines' relations with China do not start and end with the issue and that going to war is not the way to resolve the issues in the region.

This came in the wake of the Chinese Coast Guard's act of blocking and firing water cannons on two Philippine boats transporting supplies to Philippine military personnel at the BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal on November 16.

The move drew international criticism and from President Rodrigo Duterte himself, who said the incident "does not speak well of relations" between Manila and Beijing.

A week after the incident, the Philippines resumed its resupply mission to the Ayungin Shoal.

However, reports said Chinese Coast Guard personnel aboard a rubber boat allegedly took pictures and videos of the mission.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Chinese Ambassador to Manila Huang Xilian has vowed to look into the incident, an act which Manila views as a form of intimidation and harassment.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160724