As China frets, PH-US defense pact cemented

From the Manila Standard (May 6, 2023): As China frets, PH-US defense pact cemented (ByCharles Dantes,Vince Lopez and 2 others)

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Thursday he doesn’t feel alluded to by the latest statement of China opposing any interventions in the South China Sea after the Philippines and the United States announced new defense guidelines aimed at strengthening their alliance.


“As a Filipino and representing the Philippines, I don’t feel alluded to. How can we — how can anyone say that we are not a party to and [have no] interest in all these issues?” Marcos said in response to a question at a press conference in Washington D.C.

“I think that kind of statement was directed more towards the United States than it was [toward] the Philippines,” he added as he wrapped up his five-day official visit to the US.

The Philippines and the US have established bilateral defense guidelines to modernize the alliance “for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”

The guidelines “reaffirmed that an armed attack in the Pacific, including anywhere in the South China Sea, on either of their aircraft or armed forces – which includes their Coast Guards – would invoke mutual defense commitments under the 1951 PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty.”

The Philippines and the US, the guidelines state, will expand cooperation on maritime security through but not limited to joint patrols.

Beijing expressed opposition to what it called meddling in the South China Sea to harm its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

Beijing also said the region should not be used as a “hunting ground.”

Marcos said the new United States-Philippines Bilateral Defense Guidelines, which chart their vision for alliance cooperation across all operational domains, will be responsive to the security challenges faced by both countries.

During a question-and-answer session at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, Marcos said “security and defense can no longer be isolated as one issue.”

“There are attendant and ancillary issues,” he said, citing economic issues. “We must be looking to adjust our relationship as we all are trying to adjust and to transform our economies.”

In a meeting at Pentagon on Wednesday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to bolstering the Philippines’ defense capabilities as the allies develop a Security Sector Assistance Roadmap to guide shared defense modernization investments over the next five to 10 years.

The new bilateral defense guidelines aim to direct a “whole-of-government coordination” as well as promote better coordination and bilateral planning to ensure the territorial integrity and security of both parties.

The guidelines would also institutionalize better interoperability and develop inter-agency capabilities of Philippine and American security establishments.

The President also stressed the need to focus on the new economy emerging from the post-pandemic world.

Asked about his takeaway from his meetings with US officials and lawmakers regarding international security, Mr. Marcos raised the need to protect the sovereignty of each nation in the face of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

“I think we are in full agreement that we must continue to protect the sovereignty, not just sovereign rights, but the sovereignty of each nation, no matter where they are, and that the situation in Ukraine cannot continue and it is something that is really anachronistic in the modern world,” he said.

The President said the Philippines had been straightforward in supporting the resolutions passed by the United Nations in the war in Ukraine.

“We respect the sovereignty and territoriality of every single nation in the world. And that applies most certainly because they are in this incredibly critical situation where an outright war is going on,” he said.

Mr. Marcos said nations should exert all possible efforts to bring peace to Ukraine.

Shortly after the bilateral meeting between Mr. Marcos and US President Joseph Biden, the Department of National Defense announced the finalization of the Philippines-United States Bilateral Defense Guidelines.

“With both countries’ commitment to ensuring the Mutual Defense Treaty’s continued relevance to addressing contemporary and emerging security challenges, the Philippines and the United States established the Bilateral Defense Guidelines, which support a mutual understanding of roles, missions, and capabilities within the framework of the alliance,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement Friday.

He added that its finalization is in line with the announcement of President Marcos to strengthen and redefine Philippines-United States relations and the roles of the two countries in the Asia-Pacific and Indo-Pacific regions.

The Bilateral Defense Guidelines intend to institutionalize key bilateral priorities, mechanisms, and processes to deepen alliance cooperation and interoperability across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace.

It also recalls alliance foundations to include the reaffirmation of both countries’ commitment to the MDT and the conclusion of defense agreements and mechanisms that demonstrate the adaptability and evolution of the alliance in responding to both conventional and non-conventional challenges through the years.

Based on the guidelines, the two defense establishments aim to strengthen the defense partnership through enhancing alliance coordination and bilateral planning; expanding information-sharing; modernizing defense capabilities; deepening interoperability and people-to-people ties, combating transnational and non-conventional threats, and contributing to global and regional peace and stability.

“The release of the Bilateral Defense Guidelines marks an important milestone in the longstanding partnership between the Philippines and the United States. It serves as a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between the Philippines and the United States and reflects the shared commitment of both countries to uphold peace, stability, and the rule of law in the region,” the statement said.

China opposed the new defense guidelines, saying countries surrounding the contested waterway have maintained peace and stability in the region.

Mao Ning, the spokesperson of China’s Foreign Ministry, said Beijing “firmly opposes any country’s move to meddle in the South China Sea issue to harm China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests by citing the guidelines.”

The Chinese official assailed the need for such since the situation in the contested waterway has been characterized by overall stability “with the concerted efforts of regional countries.”

China’s statement comes amid its own acts of aggression in the South China Sea, including conducting dangerous maneuvers against foreign vessels’ crew as well as fishermen, an incursion into others’ exclusive economic zone, and driving away fishermen from their local fishing grounds.

“I would like to stress that the South China Sea is the shared home for countries in the region, not a hunting ground for forces outside the region,” Mao said in her regular press briefing on Thursday night.

“When regional countries are committed to mutual trust, solidarity, cooperation and properly handling differences, they have in their hand the key to peace and stability in the South China Sea,” she said.

Former Department of Foreign Affairs secretary and current Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Teddy Boy Locsin defended the new defense guidelines between Manila and Washington.

Locsin posted on his Twitter account that the US “is not moving to meddle in the South China Sea Arbitral Award issue.”

“But it must meddle if there is an attack on the public vessels of the only US military treaty ally in the world: the Philippines,” he said.

Locsin said protecting the Philippines is “the iron obligation of the US” under the Mutual Defense Treaty. The Philippines also has the same obligation as the US, he added. “It is a mutual defense treaty. Neither side gets a free ride.”

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte, meanwhile, said he hoped that joint maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea would be undertaken not only with the United States but also with other allies such as Japan and Australia.

“With Beijing ignoring time and again the hundreds of diplomatic protests that have been filed by Manila over the nonstop intrusions of Chinese vessels into the WPS, I believe the best approach we can take at this point to put an end to such bullying tactics is for us to double down on plans for joint patrols in the disputed waterway with the US and other allies like Japan and Australia that seem open to such a border security arrangement,” Villafuerte said.

More than 200 diplomatic protests have reportedly been lodged by Manila against Beijing in recent years.

“That the incessant harassment of Philippine vessels in our very own territory has been increasing despite the series of official engagements between Beijing and Manila, ostensibly in pursuit of a peaceful resolution to this territorial dispute only illustrates that the Philippine government’s filing of diplomatic protests over and over against such Chinese bullying is a futile approach,” he said.

“China has repeatedly made a mockery of its diplomatic talks and avowed commitments with the Philippines on pursuing a peaceful settlement of the conflict, as such formal engagements this year have only become a prelude to more, instead of less, Chinese intrusions into our territorial waters and EEZ,” Villafuerte said.

“The asymmetry between Beijing’s rhetoric and action on this thorny territorial issue is as clear as day,” he said, pointing out that the trio of Manila-Beijing diplomatic engagements this year had been followed by even more intense bullying tactics by China in the WPS.

On Thursday, Israel expressed interest in taking a “major” part in the Horizon 3 of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program.

During the Horizons 1 and 2 of the program, Israel successfully delivered artillery, howitzers, and armored personnel and mortar carriers to the Philippines.

“Israeli companies are interested to continue what’s started in the last few years where Israel has become, I think an important and reliable supplier of quality and reliable equipment,” Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said during the 75th Israel Independence Day reception Thursday night.

“We’re looking into the future of the Horizon 3 modernization program. And obviously, we do hope that Israel will also take a major part in the Horizon,” he added.

Fluss said the two more Israeli Shaldag Mark 5 ships — fast attack interdiction craft-missile (FAIC-Ms) in the Philippine Navy (PN) — would be formally turned over soon as part of the nine vessels that the country contracted from the Israel Shipyards Ltd.

These FAIC-Ms, which will form part of the Navy’s Acero-class patrol gunboats, are among the 2019 projects approved by former President Rodrigo Duterte under the Horizon 2 list of the modernization program.

https://manilastandard.net/news/314328155/as-china-frets-ph-us-defense-pact-cemented.html

At Washington forum, Marcos stresses 'friend to all, enemy to none' policy

Posted to the Philippine Star (May 5, 2023): At Washington forum, Marcos stresses 'friend to all, enemy to none' policy

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. meets with the Filipino community in Washington D.C. after his bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden on May 1, 2023 (US Time).
STAR / KJ Rosales

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines will try to maintain good relations with China while reaffirming ties with the US, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Friday in Washington.

Speaking at a forum organized by think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies, Marcos said that the Philippines will balance relations with the two giant economies, adding "disengagement is not really an option."

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He said: "In my first State of the Nation Address, I said the Philippines' foreign policy will keep the Philippines a friend to all and enemy to none. Our foreign policy is almost simplistic when I described it because our foreign policy is based on the pursuit of peace, our foreign policy is based on the promotion of our national interest."

Marcos said that moves towards defending the Philippines' territorial integrity and sovereignty are part of promoting that national interest.

The Philippines has been repairing ties with the US after the six years of the Duterte administration that saw then President Rodrigo Duterte at times hostile to the US and to the West. Duterte had even proposed an alliance among the Philippines, China and Russia.

Marcos has given US troops access to more Philippine military facilities under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement and has hosted the biggest Balikatan exercises yet. The Philippines and US have also revived the Cope Thunder air combat exercises that used to be held annually during the Cold War.

Marcos also received Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang in Malacañang last month.

"It’s very, very useful and very, very productive that Minister Qin came here and that we were able to talk things a little bit through, make plans for the future, continue to work on growing the relationship between the Philippines and China, not only in the economic field but in the cultural and educational and other exchanges," Marcos said of the visit.

READ: Philippines, China to open more lines of communication

Open communications

Asked how he would maintain stable relations with China while insisting on Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, Marcos responded: "In the same way that we maintain our relationship with the US. We constantly consult with our allies and our partners. We constantly keep our lines of communications open."

The Philippines and China have agreed in principle to put up a direct line to better manage tension in the South China Sea, part of which is the West Philippine Sea.

"And in that way, no matter if I cannot speak, for example, to President Xi himself, I have someone that I can pick up the phone and call who I know and I have confidence in making my message arrive to the president," he said.

"And this works of course, both ways. That is, if the president of the People's Republic would like a message to arrive to me, then we have a system in place to achieve that."

Both sides are still working on putting the hotline in place.

Tension over the West Philippine Sea was high in April after the Philippine Coast Guard reported incidents with Chinese ships.

China called the incident "a premeditated and provocative action for the Philippine vessel...to deliberately find fault and take the opportunity to hype up the incident."

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/05/05/2264041/washington-forum-marcos-stresses-friend-all-enemy-none-policy

Power in partnership: The strategic significance of the US-Philippines alliance

Posted to the Philippine Star (May 6, 22023): Power in partnership: The strategic significance of the US-Philippines alliance (By Jikko Alfonso Puzon)

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US President Joe Biden walk up the West Wing colonnade on their way to the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, on May 1, 2023.
AFP/Carolyn Kaster/Pool

Following the successful conclusion of this year's Balikatan exercise and the announcement of four new sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), the Philippines has taken another strategic step to redefine its longstanding alliance with the United States.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently arrived in Washington, D.C., for a five-day official visit to discuss ways to reinforce and modernize the enduring partnership between the two countries. His visit to the White House, considered the first for a Filipino leader in more than ten years, marks a clear departure from the foreign policy pursued by the previous administration.

In his bilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden, President Marcos Jr. said that it is only “natural” for the Philippines to forge closer ties with the United States considering that it is the country's sole treaty ally in the region. Recognizing the strategic significance of the alliance in maintaining peace and stability, President Biden reaffirmed the “ironclad” commitment of the United States to protect the Philippines in the event of an armed attack on its armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft, including those stationed in the South China Sea. He also mentioned his plans to continue supporting the modernization goals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Last year, the United States announced its plan to provide $100 million in military assistance to the AFP in an effort to boost the country’s defense capabilities. During the recent 2+2 ministerial dialogue between Manila and Washington, it also earmarked an additional $18 million on top of the initial $82 million to support the development and operationalization of EDCA sites.

As tensions in the region continue to rise, the Philippine government has forged closer ties with the United States and other strategic partners to build deterrence and strengthen the country’s capacity to address potential conflicts, particularly in the maritime domain.

In a joint statement, President Marcos Jr. and President Biden reaffirmed their commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. They have also stressed the crucial need to respect the sovereign rights of states within their exclusive economic zones (EEZ) in accordance with international law.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recently confirmed reports of a near-collision around the Ayungin Shoal after a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel kept a close distance from one of its patrol vessels, BRP Malapascua. In the same vicinity, the PCG also reported that a CCG vessel persistently monitored and trailed BRP Malabrigo at a close distance of 700 yards.

Despite the fact that the Philippine government has repeatedly maintained that the Ayungin Shoal is within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), China claims that the PCG vessels intruded on its territory without permission and that the CCG was simply taking precautionary measures to avoid conflict.

Although President Marcos Jr. said that China has agreed to discuss recurring issues in the West Philippine Sea, it has continued to harass Philippine vessels and disrupt the livelihood of Filipino fishermen, forcing the Philippine government to strategize and seek ways to effectively manage its aggressive behavior in the region.

As part of these efforts, the Philippines and the United States recently issued new Bilateral Defense Guidelines, which serve as a framework for strengthening defense cooperation and increasing interoperability between the two countries across multiple domains such as land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. The new guidelines also aim to identify priority areas of defense cooperation and foster a common understanding of the roles and missions of both countries. It also outlines initiatives to enhance bilateral planning and information-sharing between the Philippines and the United States.

In his meeting with President Marcos Jr., US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III discussed his plans to help accelerate the defense modernization efforts of the Philippines as well as concrete steps to expand operational cooperation in the maritime domain.

Echoing the statement of President Biden, he also reiterated the commitment of the United States to defend the country under the MDT. Secretary Austin visited the Philippines last February and met with President Marcos Jr. together with top defense and foreign affairs officials from Washington.

The US-Philippines alliance is expected to remain a key strategic partnership for both countries in the coming years. However, it will most likely face ongoing political challenges and must adapt to evolving security and economic developments in the region. In a recent forum organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute, this was highlighted by Professor Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit.

He argued that maintaining a rules-based order in the region requires fostering close cooperation with like-minded partners such as the United States, Japan, and Australia. General Emmanuel Bautista, former Chief of Staff of the AFP, and Mr. Brett Blackshaw, current political counsellor of the US Embassy in the Philippines, both emphasized the strategic importance of the US-Philippines alliance in upholding and defending the country's sovereign rights, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.

By deepening and diversifying the country’s alliance and strategic partnerships, the Philippines under the leadership of President Marcos Jr. can strategically navigate the increasing complex region and eventually contribute to the shared vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

[Jikko Alfonso Puzon is a research manager at think tank Stratbase ADR Institute.]

https://www.philstar.com/news-commentary/2023/05/06/2264233/power-partnership-strategic-significance-us-philippines-alliance

USARPAC’s first MDTF Advances Interoperability through a Combined US – Philippines Information and Effects Fusion Cell

Posted to the US Army Website (May 5, 2023): USARPAC’s first MDTF Advances Interoperability through a Combined US – Philippines Information and Effects Fusion Cell (By 1st Lt. Madeline Suba) 

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippines – The U.S. and Philippine forces implemented a groundbreaking information-sharing center during Balikatan 2023 – the largest-ever iteration of their annual keystone exercise. U.S. Army Pacific’s First Multi-Domain Task Force (1MDTF) established the Combined Information and Effects Fusion Cell (CIEFC) at Camp Aquino, Philippines, connecting the 3rd Marine Division with the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) to promote maritime domain awareness and synchronize bilateral military operations.

The CIEFC provides a venue to integrate U.S. joint service members from the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps alongside their counterparts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. During a recent visit to Camp Aquino, General Charles Flynn, the U.S. Army Pacific Commander, noted that the CIEFC is “the foremost joint and combined headquarters participating in this year’s Balikatan.”

These advances in shared awareness are taking place as the U.S. and the Philippines expand their existing partnership. For example, at the U.S.- Philippines two+two Ministerial Dialogue on April 11th, U.S. and Philippine Secretaries of State and Defense articulated a mutual intent to cultivate interoperability across conventional and unconventional military domains. The CIEFC aims to advance these strategic goals of information-sharing and technological cooperation at the operational level.

Both nations' military leaders highlighted the CIEFC’s potential to expand maritime domain awareness and enable military action.

“The bilateral integration within the CIEFC is the kind of activity I expect NOLCOM to achieve with the help of the U.S.,” said Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca, NOLCOM Commander.

“This is how we transition to a joint exercise model,” said Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron, 3rd Marine Division Commander, during his visit to the CIEFC. “This is what we must do going forward to conduct meaningful joint and combined operations.”

Doing so requires investments in human, technical, and procedural interoperability.

In preparation for Balikatan, the CIEFC brought together experts from both countries to establish human interoperability by identifying shared objectives. Mutual commitment to the defense of Northern Luzon drives the campaign to fuse bilateral information and military action.

Persisting policy and classification requirements impede technical interoperability and information-sharing between U.S. and Philippine forces. A shared classified network is necessary for bilateral situational awareness in and around the Philippines.

In the face of policy barriers, NOLCOM and U.S. Forces are seizing opportunities to share information at the unclassified level. For example, the first Multi-Domain Task Force built a U.S.-Filipino network to support a sharing environment that fuses unclassified data streams with commercial tools. This creates a common picture that allows U.S. and Philippine joint task force commanders to drive rapid military action.

With shared objectives and shareable data, Filipino and U.S. representatives in the CIEFC are also building procedural interoperability by codifying joint and combined standard operating procedures. These procedures will allow both countries to integrate shared information more efficiently.

The CIEFC’s potential became evident within five days of initial operations when bilateral intelligence analysts demonstrated their ability to track foreign military vessels using only unclassified data – a task typically only conducted with classified data. U.S. and Filipino analysts identified anomalies in vessel traffic using open-source maritime tracking tools. They assessed that these irregular patterns indicate the presence of foreign military vessels using techniques to hide their presence from commercial tracking systems. Unclassified, open-source intelligence products later confirmed these assessments, validating the CIEFC’s ability to expand shared maritime domain awareness at the unclassified level. In the future, intelligence like this will enable the CIEFC to generate timely, combined military responses.

Codifying these processes and shared procedures sets conditions for enduring multi-domain awareness long after Balikatan 2023 concludes.

The Joint Statement from the U.S.-Philippines two+two Ministerial Dialogue emphasized that both nations are committed to “Bilateral planning and interoperability to ensure readiness to respond to a range of crises and scenarios.” With an “always-on” network providing constant global connectivity, the CIEFC is a conduit for this increased level of resilient interoperability in the Pacific.

https://www.army.mil/article/266435/usarpacs_first_mdtf_advances_interoperability_through_a_combined_us_philippines_information_and_effects_fusion_cell

NPA fighter killed in Kalinga clash identified

From the Manila Bulletin (May 5, 2023): NPA fighter killed in Kalinga clash identified (By ZALDY COMANDA)

BALBALAN, Kalinga – The New People's Army rebel killed in an encounter with the military in Barangay Poswoy here on Wednesday, May 3, has been identified.

Baliwag Boccol, alias “Ka Bombo,” of Barangay Nambucayan, Tabuk City, Kalinga, was positively identified by his family.

He was a member of Squad One of the Baggas Field Guerrilla Committee, Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee.

Boccol’s remains were taken to the Balbalan Municipal Police Station the following day and then transported to a funeral home in Tabuk City.

The Kalinga Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) regretted the death of Boccol and once again called on his comrades to surrender and live normal lives.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/5/npa-fighter-killed-in-kalinga-clash-identified

Rebel killed in clash with govt troops

From the Manila Times (May 6, 2023): Rebel killed in clash with govt troops (By Eugene Y. Adiong)

BACOLOD CITY: A member of the New People's Army was killed while two soldiers and a civilian were wounded in a clash between communist rebels and government troops in the hinterlands of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Wednesday afternoon.

The encounter, which took place in Sitio Paloypoy at 4:55 p.m., displaced 65 families in Barangay Buenavista. They sought shelter in the covered court and chapel of neighboring Barangay Hilamonan in Kabankalan City.

Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, said on Thursday that soldiers of the 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) engaged around 15 communist rebels in a 20-minute firefight.

The unidentified male fatality, whose body was brought to La Funeraria Soledad in Himamaylan City, is the latest casualty in the series of encounters in central and southern Negros since last month.

Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, commander of 94IB, said the two soldiers, who are being treated in a local hospital, are now in stable condition.

The resident who was hit by a stray bullet was also brought to a hospital, he added.

Almonte said his men recovered a high-powered firearm, ammunition for various firearms, personal belongings, and subversive documents.

On April 20, a communist rebel died while two soldiers of the 79IB were also wounded during an encounter at Barangay Binaguiohan and Libertad in Escalante City.

Earlier in the same day, troops of the 94IB encountered a group of NPA fighters at the boundary of Binalbagan and Isabela towns, which killed Rogelio Posadas, the top leader of the NPA's Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor.

On April 18, a firefight in Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla led to the death of Jose "Jojo" Albores, one of the leaders of the "kangaroo court" tasked to kill persons suspected to be against the NPA.

Officials in southern Negros Occidental immediately sent aid to the evacuees.

The Kabankalan City Social Welfare and Development Office handed out tents, medicines, and food packs to the affected families.

The office of Negros Occidental Sixth District Rep. Mercedes Alvarez also sent food packs.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/05/06/regions/rebel-killed-in-clash-with-govt-troops/1890129

Slain rebel in Himamaylan identified

From Panay News (May 6, 2023): Slain rebel in Himamaylan identified (By DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA)

BACOLOD City – The New People’s Army (NPA) rebel killed in a gun battle in Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Wednesday, May 3, has been identified.

Brigadier General Orlando Edralin of the 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IBde) identified the fatality as 36-year-old Crispin Tingal Acapadon, a member of the NPA’s Central Negros Front 2 and resident of Barangay Hilamonan in neighboring Kabankalan City.

According to Edralin, Acapadon was positively identified by his next of kin.

Government forces recovered an M653 rifle, assorted magazines with ammunition, medical kits and food supplies among others.

Edralin also identified the two wounded soldiers as Private First Class Denyl Reyes, a resident of San Enrique town in Iloilo, and Private First Class Jionald Dumagat, a resident of Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island, Cebu.

The wounded civilian was Ma. Fe Caboctolan, a resident of Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City. She was hit by a stray bullet.

The two soldiers and the civilian are in stable condition.

Edralin commended the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) for their prompt action. He also commended the vigilance of the local populace, indicating their concern for the peace and order of their community./PN

https://www.panaynews.net/slain-rebel-in-himamaylan-identified/

8 alleged NPA rebels yield to cops in Rizal province

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 6, 2023): 8 alleged NPA rebels yield to cops in Rizal province (By: Delfin T. Mallari Jr.)

LUCENA CITY — At least eight alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered with some of their firearms at the police headquarters in Taytay, Rizal, police reported Saturday, May 6.

The Region 4A police identified the rebel returnees as Josie Alcantara, Teresita Alcantara, Marlyn Cuerbo, Lolita Macalipay, Emily Molina, Teresita Timbreza, Sonia Virrey, and Roberto Espinosa.

Police did not provide further details about the former communist guerrillas except that they used to operate in Aurora province.

The alleged former rebels turned over three M14 rifles, one carbine rifle, grenades, magazines, and ammunition.

The government authorities are preparing the necessary assistance for the former rebels in their reintegration protocols under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip).

A rebel returnee can avail himself of firearm remuneration and housing, medical care, loans, and legal assistance, among other forms of help from the government.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1765564/8-alleged-npa-rebels-yield-to-cops-in-rizal-province

Military and uniformed personnel pension conundrum

Posted to the Business Mirror (May 6, 2023): Military and uniformed personnel pension conundrum (By REX ANTHONY NAVAL)

PMA ’71 position paper: Military retirement benefit a just due for service ‘paid in blood’



In this May 28, 2017, file photo, Philippine marines walk to the frontline in the continuing assaults to regain control of some areas of Marawi City. Philippine forces launched airstrikes to drive out militants linked to the Islamic State group after days of fighting left corpses in the streets and hundreds of civilians begging for rescue from the besieged southern city.  AP/Bullit Marquez

RETIREMENT pensions, especially for those who have served honorably in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other uniformed services, must be treated as a vital part of an incentive package for retirees as well as for those planning to serve the country through the profession of arms.

This was the stand of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Matatag” Class of 1971 Inc. in its position paper prepared primarily by retired Vice Admiral Ariston Delos Reyes and Col. Rolando Malinis.

It is based mainly on several studies of Delos Reyes and Malinis’s book titled Brothers, and significant contributions from former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, also from PMA ’71, and other “mistahs,” retired Commander Bienvenido Alano, Retired Col. Marte Chioco and other class members.

The position paper is an offshoot of the pronouncement of Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Benjamin Diokno on March 28, 2023, about the Marcos administration’s intent to overhaul the pension system of military and uniformed personnel (MUP).

Salient points of that announcement focused on the non-contributory systems of the MUP retirement pensions and indexation of pension, as well as current payments received by those in the active service; and Diokno’s assertion that the current MUP retirement system is not sustainable and, if not reformed, could lead to fiscal collapse in the future.
Perk for hardships

“RETIREMENT pensions should be seen as a vital part of an incentive package for: a) retirees who not only served the country well, but also gave more during their active service tour by working beyond the mandatory eight-hour daily shift without overtime pay, and being assigned on various missions like national defense, internal security operations, UN peacekeeping missions, and disaster relief operations at great sacrifice to life and limb; and b) as a motivation for capable and promising young men to choose the profession of arms,” the paper’s executive summary read.

It added that the need for sound budget outlay must be balanced with the motivational needs of the MUP.

Neglect?

THE PMA Class of 1971’s paper also clarified that the MUP pension is not ballooning as claimed in earlier reports.

“The data gathered indicated that the main problem is not the growing financial requirements of the MUP pension, but the neglect of the government to sufficiently adjust its budget to cope with the capability development and operational requirements of the military; the fallacy of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) study about the P9.6-trillion liability of the MUP pension and its insufficiency as basis for outright and drastic changes to the MUP pension system.

“In 2021, then Senator Lacson emphasized the need for such completed actuarial study; and that the MUP Retirement System will cause fiscal collapse in the future was debunked,” it stressed.
Suggestions and recommendations:

TOWARD this end, the paper presented the following recommendations:

• That the proponents of pension reform led by Secretary Diokno heed the advice of Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile as well as the appeal for prudence by former Senator Lacson, and wait for the much-needed, completed actuarial study;

•That during preliminary discussions and consultations by the proponents with MUP and other stakeholders, an alternative bill on pension reform be duly considered with the following salient provisions:

• Equalize the MUP disability pension as mentioned by the President during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 2022;

ª Equalize the maximum MUP pension at 90 percent of base pay and longevity pay, thereby adjusting that for the military (85 percent at present); and,

• Ensure that the MUP and all other existing non-contributory pension systems are indexed to account for inflation.

“That the Presidential Adviser on Legislative Affairs consider recommending to the President to certify as urgent a Joint Resolution authorizing the increase in MUP base pay for 2024-2027, to be at par with that granted to all civilian government personnel in 2020-2023, pursuant to RA 11466. The pay adjustment should be strictly in accordance with RA 9166 of 2002,” it noted.

Republic Act 11466 is known as “An Act Modifying The Salary Schedule For Civilian Government Personnel And Authorizing The Grant of Additional Benefits, And For Other Purposes.”

Republic Act 9166 refers to “An Act Promoting The Welfare Of The Armed Forces of the Philippines by Increasing the Base Pay and Other Benefits of its Officers and Enlisted Personnel And For Other Purposes.”

It may be recalled that the President, during his SONA on July 25, 2022, mentioned that among his priority legislative measures would be the grant of monthly disability pensions in lieu of unequal disability benefits under existing laws for the MUP.

But this does not include changes in the MUP pension system as again being proposed by Diokno, which are similar to those contained in various bills, which were not passed into law during the 18th Congress (2019-2022).

“We are appealing to our stakeholders to be circumspect and understanding of those who are working on the issue, and support our efforts in seeking solutions that will be beneficial to all, especially for our national fiscal health.”—Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez

Veterans’ benefits shall be provided by the government

ACCORDING to the position paper by the PMA Class of 1971 Inc., funds for the government shall provide the payment of benefits of veterans.

This is pursuant to Section 7, Article XVI of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, it emphasized in its position paper.

“Such benefits include, among others, AFP retirement pension, old age pension and total administrative disability pension, which have all been funded by the government,” the position paper read.

It also stressed that this provision is consistent with the military’s non-contributory pension system that has been in effect since 1935 pursuant to Commonwealth Act No. 1.

“The military career is a noble profession of arms. This calling is unique from all other professions, as it calls for those who pursue it to defend our country even if it means sacrificing their lives.”

In its paper, the PMA Class of 1971 cited the Code of Conduct of the Philippine Military, which states:

“…I am a Filipino soldier. I will fight and die in the true Filipino tradition of valor, honor, duty and loyalty. To all these I pledge my life, my treasure and my sacred honor.”

Similarly in the United States, Article One of the Code of Conduct for members of the Armed Forces states: “I am an American fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.”

And this is why for the US government, the non-contributory pension system is exclusive to the military, it being considered as a gift of the American people to their soldiers for their honorable and dedicated service.

Paid in blood

THE following partial list of actual deaths of soldiers in the battlefield is being presented as proof that the sacred oath of the military to die for the country is real and not a mere statement:

• In November 1972, the casualty count at the Battle of Sibalu Hill listed 15 Marines killed in action (KIA) and 22 wounded;

• At the height of the conflict in Mindanao in 1973 when the government almost lost Central Mindanao to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the military forces at the Battle at Lebak lost 48 soldiers; there were 148 wounded, and one missing. Subsequent battles in Central Mindanao led to heavier casualties: the Army reported at least 149 deaths and 506 wounded.

•During the confrontation between the MNLF and the government in 1974, also known as the burning of Jolo or Siege of Jolo, 29 soldiers died;

• Government troops and Muslim rebels clashed on Basilan Island on April 30, 1978, which resulted in the deaths of 11 government soldiers;

• The Patikul Massacre, referring to an event that took place on October 10, 1977, in Patikul, Sulu, led to the death of 35 officers and men of the Philippine Army. Among the casualties were Brig. Gen. Teodulfo Bautista, Col. Gabriel Pangilinan, and four lieutenant colonels;

• In the infamous Mamasapano clash in 2015 between the Special Action Force of the Philippine National Police and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, 44 police commandoes were killed; and;

• More than 165 soldiers died during the Marawi Siege in 2017.

“Our soldiers did not die in vain. Their supreme sacrifices, as well as the sufferings of those who survived, bore fruit. For one, they have fulfilled their mandate of protecting the people, territorial integrity, and sovereignty that goes with securing our democratic way of life and institutions; they have prevented the loss of Central Mindanao in the early 1970s Secessionist War; and they have halted the loss of more lives and further destruction of properties in Mindanao and other hotbeds of insurgency,” the PMA Class of 1971 Inc. position paper read.

DND appeals for understanding

MEANWHILE, the Department of National Defense (DND) said the government is fully aware and recognizes the concerns of active and retired soldiers about the proposed reforms for the MUP pension system to avoid fiscal collapse.

In a statement, DND chief Carlito Galvez Jr. appealed for understanding among members of the ranks, even as options are being carefully evaluated.

“We would like to give our assurance to our stakeholders that the government will always look after the welfare and livelihood of our men and women in uniform,” he said.

Galvez said they would also conduct consultations with active and retired uniformed personnel regarding the matter.

The DND chief stressed that the government is looking to adopt a more financially sustainable MUP pension system, to be founded on sound financial solutions and application of actuarial science.

“The government’s economic team is undertaking financial simulations to determine our optimal option. Just like in the case of Republic Act 11709, we are doing our best to determine and address the unintended consequences that may arise from proposed reforms on the MUP pension system,” Galvez said.

He also shared that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is looking for creative ways to provide benefits for uniformed personnel in grateful appreciation for their service, as the country works towards its post-pandemic economic recovery.

“Thus, we are appealing to our stakeholders to be circumspect and understanding of those who are working on the issue, and support our efforts in seeking solutions that will be beneficial to all, especially for our national fiscal health,” Galvez added.

Image credits: AP/Bullit Marquez

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/05/06/mup-pension-conundrum/

2 arrested for illegal possession of guns

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (May 6, 2023): 2 arrested for illegal possession of guns

ZAMBOANGA. Lawmen arrest two people allegedly involved in illegal activities in a law enforcement operation on Thursday, May 4, in Poblacion village, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. A photo handout shows the pieces of evidence the policemen seized from the two suspects. (SunStar Zamboanga)

LAWMEN have arrested two people allegedly involved in illegal activities in a law enforcement operation in the province of Lanao del Sur, the police reported Friday, May 5, 2023.

The Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) identified the arrested suspects as Abdul Macarao, and his son, Nasif.

The PRO-BAR said the father and son suspects were arrested in a law enforcement operation by way of service of a search warrant for violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act on Thursday, May 4, in Poblacion village, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

The PRO-BAR said the search warrant servers confiscated different types of pistols, different types of magazines and ammunition, including assorted firearm accessories.

The search warrant against the suspects was issued by a court of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte dated April 24, 2023.

The PRO-BAR said the arrested suspects were involved in drug peddling and gun-for-hire activities.

The suspects have also supplied firearms and ammunition to the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (Isis)-inspired Maute group during the 2017 Marawi Siege based on the investigation report of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Lanao del Sur Provincial Field Unit (CIDG-LDSPFU).

The arrested suspects will be charged with violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and Republic Act 9516, an act codifying the laws on illegal possession, manufacture, dealing in, acquisition or disposition of firearms and explosives.

The suspects were placed under the custody of CIDG-LDSPFU along with the confiscated pieces of evidence for proper disposition.

Meanwhile, Police Brigadier General Allan Nobleza, PRO-BAR director, assured the public that they will continue to be relentless in their crackdown against illegal firearms with an aim to curtail the criminal capabilities of lawless elements in the entire region.

"I commend the operatives behind this successful operation. With the help and trust of the public, PRO-BAR together with other government agencies will be ever vigorous to hunt down criminals and cleanse the community from the proliferation of illegal firearms, ammunition, and explosives,” Nobleza said.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1960522/zamboanga/local-news/2-arrested-for-illegal-possession-of-guns

PH Navy's anti-sub helicopter lands on moving missile frigate

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2023): PH Navy's anti-sub helicopter lands on moving missile frigate (By Priam Nepomuceno)

LANDING DRILL. An AgustaWestland (now Leonardo) AW-159 "Wildcat" anti-submarine helicopter lands on the flight deck of the Philippine Navy's missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna off Corregidor Island on April 27, 2023. The BRP Antonio Luna on Thursday (May 4, 2023) said this achievement demonstrates the growing capability and readiness of the Navy's crews and platforms as a team for anti-submarine warfare operations. (Photo courtesy of BRP Antonio Luna Facebook page)

MANILA – The Philippine Navy's (PN) missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) achieved another milestone as an AgustaWestland (now Leonardo) AW-159 "Wildcat" anti-submarine helicopter successfully landed on its flight deck while the ship was underway off Corregidor Island.

"On the morning of 27 April 2023, the Philippine Navy achieved another significant milestone in its development of anti-submarine warfare capability as the PN AW-159 Mk220 'Wildcat' helicopter, with tail number NH-441, successfully conducted its first deck landing aboard BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), an ASW (anti-submarine warfare) guided missile frigate, while underway at vicinity 30 nautical miles southwest of Corregidor Island," a post on the BRP Antonio Luna's Facebook page said Thursday night.

This achievement demonstrates the growing capability and readiness of the Navy's crews and platforms as a team for ASW operations.

"Both the JRCFs (Jose Rizal Class Frigates) and the PN Wildcats were products of the 1st Horizon Projects under the Revised AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) Modernization Program, which were delivered and commissioned into the service in 2020/2021 and 2019, respectively. The JRCFs were built by Hyundai Heavy Industries of South Korea while the PN ‘Wildcats’ was built by Leonardo Helicopter Limited UK (LHUK)," the post further said.

The PN's "Wildcat" aircrew are still undergoing the contracted in-country training with LHUK while the JRCFs are being used in the various operational areas of the country.

The AW-159s, which the PN has two, were acquired to increase the ASW capabilities of the JRCFs.

"The PN through the Naval Air Wing and Offshore Combat Force are taking steps to complete the integration of these game-changer assets in order to be deployed together in securing our maritime domain," the BRP Antonio Luna said.

It added that these initiatives are a great contribution to fulfilling the Navy’s vision of becoming a modern, multi-capable naval force responsive to our maritime nation's defense and development.

The BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and its sister ship BRP Antonio Luna are modern warships capable of surface, sub-surface, air and electronic warfare using state-of-the-art electronic sensors, long-range missiles, acoustic guided torpedoes and embarked anti-submarine helicopters.

The BRP Jose Rizal was delivered to the Philippines in May 2020 and commissioned in July that year while the BRP Antonio Luna was commissioned on March 19, 2021.

The contract for the two ships was placed at PHP16 billion with another PHP2 billion for weapon systems and munitions.

PH Navy officers attend 13th IMEX Asia in Singapore

As this developed, PN chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. and other ranking Navy officers attended the opening ceremony of the 13th International Maritime Defense Exposition (IMDEX) Asia at the Changi Exhibition Center in Singapore on May 3.

A total of 47 delegations were in attendance at the opening ceremony, including 22 Navy chiefs, directors general of Coast Guards, and heads of maritime law enforcement agencies of 38 countries.

Singaporean Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen presided over the opening rites and highlighted the importance of strengthening mutual understanding and fostering consensus in a globally interlinked world.

After the ceremony, Adaci and Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo Macaraig visited various defense technology and shipbuilding exhibition booths at the center.

These opportunities provide the PN with an avenue to strengthen its connections and practical cooperation with other Navies and maritime agencies and be updated on contemporary maritime defense trends.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1200795

PBBM pays respects to fallen US soldiers at Arlington Cemetery

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2023): PBBM pays respects to fallen US soldiers at Arlington Cemetery (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

RESPECTS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. offers a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during a visit to the Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, DC on Thursday (May 4, 2023). The Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for many of America’s heroes, including the more than 300,000 who took part in every armed conflict the US fought. (Photo courtesy of PCO)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday (US time) paid his respects to fallen American soldiers during a visit to the Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, DC.

According to a news release issued by the Presidential Communications Office, Marcos offered a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The tomb is a historic monument that serves as a symbolic grave for all war dead whose remains have not been found or identified.

The Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for many of America’s heroes, including the more than 300,000 who took part in every armed conflict the US fought.

The President was also given a tour of the museum during his visit.

Marcos was joined at the Arlington Cemetery by House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez; Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo; Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez; National Security Adviser Eduardo Año; and Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Lagdameo Jr.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1200796

AFP chief commends troops for peace and order gains in Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2023): AFP chief commends troops for peace and order gains in Samar (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 has lauded the Hinabangan, Samar-based 801st Infantry Brigade for its contribution to the peace and order in the area.

"He was welcomed by its commander, Brig. Gen. Lenart Lelina, who also provided the CSAFP (Chief of Staff AFP) with updates on the internal security campaign in its area of operations," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Jorry Baclor said in a statement Friday.

Centino visited the 801st Infantry Brigade on Thursday. The unit is one of the three infantry brigades of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan, Samar.

The AFP chief thanked the Army unit for its contributions to peace and security accomplishments that positively affected the government's efforts to end the communist armed conflict in the country.

"He also urged the officers of the brigade to be more involved in assessing the morale and welfare of their personnel as well as ensuring the highest standards of discipline, "that is a mark of a true Filipino soldier," Baclor said.

The military earlier said the New People’s Army (NPA) in the Eastern Visayas region is now on the verge of collapse with the deaths of key leaders and the surrender of combatants and staunch supporters.

8th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo earlier said this is because the NPA in the region could not find potential leaders to direct and make critical decisions for the group.

On April 21, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) confirmed the deaths of its leaders, couple Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, during a boat explosion in Catbalogan City, Samar province on Aug. 22, 2022.

The Tiamzon couple made critical decisions for the armed struggle. Benito was believed to be the chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic (CPP-NDF) and its armed wing, the NPA.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1200833

Israel wants 'major' part in AFP modernization program: envoy

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6, 2023): Israel wants 'major' part in AFP modernization program: envoy (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora and Priam Nepomuceno)

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEB. Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss delivers a speech during the 75th Israel Independence Day celebration at the Manila Hotel on Thursday night (May 4, 2023). He said Israel wanted to take a "major" part in the Horizon 3 of the AFP modernization program. (Photo by Joyce Rocamora)

MANILA — Israel has expressed interest anew to take a "major" part in the Horizon 3 of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) modernization program.

During the Horizons 1 and 2 of the program, Israel successfully delivered artillery, howitzers, and armored personnel and mortar carriers to the Philippines.

“Israeli companies are interested to continue what’s started in the last few years where Israel has become I think an important and reliable supplier of quality and reliable equipment,” Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said during the 75th Israel Independence Day reception Thursday night.

“We're looking into the future to the Horizon three modernization program. And obviously we do hope that Israel will also take a major part in the Horizon,” he added.

Fluss said the two more Israeli Shaldag Mark 5 ships -- fast attack interdiction craft-missile (FAIC-Ms) in the Philippine Navy (PN) -- would be formally turned over soon as part of the nine vessels that the country contracted from the Israel Shipyards Ltd.

These FAIC-Ms, which will form part of the Navy’s Acero-class patrol gunboats, is among the 2019 projects approved by former President Rodrigo Duterte under the Horizon 2 list of the modernization program.

The first and second Horizons project of the AFP modernization program was implemented from 2013 to 2022, resulting in the acquisition of Del Pilar-class frigates, FA-50PH light-lift interim fighters, and sealift vessels, among others.

The third phase or the Horizon 3 is scheduled to run from 2023 to 2028.

Meanwhile, Fluss also looks forward to the inauguration of the Israeli-upgraded shipyard in Cavite, the documents and keys of which were transferred by the Israel Shipyards Ltd. last month.

“This is part of knowledge transfer because the idea is that those Shaldags will be partly also assembled here and also maintenance will be done here in the Philippines,” he said.

“There was an intensive training for the Philippine teams in Israel and soon we’ll hand over those shipyards to be now led and run by the Philippines. This will happen very soon,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1200837

NPA loses 256 members, 113 firearms to Caraga cops in Q1

 From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2023): NPA loses 256 members, 113 firearms to Caraga cops in Q1 (By Alexander Lopez)

BIG SCORE. The Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 (Caraga) reported on Friday (May 5, 2023) the arrest and surrender of 256 leaders and members of the communist New People’s Army during the first quarter of 2023. At least 113 firearms and 73 explosive devices were also handed over by the surrenderers to PRO-13 during the period. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13)

BUTUAN CITY – At least 256 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered and 113 firearms were retrieved in a series of anti-insurgency operations launched by the Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 (Caraga) during the first quarter of the year.

In a statement Friday, PRO-13 said 63 rebels were arrested during the conduct of manhunt operations while the 193 other NPA combatants voluntarily surrendered to various PRO-13 field units from January to April.

Among the NPA leaders arrested were Remon H. Tumanan, 32; Junie H. Tumanan, 28; and a certain “Yang-Yang,” 31, respectively the top three most-wanted persons in the region.

The three, identified as high-ranking leaders of the NPA Guerrilla Front 4B under the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, were arrested in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte on Feb. 28.

Meanwhile, the NPA surrenderers handed over 113 firearms and 73 explosive devices during the period.

“The arrests and surrender will further weaken the NPA group in the region,” PRO-13 Director Brig. Gen. Pablo Labra II.

He acknowledged the support of the local government units, communities, and other government agencies in the intensified campaign against the communist rebels.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1200817