NegOcc builds barracks for Army soldiers as gesture of support

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 23, 2022): NegOcc builds barracks for Army soldiers as gesture of support (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

NEW BARRACKS. Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson (left) and Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, unveil the marker on the barracks unit donated by the provincial government during the inauguration rites held on Monday afternoon (Nov. 21, 2022). The additional three units of enlisted personnel barracks are situated inside the brigade headquarters at Camp Gerona in Murcia town. (Photo courtesy of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental’s provincial government has constructed additional staff houses for the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) based in Murcia town as a gesture of support for the troops for defending the province from the threat of insurgency and providing humanitarian assistance in times of disaster.

The three units of enlisted personnel barracks situated inside Camp Gerona were inaugurated in rites led by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303IBde, on Monday afternoon.

In a statement on Tuesday, Pasaporte acknowledged the support and generosity of the province for the programs of the Philippine Army.

“May this development help improve the condition of our soldiers inside the camp, as well as uplift their morale and welfare,” he added.

Each unit can accommodate up to 12 soldiers and has two bathrooms and two toilets.

Lacson said government troops never ceased to provide security and protection to the province by being with the healthcare workers on the front lines at the height of the pandemic and never wavered to pursue the collective goal to end insurgency and armed conflict.

“This is the least that we, in the provincial government, can accord to show our appreciation to your contribution to the peace and development goals of Negros Occidental, and needless to say, for your selfless and courageous service,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189162

Surrender of ex-rebels to boost Antique tourism industry

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 23, 2022): Surrender of ex-rebels to boost Antique tourism industry (By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay)

ASSISTANCE. A former rebel (2nd from right) receives his PHP5,000 cash assistance and relief goods during the turnover ceremony on Tuesday (Nov. 22, 2022). Vice Governor Edgar Denosta (2nd from left) said the return of the former rebels to the government fold would bring peace and boost Antique’s tourism industry. (PNA photo by Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay)

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The return of former rebels (FRs) to the government will bring peace to Antique and boost its tourism industry.

“The FRs’ surrender will greatly contribute to the peace and order that tourists from other places will no longer be afraid to visit our beautiful destinations,” Antique Vice Governor Edgar Denosta said in his message during the release of the twice-a-year PHP5,000 financial assistance and relief goods to each of the 39 former members of the New People's Army (NPA) on Tuesday.

Denosta added that some of the beneficiaries of the financial assistance are from barangays Imparayan, Igpanulong, and Cabladan, which had been declared as part of the Sibalom Natural Park through Republic Act 11038 and was opened to tourists on March 1 this year.

The natural park is home to some endemic flora and fauna, such as the Rafflesia, Visayan Warty Pig, Visayan Tarictic Hornbill, and Visayan Spotted Deer.

“With the peace and order in these barangays, the tourists will be interested to see also the beautiful views and be willing to spend money for their food and souvenirs during their stay there,” he said.

The presence of tourists will redound to the creation of employment for the local people, including the surrenderers.

Denosta said he is contemplating on passing legislation urging the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the provincial government to provide skills training on tour guiding, food preparations, or housekeeping to enable them to have sustainable livelihood.

“The PHP5,000 financial assistance to be given to the FRs every six months will not be enough for their needs so I am thinking of letting them undergo skills training to sustain them,” he said.

DSWD 6 (Western Visayas) employee Yasser Maminggen said the financial assistance is part of the commitment of their department to release cash assistance to the former rebels every six months as additional support aside from their technical assistance as they transition to normal society.

The financial assistance covered the January to June 2022 period.

Carol, a former rebel from Culasi town, said she is grateful for the assistance.

She said she had lived as a rebel for seven years and met her husband.

Carol surrendered to the government two years ago after her husband was arrested.

Her husband, a suspect in the killing of the former mayor of Culasi town in 1986 and the ambush of a policeman in Sebaste in 1990, is currently detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189205

NPA surrenderer in Samar yields 19 firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 23, 2022): NPA surrenderer in Samar yields 19 firearms (By Sarwell Meniano)

TURNED OVER. Some of the firearms turned over to the Philippine Army by a New People's Army(NPA) member when he surrendered on Nov. 19, the military reported on Wednesday (Nov. 23, 2022). The surrender was made just days after soldiers of the 46th Infantry Battalion and former NPA members held a dialogue with parents and relatives of active NPA members in Calbiga town. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – A fighter of the New People’s Army (NPA) has surrendered to the Philippine Army in Samar province and also turned over 19 firearms.

The Army's 46th Infantry Battalion reported on Wednesday that Anthony Encinas, 19, walked for 37 hours on Nov. 18 from the mountains of Basey, Samar to his family in Antol village in Calbiga, Samar to give himself up to authorities.

Encinas brought with him a .45 caliber pistol when he surrendered to soldiers on Nov. 19 while the 18 other cache firearms were retrieved a day after in Calbiga town.

“I surrendered as my comrades and cadres frequently had disagreements. I wasted one year of my life,” Encinas told soldiers.

He was part of Bugsok Platoon of the NPA’s Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee operating in Samar province.

Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (ID) spokesperson Capt. Ryan Layug said the rebel yielded four M14 rifles, six M16 rifles, four AK47 rifles, a shotgun, a KG9, a .38 caliber revolver, an M79 GL, a .45 cal pistol, and 14 magazines of AK47.

Layug said Encinas surrendered just days after soldiers of the 46th Infantry Battalion (IB) and former NPA members held a dialogue with parents and relatives of active NPA members in Calbiga town.

Among those who attended was Thelma Encinas, Anthony’s mother.

“When Anthony showed up at their house on the night of Nov.18, Thelma was surprised since they had no contact with Anthony for one year. She told her son to immediately surrender to the military,” Layug added.

In a statement, 8th ID Commander Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo lauded the Army’s 801 Brigade and 46th IB for the accomplishment.

"I congratulate both units for their effort to reach out to parents and relatives. This is a result of local peace engagement, which is effective in ending the local communist armed conflict,” Ligayo said in a statement.

He appealed to families and relatives of active NPA members to help convince them to surrender.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189228

6 NPA fighters killed in Northern Samar clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 23, 2022): 6 NPA fighters killed in Northern Samar clash (By Sarwell Meniano)

AFTER THE GUNFIGHT. Bodies of New People's Army (NPA) rebels lay outside the municipal hall of Las Navas, Northern Samar. Six NPA members were killed in a fierce gun battle with government forces in an upland village in Las Navas town on Wednesday (Nov. 23, 2022). (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – Six New People's Army (NPA) fighters were killed in a fierce gun battle with government forces in an upland Imelda village in Las Navas, Northern Samar early morning of Wednesday.

Capt. Valben Almirante, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade, said in a phone interview that the firefight destroyed a major lair with about 60 rebels.

Government troops met strong resistance en route to the rebel's heavily fortified hideout which prompted the request for close air support and artillery fires, according to Almirante.

“After the firefight, several rebels were wounded since there are many blood stains in the area. Some managed to escape from our troops. We have to use air assets to attack them since their hideout is surrounded by prohibited anti-personnel mines,” Almirante told the Philippine News Agency (PNA), adding that no one was hurt from the government side.

Troops recovered 16 firearms and several personal belongings.

Government forces managed to locate the lair through information given by the villagers.

The official said that the slain rebels were from the group belonging to the NPA’s Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee and which they have been hunting down for attacking Dorillo village in Jipapad, Eastern Samar where two soldiers were killed.

The same attack injured a 10-year-old child and two soldiers tasked to monitor the implementation of government projects in the area.

The attack also left hundreds of bullets that pierced at least 15 houses, community stage, communal toilet and the newly constructed village hall.

Imelda village is the most remote in Las Navas town that can be reached through two hours of motorboat ride and three hours of hiking. It is close to the boundary of Eastern Samar province.

In a statement, Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo said the military will never allow rebels to penetrate villages.

"People have been complaining of their extortion and terroristic activities. We are the protector of our people and locals appeal to us to secure them. They have been providing information to us about the presence of NPA in their areas,” Ligayo said in a statement.

The Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade has been monitoring the movement of four remaining guerrilla fronts in Eastern Visayas, all operating in Northern Samar.

The military estimated that there are still about 300 NPA fighters belonging to the four fronts and their supporters hiding in the mountains.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189317

PH, US armies boost interoperability in Hawaii war games

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 18, 2022): PH, US armies boost interoperability in Hawaii war games (By Priam Nepomuceno)

HAWAII WAR GAMES. A US Army Observer, Controller-Trainer (OC-T) team member checks the combat simulator gear worn by a Filipino soldier during the month-long Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center Exercise at Oahu's East Range in Hawaii. The Philippine Army on Friday (Nov. 18, 2022) said the exercise, which ran from October 20 to November 16, bolstered its interoperability with its American counterparts. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) said its inaugural participation in the United States Army's Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) exercise bolstered its interoperability with its American counterparts.

It further beefed up the strong partnership between the two militaries, Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement Friday.

This year's JPMRC took place from October 20 to November 16.

"The JPMRC exercise saw the participation of PA troops in domain training challenges in conditions that accurately mimic operational challenges that they may face in a crisis or conflict," Trinidad said.

The JPMRC is the United States Army Pacific's regional combat training center for units and leaders in the complex operating environment of the Pacific Theater.

The PA deployed a 103-strong contingent to Hawaii for this event.

"The 91st Brigade Reconnaissance Company of the PA's 1st Brigade Combat Team trained with the US Army's 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade Maneuver Assistance Team, as well as cavalry and infantry elements of the 25th Infantry Division at Oahu's East Range, South Range, and Kahuku Training Area," he added.

Trinidad said the PA also sent a team of doctrine writers and researchers to capture the operational aspect and best practices employed during the JPMRC exercise.

"The lessons learned and insights gained during the course of the training exercise will serve as the basis for the crafting of doctrines related to the establishment of the Combat Readiness Training Center in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija," he added.

Aside from PA personnel, this year's JPMRC included soldiers from Thailand and Indonesia, as well as observers from seven other nations.

They trained side by side with about 6,000 troops from the US Army’s 25th Infantry Division and 8,400 service members from the US joint components.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1188871

OPAPRU thanks US for aid to PH peace efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 18, 2022): OPAPRU thanks US for aid to PH peace efforts (By Priam Nepomuceno)

US Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson (left) and OPAPRU chief Secretary Carlito Galvez (right) (Photo courtesy of OPAPRU)

MANILA – The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) thanked the United States for its continued support for the country's peace education efforts and other major initiatives.

OPAPRU chief Carlito Galvez made this statement during a courtesy call of US Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson on Thursday, the OPAPRU said in a Facebook post.

During her visit, Carlson pledged the US government’s commitment to supporting the Philippines' comprehensive peace process under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“We are committed to working with you for peace, not just in the Philippines. But what that means is we are reverberating for this whole region and globally,” Carlson told the OPAPRU chief. “It’s whole-of-embassy effort from our part, reflecting our inter-agency in Washington.”

Galvez, meanwhile, thanked the US government for its assistance to the Philippine government in various areas, such as in promoting peace education, coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines, counter-terrorism, disaster relief, and other major peace initiatives.

“I personally thank the United States government and its people for (their) support even during the time when I was the commander of Western Mindanao Command. The US forces provided significant intelligence and technical support during the liberation of Marawi," he said.

Galvez also thanked Washington DC for extending tremendous support when he was leading the country’s vaccine efforts.

"And now, the US government is also actively involved as we are ensuring the implementation of the comprehensive peace process,” he added.

Galvez thanked Carlson for bringing her entire team as the parties discussed a wide range of areas of cooperation between the Philippines and the US, especially on the country’s agenda for peace education in the Marawi State University, and other efforts on health, and socio-economic development.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1188873

DAGIT-PA boosts AFP interoperability goals: Bacarro

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 18, 2022): DAGIT-PA boosts AFP interoperability goals: Bacarro (By Priam Nepomuceno)

CLOSING RITES. AFP chief Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro (center) leads the closing rites of the annual DAGIT-PA exercises at the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Friday (Nov. 18, 2022). The annual unilateral exercise was aimed at testing the AFP’s territorial defense capabilities as it continues to promote and uphold peace and stability across the region. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro said the military has achieved its targets of enhancing interoperability and readiness in joint operations at the conclusion of this year’s iteration of the annual DAGIT-PA (Dagat-Langit-Lupa) exercises on Friday.

“The execution of the joint exercises have effectively up-skilled the men and women of the AFP and upgraded organizational capabilities. Clearly, 'DAGIT-PA' 06-2022 has enhanced the one AFP team concept through improved interoperability and readiness for deployment in the joint operational environment at any given time,” he said in his speech.

Bacarro represented Department of National Defense Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. and presided over the DAGIT-PA closing ceremony held at AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

For more than two weeks, the exercise directorate and participants have successfully completed the table top exercises held in AFP headquarters, staff exercise and cyber defense exercise in Western Command; and field training exercises namely air defense operations, counter-air operations, maritime security operations, amphibious operations, combined arms and littoral live-fire exercise and unconventional warfare and counter-terrorism operations in Palawan.

Also present in the closing ceremonies were AFP Education Training and Doctrine Command chief and this year's exercise director, Brig. Gen. Marvin Licudine, AFP deputy chief-of-staff for education, training and doctrine, Rear Adm. Donn Anthony Miraflor, and Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., joint staff and representatives from the other major services.

“From the planning and coordination to the execution, the AJEX (AFP Joint Exercises) 'DAGIT-PA' 2022 was a success and has attained its objectives. Our AFP has enhanced the conduct of crisis planning and joint military operations in territorial defense of the different mission areas,” Licudine said.

The DAGIT-PA focuses on enhancing the readiness of the PA, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force in joint and combined operations that mirrors a real-world scenario.

He also thanked stakeholders from the local government of Palawan for their support in the conduct of the exercise.

The annual unilateral exercise was also geared at testing the AFP’s territorial defense capabilities as it continues to promote and uphold peace and stability across the region and the globe.

During the field training and staff exercises, key units were able to identify needed military hardware and capabilities that will form part of the military’s modernization program.

DAGIT-PA continues to serve as a necessary tool to enhance the joint forces’ personnel capacity and unit capabilities which will enable AFP members to be readily deployable in all kinds of contingencies.

This year's DAGIT-PA is the sixth iteration of the joint exercise unilaterally conducted by the AFP.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1188892

AFP intensifies search for 2 missing labor activists

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 21, 2022): AFP intensifies search for 2 missing labor activists (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of AFP

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has intensified its search for missing labor activists Alipio Juat and Elizabeth Magbanua in compliance with the writ of amparo issued by the higher courts.

In a message Monday, Col. Jorry Baclor, AFP public affairs office chief, said AFP deputy provost marshal general Col. Danilo Dupiag, met with Manila Police District head Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon and intelligence director Col. Samuel Paborito on Nov. 15 to request information on the activities of the pair before their reported disappearance on May 3.

"He (Dupiag) also sought a meeting with individuals who may have information on their disappearance, including a certain Rogelio Dioquino of Tondo, Manila who reported that he met the two in Punturin, Valenzuela on May 3," he added.

Dupiag, assisted by Maj. Haina Asalan and Capt. Jesus Mason Jr. of Quezon City Police District (QCPD), also conducted a dialogue on Nov. 9 with the detainees but the prisoners reported that they did not see the missing persons.

"The activity was approved by Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, District Director, QCPD through Col. Fernando Ortega, Deputy District Director for Administration, QCPD," Baclor said.

Missing persons posters were also disseminated in various locations, especially in housing units and personnel quarters at AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City last Nov. 17.

On Oct. 5, the AFP created a fact-finding committee that will “conduct speedy, comprehensive, and exhaustive investigation” on the continued disappearance of Magbanua and Juat, in compliance with the petition for writ of amparo filed by their relatives before the Supreme Court and granted by the Court of Appeals in a decision on Sept. 9.

The AFP Provost Marshal General leads the committee as its chairperson with the deputy Army provost marshal; command provost marshal of Joint Task Force-National Capital Region; the legal officer of the office of the AFP deputy chief-of-staff for intelligence; and a representative from the AFP Center for Law of Armed Conflict as members.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189021

Marcos thanks VP Harris for US support in South China Sea

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 21, 2022): Marcos thanks VP Harris for US support in South China Sea (By Azer Parrocha)

BILATERAL MEETING. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (right) and US Vice President Kamala Harris (left) share a light moment before their bilateral meeting at Malacañan Palace on Monday (Nov. 21, 2022). Marcos personally thanked Harris for America's commitment to defend the Philippines against any armed attack in the South China Sea. (Photo courtesy of Avito Dalan)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday personally thanked United States (US) Vice President Kamala Harris for America’s commitment to defend the Philippines, its treaty ally, against any armed attack in the South China Sea (SCS).

He made this remark as he welcomed Harris at Malacañan Palace for a scheduled bilateral meeting ahead of her visit to Palawan to uphold the rules-based international maritime order in the highly-contested sea.

“I thank you for the very strong commitment that you have just made for the US to be defensive of the Philippines,” Marcos told Harris in his welcome remarks before their meeting.

Marcos welcomed the “well-established” ties between the Philippines and the US which continued to be strengthened through the years.

“Your visit is a very strong symbol that these relationships remain strong and that these relationships remain important as indeed they do. I have said many times, I do not see a future for the Philippines that does not include the United States,” he said.

“I cannot think of an area where we have not cooperated, collaborated and have had good results for both our countries,” he added.

For her part, Harris reiterated that the US will “always” stand with the Philippines in defense of international rules and norms as it relates to the South China Sea.

“An armed attack on the Philippines, armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the South China Sea would invoke US Mutual Defense commitments. And that is an unwavering commitment that we have to the Philippines,” she said.

The 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, the longest-running defense pact, aims to step up the defense and security cooperation between the Philippine and US troops.

China claims some territories in the waters off Palawan and much of the South China Sea, citing domestic historical maps. However, a 2016 international arbitration ruling said the Chinese claims had no legal basis.

Harris said Philippine-US relations are based on mutual commitments to international rules and norms and upholding them will allow prosperity and security for their respective nations and the region.

“Again, I will reiterate that the alliance between the United States and the Philippines is a strong one and enduring one and only under your leadership continues to be strengthened and we look forward to working with you on many of these issues,” she added.

Meanwhile, Harris said she also looked forward to her bilateral meeting with Marcos to discuss areas of mutual concern such as climate crisis, investments in renewable energy and clean power among others.

She likewise thanked Marcos for the warm welcome given to her and the US delegation.

Harris arrived in the Philippines on Sunday, the first visit in five years by a high-ranking US official since former President Donald Trump visited the country in 2017.

She was accompanied by her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189050

Harris’ PH visit to bolster security, economic ties with US

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22, 2022): Harris’ PH visit to bolster security, economic ties with US (By Filane Mikee Cervantes and Wilnard Bacelonia)

VP HARRIS VISIT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. shakes hand with US Vice President Kamala Harris during a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace on Monday (Nov. 21, 2022). Harris, who is on a three-day working visit to the Philippines, will also fly to Palawan on Tuesday. (PNA photo by Rey S. Baniquet)

MANILA – Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday said the visit of United States Vice President Kamala Harris to the Philippines would bolster the long-standing security alliance and economic relations between the two countries.

“The visit of US Vice President Kamala Harris is a welcome development as it would serve to reinforce the enduring alliance, partnership, and friendship between the Philippines and the United States,” Romualdez said in a statement.

Romualdez said the meeting between Harris and President Marcos could enhance the PH-US bilateral alliance.

On Sunday, the White House issued a statement, reiterating that “the US commitment to the defense of the Philippines is ironclad.”

“I am confident that President Marcos will assess any possible new security arrangements with Washington with our national interest as the paramount consideration and consistent with his foreign policy of being ‘friend to all and enemy to none,” Romualdez said.

He said the discussions between the two leaders could also help advance the Philippines' continuing efforts to modernize the armed forces.

Aside from defense and security cooperation, Romualdez said the visit of the senior US administration official bodes well for the economic and trade partnership between the two countries.

In the same statement from the White House, the US said it is committed to strengthening its economic and investment relationship with the Philippines.

According to the statement, Harris will launch initiatives in various areas, including climate action and energy security, food security and digitalization, among others.

Romualdez noted that these initiatives touch on the same critical issues of global concern that President Marcos raised during his participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.

“The APEC leaders and President Marcos share the common view that they must put top priority in addressing these global problems. I believe it would not be difficult for the President and Vice President Harris to agree on areas of cooperation on these matters,” Romualdez said.

He said the House of Representatives would support the implementation of these mutually-beneficial initiatives with the passage of appropriate legislations.

Marcos said Harris' visit to the Philippines is a "very strong symbol" of the enduring ties between the Philippines and the United States.

“Your visit is a very strong symbol that these relationships remain strong and that these relationships remain important as indeed they do. I have said many times, I do not see a future for the Philippines that does not include the United States,” he said.

“I cannot think of an area where we have not cooperated, collaborated and have had good results for both our countries,” Marcos added.

Harris arrived in the Philippines on Sunday, the first visit in five years by a high-ranking US official since former President Donald Trump visited the country in 2017.

She was accompanied by her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff.

Senator Ronald Dela Rosa said said he hopes to see all-out support from the US.

"Dapat (It is better if) we can get their assurance na talagang (that they are really) all out sila sa atin (for us). Pagdating ng kagipitan, dapat ‘di tayo iiwan (When there are crises, they should not leave us)," Dela Rosa said in an interview.

"I just hope they're true to their hearts. Kung ano 'yung nakalagay sa ating mutual agreement ay paninidigan nila ‘yun at talagang totohanan ang kanilang suporta kung kinakailangan natin (Whatever will be written in the mutual defense agreement, they should honor it and commit their real support if we need it)," he added.

Senator Christopher Lawrence Go said he welcomes whatever is beneficial for Filipinos that will result from Harris’ visit.

“Kung makakatulong naman po para sa ating bayan lalong lalo na po sa modernization ng Armed Forces [of the Philippines], kagamitan, makakatulong naman po sila sa atin, welcome naman sila (If they can help the country especially in the modernization of the Armed Forces, facilities, if they can help us, they are welcome)," Go said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan De Oro said Harris’ visit is a clear signal to China that the US is supporting the Philippines in its territorial dispute with Beijing.

“We welcome Vice President Kamala Harris. We thank the United States for supporting our sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in accordance with the International Arbitral Award in July 2016,” he said.

Rodriguez emphasized the need to have a code of conduct to peacefully and amicably resolve the territorial disputes among countries in the region.

US State Secretary Anthony Blinken also visited the Philippines in August.

He said his visit showed the Biden administration’s “commitment to stand with our Philippine ally in upholding the rules-based international maritime order in the SCS, supporting maritime livelihoods and countering illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189095

Sara welcomes VP Harris; cites education priorities

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22, 2022): Sara welcomes VP Harris; cites education priorities (By Stephanie Sevillano)

FILIPINO DELICACIES. Vice President Sara Duterte (right) shares light moments with US Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday, (Nov. 21, 2022) in Aguado House in Manila. Duterte urged Harris to try some Filipino delicacies including pork knuckles with peanut sauce, adobo, and lechon. (Photo courtesy: PTV)

MANILA– Vice President Sara Duterte welcomed United States Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday with a warm Filipino gesture, when the latter paid a courtesy call before her scheduled meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

In their meeting at Aguado House in San Miguel, Manila, Duterte shared with Harris some of her priority plans in the education sector following the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Duterte told Harris that she was looking forward to institutionalizing the blended learning modality in the Philippines, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) said in a post-meeting statement.

Duterte said even the pandemic setup has taken its toll on young learners, which caused “learning loss.”

She told Harris about the government’s plan to review the Kinder to Grade 12 (K-12) program to ensure that its goal of employment after graduation would be met.

Harris, according to the OVP, lauded Duterte for her plans and responsibilities while juggling her duties as both the vice president and the secretary of the Department of Education.

“VPOTUS (Vice President of the United States) said she was impressed by VP Sara’s work and responsibilities as VP and DepEd Secretary,” the OVP added.

Filipino delicacies

While sharing a light moment with the American official, Duterte urged the latter to try Filipino delicacies like kare-kare (Philippine stew in peanut sauce) and lumpia (spring rolls).

“That was what the second gentleman shared to us, that you really love cooking… that’s a perfect pair. I think you should try kare-kare, it’s pork knuckles with peanut sauce, and adobo, lechon. Have you tried lechon? That’s a roasted pig, that’s a Filipino symbol in all parties, birthdays, Christmas, every party,” Duterte told Harris.

Harris then asked Duterte to send her the cooking instructions for kare-kare.

The American second top official added that she loves Filipino spring rolls. “I love lumpia… I have it, all the time. Every time a Filipino works in my office…they always give me a big tray of lumpia.”

Posturing on security

Besides education, jobs, and Filipino food, the two leaders also discussed issues concerning security.

Harris assured Duterte that America is committed to supporting the Philippines when its security is being threatened.

Harris is the highest-ranking US government official to have visited the Philippines since Marcos assumed office last June. She will be in the country for three days. She will also visit Palawan to speak with officials of the Philippine Coast Guard.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189080

House backs PNPA modernization, add’l benefits for cadets

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22, 2022): House backs PNPA modernization, add’l benefits for cadets (By Zaldy De Layola)

File photo

MANILA – House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez on Monday expressed full support for the modernization of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) as he vowed to push the passage of all measures seeking to upgrade and strengthen the academy that produces the country’s police officers.

Romualdez said the PNPA should be granted the right to determine its own policies, plans and programs without any pressure or influence.

He also committed to work for more benefits for cadets of the PNPA.

“In an increasingly globalized, highly advanced society, there is a need to modernize the PNPA and educate our police corps with new methods, so they may have the competency and expertise to deal with criminals employing new schemes and technology in the commission of a crime,” Romualdez said during flag-raising ceremony and Distinguished Visitors Program at PNPA Grandstand of Camp General Mariano N. Castañeda in Silang, Cavite.

He reminded the cadets that Filipino people rely on the PNP personnel to have a peaceful and secured environment.

Romualdez said police academy “must be given the autonomy to build infrastructure, acquire necessary equipment and reorganize administrative structures.”

“To boost the PNPA cadets’ morale, they should be awarded with benefits in case of disability, sickness, or even death, during training,” Romualdez added. “There are some measures that are almost unanimous in purpose which is to establish a PNPA corps of professors and instructors, and to create a system of faculty, placement, promotion and development.”

Most of the bills also seek to classify PNPA cadets as state scholars and treat their period of cadetship as part of their government service, he said.

Romualdez grabbed the opportunity during the occasion to commend the leadership of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the PNP for “doing a good job in booting out of service a few bad eggs in the police force.”

“Please continue with this noble mission and keep helping us eradicate corruption and unprofessionalism in public service. Let us all help President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. win the war against crime and illegal drugs,” he said.

He disclosed that Congress is allocating funds for anti-criminality intelligence, case recording and tracking, detection and investigation services, case filing and arrest, capacity building, operational readiness, and disaster and emergency response.

“We need all hands on deck. Let us all do our share in keeping our communities safe, and in making sure that every Filipino family is free from danger and harm,” he stressed

“If the PNP will succeed in hiring that many personnel, it will be the biggest in years,” he said.

He said the recruitment of the new policemen would bring to 227,410 the total number of uniformed PNP personnel.

The House leader expressed hope that the additional policemen and other officers would be “out there in the streets to keep our communities safe and secured, not in offices, but out in the streets.”

Other officials who attended the program included Rep. Roy Loyola of Cavite and PNPA officers led by Brig. Gen. Eric Noble, the academy’s acting director.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189029

Westmincom deploys elite troops to Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 18, 2022): Westmincom deploys elite troops to Basilan (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

ELITE TROOPS. The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) deploys a battalion of elite troops from Sulu province to strengthen the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Basilan province. The troops of the Army's 5th Scout Ranger Battalion were ferried Thursday (Nov. 17, 2022) from Sulu to Lamitan City, Basilan. (Photo courtesy of Westmincom)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) has deployed a battalion of elite troops from Sulu province to boost the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Basilan province.

Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, the acting Westmincom commander, said Friday the Army's 5th Scout Ranger Battalion (5SRB) will man areas previously assigned to the Army’s 68th Infantry Battalion (IB).

The 5SRB troops led by Lt. Col. Eugenio Baquiran were ferried Thursday to Lamitan City, Basilan after more than three years of assignment in Sulu.

“The battalion’s transfer to Basilan was long overdue as replacement of the 68IB, which was redeployed to Mindoro in January,” Rojas said.

The 68IB was assigned to Mindoro after more than a five-year stint against the ASG bandits in Basilan.

“The 5SRB will fill the vacuum left by the 68IB to keep the momentum going of improving the security condition in Basilan,” Rojas said.

A send-off ceremony was accorded to the 5SRB on Wednesday, in recognition of their invaluable service rendered during their deployment in Sulu, which contributed to the numerous feats of the Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu.

Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, JTF-Sulu commander, expressed his gratitude to the 5SRB for their invaluable contribution to the accomplishment of JTF Sulu’s mission.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1188896

3 NPA 'spies' surrender in Zamboanga del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 18, 2022): 3 NPA 'spies' surrender in Zamboanga del Sur (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Three spies of the New People’s Army (NPA) have separately surrendered to authorities in Zamboanga del Sur province after renouncing the rebel group, a police official said Friday.

The NPA surrenderers were identified as Beviencia De Pedro, Macus Gudag and Mario Rote; all members of the Guerrilla Front Big Beautiful Country (BBC) of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC).

Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of the Area Police Command in Western Mindanao, said De Pedro and Gudag surrendered around 9 a.m. Friday in Barangay San Pablo in Dumingag town, Zamboanga del Sur.

Verceles said the surrender of the two was facilitated by the Dumingag Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) headed by Mayor Gerry Paglinawan.

Verceles said the surrenderers took an oath of allegiance administered by Paglinawan and were given initial monetary assistance.

Rote, meanwhile, surrendered Thursday morning in Barangay Makuguihon in Molave town, Zamboanga del Sur.

Verceles said the surrender of Rote was facilitated by the Molave MTF-ELCAC headed by Mayor Cyril Reo Glepa.

Rote turned over fragmentation and rifle grenades during his surrender.

Verceles said the former NPA spies will be enrolled in the government programs for surrenderers to help them reintegrate in mainstream society.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1188919

6 ex-NPA rebels in Iligan get P390K from gov't amnesty program

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 18, 2022): 6 ex-NPA rebels in Iligan get P390K from gov't amnesty program (By Nef Luczon)

Google map of Iligan City.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- A total of PHP390,000 were given to six former rebels residing in Iligan City.

In a statement Friday, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the city said each former rebel was given PHP65,000 under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip).

Mayor Frederick Siao urged the former rebels to put the money to good use.

"Save the money wisely and probably it might be helpful in the future of your family," Siao said.

In Iligan City, the local government recorded 34 former rebels who have received assistance and have already reintegrated into the communities.

Maria Maida Daniot, chief of DILG-Iligan, said the agency facilitates immediate and long term aid to former rebels after surrendering.

Former rebels were also given livelihood and health assistance.

The local government is also planning to construct a halfway house where former rebels can temporarily reside before fully reintegrating to the communities.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1188935