War games primer: Assets PH, US troops are using in Balikatan 2024

From Rappler (May 1, 2024): War games primer: Assets PH, US troops are using in Balikatan 2024 (By BEA CUPIN, NICO VILLARETE, GUIA ABOGADO)

What sort of assets will the two treaty-allies be showcasing in the 'most complicated' Balikatan yet?

MANILA, Philippines – Balikatan 2024, the latest iteration of the yearly military drills between the Philippines and the United States, has been touted as the “most effective, most ambitious, and most complicated” yet.

Across several areas in Luzon, thousands of Filipino and American soldiers, as well as a hundred or so Australian soldiers, will participate in drills that focus on defending the Philippines.

What does it mean when a military exercise takes on its “most complicated” version?

Lieutenant General William Jurney, commander of the US Marine Corps Forces, Pacific and Balikatan US exercise director, explained it this way: activities this year are designed to both showcase and test how well the two militaries work together. Complex military operations, after all, can’t just be coordinated through something like a group chat.

Interoperability refers to the level of ease in which different units – in this case, the two militaries – can work together. It involves communication between people, equipment, and systems.

Here’s a peek into the assets from both the Philippines and the US that will be playing roles in various exercises during the weeks-long event. The list is not exhaustive, but includes most of the major assets the two militaries are deploying for Balikatan 2024.

(All illustrations by Nico Villarete and Guia Abogado)
Philippines

ASCOD Sabrah

155mm Howitzer




105mm Howitzer

Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm Bo-105 helicopter

BRP Davao del Sur

AugustaWestland helicopter




Amphibious Assault Vehicles

BRP Jose Rizal

Multipurpose Attack Craft-BA486

AW159 Wildcat helicopters

FAIC-M

FA-50PH

AugustaWestland-109 Attack Helicopter

Super Tucano

T129 “Atak” attack helicopters

S76-A Sikorsky helicopter

W-3A SOKOL A helicopter

Hermes 900

S-70i “Black Hawk” combat utility helicopters

Bell 412

C1

C295

NC212i

United States

AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar

USS Somerset

USS Harpers Ferry

CH-53E Super Stallion

Amphibious Combat Vehicle

Landing Craft Air Cushion

P-8A Poseidon

C-130H Hercules

F-16 Fighting Falcon

B-52H Stratofortress

Mid-Range Capability (MRC) Launcher

High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS)

Avenger Air Defense System

CH-47 Chinook

UH-60 Blackhawk

MC-130J Commando II

CV-22 Osprey

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/assets-troops-united-states-using-balikatan-exercise-2024/

Balikatan training unfazed by presence of Chinese vessels

From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2024): Balikatan training unfazed by presence of Chinese vessels (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Balikatan executive agent Col. Michael Logico (PNA file photo by Priam F. Nepomuceno)

MANILA – Naval participants in the just concluded multilateral maritime exercise were undaunted by the presence of Chinese vessels near the training area off Palawan province, Balikatan 2024 executive agent Col. Michael Logico said Tuesday.

Around four of China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels were spotted at different times monitoring the flotilla during the training period.

"We went there for the purpose of conducting interoperability exercises, that was our mission and we were able to finish it, they were not able to disturb us in any way nor (were we) intimidated in any way by their presence," he said during a press briefing.

Logico said the presence of PLAN ships did not disturb the exercise.

Balikatan's first multilateral maritime exercise was in Palawan waters from April 25 to 29.

Participants include the Philippine Navy's offshore patrol vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and landing dock BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), the US Navy's landing ship dock USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49), and the French Navy's FS Vendemiaire (FFH-734), a Floreal-class frigate.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army's 5th Civil-Military Operation Battalion's Civil Affairs Team, the Forward Service Medical Company, a unit within the Service Support Battalion of the 5th Infantry Division, and their US counterparts participated in the tactical combat casualty care lecture and demonstration at the US Army’s 10th Field Hospital deployed in Lal-lo, Cagayan on April 30.

In a statement Wednesday, Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the training equips them with skills and knowledge to provide prompt medical aid to their wounded fellows under high-stress combat scenarios.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223796

Senators clarify Balikatan not meant to challenge other nations

From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2024): Senators clarify Balikatan not meant to challenge other nations (By Wilnard Bacelonia)

EXERCISE. Participating soldiers alight the US Marines Super Stallion helicopter during the air assault operations. This was part of the "Balikatan" Exercise held at the Paredes Air Station, Barangay 32 Sapat, Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte on April 23, 2023. (PNA file photo courtesy of PA)

MANILA – Senators explained on Wednesday that the Balikatan exercises between the Philippines and the US aim to enhance interoperability and strengthen partnerships and not to challenge the military capabilities of other nations.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada, chair of the Senate Committee on National Defense, said while some Balikatan exercises were conducted in the disputed areas, these were not meant to challenge other nations’ actions, including China’s continued bullying.

"These exercises are not designed for combat operations against other nations. Responding to or utilizing it to impede China’s coercive actions against Philippine vessels is outside the scope of these joint military drills," Estrada explained, adding that the country should continue lawful activities within its jurisdiction while promoting peace and stability in the region.

Senator Francis Tolentino echoed Estrada’s statement that the exercises’ purpose is not to stop China’s harassment.

"We should trust the effectiveness of our alliances not the unruly behavior of those who intend to distract us," Tolentino said.

China's aggression toward civilian vessels, he said, highlights the need to uphold international law.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva asserted that China's bullying tactics and scare propaganda would not affect the Philippines' sovereign rights over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

"Whatever they do, it will never take away our sovereign rights over the WPS, especially the Scarborough Shoal, which is clearly within our exclusive economic zone," he said in a statement.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223856

3 militiamen die, 3 hurt in Lanao Sur ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2024): 3 militiamen die, 3 hurt in Lanao Sur ambush (By Edwin Fernandez)

AMBUSHED. The utility vehicle that served as a mute witness to the ambush in Marogong, Lanao del Sur, which left three government militiamen dead and three others injured. The militiamen were part of an augmentation force securing a cassava company in Malabang, Lanao Sur, which also operates a power plant in Marogong town. (Photo courtesy of Lanao del Sur PPO)

CAMP S.K. PENDATUN, Maguindanao del Norte – Police authorities in Lanao del Sur said they have launched a manhunt against five gunmen who ambushed and killed three militiamen in a predawn attack on Tuesday in the Lanao del Sur town of Marogong.

"The manhunt operation is ongoing with the help of the Army in the area," said Lt. Col. Alanaid Moner, Lanao del Sur police information officer, in a report on Wednesday.

Moner identified the slain members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) in an attack in Sitio East Village as Richard Dorano, Aljon Claver, and Gino Sacare, all of Barangay Marogong East.

Three other wounded militiamen are hospitalized in Marawi City as of posting.

"They were on their way to the Mini-Hydro Power Plant of Matling Industrial and Commercial Cooperation (MICC) in Marogong on board a utility van when attacked at about 5 a.m.," Moner said.

He described the victims as members of a "special CAFGU unit" deployed as an augmentation force for the MICC cassava company based in Malabang town that operates a hydro plant in Marogong.

Initial investigation showed that a long-standing family feud between the families of the CAFGUs and the security personnel of the mini-hydro power plant triggered the ambush.

"Several years ago, a relative of one of the fatalities was allegedly killed by one of the Matling security officers," Moner recalled.

Police found several bullets of M16 and M14 rifles at the ambush site and the ill-fated vehicle.

Moner said the Army's 103rd Infantry Brigade is helping the police track down the attackers.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223815

NTF-WPS scores latest Chinese harassment of PH ships in Panatag Shoal

 From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2024): NTF-WPS scores latest Chinese harassment of PH ships in Panatag Shoal (By Priam Nepomuceno)

HARASSMENT. A Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel (with a green deck) blasts a Philippine civilian vessel with a water cannon while on its way for the rotation and reprovisioning of troops at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal on March 5, 2024. The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea on Tuesday (April 30) condemned another incident of Chinese harassment which involved CCG ships water cannoning Philippine vessels on their way to provide humanitarian assistance to Filipino fishermen in Panatag Shoal. (Photo courtesy of AFP Facebook)

MANILA – The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) on Tuesday condemned the latest incident of Chinese harassment which involved China Coast Guard (CCG) ships water cannoning Philippine vessels on their way to provide humanitarian assistance to Filipino fishermen in Panatag Shoal (also known as Bajo De Masinloc and Scarborough Shoal).

"Earlier today CCG and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels harassed, blocked, water cannoned, rammed vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) en route to Panatag Shoal to conduct a regular humanitarian and assistance mission to Filipino fishing boats in and around the area," it said in a statement.

These Filipino ships are the PCG BRP Bagacay (MMRV-4410) and BFAR's BRP Bankaw (MMOV-3004). The incident also demonstrated China's willingness to obstruct a Philippine humanitarian mission, the task force said.

These illegal actions were witnessed by members of the local and foreign press, who are routinely invited to embed in these regular BFAR humanitarian and assistance missions for fisherfolk throughout the WPS and other maritime areas.

"Today, the embedded press on the PCG and BFAR vessels have not only witnessed but also experienced first-hand, alongside the determined PCG and BFAR personnel, the illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous actions of the agents of the Chinese Communist Party and their CCG and CMM," NTF-WPS said.

At this time, both PCG and BFAR vessels have regrouped approximately 20 nautical miles from Panatag Shoal.

Crew members of the two ships are now conducting damage, assessments and are reorganizing following the severe water cannoning by CCG vessels.

"Initial reports from PCG and BFAR personnel onboard, as reflected by live media reports, indicate that the PCG vessel suffered some damage to a part of its superstructure from targeted high-pressure water cannoning by CCG vessels," the task force said.

Meanwhile, the BRP Bankaw sustained damage to heating,ventilation, and air conditioning systems; electrical, navigation, and radio systems; and superficial hull damage.

The BFAR ship was subjected to at least eight instances of targeted high-pressure water cannoning from Chinese vessels and was rammed a total of three times by both CCG and CMM craft.

"These latest demonstrations of China's illegal and irresponsible behavior highlight their egregious disregard for the Philippines' lawful exercise of its rights and entitlements in our own EEZ. Clearly, China has no regard for the welfare of our fishermen who only want to make a decent living in the WPS. China's act of obstructing civilian ships carrying only supplies for our fishermen calls into question the sincerity of their call for dialogue and peaceful approaches to de-escalate the situation in the WPS," NTF-WPS added.

It also said the Philippines will continue to act peacefully and responsibly, consistent with rules-based international law, based on United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the valid and binding 2016 Arbitral Award.

Peace and stability in the region cannot be achieved if countries, big or small, do not exercise due regard for the well-established and legally-settled rights of others.

"The Philippines will not be deterred from pursuing legitimate and lawful activities in our maritime zones, including in BDM which is a vital source of livelihood for our fisherfolk," NTF-WPS said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223792

2 NPA remnants arrested, firearms seized in northern Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 25, 2024): 2 NPA remnants arrested, firearms seized in northern Negros (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

BACOLOD CITY – A joint military and police team arrested two suspected remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NFF) of the New People's Army (NPA) in a remote area of Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental on Thursday morning.

They were found illegally possessing several firearms, according to a report of the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB), whose troops were joined by personnel of the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company during the operation.

In an interview, 2nd Lt. Dan Carlo Samoza, civil-military operations officer of 79IB, said the government forces received information on the presence of armed men in Barangay Pinoyawan while conducting joint law enforcement operation in the area.

The two arrested NPA remnants, whose identities were withheld by the authorities for now, are already in the custody of Don Salvador Benedicto Municipal Police Station, he said.

Samoza said the troops recovered from their possession a KG-9 semiautomatic pistol, a caliber .45 pistol, and three 12-gauge shotguns.

Two minors were also found in their company, he said.

“This is still under investigation. We are validating other details with our counterparts,” he added.

Although the Philippine Army has declared the NNF as dismantled, its remnants are still operating in some areas in the northern part of the province.

The 79IB earlier said it continued to conduct focused military operations to prevent the remaining NPA rebels from regaining their lost territory.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223465

Moro Islamic Liberation Front commander slain, 4 nabbed in CIDG anti-firearms sale op

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 26, 2024): Moro Islamic Liberation Front commander slain, 4 nabbed in CIDG anti-firearms sale op (By Edwin Fernandez)

ILLEGAL FIREARMS. Three of the four arrested suspects and firearms (inset) seized from a suspected gunrunning group after an anti-illegal firearms operation of the CIDG-BARMM in Talayan, Maguindanao del Sur on Thursday (April 25, 2024). The leader of the group, an Moro Islamic Liberation Front field commander, was slain in the brief shootout. (Photo from CIDG-BARMM)

TALAYAN, Maguindanao Sur – Police authorities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) neutralized a Moro Islamic Liberation Front field commander and arrested four others during an anti-gunrunning operation here on Thursday afternoon.

In a report Friday, Lt. Col. Ariel Huesca, regional chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG-BARMM), identified the slain suspected gunrunner as Zaldy Usman of Barangay Tambunan in this town.

“Usman’s group (was) about to deal high-powered firearms to a poseur-buyer when (one) of them sensed they were being watched and opened fire on lawmen nearby, triggering a brief firefight near a gasoline station,” he said.

Huesca said Usman, 52, is a battalion commander of the Inner Armed Based Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, the armed wing of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Arrested were the injured Ibrahim Temanong Satogan, 26, a member of Moro Islamic Liberation Front 28th brigade; Basir Baliwan, 37; Ismael Cabagani, an Moro Islamic Liberation Front training instructor; and Ari Butuan, 43, all from Talitay town, Maguindanao del Sur.

CIDG operatives, backed by military and local police personnel, also seized four firearms, comprising two M16 rifles, a .45-caliber pistol, and a .30-caliber light machinegun, as well as ammunition, mobile phones, and boodle money.

Currently detained at the CIDG detention facility, the suspects are facing charges of violation of RA 10591 or illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223483

3 NPA rebels killed in Caraga skirmishes

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 26, 2024): 3 NPA rebels killed in Caraga skirmishes (By Alexander Lopez)

NPA REBEL KILLED. The three New People’s Army rebels killed during the series of encounters from March 25 to April 20 in the hinterlands of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur. The military also seized several high-powered firearms and ammunition during the skirmishes. (Photo courtesy of 901Bde)

BUTUAN CITY – Six armed confrontations were recorded by the Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade (901Bde) from March 25 to April 20 this year that resulted in heavy losses on the side of the communist New People’s Army (NPA), particularly the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

Brig. Gen. Arsenio Sadural, 901Bde commander, said the series of encounters involved the various units under the brigade, including the 30th Infantry Battalion (IB), 36th IB, and 65th IB.

“The conduct of relentless combat operations aims to target the members of the Communist Terrorist Group, particularly the NEMRC in the hinterlands of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur and to defeat them to free these provinces from their terrorist activities,” Sadural said in a statement on Friday.

On March 25, an encounter in Barangay Bitaugan, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, resulted in the death of an NPA rebel and the recovery of an M-16 rifle.

After a week, another encounter in the same barangay resulted in the recovery of an M-16 rifle, medical paraphernalia, and personal belongings of the rebels.

On April 17, soldiers engaged a group of fleeing NPA rebels in Barangay Kolambugan, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, resulting in the death of a rebel and the seizure of a VZ58 (7.62mm) rifle with magazines and ammunition.

On April 20, another encounter took place in the vicinity of Barangay Kolambugan that resulted in the death of another NPA insurgent and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle.

Sadural was also optimistic on the imminent dismantling of the NEMRC, saying government forces are determined to pursue combat operations in the area.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223485

2 NPA militias yield in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 29, 2024): 2 NPA militias yield in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)

BACK TO MAINSTREAM. Members of the Philippine Army’s Mobile Community Support Sustainment Team (MCSST) in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, welcomed the surrender of two active communist militias of the New People’s Army on Saturday (April 27, 2024). The surrenderers will receive support from the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. (Photo courtesy of 75IB)

BUTUAN CITY – Two active Milisya ng Bayan members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to the Philippine Army’s Mobile Community Support Sustainment Team (MCSST) in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, over the weekend.

In a report on Monday, the MCSST identified the surrenderers only through their aliases “Angkol Lumpot” and “Ante Ison,” both members of the dismantled NPA Guerrilla Front 19, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

The surrenderers also handed over to authorities one AK-47 rifle with 30 live ammunition.

“The surrender of the two rebels resulted from (our) massive operations in the different villages in Marihatag town,” the MCSST said in their report.

Lt. Col. Jan Molero, commander of the Army’s 75th Infantry Battalion, lauded the decision of the two rebels to surrender.

“The government, through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, will support them as they start reintegrating to their families and communities,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223652

Hunt on vs. killers of IP village councilor in Maguindanao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30, 2024): Hunt on vs. killers of IP village councilor in Maguindanao Sur (By Edwin Fernandez)

AMBUSH SURVIVOR. A police officer interviews Ronald Angit, the injured driver of the slain village councilor Juanito Promboy, in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur, on Monday (April 29, 2024). Promboy is representative of the Teduray tribe in the village council. (Photo courtesy of Datu Hoffer MPS)

COTABATO CITY – Police are now tracking down two gunmen on a motorcycle who ambushed and killed a village councilor representing the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Datu Hoffer town, Maguindanao del Sur, on Monday afternoon.

Lt. Albert Pansoy, town police chief, identified the victim as Timuay (IP senior ancestral leader) Juanito Promboy, 55, representing the IPs of Barangay Mother Tuayan.

“Promboy’s driver-companion, Ronald Angit of South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur, was injured in the 2 p.m. ambush that took place along a dirt road in Tuayan village,” Pansoy said in a report Tuesday.

Police officers rushed the two victims to the Maguindanao del Sur provincial hospital, but Promboy was pronounced dead on arrival.

Angit is still undergoing medical treatment, Pansoy said.

Meanwhile, a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the provisional lawmaking body of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, has condemned Promboy’s killing.

“This attack on innocent tribal leaders and civilians from the Teduray tribe is a reprehensible act that must be strongly condemned,” said BTA parliament member Froilyn Mendoza, who represents the IPs in the regional parliament.

“We call on the authorities to swiftly investigate this cowardly attack and bring the perpetrators to justice,” she added.

Since 2018, at least 65 IP leaders and members have been killed in the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte, as documented by Jen Cornelio of the Timuay Justice and Governance Group in Central Mindanao.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223730