NSA Año: PH-US air patrols promote maritime security, not trouble

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 21, 2024): NSA Año: PH-US air patrols promote maritime security, not trouble (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AIR PATROL. A Philippine Air Force FA-50 (left) and US B-52H bomber (right) aircraft fly over the Philippine exclusive economic zone during a joint maritime cooperative activity on Feb. 19, 2024. The air patrol covered areas 90 nautical miles west of Candon, Ilocos Sur, and 50 nautical miles northwest of Lubang, Occidental Mindoro. (Screengrab from video courtesy of PAF)

MANILA – The country's top security adviser on Wednesday rejected China's claims that the recent joint air patrols by Filipino and American aircraft in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) are causing trouble in the region.

"Our engagements with the United States are well within our rights as a sovereign and independent nation, aimed at promoting maritime security and upholding international law. We reject any assertion from other countries that seek to undermine our legal and legitimate activities," National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año said in a statement.

Año also added that Monday's joint air patrol between the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the US Pacific Air Force is a lawful and routine exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability between allied forces and promoting regional peace and security in the Indo-Pacific Region.

The combined air patrol, which involved three PAF FA-50 light jet fighters and one US Pacific Air Force B-52 strategic jet bomber, covered areas 90 nautical miles west of Candon, Ilocos Sur, and 50 nautical miles northwest of Lubang, (Occidental) Mindoro.

"The joint patrols conducted inside Philippine territory serve the purpose of enhancing maritime security, promoting regional stability, and upholding international law. These patrols help deter illegal activities, ensure freedom of navigation, and contribute to the protection of shared interests in the region," the NSA pointed out.

He also said that international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), recognizes the sovereign rights of coastal states.

"We urge China to respect the sovereign rights of the Philippines conducted within its territory consistent with its national interests and international law," Año stressed.

He added the joint air patrol with the US is part of the country's long-standing defense cooperation and that the Philippines will continue to work with its friends, allies, and partners to ensure a secure and prosperous future for all nations in the Indo-Pacific Region.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219262

Año said adhering to established legal frameworks is crucial for fostering peaceful relations, stability, and cooperation between the Philippines and China.

He also emphasized that adherence to international norms is essential to the peaceful coexistence of neighboring states.

"Respecting and following international law is essential for maintaining peace, resolving disputes, and advancing our shared interests in the region," he concluded. 

USCG to help build PH, others’ capacity vs. illegal sea activities

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 21, 2024): USCG to help build PH, others’ capacity vs. illegal sea activities (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

USCG Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan (Photo courtesy of USCG)

MANILA – The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is committed to helping the Philippines and other Indo-Pacific partners build capacity to counter "illegal activities" within their waters.

In a telephone briefing on Wednesday, USCG Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan said the USCG’s sees its partnerships with states contributing to the promotion of a rules-based order in the wider Indo-Pacific region.

“[T]he Coast Guard as we operate, it’s in accordance with the agreed international order, rule of law, the conducts and codes that govern how mariners and military vessels operate and conduct themselves at sea,” she told reporters.

“And we will continue to operate and engage that way as a demonstration of sort of the importance of rule of law and ensuring that nations have capacity and capability to counter illegal activities or other encroachments of sovereignty,” she added.

Just last year, the USCG made a historic first when the USCGC Frederick Hatch (WPC 1143) visited partners in Tacloban in October.

At that time, a team from the US Coast Guard District 14 and US Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam discussed with the US Embassy in Manila mutual capabilities, training opportunities, and community engagement between the two states.

While in Tacloban, the crew, with support from the Maritime Security Response Team West, also hosted a subject matter expert exchange on maritime law enforcement with Philippine Coast Guard colleagues.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219314

Ranking US naval official commits support to PH Navy modernization

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 23, 2024): Ranking US naval official commits support to PH Navy modernization (By Priam Nepomuceno)

ALLIES. US Navy International Program Office (NIPO) head Rear Adm. Anthony Rossi (left) receives a command plaque from Commodore Salvador Lavapie Jr., deputy commander of the Philippine Navy's (PN) Naval Education, Training, and Doctrine Command, during his visit to the PN on Thursday (Feb. 22, 2024). The two officials discussed current and future modernization projects and bilateral training initiatives between the PN and the US Navy. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Navy)

MANILA – The head of the United States Navy International Program Office (NIPO) has expressed commitment to helping the Philippine Navy (PN) with its ongoing modernization program.

Rear Adm. Anthony Rossi made this pledge during his visit to the PN headquarters at the Naval Station Jose Andrada along Roxas Boulevard, Manila on Thursday.

"Naval Education, Training, and Doctrine Command deputy commander, Commodore Salvador Lavapie Jr., received the visiting US Navy official on behalf of the Flag Officer In Command (Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr.). Discussed during the courtesy call were current and future modernization projects and bilateral training initiatives between the two naval forces," Navy spokesperson Commander John Percie Alcos said in a statement Thursday night.

Lavapie thanked Rossi for the US Navy's continued support to the PN, saying he sees stronger relations between the Philippines and the US.

Rossi, meanwhile, emphasized the significance of fostering strong relationships with allies like the Philippines, highlighting the mutual benefits that stem from collaboration and solidarity among partner nations.

Established in 1989, the NIPO aims to advance global maritime alliances and partnerships by championing exportability and the transfer of capabilities in support of strategic security interests.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219402

AFP chief hopeful of 'total victory' vs. NPA in Visayas by yearend

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 23, 2024): AFP chief hopeful of 'total victory' vs. NPA in Visayas by yearend (By Priam Nepomuceno)

CRUSH COMMUNIST THREAT. AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. talks to the troops of the Visayas Command during his visit to their headquarters in Cebu on Thursday (Feb. 22, 2024). Brawner directed Viscom troops to continue relentless operations against the remaining New People’s Army rebels in the area. (Photo courtesy of the AFP)

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. directed the Visayas Command (Viscom) to continue with their operations to eliminate the threat of communist insurgency.

Brawner made the directive after visiting the Viscom headquarters in Cebu and the 301st Infantry Brigade in Iloilo on Thursday, the AFP said in a news release Thursday night.

"And we are very hopeful and optimistic that by the end of the year 2024, ay talagang ma-achieve natin ang (we can really achieve) total victory and we can defeat the communists here in Viscom,” he said.

Brawner also lauded Viscom's officers and enlisted personnel for their accomplishments.

These accomplishments, he said, are aligned with the AFP's overall campaign strategy, which is focused on defeating the NPA remnants.

Last year, the Viscom dismantled six NPA guerilla fronts, neutralized 94 communist rebels, and recovered 314 assorted firearms.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219403

Army hunts down DI extremists in Maguindanao Sur grenade attack

 From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 21, 2024): Army hunts down DI extremists in Maguindanao Sur grenade attack (By Edwin Fernandez)

Google map of Shariff Aguak town, Maguindanao del Sur.

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao del Sur – Military and police forces here have launched a manhunt against motorcycle-riding men who tossed a hand grenade inside an Army outpost that wounded two soldiers and a militiaman Tuesday afternoon.

Major Saber Balogan, civil-military operations chief of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, said the attack was perpetrated by the local Dawlah Islamiya (DI) terror group.

“It could be a retaliation by DI group members due to a successful military operation against them in Maguindanao del Sur,” Balogan said in a radio interview Wednesday.

He identified the victims as Sgts. Jester Arsulo and Bryan Baylon, and also Datu Nor Akmad, a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU), all under the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion.

Balogan said the victims were inside the CAFGU patrol base in the village of Timbangan when two men aboard a motorbike lobbed the hand grenade toward the roadside detachment and sped away.

The wounded infantrymen are now being treated at the Army hospital in Camp Siongco, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219254

AFP chief leads awarding medals to NorMin, Caraga troopers

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 21, 2024): AFP chief leads awarding medals to NorMin, Caraga troopers (By Nef Luczon)

MEDAL OF HONOR. Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr. (right) pins a medal on a soldier during a ceremony at the Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) headquarters here on Wednesday (Feb. 21, 2024). Joining him is the 4ID commander, Major Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II (center). (PNA photo by Nef Luczon)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. led Wednesday the awarding of medals to 26 Army troops in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions, including those who survived a recent encounter in Lanao del Norte.

The 22 troops from various Infantry Battalions under the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) in the two regions were given recognition for their successful operations against New People's Army communist rebels.

“I was briefed with your (troops') commanders that not only you hit the target, but you hit the target way ahead of the deadlines,” Brawner said during a speech at the 4ID headquarters here.

Of the 22 troops, 11 from the 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB), 8IB, and 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion were given the highest distinction of a Gold Cross Medal.

Brawner also awarded the medals of honor to the four troops from the 44IB of the 1ID who survived the encounter against Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group combatants in Munai, Lanao del Norte, on Feb. 18.

The four survivors are currently recuperating at the 4ID infirmary.

“We made some miscalculations (with last Sunday's encounter) but this will not stop us from pursuing to put them to justice,” Brawner said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219284

3 NPA rebels killed, 4 gov't troopers hurt in northern Negros clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 22, 2024): 3 NPA rebels killed, 4 gov't troopers hurt in northern Negros clash (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

RECOVERED. Various weapons, communications equipment, and personal items are recovered by troops of the 79th Infantry Battalion after a clash with remnants of the dismantled New People’s Army Northern Negros Front in Escalante City, Negros Occidental on Wednesday (Feb. 21, 2024). Three rebels died while four soldiers were wounded during the encounter. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

BACOLOD CITY – Renewed skirmishes claimed the lives of three New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and wounded four government troopers in the hinterlands of Escalante City, Negros Occidental, the Philippine Army reported Thursday.

The series of clashes, which started late Wednesday morning and lasted until Thursday morning in Sitio Mansulao, Barangay Pinapugasan, involved remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF) and troops of the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB).

In a report, the 3rd Infantry Division identified the three rebel fatalities – two males and a young woman – as aliases Michael, Jose and Jandy, who were all killed during the first encounter at past 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

According to the report, Army troopers engaged some eight rebels after learning about the presence of armed men threatening and asking for money and food from the residents.

During the pursuit operation, they had another gunbattle three hours later on Wednesday afternoon, and clashed anew early Thursday around 6 a.m.

After the initial encounter, the troops recovered from the site various weapons, including an AK-47 rifle, a M653 rifle, a caliber .45 pistol, rifle grenades and anti-personnel mine, as well as several mobile phones and handheld radios.

“These encounters have significantly shaken the surviving remnants of the dismantled NNF who are trying to regain their forces here in northern Negros,” 79IB commanding officer Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Calaoagan said the wounded government troopers were brought to a hospital and are now in stable medical condition,

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219328

VP Sara condoles with family of fallen troops in NorMin

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 22, 2024): VP Sara condoles with family of fallen troops in NorMin (By Nef Luczon)

VEEP VISIT. Vice President Sara Duterte visits the Camp Evangelista Station Hospital at the Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) headquarters in Cagayan de Oro City on Thursday (Feb. 22, 2024) to speak with the soldiers who survived a recent encounter with Dawlah Islamiya - Maute Group extremists in Lanao del Norte. Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, 4ID commander, along with other Army officials, welcomed Duterte in the infirmary. (PNA photo by Nef Luczon)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte visited Northern Mindanao on Thursday to pay respects to the soldiers who died and those who survived a recent encounter with Dawlah Islamiya - Maute Group (DI-MG) extremists.

Duterte visited the bereaved families of the late Cpl. Reland Tapinit in Barangay Maranding, Lala town, Lanao del Norte.

She was supposed to visit the family of the late Private 1st Class (Pfc.) James Porras in Barangay Santa Maria, Prosperidad town, Agusan del Sur but her convoy canceled the trip due to bad weather conditions.

Tapinit and Porras, who belong to the Army's 44th Infantry Battalion (44IB), were two of the six casualties in the encounter between Army troops and the DI-MG on Feb. 18.

Duterte also visited the four troops of the 44IB who survived the encounter and are recuperating at the Camp Evangelista Station Hospital (CESH) at the 4th Infantry Division headquarters here.

“We visited them primarily to check their general welfare, but we also provided some cash assistance to help them with their needs as they recover,” she said.

The four are Cpl. Reymark Limare, Pfc. Raymond Dominguez; and Privates Nazareno Provido and Marvine Aguipo.

While here, Duterte also visited soldiers at the CESH and the Adventist Hospital in Iligan City who survived recent clashes with New People’s Army (NPA) communist rebels.

Two wounded soldiers, Pfc. Rocky Bicoy and Pfc. Neil Calope, are recovering at the CESH after an encounter with NPA combatants last month.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219365

NPA rebel surrenders in Camarines Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 22, 2024): NPA rebel surrenders in Camarines Sur (By Connie Calipay)

(Infographic courtesy of PRO5)

LEGAZPI CITY – A member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) surrendered to the Philippine National Police and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) personnel in Basud, Camarines Sur province on Thursday.

In a report, Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO5) spokesperson, identified the surrenderer as "Bro," of legal age, and a resident of Lupi town, Camarines Sur.

"He is a member of Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 1 Komiteng Larangang Guerilla (KLG) 2, under Norbem Gruta Command in Camarines Sur. He also surrendered a gun and three bullets," she said.

Calubaquib said the surrenderer would undergo a debriefing program and receive government assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

The police official said the purpose of ECLIP is to provide a variety of assistance, knowledge, and skills to those who have surrendered from the rebel group to help them recover and have a new hope in life.

“This help is not only for them but also for their family and community)," she said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219396

U.S. provides P8-M to boost Philippines educ programs for out-of-school youth

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Feb 20, 2024): U.S. provides P8-M to boost Philippines educ programs for out-of-school youth

MANILA - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded P8 million ($142,475) in grants to four Philippine higher education institutions working on innovative programs that improve the lives of Filipino out-of-school youth.



USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn (center) hands over grant certificates to (from left) Quezon City Councilor Julienne Alyson Rae Medalla representing Quezon City University, Dr. Anicia A. Alvarez, President of Ferndale College Zamboanga Peninsula; Paulette Liu, President of School of Knowledge for Industrial Labor, Leadership and Service (SKILLS); and Oscar Sherlo Reyes, Director of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies.

Administered through USAID’s Opportunity 2.0 program, the ASPIRE (Advance and Support Philippine-International Academic Relations for Out-of-School Youth Development) grant, valued at Php2.5 million ($44,643) each, facilitates partnerships between local and U.S. institutions on out-of-school youth advancement.

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, an ASPIRE awardee, will partner with Gallaudet University in Washington D.C to enhance training and higher education access for deaf out-of-school youth. Another ASPIRE awardee, Ferndale College in Zamboanga City, will work with Adams State University in Colorado on developing learning modules designed to engage out-of-school youth in addressing food security issues in their communities.

“Out-of-school youth deserve an equal opportunity to define the kind of life they want to live,” USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn said. “These new grants will help create a positive environment for youth by tapping the creativity, resources, and expertise of Philippine and U.S. higher education institutions.”

Additionally, USAID awarded a Php1.5-million ($26,786) GAIN (Government-Academe-Industry Collaborative) grant to Quezon City University, which would allow the extension of their executive training course to local government officials in Pasig City and Angeles City in Pampanga. The executive course provides lessons on leadership and creating effective programs for out-of-school youth.

"Through the grant, Quezon City University is able to empower key decision makers on co-creating and implementing meaningful programs supported by their learnings through the expanded Executive Leadership course in their respective communities. We are hopeful that through the program, more leaders will be equipped with the knowledge and means to support out-of-school youth and create an inclusive environment for them," Quezon City Councilor Aly Medalla said.

Cebu City’s School of Knowledge for Industrial Labor, Leadership, and Service, Inc. (SKILLS), another recipient of the GAIN grant, will partner with the Technical Vocational Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the private sector to establish an “industry certification process” for multi-skilled out-of-school youth in the construction industry.

“The grant is valuable to SKILLS as it would enable us to implement activities that provide sustainable employment to the youth while addressing the perennial challenges in the construction industry, such as shortage of skills and negative perception on construction jobs,” SKILLS Executive Director Jessie Cubijano said.

USAID’s Opportunity 2.0 program works with local and international partners across 15 cities in the Philippines to improve the lives of out-of-school youth through further education, employment, and entrepreneurship. The project has impacted 70,000 youth through TESDA technical-vocational programs and through the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System. (Mindanao Examiner)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2024/02/us-provides-p8-m-to-boost-philippines.html

VP Sara: Slain soldiers in Lanao Sur died for countrymen's safety

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 20, 2024): VP Sara: Slain soldiers in Lanao Sur died for countrymen's safety (By Wilnard Bacelonia)

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte (Screenshot from DepEd FB page)

MANILA – Vice President Sara Z. Duterte on Tuesday said the six Army soldiers who recently died in an encounter with Islamic State-linked Maute Group in Lanao del Sur sacrificed their lives for the safety of Filipinos.

Duterte condoled with the families of the fallen soldiers, adding that the threat of terrorism, especially to the youth, is real.

"Ang kanilang kabayanihan ay kapalit ng kaligtasan ng mga Pilipino hindi lang sa Mindanao kundi sa buong Pilipinas (Their heroism was in exchange for the safety of Filipinos not only in Mindanao, but in the entire country)," Duterte said.

"Sa ating pakikiramay sa kanilang mga pamilya ay tandaan sana natin na totoo ang banta ng terorismo at wala itong pinipiling biktima. Tandaan din natin ang panganib ng pangangalap ng kabataan sa terorismo (In our sympathies to their families, let us be reminded that the threat of terrorism is real and chooses no one as its victim. Let us also keep in mind about the danger of the recruitment of our children to terrorism)," she added.

Duterte was mayor of Davao City when the Roxas Night Market was bombed in 2016, and the Marawi Siege in Lanao del Sur in 2017.

"Bilang isang Mindanawon, personal para sa akin ang laban na ito (As a Mindanawon, this fight is personal for me)," she said.

She urged Filipinos to unite against the "enemies" of the country and reiterated her salute to all fallen soldiers who made the "most noble" sacrifice.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219169

PNP, firm ink pact on P20-M drones, radio equipment

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 20, 2024): PNP, firm ink pact on P20-M drones, radio equipment (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

EQUIPMENT BOOST. PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. (center) and Okada Foundation Inc. president James Lorenzana (left) show a copy of the signed memorandum of agreement at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday (Feb. 19, 2024). Under the pact, the PNP will get radio communication equipment, drones and drone jammers worth PHP19.9 million from the company. (Photo courtesy of PNP-PIO)

MANILA – The Philippine National Police's (PNP) operational capability is seen to get a boost with the acquisition of drones and other modern equipment.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. and Okada Foundation Inc. president James Lorenzana signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the purpose at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday, the PNP Public Information Office said in a news release on Tuesday.

Under the MOA, the PNP would get PHP9.99 million worth of radio communication equipment and PHP9.96 million worth drones and drone jammers from the company.

“By providing funds for essential equipment such as radio communication devices, drones, and jammers, we are prepared to confront the evolving challenges of modern policing,” Acorda said.

The PNP also received vehicles and television units from the Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund Inc. (PSMBFI).

Acorda received the four Toyota Innova vehicles and 28 55-inch TV units from PSMBFI president and chief executive officer Jose Chiquito Malayo in simple rites.

The vehicles were allocated to the Philippine National Police Training Institute, Philippine National Police Academy, Explosive Ordnance Disposal/K9 Group, and Chief Executive Senior Police Officer, while the TV units were distributed to various National Support Units and National Operational Support Units.

Logistics manual

Acorda also led the launch of the police force's Logistics Policies Volume V Compendium.

The manual, published by the Directorate for Logistics, consists of various directives, policies, and protocols aimed at optimizing logistical resources.

Acorda acknowledged the Directorate for Logistics for its significant role in enhancing the PNP's operational efficiency and effectiveness.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219150

PAF: Joint air patrol with US compliant with rules

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 20, 2024): PAF: Joint air patrol with US compliant with rules (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AIR PATROL. A Philippine Air Force FA-50 (bottom) and US B-52Hs bomber aircraft fly over the Philippine exclusive economic zone during a joint maritime cooperative activity on Monday (Feb. 19, 2024). The air patrol covered areas 90 nautical miles west of Candon, Ilocos Sur, and 50 nautical miles northwest of Lubang, Mindoro. (Photo courtesy of PAF)

MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Tuesday said its combined air patrol with the the US Pacific Air Force over portions of the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is not directed at any country and aimed only at improving interoperability between the two services.

"As pronounced by HQS AFP (Headquarters Armed Forces of the Philippines) the MCA (maritime cooperative activity) is in no way directed towards any country and the activity is in accordance with the international rules based order, as we were operating within our territory and within the Philippines' EEZ," PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a message to reporters.

The reaction was issued following China's statement that the Philippines "stirred up trouble" in the South China Sea through its joint air patrol with the US.

Monday's combined air patrol covered areas 90 nautical miles west of Candon, Ilocos Sur and 50 nautical miles northwest of Lubang, Occidental Mindoro.

Three PAF FA-50s accompanied one B-52H bomber aircraft of the US Pacific Air Force from the west of Ilocos Sur until Mindoro Strait.

The air patrol is part of the third iteration of the US-Philippines MCA that began Feb. 9.

AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the air component of the activity "demonstrates the commitment of both Armed Forces to enhancing interoperability and advancing regional peace and security in the Indo-Pacific".

He added that the activity also beefs up the capability of the AFP to perform its mandate and maintain its presence over the Philippines’ EEZ.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219172

Senator asks OPAPRU to ensure Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants' proper use of cash aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 20, 2024): Senator asks OPAPRU to ensure Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants' proper use of cash aid (By Wilnard Bacelonia)

DECOMMISSIONED COMBATANTS. Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian (seated, center in red polo shirt) engages decommissioned combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in an open dialogue during the resumption of the Phase 3 Decommissioning of  Moro Islamic Liberation Front members in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte on Aug. 4, 2023. Gatchalian also led the distribution of PHP100,000 cash assistance. (Photo courtesy of DSWD)

MANILA – Senator Raffy Tulfo has asked the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) to include in the decommissioning process the requirement for Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants to sign a document assuring that the PHP100,000 cash aid they get would be properly spent.

Tulfo, in a public hearing of the Committee on Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation Tuesday, asked OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. to strengthen the implementation of the ongoing decommissioning process.

"Ang purpose ng PHP100,000, tatlo lang po (The PHP100,000 has only three purposes): for food support; non-food support such as hygiene kits, family kits, kitchen kits, sleeping kits, shelter kits; and special various needs of vulnerable family members such as children, older persons, persons with disability," Tulfo said, noting that the cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) should not be used in buying another firearm.

"Kaya dapat pinapapirma ninyo sila para kung dumating 'yung time na nakita niyo na binili pala ng firearms, pwede niyo silang kasuhan (That's why you need to require them to sign so when the time comes that you see them use the money to buy firearms, you can file a case)," he added.

In response, Galvez informed the panel the transformation of Moro Islamic Liberation Front communities in the normalization process.

The decommissioned combatants, he said, undergo a case management process to ensure that the cash assistance they receive is properly used.

Galvez said the OPAPRU, through DSWD, hired case workers to monitor and manage the status of decommissioned combatants and assess their status, which is crucial in developing socioeconomic interventions for them, their families and communities.

He said OPAPRU is set to partner with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos to give the combatants an option to take the Hajj pilgrimage in exchange for their firearms.

"'Yung lahat po ng strategy na pwede po nating makuha 'yung mga illegally possessed firearms ay gagawin po natin (We will use all strategies to secure all illegally possessed firearms)," Galvez said.

The Senate launched the inquiry after reports from local chief executives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao that there were alleged irregularities in the decommissioning process.

One of the reported anomalies as cited by Senator Jinggoy Estrada was the alleged cut of Moro Islamic Liberation Front commanders from the cash assistance that the combatants receive.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front Implementing Panel Secretariat Mahajirin Ali expressed his doubt about the matter but assured that they would never tolerate such practice.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219187

PPP, whole-of-nation approach benefiting folks in far-flung areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 20, 2024): PPP, whole-of-nation approach benefiting folks in far-flung areas (By Liza Agoot)

SKILLS TRAINING. The second batch of trainees under the “Panag-aywan iti Kailyan”, an anti-insurgency program of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion of the Police Regional Office-Cordillera. The program provides skills training and certification to a total of 106 individuals, who belong to six batches, from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas in the region. (PNA photo courtesy of RMFB 15)

BAGUIO CITY – Andy Mariano Masi, 49, a resident of a far-flung village in Tabuk City, Kalinga, used to plant rice on a 2,500-square-meter property where he got a percentage of the proceeds that could barely sustain the needs of his family.

This was until he was found by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and was included in its anti-insurgency program as a beneficiary.

Masi has four kids but only those in Grades 11 and 12 are currently enrolled, saying “because I cannot afford to continue sending them (the younger ones) to school.”

He said transportation fare going to Bulanao where the school is located is PHP50, an amount which is difficult for him to provide given the lack of income.

Masi said they survive on planting rice, bananas and vegetables on the less than half a hectare area they till, and pay rice harvest as a rental to the lot owner.

“The harvest can hardly provide our needs, just enough for food for the family,” he said in Ilocano, a local dialect.

Thus, Masi was glad for his inclusion in the “Panag-aywan iti Kailyan” (caring for fellowmen) program of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 (RMFB).

He is among the 106 individuals from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) areas of the region who were provided with free training on construction by the Police Regional Office-Cordillera’s partner, Career Builders Skills Training and Assessment Center, based in the province of Pangasinan.

The beneficiaries, some of whom are former rebels, relatives of former rebels, Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) members and out-of-school youths, were assisted in obtaining a National Certification from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and were linked to a company that is now providing them decent employment with social benefits.

Masi said he got sick and was hospitalized, but did not spend any amount for this.

He said the skills training center also committed to help while he is recovering by providing funds for his family to put up a small store and sustain their needs.

“I am thankful to the government’s program and for bringing us to Career Builders because this is giving us a chance for a better life. I hope to recover and use the skills I acquired so that I can continue to provide for my family’s needs. Hopefully, my two other children can return to school soon,” he added.

Jose Chan, Executive Director of the Career Builders Skills Training and Assessment Center, said they partnered with PROCor upon hearing of the program to help improve the condition of the disadvantaged residents in the provinces, including those in GIDA and the former rebels or their relatives.

“We help because we also get assistance from other groups, which is a good example of all sectors -- government, private and the community, working hand-in-hand for their fellowmen,” he told the Philippine News Agency.

Chan is confident that with the quality of training they provide, the trainees will be able to find jobs.

“We encourage them to stay for at least two years to acquire the necessary document of training and the experience required to qualify for work abroad,” he said.

Aside from training and placement, Career Builders and PROCor’s partnership also includes the reconstitution of the trainees’ official documents since most of them are unregistered and are without identification documents.

Col. Ruel Tagel, chief of the RMFB 15, in a separate interview, said the program provides a holistic approach given its three components namely education program, bayanihan (serve by extending a helping hand), and livelihood.

Tagel said the program, which is an anti-insurgency stance, aims to make the presence of the government felt by sustaining the livelihood of a person, thereby preventing them from joining the communist terrorist organization.

"We do not want to just give and continue giving. We want them to take part, to own up to their contribution in making their lives better, which is a sustainability measure that we are inculcating in the minds of the participants,” he said.

“The best proof of sustainability is for them to later on be on their own,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1219184