PAF fighter pilots undergo air combat training for 'Balikatan'

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 16, 2024): PAF fighter pilots undergo air combat training for 'Balikatan' (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AIR COMBAT DRILLS. A United States Air Force F-16 jet fighter aircraft captured on air during air combat maneuver exercise alongside the PAF's FA-50 aircraft in this undated photo. The PAF on Tuesday (April 16, 2024) said the drills are in preparation for the upcoming large force employment missions for this year's "Balikatan" exercises. (Photo courtesy of the PAF)

MANILA – Philippine Air Force (PAF) fighter pilots are now undergoing "air combat maneuvering" (ACM) training in the ongoing Cope Thunder Philippines (CT PH 24-1), its spokesperson said on Tuesday.

In a statement, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said the ACM is a critical component of the flight integration training (FTI) exercise in preparation for the upcoming large force employment (LFE) missions for this year's "Balikatan" exercises.

"This rigorous training in Cope Thunder 24-1 goes beyond individual skill, as it also provides a platform to improve teamwork and communication, which are essential for mission success in a joint environment," she added.

Castillo said PAF pilots and their United States Air Force counterparts are honing their ACM skills through their FA-50PH and F-16 jet fighters over a military training area located west of Zambales province, as part of CT PH 24-1.

Earlier, Castillo said the initial phase of CT PH 24-1 will concentrate on subject matter expert exchanges and field exercises in air and ground operations. CT-PH 24 -1 is scheduled from April 8 to 19.

This includes logistics and mission support planning and execution which are necessary in large force deployment.

This will also prepare the PAF in its anticipated participation in Pitch Black Exercise 2024 in Australia this coming July.

The exercise is part of the Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board activities for this year.

The CT PH 24-1 is tentatively scheduled to have a second iteration in June.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222697

PAF, US Air Force exchange best practices on maintenance, logistics

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 17, 2024): PAF, US Air Force exchange best practices on maintenance, logistics (By Priam Nepomuceno)

COOPERATION. PAF personnel listen to a USAF speaker who shares best practices during a subject matter expert exchange on aircraft maintenance, supply, and logistics management at the Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga on Tuesday (April 16, 2024). The activity is part of the Cope Thunder Philippines (CT PH 24-1) exercises which runs from April 8 to 19. (Photo courtesy of the PAF)

MANILA – Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel and their counterparts from the United States Air Force (USAF) exchanged their services' best practices on aircraft maintenance, supply, and logistics management during the ongoing Cope Thunder Philippines (CT PH 24-1) exercises.

PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, in a statement Wednesday, said this "subject matter expert exchange" (SMEE) took place at Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga on Tuesday.

"The PAF and USAF airmen exchanged best practices on maintaining open communication with suppliers, enhancing the Logistics Information System (LIS) for better spare parts sustainability and storage, and emphasizing the importance of an engine test cell in maintenance facilities," she added. The SMEE was led by the 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) of the USAF.

"This collaboration underscores the ongoing commitment of the PAF to continuous improvement and excellence in aviation operations," Castillo said.

The CT PH 24 -1, which runs from April 8 to 19, will have a second iteration this coming June.

The bilateral exercise includes logistics and mission support planning and execution that are necessary in large force deployment, Castillo added.

This will also prepare the PAF for its anticipated participation in Pitch Black Exercise 2024 in Australia in July.

The exercise is part of the Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board activities for this year.

Sharpening aerial combat skills

On Wednesday, Filipino and American fighter pilots flying FA-50PHs and F-16 jet fighters once again honed their air combat maneuvers (ACM) skills over an intensive military training area located west of Zambales province.

"Complex simulated air combat scenarios were conducted to further sharpen the skills of pilots in effectively engaging and surviving in air combat situations. These efforts are crucial in preparing for upcoming Large Force Employment (LFE) missions during 'Balikatan' Exercises 2024," Castillo noted.

She said these drills significantly contribute to enhancing pilot proficiency in aerial combat and foster stronger coordination between the Philippine and US Air Forces.

Littoral drills for 'Balikatan'

As this developed, "Balikatan" 2024 executive agent Col. Michael Logico said this year's varied geographical locations, especially those involving littoral areas present wider benefits for training.

Littoral refers to areas near shores or a coastal region.

"(These) geographical locations present a wider benefit for training. as I mentioned previously, all of our exercise prior to 2020 were all done inside our military camps like Fort Magsaysay (in Nueva Ecija), CERAB (Col. Ernesto Rabina Air Base), Crow Valley (in Tarlac), you perform an exercise within a military camp, and you have been doing it so many times, it no longer presents any challenges, no more surprises and it limits also the involvement of the capabilities that you want," he added in a briefing Tuesday.

This year's "Balikatan" exercises, set from April 22 to May 10, involve various locations in Luzon and maritime drills off Palawan.

"What we want to do is we want to train our AFP in joint capabilities, that means all of the services have to be working together. Think of it like an engine that has all pistons pumping at the same time so these new geographic locations actually provide (more) learning opportunities from the part of the Armed Forces not only on a tactical level but also on the operational level," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222787

PAF gets briefing on efficient tools, consumable items management

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18, 2024): PAF gets briefing on efficient tools, consumable items management (By Priam Nepomuceno)

EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT. A USAF expert shares knowledge and best practices on tools and consumables management to personnel of the Philippine Air Force at Basa Air Base in Floridablanca town, Pampanga province on Wednesday (April 17, 2024). This training session is part of the ongoing Cope Thunder Philippines exercises that started on April 8 and will end on April 19. (Photo courtesy of the PAF)

MANILA – United States Air Force (USAF) personnel briefed their Filipino counterparts on how to further enhance efficiency in using their tools and other consumable items during the ongoing Cope Thunder Philippines (CT PH 24-1) exercise at Basa Air Base in Floridablanca town, Pampanga province on Wednesday.

In a statement Wednesday night, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said this was done through a "knowledge-sharing session on managing tools and consumables".

"This session, part of the Cope Thunder Ph 24-1, focused on optimizing efficiency and accuracy in managing vital tools and consumables crucial for overall base operations. A USAF subject matter expert shared valuable insights and best practices, including primary functions of tool management, familiarization of software, and box inventory using parent and children system," she added.

Castillo said this exchange also aims to enhance the logistics management capabilities of the PAF.

"By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange with international partners, the PAF continuously strives to improve its logistical processes. This ensures the air force maintains a well-equipped and prepared force to safeguard the country and its people," she added.

The CT PH 24-1 started on April 8 and will conclude on Friday.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222885

DFA defends US, Japan trilateral; tells China to reflect own actions

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18, 2024): DFA defends US, Japan trilateral; tells China to reflect own actions (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

HISTORIC TRILATERAL SUMMIT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (left) attends the landmark trilateral summit with United States President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House in Washington, D.C. on April 11, 2024, Manila time. During the meeting, Marcos forged a stronger trilateral alliance with Biden and Kishida to protect the Indo-Pacific region. (Photo from the Presidential Communications Office)

MANILA – The Philippines’ move to strengthen alliance and partnership with the United States and Japan is Manila’s “sovereign decision” and should not be seen as a threat by any peace-loving country, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) told China on Thursday.

The statement comes after Beijing's criticism against the trilateral leaders’ summit between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida last week, describing it as a “smear and attack” against China.

“The trilateral cooperation is a partnership and a cooperative framework for the promotion of peace, stability and economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region,” the DFA said.

“It is an admirable aspiration that should not be considered a threat by any peace-loving country."

The agency said this is a “sovereign choice and decision” of the Philippines and is in accordance with the country’s national interests and independent foreign policy.

“Our actions are in line with international law and complement our commitments in other regional and multilateral forums,” it added.

Source of tension

The agency also refuted China for alluding to the Philippines as a country “seeking backing from non-regional countries” while making “provocations at sea”.

“The source of tension in our region is well known to all. China should reflect upon its own actions in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea,” the DFA said.

“It is China's excessive maritime claims and aggressive behavior, including its militarization of reclaimed features, that are undermining regional peace and stability and raising tensions,” it added.

It also scored Beijing’s “unwarranted references” to the Cold War, saying this only sensationalizes the situation and misrepresent the peaceful purpose of the Philippines-US-Japan trilateral cooperation.

“Nevertheless, those who wish to invoke the lessons of the past should also recall the need for adherence to the rule of law and how peace and stability has been maintained in our region through observance and respect for international law,” it said.

No ill intentions

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, meanwhile, maintained that the upcoming annual Balikatan exercises are not aimed at any country.

"The AFP emphasizes that the 'Balikatan' exercises are not directed towards any specific country," military spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a statement Thursday.

Padilla was reacting to China’s claims that the drills escalate tension, especially when countries outside the region are brought in.

Beijing also claimed that such activity will only lead to greater insecurity.

Some 16,000 Filipino and American troops would join this year's "Balikatan" drills set April 22 to May 10

"This longstanding initiative, spanning several years, is aimed at enhancing cooperation, fostering training opportunities, and strengthening regional stability," Padilla said. (with Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)

 
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222887

Female cadet from Batangas is PNPA Class 2024 topnotcher

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18, 2024): Female cadet from Batangas is PNPA Class 2024 topnotcher (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

(Photo courtesy of PNPA)

MANILA – A female cadet from Lian, Batangas would lead the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) "Layag-Diwa" Class 2024, composed of 223 cadets.

Police Cadet Ma. Camille Cabasis will receive the Presidential Kampilan Award as the valedictorian in Friday's graduation rites at the PNPA headquarters, Camp General Mariano N. Castañeda in Silang, Cavite, to be led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.

Ma. Camille, the only daughter of Edwin and Lucena Cabasis, was already an achiever before she entered the PNPA, having graduated cum laude at the Batangas State University with a degree in criminology.

She also passed the board exam in 2019 and became the topnotcher in Calabarzon.

In a video interview over Pulis News Network, Ma. Camille said she sold siopao to sustain her expenses in school.

She was also a Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) officer in college.

“Hindi tayo babae lamang, kung di babae na may magagawa sa lipunan (We are not just women. We are women who can contribute to society),” she said.

The PNPA "Layag-Diwa" Class 2024, composed of 182 males and 41 females, will form part of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Out of this number, 198 would join the PNP, 12 would serve the BFP while 13 would augment the ranks of the BJMP.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222904

PCG to join PH Navy in Balikatan 2024

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18, 2024): PCG to join PH Navy in Balikatan 2024 (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

AMPHIBIOUS RAID EXERCISE. The Philippines and US forces hold amphibious raid exercises at the beachhead of Barangay Samariñana in Brooke’s Point, Palawan on April 14, 2023. The Philippine Coast Guard will join for the first time the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the 39th annual Balikatan Exercise starting April 22. (Photo courtesy of Naval Forces West)

MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will join for the first time the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the 39th annual Balikatan Exercise from April 22 to May 10.

In a statement on Thursday, PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said the PCG would be part of the joint interoperability exercises among the Philippines, Australia, France, and the United States.

“The (PCG) will deploy four 44-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) and two larger patrol vessels that regularly conduct maritime security operations in the country’s exclusive economic zones (EEZs),” Balilo said.

Members of the Coast Guard Special Operations Force will also join the Balikatan.

On Tuesday, Balikatan 2024 executive agent Col. Michael Logico said several of the country’s vessels would be on full display during the latest Balikatan – the FF-151 (missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna), LD-602 (BRP Davao Del Sur), PS-16 (offshore patrol vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz), FA-50s (light jet fighters), Super Tucanos (A-29B close air support aircraft), Black Hawks (S-70is combat utility helicopters), and the Philippine Air Force's Israeli-made SPYDER air defense missile batteries.

On the other hand, the US will deploy its fifth generation F-22 “Raptor,” the F-35 “Lightning II,” AH 64 “Apache” attack helicopters, AC-130 “Spooky” gunships, and at least two naval ships.

An estimated 16,000 troops from the US and the Philippines are expected to participate in the 19-day exercise.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222907

Tolentino to China: PH has right to conduct military drills with US

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18, 2024): Tolentino to China: PH has right to conduct military drills with US (By Wilnard Bacelonia)

AMPHIBIOUS RAID EXERCISE. Philippine and US forces hold amphibious raid exercises at the beachhead of Barangay Samariñana in Brooke’s Point, Palawan on April 14, 2023 as part of the “Balikatan” exercises. Senator Francis Tolentino said Thursday (April 18, 2024) that the Philippines has the right to conduct joint military exercises with other countries in its sovereign territory. (Photo courtesy of Naval Forces West)

MANILA – Senator Francis Tolentino on Thursday reminded the Chinese government that the Philippines has all the right to engage in joint military exercises with other countries within its sovereign territory.

The lawmaker issued the statement after China's foreign ministry warned the Philippine government that bringing in other countries “to show off their force” in the South China Sea and provoke confrontation would worsen tensions in the area.

In a Zoom interview, Tolentino emphasized that the Philippines' actions, under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is "valid under the international law."

"Wala silang magagawa dun. Karapatan po natin yun. Pwede rin naman silang magkaroon ng sarili nilang military exercises sa lugar nila (They can't do anything about it. It is our right. They can also have their own military exercises in their territory) with their allies," he said.

The lawmaker, who chairs the Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones, explained that China has the right to be annoyed, while the Philippines has also “the right to protect its sovereignty.”

"Papayag ba tayo na i-bully na lang, pagalitan na lang bilang isang bansa? Ang tingin ko, tama yung ginagawa ng kasalukuyang administrasyon lalong-lalo na kung ito'y naglalayon na pagtibayin yung ating national security at ng ating dignidad bilang isang bansa (Should we just let them bully us, reprimand us as a country? I think, the present administration is doing the right thing, especially if it seeks to strengthen our national security and dignity as a country)," Tolentino said.

He also noted that after the Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the US was signed in 1951, Balikatan exercises already commenced as early as the 1980s.

This year’s Balikatan exercises will be conducted from April 22 to May 10, involving close to 17,000 Philippine and US forces. This year’s exercises will also be the first time that the Philippine Coast Guard will take part in military exercises.

Assuming that China was likewise annoyed by the meeting of President Marcos with President Joe Biden, Tolentino pointed out that the two leaders “did not only discuss military and defense, but also other matters like energy and other economic opportunities.”

Meanwhile, a ranking military official echoed Tolentino’s remarks.

In a statement, Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the Balikatan drills, which is now on its 39th edition, is a regularly scheduled and long-standing exercise that enhances the ability of the Philippines to work together with its US ally and partners.

"It is an integral part of our ongoing efforts to develop our territorial defense capabilities and ensure that we can effectively safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is focused on strengthening our readiness and resilience in the face of evolving security challenges in our domain and in the region," he said. (with Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222915

CPP-NPA redesignation as terror group vital in curbing insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18, 2024): CPP-NPA redesignation as terror group vital in curbing insurgency (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – The Anti-Terrorism Council's (ATC) move to redesignate the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) as a terror group is a big boost to curb insurgency, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said Thursday.

In a statement, NTF-ELCAC executive director, Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., said this is “significant” in the campaign to eliminate all remaining 11 weakened NPA guerilla fronts this year to achieve total victory against the communist movement.

Torres also noted that the ATC conducted a thorough analysis of the data and reaffirmed the CPP-NPA's status as a terrorist organization.

"The CPP-NPA's continued classification is justified by its flagrant violations of Section 4 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), which includes acts of terrorism against government forces and instilling fear among the general population. The CPP-NPA's involvement in numerous crimes resulting in fatalities and widespread disruption underscore the significance of this classification," he explained.

According to the 2023 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), the NPA is ranked 15th among the 20 Deadliest Terror Groups of 2022, underscoring the severe threat posed by the CPP-NPA's terrorist activities.

Torres said the redesignation marks a critical step in the collective efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of all citizens.

He also affirmed the NTF-ELCAC's support for the ATC in addressing the challenges posed by terrorist organizations like the CPP-NPA.

"We also welcome ATC Resolution Number 53, which identifies Elizabeth Pineda Principe, known by various aliases, as a terrorist individual," Torres said.

He also added that the resolution "meticulously outlines the reasons" for designating Principe as a terrorist individual.

"It details her involvement in armed encounters, recruitment efforts, and planning sessions aimed at escalating and perpetuating terrorist activities. Principe's role as a high-ranking leader and Central Committee member of the CPP-NPA, as stated in the resolution, strengthens the ATC's decision," Torres said.

He added the designation highlights the severity of Principe's involvement in terrorist activities, as evidenced by her direct participation in armed encounters, sabotage incidents, and recruitment efforts for the CPP-NPA.

Torres stressed that the ATC's thorough examination of evidence gathered by Philippine law enforcement agencies and the military has revealed probable cause for Principe's involvement in terrorist planning, facilitation, and execution.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222925

PH, New Zealand eye visiting forces pact, strengthened economic ties

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18, 2024): PH, New Zealand eye visiting forces pact, strengthened economic ties (By Darryl John Esguerra)

STRENGTHENING RELATIONS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (right) welcomes visiting New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the Malacañang Palace in Manila on Thursday (April 18, 2024). Luxon's visit highlights the two countries’ commitment to stronger ties as they move toward the 60th commemoration of the Philippines-New Zealand bilateral relations in 2026. (Presidential Photographers Association)

MANILA – The Philippines and New Zealand have taken steps toward deeper defense cooperation, including the possible establishment of a visiting forces agreement, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met in Malacañang on Thursday.

In a joint statement released after the two leaders’ bilateral meeting, Marcos and Luxon committed to “maintaining and strengthening defense engagements while exploring new frameworks of cooperation to deepen defense ties.”

“Both sides committed to the signing of a Mutual Logistics Supporting Arrangement (MLSA) by the end of 2024, and to concluding a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA),” the leaders said.

Aside from the United States, the Philippines also has a SOVFA with Australia and is currently developing a similar defense pact with Japan, known as the Reciprocal Access Agreement.

These types of military partnerships allow Filipino and foreign soldiers to train in each other’s territory, as well as share military equipment and assets.

Marcos and Luxon both shared serious concern over recent developments in the South China Sea, reaffirming the right of freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the seas under international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The two leaders also expressed commitment to sustaining maritime security cooperation, including bilateral and multilateral activities at sea, port calls/visits, and capacity-building efforts.

Recognizing that the Philippines and New Zealand have a shared interest as Pacific maritime nations, Marcos and Luxon also pledged to cooperate on maritime law enforcement, including addressing common threats, such as piracy, maritime terrorism, contraband smuggling, wildlife trafficking, and irregular human migration.

Strengthening economic ties

Meanwhile, Marcos and Luxon also welcomed the development of stronger economic linkages between the Philippines and New Zealand and reaffirmed their shared commitment to upholding the rules-based trading system.

Both Leaders welcomed the upgrade of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) and the successful implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and acknowledged the strong collaboration between the two countries through the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

Luxon acknowledged the Philippines’ interest in developing the export capability of its agricultural sector and pledged to further discussions between officials on this initiative.

Additionally, the two leaders also committed to eliminating “unnecessary barriers to trade” and promised to ensure that exporters could fully utilize the comprehensive suite of free trade agreements, to achieve a “mutually beneficial increase of 50 percent in two-way trade by 2030.”

People-to-people exchange

Likewise, the two leaders vowed to continue strengthening people-to-people cooperation and ensure the welfare of Filipino migrant workers, especially nurses.

Marcos and Luxon looked forward to the review of the existing bilateral migrant worker arrangement, which will facilitate the recruitment of Filipino workers to New Zealand and other initiatives.

During their meeting, Marcos and Luxon also discussed the relations of the Philippines and New Zealand in terms of environment, climate change, people-to-people exchanges, and other multilateral endeavors.

Luxon is in Manila for the last leg of his three-country Southeast Asia swing. He has also visited Singapore and Thailand.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222969

AFP Wescom to host 2 high-impact 'Balikatan' events

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2024): AFP Wescom to host 2 high-impact 'Balikatan' events (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) Western Command (Wescom) based in Palawan province will host two high impact activities for this year's "Balikatan" exercise set from April 22 to May 10.

"Wescom will be the hub of two major CJADO (Combined Joint All Domain Operations) events – Training on Maritime Key Terrain Security Operations and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Rapid Insertion (HIRAIN) Operations," Wescom chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos said in a social media post late Thursday.

Ahead of the drills, United States military units participating in this year's exercise had already started establishing logistics infrastructure in Wescom's joint operational area.

Participants will engage in simulations, live-fire drills, and tactical exercises, aimed at enhancing cooperation and boosting the capabilities of the AFP and the US military.

These training events are expected to increase the allied forces’ ability to work together in response to crises across the military spectrum to accomplish the mission while also supporting the local population.

Apart from these training events, several humanitarian civic assistance projects such as the ongoing construction of a health care center in Barangay Punta Baja, Rizal, and the upcoming civil-military engagements in the area also aim to provide immediate and direct benefit to the local communities of Palawan.

“We welcome all participating contingents as we prepare for the PH-US Balikatan 39-2024 here in Palawan. Together, we will strive for a successful exercise that not only strengthens our bilateral ties but also brings benefits to our country and our allies,” Carlos said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222980

PAF, US Air Force conclude 1st edition of Cope Thunder drills

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2024): PAF, US Air Force conclude 1st edition of Cope Thunder drills (By Priam Nepomuceno)

COPE THUNDER DRILLS. An FA-50PH fighter aircraft of the Philippine Air Force is seen taking off during the Cope Thunder Philippines 24-1 exercises in this undated photo. The 11-day bilateral military training exercise, which concluded on Friday (April 19, 2024), focused on air-to-ground operations, logistics, and other mission support planning and execution. (Photo courtesy of the PAF)

MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the US Air Force (USAF) formally concluded the first iteration of Cope Thunder Philippines 24-1 exercises at Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga on Friday.

"On the concluding day of Cope Thunder, PAF and USAF maintenance personnel exchanged best practices in aircraft maintenance during a subject matter expert exchange," PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a statement.

The CT PH 24-1, which started on April 8, is expected to have a second iteration in June this year. Castillo said the 11-day bilateral military training exercise, focused on air-to-ground operations, logistics, and other mission support planning and execution.

Participating aircraft include the PAF's FA-50PH light jet fighters and the USAF's F-16 multirole jet fighter.

This took place in the Northern Luzon Intensive Military Training Area, involving approximately 700 airmen from various PAF and USAF units.

"The Cope Thunder exercises play a crucial role in preparing the PAF for the upcoming Large Force Employment missions during the 'Balikatan' Exercises 2024, scheduled to commence on April 22, 2024," Castllo noted.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223018

4 Moro Islamic Liberation Front members slain in Maguindanao Sur ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 15, 2024): 4 Moro Islamic Liberation Front members slain in Maguindanao Sur ambush (By Edwin Fernandez)

FAMILY FEUD. Villagers view the remains of two of the four members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front slain in an ambush in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur on Sunday (April 14, 2024). Police said the ambush could be tied to a long-standing family feud between the attackers and the victims. (Photo courtesy of Shariff Aguak MPS)

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao del Sur – Four members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front were killed in an ambush Sunday by unidentified gunmen in Barangay Satan here, police said.

In an interview Monday, Lt. Colonel Reggie Albellera, municipal acting police chief, said the victims were on board two separate motorbikes on their way to nearby Datu Hoffer town at 8:30 a.m. when ambushed by gunmen positioned on both sides of the road in Sitio Dimabilis.

“The victims whose identities are still being determined were Moro Islamic Liberation Front members from Barangay Dapiawan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur,” Albellera said.

He said the victims were members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front 118th base command, based on information from local Moro Islamic Liberation Front leaders.

Following the incident, the police official said Barangay Satan chairperson Datukon Malaguial urged the police to coordinate with the Philippine Army before entering the village due to the presence of the extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the ambush site.

Initial police investigation showed that the victims had been embroiled in a feud with another clan in the area.

All the victims were immediately taken by their families and buried according to Islamic rites.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222626

Another Laguna town awarded 'insurgency-free' seal

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18, 2024): Another Laguna town awarded 'insurgency-free' seal (By Zen Trinidad)

STEP TOWARDS LASTING PEACE. The ceremonial signing of memorandum of understanding and Declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) of Paete, Laguna at the Quinale gymnasium on Tuesday (April 16, 2024). Representatives from the police and military, as well as the Laguna Peace and Order Council, offered their commitment towards maintaining peace. (Photo courtesy of Laguna Provincial Police Office)

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – Paete town was officially declared insurgency-free, making it the fourth municipality in this province to be included in the roster of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) areas, the Laguna Provincial Police Office (LPPO) announced on Thursday.

Col. Gauvin Mel Unos, acting director of the LPPO, told reporters that Paete follows the lead of Kalayaan and Santa Maria towns, which were declared free of rebel influence in July 2023, and Cavinti town, which received its insurgency-free seal on Feb. 27.

"This declaration is a testament to Laguna citizens’ desire to break free from the clutches of terrorism and instead focus on harnessing their economic potential by ensuring peace within their communities," he said.

Unos disclosed that other jurisdictions within the province are candidates for SIPS status as well, and an evaluation process is being undertaken by the LPPO in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

He said that under current government guidelines, a jurisdiction can only be awarded the SIPS seal if no violent terrorist activities have been recorded within its boundaries for at least one year.

Paete is a fourth class municipality in the province of Laguna with a population of 29,945 according to a 2020 census.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222918

Hunt on for killers of MSSD-BARMM officer in MagNor gun attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18, 2024): Hunt on for killers of MSSD-BARMM officer in MagNor gun attack (By Edwin Fernandez)

Google map of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

COTABATO CITY – Police teams are hunting down two gunmen behind the ambush slaying of a mid-level lady executive of the Ministry of Social Services and Development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MSSD-BARMM) on Wednesday night in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

In a radio interview Thursday, Colonel Salman Sapal, the provincial police director, identified the victim as Christhia Angela Aragoncillio, 28, the logistics management officer of the Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Social Welfare Office and a resident of this city.

“Aragoncillo died on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds,” he said of the victim, who was driving her sports utility vehicle (SUV) when ambushed together with two other MSSD female employees.

Another employee aboard the vehicle was slightly injured, while the third was unharmed.

Sapal said three employees left the compound in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, on board the SUV at about 6 p.m., and when they reached Barangay Broce, were ambushed by the gunmen aboard a motorbike.

“Most probably, the ambush was related to the victim’s job at MSSD-Maguindanao Norte. The attackers were targeting the car driver (Aragoncillo),” he said.

Police found eight empty .45-caliber pistol shells at the crime scene.

“I appeal to anyone who has information about the incident to help the police bring justice to the victim. If our people, or witnesses, continue to refuse to help, more similar incidents will happen in the future,” Sapal said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222951

Police order manhunt vs. ambushers of police car in Lanao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2024): Police order manhunt vs. ambushers of police car in Lanao Sur (By Edwin Fernandez)

Google map of Picong town, Lanao del Sur.

CAMP S.K. PENDATUN, Maguindanao del Norte – The head of the Police Regional Office -Bangsamoro Autonomous Region on Friday ordered a manhunt against gunmen who ambushed a police patrol car and injured a police officer in Lanao del Sur.

"This is a reprehensible act of violence against our security forces," Brig. Gen. Prexy Tanggawohn said in an interview Friday, referring to the attack on a police patrol car of the Picong municipal police station on Thursday morning that left Patrolman Hashemi Lidasan Sumusod wounded on his right hand.

Picong police personnel were aboard the patrol vehicle on their way back to the station when waylaid by unidentified armed individuals in Barangay Micolabo of the municipality.

Sumusod was taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

"I appeal to the public, in general, to help your police maintain law and order in your respective localities, identify lawless elements and would-be crime offenders so they can be addressed before they commit the crimes," he said.

Meanwhile, Tanggawon also ordered the police in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town, Maguindanao del Sur to find those who ambushed a couple in Barangay Salbu, killing a woman and wounding her companion.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222976