Kalinaw News: Government provides initial benefits to NPA who surrender

Posted to Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Feb 4, 2023): Government provides initial benefits to NPA who surrender

Government provides initial benefits to NPA who surrender after surviving two encounters.

Read: https://bit.ly/40rkLIr
#KapayapaanParaSaLahat
#PhilArmy
#ARMY125

Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/photos/a.449700745237950/2176999892508018/

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/

Septuagenarian yields high-powered firearm in Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 4, 2023): Septuagenarian yields high-powered firearm in Basilan (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

(File photo)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A 73-year-old alleged leader of an armed group yielded a high-powered firearm as he surrendered to authorities in the province of Basilan, a top police official bared Saturday.

Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao, said Salihin Nulani Anda surrendered around 9 a.m. Friday at the municipal gymnasium in Barangay Tipo-Tipo proper in Tipo-Tipo town, Basilan.

Anda yielded an M-14 rifle when he turned himself to Tipo-Tipo Mayor Arcam Istarul. He is now under the custody of the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion.

Verceles said Anda is the leader of the Gandilan clan, an armed group in the municipality of Tipo-Tipo that could be active during elections.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194409

NTF-ELCAC seeks rescue, reintegration of more rebel surrenderers

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30, 2023): NTF-ELCAC seeks rescue, reintegration of more rebel surrenderers (By Priam Nepomuceno)

(PNA file photo by Avito Dalan)

MANILA – The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is determined to rescue more communist insurgents and give them the opportunity to rejoin their families and live peaceful and useful lives again.

This is the task force's goal for this year which was raised during the meeting of its 12 national clusters on Jan. 27.

"(National Security Adviser) Secretary (Eduardo) Año issued his ways forward guidance and direction in strengthening the National Task Force’s whole-of-nation mechanisms and convergence efforts to ensure the realization of the aspiration and directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to finally achieve lasting and inclusive peace and development for all," the NTF-ELCAC said in a statement issued Sunday night.

Plans and programs presented during the meeting highlighted the NTF-ELCAC's "resolve to rescue more rebels and provide them with holistic support so they may rejoin their loved ones in the communities and contribute to the betterment of society."

These are also geared to "further strengthen the resilience of the Filipino people from the communist terrorist group’s malevolent influence and continuing attempts to cause terror and chaos in our land."

Año also expressed his confidence in the NTF-ELCAC's roadmap.

The national clusters also pledged their unwavering commitment towards the full reconciliation and reintegration of each "friend rescued" (FR) and bringing development to all four corners of the country, especially the far-flung barangays.

FR refers to surrendered members of the New People's Army and other allies of the communist movement.

"Secretary Año underscored the significant role of cluster agencies in providing timely and appropriate support for and taking the initiatives to mainstream the various development interventions in identified conflict-affected barangays and sustain the significant gains made by the NTF-ELCAC since its creation on December 4, 2018," the body stressed.

Año also expressed his confidence in the NTF-ELCAC's roadmap.

The NTF-ELCAC also lauded the dedication and zeal of all involved government agencies and local government leaders, in partnership with the private sector, for their support in attaining this objective.

"(This) proves the nation’s collective dedication to fulfilling the covenant of security, peace, and prosperity for the Filipino people," the body added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193866

3 Army rescue teams resume search for missing Cessna plane

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30, 2023): 3 Army rescue teams resume search for missing Cessna plane (By Priam Nepomuceno)

SEARCH CONTINUES. Army search and rescue team members take a break during the search for the missing Cessna 206 plane and its passengers in the hinterlands of Isabela on Sunday (Jan. 29, 2023). The plane went missing after departing Cauayan Airport in Isabela on the afternoon of Jan. 24. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) on Monday said three of its search and rescue teams from the 5th Infantry Division are still searching for the Cessna 206 and its passengers who went missing in Isabela last week.

These teams are from the 95th Infantry Battalion, Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement.

"Three search and rescue teams from the 95 Infantry Battalion, 5th Infantry Division continue to search for missing passengers of the plane that went missing en route to Maconacon Airport in the eastern seaboard of Isabela," he added.

Trinidad said two squads composed of nine personnel and 10 personnel each are scouring the hinterlands of Barangay Sapinit in Divilacan while the third squad, composed of 15 personnel, is currently searching the jungles of Barangay Dicaruyan also in Divilacan.

The plane went missing after departing Cauayan Airport in Isabela on the afternoon of Jan. 24.

The Cagayan Valley Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has since launched extensive search and rescue efforts for the six persons including the pilot who were aboard the missing plane.

"The Army leadership commended the search and rescue teams and other responders for working tirelessly to locate and save the missing passengers amid the inclement weather and the rugged terrain of Sierra Madre," Trinidad said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193869

3 ranking NPA officials fall in GenSan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30, 2023): 3 ranking NPA officials fall in GenSan (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

NABBED. The firearms and other belongings seized from three ranking communist leaders in an operation in General Santos City on Sunday (Jan. 29, 2023). The three suspects were identified as Ruben Saluta, Purificacion Saluta and Yvonne Losaria. (Photo courtesy of CIDG)

MANILA – Three ranking officials of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) were arrested in a police operation in General Santos City, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said on Monday.

CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat said those arrested were Ruben Saluta, secretary of the National Propaganda Commission of the CPP Central Committee and former secretary of the NPA's Panay Regional Party Committee (PRPC); Presentacion Cordon Saluta, head of the Komiteng Rehyonal Panay (KR- Panay) and Yvonne Losaria leader of the Sentro-De-Gravidad, Guerrilla Front 35, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).

CIDG operatives nabbed the three suspects in an operation at Phase 5, Doña Soledad, Barangay Labangal on Sunday after receiving information about their presence in the area.

Seized from them were several firearms -- including three M16 rifles, an M14 rifle, carbine -- several types of ammunition, a hand grenade, mobile phones, laptop computer and documents.

Ruben has standing arrest warrants for several counts of murder while Presentacion is wanted by an Antique court for a rebellion case.

Losaria, meanwhile, has a standing arrest warrant for rebellion charges.

The suspects were turned over to the CIDG Central Mindanao headquarters along with the guns and other documents seized pending the return of the warrant of arrest to the court of origin and issuance of the commitment order.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193870

Proposed Coast Guard Academy to reinforce maritime protection

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30, 2023): Proposed Coast Guard Academy to reinforce maritime protection (By Leonel Abasola)

(Contributed photo)

MANILA – A Philippine Coast Guard Academy (PCGA) will ensure enough personnel to protect maritime resources in the country’s estimated 7,600 islands.

Senate Bill No. 1673 or the Philippine Coast Guard Academy Act calls for the appropriation of PHP1.5 billion for the Academy, to be released in a staggered basis by the Department of Budget and Management for three years.

Another PHP800 million shall be appropriated for acquiring modern training ships while PHP60 million will come from the yearly General Appropriations Act for the maintenance and operation of the PCGA.

Currently, the PCG has an agreement with the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy to admit and train 70 cadets yearly.

“Protection of the Philippine's maritime trade is necessary to sustain socio-economic development. In order to secure our maritime trade, it is vital to protect maritime trade from any internal and external threat. This is the role of the Philippine Coast Guard as it is mandated and responsible, among others, to perform maritime safety, maritime environmental protection and maritime security,” bill author Senator Mark Villar said in his explanatory note.

The proposed PCGA will be comparable to the Philippine Military Academy and the Philippine National Police Academy as graduates will be conferred with Bachelor of Science degrees and shall be given the option to be a commissioned officer of the Philippine Navy.

The minimum qualifications for admission into the PCGA are natural-born Filipino citizens, single with no parental obligations, in good physical condition, 17 to 22 years of age on the first day of the academic year and at least a secondary level graduate.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193877

Troops told to hone skills, values to make AFP world-class

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2023): Troops told to hone skills, values to make AFP world-class (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP chief Gen. Andres Centino (Photo courtesy of AFP)

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Andres Centino called on troops to develop exemplary values and sharpen their skills to make the country's military world-class.

"It is not in the equipment that will make us world-class; it is in the attitude, values, and skills of our soldiers that will make us world-class," Centino said during his visit to the Philippine Army's Armor Division headquarters at Camp O'Donnell, Sta. Lucia, Capas, Tarlac on Monday.

He said he expects all Armor Division officers and personnel to fully support the AFP in all its mandates.

He also thanked Armor Division commander Maj. Gen. Facundo Palafox IV for the unit's outstanding performance all over the country and told them to carry on with their work.

During his visit, Centino inspected Armor Division's new assets, including the Sabrah ASCOD 2 and Pandur II tanks, upgraded armored combat vehicles and Simba fighting vehicles, which provide close and indirect fire support for the maneuvering unit.

These are part of the AFP Modernization Program aimed at improving the Army's capability to operate and integrate tanks in military operations.

Centino also highlighted the advancement of professionalism and meritocracy in the AFP by reminding military officers to lead their men efficiently and effectively.

He also urged commanders to be aware of their responsibilities and to visit their troops in the field.

"That is the only time when you're seen by your troops, that you give the motivation and inspiration for them to give their best also," Centino said.

He also touted the AFP's major accomplishments in combating threat groups in the country, including the communist insurgency which had been greatly reduced.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193965

US defense chief's visit to reinforce alliance with PH: envoy

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2023): US defense chief's visit to reinforce alliance with PH: envoy (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin (Anadolu photo)

MANILA – The upcoming visit of United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to the Philippines would strengthen the two nations’ alliance and existing defense agreements, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said Tuesday.

Romualdez said Austin is expected to arrive in Manila after a stop in South Korea by Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.

Austin will pay a courtesy call on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and hold meetings with Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Andres Centino, and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.

“It's an ongoing relationship that we've had with the United States. As President Marcos has pointed out, it's evolving. So our military alliance, our Mutual Defense Treaty, our Visiting Forces Agreement are obviously part and parcel of that entire relationship that we have with the United States so obviously that visit will reinforce all of these agreements that we have,” Romualdez said in a press conference in Makati.

He, however, deferred to the DND when asked if an agreement on the five additional facilities under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) would be ripe when the US official arrives in the country.

Manila and Washington DC are expected to discuss “speeding up the implementation” of the EDCA during Austin’s trip, the US Department of Defense said in an article dated Jan. 29.

The US Defense chief, it added, would focus on capabilities and interoperability as “key to deterring any challenge in the region” amid the complex security environment in the Indo-Pacific region.

The two countries have already agreed to fully implement the EDCA through “expedited completion” of projects in existing agreed locations and finalizing procedures for the adoption of additional sites during the 10th US-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in late January.

In a separate interview, Romualdez explained that the construction of facilities is consistent with the AFP’s modernization program and would also help boost the country’s disaster resiliency efforts.

“This would be good for us because it will develop many of our bases, keep it up to speed on what is really needed. And they (the US) are going to be the one to spend for it. That's the most important thing and these are not bases not at all,” he said.

“It's already there existing. Nasa atin na iyan (That’s already there). They’re just going to enhance it so to speak, to make it more modernized. And that's part of our AFP modernization program anyway.”

The EDCA, signed in 2014, allows US troops to operate on a rotational basis in designated facilities within the country.

Among the US activities identified are security cooperation exercises, joint and combined training activities, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194032

2nd Infantry Division troops get disaster response training

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1, 2023): 2nd Infantry Division troops get disaster response training (By Priam Nepomuceno)

DISASTER RESPONSE TRAINING. A member of the 2nd Infantry “Junglefighter” Division undergoes a water search and rescue training exercise at Camp General Mateo, Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal on Jan. 30, 2023. The Philippine Army said Wednesday (Feb. 1, 2023) the holding of the disaster response training complies with PA chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.'s calls for the enhancement of unit capabilities and soldiers’ skills. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

MANILA – Twenty personnel of the Tanay-based 2nd Infantry Division were given various disaster response training by the 525th Engineer Combat Battalion on Jan. 30.

"The 20 personnel underwent lectures and practical exercises on basic incident command system, hazardous material awareness, emergency medical response, rope rescue techniques, and collapsed structure search and rescue," PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement Wednesday.

The 525th Engineer Combat Battalion, also known as “Mandirigtas" (a combination of "mandirigma" or warrior and "manliligtas" or savior), is the PA's primary humanitarian assistance and disaster response unit.

The training was held at the 2nd Infantry Division headquarters in Camp General Mateo, Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal.

"The disaster response exercises are in line with Army (commander) Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr.'s thrust to enhance unit capabilities and soldiers’ individual skills," Trinidad said.

The PA and Japan's military forces in November 2021 conducted a five-day field training exercise on disaster response, which aimed to enhance the capabilities of the PA and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) response, such as collapse structure and water search and rescue.

The HADR coordination project is in line with the two countries’ bilateral initiative that began in 2019.

PA, USARPAC finalize plans for 2023 'Salaknib' Phase 2

As this developed, the PA and US Army Pacific (USARPAC) planners commenced the three-day final planning conference for the second quarter staging of the Exercise "Salaknib" Phase 2 at the Hotel Conrad in Pasay City last Jan. 30.

PA and USARPAC are gearing up to stage a scaled-up iteration of Exercise "Salaknib" in two phases this year.

Trinidad said "Salaknib's" first phase, which will precede Exercise "Balikatan", is slated for the first quarter while the second phase is scheduled for the second quarter of this year.

The final planning conference brought together PA and USARPAC planners to effectively lay out the bilateral planning approach for "Salaknib" which will include around 3,000 troops from USARPAC's 25th Infantry Division and PA's 5th Infantry Division, 7th Infantry Division and 1st Brigade Combat Team.

"Salaknib—which means shield in Ilocano—is an annual Army-to-Army exercise geared at strengthening the interoperability of Filipino and American soldiers in a spectrum of military operations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194075

PH Army eyes more defense engagement with UK

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 4, 2023): PH Army eyes more defense engagement with UK (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PH-UK MILITARY TIES. Army vice commander Brig. Gen. Steve D. Crespillo (left) welcomes the United Kingdom's defense attaché to the Philippines, Group Captain Beatrix VH Walcot, at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila on Friday (Feb. 3, 2023). The two military officials discussed forging closer security and defense ties between the two nations, as well as bolstering areas of collaboration in military training and education. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) is looking at the possibility of expanding ties with the United Kingdom, especially in land domain training and education, after the visit of the UK’s defense attaché to the Philippines, Group Captain Beatrix VH Walcot.

In a statement issued on Saturday, PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said Walcot met with Army vice commander Brig. Gen. Steve D. Crespillo during her introductory call at the PA headquarters in Fort Bonifacio on Friday.

"Brig. Gen. Crespillo, who represented Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., and Group Captain Walcot discussed forging closer security and defense ties between the two nations. The two leaders also tackled bolstering areas of collaboration in the land domain, such as military training and education," Trinidad said.

It can be recalled that a team of PA Scout Rangers received a Silver Medal citation at the pre-pandemic Exercise Cambrian Patrol (Ex CP) 2019 held in Wales, UK.

Ex CP, considered the British Army’s premier patrolling event, involves mission-focused and scenario-based exercises geared at enhancing the participating units' operational capabilities, Trinidad said.

The British government recently appointed the resident defense attaché to the Philippines based at the British Embassy in Manila from the previous Brunei-based non-resident attaché.

This change was in line with the British government's 2021 Integrated Review of Foreign and Security Policy, which has shifted its strategic direction to the Indo-Pacific region.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194390

New EDCA sites to boost PH security, economy: Galvez

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 4, 2023): New EDCA sites to boost PH security, economy: Galvez (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Department of National Defense officer-in-charge Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (File photo)

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) officer-in-charge Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Saturday allayed fears over plans to add new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the Philippines, saying these facilities would not only boost the country's security but also spur the economy.

Galvez issued this statement Saturday following concerns over the DND and the US Department of Defense's agreement to designate four new locations as EDCA sites early this week.

"I must stress that EDCA and its implementation, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program, or the PH-US alliance are directed to modernize our capabilities and collaboration to react to emergencies and protect our maritime and environmental interests. Thus, these EDCA sites should not be a cause for concern for anyone since it could also spur economic investments, joint protection, and preservation of our maritime and natural resources," he said.

He added that every country has the right to develop or improve its defense capabilities.

"At the outset, let me point out that defense capability building is within the sovereign right of every country, and in the pursuit of that right the DND has been and will always remain consistent in its position that all engagements with the US, as well as other foreign partners, must be conducted in accordance with the Philippine Constitution and other national laws," he added.

Galvez added that the EDCA with the Americans was created to further improve the capability of Philippine facilities in responding to disasters and emergencies.

"Thus, with that in mind, the EDCA was primarily envisioned to develop our own bases and facilities in line with our overall efforts to enhance our defense posture, especially our preparedness for responding to disasters and emergencies," the DND chief added.

Galvez earlier said the four new EDCA locations would be revealed once they finish consulting with the local communities where these facilities would be set up.

In cooperation with the US, Galvez said the EDCA will facilitate the construction or upgrade of facilities and infrastructure that will directly contribute to the enhancement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) capabilities, and serve as storage or housing for assets and materiel that will be prepositioned in "agreed locations."

He added this is still subject to prior authorization from the Philippines as specified in the EDCA provisions.

"Prepositioned equipment that will be stored in the Agreed Locations will strengthen our capabilities to immediately deliver humanitarian assistance to disaster-affected areas as well promote more rapid reaction times during disasters, emergencies, or contingencies," he added.

The DND chief also said American Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III had reiterated that the EDCA is not about permanent basing in the country, which is forbidden by the Philippine Constitution, but rather a collaborative agreement that will give our allies access to training opportunities with Philippine personnel on a rotational basis for the purpose of enhancing interoperability and mutual capacity-building between Philippine and US forces.

Finalized after eight rounds of talks in August 2013, the EDCA which was signed in 2014 gives US troops access to designated Philippine military facilities, the right to build facilities, and preposition equipment, aircraft, and vessels, but rules out permanent basing.

Under the EDCA, the Philippine government is working with the US to build future facilities in Cesar Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation in Nueva Ecija; Lumbia Airfield in Cagayan de Oro City; Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa, Palawan; and Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194416

PH Army Support Command gets new chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1, 2023): PH Army Support Command gets new chief (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Philippine Army Support Command chief Brig. Gen. Rogelio Ulanday (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) on Wednesday announced that Brig. Gen. Rogelio Ulanday has been appointed to head the Tarlac City-based Army Support Command (ASCOM).

He replaces Maj. Gen. Glenn E. Cruz who retired on Jan. 30 after 37 years of military service.

Ulanday, who served as ASCOM deputy commander since October 2020, has a vast experience in military logistics, PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said.

ASCOM is tasked to cater to the major PA units’ requirements in terms of firepower, transportation, organizational, and equipment maintenance.

"He held key leadership positions throughout his career, such as AFP quartermaster general; group commander of the 1st Logistics Support Group, ASCOM; command inspector general of ASCOM; executive officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)'s office of the deputy chief-of-staff for logistics; 5th Infantry Division inspector general; and chief of the office of the Army Chief Ordnance and Chemical Service," he added.

Ulanday is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1990. He holds a master’s degree in Public Management Major in Development Security from the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP).

Meanwhile, Cruz served as the unit's deputy commander from November 2018 to February 2020 before being appointed as ASCOM chief in the same year.

He held other key logistics posts such as assistant chief-of-staff for logistics, PA; assistant chief-of-staff for logistics, ASCOM; and acting chief-of-staff of the AFP Philippines procurement service.

Just like his successor, Maj. Gen. Cruz belongs to the PMA Class of 1990. He holds a master's degree in Management Major in Public Administration from the Philippine Christian University.

PA chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., who led the change-of-command ceremony, lauded Cruz for his vast contribution to the Army as an outstanding logistician.

"He lauded Maj. Gen. Cruz for steering the command, especially in the hauling of aid for calamity-stricken families across the country. The Army chief also led ASCOM officers and men in welcoming Brig. Gen. Ulanday whom he described as a general officer who is cut out for the job of leading ASCOM," Trinidad said.

Also on Jan. 30, Brig. Gen. Alvin Flores assumed as the acting commander for the Training and Doctrine (TRADOC) during short ceremonies at Camp O’Donnell, Santa Lucia, Capas, Tarlac.

He replaces Maj. Gen. Peter Angelo Ramos who retired after nearly four decades of service.

Before his appointment, Flores was TRADOC deputy commander and commanded other units such as the Doctrine and Capability Integration Center; assistant chief-of-staff for civil-military operations and assistant chief-of-staff for personnel of the 5th Infantry Division; and commander of the 17th Infantry Battalion.

Flores is a member of PMA Class of 1992 and holds master’s degrees in Business Administration from De La Salle University; Public Management from the DAP; and National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194077

Canada seeks to conclude defense MOU with PH by June

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1, 2023): Canada seeks to conclude defense MOU with PH by June (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

MANILA – The Canadian government is hoping to finalize and sign a defense cooperation deal with Manila on the margins of the Shangri-La Dialogue in June, the Canadian Embassy in Manila said Wednesday.

A senior embassy official who presented Ottawa’s new Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) on condition of anonymity during a briefing in Makati, said the memorandum of understanding would serve as a framework to improve defense relations stalled by disagreements during the past administration.

“We have not had a deep defense relationship and opportunities to build that relationship were interrupted by disagreements between the two countries on issues like human rights, etc,” he said.

“We have a new opportunity so we are negotiating that—both sides see an enormous potential and value,” he added.

Canada, the official said, is looking for opportunities to increase its participation in exercises in the absence of a Visiting Forces Agreement or a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement similar to what Manila has with the United States or Australia.

Once finalized, the MOU would cover expanded security partnerships, possible military exercises and training and capacity building, among others.

The official said the Armed Forces of the Philippines is interested in a range of different training and Canada is ready to evaluate this in line with the IPS, which places importance to the Philippines as a vital partner in the region.

“We're prepared to evaluate and look at that. And we were allocating resources to be able to do more in this part of the world,” he said.

Aside from defense, Canada looks forward to enhancing maritime cooperation with the country.

Manila has recently proposed a maritime dialogue, which the official sees as timely given the IPS’s launch in November 2022.

The official said the mechanism is being studied and would be “wide-ranging” to cover environmental protection, oil spill mitigation, maritime safety and fishery stock management.

‘Increased presence’

Canada plans to increase presence in the region through the 2.3 billion Canadian dollar IPS, spanning from peace and security initiatives to strengthening economic ties across the region.

In the said briefing, the official said Canada would also work with partners to push back against any unilateral actions that threaten status quo in the East and South China Sea, including the Taiwan Strait.

Beijing, Manila and other neighboring nations have overlapping claims over the vast and resource-rich South China Sea.

The official highlighted that Canada’s approach to China would be “inseparable” from its broader IPS and it would challenge the rising power “when we ought to” and cooperate with them when they must.

“China is looking to shape the international order into a more permissive environment for interests and values that increasingly depart from ours. And China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada,” the official said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194173

Congressional gold medal awards highlight strong PH-US bond

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 1, 2023): Congressional gold medal awards highlight strong PH-US bond (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AWARDING. Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. delivers a message during the 22nd United States Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) awarding ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Jan. 31, 2023. He thanked the US government for honoring Filipino war veterans. (Contributed photo)

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. expressed his appreciation to the US government for honoring the Filipino World War II veterans which was highlighted by the 22nd United States Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) Awarding Ceremony last Tuesday.

The event, which served as a testament to the shared history and enduring partnership between the Philippines and the US, was held at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

"The DND expresses its deepest gratitude to the US government for honoring our war veterans. They are living symbols of the shared history and strong bond between our nations,” Galvez said in a statement Wednesday night.

He also added that Filipino World War II veterans deserved the highest recognition possible for their gallantry and service.

“Our veterans are heroes in the truest sense. They deserve the highest form of recognition for serving in various capacities and fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with our American soldiers during the Second World War,” Galvez said.

A total of 38 Filipino World War II veterans were awarded during the ceremony.

Of the awardees, 23 of them personally received their medals, while 15 were awarded posthumously. Four of the awardees were also centenarians.

“It is remarkable and even more inspiring that despite their advanced age, some even stood up and walked to receive their CGM, including Private Arturo F. Coronel of the Mariano Ponce’s Regiment, who is now 100 years old,” the DND chief said.

Galvez also thanked Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), led by its administrator Undersecretary Reynaldo B. Mapagu, for its outstanding work, as he called on the agency to continue protecting and promoting our veterans’ welfare.

Since 2018, the PVAO has conducted 22 awarding ceremonies not only in Metro Manila but in other provinces.

A total of 628 veterans have been recipients of the US CGM awards.

“Congratulations on today’s (Jan. 31) successful and heartwarming recognition ceremony,” he said.

“I also thank the hardworking team in PVAO for continuously and excellently serving our veterans and their beneficiaries by delivering the benefits, healthcare assistance, and scholarships they rightfully deserve. Your dedication to your duties shall ensure that our nation will never forget the lessons from our history,” he added.

Galvez, likewise, recognized the legacy of veterans, many of whom have children and grandchildren who chose to pay it forward by becoming public servants.

“I have no doubt that our veterans ignited their desire to become part of the government to serve our people and our communities across the country. Looking back, the stories of selfless service and sacrifices of our forebears inspired me and ultimately influenced my decision to join the Philippine military and later on, help push forward the comprehensive Philippine peace process,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mapagu underscored the importance of conferring the awards to as many of the country’s living veterans as possible.

“We, in the PVAO, along with our partners in the Filipino veterans community, various veterans organizations and local government units, will continue to work hard to make this happen,” the PVAO administrator said.

Mapagu said they have fought for the rightful recognition of Filipino veterans for many years. He added that they continue to do so because this is the least they can do for these heroes.

Galvez also thanked former DND Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana and the people behind the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project, who initiated the legislation that provided for the US CGM awards to Filipino veterans.

“Its success is a testament to what the Filipino-American Veterans’ Community can achieve when united for a noble purpose,” he added.

Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy in the Philippines, Heather Variava, also paid tribute to the Filipino veterans.

“The Congressional Gold Medal ceremony takes us back in time to remember the contributions of our soldiers and how they overcame the adversities of war,” she said.

“Your stories are true testaments of lasting patriotism and bravery. And they are an indelible marker of an enduring relationship between our countries.”

Galvez noted that the CGM awarding ceremony is timely considering the arrival of US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III in the Philippines. Their scheduled bilateral meeting, he said, is a testament of the strong and enduring ties between the two nations.

”As a fellow product of the United States Army Infantry School at Fort Benning in Georgia, I look forward to meeting with Secretary Austin and discussing how our respective defense departments can further strengthen our collaboration,” Galvez said.

“The United States has long been our country’s partner during crises, especially in providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Filipinos during calamities,” he added.

He is hopeful that the meeting will open up more avenues for the two countries to pursue stronger and more strategic joint defense capabilities.

“We are looking at expanding our training and activities with our allies through exercises such as the Balikatan,” Galvez said.

He added the DND intends to continue building on the ironclad partnership with its US counterparts.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194184

32 senior Navy, Marine Corps officials promoted to higher ranks

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2, 2023): 32 senior Navy, Marine Corps officials promoted to higher ranks (By Priam Nepomuceno)

(Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)

MANILA – Thirty-two officers of the Philippine Navy (PN) and Philippine Marine Corps were promoted to their next higher rank.

PN spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza, in a statement Thursday, said the promotion rites for 24 Navy captains and eight Marine colonels were held at Navy headquarters in Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

He added that PN vice commander Rear Adm. Caesar Bernard Valencia presided over the activities.

"The PN is proud of all of you as your career advancement manifests our organization's continuous growth,” Valencia said.

The PN vice commander also described the donning ceremony as "our organization’s way of celebrating and acknowledging your commitment, your excellence and your leadership capabilities as you advance in your respective military careers."

“You are now a Captain, you are now a Colonel and that bears a lot of responsibilities. And I hope that all of you realize what this responsibility would be, to see what we want the Navy to be, a modern and multi-capable Philippine Navy by the year 2028,” Valencia said.

Speaking on behalf of the newly promoted officers, Capt. Antonio Lalisan, deputy commander of the Naval Special Operations Command, enjoined his fellow promotees to “work together and create a timing of leadership that will inspire the new generation of young officers, men and women of the Philippine Navy”.

He also assured that they will keep up the high ideals and standards of the organization.

Likewise, Col. John Manuel Cortez, the deputy commander of the Coastal Defense Regiment and representative of the eight Marine officer promotees encouraged everyone to “continue to work as hard, be more dedicated and more passionate in accomplishing our tasks and responsibilities, and continue to contribute to realizing the goals in our military service.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194189