EASTMINCOM: EASTMINCOM commits to safeguard maritime borders

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (May 15, 2023): EASTMINCOM commits to safeguard maritime borders

The Philippines and Indonesia (PHIL-INDO) once again bolstered their cooperation in protecting the borders of both countries, as the 37th Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) kicked off this year at Manado City, North Sulawesi, Indonesia on May 3 to 7.

#AFPyoucanTRUST

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https://www.facebook.com/eastmincomafp/

EASTMINCOM: 88th IB conducts "Pulong-Pulong" and information drive in Bukidnon

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (May 15, 2023): 88th IB conducts "Pulong-Pulong" and information drive in Bukidnon

88th Infantry "Maringal" Battalion, Philippine Army
·
LOOK | The 88th Infantry "Maringal" Battalion, headed by LTC ERIC G DEMA-ALA INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of 88IB, in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Cabanglasan, Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Department of Agriculture (DA), facilitated an information drive and awareness campaign entitled "Pulong-Pulong at Pagpanumpa sa Pagsalikway sa Pagsuporta sa CPP-NPA-NDF" with the theme, "Tinud-anay nga Kabag-ohan alang sa Kalinaw ug Kalambuan" to the residences of Sitio Tagbacan, Sitio Tumbaga, and Sitio Saluringan, all of Cabanglasan, Bukidnon. This activity is in line with the whole-of-nation approach in pursuit of the country’s peace agenda.

The populace condemned the deceptions and atrocities of the CTGs and even burned the CPP-NPA flag and took their oath of allegiance to the government. The said declaration happened on May 13 and 14, 2023.

The said Pulong-Pulong sets out to raise awareness of the deception strategies of CNTs, the recruitment of minors, and the Human Security Act (RA 10168). It also directs to inform them on the government plans and programs in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict to attain durable peace and sustainable inclusive development; Moreover, it levels to change their behavior, emotion, belief, opinion, and attitude (BEBOA) towards the peace and development efforts of the government; Finally, it aims to motivate their return to the folds of the law and abandon their support from the CTGs; and it strengthens the partnership between the community and the government.

#MaringalTroopersMarangalnaKasundalohan
#EndLocalCommunistArmedConflict
#AFPyoucanTRUST











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https://www.facebook.com/eastmincomafp/

EASTMINCOM: EASTMINCOM continues efforts in eradicating the CTG

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (May 16, 2023): EASTMINCOM continues efforts in eradicating the CTG

The sustained military operations launched by the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) under the direction of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol induced more losses to the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) after neutralizing 155 CTG members and capturing 172 firearms and 28 anti-personnel mines (APM) from January to 2nd week of May this year.

 
#AFPyoucanTRUST

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=615111890647720&set=a.221431036682476

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincomafp/

EASTMINCOM: Hatid Serbisyo Caravan Reached The Doors of IP Communities in Kalagangan

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (May 16, 2023): Hatid Serbisyo Caravan Reached The Doors of IP Communities in Kalagangan

89th Infantry Battalion

Charlie "Crawlers" Company, 89th IB, led by 2LT Jeruly D Vispera PA, Charlie Company Executive Officer took part in delivering services to the far-flung area of Kalagangan, San Fernando, Bukidnon in Hatid Serbisyo Caravan together with the Local Government Unit of San Fernando headed by Municipal Mayor, Hon. Rogelio C Yeke on May 12, 2023.

A bundle of services was provided for the populace of Brgy. Kalangan such as free circumcision, medical check-up, medicines, and implant for adult women. Further, 400 benefited the Hatid Serbisyo Caravan.

Hon. Rommel A. Bartoces, Brgy Captain of Kalagangan conveyed his gratitude for the interventions and programs bought to the community that shows the solidarity of the government and its line agencies for the betterment of the IP Communities.

Finally, 2LT Visperas assuraned their full support in any activities to uplift the communities, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas that would help them deny exploitation and influence of the CTG.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=220869637332203&set=pcb.220869773998856

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincomafp/

Kalinaw News: MTF-ELCAC Chairman urges unity of efforts against CPP-NPA-NDF

Posted to the Kalinaw News Facebook Page (May 14, 2023): MTF-ELCAC Chairman urges unity of efforts against CPP-NPA-NDF

MTF-ELCAC Chairman urges unity of efforts against CPP-NPA-NDF in visit with 19IB troops to far-flung barangays of Matuguinao, Samar

Read: https://bit.ly/3M2DlQP

#StrongUnitedReliable
#PhilArmy
#ARMY126

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/photos/pcb.2241356132739060/2241356056072401/

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

Kalinaw News: Military operations of the troops of 4th Infantry Division caused heavy defeats to CPP-NPA-NDF

Posted to the Kalinaw News Facebook Page (May 14, 2023): Military operations of the troops of 4th Infantry Division caused heavy defeats to CPP-NPA-NDF

Relentless military operations of the troops of 4th Infantry Division caused heavy defeats to CPP-NPA-NDF with recent neutralization of 3 rebels and capture of numerous war materiel

Read: https://bit.ly/450lsKP

#StrongUnitedReliable
#PhilArmy
#ARMY126

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/photos/pcb.2241923249349015/2241923076015699/

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

Kalinaw News: 91st Infantry "Sinagtala" Battalion facilitates surrender of 6 former NPA rebels

Posted to the Kalinaw News Facebook Page (May 15, 2023): 91st Infantry "Sinagtala" Battalion facilitates surrender of 6 former NPA rebels

91st Infantry "Sinagtala" Battalion facilitates surrender of 6 former NPA rebels and their firearms and ammunition in Aurora

Read: https://bit.ly/3pJ3KeF

#StrongUnitedReliable
#PhilArmy
#ARMY126

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/photos/pcb.2242009646007042/2242009549340385/

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

WESCOM personnel undergo TCCC, ICS training from Guam national guards

From Palawan News (May 15, 2023): WESCOM personnel undergo TCCC, ICS training from Guam national guards (By Gerald Ticke)



Operatives of Guam National Guard recently trained a total of 80 officers, enlisted personnel, reservists, and civilian employees from various units under Western Command (WESCOM) in Tactical Combat Casualty Care and Incident Command System at the Rizal Reef Hall of WESCOM.

The five-day training was conducted under the State Partnership Program between the Philippines and the United States’ National Guard Bureau. The primary objective of the program is to enhance collaboration efforts between the two allied countries.

During the training, participants had the opportunity to exchange ideas and concepts, thereby allowing them to strengthen their knowledge and skills. This was particularly beneficial for reservists, who act as force multipliers for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

According to Capt. Duane Sablan, the lead coordinator of the SPP and a member of the US Army Guam National Guard, the training also offered participants a chance to experience firsthand actual operations in the field and at the command post. The simulation exercises provided the participants with the opportunity to react to different emergency situations.

“We had a squad training exercise out in the field where we simulated actual battlefield event, where they were under heavy fire and had to apply what they learned to real life scenarios,” Sablan said.

“With ICS, what they did was similar to a practical exercise in the classroom. They were given a scenario with some kind of an emergency or disaster so they have to be able to articulate how they will setup an IC and how to respond,” he added.

Sablan also mentioned that while they have been conducting training since 2001, it was the first time they visited different unified command units of the AFP to conduct more training.

He added that the majority of the early-stage trainings under the SPP were held at the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo and other AFP reservist centers in the National Capital Region.

“Because Guam is under PACOM (Pacific Command region, our partner is the Philippines and] We have been state partners since 2001 and we share this partnership with Hawaii, and many of the things that we train on is with HADR, we do some subject matter expert exchanges and leadership developments together,” Sablan explained.

“We conduct a whole variety of trainings, historically, because Guam and Philippines are kind of in the typhoon alley, HADR has been a very big exchange that we had. But we do other trainings such as NCO to NCO development, officer development, staff talks, we also bring ROTC cadets to Guam to do cultural understanding and learning program,” he added.

He further stated that the successful conduct of the training in WESCOM is also a strong manifestation of the committed of the US through the SPP in the pacific region, noting the cultural ties between Guam and the Philippines.

“We will be coming back to the different unified commands in the succeeding years to come. In Guam, you know a lot of our soldiers are of Filipino descent so we use this training with the AFP to build our partnerships,” he said.

Meanwhile, in his message delivered by Col. Rolando Saragoza during the graduation ceremony on Sunday, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservist and Retiree Affairs (OJ9) Maj. Gen. Alejandro Nacnac said the training also paved way for the advancement of the enduring partnership between the two countries through their armed forces in the conduct of the ICS and TCCC expertise exchange.

“This is another manifestation of our engagement geared towards materialization of the AFP’s development aspirations particularly in having a mission capable reserve force… to enable them to contribute more significantly in furtherance of our mutual defense goals and strategic ends,” Nacnac said.

Nacnac also thanked the Guam National Guard as he extended appreciation to their “commitment and desire to help us improve the reserve force as a moving factor for world class armed forces.

“Much has been accomplished and more have to be done in the coming engagements. I believe that we, at the current momentum, are on the right track to realizing our mutual defense. Rest assured that we will persistently move forward towards achieving the missions and objectives of this lasting partnership particularly in enhancing our AF reserve forces in addressing different degrees and levels of emergency situations and challenges,” he stated.

Col. Rozelle Salvosa, OJ9 Reservist Training Division chief on the other hand also expressed gratitude to the oarticipants of the training, saying that the new knowledge and skills they acquired will be a big help in tbeir careers and perfirmance of their duties and missions.

“And this is one of the few things that we will be bringing and it will grow,” Salvosa said.

All the trainings, skills and knowledge that we have imparted, please share them if you have the time. You will be trained more in the HADR and territorial defense operations,” she added.

https://palawan-news.com/wescom-personnel-undergo-tccc-ics-training-from-guam-national-guards/

Marcos wary of military pension reform's impact despite approval

From CNN Philippines (May 15, 2023): Marcos wary of military pension reform's impact despite approval (By Jelo Ritzhie Mantaring, CNN Philippines)

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 15) – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is "very much concerned" with the impact of the proposed reform to the pension system of military and uniformed personnel (MUP) despite agreeing to the recommendations of his finance secretary.

Defense officer-in-charge Carlito Galvez Jr. appealed to senators during a hearing on Monday that the morale and welfare of Filipino soldiers be given due weight in the deliberation, "considering that the mere notion of modernizing our pension system it created already some sort of apprehension."

"In fact, the President also gave an instruction that he is very much concerned on the impact of this MUP [reform] on the morale and welfare of army personnel and policemen," Galvez said. "He wanted that there should be a continuous discussion to have the common ground."

In March, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said he hopes the current administration agrees to overhaul the MUP pension system as the situation is "not sustainable."

"I said if this goes on, there will be a fiscal collapse," he previously said.

Diokno's call was not new, as he also pushed for reform in the MUP's pension system during his budget secretary stint in the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who approved the almost doubling of MUP's base pay.

Proposals for the reform include mandatory contributions, removal of automatic indexation of pension to the salary of active personnel of similar ranks, raising the pensionable age to 57 years old, and that these would apply to all active personnel and new entrants.

The proposals were agreed upon by Galvez and Interior Secretary Behur Abalos during a meeting with Marcos.

According to Diokno, the chief executive "approved" the proposals and that he was "part of the decision making."

"The President is recognizing the need for this. Talagang ipu-push niya [He would really push for it]," Diokno earlier said.

Economic managers reiterated in the Senate hearing that they were alarmed that expense for pension is bigger than the defense department's capital outlay.

Galvez said the Department of Defense is anticipating around 70% to 80% of enlisted personnel to retire if the pension system is reformed.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/5/15/marcos-wary-military-pension-reform.html

PH-Australia kick off joint army-to-army exercises

From CNN Philippines (May 16, 2023): PH-Australia kick off joint army-to-army exercises (By CNN Philippines Staff)

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 16) — Filipino and Australian troops on Monday launched their joint drills in Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal as part of Exercise Kasangga 2023.

In the opening ceremony, Manila and Canberra traced its long-standing defense ties back to World War II and said the joint training is about "interoperability and keeping our region safe."

"This is only for defensive posture, if our country will be attacked by any threat groups in the future," Philippine Army BGen Jose Agusto Villareal said.

As part of the AUKUS (Australia-United Kingdom-United States) Defense Agreement, Australia also backs freedom of navigation in the South China Sea — a move China has denounced.

A second batch of Australian troops is set to arrive in the Philippines in June for the continuation of the joint exercises.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/5/16/PH-Aus-troops-launch-Kasangga-exercises.html

Pension reform: DND fears majority of enlisted soldiers will opt to retire

From Rappler (May 15, 2023): Pension reform: DND fears majority of enlisted soldiers will opt to retire (By BONZ MAGSAMBOL)

Department of National Defense OIC Carlito Galvez Jr. appeals to senators for a 'middle ground'

MANILA, Philippines – An estimated 70 to 80% of the military’s enlisted soldiers may opt to retire early if the current plan to fix the pension system pushes through, Department of National Defense (DND) officer-in-charge Carlito Galvez Jr. told the Senate on Monday, May 15.

Galvez said that his department has been holding consultations with soldiers on a proposed law to reform the military pension system, which government said has been draining coffers and can no longer be sustained. The plan has “affected morale,” he said.

Among the proposals are to stop the automatic indexation of pension according to the salaries of active-duty personnel; to mandate contributions from the military and uniformed personnel (MUP); and to release their pension only a year after they reach the mandatory retirement age of 56, or when they are 57. The current system grants them pension when they turn 56.

“We anticipated that around 70 to 80% of our enlisted personnel, who are eligible for optional retirement, will gonna retire. Ang gusto nila ‘yung pension ng current systems,” Galvez said. A soldier may opt to retire after serving for 20 years in the armed forces.

Galvez said the department is proposing a “middle ground,” which is that only new entrants to the military should be covered by the new law. “There’s no problem if the new system will be given to the new entrants. They all unanimously agree,” Galvez said. Otherwise, the military might be deluged with thousands of soldiers opting to retire early, causing bigger organizational problems.

“If this is still financially impossible, we are very amenable and open to modifications in the system so long as these are fair and equitable to the military and the MUP and also this is based on the financial soundness and scientific actuarial science.”

Galvez cited one issue that has spawned “adverse reactions” from enlisted men: That the lump sum they are going to receive will be reduced “from 36 months to 18 months.”

“While we fully support the enactment of legislative measures to address the current issues hounding the pension system, the DND and the AFP respectfully appeal that the morale and welfare be given due weight in this deliberations, considering that the mere notion of modernizing our pension system already created some sort of apprehension,” Galvez said.

During the Senate hearing, the Department of Finance presented the following key reforms on the pension system of the military.The new policy will cover all active personnel and new entrants, meaning mandatory contributions begin with those currently or about to enter service.
It will seek the removal of automatic indexation of pension to the salary of active personnel of similar ranks. This means pensions will no longer increase according to the salary increases of active personnel.
Military uniformed personnel will receive their pensions at the age of 57. The current policy allows them to receive their pensions at 56, the mandatory retirement age.
Mandatory contributions will be required for active personnel and new entrants, similar to the pension fund for government employees, the Government Service Insurance System. The percentage of the mandatory contribution will be staggered over a uniformed personnel’s years of service – from 5% in their first three years, to eventually 9% of their salary.

MUST READ: Marcos agrees to reduce military pension, make soldiers pay for it – Diokno

National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon echoed a statement of Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno in March, saying that the current pension system is “unsustainable.”

“The threat for the government would be unable to meet its pension commitments or improve the country’s defense posture is real. We’re already spending significantly on pension liabilities than keeping our military and uniformed services safe, competent, and in fighting shape,” she said.

If the system is not fixed, De Leon said that pension spending is projected to increase in the next years, and is projected to go up to P1.5 trillion in 2040.

Data from the Department of Finance showed that the share of unfunded MUP pension liabilities in the gross domestic product of the country in 2020 stands at 53.4%, or P9.6 trillion.

Slide from Department of Finance’s presentation

Careful study

Senator Ronald dela Rosa said this should be studied carefully.

“Ayusin natin ito. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Pag nagkaroon ng fiscal collapse dahil pinapaboran natin ang MUP, tayo ang sisihin ng taumbayan. In the same manner, kapag nagkakaroon tayo ng weak national defense because of a very demoralized soldiers, dahil pinaboran natin ang economic managers, tayo ang sisihin. Kaya nag iingat kami ngayon dito,” he said.

(We need to fix this. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. If there will be fiscal collapse because we favored the MUP, the public will blame us. If we would have weak defense because of demoralized soldiers, because we favored our economic managers, we will also be blamed. That’s why we’re looking into this carefully.)

There were talks to introduce MUP pension reforms under the Duterte administration, but those proposals fell through, partly through lobbying from former military personnel who are pensioners themselves – officials who held key posts in politics and governance.

MUP refers to personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Public Safety College, the Bureau of Corrections, and the Philippine National Police.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/department-of-national-defense-fears-early-retirement-pension-reform/

NPA suffers more Visayas setbacks

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 15, 2023): NPA suffers more Visayas setbacks (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Following the recovery of 15 firearms from New People’s Army rebels in northern Samar, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Command reported that the communist terrorist group in the region suffered another series of setbacks against the government troops.

In a statement, the Visayas Command referred to separate encounters in Negros and Bohol on May 11 and 12, respectively, that resulted in the neutralization of two more rebel combatants who died in gunbattles, and recovery of two M16 and M4 carbine rifles, a 45 .caliber pistol, and other war materials.

Several NPA rebels were also believed to have been wounded during the firefight in Brgy. Hilamonan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, as manifested on the bloodstains seen in the engagement area, according to a report of the 94th Infantry Battalion.

Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, VISCOM commander, said that the continuous fall of the CPP–NPA implies that the terrorist group continues to weaken.

Last week, Army soldiers recovered 15 firearms following an encounter with NPA rebels in Samar.

Arevalo said that the whole-of-nation approach has indeed gained ground in the Visayas region.

As such, we will sustain our gains to further push the terrorist group to a point of irreversible collapse, he stressed.

Two top leaders of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor, including its secretary, Rogelio Posadas, and regional commander identified by the military as Romeo Nanta, alias Juanito Magbanua, died in separate encounters with 94th Infantry Battalion in Binalbagan and Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

For the nth time, Arevalo called on rebel remnants in the Visayas to surrender.

“We are resolute in our ceaseless campaign to end the local communist armed conflict which has disrupted the lives and progress of our people in the Visayas,” he stressed.

https://visayandailystar.com/npa-suffers-more-visayas-setbacks/

16 former rebels get financial assistance

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 16, 2023): 16 former rebels get financial assistance (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Sixteen more former rebels have received financial assistance of P10,000 each from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, as facilitated by the administration of Mayor Raymund Tongson and the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade.

A total of P160,000 in cash were distributed to the former rebels by Tongson, assisted by Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, and city DSWD personnel, during turnover rites held at the Himamaylan City Hall on May 12.

In previous months, 25 former rebels in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental also received P10,000 each in livelihood aid from the DSWD.

https://visayandailystar.com/16-former-rebels-get-financial-assistance/

NTF-ELCAC hails SC decision dismissing petition vs. MIF

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15, 2023): NTF-ELCAC hails SC decision dismissing petition vs. MIF (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) lauded the Supreme Court's move to dismiss the petition filed by progressive lawmakers seeking to declare the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) bill unconstitutional.

"The dismissal of the petition is a clear blow against the 'Makabayan' bloc's penchant for abusing legal processes by precipitately filing petitions that do not even satisfy the conditions sine qua non of judicial review," the task force's Legal Cooperation Cluster (LCC) said in a statement over the weekend.

In a six-page resolution, the SC ruled that “there is no actual case or controversy here, nor is the dispute ripe for adjudication. Colmenares et al.’s mere allegation of the unconstitutionality of the President’s certification of HB (House of Representatives Bill) 6608 and the House's passage of the bill is insufficient to warrant review by the Court.”

As pointed out by the SC, “To date, no law has been passed and HB 6608 remains pending with the House for further revisions, eliminating petitioner legislators’ concerns regarding the expedited passage of HB 6608 in the House.”

It also added that it had no reason to give due course to the petition filed by the bloc led by Bayan Muna chair Neri Colmenares, former Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro, Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, and Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel as the same is not ripe for adjudication.

"The (NTF-ELCAC) LCC lauds the SC for being a bastion of justice and champion of the rule of law," it added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1201478

DFA to promote rules-based order, stronger PH-Japan ties

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15, 2023): DFA to promote rules-based order, stronger PH-Japan ties (By Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

MANILA – Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo is set to discuss with Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa the next steps to implement understandings and agreements reached between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio in February.

In a news release issued Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Manalo is in Tokyo, Japan to participate in the Munich Leaders Meeting (MLM) from May 14 to 16.

During Marcos' bilateral visit, he and Kishida witnessed the signing and exchange of key agreements in the areas of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief infrastructure, agriculture, and digital cooperation and communications technology, which are included in Marcos' priority agenda.

In the meeting, Manalo will also deliver a policy address to touch upon Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership and the rules-based order at Japan’s National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies.

“The relationship between the Philippines and Japan is a remarkable journey of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect. From the ashes of war, we have forged a comprehensive and largely outcomes-based Strategic Partnership that is anchored on shared values,” he said.

Japan is the first country with which the Philippines has forged a Strategic Partnership and is among the two strategic partners of the Philippines aside from Vietnam.

It is also the only country with which the Philippines has a bilateral free trade agreement, the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement.

“As the world undergoes profound transformations, driven by new technologies, power dynamics, and societal changes, the Philippines and Japan must continue to work together to ensure that the principles enshrined in the UN [United Nations] Charter and the rules-based order that has been the bedrock of international peace and stability these past decades are upheld and strengthened,” he added.

The MLM aims to connect European and American leaders with their counterparts in the Indo-Pacific region to discuss ideas on how to contribute to regional and global stability.

The meet happens days ahead of the 49th G7 Summit to be held in Hiroshima, Japan on May 19 to 21.

Manalo, policymakers, and experts are expected to share insights on the Indo-Pacific security architecture, nuclear security, and new partnership opportunities arising from the shifting geopolitical landscape in the region.

Manalo will also meet with Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid in line with the country's 50th year of bilateral relations with Maldives.

Shahid served as the president of the 76th United Nations General Assembly when Manalo was the Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN in New York.

Shahid and Manalo will discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations and further cooperation between the Philippines and Maldives in regional and global fora, including on climate change.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1201482